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PREFACE. 



The province of the historian is to gather the threads of the past ere they ekide forever his 
grasp, and weave them into a harmonious web, to wliich the art preservative may give immortality. 
Tiierefore, he who would rescue from fast-gatiiering oblivion the deeds of a community and send 
them on to futurity in an imperishable record, should deliver " a plain unvarnished tale," — 

" Nothing extenuate, 
Nor set down aught in malice.'' 

In such a spirit have the compilers of the following pages approached the work of detailing 
le history of the territory embodied herein, and tJ-ust t!ie;j- ha^c ueen fairly f;iithfiil to the task 
.njiosed. 

It has been their honest endeavor to trace the history of the development of this section from 
that period when it was in the undisputed possession of the red man to the present, and to place 
before the reader an authentic narrative of its rise and progress to the prominent position it now 
occupies anioug the counties of New England. That such an undertaking is attended with no 
little diffictiltv and vexation none will deny. The aged pioneer relates events of the early settle- 
ments, while his neighbor sketches the same events with totally diiferent outlines. Man's memory 
is ever at fault, while time paints a different picture upon every mind. With these the historian 
has to contend, and while it has been our aim to compile an accurate history, were it devoid of all 
inaccuracies, that perfection would have been attained which the writer had not the faintest con- 
ception of, and which Lord Macaulay once said never could be reached. 

From colonial and other documents in the State archives, from county, town, and village 
records, family manuscripts, printed publications, and innumerable private sources of information, 
we have endeavored to produce a history wiiich should prove accurate, instructive, and in every 
respect worthy of the county represented. How well we have succeeded in our task, a generous 
public — -jealous of its reputation and honor, of its traditions and memories, of its defeats and 
triumphs — must now be the judge. 

\Ve desire to acknowledge our thanks to the editorial fraternity generally for much valuable 
information which has greatly lessened our labor in the preparation of this work, to each and 
every one who has assisted us in the compilation, and would cheerfully make personal tnention 
of each, but it is impracticable, as the number reaches nearly a thousand. 

D. H. H. 

Philadelphia, May 4, 1883. iii 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. PAGE 
Geographical and Descriptive 1 

CHAPTER II. - 
Indian History 2 

CHAPTER III. 
Bench and Bar 8 

CHAPTER IV. 
Medical History. 
Bristol North aDd South Districts of the Massachusetts Medical Su- 
ciety 3* 

CHAPTER V. 

Military History. 
The Third Regiment— The Fourth Regiment— The Seventh Regi- 
ment—The Eighteenth Regiment— The Twenty-third Regiment 
— Tlie Twenty -sixth Regiment — The Twenty-ninth Regiment — 
The Thirty-eighth Regiment— The Thirty-ninth Regiment— The 
Fortieth Regiment — The Forty-seventh Regiment 39 

CHAPTER VI. 
New Bedford. 
Geographical — Topographical — First Record Reference to Old 
Dartmouth — Early Settlement — Indian Deed — Wasamequen and 
Waiiisutta to William Bradford and others — Incorporation of the 
Town — The First Representative — Other Early Represtntatives — 
The Rue-ells— King Philip's War 48 

CHAPTER VII. 
New Bedford. — {Contimied.) 
Persecution of the Quakers — "Presented" for Non-utteudauce at 
Church — Various Rules and Regulations — Piinisliments — Fine 
for Attending Quaker Meeting — Arthur Howland lined for making 
"Motion of Marriage" — The Keniptuns — Other Early Settlers — 
■ Tiie iVussells — Pioneer Whaling — Early Locations — Joseph Rotch 
— Isaac Uuwland — Privateers — View of the Village upon the Eve 
of its De8tru<;tion by the British 52 

CHAPTER VIII. 
New Bedford. — {Continued.) 
Wnr of the Eevolulion : New Bedford a Rendezvous for Privateers — 
Arrival of the British Fle^^t- Burning of the Village— Gen. Charles 
Grey's Official Report — A.^count by Judge Edward Pope — Elijah 
Macomber's Account — Rem'niscences of John Gilbert — Reminis- 
cences collected by Capt. Lemoel S. Aiken — Statement of Charles 
Grinnell- List of Property Des'royed— Some Doubtful Pointe— 
The Extent of the Calamity— Pv>rsonal Sketclies- Gen. Grey's 
Life and Character — Facts and luc.dente 55 

CHAPTER IX. 

New Bedford. — {ConUmted.) 
The JSliale Pishfry: The First New England Whaling- Cape Cod — 
Nantucket— New Bedford in 1740- Early Settlers— The "Ten- 
Acre Purchase"— Bedford Village— Growth Checked by War of 
Revolution — Privateers — Close of the War — Returning Prosperity 
— Edmund Gardner — The Ship " Rebecca" — Early 'Vuyages — The 
Development of the Busiuesjti — Success — Highest l''>int reached 



in 1857 — Destruction of Whalers by Confederate Cruisers- List ^^f 
Vessels Destroyed— The Disaster of 1871— The Whaling IntereEt 
in 18S3 6G 

CHAPTER X. 

New Bedford.— (Cburtnued.) 
Ecclesiastical History: First Congregational Society, Unitarian 
Church— The North Congregational Church— The Trinitariim 
Church— First Baptist Church— The North Baptist Church— The 
Second Baptist Church — Salem Baptist — County Street Methodist 
Episcopal Church — The Front Str<'ot Methodist Episcopal Churcli 
_An-n fit.o^t MctL.^aiac i'.piscopal Church— Pleasant StreoL 
Methodist Episcopal Church — African Mcthoi'Ut Episcopal Zio.i 
— African Methodist Episcopal Bethel— Grace Church— St. James* 
Church— North Christian Church— MiddleStreet Christian Church 
— South Christian Church— Christian Uniou Church— Spruce 
Street Christian — The Universalist Church— Society of Friends — 
Seamen's Bethel- Roman Catholic Ghurciies— Portuguese Church 
— Howland Chapel — Second Advent Church — Union Churcli, 
Plainville— Olivet Chapel — Rockdale Union Free Chapel Associu- 
tion — Missionary Chapel — Extinct Churches: Pacific Church, 
Third Christian, Cannonville Union Church, Mount Pleasant 
Church 

CHAPTER XI, 

New BzDyoRj}.— (Continued.) 
Press, Educational^ Banks, etc.: The Medley, or New Bedford Mariti 
Journal— The Mercury — The Standard — The Whaleman's Shijh- 
ping-List — The New Bedford Signal — Numerous other Newspapers" 
— Friends' Academy — Free PuLdic Library — The National Bank 
of Commerce — The Merchants' National Bank — The Mechanic;' 
National Bank— The First National Bank— The Citizens* Nationf.1 
Bank — Institution forSaving? — Five-Cent Savings-Bank — M'atei 
Works — New Bedford and Faiiiiavou Street Railway — Post-Office 
— Wamsutta Mills— Potamska Mills— Grinnell Mills— Gosnold 
Mills, etc. — Masonic — Star in the East Lodge — Eureka Lodge — 
Adoniram Chapter R. A. M. — Sutton Commandery — Early Physi- 
cians — Fire Society, 1809 — The Ship " Rebecca" — Miscellaneoiis... ^<4 

CHAPTER XII. 

New Bedford. — [Cotilinued.) 
Civil History — Military History: Incorporation of \he Town — Set- 
ting off of Fairbaven — Part of Dartmouth annexed to New Bed- 
ford — Part of Acnshnet annexed to New Bedford— Incorporiitioa 
of the City— List of Mayors— City Debt— M>fitary Record— War 
of 1S12— War of the Rebellion— Reprcst^^.tives to General Court 
—List of Soldiers— Roll of Honor-^^Idiers' and SailoiB' Monu 
ment .y^- * 

CKAPTEK XIII. 

ACVSHNET .^^ ■ i'l 

CHAPTER XIV. 
BrRKLBT 17t 

CHAPTER XV. 

Dabtmouth. 

Geographical — Bartholomew Goenold — Ilis Visit to these Shores in 

1602— The Grant of Dartmouth— Original Bounds— Origin of tbf 

Name — Eccleeiastjcal Troubles — Resisting Tax;ition — Court Oi - 

ders — Stringent Laws— The Town Indicted— Imprisonment of Se- 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

li-cNnen of Dartmouth and Tiverton — Petition to the King— The 
Taxes Remitted and Prisoners Released— History of Early Set- 
tler* and Proprietors 191 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Partmol'th. — {Conlinwd.) 

l>c€Umentary History..- 197 



U'or tif the Rei'tilution 
ins: "f 1774— Tlie Kesolves- 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Dartmouth.— (OoMtiimed.) 

First Action of the Town- 



-The Town-Meet- 
Patriotic Women— They Resolve to 
Discontinue the Use of Tea— Interesting Incident- Revolution- 
ary Soldiei-s— Extracts from Town Records 200 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Dartmouth. — [Cwitinued) 
Eccletutstical HUtnry ; Apponegansett Meeting— First Chi-istian 
Church — Congregational Church — The South Dartmouth Baptist 
Church— The Second Clui.stiau Church— Methodist Episcopal 
Church— Smith Mills Christian Church— Christian Church in 
BakerviUe 203 



CHAPTER XIX. 



DionroN.. 



214 



CHAPTER XX. 

DiGHTON . — ( Continued.) 
First Deed of Philip, Chief Sachem of Pokanoket, to William 
Brtuton and others of Land in the South Purchase, being the 
lip; f-v Three Miles '■ 

CHAPTER XXI. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



/ i(£r.fljWN.. 



CHAPTER XXiri. 
Fall River. 
Gen^'raphical— Topographical— Original Purchase of 1656 — The In- 
dian Deed — The Pocasset Purchase in 16S0— Incorporation of 
Freetown and Tiverton— Disputfil Bouiiilaries— SMvision of Po- 
ijisset Purchase — Early Settlers— Col. BiMijaniin Olinrch — John 
Ui.'nlen— The Pioneer Grist-, Saw-, and Fnlliug-IMill— Early Valu- 
fttjon.s— Slow Growth of the SertU'Uient- The Village in 1803 — 
fjicreased Poj-ulation— Census of 1810— The First Cotton-Fac- 
lorj-— Col. Joseph Durfee— Fall River in 1S13— A New Era 308 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Fall RiyER. — {Continued.) 
War of Ih^ Revolution : lleniinisceuces of Col. Joseph Durfee — Early 
Incidents- 1777 — Fall Kiver exposed to the British— Organization 
of u Guard ot Njety — The British appvoach the Town by Boats — 
Firt-'d upon hy tin- Guard at the Bay — Ketroat of the Guard — Pur- 
BUit hy the Enemy— B;itlle near the Briilge— The Enemy defeated 
— Biirnins<if l*»'ldinns \<y the British— Capture ut Bichard Borden 
— B'-freat of the Enemy- 311 

CHAP'XLi: XXV. 
Fall Kivee.— (tv..,/mHC<i.) 
The Mauv/iicturing hitevpst: The Pioneer Con^n 3I;nnifactnrer in 
Fall KWer— Col. Josei.h Dnrfee— The First Mill— The Fall River 
Manufactory — The Troy Cotton and Woolen Mannfactoiy — The 
Pi) Mfiset Mannfacturin^ Company — The Annawau Manufactory — 
't he Rletacumft Manufactuving Cumpiiny — The American Linen 
"'umpany— Union Manufactnriiiiii Company— The Gntnite Mills 
— Th>. 'tobesun Milld— The Tecunisfh Mills— The Diufeefllills— 
Th^-'Drtv ,1 Mills—The Merchants' Manufacluiing Company— The 
Medianics' Mills—The Stafford Mills— The Weetamoe Mills— 
Tbe Slade Mills— The Richard Borden Manufacturing Conii-any — 
The Wampauop.^ Mills— The ^'an■agillK-•■'tt Wills— The King 



Philip Mills— The Crescent Mills— The Montaup Mills— The Os- 
born Mills- The Chase Mills— The Flint Mills— The Borden City 
Mills— The Sagamore Mills— The Shove Mills- The Barnard 
Manufacturing Company — The Conanicut Mills— The Globe Yarn- 
Mills- The Bourne Mill— The Laurel Lake Mills— The Barnaby 
Manufacturing Company — The Fall River Bleachery — Warasntta 
Steam Woolen Mill — The Wyoming Mills — The Maesasoit Manu- 
facturing Company — Fall River Blerino Company — Fall River 
Spool and Bobbin Company — Tlie Fall River Iron-Works Com- 
pany — Fall River Machine Company — Hargravea Manufacturing 
Company — The Fall River Gas-Works — The Manufacturers' Gas- 
Light Company — Watnppa Reservoir Company — Anieiican Print- 
ing Company — Union Belt Company — Globe Street Railway — The 
Quequechau Mills —An Old Landmark 314 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Fall Rivkk.— (Continued.) 
The Banking Interest: The National Union Bank— The Fall River 
National Bank — The Massasoit National Bank — The Metacomet 
National Bank — The Pocasset National Bank — The Fiist National 
Bank — The Second National Bank— The Fall River Savings-Bank 
—Citizens' Savings-Bank — The Fall River Five-Cent Savings- 
Bank — The Union Savings-Bank 328 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Fall Rivrv..— (Continued.) 
irincellaneoii^ .■ T|,e Fall River Monitor— The Moral Envoy— The 
Village Recorder— The P.-\t riot—The Archetype— The Gazette— 
The Argus— The Flint and Steel— The Mechanic— Tho Wampa- 
noag — All Sorts — Journal — People's Press — The Labor Journal — 
L'lilcho dn Canada— The Spark- The Fall River News— Tlie Daily 
Evening News — The Fall River Daily Herald — The Advance— The 
Daily Record- The Daily Sun— The First Stage Line between Fall 
River and Providence — The Fall River Line of Steamers — The 
Clyde Line- Voters in 1830— The Fire of 1843- List of Buildings 
Destr-iyed- Custom-House and Post-Office— The City Hall— Edu- 
cational — Schools in 1703 — Present Conditiou of Schools — Mrs. 
Mary B. Young's Gift— The Public Library— The Skeleton in 
Armor — Water-Works — Fire Department — Oak Grove Cemetery 
— The North Cemetery — Civil Uistory — Incoi-poration of Town — 
Name Changed to Troy — Subsequently to Fall River — Incorpora- 
tion of the City— First Officers— Mayors from 1854 to 1884— 
Members of Congress Residents of Fall River — State Senators — 
Representatives from 1803 to 1884— Town Clerks from 1803 to 
1854— City Clerks from 1854 to 1884— Present City Officers— 
Valuation from 1854 to 1882- Population from 1810 to 1882 332 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Fall River. — (Continued.) 
Ecclesiastical History : The First Congregational Church — The Cen- 
tral Congregational Church — The Third Congregational Chiuxh 
—The First Methodist Kitiscopal Church- St. Paul's Methodist 
Episcopal Church — Biayfim Methodist Episcopal Chwich — The 
North Methodist Episcpiil Church— Quarry Street Methodist 
Episcopal Church- Maple Street Methodist Episcopal Church — 
Primitive Methodist Churcli— North Main Street Methodist Epis- 
copal Church- The First Baptist Church— Second Baptist Church 
—Third Baptist Church -Churcli uf the Ascension- St. John's 
Church- Christian Cliurcli, Franklin Sli-eet- North Christian 
Church— Church of the New Jernsalciw—Society of Friends- 
United Presbyterian Church— Hebrew >Voi-ah)per8— Roman Cath- 
olic Churches ./■ 347 

CHAPTE}! XXIX. 

Fall Riyku.— (Continued.) ./• 302 

CH^,^TEK XXX. 
Easton -i 416 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Easton.— (CoH/»iHed.)x«^' ^^2 

/ CHAPTER XXXII. 
Mansfiei.u .. 435 



CONTENas. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Rehoboth. page 
I Mogiaphical— Indian Purchase — Original Boxinds— The First Pur- 
chase—The Second Purchase— The North Purchase — The First 
White Settlers — First Meeting of Original Planteis — Valuation 
of Original Lands — Names of Proprietors — Early Townsmen — 
Documentary History — Deed from King Philip — Names of Inhab- 
itants in 16Sy 463 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Rehoboth. — { Contiyiued.) 
Indian History: Rehoboth in the War — Gariison-Houses — Burning 
of the Town— Pierce's Fight— Philip Slain at Mount Hope— Cap- 
ture of Annawan — Annawan's Rock — Col. Benjamin Church — 
His Account of Annawan's Capture 468 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Rehoboth. — {Continxied,) 

War of the Revolution 474 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Rehoboth. — ( Continued,) 
Ecclesiastical History: First Congregational Church — Oak Swamp 
Church— The Hornebiue Church — The Irons Church— Methodist 
Episcopal Church — The Union Baptist Church 477 

CHAPTER XXJ^vir. 

Seekonk. 
Geographical— Incorporation of the Town— Act of Incorporation- 
The First Town-Meeting- Documentary History— Fortification at 
Kettle Poiut-Representatives-Senators— Changing of Bound- 
ary—Military History— Names of Soldiers 494 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
Seekokk. — [^Continued.) 
£cdesiaslicul History : Congregational Church— The Baptist Church 
^The Hebron Church '- 407 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Attleborough. 
Rehoboth North Purchase— How and by whom Purchased— Bound- 
aries — "WamsuttVs Deed— Thomas Willett, Character and Ser- 
vices—List of Proprietors — Proceedings of Proprietors— First 
Regular Division 506 

CHAPTER XL. 

Attleborovgh. — {Continued.) 

■ratim — Origin of the Name — William Blackstone — His His- 

ettlement.etc. — John Woodcock — His Garrison — First Ordi- 

f ,.i\ —HiBfocyof hisSettlemeut here— First Mill in Town— Attack 

,, T. ,'f,,,,. " -•.^w-.,_gig Petition fur. Allowance of Land — Grant 

- Employed in England on Disputed Boundary 

Monument 514 

CHAPTER XLI. 

• TTL2BOR0UGII.— (COHdllKecZ.) 

n Fight; or, Battle on the Blackstone- Nine 

II I atened Arack on Wrentham 524 

CHAPTER XLII. 

■tTTLEBORouGH.— /C(m(»ni(cd.) 



lii-st ] 

and 



>:evU 



•hinTown— Koticisof Hahijah Weld,Wik?er, 
] of the Town int*) t\-o Parishes — East Parish, 
3 of the Ministers — N')rth Baptist Church — 
.-8 — Notices of Modem Religious Societies 527 

CHAPTER XLill. 

Attleborough.- (C'onit»i«€<i ) 
-Proceedings of the Town 537 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

Attleborobgh. — iCoutinited.) r^ 
Genealogical Notices of some of tlie Early Settlers— List of Repr^- 
Bentatives of the Town from ite Imnrporation— Biographies oi' 
Daggett, Maxcy, Mium, May, Mo, and Others— List of Gradual 3 
in Brown University, etc. — Dr. Hebert M:Hnn'B De!tlli,aiHl Wrecl; 
of the Brig "General ArnoM"—Miscelliiny— Topography, etc.— 
Character of Early InhaLitanta— Their Condition, etc.— Con- 
clusion •••"• ^ 

CHAPTER XLV. 

ATTLEBORouoa. — (Continued.) 

Schools— Industries — Societies, etc 556 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

Norton. 
Geographical— Original Purchaser s— Original Bounds— Petition 'or 
Precinct- Incorporation of Town— The First Settlements— Ex- 
tracts from Records— Early Settlers '' 

CHAPTER XLVII. 
Norton.— -(CoJi'muerf.) 
Military Bittory—The Eeroes of Fii-e Wars: The Old French War— 
The French and Indian Wkv— War of the Revolution- War of 
1819— ^Vor^f tl>a B«v--Uio-., 1301-05 ^ (^Ofi 

CHAPTER XLVIII. 

Norton.— (Con^ftmed.) 
EccUtiastical Iliitory—Educiilional: The Congregational (Unitarian) 
Church — The Trinitarian Congregational Church- The Baptist 
Chnrch— Wesleyan Methodist Church- The Methodist Episcopal 
Church— Roman Catholic Church— Wheaton Seminary ' ' 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

Norton. — {Coniiiiued.) 

Manufacturing Interests ' 1^ 

CHAPTER L. 

Norton. — { Continued,) 
MitceUantom : Physicians— Ojllege Graduates— Stocks and 'Whip- 
ping-Post— Gas-Works— Runaway ANife— Witchcraft— Masonic ■ 
Pofit-Office— The Town Ilall 

CHAPTER LI. 

Norton. — ( (^^ntinued.) 
Civil History— Mililtiry History: Representatives— Selectmen— T..\i u 
Clerks- Deputy Sheriffs— State Senators— Councilors— .ludges of 
Court of Conmiou Pleas— Judges of Probate— Judge of Sessions 
—Register of Probate— Members of Congress— Taxea—Popnlation 
— Military Record ®24 

CHAPTER LII. 
Somerset. 
Geographical— Shawomat Purchase, 16S0— The First Meeting of 
Purchasers— List of First Purchasers— Early Schools— Si^hoolmas- 
ters— Incorporation of Somereet— The First Town-l>Ie^':::s— Ofli- 
cers Elected— The First Representative to the General Court ~ 
Valuation and Tax-List for 18:i;i— Present ^•aluation— Somerset ' 
1848— Representatives— Ecclesiastiral History— Society of Frie^ 
—The First Baptist Chnrch— M'.lliodist Episcopal Church—'' 
odist Episcopal Church, South Somerset- The First C'-" 

Church— The Fii-st Congregational Church— Roman 

Church— Militai^ History ._, 

CHAPTER LIII. !^ 

Swansea. _, 3ij4 

Geographical — Incorporation of the Town — "Wannani 4**7 

Documentary History— Early Inliabitanti- Division (if *'" 

King Philip's War— Original Gniiit— Capt. Thomas W .,,... Sll 
"Proposals" — .\dmission of InhaUitantfi — First Deputy El, .. ' '" 
.lohu Allen- Towu Ofticers of li;7(l— Extracts finni Early ... 
—Revolutionary War — Committee of Inspec'ion— Vuri-ius 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

couoerning the Revolutionary Period — Election of 1780~Pioneer 
Schools— First Schoolmaster— John Myles— 1702, Town Fined for 
cot Having School 652 

CHAPTER LIV. 

Swansea.— ( C(yrUinued.) 
Pioiioer History— King Philip's Wur 



657 



CHAPTER LV. 
SvrASSE.K. —{Contimied.) 
EcdeKimtical History : The First Baptiet Church— The Non-Sectarian 
(Jhristian Church— Christ Church, Swansea Village— The Six- 
Principle Baptist Church— The Univei-salist Church 064 



CHAPTER LVr. 



WFStPOET... 



G78 



CHAPTER LVII. 

Raynham. 

Geo-r.iphical— Early History— The First Iron-Works iii America— 
TheLeouards- Indliin lllsiury— Pioneer Faniilies-The Old Leou- 
anl House- The Revolutionary War— Votes of the Town— Names 
of Soldiers- Seth Deau— Ecclesiastical History— The Congrega- 
tional Church— The Baptist Church— Tne vitiuL^ir... oi.,.rvi, 
Educational — Einly BciiuoiuiastprF — Their Salary — School Money 
in 1777— List of College Graduates- Militia Officers — Early Mer- 
chants—Physicians — Longevity — Justices of the Peace — High 
Shei iffs — Villages — Incorporation of the Town — First Town-Meet- 
ing — OfBcers Elected — Selectmen — Representatives and Town 
Clerks from 1731 to 1884— Early Votes— Military Record 707 

CHAPTER LVIII. 

Taunton. 
Boundaries — Topography— City Organization — Population 728 

CHAPTER LIX. 

Ta iinton. — ( Continued.) 

Kiily Explorations— First Settlement — Acquisition of Territory 729 

CHAPTER LX. 

Taunton. — ( Continued.) 

Military Affairs During the Colonial Period 736 

CHAPTER LXr. 
TiCNTON. — (Continued.) 749 



CHAPTER LXII. 

Tacston. — ( Continued.) pag z 

The Farms of Mr. Hooke and Mr. Street— Notices of Early Settlei-s. 77o 

CHAPTER LXIIL 
Taunton.— (G3H(in«erf.) 
Ancient Burying-Grounds and Inscriptions from Old Gravestones — 
List of Officers, 1638-91 , 7S1 

CHAPTER LXIV. 

Tkvktos.— (Continued.) 

Ecclesiastical History 786 

CHAPTER LXV. 

Taunton. — ( Continued.) 
The Educational Interests — Bristol Academy — Taunton Water- 
Works — Taunton Lunatic Hospital — The Old Colony Historical 
Society — Public Library — Bible Society — Good Templars — Hu- 
mane Society — Early Physicians — Mount Pleasant Cemetery 799 

CHAPTER LXVL 
Taunton. — (Continued.) 
Civil History — Representatives from Taunton, 1693 to 1884— City 
Officers — Postmasters — Councilors 817 

CHAPTER LXVII. 

TauvTON. — (Conlinued.\ 
Manufacturing Interests _ i,z-2 

CHAPTER LXVIII. 

Taunton.— (Cton/»merf.) 
Corporations, Banks, Societies, etc 840 

CHAPTER LXIX. 

Taunton. — ( Comintted.) 
Taunton in the War of the Revolution— The War of 1812-15— Taun- 
ton Companies and Men in the Rebellion 844 

CHAPTER LXX. 
A Sketch of the Courts and Bar of Bristol County 887 

CHAPTER LXXI. 

Homoeopathy in Bristol County and its Practitioners 893 

CHAPTER LXXII. 
Miscellaneous 887 

Errata 922 



CONTENTS. 



Bioc3-i?.j^i=H:ioj^rj. 



Al.be. iP 1»1 

Aldon, <>•'•'""• 31 

Aldrich-f- M 39^ 

Alger, ]'«": 596 

Almy, (»"■'« 153 

Aliiiv ^^derick 214 

j!^lj„y_ bomas 207 

^\ I,,,'. Thomas 382 

^l„,, William 206 

^,i,(.ilake6 429 

;^,„i,nlivei, Sr 428 

j^j,s,liliver, Jr 430 

^^„-oi, Bev. Thomas .'. 191 

, A'-i"'"'^--' • •■ 390a 

Dafilill William 187 

Baco 1, ifttifub „ 34 

Bailev, 6. E 460 

BarltrT.William, Jr 208 

Barn.v, E. L 18 

Bann, D. I, 26 

Bartlftt, I. H 137 

BassjH Anselni "' 

Bassem Ezra ^ 

Battfl.l, Hezekiah 31 

BayH.M Alfred 863 

Baylii's Edmund 861 

Bavllis Francis 26 

145 

28 

._,_. 676 

., 32 

871 



, Colby, H. G.O ■■' 

Congdon, J. B 13.'. 

Covel, Benjamin *0: 

Crane, A. B 1* 

Crane, G. B ''>31 

Crapo, H. H '21' 

I Crapo, W. W. I'' 

i Crocker, George E '*' 

[ Crocker, Oliver '■^'* 

I Crocker, S. L 

Cuslimaii, Hercnles 

Cuuiuiinga, J. W 

Daggett, U. N »J 

Daggett, John ^' 

Daggett, L. W 683 

Dautorth, H. L • If! 

Davis, A. H Sll 

Davis, Nathan , .-. "ov 

Davis, E. T .....;....:.....:;::."•".—"••—•■••• -■■ sse 

Davol, Wm. C j- *'3 

Davol, Stephen ....; J- 386 

z>ean, Barzillia,.'.....^ 1... 433 

Dean, C. H ./.... 41.5 

Dean, E. G •■• . J..... 886 

Dean, L. W ./. 681 

Dean, Theodore ! 864 

Dean, Thomas H 4.33 



,T. A 

,E. H... 

Family (STi?).- 
!>......„.■. 



Blandii*, W. W 489 

Bliw, Aliali 493 

Bliss, Gfcrge W 491 

Boomcr,lr. .\ 30 

Bordeii,t:hnstopher 70O 

Borden, Co.ik 379 

Bordtii, Jetterson 411 

Bordi n,N. II 370 

Bonleu,Bii liard 374 

Borden, ^. 1 393 

Borden, 4l;in8en 18 

Bourne, J(>ti;ithan 144 

BrabrookF.iniilj (The) 867 

Brale.v, H. K 33 

Brigliani, L. F 17 

Briggs, D. iS,. 190 

Brown, JoM|ll 502 

Brown. J. p _ 877 

Brown, W*( A. 676 

Brownell, )•„ P 



702 



ButliotoD, Iiarhjs 651 

Buffi II ton, .Inmei 414 

Buffinlou, EdwarA P .^. 390b 

Caproii,,!- W 580 

Case, S. <i 506 

Chace, A. H 308 

Ohace, Augustus „„,„ 399 

' liii-e, Oliver 378 

' 'i;itTee, Oliver 502 

IB, Edmund 388 

ich, Nathaniel 2sn 

,' lark, C. E 173 

li'lifl.Md, C. W 20 

"■lift.. I.I, J. H IJ 

.1.1,, \V. H 21 

l.lietl, Sabin 4iU 

i.Ut'f;, Abiel.A oS7 

• lliu,T. G (. 8 



Deane, L. B 

Drake, H. P 

Dunbar, S. 

Durfee, Nathan. 
Dwelly, Jerome.. 
Earlf Benjamin.. 

Earle, L. S 

Earle, Weston.... 

Eddy, W. H 

Eliot, T.D 

Eldridge, E. H 

Ellis, James 

Emery, S. H.. 



14a 
8«S 

67.J 
137 



1032 
434 
883 
412 
399 
lot: 
402 
.'62 
34 
10 
884 
26 
872 

Fales, Samuel 24 

Fessenden, C. B. H 

Fish, U. H 

Fisher, S. P...., 

Fletcher, P. H 

Ford, James 

French, Job B 

French, George R 

Gifford Family (The).. 

Gitford, Benjamin 

Gifford, George H 

GifTord, William 

Greene, D. R 

Greene, William S 

Grinnell, Joseph 

Gooding, C. H 

Gordon, William A 

Hall, Jolin W. D •. f^ 

Harris, J. George 

Haskell, Edward ■ 

Hathaway, Josepb---..;... 

Hatheway , Nfcliolas 

HailiHwyy, Washington.. 

Hatheway, E. P 

Hathaway, G. H ^ 

Hatlniway, Alden, Jr.. 

Hatli;i way, John B 

.Hathaway, Samuel 

iHathiiway, William, Jr W 

•llawrt, John A : '•*" 



n, 



147 
IW 
34 



4<r7 

-.77 



CONTENTS. 



.'«es, J. C 

es, Simeon., 
hni-a, C. E... 
y, James.., 



PAGE 

159 

...... 158 

598 

406 

, Andrew [ 696 

imes, Charles -. 32 

/limes, G.B. N 34 

uton, Diuiforlh .; 401 



n rton, E. J , 

'' iton, E. S 

In tan, N. B 

.: .vard, A. F 

U"u laud, A. Franklyn.. 
Hunt, C. D 



i 595 

693 

i. 492 

, - 873 

46 

i 282 

lliitilestone, Hem-y ;. 279 

Jennings, A. J .i 33 

_Jo;i"H, E. U i 878 

JoDfts; Samuel , 72fj 

Keitli, Edwin 886 

)<ill)i\rn, E. C 395 

Kimi'Rll, Jolin 433 

KinK.iGeorge W ; 724 

KlioMes, Josepli 136 

KnowKon, H. at 21 

Ladd, Viii ren i 155 

IiP.wtoi, George ]. 706 

Lelani, P. W i.,.,.,.„.„....„^,.^...„^.,^... 377 

XiQOnivrl, C. H .^ : van 

T.eon»ri, Crom''»^'h.".. ..■■...■ 630 

nezer 173 

414 

651 

23 

33 

384 

394 

391 

877 

8.19 

4114 

20 



J.eorMiri-.'S.Mtn 
Leouitrd,E.r.. 
Tifoun-rd, J L. 



~,,.-,iniird. D 
l.cin ad, -SM 
LiDCotu, J 
liiiidsey, C. 
liiodsey.W 
Lotbrop, T 
Levering, 
liutber, S. \. 
Blackie, Ai 3 



liel.. 
A.... 



Mackie, Arew 152 



.Mackie, J. 



153 



MaRomber rael 705 

Muct'Uil'er ionard 701 

idell.Trnas 131 

Mai •ou,il-Ke 16 

I, Wmi 403 

;i^->ii, W m 391 

865 

592 

603 

690 

431 

20 

33 

1 27 

jiel ?. 629 

306 

188 

283 

'=*"«■■, 1 401 

'^•born, aver ., 400 

■ arker lily (The) 133 

''«rk«-, deriek IfjO 

'■■irker, A 127 

''""I. A. 266 

23 



W., 



ert.. 



884 

4^2 

491 

lliam F 4.:.8 

C 1^ 



c 



..) 



i.v 



8C:i 

140 

46 

590 

27 

^876 

'ifi 

577 

691 

8Cfi 

390b 

305 

27 

S8 

98 

72 

73 

S 



\" 



4.'.7 
141 
9 
704 
722 
.593 
.974 



Phillips, J. M 

Phillips, W. H 

Phillips, William 

Pierce, E. W 

Porter, Burrill, Jr 

Pratt, Horatio, 

Presbrey Family (The) "... 

Prescott, Oliver 

Price, George 

Read, II. C 

Reed, H. G 

Reed, Jlilton 

Reed, Washington 

Reed, C. I i 

Richards Family (The) 

Richards, E. H 

Richards, H. M 

Richardson, Stephen 

Robinson, Charles 

Robinson, Enoch .". 

Robiusou, Willard 

Rogers, John 

Rotch Family (The) 

RusBell, J. S 

Sanford, S. T 

Shaw, N.W 

Sherman, C. E. W 

■SKittt»<.r, U__H 

Slade, Abner I. 673 

Slade, A. P .(.. 649 

Slade, Jonathan ;,. 647 

Shule, John P 40.'. 

Slade, Nathan 7n". 

Slade, William L.. ....TT.T.... ;...;.... •:■{-. 

Slocum, \Villiam I; 

Smith, Iram —a. 

Smith,!. I , . 

Spooner, N. S 

Standish, T. D ■• 

Stanley, S. ,\ 67^ 

Staples, A. B Slis 

Staples, S.N ._. 8Sj 

Stevens, F. S 674 

Stetson, T. M , 19 

Stone, S. A , r,:i:'. 

Sturdy, W. A 6;;l 

Swift, R. N 172 

Swift, \V. C. N l.iM 

Sproat, James 24 

Stone, J. C 16 

Taber, C. S 280 

Taber, E. T eei 

Taber, Henry 148 

Talbot, G. H 636 

Tillinghast, Nicholas .S,- 25 

Tracy, John 727 

Trafford Family (The) ; 213 

TraCTord.W. B i 381 

Tripp, B. F i 703 

Towne Family (Thej .-, 720 

Tucker, Joseph 212 

Vickery, C. R i 863 

Warren, C. H , .'. 9 

Weavei-, Stephen ./ G78 

Wheaton, Laban ./. 627 

Wheaton, L. M ./■ 629 

Wheeler, J. F.: ,./ 884 

White, D. D tj- 724 

Wluto, J. W /. 723 

White, Samuel J- 21 

Whiting, W.D /. .584 

Wilbar, Joseph J Son 

Wilbur, Daniel ./.. 64f 

Wilcox, L. T ^'. ai 

Wilkinson, Ezra ,^.. 'i4 

Williams Family {ThJf. , sJj 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Williams, A. K 884 

Williams, Eliab 29 

Willialiis.M.G 723 

Williams, J. M 25 

Williams, J. R 16 



I'AQE 

William*, Lemuel 9 

Wing, B. F 210 

Wood, C. L 131 

Wood, N. M bTo 



I Ij LTJ s T K.^T I o nsr s. 



PAGE 

Al.le, E. P facing lol 

Aldricli, J. M " 397 

Alger, Isaac " 597 

Aliiiy, Charles " 153 

Almy, Frederick " 214 

Almy, Thomas " 207 

Almy, Thomas " 382 

Alm.v, William " 206 

Ames, Oliver, Sr " 428 

Ames, Oliver, Jr " 430 

Ames, Oakes " 429 

Anher, J. J " 390* 

Baljbilt, William " 186 

Bailey, G. E " 460 

Barker, William, Jr " 208 

Bartlett, I. H " 137 

Baylies, Alfred " 862 

Baylies, Edmund " 801 

Beauvuis, J. A " 145 

Bennett, E. H..... " 27 

Blake, Mortimer " 871 

Blackinton, Willard " 570 

Blackiiiton, William " 577 

BlauJing, W. W " 490 

Bliss, Abiah " 493 

Bliss, George W " 491 

Boomer, F. A " 30 

Borden, Cook " 379 

Boiden, Christopher between 700,701 

Borden, N. B facing 370 

Borden, Richard " 374 

Borden, T.J " 393 

Bourne, .lonathau " 144 

"^iBrabrook, George " 867 

'Braley,H. K " 32 

Brigham, L. F " 17 

Briggs, D. S " 190 

Bristol County, map of " 1 

Brov\'u, J. P " 876 

Brown, Joseph i " 502 

Brown, 51. A " 076 

Brownell, E. P " 702 

Bultiuton, Darius between 650, 651 

Case, S. facing 5o6 

Capron, J. W^ " 580 

Chace, Augustus " 399 

Chase, Edmund ** 38» 

Chace, A. H...: " 308 

Chace, Oliver " 378 

Chaffee, Oliver " 503 

Church, Nathauiel " 281 

Clark, C. E " 173 

Clitford, C. W .'. " 20 

CliffoMl, J. II " la 

Cobletl, Sabin '• 461 

Codding, Abiel " 687 

Cougilon, J. B , " 135 

Corel, lienjamin *' 405 

Crane,.\. B " n>9 

Crane, G. B " 631 

Crapo, H. H " 12'J 

Crapo, W. W " IS 

Crocker, George E between 13G, 137 

Crocker, S. L facing *!58 

Crocker, Oliver between 136, 137 



PAGE 

Daggett, H. N facing 885 

Daggett, Jolin " 33 

Daggett, L. W " 58.S 

Davis, Natlian " 650 

Davis, E. T " 387 

Davol. Stephen " 386 

Dean, Barzillia 434 

Dean, C. H facing 415 

Dean, E. G between 884, 885 

Dean, Theodore facing S64 

Dean, L. W " 581 

Dean, Thomas H 434 

Deane, L. B facing 632 

Dighton Bock {JUe) " 250 

Drake, H. P " 4.35 

Dunbar, S. ■' 885 

Dweliy, Jerome '• 398 

Earie, L. S " 402 

Earle, Weston '• 262 

Kliot, T. D " 10 

Bldridge, E. H between 884,885 

Emery, S. H facing 872 

Fall River in 1812, Map of. between 310, 311 

Fish, H. H facing S6S 

Fishers, S. P " 579 

Fletcher, P. H •' l,S7 

French, Job B between 388,389 

French, George R " .388, 389 

Gifford, Benjamin facing 700 

Gifford, George II *' 698 

Gifforil, Williiim between 698,699 

Giflbrd, William II " 698,699 

Gilmore, E. W facing 420 

Gooding, C. H " 263 

Gordon, William A between 208, 209 

Greene, D. E facing 133 

Grinnell, Joseph " 1.39 

Haskell, Edward " 159 

Hathaway, John B " 407 

Hathaway, Alden, Jr " 307 

Hathaway, G. II " 304 

Hathaway, Samuel '* 377 

Ilalbaway, William, Sr " loQ 

Ilawes, John A " 280 

Hawes, J. C between 158, l.)9 

Hawes, Simeon facing 15S 

Ilayward, C. E " o'.tS 

Henry, James " 406 . 

HiirKs, Andrew '• (jgg 

Horton, Dauforth *. " 401 

Ilorton, E. J " .595 

Horton, E.S " 594 

Horton, N. B between 492,493 

Howard, A.F facing 873 

Uowland, A. Franklyn '* 40 

Hunt, V. D , " 282 

Huttlestone, Henry *' 279 

Jones, E. U " 878 

,Ione8, Samuel " 720 

Keith, Edwin " ggy 

Kilburn, E.C ** a95 

Kimball, John " 433 

King, George W '« 72.') 

Knowles,Josepli " ];3c 

Ladd, Warren " 155 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Lawtoii, George facing 707 

Leiund, P. W " 376 

Leonard, C. U " 138 

Leonard, CromweU *' 630 

Leonard, Ebenezer between 172, 173 

Leonard, J. M — ■ " 650, 051 

Lincoln, J. T facing 384 

Lindsey, C. E " 394 

Lindsey, William " 390 

Lothrop, T. ,1 "■ 877 

LoveriTig, Willard " 859 

Luther, S.M " 404 

Maconiber, Israel " 706 

Macomber, Leonard " 701 

Mackie, J. H " 162 

Mandell, Thomas " 132 

MarBton, George " 16 

Marvel, William " 403 

Mason, William " 391 

Mason, William " 865 

May, EG " 592 

Medbery, Vaill " 504 

Merritt, H. D between 590, 591 

Morse, E. J. W facing 431 



Morton, Marcns 

Newcomb, Nathaniel.. 

Nichols, T. G 

Nichols, W. D 

Nye, Obed 

Osborn, J. M 



Osborn, Weaver .• facing 

Parker, Frederick 

Parker, J. A 

Parker, Ward M 

Paul, A. W 

Perry, Albert 

Perry, Otis 

Perry, William 7 

Perrin,P. I 

Phillips, J. M 

Phillips, W. H 

Phillips, William 

Pierce, Alfred 

Pierce, E. W 

Porter, Bnrrill, Jr 

Presbrey, S. V 

Price, George 

Read, U. C 

Beed, H. G 

Reed, "Washington 

Richards, H. M 

Richards, J. D 

Richardson, Stephen 

Robinson, Charles 

Robinson, Enoch 

Robinson, Willard 



" 26 

" 629 

" 300 

" 188 

" 283 

..between 400, 401 
400 



160 
127 
134 
265 
462 
492 
458 
884 
870 
869 
149 
596 
45 
590 
875 
57 S 
691 
866 
305 
572 
589 
573 
118 
719 
575 



PAGE 

Rogers, John facing 457 

Botch, W.J " 141 

Sauford, S. T " 704 

Shaw, N. W '"^-^22 

Sherman, C. E '• 5S3, 

Slade, Abner " 673 

Slade, A. P " 649 

Stade, Jonathan " 647' 

Slade, John P between 404, 405 

Slade, Nathan facing 705 

Slade, William L " 648 

Slocimi, William B " 209 

Smith, Irani " 392 

Smith, T.I " 561 

Skinner, N. H " 874 

Spooner, N. S " 171 

Standish, T. D " 266^ 

Stanley, S. O between 578, 679 

Staples, A. B " 868, 809 

Staples, S.N " 882,883 

Stetson, T. M facing 19 

Stevens, F. S " 674 

Stone, S. A " 633 

Sturdy, W. A " 634 

Swift, B. N " 172 

Swift, W. C. N " 150 

Taber, C. S between 280,281 

Taber, E. T " 280,281 

Taber, Henry facing 148 

Talbot, O. H " 635 

Taunton, Map of between 768, 769'>'- 

Towne, E. B facing 721 

Tracy, John " 727 

Trafford, W. B " 381 

Tripp, B. F " 703 

Tucker, Joseph " 212 

Vickery,C. B " 863 

Weaver, Stephen " 678 

Wheaton, Laban " 627^ 

Wheatou, L. M " 028 

Wheeler, J. F " 883 

White, D. D " 724 

White, J. W between 722, 723 

Whiting, W. D facing 584 

Wilbar, Joseph " 860 

Wilbur, Daniel between 048, 649 

Williams, A. H facing 881 

Williams, A. IC " 882 

Willhanis, Eliab " 29 

Williams, Francis " 870 

Williams, Francis K " 880 

Williams, John B between 880, 881 

Williams, M. G " 722. 723 

Wing, B. F facing 210 

Wood, C. L " 131 

Wood, N. M " 675 









Ai MORTH 



EAST 




BlUSTOL f^O J 












5W 



1! I' 



HISTORY 

OP 

BRISTOL COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

Bristol County is situ.ated in tlie southern sec- 
tion of Massacliusetts, its centre tliirty-five miles from 
Boston, and two hundred miles from New York. It is 
bounded on the north by Norfolk, and east by Ply- 
mouth Counties, on the south by Rhode Island and 
the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Rhode Island. 
Its area is about six hundred square miles. It was in- 
corporated in June, 1685, bearing the name of its 
shire-town until 1746, when Bristol, Barrington, Little 
Coinpton, and Warren were set off to Rhode Island 
by a new divi-sion line drawn between the two States. 
In 1675 the county included but eleven towns, viz.: 
Attleborough. Berkley, Easton, Dighton, Dartmouth, 
Freetown, Raynham, Norton, Rehoboth, Swansea, 
and Taunton, aggregating a population of twenty- 
two thousand five hundred and seventy-one. Fall 
River, New Bedford, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mans- 
field, Somerset, Seekonk, and Westport had not been 
incorporated. 

Taunton was made the capital, or shire-town, where 
all courts were held until 1828, when New Bedford, 
having become an important seat of navigation, with 
a population of si.K thousand three hundred and thirty- 
two, the largest town in the county, by legislative en- 
actment was created a half-shire town, with its court- 
house and other county appendages. In 1860 another 
line was drawn, severing Pawtucket and a portion of 
Seekonk from this county, adding them to Rhode 
Island, and in exchange taking a portion of Tiverton 
to Fall River from that State. In 1877, Fall River 
havinggrown into an important manufacturing border 
city of forty-si.x thousand inhabitants, it was assigned 
by legislative grant the third seat of justice in the 
county, and a court-room fitted for that purpose. 

There are three cities and sixteen towns ; three 
senatorial districts, with three senators ; ten repre- 
sentative districts, with eighteen representatives in 
the Legislature from this county. The population in 
1776 was 26,700; in 1790, 31,709; in 1800, 33,880; in 
1 



1810, 37,168; in 1820, 40,908; in 1830, 49,592; in 
1840, 60,195; in 1850, 76,192; in 1860, 93,794; in 
1870, 102,886 ; and in 1880, 139,040; showing a gradual 
progressive increase for a hundred years, or since the 
Revolution. The valuation (as appears by State De- 
partment records) of the county was in 1800, .$234,- 
410.27; in 1810, $321,036.24; in 1820, $398,581; in 
1830, $11,346,916; in 1840, .$19,493,685; in 1850, $39,- 
243,560 ; in 1860, $66,294,256 ; in 1870, $80,425,791 ; 
in 1880, $100,029,138 ; exhibiting a larger relative pro- 
portionate increase in wealth than in population. 

The southern coast of the county is indented with 
numerous streams, inlets, bays, and harbors, affording 
great facilities for navigation, commercial intercourse, 
fishing, and maritime trade. Several rivers flow 
through the countj', — Taunton River being the prin- 
cipal, taking its rise in Norfolk, flowing through the 
west part of Plymouth, draining the east section of 
this county, and emptying into Mount Hope Bay, — 
furnish motive-power, co-operating with steam, for 
the extensive manufacturing interests, especially cot- 
ton, iron, and jewelry. The surface of the territory 
is diversified, undulating, rocky, hilly, but generally 
level in the northern and western portion, with a 
sandy and clayey soil, not very productive, but in the 
middle and southern rather prolific. The geological 
formation, granite, carboniferous, feldspathic, con- 
glomerate, etc., with frequent evidences of glacial 
visitations in past ages, from the numerous boulders 
observed in the central section of the country. Bog- 
iron ore is also largely developed in many northern 
locations, which from one to two hundred years ago 
was extensively utilized into bar-iron and cooking 
utensils. 

The Old Colony Railroad threads in systematic net- 
work nearly all the cities and towns of Bristol and 
adjoining counties, furnishing accommodations for 
freight and travel, and facilities of communication 
with all the cities and localities in the State, and the 
great thoroughfares north, south, east, and west. The 
Boston and Providence Railroad also passes through 
the northwest part of the county. 

There are in this county, according to the last 

1 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



census, 30,015 families and 22,093 dwellings ; 1025 
manufacturing establishments; number of persons 
employed, 34,068 ; wages paid during the year, $11,- 
125,200; capital invested, ^2,128,950; amount of 
stock used, ^24,884,704 ; value of products, $46,127,- 
452. Number of persons employed in agriculture, 
5161; farms, 2730; value of farms, $8,631,243; value 
of live-stock, $759,892 ; acres of tilled and meadow 
land, 97,222; woodland, 77,480; tons of hay per year, 
30,057 ; bushels of potatoes, 248,256 ; bushels of corn, 
117,294; gallons of milk, 2,339,682; pounds of butter, 
313,040; cheese, 5584; dozens of eggs, 846,624; value 
of annual farm products, $1,554,456. In the manu- 
facture of cotton goods there are 50 establishments 
and 19,273 persons employed; wages paid, $5,154,331; 
capital invested, $29,368,558 ; stock used, $11,599,735; 
value of product, $21,412,623. In cotton and woolen 
goods, 4 establishments and 21 persons employed; 
wages paid, $58,332; capital invested, $3,966,385; 
stock used, $2,637,708 ; value of products, $5,600,000. 
lu metals and metallic goods, 224 establishments; 
persons employed, 5849; wages paid, $2,478,318; cap- 
ital invested, .$5,070,921 ; stock used, $4,252,932 ; value 
of product, $8,621,697. Machines and machinery, 31 
establishments, 1419 persons employed; wages paid, 
$686,150 ; capital invested, $1,232,625 ; stock, $891,907 ; 
value of product, $1,756,509. In lumber, 45 establish- 
ments, 158 persons employed; wages paid, $39,100; 
capital, $147,200; stock, $71,037; value of product, 
$158,480. In 9 brick, etc., manufactories, 119 per- 
sons employed ; wages paid, $28,274; capital invested, 
$105,100; stock, $14,095 ; value of product, $60,930. 
Carriages and wagons, 57 establishments, 133 per- 
sons employed ; wages paid, $106,164; capital, $184,- 
750 ; stock used, $135,516 ; value of products, .$323,151. 
Food preparations, 68 establishments; persons em- 
ployed, 885 ; wages paid, $144,935 ; capital, $475,200 ; 
stock used, $1,715,215; value of product, $2,143,612. 
Printing and publishing, 22 establishments, 213 per- 
sons employed; wages paid, $95,446; capital, $172,- 
400 ; stock used, $107,616 ; value of product, .$274,300. 



CHAPTER II. 



INDIAN HISTORY.i 



That distinguished chieftain, the great and good 
Massasoit, resided at Pokanoket, that subsequently 
became the township of Bristol, now in the State of 
Rhode Island, but which until 1747 formed a part of 
Bristol County, Mass., wherein it was the shire or county 
town for the term of some sixty-two years. What 
therefore at the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620 was 
the seat of empire to the Indians throughout the 
widely extended domains of Massasoit became the 

1 By Gel). E. W. Peiice. 



chief seat of justice to those European settlements in- 
corporated in 1685 as the county of Bristol. 

Although Bristol County was not formed or incor- 
porated until some fifteen years after the death of 
Massasoit, English settlements had been commenced 
within what subsequently became its limits nearly or 
quite twenty-five years before his decease, and he 
lived to see two of these, viz., Taunton and Rehoboth, 
incorporated as towns. Wamsutta, as chief ruler of 
the Indians, succeeded his father, Massasoit, at the 
death of the latter in or about the year 1662, and the 
brief reign of Wamsutta ending within one year from 
its commencement, he was in turn succeeded by his 
younger brother Pometacom, commonly known as 
King Philip, whose reign continued about fourteen 
years, during which time two other English settle- 
ments, viz., Dartmouth and Swansea, were incorpor- 
ated as towns. The first or earliest communication of 
white men with the Indian inhabitants of that section 
of country, subsequently incorporated as the county 
of Bristol, probably occurred in the month of May, 
1619, when Capt. Dermer came in a vessel to Patuxet, 
now Plymouth, where, from the assistance rendered 
him by an Indian named Squanto, he was enabled to- 
communicate with the Indian chieftain Massasoit, 
whose principal place of residence was then, as after- 
wards, at Pokanoket, or Mount Hope. 

Capt. Dermer, in a letter dated Dec. 27, 1619, thus 
described the event: " I traveled along a day's jour- 
ney to a place called Nammastaquet, where, finding 
inhabitants, I dispatched a messenger a day's journey 
farther west to Pocanokit, which bordereth on the 
sea, whence came to see me two kings, attended with 
a guard of fifty armed men, wdio, being well satisfied 
with that my savage and I discoursed unto them, 
gave me content in whatever I demanded, where I 
found that former relations were true. Here I re- 
deemed a Frenchman." The Nammastaquet here 
named was doubtless Nemasket, now Middleborough, 
and the two kings who met Capt. Dermer were prob- 
ably Massasoit and his l)rother Quadequina. 

The first visit of white men to the locality, now 
Bristol County, probably occurred in June or July, 
1621, when Massasoit, at his home in Pokanoket, was 
sought out and visited by Edward Winslow and Ste- 
phen Hopkins, accompanied by the Indian Squanto, 
who acted as their interiireter. During the lifetime 
and reign of Massasoit his sub-chiefs appear to have 
been called or ranked as captains, though sometimes 
sachems, among whom was Caunbitant, whose resi- 
dence was at a place then called Mettapoiset, now 
known as Gardner's Neck, in Swansea ; and at the 
visit Mr. Winslow made to Massasoit, in March, 1623, 
on coming to the ferry, in Caunbitant's country, was 
informed that Massasoit was dead, which caused the 
Governor and his attendants to feel considerable un- 
easiness, lest Caunbitant, who had been one of Mas- 
sasoit's most renowned captains, should become his 
immediate successor as chief sachem or king. This 



INDIAN HISTORY. 



uneasiness and fear arising from the fact that not 
long before Caunbitant, being at Nemasket, com- 
menced a murderous attack upon the Indian Squanto, 
who appears to have barely escaped death at his 
hands ; and the Plymouthians had lost no time in send- 
ing out fourteen soldiers, under Capt. Miles Standish, 
which force so harassed Caunbitant that he, in Sep- 
tember, 1621, liad felt compelled to go to Plymouth 
and submit to certain demands, and signing at the 
same time a treaty of amity and peace. 

The English still considered Caunbitant as being, 
at heart, their enemy, and that he was only waiting a 
convenient opportunity to make it known ; and the 
Governor and his attendants feared that convenient 
opportunity had now arrived. Said Mr. Winslow, 
concerning Caunbitant, " Although he were but a 
hollow-hearted friend toward us, I thought no time 
so fit as this to enter into more friendly terms with 
him and the rest of the sachems thereabout; hoping, 
through the blessing of God, it would be a means in 
that unsettled state to settle their atfections towards 
us; and though it were somewhat dangerous in re- 
spect of our jjersonal safety, because myself and 
Hobbamock had been employed upon a service 
against him, which he might fitly revenge, yet esteem- 
ing it the best means, leaving the event to God in his 
mercy, I resolved to put it in practice if Master 
Hamden and Hobbamock durst attempt it with me, 
whom I found willing to that or any other course that 
might tend to the general good. So we went towards 
Mattapuyst, and went to the sachem's comaco, for so 
they called the sachem's place, though they call an 
ordinary house wites ; but Caunbitant, the sachem, 
was not at home, but at Puckanokick, wliich was some 
five or six miles off. The squa-sachem, for so they 
call the sachem's wife, gave us friendly entertainment. 
Here we inquired again concerning Massasowat ; they 
thought him dead, but knew no certainty. Where- 
upon I hired one to go with all expedition to Puck- 
anockit, that we might know the certainty thereof, 
and withal to acquaint Conbatant witli our there 
being. About half an hour before the sun setting 
the messenger returned and told us that he was not 
dead." 

Wheu Mr. Winslow and his friends were returning 
from Pokanoket, at the earnest request of Caunbitant, 
who accompanied them, they stopped and stayed one 
night at his house, in what is now Swansea ; and Mr. 
Winslow informs that they never received better 
entertainment from any Indians than they then had 
from Caunbitant. What became of Caunbitant is 
unknown. That section of country now Little Comp- 
ton was formerly known as Seaconnet, or Seconet, and 
here the Indians for a time were under the direction 
of a woman named Awashuncks, who was usually 
known as the squaw-sachem of Seaconnet. She was 
wife of an Indian named Tolony, and she was mother 
of a son named William Mommynewit, who, being 
sent to school, learned the Latin language, and was 



intended for college, but prevented, being seized with 
the palsy. She had another and older son named 
Peter. Awashuncks first came prominently into no- 
tice in 1671, when the colony of Plymouth planned a 
warlike expedition against her, proposihg to send a 
force of one hundred and two men, that were to as- 
semble for that purpose at or near what is now Asso- 
net Four Corners, in Freetown, on the 8th day of 
August, 1671 ; but the war was prevented by articles 
of agreement signed by her July 24, 1671. 

She comes again ])rominently into notice in the 
spring of 1675, when King Philip sent messengers to 
engage her and her people to unite with him in the 
great and bloody conflict, still known as "King 
Philip's war." Those messengers consisted of six 
Pokanoket Indians, who, having their faces painted 
and hair so cut as to represent a cock's comb, with 
powder-horns and shot-bags, made an imposing ap- 
pearance, and influenced Awashuncks so as to induce 
her to call the principal of her people together to a 
great dance. Capt. Church, the soon after renowned 
Indian hunter, had then recently settled in her neigh- 
borhood, and, singularly enough, Church was among 
the guests bidden to the dance. Taking with him an 
interpreter, Church repaired to the place, where he 
said that he found hundreds of Indians, and Awa- 
shuncks, in a foaming sweat, leading the dance. 
Church's arrival being announced to her, she stopped 
short, sat down, called her chief men into her presence, 
and then called Church, to whom she communicated 
a message that she had received from King Philip. 
Church advised her not to accede to his request; 
whereupon she called in the six Pokanoket Indians. 
Church then told Awashuncks that if Philip was re- 
solved on war her best way would be to kill the six 
Pokanoket Indians and place herself under the pro- 
tection of the English. At this advice the Pokano- 
kets became silent, but two of Awashuncks' men that 
had recently been to Mount Hope, and were very 
favorably inclined to the proposed measures of King 
Philip, expressed themselves with great indignation 
at the rash advice of Church, and one of Awashuncks' 
council, called " Little Eyes," was so enraged that he 
would have put Church to death had he not been 
prevented. Awashuncks agreed to join herself and 
people with the English, instead of the Indians, 
placing herself under the protection of the former. 
She sent two of her men to guard Church back to his 
house, and desired him to go to Plymouth and com- 
municate her decision, which he did on the 7th of 
June, 1675 ; and had the Plymouth colony govern- 
ment taken immediate measures to protect Awa- 
shuncks, doubtless she, and at least most of her 
people, in the war that immediately ensued, would 
have joined with the English instead of the Indians; 
but neglecting to communicate with Awashuncks, 
she was soon after compelled to join with Philip, and 
thus continued to act for nearly a year. 

About the middle of May, 1676, Capt. Church 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



found means to communicate with Awaslnincks, who 
agreed to .serve the English during the remainder of 
the war. Quite a number of her warriors then en- 
tered the service under Capt. Church, and she, witli 
the non-combatants of her tribe, were, for the time 
being, ordered to take up their residence in the town 
of Sandwich. Peter, a son of Awashuncks, was her 
chief captain in King Philip's war, and when, in 
1676, Awashuncks re-engaged herself to the English, 
Peter, her son and chief captain, addressing Mr. 
Church, said, "Sir, if you will please accept of me 
and my men, and will head us, we will fight for you, 
and will help you to Philip's head before the Indian 
corn be ripe." Tliese peace measures saved the Se- 
conet Indians from total destruction, so that some 
twenty-five years later one hundred men of the Se- 
conet tribe were still alive, and the General Court 
of Massachusetts appointed an Indian, named Num- 
paus, to be their captain. He lived to be an old man, 
and died in or about the year 1748. Not i;»r from the 
year 1700 they erected a meeting-house, in wbichthe 
Rev. Mr. Billings preached to them one Sunday in 
each month, and besides which they enjoyed the 
ministrations of an Indian preacher named John 
Simon. A large part of the remnant of the tribe 
were swept away by a fever that prevailed in or about 
the year 1750, and at the beginning of the present 
century not more than ten families remained. 

Tlie Indian Seconet, afterwards a part of the town- 
ship of Little Compton, formed a part of Bristol 
County until 1747, when it was set off, and has since 
been in the government of Rhode Island. 

Adjacent to the Seconet tribe were the Pocasset 
Indians, their former home being in what afterwards 
became the township of Tiverton, that until 1747 was 
in Bristol County, but then set off to Rhode Island. 
The Pocasset Indians were probably more numerous 
and powerful than those at Seconet, and were the 
subjects of a squaw-sachem named Weetamoo, who 
had formerly been the wife of Wamsutta, older 
brother of King Philip, and sister to Wootonekanuske, 
King Philip's wife. Thus connected to or with the 
royal family, one would have supposed that Weetamoo 
would have been among the first and foremost to have 
espoused the cause of King Philip, her former hus- 
band's brother and her sister's husband, but still the 
evidence is quite conclusive that this was not the 
case; but, instead, that she demurred, and would 
have kept herself and those over whom she ruled 
entirely out of the conflict if she could. 

Wamsutta, as before remarked, died in 1662, and 
Weetamoo, thus left a widow at some time before 1675, 
became the wife of an Indian named Pentonowowett, 
whom the English called Ben, and Church's history 
speaks of as Peter Nunuit. 

Weetamoo, who was sometimes called Nanumpum, 
and also Tatapanum, became the wife of Wamsutta, 
oldest son of Massasoit, in or before 1653, and during 
the brief reign of Wamsutta in 1662, Weetamoo must 



have been queen of the Wampanoag nation. At the 
death of Wamsutta in 1662, his brother came to the 
throne, when Weetamoo as queen was succeeded by 
her sister Wootonekanuske, two brothers having mar- 
ried these sisters, and the ex-queen thenceforth is 
mentioned in history only as "squaw-sachem of Po- 
casset." At the commencement of King Philip's war 
(in 1675) the Pocasset Indians were so numerous that 
Weetamoo's armed men able to go out upon the war- 
path were supposed to number three hundred, and 
her lands at Pocasset were deemed to be of great 
value. She had, as before remarked, in her widow- 
hood become the wife of an Indian named Petonowo- 
wett, who could not by King Philip be induced to 
join with him in the war, but aided the English in 
that conflict. 

When Capt. Benjamin Church was on his way toPly- 
mouth, carrying the message of Awashuncks, squaw- 
sachem of Seconet, passing through Pocasset, now 
Tiverton, he met Petonowowett, the husliand of Wee- 
tamoo, who had just come to shore from Mount Hope, 
and unreservedly told Church that there certainly 
would be war, that King Philip had held a war-dance 
and entertained young Indian warriors from all parts 
of the country, and had promised them that they 
might on the next Sunday, when the English had 
gone to meeting, plunder their houses and kill their 
cattle. 

Petonowowett invited Church to visit his wife Wee- 
tamoo in their camp on a hill not far distant, and near 
what is now known as Howland Ferry bridge. 

Church accepted the invitation, and repaired to the 
Indian camp, where he found Weetamoo in a melan- 
choly mood, her warriors liaving left her and gone to 
Philip's war-dance, which act of theirs, she declared, 
was much against her will. 

Circumstances are said to make men, and why may 
not circumstances control women ? Weetamoo evi- 
dently preferred peace, and could she liave controlled 
her warriors, although she could not have had peace, 
she could, doubtless, by joining with the English, have 
saved herself and them from the almost total anni- 
hilation which now awaited them ; but, as a choice of 
evils, doubtless she accepted that she was least able 
to resist by joining herself and her fortunes w-ith King 
Philip, although this act forever separated her from 
her husband, who adhered to and assisted the Eng- 
lish in the war just then commencing, and for his 
services therein was by his employers appointed to 
take charge of those Indians that after the war were 
permitted to reside between Sipecan and Dartmouth. 
And thus it was that in people's minds she came to be 
chargeable "next unto Philip in respect of the mis- 
chief done." 

After separating from Petonowowett Weetamoo be- 
came the wife of Quinapin, an Indian of the Narra- 
gansett tribe, second in command in the great swamp 
fight, in what is now Kingston, R. I., Dee. 19, 1675. 
Quinapin was captured in 1676, taken to Newport, 



INDIAN HISTORY. 



E. I., and shot, and Weetamoo, the wife, fled to the 
Niantic country, or what is now Westerly, R. I., 
where, being pursued, she returned to Mettnpoisett, 
now Gardiner's Necl^, in Swansea, wliere she was be- 
trayed by a deserter from her camp, and a force from 
Taunton was thus enabled to capture all her followers ; 
but Weetamoo, with a resolution equal to the dis- 
tressing circumstances, attempted to escape upon a 
hastily-constructed raft of broken pieces of wood that 
perished or sunk under her, when, as the last des- 
perate resort, she doubtless attempted to swim, as her 
naked corjjse drifted ashore, and was soon after found 
on the beach of Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea. 

That greatest and most bloody of New England 
conflicts, although waged in several different colo- 
nies, had its commencement and ending within the 
limits of what became Bristol County, Mass. 

On Sunday, the 20th of June, 1675, open hostilities 
were commenced by the Indians in the town of 
Swansea by plundering the houses of English inhab- 
itants while the latter were absent at meeting. On 
that day seven or eight of King Philip's Indians went 
to the house of an inhabitant of Swansea, whom they 
found at home, and requested the privilege to grind 
a hatchet, which was objected to on the part of the 
Englishman, who told the Indians that it was the 
Sabbath, and God would be very angry if he per- 
mitted them to grind the hatchet that day, to which 
they are said to have returned the answer that they 
knew not who his God was, and that they would 
grind the hatchet for all him or his God either. The 
same day these Indians meeting an Englishman upon 
the road told him to do no work on his God's day, 
and that he should tell no lies, and then suffered him 
quietly to pass on. 

Four days later, as the English were returning 
from religious worship, they were fired upon by the 
Indians, killing one and wounding two others, and 
two men sent for a surgeon were overtaken by the 
Indians and slain. Two men in another part of 
Swansea were that day slain by the Indians and 
scalped, and thus upon the 24th of June, 1(575, were 
five of the English inhabitants of Swansea killed 
outright and two wounded^ and an Englishman slain 
at what is now Falls River. The first succor that the 
English at Swansea received was from a company of 
seventeen mounted men from Bridgewater, who left 
their homes on the 21st of June and arrived at a 
fortified house at Mettapoisett, now Gardiner's Neck, 
in Swansea, the next day. 

These Bridgewater troops were quartered at the 
house of a man named Bourne, where were also col- 
lected seventy of the English people, viz., sixteen 
men and fifty-four women and children, whom they 
defended till reinforced, when the house was aban- 
doned, and the non-combatants for greater safety 
were transported to the island of Rliode Island. Great 
was the ,alarm throughout the several colonies, and 
on the 26tli of June several companiesof soldiers left 



Boston for the seat of war, where they arrived a little 
before night on tlie 28th. 

Plymouth Colony troops had been ordered to ren- 
dezvous at Taunton preparatory to uniting with those 
from Boston, where, although so far from the chief 
seat of war, they were severely harassed by the In- 
dians, and Lieut. John Freeman, in a letter dated at 
Taunton, said, "This morning three of our men are 
slain close by one of our courts of guard, houses are 
burned in our sight, our men are pic^ked off at every 
bush. The design of the enemy is not to face the 
army, but to fall on us as they have advantage." 

Among the houses that Lieut. Freeman said were 
burned in their sight at Taunton was probably that 
of John Tisdale, th.at the Indians destroyed by fire 
June 27, 1675, also slaying Tisdale and taking his gun, 
that was retaken at Rehoboth, Aug. 1, 1675, being 
found with the body of an Indian there slain. 

The forces assembled at Swansea consisted of a com- 
pany of infantry under Capt. Daniel Henchman, and 
a company of h.astily collected volunteers, one hun- 
dred and ten in number, under Capt. Samuel Moseley, 
and a company of mounted men under Capt. Thomas 
Prentice. These three companies being furnished by 
the colony of Massachusetts Bay, added to wliich was 
a company from Plymouth Colony under Capt. James 
Cudworth, of Scituate. 

The house of the Rev. John Myles, a Baptist clergy- 
man, that stood near a bridge in what is now called 
Barneyville, was so strengthened as to resist attack, 
and here the combined forces of Massachusetts and 
Plymouth Colonies were assembled and placed under 
the command of the ranking ofiicer, Capt. James Cud- 
worth, who for the time being became commander- 
in-chief. 

Flushed with their successes thus far the Indians 
became encouraged, and seemed to lurk almost every- 
where, shooting at all passengers, and killing many 
who ventured abroad, venturing so near the gar- 
risoned house as to shoot down two of the sentinels. 

A detachment of the cavalry of Capt. Prentice, 
under the command of Quartermasters Gill and 
Belcher, accompanied by Benjamin Church, was sent 
forward, but were no sooner over Myle's Bridge than 
fired npon from an ambuscade, when William Ham- 
mond the pilot, who was probably a resident of 
Swansea, was killed. Belcher's horse shot under him, 
and both himself and Mr. Gill wounded, which so 
surprised and terrified the troopers that they became 
panic-stricken, wheeled their horses, and fled in the 
utmost disorder, regardless alike of the threats and 
entreaties of their ofl5cers, and but for Gill and Church 
the dead body of Hammond would have been left in 
the possession of the enemy. 

June 29, 1675. The Indians appeared boldly in 
view, and by their shouts and yells seeme<l to chal- 
lenge the English to come out and fight. Capt. 
Moseley with his company rushed furiously upon 
them, when the Indians immediately fled to their 



B 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



coverts, there making a momentary stand, where, 
being fired upon, they again fled. Capt. Moseley pur- 
sued about a mile, slaying five or six Indians and sus- 
taining no loss on his own part save the wounding of 
his ensign, Mr. Savage, who received a musket-bal! 
in his thigh and a bullet passed through his hat, and 
even this, some authorities state, was by mistake, and 
that he was fired upon by one of his own company. 
Capt. Moseley pushed on, and at Keek-a-muit his sol- 
diers found the heads of eight Englishmen slain by 
the Indians set on poles. These heads they took down 
and buried. 

The English now traversed Mount Hope Neck, 
found King Philip's deserted wigwam, but himself 
and nearly all his followers had fled, and with their 
wives and children, bag and baggage, had gone, made 
a good and successful retreat, and taken all their 
canoes with them. 

King Philip had outwitted his pursuers, got off with 
little or no loss of his men, made a change of base, 
gained a more defensive position, and by going over 
to Pocasset, as he had done, was enabled to enforce 
the squaw-sachems Weetanioo and Awashuncks to 
join him with their warriors; in fact, he had out- 
flanked his foes and commenced to deal death and 
destruction to those who thought themselves safe in 
the rear of the English army, and the frontier town 
of Swansea was at that moment the safest locality in 
Plymouth Colony. 

Capt. Church very justly said, "The enemy were 
not really beaten out of Mount Hope Neck, though 
it was true they fled from thence, yet it was before 
any pursued them. It was only to strengthen them- 
selves and to gain a more advantageous post. How- 
ever, some and not a few pleased themselves with the 
fancy of a mighty conquest. A grand council was 
held and a resolve passed to build a fort there to main- 
tain the first ground they had gained by the Indians 
leaving it to them, and, to speak the truth, it must be 
said that as they gained not that field by their sword 
nor by their bow, so it was rather their fear than their 
courage that obliged them to set up the marks of their 
conquests." Church further said that he looked upon 
this act of remaining and building the fort and talked 
of it with contempt, and urged hard the pursuing of 
the enemy on the Pocasset side. 

Meanwhile there arrived from Boston at Swansea a 
reinforcement of one hundred and twenty men under 
Maj. Thomas Sav.age. 

June 30th, C'a])t. Prentice, with his troop, for more 
convenient quarters, went to lodge at Eehoboth, and 
as they were returning on the morning of July 1st 
came upon a company of Indians burning a house, 
but taking advantage of the fences, over which the 
horses could not go, the Indians escaped to a swamp. 
Capt. Prentice's lieutenant, Mr. Oaks, with a part of 
the troopers, discovered another body of Indians, that 
they pursued on an open plain, overtook, and slew 
four or five of them, one of whom was Peebe or Phebe, 



who was one of the counselors of King Philip. In 
this action John Druce, one of the troopers, received 
a wound in the bowels, of which he died. 

King Philip in the mean time was laying waste the 
English settlements in what afterwards became the 
towns of Little Compton, Tiverton, Dartmouth, Free- 
town, Fall River, New Bedford, Westport, Fairhaven, 
and Acushnet, and frightening the English inhabit- 
ants out of what is now Berkley and Middleborough. 

Benjamin Church finally succeeded in persuading 
the commander at Myles' garrison, in Swansea, to send 
under Capt. Fuller a company of thirty-six men to 
Pocasset, in hope to get an opportunity to treat with 
the Pocasset and Seconet Indians, which force soon 
after arriving divided, one jiart starting off" under 
Capt. Fuller and the other under Church. 

Fuller encountered Indians, and two of his men 
were wounded, and all so hard pressed as to be obliged 
to seek shelter in a deserted house, from which they 
escaped to a vessel. 

Church and his party were also pursued, and driven 
on board Capt. Goulding's vessel, and thus barely 
escaped. This w.as on the 8th of July, 1675. The 
Indians were so well supplied with arms and ammuni- 
tion that they put many bullet-holes into the stern of 
Goulding's vessel and through his sails as he was taking 
off" Church and his men. 

Soon after a detachment of soldiers was put on 
board a sloop and sent to the Quequechan (now Fall 
River), there disembarked and marclied into Weeta- 
mo's country, overtook and killed one Indian and 
alarmed many more that succeeded in escaping to 
a swamp; but as soon as the English were ordered 
back those who had been pursued in turn became 
pursuers, and chased the English back to the sloop 
and wounded two soldiers. They returned the next 
day to the camp in Swansea. 

July 18, 1675,an expedition was sent against Phi lip 
in his camp in a Pocasset swamp, now Tiverton. The 
English forces, arriving late in the afternoon, discov- 
ered a few Indians on the edge of the swamp, on 
whom they rushed with ardor, the Indians meanwhile 
gradually retreating, and thus drawing their pursuers 
into an ambuscade, by which, when fired upon, fif- 
teen of the English were shot down, and were soon 
ordered to fall back and give up the pursuit. One 
hundred wigwams, newly constructed of green bark, 
were found near the edge of the swamp. The loss in 
that fight sustained by the Indians was probably very 
small when compared with that of the white men, 
and the latter, instead of renewing the contest the 
next day, fortified themselves on the outskirts of the 
swamp, and there remiiined in the hope of starving 
the Indians into submission, and extorting from King 
Philip terms of capitulation, neither of which they 
were able to accomplish, as about the last of that 
month Phili]) and his followers one night suddenly 
decamped, and in canoes unpursued reached the other 
shore in safety en route for the Nipensic country, now 



INDIAN HISTORY. 



in the county of Worcester. King Philip, with his 
forces, would have got off not only unperceived but 
unharmed but for the Rev. Noah Newman, of Beho- 
both, who, as the Indians were passing through that 
town (Aug. 1, 1675), brought out the " home guards," 
who, with Oneko and some Mohegan and Natic 
Indians, did some spoil upon King Philip, slaying 
one of his chief men called Nimrod. Oneko was the 
son of Uncas, and had been to Boston, where he had 
engaged to fight for the English, and being witli some 
Mohegan and Natiu Indians en route for Swansea, 
happened to be in Rehoboth just as King Philip was 
passing through. 

On Sunday, March 26, 167G, was fought near 
Pawtucket, but within the original limits of Bristol 
County, a sanguinary battle between the English 
under Capt. Michael Peirce, of Scituate, and the 
Indians led by the chieftain Canonchct. Oapt. 
Peirce and nearly all his command were slain, and the 
loss of the Indians even exceeded that of the English. 

Tuesday, March 28, 1676, the Indians burned at 
Rehoboth (afterward Seekonk), forty-five dwelling- 
houses, twenty-one barns, two grist-mills, and one 
saw-mill, and slew an Irishman named Robert Beers. 
King Philip is said to have been present at the burn- 
ing of Rehoboth, and the frame-work of an ancient 
chair is still preserved in which tradition saith he sat to 
witness the conflagration. 

April 9, 1676, Canonchet was captured in or near 
Pawtucket. 

April 27, 1676, Woodcock's fortified house, in what 
was then Rehoboth, now Attleborough, suffered an 
Indian attack ; Nathaniel Woodcock and another 
Englishman slain, John Woodcock wounded, and 
Nathaniel Woodcook's house burned. 

Some time in May, 1676, four Taunton men were 
slain by the Indians, viz., Sergt. James Philips, James 
Bell, Henry Andrews, and Edward Babbitt. Thus 
were left thirty-two fatherless children. 

May 2-1, 1676, Capt. Thomas Brattle, of Boston, 
with a company of about fifty mounted men, being 
joined by a body of infantry, marched to the Paw- 
tucket Falls, where, arriving on the easterly side of 
the river, the Indians were discovered on the opposite 
bank of the stream. 

Leaving the infantry at the falls, the cavalry pro- 
ceeded up the river to a fording-place, crossed over, 
proceeded down on the other side, making a sudden 
attack upon tlie Indians, killing several of them and 
capturing an Indian boy, taking two horses, several 
guns, and some ammunition. Lieut. J.acob Elliot, of 
the cavalry, was wounded in the hand, and one cav- 
alry soldier killed. 

The Indians first attempted to retreat through the 
river, but discovering the infantry upon the opposite 
side hastily turned about, retraced their steps to the 
shore, and took refuge in a swamp. 

June 19, 1676, Swansea was again attacked by the 
Indians, and nearly all the remaining houses burned. 



Some authorities say all save five were burned, and of 
these, four were garrisoned. 

June 26, 1676, the Indians captured Hezekiah Wil- 
lett in or near Swansea ; he was twenty-five years of 
age, and a son of Capt. Thomas Willett. The In- 
dians cut off the prisoner's ears and nose and then 
set him at liberty; he probably soon after died, as 
some of the authorities state that lie was slain by the 
Indians. 

A negro who was captured by the Indians at Swan- 
sea, and who is supposed to have been a slave of 
Capt. Thomas Willett, escaped, fled to Taunton, and 
informed the people that the Indians jiroposed at- 
tacking that place. Being warned, the Taunton 
people prepared tliemselves for the attack that was 
made on the lltli day of July, 1676, and in which two 
houses were fired by the Indians and one Englishman 
slain. 

Aug. 1, 1676, Wootonekanuse, the wife of King 
Philip, together with his son, aged about nine years, 
and several women and childreu, were taken captives 
by the English. 

At about this time a battle between the English and 
Indians came oft" in what is now the town of Norton, 
at a place called Luckety Neck, in which the Indians 
were defeated. 

Aug. 6, 1676, twenty Taunton men captured at 
Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea, the few remaining fol- 
lowers of Weetamoo, squaw-sachem of Seconet ; she 
sought to escape by attempting to cross Taunton 
River on a liastily-constructed raft, but was drowned, 
and her dead body being found on the shores in Swan- 
sea, her head was cut off' and carried to Taunton. 

Saturday, Aug. 12, 1676, early in the morning King 
Philip was slain near Mount Hope, in Pokanoket, now 
the town of Bristol. 

Aug. 28, 1676, Philip's great captain, Anawan, who 
had in like cap.acity served his father, JIassasoit, and 
at the death of Philip became chief sachem, or king 
of the Wampaiioag tribe or nation, was captured by 
Capt. Benjamin Church at a place still known as Ana- 
wan's Rook, in the easterly part of the town of Reho- 
both, a few rods south of the turnpike road leading 
from Taunton to Providence, about eight miles from 
Taunton, and ten from Providence. 

This rock is upon the northerly border of a wooded 
country formerly known as Squanakonk Swamp, an 
area of nearly three thousand acres. 

Indian Reservations. — When what subsequently 
became Freetown was purchased of the Indians in 
1659, reservations were made for the Indians Tabada- 
cason and Pianto; the first for the benefit of those In- 
dians that maintained a ferry across Taunton River, 
which doubtless was to remain while the ferry was so 
kept, and the other for planting land, the Indian title 
to which should end at Pianto's death. That first 
reservation is thought to have been a point of land 
lying between Taunton River and Barnaby's Cove so 
called. 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Beside these reservations was another of nearly two 
hundred acres lying within what formerly was the 
township of Freetown, but now an easterly part of 
Fall River, at what is sometimes called Indian Town, 
and is still appropriated to the uses of that race, one 
lot having been assigned to and still possessed by Mrs. 
Zerviah Gould Mitchell, a lineal descendant in the 
seventh generation of the "good old Massasoit," king 
of the Wampanoags, and "Sassacus the Terrible," 
king of the Pequots. Mrs. Mitchell is descended 
from Blassasoit through his daughter Amie and her 
husband Tuspaquin, known in history as the black 
sachem, chief of the Assawampsett and Nunasket 
Indians, who was slain by the English in or near 
September, 1670. Amie, the wife, was a sister of 
Wauisutta, alias Alexander, the successor of Massa- 
soit and Pometaconi, aliai King Philip, successor to 
Alexander and Sonkanuhoo, who is supposed to have 
been slain at the swamp fight in Pocasset, now Tiver- 
ton. 

July 18, 1675, Benjamin, a grandson of the black 
sachem Tuspaquin, married Mercy Felix, a grand- 
daughter of the educated Indian John Sassamon, 
whose wife was a daughter of Sassacus, and Benjamin 
and wife Mercy were the grandparents of Mrs. Zervia 
Gould jNIitchell, who now has her home upon the In- 
dian reservation at Betty's Neck, so called, in Lake- 
ville. 



CHAPTER III. 



BENCH AND BAR.i 



Among the prominent agencies which give shape 
and order in the early development of the civil and 
social condition of society, the pulpit, press, and bar 
are perhaps the most potential in moulding the in- 
stitutions of a new community ; and where these are 
early i)lanted, the school, academy, and college are 
not long in assuming their legitimate position, and 
the maintenance of these institutions secures at the 
start a social and moral foundation upon which we 
may safely rest the superstructure of the county, the 
State, and the nation. 

The establishment of courts and judicial tribunals, 
where society is protected in all its civil rights under 
the sanction of law, and wrong finds a ready redress 
in an enlightened and prompt administration of jus- 
tice, is the first necessity of every civilized community, 
and without which the forces and press of society, in 
its changeable developments, even under the teach- 
ings of the pulpit, the directions of the press, and 
the culture of the schools, are exposed to peril and 
disaster from the turbulence of passion and conflicts 

1 The editor acknowledges Iiis indebteducss in the pi'eparation of this 
chapter ti> Hon. W. W. Crape, ex-Attorney-General Geo. Marston, Hon. 
E. L. Barney, Thomas M. Stetson, Hon. Lincoln F. Brigliani, Charles W. 
Clifford, Esq., aiid Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. 



of interest ; and hence the best and surest security 
that even the press, the school, or the pulpit can find 
for the peaceful performance of its highest functions 
is when protected by and intrenched behind the bul- 
warks of law, administered by a pure, independent, 
and uncorrupted judiciary. 

The Bristol County bar has from its beginning 
numbered among its members able jurists, tal- 
ented advocates, and safe counselors. Here many 
have lived, flourished, and died, while others still 
are upon the stage of action who have been promi- 
nent in the advancement of the interests of the 
county and figured conspicuously in the councils of 
the State. 

New Bedford. — One of the earliest members of the 
Bristol bar, and a leading lawyer of his day in the 
State, was Timothy Gardner Coffin, who was born in 
Nantucket in 1790 of humble Quaker parentage. He 
early developed a remarkable degree of intelligence, 
brightness, and activity of mind. He was educated 
at Brown University, studied law in the office of 
Kilburn Whitman in Plymouth County, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1811. He opened an office in 
New Bedford, and very quickly became a leading 
lawyer in the county of Bristol, and in the counties 
of Nantucket, Dukes, Barnstable, and Plymouth, and 
for more than forty years was engaged in almost every 
case of importance before the courts of these counties. 
His contemporaries were Marcus Morton, of Taun- 
ton, William Baylies, of Bridgewater, L. Eddy, of 
Middleborough, Charles Holmes, of Rochester, and 
N. Marston, of Barnstable, all of whom were eminent 
and skillful lawyers, and Mr. Coffin was an equal 
of either of them. He was very quick to observe 
the weakness of his opponent's cause and to present 
his client's best points. At times he was eloquent. 
He was a very sharp cross-examiner of witnesses, and 
few witnesses could evade his keenness. He was very 
ready at repartee, and quick to answer every inquiry 
of counsel or court, and his arguments were difficult 
to answer. 

He was married to Betsey, daughter of the Hon. 
John Avery Parker, of New Bedford, a leading mer- 
chant of that city, and at his death the richest man 
in New Bedford. 

Mr. Coffin never held office of any particular con- 
sequence, but confined his attention, time, and skill 
to his profession, and at his death, September, 1854, 
he was without question the ablest lawyer in South- 
ern Massachusetts. It is said that Daniel Welister, 
after a hard-fought case at Nantucket, in which Mr. 
Coffin was engaged against Mr. Webster, speaking 
afterwards about the case, and in answer to a ques- 
tion, " Who is Tim Coffin?" said, "He is the ablest 
lawyer in the United States. He is one I should 
prefer not to meet of all others I know of." 

It is said that he once, after a very able argument 
before the Supreme Court, in answer to the inquiry of 
the court (Chief Justice Shaw), "If he had any an- 



BENCH AND BAK. 



9 



thority to cite to the court to sustain his view and 
legal points?" replied, "No, your honor, that is for 
the court to be responsible for its decision. I should 
prefer not to." He was a very generous and liberal 
man, witli a very kind heart. He was very strong in 
his likes and dislikes, so that he was a most ardent 
friend and a very disagreeable enemy. His body lies 
in the South Cemetery, New Bedford, and where a 
fine monument was erected to his memory by his 
children. 

John S. Kussell was born in New Bedford in 
1797, and was the son of Charles Russell and Martha 
Tillinghast. He studied law in the office of Lemuel 
Williams, at New Bedford. After his admission to 
the bar he practiced law in Taunton. He afterwards 
moved to New Bedford, opened a law-office, and con- 
tinued in practice until his death in 1S34. He was a 
well-read lawyer and well grounded in the principles 
of his profession. He was a Quaker. He acquired 
the reputation of being an honest lawyer ; by that I 
suppose he was slow to advise men to go to law, acting 
out his religious convictions as well as his profes- 
sional observation. To this day, nearly fifty years 
since his deatli, whenever spoken of he is mentioned 
as one that maintained the honor of his professional 
life. He died in 1834, much esteemed and regarded 
by his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. 

LemueTj Williams was a lawyer who practiced in 
New Bedford some fifty years ago. He was at that 
time one of the leaders of the bar. He was at one 
time collector of customs in New Bedford, but many 
years ago he removed from New Bedford to Worces- 
ter, and so much of his professional life was spent 
out of the county, we have not thought it proper to 
say more about him, as he more properly belongs to 
Worcester County than to Bristol. 

Charles H. Wareen was also one of the early 
lawyers in New Bedford. He occupied a very hon- 
orable position, was an able advocate, was for several 
years district attorney before 1836, afterwards was 
made judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and was 
an upright and faithful judge. After he returned 
from the bench he was made president of the Boston 
and Providence Eailroad, which oflice he held until 
his death. 

Ezra Bassett was born in Rochester, in the com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts. His parents were poor 
people. He studied law with his brother, Ansleni 
Bassett, Esq., at Taunton, and commenced the prac- 
tice of the law in Taunton. He also for a short time 
had an office in Attleborough. In 1884 he came to 
New Bedford, and there remained, having a consider- 
able share of the law business until his death, in De- 
cember, 1843. He was a good lawyer, had consider- 
able admiralty practice, and was earnest, energetic, 
and faithful in his client's interest. He had a large 
and well-selected law library, perhaps the best law 
library at the time of any lawyer in New Bedford. 
He is frequently spoken of by tlie present members 



of the bar in the city of New Bedford with much 
respect. There is now only one member of the bar 
(Judge Prescott) at New Bedford who was practicing 
law at his death. 

Hon. H. G. O. Colby' was the son of Rev. Philip 
and Harriet (Sewall) Colby, born 1807 in Hallowell, 
Me. His father was born in Sanbornton, N. H., July 
30, 1779, and he was the son of Isaac Colby, a farmer 
of great industry and strong mind, strict integrity, 
stern common sense. The maiden name of the wife 
of Isaac Colby was Pliebe Hunt, daughter of Philip 
Hunt, of Newburyport, Mass., very domestic in her 
habits, and of a very tender, loving heart. They had 
nine children. In the year 1800, Philip, the father of 
Judge Colby, went to Portland, Me., as a merchant's 
clerk, and afterwards established himself in mercantile 
pursuits in Hallowell, Me., which he followed for eight 
years. Six of these years he had been married to his 
first wife, Miss Harriet Sewall, daughter of Mr. Thomas 
Sewall, of Vassalborough, Me. They were married 
the 28th of June, 1804. They had two children. 
On the 24th of October, 1810, the eldest, a lovely 
boy of five years, died. "A very remarkable boy," 
writes Miss Caroline, a daughter of Judge Colby; 
" his name Hamilton Van Renssalaer." In February 
of the following year, the 28th, 1811, the mother also 
died. "A woman of very fine and most lovely char- 
acter," writes again Miss Caroline, adding, " these, 
tlie mother and the son, are buried side by side at 
Augusta, Me." 

This was the beginning of the Christian life of the 
father of Judge Colby. He joined himself to the 
church of Rev. Mr. Gillett, Hallowell, with his wife 
in her sick-room, and dedicated not only himself but 
his family to the Lord. He soon relinquished his 
secular business, and removing to Salem, Mass., spent 
nearly four years studying with Rev. Dr. Worcester, 
of the Tabernacle Church, and secretary of the Amer- 
ican Board of Missions. This course of study addi- 
tional to his academic course in Gihnanton, N. H., 
and supplemented by a large acquaintance with men 
and things in a long mercantile life, above all, aided 
and enforced by the teaching which comes from 
above, well furnished him for a successful and most 
useful pastorate with the church in North Middle- 
borough, Mass., continuing from the summer of 1817 
to the time of his death, Feb. 27, 1851, thirty-four 
years. 

Harrison Gray Otis Colby, the subject of our 
present notice, was the only surviving child of the 
first marriage of the minister. He gave promise 
even in his boyhood of future eminence. So schol- 
arly was he that his mother's brotlier, the eminent 
Dr. Sewall, of Washington, took charge of his educa- 
tion and saw him through college. 

After completing his study of law he was admitted 
to the Bristol County bar, taking up his residence in 

1 By Rev. S. ITopUiiis Emery, of Tunntoii. 



10 



HISTORY OF BEISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Taunton. Subsequently he reaioved to New Bedford, 
having married his wife there, a daughter of John 
Avery Parker, Esq. Mr. Colby easily took rank among 
the foremost of the lawyers of the commonwealth. It 
was no surprise when he was promoted from the bar 
to the bench. He was of a tall, commanding figure, 
resembling in this respect his father, and, like this 
father, he was dignified, courteous, "every inch a 
gentleman." 

His daughter Caroline, in 1S76, writes : " My father 
died Feb. 22, 1853, and is buried in New Bedford. 
Four children, three daughters and a son, survived 
him, the latter being the youngest child, and now an 
officer in the United States navy. I have the honor 
and privilege of being the eldest of the family, and my 
mother has all her daughters with her, except the be- 
loved sister next to myself, who died ten years since, 
leaving a daughter, the only grandchild, as none of the 
others have ever married." 

I will add, the widow of Judge Colby became the 
wife of Rev. Dr. Lambert, a distinguished clergyman 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Charlestown, 
Mass. 

Thomas Dawes ELiOT*was born March 20, 1808, 
in Boston. His father, William Greenleaf Eliot, was 
of a Boston family, though a resident of Washington 
for the latter part of his life. His mother's family 
for many generations were also of Boston. He was 
named for his grandfather, Judge Thomas Dawes, of 
the Supreme Jmlicial Court, whose father was Col. 
Thomas Dawes, of the Boston Committee of Safety in 
the Revolutionary period. Mr. Eliot married in 
1834, Frances L. Brock, of Nantucket. His brother. 
Dr. William G. Eliot, is chancellor of the Washing- 
ton University, at St. Louis, and has been long known 
as a distinguished Unitarian clergyman in that city. 
His youngest brother, Capt. Frank A. Eliot, of Phila- 
delphia, was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville in 
1863. 

Mr. Eliot was graduated in 1825 from Columbia 
College, in the District of Columbia, and delivered 
the Latin salutatory address. He soon after com- 
menced his law studies with his uncle. Chief Justice 
Cranch, of the Circuit Court of the district, and de- 
voted himself to a profession which never lost its 
charms to him. About 1830 he went to New Bed- 
ford, completed his studies with Judge Charles H. 
Warren, then in full practice, and upon his admission 
to the bar wa; invited to a partnership by Mr. War- 
ren. After Mr. Warren went upon the bench, Mr. 
Eliot's practice became very large, comprising com- 
mon law causes in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, 
and the island counties, also an extensive equity busi- 
ness, and employment in admiralty causes, then be- 
coming very numerous in Southern Massachusetts. 
He was for about thirty years a regular attendant at 
all the jury terms in this part of the State, and in ad- 
dition to his business as senior counsel, kept up his 
own office business in all branches except criminal 



practice. He was a thorough legal scholar as well as 
practitioner, master both of the great principles of 
the law and of its development by the decisions of the 
court, fully equipped and ready in the varying as- 
pects of a trial by jury, and also in the statelier and 
more scientific debates in banc. 

Among the causes which attracted public attention 
in which he was engaged we note the great litigation 
between the two divisions of the denomination of 
Friends, where the title to the Quaker meeting-houses 
! in Massachusetts and Rhode Island was at risk, and 
in which the usages and faiths of the respective sects 
underwent legal investigation ; also the contests in 
this county, where he maintained the chartered powers 
of the Massachusetts Medical Society on issues raised 
by physicians of the homceopathic school. We note 
also a private suit, but which from its novelty and 
magnitude drew general professional and public at- 
tention, as the result depended upon the execution, 
force, and effect of mutual wills. This was the suit 
of Hetty H. Robinson vs. Thomas Mundell, involving 
an estate of three millions. The subject of marine 
insurance was of great and growing importance 
during his practice. The whaling fleet of New Bed- 
ford alone contained about four hundred vessels, and 
we find his name in the reports of nearly all the 
causes which grew out of the losses of this great 
fleet, and the curious peculiarities of whaling-ships 
and whaling. His tastes were so professional that he 
twice declined an appointment to the bench. He 
had no desire for oflice-holding as such, and after 
serving in the Massachusetts House of Representa- 
tives and Senate, as the young lawyers were expected 
to do, kept aloof from political action for many years, 
devoting himself to practice in the courts, where his 
reputation for skill, force, and honorable methods 
was an enviable one. He was of great industry, 
close application, and conscientious fidelity to his 
clients, and never lost their confidence. 

In 1854 he was invited by the Whigs of the First 
Congressional District to become their candidate for 
Congress for an unfinished term. His election fol- 
lowed, and he took his seat in the Thirty-third Con- 
gress, in the midst of the intense excitement attendant 
upon the introduction of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, 
took part in the debate, and his printed speech was 
circulated by the Whig party to prove its concurrence 
with the growing anti-slavery sentiment of the State. 
The next year the Whig party went down before the 
Native American organization. Its State ticket and 
all its members of Congress were defeated, and the 
party never again appeared in political action. 

The slavery issues were now engaging political 
attention. The " Conscience Whigs," so called in 
Massachusetts, deemed their old party useless for the 
situation, and sought, with the aid of the Free-Soil 
organization and practical anti-slavery men of all 
schools, to organize anew. The result was the Re- 
publican party. Mr. Eliot was greatly interested in 





\^ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



11 



its formation. He organized the first meeting of the 
new party in this county. He was unanimously 
nominated as its candidate for attorney-general of 
the commonwealth, but declined the nomination, and 
later presided at its State Convention. After he had 
been absent from Congress for two congressional 
terms, the First District again elected him by an 
immense majority. From this re-election he con- 
tinued in Congress without opposition till his refusal 
of further service in 1S60. He was early identified 
in Congress with the anti-slavery spirit of the North. 
In 1854 he made the first effort for repeal of the 
Fugitive Slave Law by offering a bill for that pur- 
pose. In the session of 1861-62 he urged the adop- 
tion of views by the government that should enforce 
its loftiest authority, and his speeches and debates 
show how little he regarded all forms and traditions 
which stood in the way of the safety of the people, 
which is the suprema lex. He insisted that the pro- 
tection of the endangered national life justified the 
strongest measures. He ridiculed the idea of war 
upon peace principles, and the notion then prevalent 
of protecting rebels in their slave property when those 
slaves were wanted for the national defense. In this 
session he introduced a resolution declaring the right 
and duty of military commanders to emancipate the 
slaves of rebels, and supported it by a speech. In 
1862, as chairman of the Select Committee on C(m- 
fiscation, he reported two bills, one for the confiscation 
of rebel property and one for the emancipation of 
slaves of rebels. The former was passed, but the 
latter passed the House only. In 1864 he was chair- 
man of the Committee on Emancipation, and reported 
and advocated the bill establishing a Bureau of Freed- 
men's Afl'airs, which became a law. It was in the 
conce])tion, formation, and passage of this bill, and 
in his watchful care of the interests of the bureau 
when organized, that he performed a service which 
p' es his name not only among far-seeing statesmen, 
D mong the wisest and best philanthropists. It is 
o^ f the enduring honors of the nation's statute- 
id.. \ high-water mark of the humanities of civil- 
,ze4 'islation. It was vetoed by President Johnson, 
and) ' only carried over his veto by the unflagging 
zeal i 1 devotion of Mr. Eliot. 

He as the author of the Coolie Bill, and its pas- 
sage was due to his efforts. The system of importa- 
tion of Chinese coolies bound by labor contracts was 
leading to a system hardly less abominable and degrad- 
ing than actual slavery. Under his lead the Thirty- 
seventh Congress enacted a stringent law prohibiting 
American vessels from engaging in this trade, a result 
deemed by the anti-slavery sentiment of EngUirid and 
America as second only to the abolition of the African 
slave trade. 

At the end of the war Mr. Eliot desired to leave 
Congress, but the urgent call of the district prevented, 
and he remained in failing liealth till 1869, and then 
absolutely declined a renomination after a service of 



eleven years. He then hoped to resume practice at 
the bar, but increasing illness prevented. His death 
occurred June 14, 1870. 

Eminent as he was in forensic and parliamentary 
debate, he was not less so in conscientious fidelity to 
duty, for unselfish patriotism and his noble advocacy 
of human rights. He had the well-won esteem of 
the bar and bench. In public life, too, he was com- 
pletely trusted by his associates and respected by his 
political opponents. His position was never doubtful ; 
he felt it the duty of statesmen to try to lead the people 
where they should go, and was willing to take the risks 
of such a course. An anecdote may be in place here 
showing how the astute head and kindly heart of 
President Lincoln recognized the same qualities in 
Mr. Eliot. 

A citizen of Massachusetts of good character was 
indicted for embezzlement from a post-ofiice. The 
trial was a difiicult one upon evidence mainly cir- 
cumstantial, and the result a conviction and heavy 
sentence. 

An application for pardon was made to the Presi- 
dent by the neighbors of the defendant, who had long 
known him and could not believe him guilty. 

Mr. Lincoln referred the topic to the Law Depart- 
ment, and this led to an adverse and positive report 
from the United States attorney who had tried the 
case. Mr. Lincoln was not satisfied. He had ac- 
quired doubts of the propriety of the conviction, 
partly from his own examination of the case and 
partly from the zeal of the prosecuting oflicer, which 
he said was praiseworthy but might be too partisan. 
At last he wrote upon the papers " referred to Hon. 
T. D. Eliot. — Abraham Lincoln." Mr. Eliot made a 
careful investigation, was convinced that the verdict 
was wrong, and so reported to the President. 

A pardon followed with a promptness that sur- 
prised and rather provoked the prosecuting oflicers. 
When Mr. Eliot next met Mr. Lincoln the latter ad- 
vanced with both hands extended and face full of sat- 
isfaction, " Well, Eliot," said he, " we've got our man 
clear." 

We close this sketch of Mr. Eliot by an extract from 
the New Bedford Mercury, written at the time of his 
death : 

"Mr. Eliot was pure-minded, kind-hearted, of ster- 
ling integrity, and of a most catholic spirit. In our 
unreserved intercourse with him, we can recall no 
instance in which he indulged in any unkind, un- 
charitable, or disparaging remarks about even those 
who had maligned him. He spoke no ill of his 
neighbor, but evinced a spirit of charity as beautiful 
as it is rare. 

" He was a deeply religious man, always ready with 
good words, and as ready with good works. Of his 
labors in the Sunday-school of the Unitarian Church, 
where for years he was .superintendent, many of our 
readers have grateful recollections. His heart was in 
the work, and he deeply regretted the necessity of its 



12 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



relinquishment. Thousands will call to mind his in- 
valuable services as president of the National Con- 
ference of Unitarian Churches and also of the Amer- 
ican Unitarian Association, his admirable tact in the 
chair, his hearty zeal and enthusiasm, and his earnest 
and successful exertions for fraternal union. He was 
a generous man, prompt to give to every good object, 
and foremost in his contributions of money or of labor 
to sustain all benevolent enterprises. Better than any 
triumph at the bar or the highest honors won in po- 
litical life is the simple record of his unselfish 
Christian life. He rests from his labors, and his 
works do follow him." 

John Ham Williams Page' was born at Gilman- 
ton, N. H., and was graduated at Harvard College in 
the class of 1826. In September of that year he took 
charge of Friends' Academy at New Bedford, where 
he continued until the spring of 1829, when impaired 
health compelled him to resign that position. After 
a brief season of rest he commenced the study of the 
law, and was for a time at the Dane Law School in 
Cambridge. He was admitted to the bar in June, 
1832, and at once oj)ened an office at New Bedford, 
where he soon acquired a remunerative practice. His 
vigorous mind and capacity and method of applica- 
tion had mastered the principles of legal science, and 
his quickness of apprehension and practical industry 
soon made him familiar with the details of business. 
His vigor, earnestness, and evident ability attracted 
and retained clients, who never had occasion to regret 
their selection of counsel. If he excelled in any one 
branch of professional service more than another it 
was in the application of the law to the affairs of active 
business. He had grown into ripeness of experience 
and preparation when the disturbed condition of prac- 
tical affairs, before and in the year 1837, before there 
was any insolvent law or bankrupt law, furnished 
abundant occupation for bright, energetic, and capa- 
ble lawyers. Mr. Page had at this time a large client- 
age, and no one was more faithful and indefatigable 
than he was in his employment. He maintained a 
leading position at the bar of Bristol County, prac- 
ticing also in the counties of Plymouth, Barnstable, 
Nantucket, and Dukes County, until he removed to 
Boston to assume the duties of treasurer of the Law- 
rence machine-shop, a large manufacturing establish- 
ment, in which place he continued for many years. 

Before this he was a member of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, and was chairman of the Railroad Com- 
mittee. During his service there a charter was 
granted for a railroad from Middleborough to Sand- 
wich, as the Cape Cod Branch Railroad, in which Mr. 
Page took a strong interest, and a few years later he 
was chosen president of that railroad corporation, and 
remained as such until his death. He supervised the 
financial affairs of the railroad company during the 
extension of the road from Sandwich to Hyannis, 

^ By Hon. George Marston. 



and assisted largely to maintain its credit and make 
it finally successful. He was vigilant to understand 
all the details of the affairs of the company, and was 
thoroughly informed in railroad management. 

He took a deep and practical interest in agriculture, 
and was for a number of years the president of the 
Bristol County Agricultural Society, which was never 
more successful than while under his efficient manage- 
ment. 

While Mr. Page showed great capability in all the 
various matters witii which he was concerned, in none 
was he more conspicuous than as a lawyer. It was an 
evident mistake that he left a profession the duties of 
which he was so well suited to fill and adorn to enter 
quite late in life upon the more uncertain field of 
business, and in which he was not wholly successful. 
Mr. Page was an excellent scholar as well as lawyer, 
and his social qualities endeared him closely to those 
who knew him best and understood liini best. 

John Heney Clifford,^ the sixth of thirteen 
children of Benjamin and Achsah (Wade) Clifford, 
was born in Providence, R. I., on the 16th of January, 
1809, and graduated at Brown University in 1827. 
He was admitted to the bar of Bristol County in 
1830, after completing his course in tlie study of law, 
under the direction of Hon. Timothy G. Coffin, at 
New Bedford, and of Hon. Theron Metcalf, after- 
wards one of the judges of the Supreme Judicial 
Court of Massachusetts at Dedham, Norfolk Co., 
Mass. On the 16th of January, 1832, lie married 
Sarah Parker Allen, daughter of William Harland 
and Ruth (Parker) Allen, the latter a daughter of 
Hon. John Avery and Averie (Standish) Parker, who 
was a descendant in the sixth generation from Capt. 
Miles Standish. 

He practiced law in New Bedford from the time of 
his admission to the bar to the day of his death, at 
first, for a brief period, as tlie partner of Hon. Timo- 
thy G. Coffin, subsequently, for nearly ten years, as 
the partner of Harrison G. 0. Colby, Esq., his class- 
mate in college. From 184.5 to 1853 his student of 
law, Lincoln F. Brigham, now chief justice of the 
Superior Court of Massachusetts, was his junior 
partner, and after 1853 he had no partner in the 
practice of law. 

His first appearance in public life was in 18.35, 
when he was a representative of New Bedford in the 
Legislature of Massachusetts. It was the year of the 
revision of the statutes of the commonwealth, and he 
did good and faithful service on the large committee 
which had that subject in charge. In 1836 he be- 
came one of the aides-de-camp of Governor Everett, 
and retained that position until, by a single vote out 
of a hundred thousand votes, Mr. Everett's chief 
magistracy was brought to a close in 1840. 

Before Mr. Everett went out of office, however, 
in 1839, he had conferred upon Col. Cliflbrd, in 

- By Hon. L. F. Brigham. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



13 



whom he had the highest confidence, the appoint- 
ment'of district attorney for the Southern District of 
Massachusetts, an office in which lie served the com- 
monwealth assiduously and successfully for nearly 
ten years. 

Meantime, in 1845, the county of Bristol had 
elected him a member of the Senate of Massa- 
chusetts, where he gave renewed evidence of his 
ability and accomplishments as a debater and a legis- 
lator. 

In 1849 he entered upon the duties of an office 
which was to be the field of his longest and most 
distinguished public service. In that year he re- 
ceived from Governor Briggs the appointment of 
attorney-general of the State. 

Early in the following year it fell to his lot to con- 
duct a memorable trial, with which his name will be 
always most prominently and honorably associated. 
No trial in the history of our country for many gen- 
erations, if ever, has excited a deeper interest or 
challenged a more anxious and critical attention than 
that of Professor John W. Webster for the murder 
of Dr. George Parkman. 

In BlackwootVs Mayazine for June, 1850, in an 
article on " Modern State Trials," being one of a 
series of articles from the pen of the eminent bar- 
rister, Sauuiel Warren, the author of " Diary of a 
Physician" and of " Ten Thousand a Year," occurs 
the following passage: 

"It was our intention to have included in this 
paper a sketch of a great American trial for murder, 
that of the late Professor Webster for the murder 
of Dr. Parkman, a fearful occurrence, a black and 
dismal tragedy from beginning to end, exhibiting 
most remarkable indications, as it appears to us, of 
the overruling Providence which sometimes sees fit 
to allow its agency in human afiairs to become visible 
to us. All we shall at present say on the subject is 
that the reply of Mr. Clifford for the prosecution 
cannot be excelled in close and conclusive reasoning, 
conveyed in language equally elegant and forcible. 
Its effect, as a demonstration of the guilt of the ac- 
cused, is fearful." 

In the autumn of 1852 a convention of the Whig 
party of Massachusetts nominated Attorney-General 
Clifford for Governor of the State. He accepted the 
nomination with reluctance, and although he re- 
ceived nearly twenty-five thousand votes more than 
either of the opposing candidates, he was not elected 
by the people. On the meeting of the Legislature, 
liowever, he was chosen by the votes of the two 
branches, and was inaugurated as Governor of Mas- 
sachusetts on tlie 14th of January, 1853. 

In his inaugural address he used the following 
characteristic words : 

"Tlie law is our only sovereign. The loyalty which in otlier coun- 
tries is rendered to tlie mere iicuident of birtli is here due to that invisible 
but omnipresent power which we have voluntaiily enthroned and 
established lor our protection and guidance under the majestic name 
of Law." 



Governor Clifibrd discharged the duties of the 
chief magistracy with great fidelity and dignity, and 
it was only for him to say whether he should remain 
in the office for a second year. But his interest in his 
profession determined him to decline a renoraination, 
and on the election of Governor Emory Washburn 
as his successor he was at once called on by him to 
resume his place as attorney-general of the common- 
wealth. He continued to hold that office — by execu- 
tive appointment for one year, by legislative election 
for another, and again for a third by the choice of the 
people of the State — until 1858. He had thus served 
the commonwealth as its highest law-officer for a full 
term of seven years in all, and in that capacity had 
certainly rendered his best public service and acquired 
his greatest public distinction. 

In retiring finally from his position he did not 
abandon his professional labors, but was frequently 
to be found in the highest courts of the common- 
wealth and of the nation in the argument of impor- 
tant cases. During the terrible civil war which soon 
afterwards afflicted the country he omitted no efforts 
in his power to sustain the cause of the Union accord- 
ing to the convictions of his own conscience. More 
than once he was summoned to Washington to hold 
council with cabinet officers in regard to measures in 
contemplation. At home, too, lie spared neither time 
nor money in encouraging the soldiers who went out 
from his own city or county. In 1862 he accepted an 
election to the State Senate, and was at once chosen 
president of that body, in that capacity rendering 
conspicuous service to the commonwealth at the most 
critical period of the war. In 1868 he was one of the 
electors at large, and united in giving the vote of 
Massachusetts to President Grant. 

In the previous year, however, 1867, he had en- 
tered upon a line of life which was finally to separate 
him from further professional or political service, and 
to confine him to the routine of practical business. 
Assuming the charge of the Boston and Providence 
Railroad corporation as its president, he devoted 
himself to its afiairs with all his accustomed earnest- 
ness and energy. 

He was a member of the American Academy of 
Arts and Sciences. He was also a member of the 
Massachusetts Historical Society. But he rendered 
larger services to Harvard University at Cambridge, 
of wliicli he was for many years one of the overseers 
and repeatedly the president of the board, in which 
capacity it became his duty to officiate at the induc- 
tion in 1853 of the late Rev. Dr. Walker, and in 1869 
of Charles W. Eliot, Esq., as presidents of the uni- 
versity. He received the degree of LL.D. from 
Brown University and also from Harvard University. 

Governor Clifford was also one of the original hoard 
of trustees of the great education fund established 
by the munificence of George Peabody, his personal 
friend, for the impoverished and desolated States of 
the South. No one was more faithful to that noble 



14 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



trust, and no one will be more affectionately and 
gratefully remembered by all who were associated 
with him in its labors and responsibilities. 

In the spring of 1873 he was compelled to abandon 
all occupation and fly to the salubrious airs of Florida. 
In the spring of 1875 a visit to Europe was recom- 
mended to him, and he sailed for Liverpool on the 
24th of April of that year. 

Before Governor Clifford embarked for Europe he 
had declined appointments as United States Minister 
both to Russia and to Turkey, which had been suc- 
cessively offered to him by the administration at 
AVashington. He had, however, previously accepted 
an appointment as United States Commissioner on 
the Fisheries under the arbitration treaty with Great 
Britain, and had always contemplated fulfilling that 
appointment. 

But his work was ended, public and private. In- 
deed, he had hardly reached his home in New Bed- 
ford, after a brief stay in Boston, where he arrived, 
and was but just beginning to receive from his old 
friends and neighbors the tokens of welcome which 
had awaited him, when a disease of the heart, which 
had given mysterious indications in former years, 
was now unmistakably manifested. A very few weeks 
sufficed to bring it to a crisis, and on the morning of 
the 2d of January, 187G, he died at New Bedford, in 
the house in which he had enjoyed for more than 
forty years the rarest domestic felicity, although from 
it again and again beloved children, in the most en- 
dearing stages of their lives, had been taken by the 
angel of death. His wife, two daughters, and three 
sons— Charles Warren Clifford, Walter Clifford, both 
members of the bar of Bristol County, and Dr. 
Arthur Clifford, since deceased— survived him. 

The following tribute to Governor Clifford was of- 
fered by a distinguished statesman of Virginia (the 
Hon. Alexander H. H. Stuart) when his death was 
announced at the annual meeting of the Peabody 
trustees at the White Sulphur Springs, in Virginia, 
in August, 1876 : 

"There was a quiet dignity and grace in every 
movement, and his countenance beamed with intelli- 
gence and benignity. To a mind of great power he 
united a heart which throbbed with generous im- 
pulses, and a happy facility of expression which gave 
a peculiar charm to his conversation. There was a 
frankness in his bearing and a genial urbanity about 
him which at once commended confidence and in- 
spired good will. Every one who approached him 
felt attracted by a species of personal magnetism 
which was irresistible." 

This biography of John Henry Clifford would be 
inadequate as a testimonial of his life and career if 
it did not include a statement of the following public 
demonstrations in memory of him which upon his 
death emanated from the political, charitable, literary, 
commercial, and professional institutions in which he 
had exercised conspicuous and beneficent functions: 



Telegram from the State Department of the United States: 

" WASHINfiTON, .ThII.;*, 18TG. 

"The announcement of the death of your most excellent fiithi-r is re- 
ceived with the deepest regret. The country loses a goo<i and pure man. 
The President tendere his sincere condolence. Be assured of my sym- 
pathy and sorrow. 

" Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State. 

"Charles W. Clifford, Esq., New Bedford." 

Extract from Governor Rice's Inaugural Message to the Legislature of Mas- 
sachnsetts, Jan. G, 187G. 
'' Nor can you or I forget that even now the earth is receiving to its 
hosom the remains of a past chief magistrate of the commonwealth, 
who embodied inhia cliaracter and exemplified in his life all tluitwe 
recognize as highest and noblest in the name of Christian and scholar, 
statfsman, gentleman, and friend." 

"In Senate of Massachusetts, Jan. 11, ISTG. 

"The committee on the death of ex-Governor Cliftbrd, to whom was 
referred the communication of His Excellency the Governor, report the 
accompanying reBolutious: 

"' Regolvedy That in the death of John Henry Clifford, ex-Governor of 
Massachusetts, the commonwealth has lostone of its most useful, accom- 
plished, and distinguished citizens. Whether his varied and well-trained 
powers were exi-rted in the cause of education or in the execution of 
the laws, or exercised in debate in either branch of the Legislature of 
this State, or tested in the responsible executive duties devolving upon 
him as the chief magistrate of this commonwealth, in all the positions 
of public trust he so worthily filled he illustrated the ardor of hitt pa- 
triotism, the vigor of his intellectual powers, aud added to the fame of 
the State wliich now mourns his death and honors his memory. 

*** liesolved. That his private, no less than his public, life bore testi- 
mony to the wisdom, strength, beauty, and grace of his personal charac- 
ter; dignified wiihout austerity, firm and decided in his convictions, yet 
courteous and deferential to those of his associates, with a power to 
apply his varied attainments to the practical affairs of business life, he 
added to the prosperity and happiness of his fellow-citizens by his ser- 
vices and counsel, aud thus exemplified the peculiar republican sim- 
plicity of our systems of government, which recognize all public posi- 
tions as temporary trusts, conferring honor only upon those who by 
wise and pure administration prove themselves worthy the no less 
honorable duties of private life.' 

"In Senate, Jan. 11, 1S7G. 

" Adopted. Sent down for concurrence. 

*'S. N. GiFFOUi), Clerk. 



' Concurred. 



" House of Representatives, Jan. 11, 187G. 
"George A. Mauden, Clerk." 



Tribute of the Trustees of the Peabody Education Fund. 
"Annual Meeting, 
" White Sulphur Springs, Aug. 5, 1876. 

"The following resolutions, proposed by Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, of 
Virginia, and seconded by Gen. Richard Taylor, of Louisiana, wero 
unanimously adopted; 

"* liesolved, That we have heard with profound sorrow of the death, 
since our hist annual meeting, of Hon. John H. Clifford, one of our 
original truslees, appointed by Mr. George Peabody to snperiiittjud tlie 
administration of his munificent donations to the cause of education in 
the Southern States. We feel that in the death of Governor Clifford we 
have lost the servicer and co-operation of one of the most useful, zeal- 
ous, and elficient members of our body, and that we have been deprived 
of the society of a gentleman whose eminent talents, liberal attainments, 
dignified and alfable manners, and genial temper were sources of con- 
stant pleasure to all who had the good fortune to be thrown intu inti- 
mate association with him. As legislator, attorney-general, and Gov- 
ernor of Massacliusetts, he gave abundant evidence of his wisdom, legal 
and administrative ability, and enlightened patriotism. As a sagacious, 
energetic, and public spirited citizen, he contributed largely to the de- 
velopment of the material interests of his native State. And iu his 
private life there was a continual exhibition of those manly virtues and 
attractiv(i graces which dignify and adorn the character of the Cliristian 
geutlenian. 

" ' His seat at our board has been left vacant. The places that have 
known him will know him no more. He has gone to enjoy the reward 
of a well-spent life. All that is left to us is the memory of bis taleuts, 
his eminent public services, aild his many virtues. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



15 



"* We bow with humble resignatiou to the will of Him in whose hands 
are the issues of life and deatli, ami %N'ith sorruwfnl hearts we now de* 
sire to inscribe on our records this imperfect tribute of reverence and 
affection for the memory of our deceased assuciiite and friend.' 

" George Pfabody Rvssell, Sea-etarifJ" 

" Tribute of the Oversetrs of Harvard UiiiversHy, Jan. 2G, 1876. 

"In the death of our late associate, John H. Clifford, we recognize the 
iuterruption of an honorable, useful, and happy life. Born in another 
State, be attaiued the highest official station in our coniniunwealth ; 
educated in another univei-sity, he presided for mauy years over the 
Overseers of Harvard ; trained to the law, he reached its high honoi-s a 
quarter of a century before be retired from practice to gain equal pre- 
cedence in another field of labor; trusted with high public offices, he 
held in private social station an equal rank ; and whether in public or 
in private, he held no place which he did not adequately fill. Adminis- 
tering the affairs of the commonwealth or the business of his corpora- 
tion, he was wise in counsel, conservative in action, skillful in dealing 
with men. J'residing in the Senate or in this board, we well know his 
tact, his courtesy, his impartiality. In his profession, to the strength of 
a sound mind in a sound body he did not disdain to add the grace of 
clear expression and of silver speech. As attorney-general, he gave a 
dignity to the office of public prosecutor, which in his bands partook of 
the nature of judicial service. In private life, welcome at every board, 
he welcomed his friends to his own with a broad, free hospitality. Suc- 
cess waited upon desert throughout his life. As a public man, no malice 
assailed, no envy touched him. In bis profession, the successful prose- 
cution of a great criminal in a cause ctltbre gave him a name at home 
and abroad. In his later business career, he left the corporation which 
he had in charge at the head of its kind in prosperity, and gave to our 
city an ornament which may stand as a monument alike of his good 
taste and his good judgment. His grace of manner, the expression of a 
kind and genial nature, attracted hosts of friends, whom bis real worth 
retained ; and in the sacred circle of home love was given and returned 
without stint or limit. He carried into public and business life the high 
sense of honor which is too often left at the home threshold ; and the 
State-House, the court-house, and the railroad felt its presence and its in- 
fluence. 

"Society has lost in him a noble gentleman, the State a useful citizen, 
this board an honored member, and many of us a dear friend." 

Tribute of the Boston and Providence Railroad Ciyrporation, 

" At a meeting of the directois of the Boston and Providence Kailroad 
corporation, railed for Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1876, owing to the death of 
the Hon. Joiin Henry ClilTurd, tin? late president of the company, which 
occurred suddenly at hia home in New Bedford, on Sunday morning, Jan- 
uary 2d, in the si.vty-seventh year of his age, the followiug resolutions 
were adopted and ordered to be entered upon the records. The acting 
president was requested to send a copy to Mr. Clifford's family : 

"In the death uC their president, his associate directors recognize the 
loss to the community — in which he had held so prominent and honor- 
able a position during a peculiarly active and useful life — of a distin- 
guished chief maiTistrate, of a pure, able, and eloquent public servant 
in the Senate and the forum, of a valued citizen, and of a must genial, 
cultivatetl, and courteous gentleman. 

" His presence will be missed from the academic exercises and advising 
Council of our neighboriug uuiversity, of which he was an adopted and 
favorite son, and whose houois he so greatly valued; from the list of the 
loyal living sons of bis own cherished Alma 3Iater, and from the board 
of trustees who were charged with the liberal educational bequest of 
the late George Peabody. 

" The grief of the house of mourning for its beloved bead is known 
but too well. 

"The general government, whose proffers of diplomatic life he felt 
obliged to decline, the commonwealth and the bar, with many learned 
bodies of which he was a member, have already offered their tributes 
to the memory of Mr, Cliflurd ; but, as intimately associated with him 
in his oflicial position as president of this corporation, we wish to make 
some simple record of the attachment and beieavemeut of every person 
connected with it. 

" And it is therefore 

"Seeolved, That by the death of President Clifford the stockholders 
of the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation have lost tlie services 
of one who gave of the best years of his life to their interests, and 
during whose administi-.ition, marked as it was by enterprise, discretion, 
and a conservative liberality, the prosperity of the road was so con- 
spicuous." ... • 



Tribute of the Bar of the County of Briatoly Maaeachusetls, 

" Nkw Bf.Dkord, Jan. 6, 1876. 

" Hon. George Marston. district attorney, presented to the court the 
following resolutions of the Uristol County bar; 

" ' Upon the decease of the Hon. John Henry Clifford, it is by the bar 
of Bristol County 

'^ ^ liesolofdy That while we are saddened by the affliction which has 
removed from oursight our most eminent brother and leader, our recol- 
lection of his professional career affords the highest satisfaction. His 
love of the law, as the chosen pursuit of his life, was sincere, ardeut, con- 
trolling, and unabated. His ability was unquestioned in every depart- 
ment of his profession. His learning was ample and his skill adequate 
to every exigency. The tone of his practice, whether in consultation or 
in his addresses to the jury or to the court, was always in accord with 
the purest ethics. His fidelity to his client and his cause was only 
equaled by his fidelity to the best standards of honor and duty. As the 
law officer of the commonwealth, he added dignity to the office and dis- 
tinction to the State. The fame which he attained as a lawyer was illus- 
trated by the noblest qualities of personal character.'" 

The foregoing biography has beeu composed mostly 
by adopting, in substance and in words, parts of a 
memoir prepared — agreeably to a resolution of the 
Mas-^achusetts Historical Society — by Hon. Robert C. 
Winthrop, who became, in 1S3G, one of the aides-de- 
camp of Governor Edward Everett, and then formed 
with Col. Clifford ties which for more than forty 
years were maintained by constant correspondence 
and familiar friendship. The composer of this biog- 
raphy is one who regrets that the necessary limita- 
tions of his work do not permit him to do justice to 
the charming and endearing personality of John 
Henry Clifford, and to an experience of his abundant 
and delicate kindness of heart during more than thirty 
years of intimate professional and affectionate social 
intercourse with him. 

Joseph Ricketson Williams, son of Richard and 
Rebecca (Smith) Williams, of New Bedford, Mass., 
was born on the 14th of November, 1808, and was a 
lineal descendant of Edward Winslow, the Puritan. 
Under the instruction of Luther B. Lincoln he was 
fitted for Harvard at the Sandwich Academy. He 
gained a high rank of scholarship, and graduated with 
distinguished honors at Cambridge in 1831. He then 
entered the law-office of Hon. John Davis in Worces- 
ter, with whom he completed his studies for the prac- 
tice of law. After his admittance to the bar, he was 
offered a partnership with Hon. John H. Clifford, of 
New Bedford, which his uncertain state of health 
induced him to decline, and he relinquished his pro- 
fession, and in 1835 he accej^ted the agency of an 
extensive New England company for investments in 
Western lands, and went to Toledo, Ohio. There he 
built the American Hotel, and, with Mr. Pierre M. 
Irving, laid the foundation of the ' Toledo Blade, and 
gave it its significant name. In 1839 he took up val- 
uable lands on St. Joseph's River in Michigan, and 
built a fine flouring mill, which after a profitable 
business of several years was destroyed by fire. 

From 1837 to 1853, Mr. Williams was largely iden- 
tified with the political interests of the State of Mich- 
igan. Twice a candidate for the United States Senate 
against Gen. Cass, and three times a Whig candidate 



10 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



for Congress, owing to the overwhelming strength of 
the Democratic purty, tlie Whigs were successively 
defeated. He was elected a member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention of Michigan in 1850. In 1853 he 
returned to Toledo, bought out the Blade, which then 
became the sturdy advocate of Republican principles. 
It nominated Salmon Chase for Governor of the State, 
and did more for the party in Northern Ohio than all 
the other papers in the State. After three years of 
editorial labor his health again failed him, and he 
accepted at the hands of the Michigan Legislature the 
presidency of the Agricultural College of Michigan at 
Lansing. Few men had written with greater ability 
on agricultural sulijects, and he W'as marked as the 
most suitable person to inaugurate this experiment, 
the first of its kind in this country. 

The undertaking prospered, but after a year of 
laborious exertion he was forced to abandon. the work 
and seek relief in Havana and the Bermudas. 

He returned in 1860 improved in health, and was 
elected to tlie Senate of Michigan, which body elected 
him president. His speeches to the Senate at the 
outbreak of the Rebellion are models of patriotism 
and eloquence. 

Mr. Williams was a writer of great power, his ideas 
comprehensive, and his words fitly chosen. He was 
a man of great heart, generous, and deeplj' sensitive 
to the misfortunes of his fellow-men. In social life lie 
was a most agreeable companion, full of intelligence, 
with a large acquaintance with books and extensive 
literary acquirements, which served to adorn his 
natural powers as a conversationalist. The precarious 
state of his health prevented him from being one of 
the men of mark in his native State, and returning in 
a large measure to his Alma Mater the fruits of her 
planting. 

His death at any time would have been felt as a 
calamity, but it happened at a time when the thoughts 
of such men were needed to give tone and character 
to the public acts and enterprises of the age, and was 
felt most keenly by his associates. 

Mr. Williams died suddenly on the 15th of June, 
1861, at his old home in Constantine, and was buried 
in New Hedford. He married in Buffalo, in 1844, 
Sarah Rowland Langdon, daughter of John Langdon, 
and granduiece of Gen. Jolin Langdon, of New 
Hampshire. 

Hon. Joshua Clapp Stone, a son of Henry B. 
and Elizabeth (Clapp) Stone, was born in Boston on 
the 28th of August, 1825. His father was cashier 
and president of the Suffolk Bank. He lived in 
Boston till 1838, and was there a pupil of Mr. T. B. 
Haywood. At an academy at Leicester, Mass., he 
prepared for Harvard College, which he entered in 
1840. He was a diligent student, and his gentlemanly 
manners, honorable bearing, sympathetic nature, and 
genial ways won and retained the universal respect 
of the faculty and his fellow-students. After his 
graduation in 1844 he entered the Dane Law School 



of Harvard. In 1846 he entered the law-office of 
Col. J. H. W. Paige, of New Bedford, remaining there 
till 1853, w'hen he associated himself with Judge 
Brigham, of the same city, remaining with jiim till 
Mr. Brigham was appointed to the bench, when he 
returned to Boston. The attractions of New Bedford 
for him led him back to that city in 1862, when h^ 
entered into partnership with Hon. W. W. Crapo, 
with whom he remained till his death. He was at 
one time justice of the Court of Insolvency for the 
county of Bristol. In 1866 and 1867 he represented 
the Eleventh Representative District in the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature. 

Sept. 17, 1850, Mr. Stone married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Nathaniel and Anna Hatheway, of New Bed- 
ford. He died in that city Jan. 2, 1869, leaving a 
widow and five children, four sons and a daughter, 
all of whom are living. Mr. Stone was held in high 
esteem, and was a great loss not only to his family, 
but to the social and business community and to the 
legal profession. As a counselor, he was regarded as 
honorable and upright; as an advocate, convincing, 
persuasive, earnest, and logical ; as a legislator, pub- 
lic-spirited, zealous, and sincere. His associates ot 
the bar had a high appreciation of his legal knowledge 
and keen judgment ; judges before whom he appeared 
showed their appreciation of his manliness, ability, 
and sincerity; the Legislature felt his power, and was 
honored and strengthened by his presence. 

Oliver Prescott is now the oldest lawyer prac- 
ticing law in New Bedford. He was born in Mid- 
dlesex County, Nov. 25, 1806, w.as educated at Har- 
vard College, and, after teaching at the Friends' 
Academy in New Bedford, and studying law in the 
law school at Cambridge, in the office of Lemuel Wil- 
liams, Esq., of New Bedford, was admitted to the bar 
at the June term in 1832. He was appointed judge 
of probate in 1835, and held that office until the court 
was abolished in 1858. He was in 1846 appointed 
judge of the police court of New Bedford, and held 
that office until 1858, when he resigned. 

He has always been a careful, wise, and discreet ad- 
viser, and has had more experience in probate matters 
than any other lawyer in this county. He has always 
had the confidence and regard of his brethren at the 
bar, and is now held in much esteem by all classes of 
the citizens of New Bedford and adjoining towns. 

Hon. George Marston. — When in the winter of 
1868-69 the members of the New Bedford bar stood 
around the open grave of Joshua C. Stone, paying 
the last tribute of respect to one who from the first 
rank in the profession had just passed away in the 
fullness of his great powers, the thought must have 
passed through the minds of many, " Who will fill 
his place?" The older members of the bar had then 
all either passed away, retired from active practice, 
or gone upon the bench, and while others were dis- 
tinguished in other branches of the profession the 
mantle of leadership in the courts had fallen upon 





CLy^j-L/^-iyl/\ 





O-^oe^ 



c/^JiJh^ipU< 



BENCH AND BAR. 



17 



Stone and Stetson. To this high position made va- 
cant by the death of Mr. Stone the name of no heir- 
apparent appeared upon the roll of the New Bedford 
bar, which at this time was very limited in number, 
and it was evident that Mr. Stone'.s successor must be 
found elsewhere. The reputation which George Mars- 
ton, of Barnstable, then district attorney for the South- 
ern District, had already achieved throughout South- 
ern Massachusetts determined the selection, and on 
Feb. 1, 1869, Mr. Marston removed to New Bedford 
and took the vacant chair. 

Born at Barnstable, Oct. 15, 1821, he was educated 
at the common schools of his native town, and com- 
pleted his professi(jnal education at the Harvard Law 
School, and was .admitted to the bar at the September 
term, 1845. But no adequate conception of his op- 
portunities in the preparation for his professional ca- 
reer would be gained without remembering that be 
had the good fortune to sit at the feet of Nynphas 
Marston, his uncle, whose influence, inspired by the 
respect and affection and confidence in which he was 
held by the people of his county, was said to be so 
great that a Barnstable County jury could not give a 
verdict against Nynphas Marston, and it was un- 
doubtedly from this source that the nephew acquired 
those characteristics which, on a wide field, enabled 
him to repeat his uncle's experience. While a resi- 
dent of Barnstable he was, from March, 1853, to De- 
cember, 1854, register of probate, and judge of probate 
from 1854 to July 1, 1858. For nearly twenty years 
(January, 1860-79) he held the office of district at- 
torney for the Southern District with such marked 
ability and conscientious devotion to its delicate and 
responsible duties that when, on his promotion to the 
office of attorney-general, he resigned this office to 
which he had been seven times elected, the bar of 
Bristol united in a public testimonial of their appre- 
ciation of his public worth and distinguished services. 
Entering on the discharge of his duties as attorney- 
general of the commonwealth, .January, 1879, he 
was three times re-elected, and having in the fall of 
1882 declined a renomination, he closed, in January, 
1883, a service of a quarter of a century as a prosecu- 
ting officer with a record of unsullied integrity, great 
ability, and the affectionate regard of all classes of 
people rarely equaled. But it is not only as a public 
officer that he is known and respected. For the last 
fifteen years scarcely a cause of the first magnitude 
has been tried on the civil side of the court in which 
Mr. Marston has not been eng.aged, and in which his 
arguments to the jury have been masterpieces of fo- 
rensic ability. Nor has his work been confined en- 
tirely to the strict line of his profession. As presi- 
dent of the Nantucket and Cape Cod Steamboat 
Company, director of the Old Colony Railroad Com- 
pany, the Citizens' National Bank of New Bedford, 
and the Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company, he 
has displayed business abilities of a high order. 

And so the members of the New Bedford bar feel 
2 



that the question which was in their minds on that 
beautiful winter's day in January, 1869, has been 
fully answered, and that with untiring energy and 
pre-eminent ability, with marvelous resources and 
quickness in their use, with the keenest conception of 
the true relation of facts to each other, with an un- 
limited fertility of expression and effective and per- 
suasive diction, all united with an impressive phy- 
sique, and with all these great powers held in place 
and controlled by a fullness of heart which has won 
the affection, and a character of perfect integrity 
which has commanded the respect, of all, George 
Marston has worthily and completely continued the 
succession of the leaders of the bar of Southern Mas- 
sachusetts. 

Lincoln Flagg Brighaji was born in Cambridge 
(Port), Mass., on Oct. 4, 1819, and was the youngest 
of six children, whose parents were Lincoln Brigham, 
son of Elijah and Ruth (Taylor) Brigham, of Soutli- 
boro', Mass., and Lucy (Forbes) Brigham, daughter of 
Elisha and Hannah (Flagg) Forbes, of Westboro', 
Mass. Lincoln Brigham, father of the subject of 
this sketch, was a descendant of the sixth generation 
from " Thomas Brigham, who, aged thirty-two years, 
embarked at London for New England April 18, 
1635, in the ship 'Susan and EUyn,' Edward Payne, 
master," and was a " townsman" of Cambridge, Mass., 
where he died in 1853, leaving three sons, who upon 
the second marriage of their mother settled in Marl- 
boro', Mass., and are supposed to have been the pro- 
genitors of all persons in the United States bearing 
the name of Brigliam. 

Lincoln F. Brigham, when partially fitted for col- 
lege, entered the counting-room of Samuel Austin, 
Jr., a distinguished merchant of Boston, engaged in 
trade with Calcutta, and after remaining in this em- 
ployment between two and three years, abandoned 
his commercial education and prepared for college 
under the private tuition of Rev. David Peabody, the 
husband of his eldest sister, and afterwards Professor 
of Belles-Lettres and Rhetoric in Dartmouth College ; 
entered in 1838, and graduated from Dartmouth 
College in 1842. He immediately upon leaving col- 
lege entered the Dane Law School of Harvard Uni- 
versity, and there remained until January, 1844, 
when he entered as a student of law the office of Clif- 
ford (John H.) & Colby (Harrison G. 0.) at New 
Bedford, and there studied law until he was admitted 
to the bar in Court of Common Pleas, Bristol County, 
at New Bedford, June term, 1845. H. G. O. Colby 
having a month previously been appointed a justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Cliftbrd, on July 
1, 1845, received Mr. Brigham into a partnership with 
him in the practice of law, which continued until 
Mr. Clifford became Governor of Massachusetts in 
1853, when he appointed Mr. Brigham to the office of 
district attorney of the Southern District of Massa- 
chusetts, comprising the counties of Bristol, Barn- 
stable, Nantucket, and Duke's. 



18 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



On Oct. 20, 1847, Lincoln F. Brigham married Eliza 
Endicott Swain, only daughter of Thomas Swain, of 
New Bedford, and son of Thaddeus and Euth (Hus- 
sey) Svvain, both natives of Nantucket, and Sylvia 
(Perry) Swain, of New Bedford, daughter of Dr. 
Samuel and Sylvia (Clap[)) Perry, and their children 
are four sons. 

Mr. Brigham held the office of district attorney of 
the Southern District, under his original appointment, 
until 185(5, when, that office becoming elective, he was 
elected to and continued in it until he was appointed 
in 1859 by Governor N. P. Banks, upon the estab- 
lishment of the Superior Court, to be one of its asso- 
ciate justices, and served in that office until on Jan. 
28, 1860, upon the promotion of Seth Ames, chief 
justice of the Superior Court to the Supreme Judicial 
Court, Governor William Chaflin ajipointcd Judge 
Brigham to the chief justiceship of the Superior Court, 
and he is now in that office. Judge Brigham resided 
in New Bedford from 1844 to 1860, in Boston from 
1860 to 1866, and from 1866 to this tim.e in Salem, 
Essex Co., Mass. Judge Brigham has never held or 
been a candidate for any political office. 

Judge Brigham's career has been one of constant 
success ; whether at the bar pleading for his client, 
or as public prosecutor enforcing the criminal laws of 
the commonwealth, or upon the bench holding with 
absolute impartiality the scales of justice, he has won 
the unqualified approval of all with whom he has 
been associated. But, better even than this, his per- 
fect mental and moral integrity, born of a conscience 
which palliates no deviation from the highest and 
most exacting standard of duty, has won for his pro- 
fessional and judicial life the respect and admiration 
of every class of men ; while his courtesy and be- 
nignity, beaming from a fiice of wonderful attractive- 
ne.ss, have made Lowell's lines as true of him as they 
were of Agassiz, that 

" Where'er he met a stranger, 
There he k-ft a friend." 

Alansek Borden, the present judge of the Third 
District Court of Bristol, holden at New Bedford, 
was born in Tiverton, K. I. (now Fall River) in 1823. 
He studied law in the office of Eliot & Kasson, in 
New Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in June, 
1849. He has been one of the School Committee of 
New Bedford a number of years, was a member of 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives, was as- 
sistant assessor under the internal revenue law in 
1864, was judge of the police court, and became judge 
of the present District Court, which office he now 
holds. He was mayor of New Bedford in 1877 for 
one year. 

Edwin Luther Barney was born in Swansea, in 
this commonwealth, on the 1st day of April, A.D. 
1827. His father was Capt. Edwin Barney, son of 
the reputed ship-builder, Moses Barney. At a very 
early age his father died, and his mother was left with 



three small children, our subject being the eldest, un- 
der the age of seven years. 

At nine years of age Mr. Barney left his home to 
get his own livelihood, and from nine to sixteen years 
of age worked upon a farm for his living, going to 
school winters, some four months each year. After 
about sixteen years of age he worked upon a farm 
and went to academic schools in the fall with the 
earnings of the same, and in the winters went to 
school, doing chores for his board, and thus acquired 
a sufficient education to pass, in the fall of 1846, ad- 
mission to Brown University. In March, 1849, he 
came to New Bedford, where he has since resided, 
and entered the law-office of the late Timothy G. Cof- 
fin, and in October, 1850, was admitted before the full 
court to practice law in the courts of Massachusetts. 
Mr. Barney soon afterwards entered into partnership 
with Mr. Coffin, and from November, 18.50, to Janu- 
ary, 1853, the firm was Coffin & Barney. Then Mr. 
Barney at his request withdrew from the firm and 
commenced the practice of the law alone, and from 
that date to this time has been engaged in all the 
various branches of his profession. He is now in the 
prime of life, with all the vigor of a man of thirty 
years of age. Democratic in politics. 

Robert C. Pitman is a native of New Bedford. 
He came to the bar in 1847 ; was a partner for a num- 
ber of years with Thomas D. Eliot, then a leading 
lawyer in New Bedford. He was a judge of the 
Police Court of New Bedford for several years ; then 
he went to the State Senate, where he proved to be a 
leading man. He was an active temperance worker 
and legislator, and then he worked his way to the ap- 
pointment of a judge of the Supreme Court. He has 
an excellent judicial mind, and is in every way quali- 
fied for the highest court of the commonwealth. 
Judge Pitman is a hard student and honest thinker 
not only in law, but in all questions of interest to 
humanity. 

Hon. William W. Crapo, one of the leading 
members of the Massachusetts bar, was born in Dart- 
mouth, Bristol Co., May 16, 1830. 

He was educated at the public schools in New Bed- 
ford, prepared for college at Phillips Academy, 
Andover, and subsequently entered Yale, where he 
graduated in 1852. Having decided upon the legal 
profession as his life-work, he commenced the study 
of the law in the office of the late Governor Cliffiard 
at New Bedford, and also attended the Dane Law 
School at Cambridge. He was admitted to the bar in 
February, 1855, and commenced practice in New Bed- 
ford, where he has since resided. In April following 
his admission to the bar he was appointed city solic- 
itor, which office he held twelve years. 

In 1856, Mr. Crapo entered the political arena, 
making his first speeches for John C. Fremont, the 
first candidate of the Republican party for President. 
In the autumn of the same year he was elected to 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the 




[jj U. . CaJ ■ (o -^ a Pa 




y/cc^ ., ^/^ t^ 



j^^y^f^^^. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



19 



following year, 1857, he was solicited to become the 
candidate of his partj' for State senator, which prof- 
fered honor he declined. 

Not only did Mr. Crapo soon secure a leading posi- 
tion at the bar, but he won in an especial manner the 
confidence of the citizens of New Bedford. All move- 
ments tending to advance the interests of New Bed- 
ford have found in him an earnest supporter. He was 
chairman of the commission on the introduction of 
water, and from 1865 to 1875 was chairman of the 
water board. 

In all positions where business capacity, good 
judgment, and executive ability are needed his ser- 
vices are always in request. As guardian or trustee 
for the management of estates, his high character and 
business talent brought to him the tender of more 
business than he could possibly undertake. In the 
larger field of business enterprise and the manage- 
ment of financial affairs, his peculiar endowments 
and his entire trustworthiness have been fully recog- 
nized for many years. He has been for twelve years 
the president of the Mechanics' National Bank of 
New Bedford, is a trustee in one savings-bank and 
is solicitor for several others. He is a director in the 
Potamska Mills and the Wamsutta Mills corpora- 
tions and other manufactories, and is associated in 
the management of several railroad corporations. 
He is a prominent manufacturer of lumber, and has 
interests in shipping. In his profession he is pre- 
eminently a business lawyer, being familiar with 
large commercial transactions in all their bearings. 
With the insurance business he has been familiar 
from a boy in his father's oflice, and was for many 
years a director in one of the old New Bedford com- 
panies. He is also president of the Flint and Pere 
Marquette Railroad in Michigan, a part of which was 
organized and begun through his father's efforts. 

Mr. Crapo is a scholarly man of great mental grasp, 
industry, and energy, which have enabled him to 
master and successfully carry through in all their 
detail the duties devolved upon him by so many 
varied interests. 

He was elected as a representative to the Forty- 
fourth Congress to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected 
to the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh 
Congresses, declining in 1882 to longer be a candi- 
date. Mr. Crapo early took a prominent position in 
Congress, and in the Forty-fifth Congress was a mem- 
ber of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in the 
Forty-sixth was in the Committee on Banking and 
Currency. 

In the Forty-seventh Congress he was chairman of 
the same committee, and excited the admiration of 
the business men of the country by his skillful man- 
agement of the bill for extending the charters of the 
national banks, a bill which was successfully carried 
through under his leadership in spite of all obstacles. 
In the tariff legislation, through which the tax on the 
capital and deposits of banks and bankers was re- 



moved, Mr. Crapo's familiarity with the subject was 
of great service, and secured the direct application of 
the law to the national banks. Other prominent ser- 
vices might be recalled if the limits of this sketch did 
not prevent. It is sufficient to say that his value as 
a legislator was recognized and highly appreciated, 
not only by his constituents, who knew the man, but 
by the country. 

P. C. Headley, in his "Public Men of To-Day," in 
speaking of Mr. Crapo, says, " At the age of fifty Mr. 
Crapo finds himself well started in political life, in 
the full maturity of his powers, and possessing what 
some politician has so neatly termed ' the pecuniary 
basis.' In person he strongly resembles his father, a 
man of keenly intellectual physiognomy. The family 
is of French origin, regarding which there is a ro- 
mantic tradition. Both father and son have a type of 
face which is French rather than English. The strong 
mental as well as physical resemblance of the son to 
the father is a striking illustration of Galton's doctrine 
of heredity." 

Politically, Mr. Crapo is a Republican, and his po- 
litical instincts are liberal and progressive. He is an 
exceptionally able legislator, and one of the most 
honored citizens of the commonwealth. 

The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by 
Yale College in 1882. 

Jan. 22, 1857, Mr. Crapo united in marriage with 
Sarah Ann Davis Tappan, daughter of George and 
Serena Davis Tappan, and their children are Henry 
Howland Crapo, born Jan. 31, 1862, now in senior 
class (1883) at Harvard University, and Stanford Tap- 
pan Crapo, born June 13, 1865, now in the freshman 
class (1886) of Yale College. 

Thoaia.s M. Stetson.— Mr. Stetson, son of the late 
Rev. Caleb Stetson, of Medford, Mass., was born in 
that town June 15, 1830. He graduated from Har- 
vard University in 18-19, and studied law at the Dane 
Law School, Cambridge, and in New Bedford. In 
1854, immediately upon his admission to the bar, he 
was invited to join one of the oldest law-offices in the 
State, established more than half a century ago in 
New Bedford by the late Hon. Lemuel Williams and 
Judge Charles Henry Warren. Later the style of the 
firm was Warren & Eliot (the late Hon. Thomas D.), 
and in 1854 it was Eliot & Pitman (now Judge Robert 
C). Mr. Eliot's absence much of the time in Con- 
gress created the need of an additional partner, and 
the firm became Eliot, Pitman & Stetson, continu- 
ing a few years till the withdrawal of Judge Pitman, 
when it became Eliot & Stetson, and so remained 
until the death of Mr. Eliot in 1870. The firm now 
is Stetson & Greene (Francis B.). 

Mr. Stetson at once took high rank at the bar. The 
law never had occasion to be jealous of him, for she 
never had a more faithful and devoted lover. Nothing 
has been allowed to interfere with his legal studies, 
and as a pure lawyer, in mastery of the law, great 
principles, in affluence of legal and other learning, in 



20 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



exhaustive preparation of his cases, and in their clear 
and lucid presentation to tlie courts, he has no superior 
in Southern Massachusetts. 

Mr. Stetson was married in 1856 to Caroline Dawes 
Eliot, eldest daughter of the late Hon. Thomas Dawes 
Eliot. 

Adaji Mackie is a Scotchman by birth, and in- 
herits a Scotch constitution. He is now about sixty 
years of age. He began life a poor boy, rose by his 
own exertions to become a lawyer, and for some 
twenty years had a large and lucrative law practice, 
especiall)' in the admiralty courts. He often ex- 
hibited considerable slvill in the conducting of cases 
before Judge Sprogen. His social qualities made him 
acceptable and welcome, and he was always so will- 
ing to aid another that none can say aught against 
him. He has not been in the practice for some ten 
years past, and has lost his healtli. 

A. L. West was for some years in practice with Mr. 
Mackie, but died some fifteen years ago with con- 
sumption. He was a pleasant and agreeable man. 
He was a good lawyer and safe counselor. 

Lemuel Tripp Wilcox was born in Fairhaven, 
in the county of Bristol, in August, 1835, was edu- 
cated at Yale College, and graduated in 1860. 

He studied law in the office of Eliot & Stetson, in the 
city of New Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in 
June, 1862. He quickly rose in his profession, and 
was early in good position, and is now a leading law- 
yer at the bar of this county. His addresses to the 
jury and the court are always full of fine sentences, 
clothed in the most polished words. He is now in 
active practice, and in the very prime of life. 

Charles W. Clifford, son of John H. and 
Sarah Parker (Allen) Clifford, was born Aug. 19, 
1844, at New Bedford, Mass., where he was fitted for 
Harvard College at the old " Friends' Academy," 
then in charge of the late T. Prentiss Allen. 

Entering college at the age of seventeen, he soon 
won the respect and esteem of his instructors, as well 
as his fellows, and after having borne a prominent 
part in all the literary and social enterprises of his 
time, graduated with full honors in July, 1865. 

Never, from his earliest years, having had a doubt as 
to the choice of a profession, he at once began the study 
of the law, which he pursued under instruction from 
Hon. E. H. Bennett, of Taunton ; Hon. John C. 
Dodge, of Boston, and at the Harvard Law School, 
and after being admitted to the bar in New Bedford 
at the June term, 1868, began practice in the office 
formerly occupied by his father. Here he practiced 
alone until February, 1869, when the firm of Marston 
& Crapo was formed, of which he continued a mem- 
ber until its dissolution in April, 1878, since when he 
has been an active partner of the firm of Crapo, Clif- 
ford & Clifford, one of two firms formed principally 
from the members of the old firm of Marston & Crapo. 

On May 5, 1869, he married Frances Lothrop, 
daughter of Charles L. and Elizabeth T. Wood, of 



New Bedford, who died April 28, 1872, and on March 
15, 1876, he married Wilhelmiiia H., daughter of the 
late Governor Crapo, of Michigan, and sister of his 
partner, Hon. William W. Crapo. 

While a member of the firm of Marston & Crapo, 
he was constantly associated as junior couns'el with 
Hon. George Marston in the trial of important causes, 
the preparation of which was frequently intrusted to 
him, and the training and valuable experience de- 
rived from this association soon bore its fruit in the 
recognition of a legal ability of a high order, and a 
maturity of thouglit and judgment which rendered 
him a wise and valued counselor, and which led to 
his appointment as one of the commissioners to re- 
vise the judiciary system of the commonwealth in 
1876, an appointment received by the profession as 
one eminently fit to be made. 

Loyal to the principles of the Republican party, 
and earnest and energetic in maintaining its integ- 
rity and influence, he has ever been found in the 
front rank of its active supporters, and several times 
as chairman of the Republican City Committee of 
New Bedford, as delegate to and assistant secretary 
of the Republican National Convention at Chicago 
in 1880, later as a member of the Republican State 
Central Committee of Massachusetts, and as manager 
of the campaign of Hon. William W. Crapo for the 
gubernatorial nomination in 1882, has shown a readi- 
ness and ability to do whatever should be required of 
him as a supporter of Republican principles, and in 
these various positions has rendered valuable service 
to his party. 

His association with the late Charles L. Wood, his 
father-in-law and one of the leading merchants of 
New Bedford, following upon an early inculcation of 
business habits and methods by his distinguished 
father, enabled him to obtain a practical education in 
affairs such as is acquired by few lawyers, and this, 
coupled with a natural aptitude for business questions, 
has not only secured for him many clients among the 
business institutions of New Bedford, but has been 
the means of his aid and counsel being much sought 
for in the organization of new enterprises and in the 
conduct and direction of those already established. 
He has also charge of many public and private trusts, 
and his position at the bar and in affairs of business 
is thoroughly established and secure. 

Mr. Cliflbrd's success as a lawyer is due not less to 
his natural and acquired ability than to the fact that 
his sphere of life was determined by himself and his 
parents from the beginning, and it may be truly said 
that he commenced the study of his profession in his 
earliest boyhood. To a clear, discriminating, and ca- 
pacious mind and the results of earnest study under 
the best teachers he adds an enthusiastic love of the 
law, most vigorous and efficient action in the under- 
standing of his causes, scrupulous fidelity to lys 
clients in all emergencies, and a chivalrous sense of 
professional and personal honor. 





'/f.€)A^AU^ 




BENCH AND BAR. 



21 



Among the younger members of the bar he pre- 
serves all the freshness and humor of boyhood, and 
among the seniors he sustains the dignity of a recog- 
nized equal, and his social qualities render him a most 
delightful companion and friend. 

Wendell H. Cobb was born at Sandwich in 1838. 
He is the son of the Rev. Asahel Cobb, was educated 
at Dartmouth College, and graduated in 1861, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1865. He was a law part- 
ner with Marston & Crapo until that firm was dis- 
solved. He is now associated with Mr. Marston, the 
firm being Marston & Cobb. He is a good lawyer and 
safe counselor. 

HosEA M. Knowlton, the present district attor- 
ney for the Southern District of Ma.ssachusetts, was 
born in Durham, in the State of Maine, May 20, 1847. 
He was educated at Tuft's College, graduating in the 
class of 1867. He studied law in the office of the 
Hon. Edwin L. Barney, in New Bedford, and at Har- 
vard Law School, and was admitted to the bar upon 
the motion of Mr. Barney at the Su])reme Court in 
Jun^ 1870. He had an oftice in Boston for one year, 
and in 1872 returned to New Bedford and entered the 
office of Mr. Barney, and from the year 1872 to 1879 
was a partner with Mr. Barney. He was in 1876 
elected to the House of Representatives of Massa- 
chusetts from New Bedford, and also for the year 
1877, and the following years, 1878 and 1879, was a 
member of the State Senate. lu February, 1879, he 
was appointed district attorney (to fill the place of 
the Hon. George Marston, who had been elected to 
the office of attorney-general), which oflice Mr. 
Knowlton now holds. He is an excellent advocate 
and wise counselor. 

The present members of the bar in New Bedford are 
as follows : 



Almy, Edvv.ird C. 
Barney, Edwin L. 
Bartlett, Fredcriik 0. S. 
Bonney, Charles T. 
Borden, Aluiieon. 
Clark, A, Edwin. 
Clifford, Charles W. 
Clifford, Walter. 
Codd, Thomas A. 
Cohb, Welulcll H. 
Collins, Alheit B. 
Crapo, William W. 
Desmond, Tlnmiaa F. 
Devon, Daniel T. 
Douglass, Edwin A. 
Fessenden, Charles B. H. 
Gillingham, James L. 
Goodspeed, Alexander M. 
Greene, Francis B. 



Holmes, Leninel L. B. 
Hopkins, Frederic S. 
Johnson, William H. 
Knowlton, Hosea M. 
Luce, Edward J. 
Mackie, Adam. 
Marston, George. 
Milliken, Frank A. 
I'ahner, George H. 
Parker, William C. 
Perry, Arthur E. 
Pierce, John N. 
Pierce, Philip. 
Prescott, Oliver. 
Smith, William B. 
Stetson, Thomas M. 
Sullavoii, Manuel. 
Tappan, Francis W. 
Wilcox, Lemuel T. 



Taunton.' —Hon. Samuel White, the youngest 
of eight children of Samuel and Ann (Bingley) White, 
was born in Weymouth, April 2, 1710, and graduated 
from Harvard College in 1731, at the age of twenty-one. 



The following notices of mem hers of the legal profession in Taunton 
were prepared hy Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. 



He was a great-grandson of Thomas White, early at 
Weymouth, whose son Joseph married, Sept. 19, 1660, 
Lydia Rogers, and was the father of Samuel, born 
Feb. 14, 1666. Anna, sister of Samuel, the subject of 
this notice, was the first wife of William Wilde, whose 
only child, Daniel Wilde, married Anna Sumner, and 
was the father of Hon. Samuel S. Wilde, justice of the 
Supreme Court of Massachusetts. 

Hon. Samuel White has the honor of leading the 
profession of law in Taunton in the order of time cer- 
tainly. No other name is recorded before him. Rev. 
Mr. Danforth " was no contemptible lawyer" in the 
opinion of Mr. Baylies, and there were other men in 
all the generations who could do " law business," but 
to Mr. White has generally been assigned the proud 
position of the " first Taunton lawyer." His contem- 
poraries, as Mr. Alger suggests in a valuable article 
in the "Collections of the Old Colony Historical So- 
ciety," 1879, were Elkanah Leonard, of Middlebor- 
ough ; Stephen Paine, of Bristol, some years judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas; Timothy Ruggles, of 
Sandwich, and James Otis, of Barnstable, the father 
of the distinguished patriot bearing that name. It is 
not quite certain when Mr. White commenced prac- 
tice in Taunton, but probably not far from 1739. In 
1744 he was commissioned as justice of the peace for 
Bristol County. In 1746, when the courts first began 
their sessions in Taunton, he was appointed king's 
attorney of the Court of Sessions, holding the ap- 
pointment till death. Mr. White represented Taun- 
ton in the General Court in the years 1749-53, 1756- 
59, 1764^65 ; acted as Speaker of the House in 1759, 
1764-65, and was chosen a member of the Council in 
1767-69. 

He had the honor of presiding over the House 
during the period of the Stamp Act, when Otis and 
Adams were members and made their names famous 
in American history. It was the circular signed by 
him as Speaker which led to the first Congress, as- 
sembled at New York in 1765. Thu.s the initiatory 
steps towards the American Revolution were taken by 
him, whose death occurred the 20th of March, 1769. 
The following inscription is found on the slab which 
marks the place of his burial on the "Plain:" 

" In memory 

of 

The Hon. Samuel White, Esq., 

Colonel 

of 

a foot regiment of Militia, 

Barrister at law, 

and 

Meniher of the Hon. his Majesty's Council, 

who 

having been often delegated to the office of government, 

faithfully served his God, his King, and bis country, 

and exhihiting, thro' an unspotted course of life, 

the virtues of a patriot, the friend X- the Christian, 

fell asleep in Jesus 

March 211, MDCCLXIX., 

in the LIX. 

year of his age. 



22 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



This liumble stone, small tril'iite of their praise. 

Lamented shade ! thy weeping offspring raise. 

Oil ! while their footsteps hannt y« hallowed shrine. 

May each fair branch shoot fertile as y« vine. 

Not with thy dust be here thy virtues' tomb, 

But briglitening still, each grace transplanted bloom ; 

Sire, sons, and daughters share alike renown. 

Applauding angels, a celestial crown." 

Mr. White man-ied in November, 1735, Prudence, 
daughter of Samuel Williams, of Taunton, and had 
the following children: (1) Experience, born 1738, 
and married to Hon. George Leonard, LL.D. ; (2) 
Anna, born 1741, and married to Hon. Daniel Leon- 
ard ; (8) Bathsheba, born 1746, and married to the 
Hon. William Baylies, M.D. 

The White homestead was on the old road to the 
Weir, now Somerset Avenue, not far from the inter- 
section of White Street. 

Madame Prudence White lies buried by the side of 
her husband, with the following affectionate tribute 
to her memory : " In early life she was a firm believer 



Although residing in Taunton, his practice was not 
confined to any such narrow limits. His clients were 
in all parts of the commonwealth. Writes a descend- 
ant of his, " He constantly attended the courts at 
Boston, Taunton, Plymouth, Barustable, Worcester, 
and other places. His great powers of mind, pro- 
found knowledge of law, and habits of thorough in- 
vestigation brought him a large practice, which in- 
creased till it was probably not exceeded by that of 
any lawyer in the State." Bradford, in his " History of 
Massachusetts," ranks him " among the most eminent 
lawyers of the province." He was an intimate asso- 
ciate and friend of such men as James Otis and Sam- 
uel Adams. 

In 1768, when a convention was called in Boston 
by prominent men to consult on the condition of the 
country, and the assembled wisdom of the people 
was needed, Robert Treat Paine was the choice of 
Taunton to that convention, and was at once one of 
its leading spirits. In 1770, after the Boston massacre, 



in the Christian religion, and lived in the practice of i Mr. Paine was retained as prosecuting counsel by Bos- 



its precepts. By her amiable disposition she secured 
the esteem of all that knew her. With a conscience 
pure, and a constitution rendered excellent by tem- 
perance and regularity, she reached the ninety-eighth 
year of her age, and relying on the mercy of her God, 
she calmly fell asleep in Jesus, June VIII., Anno 
Domini 1808." 

Hon. Robert Treat Paine, LL.D., a distinguished 
Taunton lawyer, was born in Boston, March 12, 1731. 
His father, Rev. Thomas Paine, was born in Barnstable, 
graduated at Harvard College, 1717, and ordained at 
Weymouth, but in conscciuence of ill health removed 
to Boston in 1730, and afterwards resigning the min- 
istry, engaged in mercantile affairs. His mother was 
the daughter of Rev. Samuel Treat, of Eastham, the 
son of Governor Robert Treat, of Connecticut, and 
granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Willard, vice-president 
of Harvard College. 

Mr. Paine fitted for college in the Boston Latin 
School, and entering Cambridge at the age of four- 
teen, graduated in 1749. To this time, as an only 
son, he had been well supported by a father with 
abundant means, but this father losing his property, 
the son was thrown upon his own resources, and after 
keeping school for a year, made three voyages to 
North Carolina, acting as master, and in the last 
going to Fayal and Cadiz, afterwards going as master 
to the coasts of Greenland on a whaling voyage. On 
his return, in 1755, he commenced the study of law 
with his relative. Judge Willard, of Lancaster, giving 
also his attention to theology. During his law studies 
he supplied the pulpit at Shirley. Mr. Willard re- 
ceiving the appointment of colonel of a regiment to 
be raised for an expedition to Crown Point, Mr. Paine 
was appointed chaplain, and his sermons, both at Shir- 
ley and the camp at Lake George, are still preserved. 
He was admitted to the Boston bar in 1757, and re- 
moved his office to Taunton in 1761. 



ton against the British soldiers, and conducted the 
trial with signal ability. 

■This year he was married in Taunton to Sally, 
daughter of Thomas Cobb, Esq., and sister of Gen. 
David Cobb. His home was in the rear of what is 
now the Taunton Bank, afterwards the residence of 
Judge Fales. 

Mr. Paine was not only a good lawyer, but a warm- 
hearted, zealous patriot. Absorbed as he was with 
cases at court, he could not be spared in the public 
service. A large committee of the citizens of Taun- 
ton was appointed to attend to public affairs and re- 
monstrate against public wrong, and there was no 
other man who could serve so well as chairman. 
He drafted the high-toned resolutions which were 
passed. He represented Taunton in the letter to 
Lord Dartmouth and in the address for the Gov- 
ernor's removal, and he was chairman of the com- 
mittee on the impeachment of Chief Justice Oliver. 

He was largely instrumental in securing a Conti- 
nental Congress in 1774. He was one of the Massa- 
chusetts delegation to that Congress. His associates 
were Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, James Bow- 
doin, and John Adams. The Congress met in Sep- 
tember and October. Mr. Paine, on his return to 
Taunton in November, received an ovation from the 
Sons of Liberty. In 1775, in the winter and spring, 
he attended the Second Provincial Congre-ss at Cam- 
bridge, and was one of the Committee on the State of 
the Province. In April he attended the Congress at 
Philadelphia, which met in May. Mr. Paine was 
prominent in that Congress, chairman of the Commit- 
tee on Supplies, and devoted himself for a year and 
eight months with ceaseless zeal and energy to the 
work of providing equipments for the army, powder, 
cannon, and fire-arms. He published an essay on the 
manufacture of gunpowder, which was very service- 
able, and devoted himself, body and soul, to the busi- 



BENCH AND BAR. 



23 



ness of making ready for the men in the field the 
sinews of war. He served on a committee to piir- 
chase clothing for the army, to establish a hospital, 
and was one of a committee, with R. R. Livingston 
and Governor Langdon, to visit the army on the 
northern frontier. On the 4th of July, 1776, he was 
one to sign the Declaration of Independence. He 
once more returned to Taunton, Dec. 30, 1776, crowned 
with honor in the eyes of his countrymen as a patriot 
who had not spared himself for his country's cause. 
Although elected to subsequent sessions of Congress, 
he declined the honor, and contented himself with a 
seat in the Legislature in 1777, of which he acted as 
Speaker, and afterwards accepted the place of attor- 
ney-general. In 1778 he was a member of the Hart- 
ford Convention ; in 1779 a member of the Executive 
Council, and a member of the committee to draft a 
new State Constitution, under which, when adopted, 
he continued to serve as attorney-general. 

The duties of this office making his residence at 
Taunton inconvenient, he removed to Boston in 1781, 
purchasing the estate once owned and occupied by 
Governor Shirley, at the corner of Milk and Federal 
Streets. In 1790 he accepted the position of judge of 
the Supreme Court, which he had declined in pre- 
vious years, and so served till 1804, when he was once 
more elected a member of the Executive Council. 
After one year he declined all further public duties, 
feeling that he had earned the quiet of home, till life's 
close. May 12, 1814, at the age of eighty-three. A 
most honorable and useful life was his, twenty years 
of which, in life's prime, were spent in Taunton. 
Judge Paine had eight children, four sons and four 
daughters. Three of the sons — Robert Treat, Thomas, 
and Charles — graduated at Harvard University and 
were educated for the bar. Robert died in 1798 of the 
yellow fever, and Thomas took his name, desiring, as 
he used to say, a " Christian" name. He died in 1811, 
having distinguished himself as a poet and writer for 
the stage. Charles was the father of Charles C. Paine, 
Esq., who married a daughter of Hon. Charles Jack- 
son, judge of the Supreme Court from 1813 to 1824. 
Antoinette Paine married Deacon Samuel Greele, of 
Boston. Another daughter, Mary, married Rev. Elisha 
Clapp, also of Boston. 

Hon. Daniel Leonard was the only child of Col. 
Ephraim Leonard {by his first wife, Judith Perkins), 
and was born in Norton, now Mansfield, in 1740. He 
graduated at Harvard University in 1760, and mar- 
ried, for his first wife, Anna, daughter of Hon. Samuel 
White. His second wife was Sarah Hammock. Mr. 
Leonard easily took high rank in his profession and 
made himself prominent in political matters. First 
he espoused the cause of the people and advocated 
republican principles, but afterward, as was sup- 
posed, through the influence of Governor Hutchin- 
son, became a leading loyalist. Articles which he 
published in 1774 an 1 1775 in a Boston paper called 
Draper's Paper, defending the king, the ministry, and 



the Parliament, were considered very able and worthy 
of a reply from John Adams under the signature of 
"Novanglus." Of course, in the high state of polit- 
ical excitement, Mr. Leonard found it uncomfortable, 
if not unsafe, to remain in Taunton. The house he 
occupied, afterwards the residence of Judge Padel- 
ford, bore marks of mob violence. He sought shelter 
in Boston, proceeded to Halifax in 1776, thence to 
England, where, as a reward for his loyalty, he re- 
ceived the appointment of chief justice of Bermuda. 

After discharging the duties of his office with 
ability several years he returned to London, where 
he died in 1829, at the advanced age of eighty-nine. 
He left no children, but four grandchildren, the chil- 
dren of his daughter Sarah, who married John Stew- 
art, Esq., a captain in the British army and afterwards 
collector of the port of Bermuda. Leonard Stewart 
became an eminent physician in London. The oldest 
son, Duncan, on the death of an uncle succeeded to 
a lordship in Scotland. A daughter, Emily, married 
a captain in the service of the East India Company. 
The other daughter, Sarah, married a Winslow, a 
descendant of Governor Edward Winslow, of the Ply- 
mouth Colony, and was connected with Lord Lynd- 
hurst as private secretary during his chancellorship. 

Hon. Seth Padelford, LL.D., was a native of 
Taunton, son of John and Jemima Padelford. He 
was graduated at Yale College in 1770, and honored 
with the degree of LL.D. from Brown University in 
1798. He married Rebecca, the daughter of Abraham 
Dennis, and sister of the wife of James Sproal, Esq. 
Their children were as follows : 

(1) Mary Dennis, who married Mason Shaw, Esq., 
of Raynham. 

(2) Sarah Kirby, who married Nathaniel, son of 
Judge Fales. 

(3) Melinda, who married Enoch Brown, Esq., of 
Abington. 

(4) John, who died whilst a member of Brown 
University. 

(5) Nancy, who married Samuel Edgar, son of Col. 
John Cooke, of Tiverton, R. I. 

(6) Harry, who married Susan, daughter of Robert 
Grossman, of Taunton. 

(7) Rebecca Dennis, who married John G. Deane, 
Esq., of Raynham, afterwards of Portland, Me. 

There were also five other children, who died young. 

Mr. Padelford was judge of probate. He was a 
highly dignified and polished gentleman, of great in- 
tegrity of character, and he was favored with a wife 
who adorned the society in which she moved. Long 
after they ceased to be among the living of earth their 
praise was in the mouth of those who remembered 
their wide and commanding influence. 

Judge Padelford died Jan. 7, 1810, aged fifty-eight 
years and one month. On the stone slab which covers 
his remains on the " Plain" is the following inscription : 

"For he was wise to know mid warm to praise, and strenuous to tran- 
scribe in liuman life tlie mind ainiiglity." 



24 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Padelford house still remains near the court- 
house, although unoccupied. It belongs to the estate 
of Mrs. Eichmond, and was owned by Hon. Daniel 
Leonard, the Tory lawyer, before it came into posses- 
sion of the Padelford femily. 

Hon. Samuel Fales was a native of Bristol, R. L, 
and was born Sept. 15, 1750 (the son of Nathaniel 
and Sarah Fales, a graduate of Harvard Univer- 
sity in 1773). He married Sarah, daughter of Col. 
John Cooke, of Tiverton, R. I. Their children were 
as follows : 

(1) Nathaniel, who married Sarah K., daughter of 
Judge Padelford. 

(2) Sally, who married Hon. Nathaniel Hazzard, 
of Newport, N. C. 

(3) Eliza, who married Dr. George Leonard, of 
Taunton. 

(4) Samuel, who married Sally, daughter of John 
West, of Taunton. 

(5) Harriet Leonard, who married Hon. James L. 
Hodges, of Taunton. 

(6) John, who died single. 

(7) Almira, who married Jeremiah Niles Potter, of 
Rhode Island. 

(8) Fanny, who married Rev. Swan L. Pomeroy, of 
Bangor, Me. 

(9) Edward, who died single. 

(10) Ann, who married, first, Erastus Learned, son 
of Rev. Erastus Learned, Canterbury, Conn. ; sec- 
ond, Hon. Jonas Cutting, Judge of the Supreme 
Court, Maine. 

There were five other children, who died early in 
life. 

Mr. Fales was for many years clerk of the courts, 
and afterwards was appointed chief justice of the 
Court of Common Pleas. He was succeeded in the 
office of clerk by his eldest son, Nathaniel. I have 
in my possession a letter from Judge Fales to Judge 
Davis, in 1816, in which he copies the inscription on 
Miss Poole's monument, and adds: "I observed to 
you in Boston that this monument was erected on 
a small knoll, between the Green and the meeting- 
house, a little distance from the road. A few years 
since Dr. Swift, digging a cellar, found a part of a 
coffin, made of red cedar, under which were part of the 
bones, skull, and hair of a human body, unconsumed 
by time, all which were carefully collected and re- 
moved to the common burying-ground north of tlie 
Green, over which the stone was placed, bearing the 
in.scription transcribed for you. The monument is of 
slate, and was procured by the late R. T. Paine, Esq., 
as agent for J. Borland, Esq." 

Judge Fales died in Boston, Jan. 20, 1818, in his 
sixty-eighth year. He was buried in Taunton, 
where you may find the following record concerning 
him on the " Plain" : " Useful and honorable activity 
distinguished the progress of liis life. Having sus- 
tained for many years various important offices in the 
legislative, judicial, and executive departments of 



the government with fidelity and honor, he died 
while attending his duties as a councilor of this com- 
monwealth ; and though his tedious toils and hoary 
hairs seemed to demand a more peaceful succession of 
closing years, his friends are resigned and consoled in 
the hope of his resurrection to immortal blessed- 
j ness." 

j Mrs. Sally, wife of Judge Fales, died Sept. 24, 1823, 
1 aged fifty-eight years. It is said of her, "Among the 
I benevolent and liberal she ever shone conspicuous. 
The Christian spirit enlightened the path of her mor- 
tal pilgrimage, and at last sustained and blessed her 
with its holy peace and inspiring hopes." 

The Fales mansion in Taunton was in the rear of 
what is now the "Taunton Bank" building, the former 
residenceof Robert Treat Paine, and which, after itvvas 
vacated by Judge Fales, was known as the " Wash- 
ington Hotel." 

The house had ample grounds, extensive grass 
lawns, a vegetable and flower garden, and was an 
attractive feature in the objects of interest around 
"the Green." Mr. Charles R. Atwood, in his inter- 
esting and valuable " Reminiscences of Taunton in 
ye auld lang syne," published by Ezra Davol, Esq., 
thus describes what he calls the " imposing and elegant 
mansion" : " It was two stories high, and running 
back, broad and deep, with a long building connected 
with the main house in the rear, two stories high, and 
with a large number of rooms for servants in the 
upper story. Adjoining were the carriage-houses, 
barn, and sheds. There was a fine front yard with a 
handsome and substantial fence : also, a sidewalk and 
a large open space between that and the street, wide 
enough for a carriage-way along the whole front- 
age. On the border, near the street, there was a row 
of splendid elm-trees (now no more), making a fine 
and grateful shade in the summer along the whole 
distance. This house was considered at that time to 
be the palace of the town. It was splendidly fitted 
and furnished. In the rear was the judge's garden. 
It was filled with fruit-trees, flowers, and shrubbery, 
and highly cultivated, producing the choicest of the 
various kinds of fruits and vegetables." 

James Spkoat, Esq., was the son of Ebenezer 
Sproat, of Middleborough, Mass., who left seven chil- 
dren. James was born in 1758, December 7th, and 
settled in Taunton. He married Ann, daughter of 
Abraham Dennis, sister of the wife of Judge Padel- 
ford. Their children were as follows: 

(1) Rebecca Dennis, who married Alfred Baylies, 
M.D., of Taunton. 

(2) Sarah, who died young. 

(3) Francis Eloise, who was one of the originators 
of the first Sabbath-school in Taunton. 

(4) Emily Ann, who died early. 

(5) Ann Dennis, who married George B. Atwood, 
of Taunton. 

(6) James, who married (1) Eliza Ann, daughter 
' of George Baylies; (2) Lucretia, daughter of James 



BENCH AND BAR. 



25 



Tisdale. He was for many years clerk of the courts 
in this county. 

(7) William Alexis Frederic, who married Abby, 
daughter of Jonathan Ingell. 

(8) Clarissa, who died early. 

(9) Henry, who married Priscilla J., daughter of 
Jesse Smith. 

(10) Adeline, who married Samuel B. Harris, of 
Smithfield, R. I. 

(11) Ellen, who died early. 

(12) Theophilus Parsons, who married Mary A., 
daughter of Henry Baylies, of Dighton. 

James Sproat, the father of the above, was a man 
of ready wit and the most amusing mirthfulness. The 
following story is told of him : David L. Barnes, Esq., 
was once addressing the jury, when it occurred to him 
to quote the Scripture passage, — the address of Satan 
to the Lord, — "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath 
will he give for his life," adding, in his forgetfulness 
of the author, "saith our Saviour." Sproat in an 
instant was on his feet, and, turning to the court, 
said, " He may be Brother Barnes' Saviour, but he is 
not mine." Mr. Sproat had a most imposing personal 
presence, and was a great favorite in the profession 
and society at large. 

The family residence was what is now known as 
the Wheaton house, adjoining St. Thomas' Episcopal 
Church. Mrs. Sproat was a most remarkable woman, 
of large intellectual endowments, and highly gifted 
as an authoress. Her series of books for children 
had a wide circulation, and her verses, like the 
" Blackberry Girl," reappear every year in the holiday 
books and juvenile literature of the land. Her 
"Family Lectures," published in Boston by Samuel 
T. Armstrong, in 1819, made her famous. In the 
preface she gives the history of the book : " It has 
been my practice on the Sabbath, after public wor- 
ship, to collect my family, and, after attending to the 
Scriptures, read them one of the following essays, 
previously written for the purpose." And so she dis- 
coursed to them on "justice, mercy, humanity, truth, 
prayer, trust in God, temptations, intemperance, pro- 
fancness, unbelief, gaming, gratitude, early religion, 
filial duty," etc., subjects considered in forty-five most 
sensible and profitable lectures. 

Mr. Sproat died Nov. 10, 1825, in his sixty-seventh 
year. His wife followed him the next year, 1826, 
January 18th, aged fifty-nine. They both lie buried 
on the " Plain." 

Hon. David Leon^ard Barne.? was the son of ' 
Rev. David Barnes, D.D., minister of Scituate, Mass., , 
who married Rachel, daughter of Coi. George Leonard, 
the son of Judge Leonard, an original settler and 
principal proprietor of Norton. David, the subject j 
of this notice, married Joanna Russell, and practiced 
law in Taunton. He subsequently removed to Rhode 
Island, where he received the appointment of district 
judge of the United States Court during the adminis- 
tration of Thomas Jefierson. ' 



Nicholas Tillinghast, Esq., was the son of 
Nicholas and Mary Tillinghast, of Providence, R. I. 
He received the honorary degree of Master of Arts 
from Brown University in 1793, and from Harvard 
University in 1807. Mr. Tillinghast was one of the 
eminent lawyers of Taunton in the early part of the 
present century. Judge Morton used to like to tell 
the following story, in which he figured, recommend- 
ing short pleas. An important case, which had been 
long and ably argued by the ingenious and learned 
counsel of the opposite side, was committed to the 
jury by Nicholas Tillinghast in this uncommonly 
brief but conclusive style: "Gentlemen of the jury, 
Dr. Padelford says as you have heard, and Dr. Barnes 
says as you have heard, but Dr. Mansfield says as you 
shall now hear," at the same time proceeding to read 
a single convincing contradictory statement from the 
noble lord, sufficient authority on all questions of law. 
" Now, when doctors disagree," asked Tillinghast, 
sure of his case, " who shall decide?" The jury gave 
him their verdict. 

Mr. Tillinghast married Betsey, daughter of Amos 
Maine Atwell, and had the following children : 

(1) Fanny, who died single in 1817. 

(2) Amos, who married Miss Jerould, of Pawtueket. 

(3) Mary, who married Pascal Allen, of Warren. 

(4) Susan, who died single. 

(5) Joanna, who married Hon. Silas Shepard, of 
Taunton. 

(6) Elizabeth, wlio died single. 

(7) Nicholas, who married (1) Sophia, daughter of 
Rev. Mr. Ritchie, of Needham ; (2) Ruby Potter, of 
Dartmouth. 

(8) William, who died single. 

(9) Joseph, who married Cornelia Armiiigtou, of 
Pawtueket. 

(10) Ruth Phillips. 

Mr. Tillinghast occupied a house where now stands 
the City Hotel, and his oflice was in its rear. Born 
Jan. 24, 17G7, he died April 24, 1818. His wife, born 
Oct. 18, 1770, died March 19, 1834-. They both are 
buried on the " Plain." 

Their son Nicholas has distinguished himself as a 
teacher, having been principal of the normal school 
at Bridgewater several years. Mary and Joanna also, 
before their marriage, were very successful teachers, 
the latter serving as preceptress in the Bristol Acad- 
emy. 

Hon. John Mason Williams, LL.D., the son of 
Brig.-Gen. James Williams, graduated at Brown Uni- 
versity in 1801, and commenced the practice of law 
in New Bedford. He afterwards located in Taunton, 
where he received the appointment of judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas, of which court he was chief 
justice for many years. Chief Justice Williams re- 
ceived the honorary degree of LL.D. from Brown 
University in 1843, and from Harvard University in 
184.5. 

He married Eliza Otis, daughter of Hon. Lemuel 



16 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Williams, the first representative to Congress from 
his Congressional district. Their children were : 

(1) Elizabeth, who married Hon. Horatio Pratt, of 
Taunton. 

(2) Maria, who married Dr. William A. Gordon, of 
New Bedford. 

(3) Joseph Otis, who married Emily, daughter of 
Dr. Keenan, of Springfield. Two others died early. 

Judge Williams was eminent for his urbanity and 
sweetness of temper in social life as for his learning 
in the profession of law. He was beloved in his life 
and lamented in his death, which took place Dec. 26, 
1868. 

Judge Williams occupied a modest mansion on 
Summer Street, which also became the home of Hon. 
Horatio Pratt, his son-in-law. 

Hon. Marcus Mokton, LL.D., was born in Free- 
town in. 1784, the son of Nathaniel Morton, who mar- 
ried Mary Carey, of Bridgewater. Mr. Morton grad- 
uated at Brown University in 1804, and commenced 
the practice of law in Taunton in 1807. He repre- 
sented the district in which he lived in Congress four 
years, occupied a seat on the bench of the Supreme 
Court of the State of Massachusetts fifteen years, and 
.served as Governor of the commonwealth three times. 
Once, in consequence of the death of Governor Eustis, 
in 1825, the duties of the chief magistrate devolved 
upon him as Lieutenant-Governor. Again in 1840, 
and for the third time in 1843, he was invested with 
that high office. He acted also as collector of the 
port of Boston four years. He received the honorary 
degree of LL.D. from Brown University in 1826, and 
again from Harvard University in 1840. Governor 
Morton married in 1807 Charlotte, daughter of James 
Hodges, of Taunton. Their children are as fol- 
lows : 

(1) Joanna Maria, who married William T. Hawes, 
of New Bedford, a graduate of Brown University. 

(2) Lydia Mason, who married Rev. Henry W. 
Lee, D.D., of Springfield, Mass., and Rochester, 
N. Y., afterward bishop (in the Protestant Episcopal 
Church) of Iowa. 

(3) Charlotte, who married Samuel Watson, of 
Nashville, Tenn. 

(4) Sarah Carey, who married Hon. Willard Lov- 
ering, a manufacturer of Taunton. 

(5) Marcus, who married Abby, daughter of Henry 
Hoppin, Esq., of Providence. 

(6) Nathaniel, who married Harriet, only child of 
Hon. Francis Baylies. 

(7) James, who married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Hon. George Ashmun, of Springfield. 

(8) Susan Tillinghast, who married M. Day Kim- 
ball, of the firm of Faulkner, Page & Kimball, Boston. 

(9) Francis Wood, who married George Henry 
French, of Andover. 

(10) Emily Matilda, who married Daniel C, son of 
Dr. Dawes, of Taunton, a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. 

The children's children are forty-three, of whom 



thirty-two are still living. The Morton mansion is 
on Washington Street near the intersection of Broad- 
way. 

The three sons of Governor Morton, Marcus, Na- 
tiianiel, and James, all graduated at Brown University, 
Marcus in 1838, Nathaniel in 1840, James in 1843. 
They were distinguished as scholars in their classes,, 
and became eminent in their chosen profession of law. 
The eldest has been long on the bench of the Supreme 
Court of Massachusetts, and is its present chief jus- 
tice. 

Governor Morton, born Feb. 19, 1784, died Feb. 6, 
1864. His wife, born Dec. 23, 1787, died Dec. 25, 
1873. They both lie buried in Mount Pleasant Cem- 
etery. 

Hon. Feancis Baylies, the son of William Bay- 
lies, M.D., and grandson of the Hon. Samuel White, 
the first Taunton lawyer, was born Oct. 16, 1783, and 
commenced the practice of law in Taunton in 1810. 
He officiated as register of probate (an ofiice which 
his father filled before him) seven years. He was a 
member of Congress six years, and during the admin- 
istration of Gen. Jackson he received the appoint- 
ment of a mission to Buenos Ayres. Mr. Baylies is 
well known as the historian of Plymouth Colony. 
Few men in his time were better versed in the an- 
tiquities of the country, and he had a passionate love 
for all good learning. His home, a pleasant stone 
cottage on Winthrop Street, near the present crossing 
of the railroad, was the centre of attraction to all who 
delighted in culture and good cheer down to the day 
of his death, Oct. 28, 1852, aged sixty-nine years and 
twelve days. 

Mr. Baylies married Elizabeth, widow of David 
Dagget Denning, Esq., of New York City, daughter 
of Howard Moulton, Esq., of Troy, N. Y., and sister- 
in-law of Gen. John Ellis Wool. Their only child, 
Harriet, born May 4, 1823, married Nathaniel, son of 
Governor Morton, Sept. 29, 1846. 

James Ellis, Esq., son of Rev. John Ellis, a 
chaplain in the Revolution, afterwards of Rehoboth, 
I now called Seekonk, was born in Franklin, Conn., 
' May 23, 1769, graduated at Brown University in 1791, 
studied law in Providence with Judge Howell, and in 
Taunton with Judge Padelford. He commenced the 
practice of law in Seekonk, but being appointed dis- 
trict attorney, removed to Taunton. He was thrice 
chosen State senator previous to 1820. 

Mr. Ellis married Martha, daughter of Joseph 
Bridgham, of Seekonk, and sister of Hon. Samuel W. 
Bridgham, an eminent lawyer of Providence. Their 
children were : 

(1) John, who died early. 

(2) George, who married Sophia Morse. . 

(3) Horace, who died early. 

(4) James P., who married Caroline S., daughter of 
John Presbrey, and who served as county treasurer, 
town clerk, and assistant justice of the police court. 

(5) Martha, the only daughter, a young lady of 




'\ 





fy^^^^^^'^^^^^.^c^^y^,^ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



27 



uncommon promise, who died in Taunton, Nov. 24, 
1828, aged twenty. 

(6) Samuel B., the youngest son, who, a member of 
Dartmouth College, at the death of his sister left 
college and abandoned all idea of a profession, giving 
himself up to inordinate grief. 

Anselm Bassett, Esq., son of Thomas and Lydia 
Bassett, of Rochester, Mass., was born in 1784, and 
graduated at Brown University in 1803. He married 
(1) Rosalinda, daughter of Abraham Holmes, of 
Rochester, Mass.; (2) widow Lucy Smith, of Troy, 
N. Y. Three children still live, — two daughters, 
Cynthia C. H. and Elizabeth M., and a son, Charles 
J. H., who has been long connected as cashier and 
president with the Taunton Bank, and who married 
(1) Emeline Dean, daughter of John W. Seabury, of 
Taunton; (2) Nancy L. Gibbs, of Bridgewater; (3) 
Martha B. French, of Pawtucket. There are eight 
living children: (1) John S., 12) Charles A., (3) 
Louisa B., wife of George H. Rhodes, (4) Henry P., 
(5) Rufus W., (6) Mary R., (7) George F., (8) Susie A. 

Mr. Bassett served many years as register of pro- 
bate, and secured a large practice in his profession. 
His home was on Main Street, the second house west 
from Chestnut Street, not far from the Church Green. 
He died, leaving the homestead to his daughters, 
Sept. 9, 1863. 

Horatio L. Danfokth, Esq., son of William 
and Sally (Leonard) Danforth, was burn in 1801. 
His father owned the estate which now constitutes 
the Lunatic Hospital farm. After his school days the 
son was employed in the Hopewell Roliing-Mill, of 
which his father was superintendent, until eighteen 
years of age, when he met with a serious accident to 
his athletic career, of which few were his equals, by 
the loss of an arm taken off by the machinery in the 
mill. He then commenced his education, prepared 
for college in Bristol Academy, and was graduated at 
Brown University in the class of 1825. He studied 
law in the office of Hon. Francis Baylies, and com- 
menced practice in 1829, but was not essentially a bar 
lawyer. He was elected county treasurer in that 
year, and was re-elected annually irrespective of 
party lines for twelve years, fulfilling the duties with 
strict integrity and general satisfaction. He was 
superseded in 1841 by Dr. Foster Hooper, the Demo- 
cratic candidate. He then spent two years in Illinois, 
and on his return in 1844 received the appointment 
of high sheriff from Governor Briggs, which office he 
filled until 1851, and was then superseded by Lyman 
W. Dean,of Attleboro', apjiointed by Governor Bout- 
well. From that time he lived in retirement with 
his sisters, enjoying the society of his friends, his 
books, and his walks until disease, a dropsical one, 
closed his life, July 21, 1859. He was frank and out- 
spoken yet genial in his intercourse with men. He 
was for many years an attendant of the Episcopal 
Church. The above facts have been communicated 
by his IViend, Capt. J. W. D. Hall. 



Nathaniel Morton, Esq., son of Judge Morton, 
and son-in-law of Hon. Francis Baylies, was one of 
the most brilliant men who ever flouished in Taun- 
ton. His professional caireer was a brief one, but he 
filled a large place in the hearts of his many friends, 
which death, alas, too early, as they thought, made 
\ void. Born Dec. 3, 1821, he died Feb. 12, 1856, and 
is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery by the side of 
his father. 

Hon. Horatio Pratt, son-in-law of Chief Justice 
Williams, was for many years a leading lawyer of the 
Bristol County bar, district attorney, and a member 
of the Massachusetts Senate. His physical constitu- 
tion was weak. He struggled long with bodily in- 
firmities, and died at a comparatively early age. May 
24, 1872. 

Hon. Chester Isham Reed, son of William and 
Elizabeth Dean (Dennis) Reed, was born Nov. 23, 
1823, and after fitting for college in the Taunton 
High School and Bristol Academy, entered Brown 
University, but through limited means of support left 
before graduation, subsequently receiving the honorary 
degree of A.M. for his high attainments in learning. 
He entered the law-office of Mr. Anselm Bassett, in 
Taunton, and was invited to a copartnership, which 
he accepted. He soon took a prominent position at 
the Bristol County bar, and earned so good a reputa- 
tion in other parts of the State that he was nominated 
and elected attorney-general of the commonwealth, in 
which office he served with great credit several years. 
A vacancy occurring on the beucli of the Superior 
Court, Mr. Reed was nominated and confirmed, re- 
signing only when he found the salary could not 
meet the expenses of a growing family, when he re- 
turned to a lucrative practice in Boston, changing 
i his residence from Taunton to Dedham. He died at 
; White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., where he had gone 
for his health, Sept. 2, 1873, in his fiftieth year. Mr. 
Reed married Elizabeth Y. Allyn, of New Bedford, 
Feb. 24, 1851, and their children are a daughter, 
Sybil, and a son, Chester Allyn, a graduate of Har- 
vard University in 1882, and a student-in-law at the 
present time. 

Hon. Edmund Hatch Bennett, son of Milo 
Lyman Bennett and Adeline (Hatch) Bennett, was 
born in Manchester, Vt., April 6, 1824. He was edu- 
cated in the Manchester and Burlington Academies 
in his native State, and when fifteen years of age he 
entered the University of Vermont at Burlington, 
where he graduated in the class of 1843, and from 
which he received the degree of Doctor of Laws 
(LL.D.) in 1873. For a short time after graduation 
Mr. Bennett taught a fiimily school in Virginia, and 
finally, having decided upon the legal profession as a 
life-work, he began his studies in Burlington, Vt., in 
the office of his father (at that time an associate jus- 
tice of the Supreme Court of Vermont). He was ad- 
mitted to the Vermont bar in 1847, and in the spring 
of 1848 settled in Taunton, where he has since re- 



28 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sided. Upon locating in Taunton he entered into co- 
partnership with the late Nathaniel Morton, which 
continued nearly three years. He then formed a part- 
nership with Hon. Henry Williams, which relation 
continued several years. For the past fifteen years 
he has been in partnership with Henry J. Fuller, Esq., 
of Taunton. 

Upon the incorporation of Taunton as a city in 
1865 he was unanimously elected its first mayor, re- 
elected in 1866, and again in 1867. 

Although Judge Bennett early took a leading posi- 
tion at the Bristol bar, he gave much attention to the 
study of the law as a science, and during the years 
1870, 1871, and 1872 was a lecturer on various topics 
at the Dane Law School of Harvard University, 
Cambridge. He has been connected with the Law 
School of Boston University since its organization in 
1872, and in 1876 he was chosen its dean, a position 
which he still occupies. 

Judge Bennett has also been the editor of nu- 
merous law boolcs, numbering over one hundred 
volumes, the leading works being the " English Law 
and Equity Reports," an edition of Mr. Justice Story's 
works, " Leading Criminal Cases," " Fire Insurance 
Cases," "Digest of Massachusetts Reports," Ameri- 
can editions of the recent English works of " God- 
dard on Easements," " Benjamin on Sales," " Inder- 
inann on the Common Law," etc. He has also been 
for several years one of the editors of the American 
Law Re(j\ster of Philadelphia. In December, 1878, 
he delivered at Hingham, Mass., before the State 
Board of Agriculture, of which he had formerly been 
a member, a lecture on " Farm Law," which has been 
very extensively republished in agricultural journals 
and elsewhere throughout New England and the 
West. In May, 18.58, he was appointed judge of 
probate and insolvency for Bristol County, and has 
held the position to the present time, a period of 
twenty-five years. 

Judge Bennett is an active member of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, and has been for many years either 
a warden or vestryman of St. Thomas' Parish, Taunton, 
and has been many times a delegate from this parish 
to the Diocesan Convention. He has also been three 
times — in 1874, 1877, and 1880 — a delegate from this 
diocese to the General Triennial Convention of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in this country. 

In June, 1853, he united in marriage with Sally, 
the second daughter of the Hon. Samuel L. Crocker, 
of Taunton. 

Judge Colby, who is claimed by New Bedford as 
one of its lawyers, and will be noticed under that 
head, was for years a resident of Taunton. Chief 
Justice Morton, of Andover, was born in Taunton, 
and so was Judge Wilde, so long of the Supreme 
Court of Massachusetts. Theophilus Parsons, the 
learned Professor of Law at Cambridge, once lived ' 
and practiced law in Taunton. Seth Padelford Sta- 
ples, of New York, Henry Goodwin, attorney-general 



of Rhode Island, Judge Pliny Merrick, of Worcester, 
Judge Erastus Maltby Reed, of Mansfield, Baalis San- 
ford, of Boston, Sydney Williams, of Providence, son- 
in-law of President Messer, were of Taunton, either as 
natives or during some part of their professional life. 

The oldest living member of the Bristol County 
bar residing in Taunton is the Hon. Henry Williams, 
who has represented his district in Congress, served 
as register of probate, and distinguished himself as a 
painstaking and most accurate annalist and historian. 
Samuel R. Townsend also has been long a member of 
this bar. Their associates in the profession are Edmund 
H. Bennett, judge of the Probate Court, which posi- 
tion he has recently resigned, and who also acts as 
dean and chief Professor of the Law Department of 
the Boston University ; William Henry Fox, judge 
of the District Court; William E. Fuller, register of 
probate and associate judge of the District Court; 
James Brown, who has served as State senator ; 
Henry J. Fuller, the partner of Judge Bennett; 
John E. Sanford, for some years a member of the 
State Legislature and a portion of the time Speaker 
of the House of Representatives; James H. Dean 
and Charles A. Reed, partners-in-law, the latter pres- 
ent city solicitor; G. Edgar Williams, associated with 
Henry Williams; James M. Cushman, city clerk; 
Arthur M. Alger, clerk of the District Court ; Lau- 
rens N. Francis, Sylvanus M. Thomas, John H. Gal- 
ligan, L. Everett White, Edward J. Conaty, Benjamin 
E. Walcott, W. Waldo Robinson. 

Fall River. — James Ford was born in Milton, 
Ma.ss., Aug. 3, 1774. In 1810 he entered Brown Uni- 
versity, and graduated with honor, taking the saluta- 
tory address. He then assumed the study of the law 
with Judge Metcalf, of Dedham. In 1817 lie removed 
to Taunton and continued his studies with Judge Mor- 
ton, who was then ex-member of Congress. He was 
admitted to the bar in 1818, and became a partner of 
Judge Morton. In 1819 he came to Fall River and 
opened an office in Central Street. 

He was a member of the Legi.slature in 1825, and 
was present when Gen. Lafayette laid the corner- 
stone of Bunker's Hill Monument. In 1826 he deliv- 
ered the Fourth of July oration in Fall River tlie day 
that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. Mr. 
Ford was public-spirited in regard to matters in 
general. He served seven years on the school com- 
mittees ; and, with perhaps three exceptions, admin- 
istered the oath of office to the members of the city 
government up to the time of his death, and was sev- 
eral times elected an alderman. He was one of the 
charter members of the Mount Hope Lodge of F. 
and A. M., and always manifested a lively interest in 
this ancient and honored order. He was postmaster 
four years, and one of the founders of tlie Franklin 
Savings-Bank, was special police justice for twenty 
years, for twelve years was one of the inspectors of 
the State Almshouse, and for twenty-five years he 
edited the weeklv Monitor. He was an excellent 





Z^2L<:5 



iiS-'^^J,!.^ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



29 



lawyer and a good citizen. He died July 27, 1873, 
lacking only one week of seventy-nine years of age. 

Eliab Williams, Esq., was for nearly half a cen- 
tury a member of the Bristol County bar, and at the 
time of his death the oldest and one of the most 
highly respected members of the legal profession in 
this i)ortion of New England. 

He was born in Raynham, Mass., in 1803, and spent 
his early youth in that town, attending school there 
aud in Taunton. At the age of fourteen he entered 
Brown Universily, and graduated at eighteen, in the 
class of 1821, intending immediately to enter upon 
the study of the law. He had, iiowever, exhausted 
his pecuniary resources in the acquisition of a colle- 
giate education, and not having the means necessary 
to carry him through the long and tedious appren- 
ticeship then required to enter the legal profession in 
Massachusetts, he went South, and engaged as a pri- 
vate tutor in the family of a gentleman in Virginia. 
While there he learned that by the laws of that com- 
monwealth a jjcrsoii could prepare for admission to 
tlie bar and the practice of the law without spending 
a certain prescribed time in the office of a counselor- 
at-law simply by being found qualified upon an ex- 
amination by the judges of the Court of Appeals. 
He thought favorably of this plan, as it would allow 
him to study law and at the same time pursue his 
vocation as a teacher. And his wishes being made 
known to the attorney-general of North Carolina, 
that gentleman drew up a course of legal study which 
he recommended to Mr. Williams. The latter imme- 
diately repaired to Norfolk and purchased the neces- 
sar_v books, and by the time he was of sufficient age 
to be admitted, according to the laws of V^irginia, — 
i.e., twenty-one, — he had prepared himself for an 
examiuation. The mode of conducting this was pe- 
culiar. Going to Richmond when the Court of Ap- 
peals was in session in that city, each member of the 
court appointed a time to see him at his private room, 
and in this way, at intervals for about a week, the 
examination was carried on by each judge separately 
until the whole bench were satisfied with the qualifi- 
cations of their young candidate, and after taking the 
necessary oath he was duly admitted to the bar. 

This entitled him to practice in all the courts of 
Virginia ; but, on account of repugnance to the insti- 
tution of slavery, he decided not to settle there, and 
returned home. Upon his arrival here he found that 
his admission to the bar of Virginia did not avail 
him, inasmuch as he did not practice in that State. 
So he entered the office of Hon. Marcus Morton as a 
student-at-law, in Taunton, Mass., and eked out the 
expenses by teaching school. The first winter after 
entering he taught in the district where he had at- 
tended school when a boy. At the close of his 
school he returned to the office of Governor Morton, 
and remained there till the latter retired from the 
profession to accept a place on the bench of the 
Supreme Judicial Court of the State. He then 



entered the office of David G. W. Cobb, Esq., then 

register of probate for the county of Bristol, and 
there remained till the term of court in September, 
1825, when he was admitted to the Bristol County 
bar. 

Mr. Williams first settled in the practice of his pro- 
fession at Dighton, Mass., where he remained till 
1827, when he removed to Swansea, the latter place 
being then a more favorable field for the profession 
than at present, although not sufficient to aflbrd busi- 
ness for two lawyers, for we are told that he was in- 
duced to go there because he had heard that the only 
lawyer in Swansea had removed to Fall River. 

Fall River by this time had become a thriving and 
promising place, and lawyers, no less than mechanics, 
business men, and members of other professions, were 
being attracted thither by its rapidly-developing 
importance as a manufacturing, commercial, and 
social centre. 

Hezekiah Battelle had been some time in the pro- 
fession of the law at Fall River, and had acquired some 
prominence and a lucrative practice. It was through 
his influence, unsolicited and unexpected, that Mr. 
Williams was induced in 1833, after having been six 
years at Swansea, to change his location from the 
latter place to Fall River. As Mr. Battelle was 
returning in the summer of that year from a pro- 
fessional visit to Pawtucket, passing through the 
village he met Mr. Williams on the street, and pro- 
posed that the latter should come to Fall River and 
go into partnership with him, saying that he had 
more business than he could attend to alone. This 
fact shows that Mr. Williams was not altogetlier des- 
titute of the reputation of a good lawyer even then. 
The conditions of the proposed partnership, profiered 
as they were by one of ability and experience in the 
profession, were even more flattering, for they pro- 
posed a partnership of five years with equal profits 
in the business. This was certainly very liberal con- 
sidering that Mr. Battelle was fourteen years Mr. 
Williams' senior, and had already attained a good 
practice. 

The partnership once established needed no further 
stipulation as to duration : it lasted for more than 
twenty years. During this period it is certainly 
within bounds to say that the firm did their full share 
of the legal business of the town. 

The firm of Battelle & Williams became one of the 
best known in this section of the State, both of the 
partners being distinguished for the thoroughness 
with which they prepared their cases, and their ex- 
treme fidelity and care in presenting them to courts 
and juries. After the retirement of the senior partner 
Mr. Williams continued business in the well-known 
office in Granite Block until failing health compelled 
him to retire to the comforts of home. 

Mr. Williams was the oldest member of the Bristol 
County bar in the time of his practice. Towards the 
latter part of his life, when, on account of infirmities 



30 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of age, he was seldom seen in the courts, he still did a 
large office business. His opinions upon knotty legal 
points were always highly valued, and in the depart- 
ments of conveyancing and equity he had few equals. 
His relations with his brethren of the bar were always 
cordial, his well-known form and face always com- 
manding respect when seen in assemblages of mem- 
bers of his profession. 

In conversation Mr. Williams had a peculiar power 
of jiresenting points. Usually retired and reserved 
in manner, he yet had a few intimate friends by whom 
his conversation was highly prized. His reminiscences 
of the ancient giants of the bar — Webster, Choate, 
Jeremiah Mason, Timothy G. Coffin, and others less 
known to public fame — were exceedingly interesting. 
He lived beyond the full allotted years of man's life, 
but he still preserved his noble characteristics. He 
was a man of marked integrity, always true to his 
trust, to his clients, to himself, and to the cause of 
truth. 

The Bar Association, which convened upon the an- 
nouncement of his death, adopted the following reso- 
lutions : 

" Uesoli-cd, That in llie death of 5Ir. Williams, who for nearly half a 
century has heen an honored and efficient member of the bar of this 
Commoiiwealtb, tlie profession has lost a conscientious and wise coun- 
selor, a faithful, patient, and industrious attorney, an earnest and care- 
ful advocate, exemplary citizen, and an honest man. 

" lieaolved, That as an evidence of onr regard and appreciation for the 
worth and character of the deceased we will attend his funeral in a 
body, and that an attested copy of these resolutions be sent to tlie family, 
and the Superior Court he requested to place the same on its records."' 

The trustees of the Fall River Savings- Bank, at a 
meeting held April 15, 1880, ordered the following 
memorial to be placed upon their records : 

" Ctur old tried friend and honored associate, Eliab Williams, having 
departed this life, it becomes us to pause a moment to contemplate the 
distinguished virtues of his character and life. 

" His strict integrity and high sense of honor, his cool and deliberate 
judgment, his studious application lo the business of his profession, his 
abiding faith in the divine side of his nature, made him an invaluable 
associate, citizen, and friend. 

"During the more than forty-three years' service with this institu- 
tion as trustee, secretary, vice-president, and legal counsel he was always 
prompt in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him, having but 
one concern, that of caring for and protecting the interests of those who 
intrusted their deposits in our keeping. 

" We mourn his departure, and in sadness reflect tliat we shall no 
more have his wise counsel. 

" To his family and friends we tender our deepest sympathies in this 
their great bereavement, and in token of our esteem we will attend his 
funeral in a body." 

He was identified with the Fall River Savings- 
Bank as trustee, vice-president, and counsel almost 
from the organization of the institution. He was also 
a member of the school committee, and an earnest 
friend of education. 

Few men have transacted more business in the set- 
tlement of estates of deceased persons than did he 
during his life, and none with more uniform satisfac- 
tion to all concerned. 

He was for many years a member of the First Con- 
gregational Church of Fall River, a man of pure and 
spotless private life, of wonderful firmness and self- 



possession, and po.ssessed of courage that never yielded 
to chicanery or wrong. His departure, like his life, 
was patient, gentle, serene, and I'eady. 

" Sure the last end of the good man 
Is peace. How calm his exit 1 
Night-dews fall not so gently to tiie ground, 
Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soft." 

Mr. Williams was thrice married, and left a widow 
and one son, the latter residing in Boston. He died 
April 14, 1880. 

Frederick A. Boomer was born in Tiverton, R. I., 
April 8, 1821, and died in Fall River, Mass., July 22, 
1871. His wife was Elizabeth M., daughter of John 
Earle, to whom he was married July 8, 1857. 

Left to struggle for himself at an early age, a stu- 
dious disposition led him to adopt teaching as a pro- 
fession, for which he prepared himself by a systematic 
course of study, graduating at the Massachusetts State 
Normal School at Bridgewater. After pursuing his 
chosen vocation a number of years, the advice of 
friends and his own preference led him to study the 
law, which he commenced reading in the office of the 
late David Perkins, Esq., and subsequently pursued 
with Judge Lapham, on whose motion he was admitted 
to the bar of Bristol County. After his admission to 
the bar of this State, Mr. Boomer became a resident 
of Tiverton, R. I., from which town he was twice 
elected to the General Assembly. 

Returning to Fall River, he soon became interested 
in educational matters, his experience as a teacher 
giving him a lively interest in the public schools. 
For many years he was an efficient and valued mem- 
ber of the school committee, serving with earnestness 
and zeal. He was three times elected to the office of 
city solicitor, the last time in 1870, when failing health 
induced him to resign before the expiration of his term 
of office. 

In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the General 
Court, it being the second time he had been selected 
by his fellow-citizens for that important office. He 
was chairman of the Committee on Elections, and also 
a member of the Committee on Federal Relations. 

As a legislator Mr. Boomer was liberal and pro- 
gressive in his views, with a hearty sympathy for all 
measures calculated to raise the moral standard and 
lessen the burdens of the laboring masses. Ready 
and earnest as a debater, he never failed to obtain the 
attention of the House, and retain the respect and 
confidence of his fellow-members. 

Mr. Boomer was a director in the Pocasset National 
Bank from its organization till his death. 

As a man and a friend he cannot be too warmly 
spoken of, for he possessed the noblest qualities of char- 
acter. So manly was he by instinct that no one could 
deem him capable of a mean action, so charitable in 
his opinions of others as to lead him to overlook their 
faults and forgive any injuries he may have suffered. 
The feeling of vindictiveness he would not or could 
not cherish, and as a lawver he would never encour- 




^ <^2_ 



BENCH AND BAK. 



31 



age litigation, preferring the loss of business to the 
loss of self-respect. 

He has been spoken of as a true Cliristian gentle- 
man, religious, but not bigoted, exhibiting grace of 
heart no less than polish of manners. Habitually 
cheerful, he was an agreeable companion and friend, 
and impressed all with his geniality and kindness, no 
less than with his earnestness and decision of char- 
acter. 

Mr. Boomer was fifty years old at the time of his 
death, and had grown up with the thrift and enter- 
prise of Fall Kiver. In labor and sympathy he was 
fully identified with the best interests of the place, 
intellectual and spiritual, as well as material. In 
whatever offices he was called to fill, he gave to the 
discharge of their duties his best abilities and his most 
earnest, conscientious preparation. When quite a lad 
he made a profession of religion, was baptized by Rev. 
Asa Bronson, and received in the membership of the 
First Baptist Church of Fall River, March 6, 183G. 

Hezekiah Battelle, for so long a time a promi-- 
nent member of the Bristol bar, was graduated at 
Brown University, in the class of 1816. He read law 
in the office of Hercules Cushman, Esq., of Freetown, 
then a prominent lawyer of the Bristol bar. Upon his 
admission to practice he became a partner with Mr. 
Cushman, and remained there a few years, when 
he removed to Swansea village, and continued in 
practice there till 1827, when he located in Fall 
River, and here passed the larger part of his life. 

Coming to Fall River in the vigor of manhood and 
with a reputation for ability and fidelity already es- 
tablished, his practice rapidly increased, and for more 
than a quarter of a century he was regarded as one 
of the ablest lawyers in the country. Perhaps no one 
in the county exceeded him in the preparation of 
cases for trial, either by the jury upon question of 
fact, or by the court upon matters of law. Mr. Bat- 
telle took a deep interest in the moral and religious 
welfare of Fall River, and in the prosperity and good 
government of our common country. He was one of 
the representatives from this town in the Legislature 
in 18.38 and 1848, interesting himself at the latter pe- 
riod with the question of boundary between the States 
of Massachusetts and Rliode Island. For more than 
fifteen years, however, immediately previous to his 
death, he took but little interest in the practice of law, 
but devoted much of his attention to religious matters 
and questions of theology. Mr. Battelle was actively 
interested in the organization of the Unitarian Society 
in Fall River, and was one of its earnest supporters. 

He died Jan. 22, 1872, at the age of eighty-two 
years. 

Cyrus Alden was born in Bridgewater, Mass., 
May 20, 1785. He was fifth in descent and direct 
line from John Alden, the first of the Plymouth col- 
ony to step upon the famous rock at the landing of 
the "Mayflower" Pilgrims in 1G20. His father was 
Capt. Joseph Alden. His mother and grandmother 



were members of the Carver family and also of Pil- 
grim ancestry. He was one of a family of nine chil- 
dren, of which five were sons, two of whom, himself 
and a younger brother, were graduated from Brown 
University, the one to follow the profession of the 
law, the other that of divinity. His own graduation 
took place in 1807, his education having been delayed 
by a severe and protracted illness. He studied law at 
Litchfield, Conn., and also read with Judge Whit- 
man, of Marshfield, and Judge Baylies, of Taunton. 
He began the practice of law in Wrentham, marrying, 
soon after his entrance upon his profession, Mary 
Margaret, daughter of Mr. Alexander Jones, of Prov- 
idence, R. I. After a short residence in Wrentham 
he removed with his family to Boston, residing in 
Eoxbury, but having an office in the city and in the 
same building with Daniel Webster, a most noted con- 
temporary, belonging to the same political party, the 
Whigs, to which he always held. He here published, 
in 1819, a book, of which he was the author and edi- 
tor, under the title of "Abridgment of Law, with 
Practical Forms," in two parts, which proved accept- 
able and useful, but has now been superseded by later 
works of the same purpose. In 1827 he once more 
removed his family and business, and this time to 
Fall River, which he afterward served in the Legisla- 
ture, the town then bearing the name of Troy. Here 
he spent the remainder of his life, dying in March, 
1855. 

In addition to the legal and judicial qualities of 
mind, which, with a marked and refined wit, he pos- 
sessed in a great degree, he had also poetic and inven- 
tive talents, amusing his leisure hours with the former 
and employing the latter to some practical result, 
being the inventor of hay-scales, for which he secured 
a patent, they being at one time in quite general use. 

An obituary written by a fellow-lawyer says, " For 
several years he did a considerable portion of Fall 
River's judicial business, his promptness and tenacity 
of memory being remarkable. He rarely took notes 
of testimony, and it was very seldom that a law-book 
was requisite to him for reference in any decision. So 
thoroughly imbued was his mind with the essential 
principles of our laws that his errors in stating them 
from memory merely were most infrequent, and it has 
been remarked, not without point, that more reliance 
might be placed upon the opinion of Cyrus Alden, 
Esq., than could be upon the opinions of many men 
with both books and laws. He was an author as well 
as practitioner, and has left a volume as a memento 
to his brethren in the department of his profession." 

Louis Lapham, who was a leading spirit in Fall 
River for more than forty years, was born in Burrill- 
ville, R. I., in 1810. His parents were poor people, 
and young Lapham had to earn his own bread. He 
acquired a good common-school education for his 
times, and learned the printer's trade. He early ac- 
quired a taste for political life, and was a Democrat. 
He took sides with the Dorr Rebellion in Rhode 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Island in 1840, and was so much of a friend of Gov- 
ernor Dorr tliat lie became very obnoxious to the 
King Charles Charterists, and left his home and fled 
to Fall River, where he followed his trade for several 
years. He was a friend of the laborer, and always on 
the alert to defend the poor man's rights. He was of 
quick perceptions and had a ready tongue, and was a 
match for the lawyers and merchants of Fall River 
in debate in town-meeting. He acquired consider- 
able reputation with the laboring classes, and ambi- 
tious for a better situation in life than that that was 
open to him in mechanical avocation, studied law and 
was admitted to the bar. 

In 1852 he was appointed judge of the Police Court 
of Fall River by Governor Boutwell, which position 
he held until the court was abolished and the present 
District Court created in 1873. He was an upright 
judge. He was not a profound lawyer, yet he had a 
true conception of what was right, and his decisions 
were just and jsroper, if not always exact law. Hav- 
ing earned his position by the sweat of his own brow, 
he had not such regard for professional etiquette as 
perhaps he should have entertained. The people 
had great confidence in his judgment and fairness, 
and disposition to do justice by them. 

He was one of the original Free-Soilers, and for 
years was a prominent person in that party in the 
city of Fall River. He was several times a candi- 
date for mayor of Fall River, and in the latter part 
of his life was much disposed to be in sympathy with 
Democratic principles, and nothing but his hatred of 
slavery and his recollections of it kept him from 
full fellowship with them. 

He was of very generous disposition and very 
ready and willing to help those in need, and to render 
such assistance by word and deed as it was in his cir- 
cumstances to do. Indeed, he was too generous for ; 
his own accumulation of property. He was a true 
friend. He had strong attachments and hopes, but 
yet his love of justice and fair dealing was a control- 
ling element of character. He hated show and shams, 
and spoke ])erhaps too strongly at times in condemna- 
tion of political intriguers and hypocrites. He was a 
laborious man. He frequently wrote for the news- , 
papers, and was busy in his profession. He died in ; 
Fall River in March, 1881, aged seventy-one years, 1 
leaving a widow and several daughters to mourn his 
death and to cherish his memory. 

Charles Holmes, father of Hon. Charles Holmes, 
was also a leading lawyer of Fall River. He had an 
excellent legal mind, and was genial and courteous in 
his intercourse with his fellow-men. 

Hon. Josiah C. Blalsdell was born in Camp- 
ton, N. H., on the 22d of October, 1820. In his boy- 
hood he attended the common district school, and 
later was a member of the Literary and Scientific 
Institution at Hancock, N. H. While yet a young 
man he removed with his parents to Methuen, Mass., 
from whence, in 1843, he came to Fall River for the 



purpose of entering the law-office of James Ford, 
Esq. Upon the completion of his studies he engaged 
in the practice of his profession, and has continued 
its active duties to the present day, rising step by 
step until he has gained a foremost position at the 
bar of his adopted town, and has become generally 
well known in this section of the State. 

His first entrance into public life was in 1858, 
when he was elected a member of the Massachusetts 
Hou.se of Representatives. In 1864 he was appointed 
by Governor John A. Andrew a member of the Board 
of State Charities, completing an unexpired term of 
two years. In 1866 he was reappointed to the same 
office by Governor Alexander H. Bullock for a fur- 
ther term of seven years, but resigned after serving 
two years. He was chosen a member of the State 
Senate in 1865, and again of the House in 1866. 

He was elected mayor of Fall River in 1858, and 
re-elected in 1859. Since Mr. Blaisdell's terms in the 
mayoralty and as representative aud senator he has 
been brought by official life more or less continuously 
before the public, and in 1874, upon the organization 
of the "Second District Court of Bristol," in recog- 
nition of his qualifications as a lawyer and a man of 
sound and discreet judgment, he was appointed pre- 
siding judge. He has since that date filled the 
position ably and well, to the satisfaction of his 
brethren of the bar and the public at large. 

Nicholas Hatheway, son of Ehiathan P. and 
Salome (Cushman) Hatheway, was born in Freetown, 
Sept. 3, 1824, the eldest of seven children. He was 
educated at Phillips Andover Academy and Pierce'.s 
Academy at Middleborough. He entered Brown 
University in 1843, and graduated in 1847; studied 
law with his father, and was admitted to the bar in 
1850. He commenced practice in Freetown, where 
he remained until 1857, and then accepted a position 
as head of the weighers' and gangers' department in 
the Boston custom-house under Collector Arthur W. 
Austin. Mr. Hatheway remained in this position 
until 1861, when he became a member of the Boston 
Stock Exchange, and continued in the brokerage 
business until about fourteen years ago, when he re- 
moved to Fall River and resumed the practice of 
law. Mr. Hatheway has taken good rank at the bar, 
but perhaps is best known as a criminal lawyer. He 
held various offices while in Freetown, was twice 
justice, and held that office until it was abolished. 
He was also a school-teacher in his native town and 
a member of the school committee. He was elected 
a member of the Legislature from Fall River in 1875, 
and was alderman in 1874 and 1875. 

Politically, Mr. Hatheway is a Democrat, and an 
earnest and outspoken advocate of the principles of 
that party. He was a delegate to the four last 
National Democratic Conventions, and has been a 
delegate to most of the State Conventions for twenty 
years, and has also been a member of the Democratic 
State Central Committee. He was nominated for 






t^CX^^jCL^. 





^-^^^^^^ uy^^-^ ^/ ^ 



BEiSrCH AND BAR. 



33 



Congress in the fall of 1882, and received a very 

flattering vote. 

Mr. Hatheway is prominent in Masonic circles, is 
a member of Union Lodge, Dorcliester ; St. Paul's 
R. A. C, Boston; Council R. and S. M., Boston; 
Boston Commandery, and of the Supreme Grand 
Council of the Northern Jurisdiction of the United 
States and its Dependencies, — thirty-three degrees. 

Mr. Hatheway was married Jan. 1, 1851, to Fanny 
P. Dean, of Freetown, and has two children living, 
— Nelson D. Hatheway, M.D., of Middleborough, 
Mass., and Nicholas Hatheway, Jr., who graduates 
this year (1883) at Brown University. 

Hon. Henry K. Braley, the present mayor of 
Fall River, was born in Rochester, Mass., March 
17, 1850. He is a son of Samuel and Mary O. Braley, 
whose ancestor, Roger Braley, came to America and 
settled in Freetown in 1742. He was a Quaker. 

Mr. Braley attended the common schools of his 
native town, and subsequently graduated from the 
Rochester and Middleborough academies. He also 
taught school in Bridgewater four years. Having 
decided upon the legal profe.ssion as a vocation, he 
commenced the study of the law in the office of 
Latham & Kingman at Bridgewater, and in 1873 was 
admitted to the bar at Plymouth, Mass. He soon 
after located in Fall River, where he has since re- 
sided engaged in the active practice of his profession. 
Mr. Braley is an active and aggressive member of the 
Democratic party, and was elected mayor of the city 
of Fall River in 1882, and his popularity and worth 
as an executive officer was clearly evidenced by his 
re-election in 1883 by a large majority. Although 
yet a young man Mr. Braley has taken a leading 
position at the Bristol bar, and is regarded by his 
brethren as a rising man. 

James M. Morton, one of the older members of 
the bar, is a close student, has an excellent legal mind, 
and is one of the acknowledged leaders of the bar in 
Southeastern Massachusetts. 

Hon. Andrew J. Jennings, Mr. Morton's partner, 
although a young man, has a good position at the bar, 
and is popular with his brethren and the citizens 
generally. He represented the district in the State 
Senate in 1882. 

Hon. John W. Cumhings is also a young man, but 
has already won a prominent position at the bar and 
in the political field. He is the present State senator 
from this district, and one of Governor Butler's most 
trusted counselors. 

The present members of the Fall River bar are as 
follows : 

Nicholas Hatheway. John W. Cummings. 

Josiah C. Bl.iisdeU. Timothy McDonough. 

James M. Morton. Samuel Ashtoii. 

Jonathan M. Wood. Aria N. Lincoln. 

Benjamin K. Lovatt. Patrick H. Wallace. 

■William H. Pierce. Warren Aids. 

Milton Reed. Hugo A. Dubuque. 

James F. Jackson. Edward Higginson. 

Dennis V. Sullivan. M. G. B. Swift. 
3 



Andrew J. Jennings. Frank G. Macomher. 

Simeon Borden. Henry K. Braley.i 

Jolin S. Bray ton. 

Attleborough.— John Daggett. He is a native 
of Attleborough, descended from John Daggett, who 
came from Martha's Vineyard about 1707 and settled 
in Attleborough, with a family of nine children. He 
was the son of Thomas Daggett, of the Vineyard, who 
married Hannah, oldest daughter of Governor May- 
hew, and lived and died on the island. John Daggett, 
theauthorof the history of Attleborough in this work, 
was the son of Hon. Ebenezer Daggett and Sally 
Maxcy, one of the Maxcy family of Attleborough. 

He fitted for college at Day's Academy in Wrentham, 
and under the tuition of Rev. Alvan Cobb, of Taun- 
ton. He entered Brown University in September, 
1822, and graduated in the class of 1826. Soon after 
leaving college he commenced the study of the law in 
the office of Joseph L. Tillingh.ast, in Providence, a 
distinguished member of the Rhode Island bar and a 
member of Congress, and the next year studied in 
the office of Hon. J. J. Fiske, of Wrentham, and the 
third year attended the course of law lectures of Hon. 
Theron Metcalf.of Dedham, afterwards a judge of the 
Supreme Court of Massachusetts, and author of several 
learned works on jurisprudence. At that place he 
was admitted to the bar in January, 1830, and imme- 
diately opened an office and commenced practice in 
Attleborough, where he has continued most of his 
time since. Subsequently he edited a paper in Ded- 
ham for a year or two, and then returned to his native 
town. 

During the early years of his professional duties he 
took a deep interest in common-school education, and 
devoted much of his time to that cause, having served 
as chairman of the town school committee about fif- 
teen years in succession. 

Ho was elected representative to the Legislature for 
1836, and continued for four years in succession. In 
1850 he was elected to the Senate, and served on the 
Railroad and Judiciary Committees. During the 
latter year he was appointed member of the Valuation 
Board, the duties of which occupied four months at 
the State-House in Boston. He was also a member 
of the House in 1866. In 1852 he was appointed by 
the Governor register of probate and insolvencj' for 
Bristol County, and was afterwards elected to the 
same office for two terms, of four years each, holding 
the office for the period of eleven years. 

Of late years he has devoted his leisure hours to 
antiquarian and historical research, especially on the 
subject of the settlement and colonization of the Old 
Colony, and the origin and history of its people, is a 
member of the New England Genealogical and His- 
toric Society, and one of the original members of the 
Old Colony Historical Society, of which he is the 
president. He is the author of some local histories. 

Freetown. — William A. Leonard, from Bayn- 

1 For notices of J. J. Archer and Milton Reed, see history of Fall River. 



34 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ham, located for the practice of his profession at 
Assonet village, in Freetown, in an early day. 

Being a single man, he boarded in the family of 
Col. Benjamin Weaver, in the west front chamber of 
whose house Mr. Leonard opened a law-office, and 
there remained until his building, constructed for that 
purpose, could be finished, the materials of which 
were obtained at Raynham, and brought down Taun- 
ton River and up Assonet River to Assonet village 
in Freetown, and set up a little south of the Congre- 
gational meeting-house. 

Mr. Leonard did not long remain in Freetown, but 
returned to Raynham. The building he put up for a 
law-office was afterwards used for a school-house. 

Washixgtox Hathaway was a native of Free- 
town. He was a son of Joseph Hathaway and wife 
Eunice Winslow, and born Sept. 4, 1777. He was a 
graduate of Brown University, Providence, R. I. 
His law-office stood on the northerly side of Water 
Street, in Assonet village. Commenced practice in or 
about 1802. Died Feb. 10, 1818. 

Geoege Boxum Nye Holmes was a native of 
Rochester, Mass., son of Abraham IJolmes, Esq., and 
located in Freetown for the practice of the law in or 
near the year 1810. His law-office was the building 
now used by Mr. Philip C. Bryant for a grocery- 
store. 

Heecx'LES Ccshmax was a native of Middlebor- 
ough. He studied law with Hon. Wilkes Wood, of 
his native town, and received the appointment of 
clerk of Plymouth County Court. Located in Free- 
town in or about 181.3, from which town he was elected 
several times as representative to the General Court, 
and served one year in the Governor's Council. He 
was promoted to the office of colonel of the Fifth Regi- 
ment in the local militia of Bristol County. Honor- 
ably discharged. He returned to Middleborough in 
1828, and there died in 1832. 

RuFTS Bacox was a native of Rochester, Mass. 
Came to Freetown in 1814. Occupied as a law-office 
that which had been used by George Bonum Xye 
Holmes. 

June 13, 1818, Mr. Bacon was commissioned cap- 
tain of the Assonet Light Infantry Company, which 
position he held until 1824; was a member of the 
Governor's Council one year ; chairman of County 
Commissioners in 1828, which year he removed to the 
State of New York. 

Elsathax p. Hatheway was one of the leading 
members of the Bristol bar, and for a long time one 
of the most prominent Democrats in the State. He 
was a personal friend of James Buchanan, and also 
of Judge Randall, father of Samuel J. Randall, the 
distinguished member of Congress from Philadelphia, 
and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives. He 
was selectman of his town, commissioner of insol- 
vency, member of the last Constitutional Convention, 
member of the Legislature, and later of the Senate, 
was a member of the National Convention which 



nominated President Buchanan, and was subsequently 
offered the coliectorship of Boston, 'which he declined. 
He was engaged for a long time in most of the impor- 
tant cases that came before the courts of Bristol 
County. He was popular with his brothers at the bar, 
and was an intimate friend of Timothy G. Coffin and 
William Baylies. 

Mr. Hatheway was a direct descendant on the pa- 
ternal side from Ann Hathaway, the wife of Shake- 
speare, and on the mother's side from Robert Cush- 
man, the Puritan. Elnathan P. Hatheway was a 
graduate of Brown L"niversity in the class of 1816. 

Ezra Wilkixsox came to Freetown in March, 
1829, and opened a law-office in the building that had 
been used for that purpose by George Bonum Nye 
Holmes and Rufus Bacon. Mr. Wilkinson was a 
native of Wrentham, Mass., and a graduate of Brown 
University, Providence, R. I. From Freetown he 
removed to Seekonk, and from thence to Dedham. 

William H. Eddy was a native of Middleborough. 
He located for practice at Freetown in 1835. His 
health failed him, and he soon after returned to Mid- 
dleborough and died. 

.Jor^EPH Hathaway' was a native of Freetown, and 
located for the practice of law in Fall River, where 
he was once elected as a member of the General 
Court. Came back to and opened a law-office at 
Assonet village in 1837. Somewhat distinguished as 
a temperance lecturer, claiming to be, as he did, a 
" reformed drunkard." Went back to the practice of 
law at Fall River in 1844. Did not remain long, but 
again returned to Freetown, where he died April 22, 
1865. He was a son of John Hathaway, of Free- 
town, and wife Betsey Winslow.' 

The senior members of the bar of this county have 
many of them made up their records; those still left 
are soon to follow, and the juniors are to assume their 
places at the bar and on the bench ; to them will soon 
be committed these great responsible trusts. The 
perpetuity of our free institutions is committed to the 
guardianship and keeping of the bar and judiciary 
of our free country, for the history of the world 
teaches, and all free governments illustrate, this truth, 
that to the profession of the law civil government is 
indebted for all the safeguards and intrenchments 
with which the liberties of the people are protected, 
that legislation is shaped, constitutions enlarged, 
amended, and adopted by the enlightened administra- 
tion of the statesmen, both of England and the United 
States, who have been in both, and are in all free gov- 
ernments, educated for the bar, and, ascending by the 
inherent force- of their disciplined professional life, 
they become the directors of the destinies of States 
and nations. 

Military chieftains may spring into power, tyrants 
may for the hour dazzle with the glamour of military 
parade, the pomp of war, an oppressed and frenzied 

1 For Slanefield lawyere ecu bietory of that town. 



MEDICAL HISTORY. 



35 



people, but they turn as the cannonade dies away to 
the statesmanship of the country, and call to the Par- 
liaments and congressional halls for final debate the 
arbitraments of the liberties of the people. From 
the days of King John to the present hour the bar 
and tlie bench have furnished the statesmen who have 
erected the bulwarks of constitutional law, and ex- 
torted from tyrants the Magna Chartas which have 
secured to the oppressed the guarantee of free insti- 
tutions. Imbued with the historical traditions of 
their predecessors, and tracing the paths they have 
trod, emulating their good example, it should become 
more and more the resolute iiurpose of the Bristol 
County bar to so walk in the light of their professional 
teachings that when they are called to follow them to 
that upper court and file their judgment-roll of the 
great trial of life with that Supreme Judge from whose 
bar they can take no appeal, — 

"Then go not like the quarry-slave at night 
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed 
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams." 



CHAPTER lY. 



MEDICAL HISTORY.i 



BKISTOL NORTH .\ND SOUTH DISTRICTS OF THE MASSACHU- 
SETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

The Massachusetts Medical Society was formed 
in 1781, with power to elect officers, examine and 
license candidates, hold real estate, and " continue a 
body politic and corporate by the same name for- 
ever." 

The society is intended to include all regular phy- 
sicians practicing medicine in the commonwealth, 
and admission takes place according to the following 
extract from Charter 82, Massachusetts Laws, 1859: 

" No person shall hereafter become a member of 
the Massachusetts Medical Society except upon ex- 
amination by the censors of said society ; and any 
person of good moral character, found to possess the 
qualifications prescribed by the rules and regulations 
of said society, shall be admitted a fellow of said 
society." 

The Massachusetts Medical Society includes seven- 
teen district societies, all of which are under the con- 
trol of the parent society. District societies consist 
of the fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society 
residing within such districts respectively wherein 
the communication of cases and experiments may be 
made, and the difl'usion of knowledge in medicine 
and surgery may be encouraged and promoted. Dis- 
1 

1 The articles on the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Bristol 
North District Society were contributed by Silas D. Presbrey, M.D., of 
Tauutou, and the article on Bristol South District Society by Dr. John 
B. Machie, of New Bedford. 



trict societies " may appoint their own officers, and 
establish regulations for their particular government 
not repugnant to the by-laws of the general society ; 
and shall be capable to purchase and receive by do- 
nation books, philosophical and chirurgical instru- 
ments, or other personal property, and may hold and 
dispose of the same, exclusive of any authority of the 
general society." 

There are in Bristol County two such district soci- 
eties, — Bristol North District Medical Society and 
Bristol South District Medical Society. 

Bristol North District Medical Society was or- 
ganized June 20, 1849, and " consists of all the fel- 
lows of the Massachusetts Medical Society residing in 
the city of Taunton, and in the towns of Seekouk, 
Attleborough, Eehoboth, Norton, Mansfield, Easton, 
Raynham, Berkley, Freetown, Somerset, Dighton, 
Swansea, and none other." By a change in the State 
line, March 1, 1862, almost the whole of Pawtucket 
and a portion of Seekonk, since known as East Prov- 
idence, were ceded to Rhode Island. Prior to that 
date fellows residing therein were members of the 
Bristol North District Medical Society, but at that 
time they lost their membership in the District So- 
ciety and became non-resident fellows of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society. 

The first meeting for the organization of this society 
was held at East Attleborough, Jan. 20, 1849. There 
were present at this meeting Drs. Benoni Carpenter, 
of Pawtucket ; Seba A. Carpenter, of Attleborough ; 
James B. Dean, of Taunton ; Johnson Gardner, of 
Seekonk; Thaddeus Phelps, of Attleborougb ; Menzies 
R. Randall, of Rehoboth ; Phineas Savery, of Attle- 
borougb ; Caleb Swan, of North Easton. Dr. M. R. 
Randall was made chairman, and Dr. Benoni Carpen- 
ter secretary. A committee was chosen, consisting of 
Drs. Carpenter, Gardner, and Phelps, who reported a 
" draft for by-laws," which were accepted and adopted 
in the usual manner. Thereupon the organization 
was completed by the choice of the following officers: 
President, Seba A. Carpenter ; Vice-President, Men- 
zies R. Randall ; Secretary and Treasurer, William F. 
Perry (not before mentioned); Librarians, Phineas 
Savery, James B. Dean. 

Following is a list of the members of the Bristol 
North District Medical Society from 1849 to 1883, al- 
phabetically arranged : 



2 


• 






"o d. 
































— «=; 


Name. 


Kesidence. 


Died. 


■= J 


■5^ 








'? 


< 









Sa 




1 







1852. Alba, Edwin Mason. 

1862. Allen, William Georpe. 

1852. Aspinwall, Thomas W. 

1882. Baker, Harry Beecher. 

1869. Ba-ssett, Elton James. 

1879. Batterslmll, Joseph Ward. 

1850. Blanding, William. 

1852. Bronson, John Richardfion. 

18R9. Brown, Henry N. 

1878. Brown, John "Peaslee. 



Attleboro',afterwards 

Williamsport, Pa , 1854. 

Mansfield. 

Seekonk. 1867. 

Dighton. ' ".„,,', 

Tannton. 

.\ttleborongti. ; 

Reholoth. 1857. | ....... 

Attleborough. - 

North Attleborough j 1874. 

Taunton. , 






HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, .MASSACHUSETTS. 



o 








■oB 


i^ 


Name. 


Residence. 


Died. 


.if 










1871. 


Billiard, Herbert Cutler. 


North Attleborough. 






1871. 


liiirden, Frederick Lysander. 


North Attleborough. 






1859. 


Hurge. William B. 


Taunton. 




isei! 


1S4S. 


Caipenter, Benoni. 


Pawtucket, R. I. 


1877. 




18e:i. 


Carpenter, Marcus S. 


Mansfield. 




1864. 


1846. 


Carpenter, Seba A. 


.\IIlebo rough. 






1S4S. 


Cliace, John Bowers. 


Taunton. 


i'ssi! 




18;J9. 


Cliipp, S.vlvanns. 


Pawtucket, R. I. 


187-. 




1866. 


C.>bb, Jolin Edward. 


Tannlon. 


18—. 


mi! 


1858. 


(\igswell, fieorge Badger. 


North Eastou. 






1844. 


Dean, James Brinton. 


Taunton. 


i'sH' 




18G(i. 


Di'ane, Asahel Sumner. 


Taunton. 






1873. 


Ellis, George Livingstone. 


Taunton, afterwards 
Middleborough. 




1878. 


1856. 


Fobes, Joseph Bassett. 


Taunton, afterwards 
Bridgewater. 




1868. 


1840. 


Foster, James Wolcott. 


North Attleborough. 






1869. 


Gage, William Hatliorne. 


Taunton. 






1882. 


Galligan, Kdwaid Francis. 


Tannton. 






1843. 


Gardner, Johnson. 


Seekoiik, afterwards 
Providence, R. I. 


1869. 




1882. 


Gerould, Joseph Bowditch. 


North Attleborough. 






1868. 


Godding, William W. 


Taunton. 




1877. 


1823. 


Gordon, William. 


Taunton. 


i852.' 




1882. 


Golden, Mi. bapl L'harles. 


Taunton. 






1835. 


Gushee, John Hathaway. 


Raynham. 




is—. 


1843. 


Hatch, Joseph H. 


Attleborough. 


1855. 




1855. 


Holnutn, Silas Atherton. 


Taniit<in. 




1862. 


1866. 


Howurd, George C. 


Attleborough. 






1848. 


Howe, Charles. 


Tannton. 






1866. 


Hnbbard, Charles Thacher. 


Taunton. 




1877. 


1861. 


Hnbbard, Henry Babcock. 


Tannton. 


isTO. 




1S76. 


Hutchinson, Mitrcello. 


Taunton. 






1854. 


Kimball, Daniel F. 


Rehoboth. 






1862. 


King, Dan. 


Tannton and Green- 
ville, R. I. 


1864. 




1862. 


Knapp, Kphraim. 


Attleborough. 


1860. 




1863. 


Larkin, Silas S. 


Attleborough. 






1819. 


Leonard, George. 


Taunton. 


1865. 





1882. 


Mackie, George. 


Attleborough. 






1862. 


Manley, Edwin. 


Taunton. 


"".'.'.'. 


1874. 


1854. 


McCormick, Edward George. 


Taunton. 


1856. 




1877. 


Moore, Frederick C. 


Taunton. 




1877! 


1852. 


Morton, Lloyd. 


Pawtucket, R. I. 







1869. 


Murpiiy, Joseph. 


Taunton. 






1854. 


Newman, Albert. 


Tannton, afterwards 
Kansas. 






1841. 


Nicholas, Joseph Dean. 


Taunton. 


1879. 




1862. 


Nicholas. Thomas Gilbert. 


Freetown. 


1883. 




1864. 


Taige, .Nomas. 


Taunton. 






1869. 


Pauu, Amos Bosworth. 


East Taunton, Mid- 
dlebonuigh. 






1867. 


Payne, .\mesa Elliot. 


Taunton, afterwards 
Brockton. 




1872. 


1835. 


Perry, William Frederick. 


Mansfield. 


1873! 




1853. 


Phelps, Klislia. 


North Attleborough. 






1841. 


PIn-lps, TImddeus. 


North Attleborough. 


i'm. 




1865. 


Preebrev, Silas Dean. 


Tannton. 






1852. 


Eandalf, Daniel F. 


Rehoboth, afterwards 
Chesterfield, N. H. 






1852. 


Randall, George Henry. 


North Rehoboth. 






1832. 


Randall, Meny.ies Rayner. 


North Rehoboth. 


1882! 




1863. 


Ransom, Nitthaniel Morton. 


Taunton. 






1879. 


Richmond, George Barstow. 


Dighton. 






1876. 


Robinson, Walter Scott. 


Taunton. 






1867. 


Ryan, James C. 


Tiuinton, afterwards 










East Abington. 


187-. 


1867. 


1843. 


Sampson, Ira. 


Taunton. 


1871. 




1841. 


Savery, Phineas. 


Attleborough. 


1863. 




1865. 


Sproat, Henry Hamilton. 


Freetown. 






1833. 


Swan, Caleb. 


E.i8ton. 


18to! 




18.36. 


Talbot, Charles. 


Dighton. 


1880. 




1862. 


Thompson, Charles K. 


Attleboiough. 






1876. 


Tilden, Frank Elmer 


North Easton. 






1880. 


Totten, John Edmund. 


Attleborough. 






1866. 


Turner, Ubed C. 


Attleborough. 




im. 


1846. 


Wellington, James Lloyd, 


Swansea. 






1869. 


Whitney, James Orne. 


Pawtucket, R. I. 






1881. 


Wilmarlh, Alfred Warren. 


Taunton. 






1834. 


Wood, Alfred. 


Taunton. 






1876. 


Yale, Joseph Cummings. 


Taunton. 




1879! 



June 20, 1849.— President, Seba A. Carpenter; Vice-President, M. R. 

Randall; Secretary and Treasurer, William F. Perry ; Librarians, 

Pliiiieas Suvery, James B. Dean. 
March 20, 1850.— President, Johnson Gardner; Vice-President, Joseph 

H. Hatch; Secretary and Treasurer, Thaddeus Phelps; Librarians, 

Phineas Savery, James B. Dean. 
March 19, 1851.— President, Johnson Gardner; Vice-President, Joseph 

H. Hatch; Secretary and Treasurer, Thaddeiis Phelps; Librarians, 



Phineas Savery, James B. Dean; Councilore, Benoni Carpenter, 
Johnson Gardner, Charles Howe; Censors, Caleb Swan, M. R. 
Randall, Phineas Savery. 

March 10, 1852 — PrL-sideiit, Caleb Swan; Vice-President, Josei)h H. 
Hatch; Secretary and Treasurer, Thaddeus Phelps; Librarians, 
Phineas Savery, James B. Dean ; Councilors, Benoni Carpenter, Ira 
Sampson, Charles Howe: Censors, Phineas Savery, M. R. Randall, 
Daniel King, James B. Dean, Josepli D. Nichols. 

March 9, 1853.— President, M.R. Randall; Vice-President, Ira Sampson; 
Secretary and Treasnrer, William Dickinson ; Lihrarrans. James B. 
Dean, Phineas Savery; Councilors, Benoni Carpenter, J. D. Nicliols, 
Daniel King; Censors, Thaddens Phelps. Charles Howe, J. B. Dean. 

March 8, 1854.— President, Ira Sampson; Vice-Prt-sident, Thaddens 
Phelps; Secretary nn<l Treasurer, William Dickinson; Librarians, 
Elisha Phelps, James B. Dean; Councilors, Djuiid King, Benoni 
Carpenter, Josepli D. Nichols; Censors, Tliaddens Phelps, Charles 
Howe, James B. Dean. 

March 14, 1855. — President, Ira Sampson; Vice-President, Tliaddeus 
Phelps; Secretary and Treasurer, Elisha Phelps; LibrariaLis, J. B. 
Dean, Albert Newman ; Councilors, Daniel King, Benoni Carpenter, 
J.D. Nichols; Censors, Thaddens Phelps, Charles Howe, Thomas G. 
Nichols. 

March 12, 1856.— President, Thaddeus Phelps; Vice-President, Benoni 
Carpenter; Secretary and Treasurer, ('haries Howe; Librarians, 
James B. Dean, Albert Newman; Councilors, J. I). Nichols, Benoui 
Carpenter, Williiim Dickitison, Caleb Swan; Censors, Thomas G. 
Nichuls, Lloyd Morton, Johnson Gardner. 

March 11, 1857.— President, Thaddeus Phelps; Vice President, Benoni 
Carpenter; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Huwe; CommJHsioner 
on Trials, Daniel King; Librarians, James B, Dean, John It. Bi'on- 
son; Councilors, Benoni Carpenter, Daniel King. Josepli D.Nichols; 
Censors, Thomas G. Nichols, Johnson Gardner, Lloyd Morton. 

March 10,1858. — President, Benoni Carpenter; Vice-President, Daniel 
King; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Howe; (.^uminissitxier on 
Ti-ials, Daniel King; Librarians, John B. Chace, Jnim B Bronson ; 
Councilors, Danid King, J. D. Nichols, Johnson Gardner; Censors, 
J. G. Nichols, Johnson Gardner, Charles Howe. 

March 9, 1839. — President, Benoui Carpenter; Vice-President, Daniel 
King; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Howe; Commissioner on 
Trials, Daniel King; Librarians. J. B. Chace, Thaddens Phelps; 
Councilors, Ira Sampson, Thaddeus Phelps, Johnson Gardner; Cen- 
sors, Johnson Gaidner, T. G. Nichols, Charles Howe. 

March 14, 18G0. — President, Cliarles Howe; Vice-President, J, R. Bron- 
eon ; Secretary and Treasurer, Thomas G. Nichols; Commissioner 
on Trials, B. Carpenter; Librarians, J. B. Chace, Thaddeus Phelps; 
Councilors, Johnson Gardner, Benoni Carpenter, Thaddeus Phelps, 
Chailes Talbot; Censors, Johnson Gardner, Joseph Murphy, J. D. 
Nichols. 

March 13, 18G1.— President, Charles Howe; Vice-President, J. li. Bron- 
son; Secretary and Treasurer, J. B. Chace; Commissioner on Trials, 
Thaddens Phelps; Librarian, Thaddeus Phelps; Counciloi-s, John- 
son Gardner, Thaddeus Phelps, Joseph Mnrpliy, Benoni Carpenter; 
Censors, J. B. Chace, U. B. Hubbard, J. R. Bronson. 

March 12, 1862. — President, John B. Bronson ; Vice-President, Joseph 
Murphy; Secretary and Treasurer, J. B. Chace; Commissioner on 
Tiials, J. Phelps; Librarian, Ira Sampson: Counciloi-s, Benoni Car- 
penter, Charles Howe, Ira Sampson, Thaddeus Phelps ; Censors, J. 
B. Chace, H. B. Huhhard, J. B. Bronson. 

March 11, 1S63. — President, John R. Bronson; Vice-Piesident, Joseph 
Murpliy; Secretary and Treasni'er, J. B. Chace; Commissioner on 
Trials, J. Phelps; Libmrian, Ira S;impson; Councilors, H. B. Hub- 
bard, Charles Howe, William G. Allen; Censors, H. B. Hubbard, J. 
B. Cliace, J. R. Bronson. 

March 9, 1864. — i'resident, Joseph Murphj' ; Vice-President, H. B. Hub- 
bard; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomas Paige; Librarian, Ira Samp- 
son; Councilors, Thaddeus Phelps, J. R. Bronson, William G.Allen, 
Charles Howe; Censors, J. B. Chace, H. B. Hnbbard, J. R. Bronson. 

March 8,1865. — President, Joseph Murphy; Vice-1'iesident, Henry B. 
Hubbard; Secretary and Treasurer, Nonius Piiigo ; Cummissioner 
on Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, Ira Sampson; Councilors, J. 
R. Bronson, TImddeus Phelps, William G. Allen; Censors, H. B. 
Hubbard, J. R. Bronson, J. B, Chace. 

March 14, 1866.— President, Herfry B. Hubbard; Vice-President, J. B. 
Chace; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomus Paige; Commissioner on 
Trials, W. G. Allen; Librarian, Ira Sampson; Councilors, Thad- 
deus Phelps; William G. Allen, J. B. Fobea.Obed. C. Turner; Cen- 
sors, J, R. Bi'onson, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey. 



MEDICAL HISTORY. 



37 



March 13, 1867.— Piesiiient, Josopli B. Fobes; Vicc-Picsirlcnt, Silas D. 
Presbrey ; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomus Paige : Commissioner 
on Tiials, J. R. Bronson ; Librarian, Ira Sampson ; Councilors, 
William G.Allen, Tha.Weus Phelps, Charles Howe, .I.B. Fobes; 
Censors, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, George C. Howard. 

March 11, 1868.— President. William G. Allen: Vice-President, S. D. 
Presbre.v: Secretary and Treasurer, Nonius Paise; Commissioner on 
Trials, Cliailes Howe; Librarian, Edwin Mauley; Councilors, J. K. 
Bronson, H. B. Hubbard, .Joseph Murphey, S. I>. Presbrey; Censors, 

« Thaddeus Phelps, J. B. Chace, O. C. Turner. 

March 10, 1869.— President, Silas D. Presbrey; Vice-President, Obed. C. 
Turner; Secretary and Treasurer, Cliarles T. Hubbard; Commis- 
sioner on Trials, N. Paige; Librarian, John E. Cobb; Councilors, 
J. R. Bronson, H. B. Hubbard, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphy ; Cen- 
sors, Thaddeus Phelps, J. B. Chace, William G. Allen. 

March 9, 1870.— President, Silas D. Presbrey; Vice-President, Nomus 
Paige ; Secretary and Treasurer, Elton J. Bassett ; Commissioner on 
Trials, J. R. Bronson ; Counciloi-s, Nomus Paige, Joseph Murphy, 
Amos B. Paun, Henry H. Spioat; Censors, J. B. Chace, Thaddeus 
Phelps, Charles Howe. 

March 8, 1871. — President, Nomus Paige; Vice-President, Obed. C. 
Turner; Secretary and Treasurer, E. J. Bassett; Commissioner on 
Trials, A. B. Paun; Librarian, H. H. Sproat ; Councilors, S. D. 
Presbrey, Charles Howe, J. R. Bronson, Joseph Murphy; Censors, 
W. W. Godding, Benoni Carpenter, S. D. Presbrey. 

March 13, 1872.— President, William W. Godding; Vice-President, F. L. 
Burden; Secretary and Treasurer, E. .1. Bassett; Commissioner on 
Trials, Charles Howe; Lii)rarian, H. H. Sproat; Councilors, J. R. 
Bronson, Joseph Murphy, Benoni Carpenter, S. D. Presbrey ; Cen- 
sors, Joseph Murphy, William G. Allen, J. B. Chace. 

March 12, '[8^^. — President, Benoni Carpenter ; Vice-President, Cliarles 
Howe; Secretary and Treasurer, E. J. Bassett; Commissioner on 
Trials, W. W. Goddins; Librarian, J. B. Chace; Councilors, J. R. 
Bronson, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Piesbrey, Nomus Paige ; Censors, 
Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, A. H. Paun. 

March 12, 1874. — President, Benoni Carpenter; Vice-President, Charles 
Howe; Secretary and Tre-asurer, E. J. Bassett; Commissioner on 
Trials, W. W. Godding; Librarian, A. B. Paun; Councilors, J. R. 
Bronson, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, A. S. Dean ; Censors, Joseph 
Murphy, 8. D. Presbrey, George L. Ellis. 

April 22, 1875. — President, Charles Howe ; Vice-President. E. J. Bsissett ; 
Secretary and Treasurer, A. S. Deane ; Commissioner ou Tiials, H. 
C. Bullard; Librarian, H. H. Sproat; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, 
S. D. Presbrey, Nomus Paige, .loseph Murphy; Censors, W. W. Goil- 
ding, G. L. Ellis, N. M. Ransom, S. P. Presbrey, Joseph Murphy. 

April 20, 1870.— President, W. W. Godding; Vice-President, Nomus 
Paige; Secretary and Treasurer, A. S. Deane; Commissioner on 
Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, \. S. Deane; Councilors, J. R. 
Bronson, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey ; Censors, 
H. C. Bullard, G. L. Ellis, E. J. Bassett, W. G. Allen, S. D. Pres- 
brey. 

April 19, 1877. — President, W. W. Godding; Vice-President, Nomus 
Paige; Secretary, W. S. Robinson ; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Com- 
missioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, .\. S. Deane; Coun- 
cilors, J. R. Bronson, Charles Howe, Joseph Mui-pbey, S. D. Pres- 
brey ; Censors, H. C. Bullard, G. L. Ellis, E. J. Bassett, W. G. Allen, 
S. D. Presbrey. 

April 18, lb78. — President, Nomus Paige ; Vice-President, H. C. Bullard ; 
Secretary, W S. Robinson ; Treasurer, Charles Howe ; Commissioner 
on Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, N. M. Ransom; Councilors, 
,T. 11. Bronson, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphey, S. D. Presbrey; 
Censors, S. D. Pre.sbrey, H. C. Bullard, G. L. Kills, N. M. Ransom, 
E.J. Bassett. 

April 17, 1879.— President, H. C. Bullard ; Vice-President, X. M. Ran- 
som ; Secretary, W.S.Robinson; Treasurer, Charli.-s Howe; C<>m- 
missioner on Trials, J. Jlurpby; Librarian, Cliarles Howe; Coun- 
cilors, J. R. Bronson, N. Paige, S. D. Presbrey; Censors, E. J. 
Bassett, Charles Howe, S. D. Presbrey, N. Paige, J. P. Brown. 

April 15, 1880.— President, II. C. Bnllard ; Vice-President, N. M. Ran- 
som; Secretary, W. S. Robinson; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Com- 
missioner on Trials, N. Paige ; Libraiiaii, ('liarles Howe; Council- 
ors, J. R. Bronson, 8. D. Presbrey, .Joseph Murphy ; Censors, E, J. 
Bassett, S. D. Preslire.v , N. Paige, Charles Howe, J. P. Brown. 

April 21. 1881. — President, \. M. Ransom ; Vice-President, J. P. Brown ; 
Secretary, George B. Itichniond ; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Com- 
missioner (HI Trials, N Pai;;e; Librarian, Charles Howe ; Councilois, 
J. R. Biunson, S. D. IVesbi-ey, Joseph Murpliy; Censors, Charles 



Howe, E. J. Bassett, A. W. Wilmarth, W. S. Robinson, J. E. 
Totten. 
April 20, 1882. — President, N. M. Ransom; Vice-President, J. P. Brown; 
Secretary, E. F. Galligan; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Commissioner 
on Trials, N. Paige ; Librarian, J. B. Gerould ; Councilors, Joseph 
Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, J. E. Totten, N. Paige; Censors, Charlea 
Howe, W.S. Robinson, E. J. Bassett, J. E. Totten, A. W. Wilmarth. 

According to Article V. of the by-laws, adopted 
June 20, 1849, the meetings of the society were quar- 
terly, and holden on the third Wednesday.s of June, 
September, December, and March, the last being the 
annual meeting, at which meeting all officers were 
elected. Article IV. provides that " the society shall 
bold its meetings alternately at East Attleborough and 
Taunton." But this article w,as amended Sept. 13, 
1854, so as to read, "This society shall hold its meet- 
ings at such places as by vote it shall determine." 
Sept. 9, 1854, both these articles were again amended, 
so that there should be but two regular meetings a 
year, the annual in March, and the semi-annual in 
September. The last meeting held in Attleborough was 
on Sept. 10, 1873. Since that time all the meetings 
have been held in Taunton. At a meeting, Sept. 16, 
1875, a new code of by-laws was reported by a special 
committee which had been appointed to suggest the 
alterations of the by-laws necessary to make thera 
conform to those of the parent society. According to 
Article VII. of that code, which is now in force, 
" The annual meeting of the society shall be held 
between the 15th of April and the 15th of May, and, if 
not otherwise ordered, it shall be on the third Thurs- 
day of April. If in any year this day should be less 
than ten days before the annual meeting of the State 
society, this society shall fix another day by vote, or, 
if it neglects to do so, a day shall be specified by the 
president. A stated meeting of the society shall like- 
wise be held on the third Thursday in September. 
The secretary shall call a special meeting on the writ- 
ten application of five members. 

" Meetings for scientific improvement may be held 
at such times and places as shall be determined by 
the society. 

"All meetings shall be held in Taunton, unless other- 
wise ordered by vote at a previous stated meeting." 

A careful perusal of the records will convince one 
that in the main the members have attended faith- 
fully to theirduty in " communicating any instructive 
cases which may have occurred in their pnictice, any 
useful discovery which may have been made in medi- 
cine or surgery or the allied sciences, and any invention 
which may have practical application in the same." 
As touching upon this point, it is quite interesting to 
read the accounts of the first tentative applications of 
the fever thermometer, which has since become the 
constant companion and trustworthy assistant of the 
practitioner. We read also with interest the records 
of the first use of the hypodermic syringe, as reported 
by a gentleman who was a pioneer in this vicinity in 
its application to relieve suffering. The record de- 
scribes the interest of the members in the instrument, 



38 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and goes on to speak of the many questions that were 
asked and answered regarding the method and results 
of its employment. Numberless instructive cases j 
have been reported, which have stimulated im- 
portant discussions. At nearly every meeting an 
essay has been read upon some subject of interest to 
the members and importance to the community. 

Following are the names of active members, Janu- j 
ary, 1883 : 

Names. Residences. Offices. 

Allen, William George ManefielU. 

Baker. Harry Beechor Uighton. 

Bassett. Elton James Taunton Censor. 

Battershall, Joseph Wnrd Attleboroufih. 

BroDSon, Julin Richardson Attleborough. 

Brown, John Peasleo.. Tautiton Vice-President. 

Bullard, Herbert Cutler Attleborough. 

Burden, Frederick Lysunder.. Attleborough. 

Cogswell, George Badger North Easton. 

Deaue, Asahel Sumner Taunton. 

Foster, James \V(dcott North Attleborough. 

Gage, William Hatliorno Taunton. 

Galligan, Edward Francis Taunton Secretary. 

Gerould, Joseph Bowditch N. Attleborough. ..Librarian. 

Golden, IMicIiael Charles.. .....Taunton. 

Howe, Charles. Taunton Censor and treasurer. 

Hutchinson, Marcello Taunton. 

Mackie, George Attleborough. 

Murphy, Joseph Taunton Councilor. 

Paige, Nomus Tauutou Commissioner of trials 

and councilor. 

Presbrey, Silas Dean Taunton Councilor. 

Randall, George Henry North Rehoboth. 

RausoDi, Natlmnii-I Morton. ..Taunton President. 

Richmuiid, George Bnr8ton....Dighton. 

Robinson, Walt"r Srutt Taunton Censor. 

Sproat, Henry Hamilton Freetown. 

Tilden, Frank Elmer North Easton. 

Totten, John Edmund Attleborough Censor and councilor. 

Wellingtt>n, .lames Lloyd Swansea. 

Wilmartli, Alfred Warren Taunton Censor. 

Wood. Alfred Taunlon. 

Bristol South District Medical Society.— At a 

meeting of the councilors of the Massachusetts 
Medical Society, held at Boston April 3, 1839, the 
charter of the society was granted, as appears hy the 
following extract from the records : 

"To ,\LEx.\XDK!i Rr.^d, Andkkw Mackie, Paul Spooner, Samuel 
Sawyeb, Ji'LU'S A. Mavhew, William C. Whitridge, fellows of 
said society, greeting: Your application, made in due form, requesting 
tiiat a district or subordimito medical society, residing in the following 
towns in the county of Bristt)l, viz.: New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, 
Freetown, Fairiiaven, Dartmouth, and Westport ; in the county of 
Plymouth, Middleborougb, Rochester, and Wareham ; in Dulce's 
County, Chilniiirk, Tisbury, and Edgartown ; and Nantucket was duly 
considered at a meeting of the councilors held at Boston on the 3d 
day of April, a.d. 1839, and it was voted that your requests should be 
gninted. 

" Be it therefore know.n, That pursuant to an act of the Legisla- 
ture of this commonwealth entitled * An Act in addition to an act en- 
titled "An Act to incorporate certain persons by the name of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society," 'authorizing the councilors of said society 
thereunto a distinct or subordinate society by the name of the Southern 
District Medical Society, is hereby established, to consist of those fel- 
lows of the Massachusetts Medical Society now residents within the 
limits aforesaid, for the purpose of electing officers and transacting such 
other businesi as they shall deem expedient. 

'* I.«j TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the president, pui'suaut to the aforesaid vote 
of the councilors, has hereunto subscribed his name and afTi.xed the 
seal of the corporation at Bo.ston this 18th day of April, a.d. 1839. 

'* George C. Shattuck, Presidenl. 

".\ttest: S D. Towxsend, Uecordimj Secretary y 

Since the grants of the foregoing charter the 
society's name has been changed to the Bristol South 
District Society, and consists of all fellows of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society residing within the 
following cities and towns, viz. ; New Bedford, Fall 



River, Westford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Middle- 
borough, Rochester, Mattapolsett,' Wareham, Nan- 
tucket, Edgartown, Tisbury, and Chilmark. 

The records of the society having been unfortu- 
nately lost, it is impossible to give a list of the origi- 
nal members or of the officers of the society, but be- 
low is a list of all who have been members of the 
society from its organization in 1839 to the present? 
time, March, 1883 : ^ 



Adm. 


Name. 


Residence. 


Ket'd. 


Died. 


Age. 


1853. 


Alilie, Edward P. 


New Bedford. 






18fl4. 


JAbbe, Diirr R. 


Hartford, Conn. 


1864. 







1«77. 


Abbott, John H. 


Fall River. 








1839. 


♦Arclier, Jason H. 


Wrentham. 


1834. 


1864. 


69. 


1837. 


Atwood, Geortie. 


Fairhaven. 








1839. 


fBartlett, Kiancis D. 


South Dartmouth. 


1866. 






1833. 


»Bartlptt, I.yman. 


New Bedford. 




1866. 


67. 


1867. 


Bass, William M. 


Monument. 








ISS.'i. 


•Brackctt, \V. T. S. 


Edgartown. 




i862. 


34. 


18B7. 


Buwen. 8eaburv W. 


Fall River. 








1807. 


Butler, Wiutbrop. 


Vineyard Haven. 






.... 


184i!. 


♦Clark, Johnson. 


New Bedford. 




1861. 




188U. 


Clifford, .\rthnr. 


New Bedford. 


1881. 


1881. 




1881. 


Chagnon, W. J. B. 


Fall River. 








1847. 


•Colby, Elijah. 


New Bedford. 




1856. 


58. 


1840. 


*C..uistock, William W. 


Middleborougb. 




1878. 


77. 


1820. 


f*Cornish, Aaron. 


New Bedfor.l. 


1862. 


1864. 


74. 


186.i. 


Cornish, Aaron. 


New Bedford. 








1867. 


Cornish, Theodore 0. 


Dartmouth. 






.... 


1840. 


»Crary, William 11. II, 


Fall Kiver. 




1853. 


.... 


I860. 


tCleaveland, Daniel. 


Middletown, Conn. 


^ 






1866. 


JCoIlins, William D, 


Fall River. 








1867. 


JClark, J. Laing. 


Providence, R, I, 






.... 


1847. 


Davis, Eobort T. 


Fall River. 








1839. 


t*Doggett, Perez F, 


Wareham. 


1B69. 


1875. 


68. 


1851. 


Dwcllev. Jptome. 


Fall River. 








1847. 


Drake, EOenezer W. 


Middleborougb. 








1863. 


JEddv, William. 


New York. 








1866. 


Edlly, GeorR-e S. 


Fall River. 








1829. 


f*Fearitig, Elisha P. 


Nantucket. 


1860. 


is76. 


91. 


1849. 


*Folsoni, Levi. 


New York. 


1863. 






ISIil. 


Fearing, Benjamin. 


Wareham. 








1839. 


f*Glazier Amory. 


Fall River. 


i849. 


1852. 


69. 


183.5. 


Gordon, William A. 


Dartmouth. 








I83'i. 
1839. 












*Green, Edward W, 


Rhode Island. 


1853. 


1869. 


68. 


1841. 


JHardy, Benjamin F. 


San Francisco. 








1839. 


♦Haskell, Joseph. 


Rochester. 




1873. 




18,54. 


Holmes, Alexander R. 


Canton. 








isai. 


♦Hooper, Foster. 


Fall River. 




1870. 


65. 


18,59. 


Hooper, Frederick H, 


New Bedford. 








1866. 


Howe, Woodbridgs R. 


Hanover. 








1837. 


tHubhard, Levi. 


California. 








1869. 


Hartley, James "W. 


Fall River. 








1869. 


Hough. Georg- T. 


New Bedford. 








1809. 


JHayes, Cliarlea. 


New "^ork. 








1870. 


Haye.'i, Stephen W. 


New Bedford. 








1871. 


Handy, Benjamin J. 


Fall River. 








1849. 


♦Jennings, John H, 


New Bedford. 




1882. 




1,841. 


JJones, Alansou S. 


New York. 


1845. 






1877. 


Jackson, John H. 


Fall Biver. 









1,807, 


♦Johnson, Henry. 


New Bedford. 





1880. 




1848. 


King, George. 


Franklin. 








1S42. 


King, John B. 


Nantucket. 






.... 


1S39. 


tJLadd, Azel P. 


Iowa. 


1846. 






1,S39, 


Learned, Ebenezer T. 


Fall River. 








1851. 


t*l.eland, Pliineas W. 


Fall Rivei-. 


1862. 


1870. 


71. 


1879. 


Leonard, Milton H. 


New Bedford. 








1831. 


♦Lucas, Ivory H. 


Edgartown. 




1870. 




1,S,50. 


Leach. William. 


Yinevaid Haven. 








1824. 


t*Mackie, .\ndrew. 


New Bedford. 


1801. 


1871. 


77. 


18,50. 


Mackie, John H. 


New Bedford. 






.... 


182i 


♦Mackie, Peter. 


Wareliani. 




1868. 


72. 


1822. 


t*MasoM. William B. 


Dartmoiitb. 


184:i. 


1856. 


74. 


1830. 


♦Mayhew, Julius S. 


New Bedford. 




18.- 9. 




1845, 


Millet, Asa. 


East Bridgewater. 






.... 


1870. 


McGrath, Eugene J. 


Fall River. 









1859. 


♦Marrisal, Felix V. 


Fall River 




issi. 


67. 


1862. 


JSelson, Al.ial W. 


New London, Ct. 


1865. 






I860. 


JVoyes, George II. 


Fall River. 








1852. 


♦Oakes, T Fletcher. 


Dartmouth. 








1875. 


O'Coiinell.John D. 


Vineyard Haven. 








1839. 


t^Perkins, John. 


Middleborougb. 


1854. 


1866. 


88. 


1840. 


Pierce, John. 


Edgartown. 








1875. 


Pierce, A. Martin. 


New Bedford. 










1807. 


Prescolt, Cliatles D. 


New Bedford. 








1869. 


Pann, Amos B. 


Middleborougb. 










1 The asterisk (*) denotes deceased; the dagger (f) retired; the 
douhle dagger (%) removed from the State. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



a9 



Adm. 


Name. 


Besidence. 


Refd. 


Died. 


Age. 


1844. 


Biissell, Ilenry. 


Sandwich. 








1861. 


Kicketeon, Arthur. 


New Bedford. 









1S73. 


Rerifearn, Joseph. 


Fall River. 







.... 


1S79. 


^Richmond, Geo. B., Jr. 










1830. 


*Sawyer, Samuel. 


Cambridge. 




1869. 


54. 


1S45. 


*ShiveriLk, Clement F. 


Eil^artown. 




1857. 


39. 


18S2. 


Sherma?), Frank M. 


Dartmouth. 








1831.1. 


*Siseou, Benjamin B. 


Westport. 








1S4G. 


*Snow, George W. 


Middleborough. 





1867. 


68'. 


1839. 


'^ISuuthworth, Newton. 


Iowa. 




1863. 


or. 


1851. 


Spare, John. 


New Bedford. 








1818. 


.Sparrow, William E. 


Mattapoisett, 








1821. 


+*Spoouer, Paul. 


New Bedford. 


lim. 


1862. 


76. 


1852. 


;Siiukney, Ciiarles D. 


New Bedfold. 









1839. 


-Sturtevant, George. 


Middleborough. 




1852. 


67. 


1862. 


Stnrtevant, Charlog. 


Hyde Park. 









1857. 


Swasey, Charles L. 


New Bedford. 








1840. 


*Sweat, William W. 


Mattapoisett. 




isfi'. 




1856. 


Sawyer, Frederick A. 


Waieham. 









1860. 


^■Stnith, Isaac, Jr. 


Fall River. 




1881. 


40. 


1870. 


^Sullivan, Alexis J. 


Fall River. 




1880. 




1.S74. 


Smith, Lawrence S. 


Watertown. 








1870. 


Smith, H. B. S. 


Middleborough. 








1878. 


Tavlor, William H. 


New Bedford. 








18.59. 


JTuttle, Charles M. 


Littletown, N. H. 


is62! 






1873. 


Tourtellot, J. Q. A. 


Fall River. 








1.875. 


Tucker, Edward T. 


New Bedford. 








1822. 


*Thompson, Arad. 


Middleborough. 




isii; 


56. 


1807. 


Vermvne, Jan. .T. B. 


New Bedford. 








1840. 


t*Wash'burn, Lemuel W. 


Wisconsin. 


1842. 


isis". 


33! 


1849. 


* Webster, Joseph W. 


Acushnet. 




1876. 


70. 


1870. 


Webster, Joseph. 


Acushnet 




1880. 




1881. 


White. A. M. W. 


Fall River. 








1881. 


Whitney, E.M. 


Fairhaven. 








1839. 


t*Wells, Thomas T. 


New York. 


im 


1842! 


62. 


1838. 


JWells. Willi;,m R. 


Miildleborough. 








1822. 


"Whitri.lge, William C. 


New Bedford. 




1857. 


73. 


1841. 


*Wilbnr, Thomas. 


Fall River. 




1857. 


68. 


1832. 


*WiIlard, Henry. 


Itoston. 




1855. 


54. 


1842. 


Winalow. Charles F. 


Boston. 








1864. 


JWilson, Benjamin F. 


New Bedford. 








1667. 


Whilaker, John B. 


Kail River. 








1833. 


*YaIe, Leroy M. 


Tisbury. 




1849. 


46. 















CHAPTER V. 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

Tlie Third Regiment— The Fourth Regiment— The Seventh Regiment 
— The Eighteenth Regiment — The Twenty-third Regin)ent — The 
Twenty-sixth Regiment— The Twetity-ninth Regiment — The Thirty- 
eighth Regiment— The Thirty-ninth Regiment — The Fortieth Regi- 
ment — The Forty-seventh Regiment. 

The lightning had scarcely flashed the intelligence 
to the expectant North that Maj. Anderson and his 
gallant band had surrendered as prisoners of war to 
the Southern Confederacy, ere the patriotic sons of 
Bristol County were rallying to the support of their 
imperiled country. Men and money were promptly 
raised, and the record of this county during tlie whole 
struggle is one in which its citizens may justly feel a 
jiatriotic pride. 

The Third Regiment.— The Third Regiment of 
three months' troo])s was composed of men from Nor- 
folk, Ply mouth, and Bristol Counties. The field-ofBcers 
were as follows : 

Colonel, David W. Wardrop; Lieutenant-Colonel, 
Charles Raymond; Major, John H. Jennings; Adju- 
tant, Austin S. Cushman ; Quartermaster, Edward D. 
Allan; Surgeon, Alexander R. Holmes; Assistant 
Surgeon, Johnson Clark ; Sergeant-Major, A. C. 
Maggi ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, F. S. GifTord; all of 
New Bedford, except the lieutenant-colonel. 

There were two companies from this county, — Com- 



pany D from Freetown, known as the " Assonet Light 
Infantry," John VV. Marble, captain; H. A. Francis 
and John M. Dean, lieutenants; and the " New Bed- 
ford City Guards," Timothy lugraham, captain ; James 
Barton and A. S. Cushman, lieutenants. 

The regiment left Boston April 17th for Fortress 
Monroe, where it arrived on April 20th, and two days 
later became a part of the garrison of that famous old 
stronghold. It performed garrison duty until .July 
5th, when it crossed Hampton Creek and occupied 
the town, establishing advance posts on the outskirts. 
The regiment remained here, performing cheerfully 
its duties, which were arduous and harassing, until 
July 16th, when, its term of service having expired, 
it embarked for Boston, arriving there July 19th, and 
four days later, July 23, 1861, was mustered out of the 
service, and resumed its place as part of the militia 
of the State. Companies D, E, I, and M re-enlisted 
for three years and remained at the front. 

When the call was made in 1862 for a draft of nine 
months' men, the regiment volunteered at once and 
rendezvoused at " Camp Joe Hooker," at Lakeville, 
and on the 22d of October, 1862, left Boston for New- 
berne, N. C, under command of Col. Silas P. Rich- 
mond, of Freetown. 

The companies were oflicered as follows : 

Compajiy A, — Captain, John W. Marble; First Lientenant, Charles P. 
Lyon; Second Lientenant, N. Morton (2d). 

Cmnpanij B.— Captain, P. B. Griffith ; First Lienternint, 0. .V. S. Per- 
kins; Second Lieutenant, W. S. Biiggs. 

Company C. — Captain, Elihu Grant; First Lieutenant, Benjamin A. 
Shaw; Second Lieutenant, Charles D. Copeland. 

Companl/ D. — Captain, Andrew R. Wright; First Lieutenant, Thomas 
McFarland; Second Lientenant, George Reynolds, Jr. 

Company E. — Captain, .Tohn E. llawes; Fii"st Lieutenant, Martin E. 
Mason ; Second Lieutenant, John L. Sharp (2d). 

Cmnpany F. — Captain, George R. Hnrlhurt; First Lieutenant, W. H. 
Allen; Second Lieutenant, Jonatlian W. Davis. 

Compiuttj G.— Captain, William S. Cobb; First Lieutenant, Henry W. 
Briggs; Second Lieutenant, James L. Wilber. 

Company K.— Captain, Otis A. Barker ; First Lieutenant, Robert Cross- 
man ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Gibbs. 

Company I. — Captain, B. Ewer, Jr.; Fil'St Lieutenant, S. R. Eatoo; 
Second Lieutenant, J. M. Lyle. 

Company K. — Captain, Samuel Bates ; First Lievitenant, Nathan Fobos 
Second Lieutenant, Charles E. Churchill. 

The regiment remained at Newberne until Decem- 
ber 11th, when it started with the expedition toGolds- 
boro', which lasted eleven days, during which the regi- 
ment marched more than one hundred and fifty miles. 
The regiment participated in the battles of Kingston, 
Whitehall, and Guldsboro', and had these names in- 
scribed upon its banners. 

During its service the regiment gained an excellent 
reputation for drill and discipline, and, in the lan- 
guage of Col. Jourdan, "was always ready for duty." 
During its brief term of service it was transported by 
steamer and railroad more than two thousand miles 
and marched more than four hundred miles. Thirteen 
of the regiment died in the service, two were killed, 
fifteen wounded, and fourteen taken prisoners. 

The regiment left the front for home June 11th, 
arriving in Boston the 16th. and on the 26th of June, 



40 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. 



1863, was mustered out after an honorable and eflB- 
cient service. 

The Fourth Regiment was one of the first to leave 
Massachusetts upon the original call for three months' 
men. It left Boston April 17th, under command of 
Col. A. B. Packard, of Quincy, for Fortress Monroe, 
where it arrived on the 20th. It served its term of 
service and returned home, and in August, 1862, re- 
enlisted for nine months, and was sent to Camp Joe 
Hooker, at Lakeville, where it remained until Decem- 
ber 17th, when it embarked for New Orleans. In 
March it joined the expedition against Port Hudson, 
and there bore an important and conspicuous part. 

The Fourth remained at Brashear City until May 
30th, when orders were received to report immediately 
to Gen. Banks, before Port Hudson. It there shared 
in the labors, fatigues, and hardships of that memor- 
able siege. 

In the assault on the 4th of .Tune two of the com- 
panies — A, Capt. John Hall, of Canton, and K, Capt. 
W. H. Bartlett, of Taunton — -were detailed with three 
companies from other regiments to carry hand gren- 
ades in the advance of the attacking columns. The 
detail was under command of Capt. Bartlett, who fell 
mortally wounded upon the very breastworks of the 
enemy, while he and his command, through a storm of 
shot and shell, were heroically endeavoring to scale 
them. Capt. Bartlett was a pure patriot and a brave 
soldier. The other companies also participated in the 
assault, but were not in so advanced a position. 
They were under fire, however, and were also in the 
battle of Bisland. In the attack of June 14th, when 
Capt. Bartlett was killed, the two companies suffered 
severely, losing in killed and wounded sixty-eight. 

Upon the surrender of Port Hudson the Fourth 
Regiment was one of the first to enter the fort, and 
remained inside performing garrison duty until 
August 4th, when it embarked for New England, and 
on the 28th of the same month was mustered out of 
the service. The entire loss of the regiment was about 
one hundred and twenty-five. 

The Seventh Regiment.' — ^The Seventh Regiment 
was composed almost entirely of Bristol County men, 
and was recruited by Col. (subsequently Maj.-Gen.) 
Darius N. Couch. It was officered as follows : 

Culoiiel, Darius N. CoHch, Taunton ; Lieiirenaut-Colooel, Chester W. 
Green, Fall River ; Major, David E. Holman, Attleliorough ; Surgeon, S. A. 
ndnian, Taunton ; Assistant Surgeon, Z. Boylston Adams, Farmingliani ; 
Adjutant, Otimeil Gilniore, Itaynham; Unartermaster, Darnel Edson, Jr., 
Somerset; Quarternijister-Sergeant, David Packard, South .\lpington; 
Commissary-Sergeant, John B. Burt, Fall River; Hospital Steward, 
Horace B. Sherman, Boston; Principal Musicians, Thomas Dtdan, Taun- 
ton, Robert Sheehan, Fall River; Leader of Band, Zadoc Thompson, 
Halifax. 

Company A (Fall River). — Captain, David H. Dyer; First Lieutenant, 
Jesse F. Eddy; Second Lieutenant, William H. Nye. 

Company B (Fall River). — Captain, John Gushing; First Lieutenant, 
Jesse D. Bullock ; Second Liv-ntenant, George W. Gifford. 

Company C (Taunton J. — Captain, Charles T. Robinson ; First Lieuten- 
ant, Edgar Robinson ; Second' Lieutenant, George F. Holman. 

1 By H. .\. Cushman, of Taunton. 



Company D (Taunton). — Captain, Joseph Barney Leonard ; First Lieu- 
tenant, William B. Stall; Second Lieutenant,, William M. Hale. 

Company E (Scitnate, Dorchester, and Marshfield). — Captain, Horace 
Fox ; First Lieutenant, Hiram A. Oakman ; Second Lieutenant, William 
W. Carsley. 

Cfmpany F (Taunton). — Captain, Zeba F. Bliss; First Lieutenant, 
James M. Lincoln; Second Lieutenant, James K. Mathewson. 

Company G (Eastonl — Captain, Ward L. Foster; First Lieutenant, .\. 
W. Lothrop; Second Lieutenant, M. F. Williams. 

Company if (Mansfield). — Captain. John R Whitcomb; First Lieuten- 
ant, Jolin W. Rogers ; Second Lieutenant, William F. White. 

Company I ( Attleborougll). — Captain, John F. Ashley; First Lieu- 
tenant, William W, Fisher ; Second Lieutenant, Charles B. Des .Tardines. 

Company K (Abington). — Captain, Franklin P. Harlow; First Lieu- 
tenant, George W. Reed; Second Lieutenant, A. L. Mayhow. 

The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Old Colony 
(now known as Bristol County Agricultural Grounds), 
Taunton, where it was mustered into the United 
States service by Capt. J. H. Marshall, U.S.A., June 
15, 1861, and shortly after left for Washington, D. C, 
previous to which a grand collation was served them 
by the citizens of Taunton on Taunton Green. Going 
to New York by Shore Line, they embarked to Eliza- 
bethport, N. J., on steamer " Kill von Kull," where 
they took cars, passing through Baltimore, Relay 
House, and other points of interest, reaching ^Vash- 
ington, D. C, at night, encamping near the capitol 
buildings till next morning, wlien they marched to 
Camp Kalorama, near Georgetown, D. C, where 
they remained until Aug. 6, 1861, when they marched 
to junction of Seventh and Fourteenth Streets, which 
was christened Camp Brightwood, D. C, and went 
into winter-quarters. During their stay there the 
regiment was assigned to a brigade composed of 
Thirty-sixth New Y'ork, Second Rhode Island, and 
Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers, which was com- 
manded by Gen. Couch, and was a part of Gen. 

I Buell's division. During their stay at this location 
they assisted in building Fort Massachusetts, which 
formed a formidable work in repelling the advance of 
the rebels under Gen. Jubal Early later on in July, 
1864; picketed Rock Creek, and learned the duties of 

I soldiers under the successive commands of Col. Nelson 
H. Davis, now inspector-general United States army. 
Col. Joseph Wheelock, who resigned shortly after his 
commission, and Col. David A. Russell, the latter 
whom the members learned to fear, and afterwards to 
revere. March 25, 1862, the regiment embarked on 
transports for Fortress Monroe, Va., marched to New- 
port News, Warwick Court-House, thence to a position 
in front of Yorktown, where it remained until Ma- 
gruder evacuated the forts, when, after severe mud 
marches, it arrived upon the battle-field of Williams- 
burg, Va., much exhausted, at 2.30 p.m. 

May 5, 1862, under a severe fire, they were ordered 
to the support of the exhausted troops of Gen. Peck's 
brigade, and at nightfall relieved the One Hundred 
and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
without blankets or fires stood in a drenching rain 
during the night. At daybreak a detachment from 
Company K, Capt. Reed, with a detachment from Gen. 

I Davidson's command, occupied Fort Magruder ; loss, 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



41 



one killed, two wounded. Encamped near Williams- 
burg, Va., till May 9th, when marchefl to Roper's 
Church; May 13th, marched to Dr. May's farm; May 
IRth, marched si.x miles on the Richmond road; May 
17th, formed a reconnoitering party under Cols. D. A. 
Russell and Gregg (of cavalry fame) to Bottom's 
Bridge ; May 19th, moved to a point on Richmond 
and West Point Railroad two and a half miles from 
railroad bridge on Chickahominy River ; from May 
20th to May 24th, skirmished to Charles City road; 
May 25th to 29th, skirmished to Seven Pines; May 
31st, engaged in battle of Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks; 
June 2d, encamped near Golding's farm, Chicka- 
hominj" River; June 5th, engaged in a skirmish; 
June 6th, encamped on west side of railroad; June 
11th, encamped near Seven Pines; June 25th, en- 
gaged in a severe skirmish with the enemy, losing, 
killed, the genial and warm-hearted soldiers Lieut. 
Jesse D. Bullock, Company B, and Private John 
White, Company F. Lieut. Bullock was embalmed 
and his liody sent home to Fall River. Private White 
was buried near the camp. June 27th, broke camp 
and commenced the grand retreat of Gen. McClellan 
down the Peninsula; June 28th, engaged in severe 
skirmish with rebel cavalry near Ellis Church ; June 
29th, arrived about 2 p.,m., near James River at Mal- 
vern Hill; July 2d, marched to Harrison's Landing, 
on James River, Va., where it remained in camp 
until Aug. IG, 1862, when it commenced its march to 
Fortress Monroe, or York River, to embark on trans- 
ports to Alexandria, Va. While at Harrison's Land- 
ing the band which had so many times insjjired the 
members of the Seventh with their fine music was, 
by general order of War Department, mustered out 
Aug. 11, 1862. September 1st, marched from Alexan- 
dria to Fairfax Court-House, Va. Battle of Bull 
Run, Va. September 2d, returned to Alexandria; 
from September 3d to September 17th marched 
through Tenallytown, Rusherville, Seneca Mills, 
Poolesville, Barnesville, Lickettsville, Birkettsville, 
Boonesville, Md., over South Mountain to Antietam 
battle-field. As a part of a division under command 
of Gen. Couch, at night, September 18th, was placed 
in front line, the enemy retreating in the night. Sep- 
tember 19th, moved to Sharpsburg; 20th, returned 
through that town to Williamsport, Md. ; 23d, en- 
camped at Downsville, Md., remained there until 
October 18th, moved to Clear Spring, Hancock, 
Cherry Run, and Williamsport. Returned to old 
camp at Downsville, October 29th. November 1st, 
left there, passing through Berlin, crossing the Poto- 
mac, passing through Wheatland, White Plains, New 
Baltimore, Catlett's Station to camp near Stafford 
Court-House, Va. December 4th, marched to Belle 
Plains, Va. 

Up to this time the loss had been three killed, 
twenty-six wounded, seven taken prisoners, and forty- 
eight died from sickness. 

December 11th, the regiment started at daylight and 



marched to the Rappahannock River, about one mile 

below Fredericksburg, Va., where they halted until 5 
P.M., when they crossed the river on pontoons under 
a severe fire from the enemy. The Seventh was the 
second regiment to cross, acting as support to the 
skirmish line, and advancing about a mile farther, 
driving the enemy before them. They remained in 
this position during the night, and were subjected to a 
severe fire from the enemy's artillery until December 
15th, when they recrossed the river and encamped 
near Falmouth. Loss in this engagement one killed 
and two wounded. December 18th, went into camp 
at White Oak Church, Va. At this camp the sad in- 
telligence that their beloved colonel, David O. Russell, 
who had been promoted to a higher position, that of 
brigadier-general in Gen. Wright's (now chief of en- 
gineers, U.S.A.) division, was to leave them cast a 
gloom which to them seemed worse than all the 
reverses they had met in many battles and weary 
marches. 

Educated at West Point, skilled in the art of war, 
his frontier life peculiarly fitting him for skirmish 
and reconnoitering duty, possessed of a warm heart, 
strict in discipline, but acting as a father to all in his 
command, while officers and men rejoiced at his well- 
earned and deserved advancement, they sincerely 
mourned his loss. He rose from the command of a 
brigade to a division commander, and his worth can- 
not be better portrayed than the remark heard by the 
writer from Gen. Phil H. Sheridan's lips, when he 
was being carried by on a stretcher unconscious and 
mortally wounded at the battle of Winchester, Va., 
Sept. 19, 1864: " Revenge for Russell ! Revenge for 
Ru.ssell ! No better officer ever slung a sword in the 



army 



!•' 



Gen. Russell's remains were carried to Sa- 



lem, N. Y., where they were buried with military 
and civic honors. United States forts. Grand Army 
posts, and soldiers' children bear his name, and the 
name of David A. Russell will ever be revered by 
officers or privates whose good fortune it was to be 
in his command as long as a hand is left to deck the 
grave with choice flowers of a comrade. 

From Dec. 18, 1862, to Jan. 20, 1863, remained 
in camp, when they participated in Burnsides' mud 
march till Feb. 2, 1863, when they returned to old 
camp at White Oak Swamp. From then to May 
2, 1863, remained in winter-quarters, doing camp and 
picket duty. 

May 2, 1863, crossed Rappahannock River into 
Fredericksburg at 10 p.m. May 3d, a beautiful 
Sabbath morn, the regiment was detached from the 
brigade and took position in line of battle to assist in 
holding the city against an attack of the enemy 
which was imminent, and were held in readiness to 
lead the assaulting column on Marye's Heights. 
Directly west, out of the town of Fredericksburg, 
was a ro:id which finally reaches Chancellorsville, 
just in the outskirts of the town, less than a mile from 
tlie main street. This road ascends a hill that, while 



42 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



it is sufficiently steep to render the ascent toilsome, is 
not so steep as to renfler any less effective the fire of 
artillery and musketry. This is Marye's Hill, and at 
the summit of this hill is Marye's house. Near the 
hill a road leaves the Chancellorsville road, runs to- 
ward the south, across the front and right of the hill 
at its base ; the latter road had a substantial stone 
wall on each side of it, and these roads, with a little 
assistance from the spade, had been converted into 
excellent breastworks by the enemy. No artillery fire 
could touch those walls, for it was a sunken road, and 
though the walls were four feet higli in the road, their 
tops were level with the surface. Behind the second 
line of ])its rises the hill, and around its whole crest 
runs a well-constructed earthwork, in which was one 
howitzer. At the ascent of the hill it is a mere gulch, 
broken and stony, and an awful place for men to be 
packed in under a plunging fire of grape and canister 
in addition to musketry fire. Such was the position 
the gallant Hoventh was to lead the assault against. 

The regiment, after crossing over a small bridge, 
instead of being ordered to deploy and charge the 
enemy, were allowed to cliarge by the flank, and the 
enemy, bewildered by such a movement, reserved their 
fire until the regiment were in close quarters, when 
with artillery and musketry from rifie-pits and houses 
they dealt death-blows until the regiment faltered, 
wliich was only for a moment. As fast as men were 
slain the depleted ranks would be filled, and those 
who escaped fairly waded through fire and gore, re- 
sisted by the Confederates as our men clambered over 
the walls and planted their colors on the crest of the 
hill. Col. Thomas D. Johns, who succeeded Gen. 
Russell, was wounded here, which was conceded by 
his command as a just punishment for attempting 
such a charge by the flank instead of deploying his 
men as he should. The Seventh here captured two 
jiieces of the famous rebel Wasliington Artillery. 
The regiment, with Gen. Sedgwick's corps, pursued 
the enemy to Salem Heights, a distance of four miles, 
when from four o'clock till darkness they were severely 
engaged, sleejiing on the field that night. May 4th, 
was again engaged, and was obliged, owing to the 
enemy flanking the corps and again occupying their 
works, on the evening of May 4th, to retreat to Banks' 
Ford, where they recrossed the Rappahannock. Tues- 
day morning. May 5th, the well-earned victory had 
been turned to defeat, and the result of the 3d of May 
carnage carried mourning into many homes in Bristol 
County. With a force of less than five hundred men, 
the loss of this regiment in this bloody field was two 
officers and twenty-one men killed, nine officers and 
one hundred and five men wounded ; Company F, on 
the right of the command, losing of that number two 
sergeants, one corporal, and four privates killed, and 
three commissioned officers, five corporals, and seven 
privates wounded. May 8th, returned to old camp 
near Falmouth. June Gth, again crossed the Rappa- 
hannock, and were left as rear-guard while the army 



were marching to Pennsylvania. June 11th to July 

2il, marched t<jwards Washington,' into Maryland, and 
made forced marches from Frederick City, Md., to 
Gettysburg battle-field, where they arrived at 6 p.m. ; 
immediately took position in support of extreme left 
of line. July 3d, w.as moving from left to right and 
right to left, subjected to the terrific artillery fire of 
that memorable day ; here it was that Lieut.-Col. F. 
P. Harlow, who stood next to Gen. Russell in the es- 
teem of the men of the Seventh, displayed his usual 
good judgment and bravery by scattering his men 
while subjected to showers of shot and shell. 

On the morning of the glorious 4th of July, 18t)3, 
which was the end of a hard-contested but well-earned 
victory of our nation's defenders, the regiment was 
ordered into position in the front line and remained 
until noon, when they threw up a line of rifle-pits 
and bivouacked for the night. On the morning of 
the oth, the retreat of the enemy was followed about 
si.\ miles as advance-guard, where they were ordered 
on picket duty. July 6th to 14th, marched to Funks- 
town, Md., formed line of battle, and were in time to 
see the abandoned wagon-trains of the enemy at 
Williamsport, Md. Continued the march to Warren- 
ton, Va., where the regiment encamped until Septem- 
ber, when they marched to Culpeper, returning to 
Warrenton. Nov. 7, 1863, the regiment with the 
Sixth Corps moved from Warrenton to Rappahannock 
Station, where it was under fire supporting the attack 
on that fort by their old commander, Gen. Russell, 
who carried it by storm, capturing one hundred and 
thirty-two officers, fifteen hundred men, four guns, 
four caissons, and eight battle-flags ; from there they 
marched to Brandy Station, Va., where winter-quar- 
ters were established. At this camp a large number 
of men re-enlisted for three years more. November 
26th, broke camp and marched to Mine Run, Va., 
where the regiment was engaged in front line. De- 
cember 1st, returned to old camp at Brandy Station. 

Feb. 27, 1864, the regiment was with the Sixth 
Corps ordered to support a cavalry movement to Char- 
lottesville, and after severe marches returned again 
to Brandy Station, where it remained, performing 
routine of camp and picket duty, until May 3, 1864, 
when camp was broken, and it marched to Germania 
Ford and Old Wilderness Tavern. May .5th, marched 
to plank-road in the Wilderness; in the afternoon were 
placed in front line of battle, and engaged the enemy 
till nearly dusk, casualties numbering eighty-five. At 
daybreak May 6th was attacked by the enemy. Long- 
street's corps. The fighting was in a dense thicket 
and was indecisive, both lines of the armies swaying 
hither and thither with the shifting fortunes of the 
fight. After repeated charges and retreats the Sev- 
enth were relieved and ordered to the right of the line 
to resist a threatening attack of the enemy. At dark 
moved through the Wilderness to the left, marching all 
night. May 7th, moved to North Anna River. May 
8th, the regiment with the Sixth Corps marched to 



MILITAKY HISTORY. 



43 



Spottsylvania Court-House, forruiMla line of battle, and 
at dusk charged the enemy, who was strongly posted, 
broke their line of battle, and captured the color- 
standard, color-guard, and thirty-two men of a (Jeorgia 
regiment, losing one killed, four wounded, and two 
prisoners. The latter were recaptured while on the 
way to Richmond. They held the position gained, 
and bivouacked on the field. May 9lh, our beloved 
commander. Gen. or "Uncle" John Sedgwick, was 
killed by a rebel sharpshooter, one of the ablest and 
oldest commanders of the Army of the Potomac. 
Both men and officers had entire confidence in his 
judgment and skill. May 10th, employed digging 
rifle-pits. May 11th, were ordered to the front on the 
skirmish line, where remained two days on constant 
duty. On the 1.3th rejoined brigade; rested till 2 
A.M. May 14th, when marched five miles, formed line 
of battle left of Fifth Corps, loth and Kith, digging 
rifle-pits. 17th, marched all night towards right of 
the army, and at daybreak May 18th charged the 
enemy, which was unsuccessful ; renewed the assault, 
but owing to strength of enemy was obliged to re- 
tire. May 19tli, crossed the Ny River and encamped. 
Loss the 18th, six wounded. May 2.5th, on picket at 
Noal's Station. May 26th, was ordered to the ex- 
treme front near Little River; with other regiments 
covered the withdrawal of the Sixth Corps, crossed 
North Anna River, and marched to Chesterfield Sta- 
tion on Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad. May 
28th, crossed Paniunkey River; 29th, marched to 
Hanover Court-House ; four miles from there threw ■ 
up rifle-pits. May 31st, near Tolopotomy Creek, from 
where tlie regiment marched at dark all night to Cold 
Harbor, where it arrived at 2 p.m., deployed into 
line, and at once engaged the enemy with success, 
driving them from behind rifie-pits, and occupied the 
field for the night. From June 3d to June 14th the 
Seventh were on constant dutj', losing men daily 
under the constant fire of the enemy, and when re- 
lieved on the last day of their term of service, being 
then in the extreme front line, a member of Company 
G was instantly killed. 

Having been reduced in numbers by the serious 
casualties of the campaign, their duties being unusu- 
ally arduous, they presented a sad sight of the havoc 
war can make of a regiment which left Mafsachusetts 
with one thousand strong. On the afternoon of the 
14th marched to Chickahominy, thence to Charles 
City Court-House, and finally bivouacked on the 
banks of the James, May loth. Their term of service 
having expired, it was relieved from further duty and 
ordered to Massachusetts, to be mustered out of ser- 
vice by special orders, headquarters Sixth Army 
Corps, and the following was read to the command : 

" HeAIiQL'AKTERS FoUKTH BltKiADP, 

Seco.nd Division, Sixth Cdki-s, 
•JiirioU, IbM. 
*' Circular : 

" Ar the term of service of tlie Seveiilh Mni.6.ic]niKett> Vnliiiitei'rs is 
druwing to a close, aii«l as it is expected tu letiirii to RlH-Siicliiisclt-. llie 



colonel comnianding the brigade ileems it a duty as well as a pleasure to 
testify to tlie soldierly liearitig, bravery, and efficiency of the regiment 
up to the Inst day of their stay. The colonel comnianding has witnessed 
with salisfictiun the coolness and steaditiess under fire of both officers 
and men ; the long nuirches, exposure, and the many hardships they 
have undei'gone since the opening of the campaign have been borne 
without a murmur, an'l has more fully established the rejiutation they 
liave I'revionsly won as a refrinient that could always be relied upon. 
They go back to Massaciiusetls with thinned ranks and tattered colors, 
but with the feeling and the assurance that they have nobly served tUa 
cause of their coiinti y in its most trying hour, 
" By order of 

"0. Edwards, 

" Cot. Commanding Brigade. 
" T. G. Colt, 

" First Lieut, and A.A.A.G." 

On the morning of the 16th the regiment embarked 
froin Wilson's Landing, James River, Va., in the dis- 
patch steamer " Keyport," for Washington, D. C, and 
on following day took special train for New York ; 
reached Taunton Juno 20, 1804, and was warmly wel- 
comed back by the citizens, who turned out en ma-ue. 
June 27, 1864, the regiment was mustered out of ser- 
vice, and the gallant Seventh, with its laurels won on 
many a hard-contested field, passed into history. 
Herewith will be found a recaidtulation of the regi- 
ment: 

Killed and died 145 

Deserted H3 

Transferred 09 

Rejected recruits 13 

Promoted 82 

Dist-liarged 470 

922 
Mustered out 407 

Total 1320 

The surviving members of the Seventh have formed 
an association called the "Seventh Massachusetts 
Veteran Association," which meets .June 15th yearly. 
It has some eighty members, and affords the " boys" 
of 1861, now gray-haired men, much pleasure to 
unite and rehearse war scenes of camp and battle life. 
Any information — as long as he is living — can be ob- 
tained of one of its youngest surviving members, 
H. A. Cushman, secretary of the association. 

Maj.-Gen. Dariu.'< N. Coui'H. — The Seventh Regi- 
ment of Massachusetts Volunteers was recruited by 
Col. Darius N. Couch, of Taunton, who was a native 
of New Y'^ork. He graduated at West Point in the 
class of 1846, and was assigned a second lieutenant to 
the Fourth United States Artillery. He served under 
Gen. Taylor in the Mexican war, and was breveted 
first lieutenant for gallantry at the battle of Buena 
Vista in 1847. He subsequently was assigned to a 
command in the Seminole war of 1853, and made a 
scientific tour in Mexico, the result of which was 
published. In 1855 he resigned his position in the 
United States army, and in 1859 became a resident 
of Taunton, having married the daughter of Hon. 
Samuel L. Crocker. At the outbreak of the war in 
18G1, Lieut. Crouch tendered his services to Governor 
.\iKlrew, and was commissioned to raise a regiment 
at ilie call of President Lincoln for seventy-five 
thousand men to suppress the Rebellion. He re- 



41 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cruited the Seventh Regiment of Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, headquarters at Taunton, and was elected 
colonel. He left with his regiment for the seat of 
war (Virginia) in June, 1861, and joined the Armj'of 
the Potomac under Gen. McClellan, who was a class- 
mate. 

On their departure from Taunton in July, 1861, 
the following letter was received by Col. Couch from 
Governor Andrew : 

'*COMM()NWF,Ar.TIi OF MASSACHUSETTS, 

" ExKcuTiVF. Dkpartmkxt, 

" Boston, July IG, 1861. 
" To Col. D. N. Couch, 

'• Cftmmanffing Seventh Rfghrwnt Mmsachnsetts Volunteers : 
" C-o/oiw?, — I wish to express wuraily and sincerely my regret that I i 
could not make an opipurtiinity to exchange greetings with you iind i 
your fine regiment before you left the commonwealth for the seat of war. 
'* My reluctance to permit any regiment to depart from Massachusetts 
without a chance to hid it God-speed was so great that I was even in- 
clined to dtlay you for a day or two in order to secure such au oppor- 
tunity, but on reflection it seemed to me unwise to postpone for a mere 
sentiment your call to active duty. 

" I beg now to assure you that you and your command are held by the 
otiicial representatives of the commonwealth in no less affectionate regard 
than other regiments which, by reason of their proximity tu tlie capital, I 
aflfonl easier opportunities for personal interviews and acquaintances; 
that we shall watch your career and rejoice in your successes with no 
less eager interest than that with which we follow those regiments 
which preceded you and those which tread in your footsteps. And to ■ 
you, personally, I wish to exprrss my thanks fur the quiet, considerate, I 
judicious conduct which characterized your whole actiun in the organi- 
zation of your comnnind. i 
" 1 hope I shall hear often from you. Any support which I can affonl ' 
to the regiment under its national auspices I shall be glad to extend, i 
and I beg you never tu hesitate to call back to Massachusetts wlienever j 
you need for sympathy and nid. | 
"I am faithfully and respectfully, I 
" Your friend and servant, ' 
" JojiN A. AxnuKW." ' 

In August, 1861, Col. Couch, having evinced rare 
ability in disciplining his command, was promoted 
brigadier-general. On the reorganization of the Army i 
of the Potomac he was assigned to the command of 
a division in Maj.-Gen. ICeyes' corps, and distin- 
guished himself in the battles of Fair Oaks, Malvern 
Hill, and Williamsburg, and for his bravery and gal- 
lantry was promoted major-general of volunteers, July, 
1862. He participated in the battles in command of 
a division. At Antietam was assigned the command of \ 
the late Gen. Sumner's corps. He afterwards distin- 
guished himself at the battles of Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville, under Maj.-Gen. Hooker. He was 
assigned to the command of the Department of the 
Susquehannah in 1863; was also in command of a 
division in the defeat of Gen. Hood at Nashville. 
He resigned at the close of the war in 1865, and was 
appointed collector of the port of Boston. He has 
resided in Norwalk, Conn., about twelve years, and 
for several years has held the office of adjutant-gen- 
eral of that State. 

The adjutant-general of Massachusetts, in his re- 
port of 1862, referred to the Seventh Regiment as 
follows ; 

" This regiment is composed in great part of Bristol 
County men, recruited by Col. (now Brig.-Gen.) 
Couch, and is composed of very excellent material." 



The following letter from Gen. Couch to the mem- 
bers of his old regiment at their reunion in 1874 will 
be read with interest: 

" Norwalk, Conn., June 12, 1874. 
'* To the AssocuUion of Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Vohmieeis : 

"Gentlemen, — Seeing in a Taunton paper that the 'Seventh' is to 
have a reuiiii>n on the anniveraary of its muster into the service of the 
United States, it occurred that I might add a trifle to the interest of the 
meeting by writing a few items of history pertaining to the regimental 
organization. 

"Your regiment, though not the very first one organized for three 
years' service, had a beginning, I fancy, prior to that of any otlier from 
Massachusetts. 

"The 31st of December, 1860, I wrote a letter to the adjutant-general 
of the State to tiie effect that a conflict with the South was inevit;ible, 
and tendering my services to the State. Gen. Schooler answered Feb. 
1,1861. 

"On tlie20*h of April, 18C1, Hon. Samuel L.Crocker introduced me to 
Governor Andrew, at the State-House, vouching for my services in the 
Mexican war. The Governor, after hearing my views, referred me to 
Co!. Sargeant, of his staff, when the first official steps were taken to raise 
troops in Bristol County. 

"You, the old mentbers, all know of the enthusiasm shown in the 
various county towns, the squad-drills by night, and the encouiagement 
given us by patriotic gentlemen, military committees, etc. 

" Well, we succeeded in organizing ten companies, which, in a special 
order of his Excellency tlie Governor, were named respectively as con- 
stituting the Fifteenth Regiment of Infantry. Fii-st Division. The order 
was of date May 21, 18G1. 

" An order of the same date from headquarters. First Division, IMassa- 
chnsetts Volunteer Militia, directed the company ofiicers to assemble at 
the Parker House May 21, 1801, and to elect field-officers for the regi- 
ment. Orders from the samu headquarters. May 29. 18i>l, stated that 
officers were elected, commissioned, and qualified, as follows: 

" Colonel, Darius N. Couch, of Taunton. 

" Lieutenant-Colonel, Chester W. Green, of Fall River. 

"Major, David E. Holman, of Attleborough. 

" It was tiius a regiment of militia. 
, " General Order, No. 12. of the Governor, May 22d, cited the President's 
proclamation for the raising of three years' troops, and that the quota 
of MHSsachusetts was six regiments, the Fifteenth Regiment Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer Militia being accepted by the Govern.)r, after some 
delay, as the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts A'olunteers, and went 
into Camp Old Colony to fill up the ranks and get ready for active 
service. 

"We were soon after changed to the Seventh, an unsullied name 
borne in a protracted struggle of four years, consisting of hmg marches, 
hard bivouacka, closely-contested battles, and retreats. 

"May you long live, my gallant comrades, to enjoy your nobly-earned 

honor is the sincere wish of your friend, 

"D. N. CoucB." 

The Eighteenth Regiment was recruited mainly 
from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties. It 
was mustered into the service Aug. 27, 1861, and left 
for Washington on the following day, under command 
of Col. James Barnes. This regiment participated in 
the battles of Gaines' Mills, Second Bnll Run, Shep- 
ardston, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Weldon Railroad. The 
regiment, after a service which was distinguished for 
bravery and good discipline, was mustered out Sept. 
2, 1864, and those soldiers whose term of service had 
not expired were transferred to the Thirty-second 
Regiment. 

The Twenty-third Regiment had a few men from 
Bristol County. This regiment left the State Nov. 11, 
1861, and encamped for a time at Annapolis, Md. 
It formed a part of the Burnside expedition, and en- 
gaged in the following battles: Roanoke, Newberne, 









^>C /^<:j 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



Rank's Mills, Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro', Wil- 
cox's Bridge, Wintoii, Smithfield, Heckman's Farm, 
Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluft', Cold Harbor, and 
other battles before Richmond, and Kingston, Second 
Bull Run. Mustered out Sept. 14, 1864. Remastered 
men and recruits remained in the service under the 
same designation until June 25, 1865. 

The Twenty-sixth. Regiment was mustered into 
the service of the United States Oct. 18, 1861, and 
was mustered out Aug. 26, 1865. It had about one 
company from Bristol County. This regiment was a 
legitimate offspring of the old Sixth Regiment, which 
was mobbed in Baltimore. It participated in the 
battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Fisher's 
Hiil. 

The Twenty-ninth Reg-iment,— Seven companies 
of this regiment were among the first three years' 
men that left the State. They were sent to Fortress 
Monroe to fill up the ranks of the Third and Fourth 
Militia Regiments, three months' men, and when the 
terms of the above regiments had expired, the seven 
companies became known as the First Battalion of 
Massachusetts Volunteers. Subsequently three new 
companies were organized and attached to this bat- 
talion and it was made the Twenty-ninth Regiment, 
and Brig.-Gen. E. W. Peirce, of the Massachusetts 
Volunteer Militia, was appointed colonel. 

The regiment participated in the battles before 
Richmond, Antietam, Fredericksburg, siege of Vicks- 
burg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell's Station, 
siege of Knoxville, Cold Harbor. 

This was not a Bristol County regiment, but Col. 
Peirce, its commander, was and still is a Bristol 
County man. In one of Maj. O'Neill's reports, in re- 
ferring to Gen. Peirce, he says, " Col. Ebenezer W. 
Peirce, who lost an arm in the battle of White Oak 
Swamp, has my sympathy, and in so soon rejoining 
his regiment for duty proved his readiness to be where 
a soldier should be, at the head of his regiment." It 
may be remarked here that Gen. Peirce rejoined his 
regiment and took command only sixty days after his 
arm had been shot oft" at White Oak Swamp. 

Nov. 12, 1862, Col E. W. Peirce was detailed upon 
recruiting service, and ordered to report to Col. Day 
at Boston, where he remained until relieved, and 
immediately resumed command of his regiment at 
Newport News, March 21, 186.3, accompanying it to 
Paris, Ky., when he was, by order of Gen. Burnside, 
placed in command of all the Federal forces at that 
post, and so remained until July 20th, when he was 
detailed to organize the First Provisional Regiment of 
Massachusetts, encamped on Long Island, Boston 
Harbor, and returning to his regiment at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., August 28th, was immediately placed in 
command of the brigade to which this regiment was 
attached, and commanded the brigade in Kentucky, 
Tennessee, and Virginia, and while in Tennessee 
was for a time in command of the First Division of 
the Ninth Corps. 



Ebenezer W. Peirce was born at Assonet vil- 
lage, in Freetown, April 5, 1822, and is a lineal de- 
scendant in the sixth generation from Abraham 
Peirce, who emigrated to America and settled at Ply- 
mouth in 1623, and died at Duxbury in or near 1673. 
Isaac, a son of Abraham Peirce, performed military 
service for Plymouth Colony in King Philip's war 
(1675 and 1676), for which he was awarded a land 
grant. Isaac Peirce died in what was then Middle- 
borough, now Lakeville, Feb. 28, 1732, aged about 
seventy-one years. 

Isaac Peirce left sons Thomas and Isaac, Jr. The 
latter, becoming a Quaker, had a family of four sons, 
all of whom save one left the religious faith and prac- 
tice of their father ; and the oldest of these (Ebenezer 
by name) sent three sons into the army in the French 
and Indian war (1755 to 1783), and six into the pa- 
triot army of the American Revolution (1775 to 1782), 
of which six four became captains in that service, 
and one lost his life before having time to attain pro- 
motion. Of these six sons was Capt. Job Peirce, who 
served in both the French and Indian war and the 
Revolution, and who had one son in active service in 
the coast-guard as a major, and another as a captain in 
the last war with England (1812 to 1815). Capt. Job 
Peirce was the founder or donor of the Peirce Acad- 
emy, in Middleborough, and paternal grandfather to 
the subject of this sketch, who upon the maternal side 
is of the sixth generation from Lieut. Samuel Gardi- 
ner, who distinguished himself iti King William's 
war (1689 to 1692), and is the earliest town clerk and 
treasurer of Freetown of whom there remains a record, 
and was a principal proprietor of what is still known 
as Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea. The mother of 
Ebenezer W. Peirce was a daughter of Col. Benjamin 
Weaver, of Freetown, an officer in patriot army of 
Revolution, and a stanch upholder of the govern- 
ment in the Shay's war, or Shay's rebellion, so called, 
in 1786, and for some thirty years justice of a court, 
and distinguished for considerable scholastic attain- 
ments. 

Ebenezer W. Peirce was educated in the common 
schools of his native town, Peirce Academy, Middle- 
borough, Mass., Bacon Academy, Colchester, Conn., 
and Durham Academy, at Durham, N. H. He has 
been elected to the town offices of selectman, overseer 
of the poor, assessor, treasurer, collector, and school 
committee, and appointed to the county offices of trial 
justice, coroner, notary public, commissioner to qualify 
civil officers, public administrator, and prover of fire- 
arms, and from the President of the United States 
received the appointment of collector of internal rev- 
enue for the First Congressional District of Massa- 
chusetts. In the local militia of Massachusetts he 
has held thecommissions of lieutenant, captain, major, 
lieutenant-colonel, and brigadier-general, and in the 
army in late war of great Rebellion the commission 
of colonel. 

He commanded a regiment in Virginia, a brigade 



46 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, and for a 
sliort time a division in Tennessee. His right arm 
was, by a cannon-ball, shot off near the shoulder on 
the 30th of June, 1862, of which wound he was off 
duty only thirty days, and participated in another 
battle in less than two mouths. He was before and 
during the late war largely engaged in sheep hus- 
bandry and raising of wool, and while he had on 
hand a very large quantity the prices of wool went 
up from twenty-eight cents to one dollar aud eighteen 
cents per pound, and dropped almost as much imme- 
diately after he had sold out, for, said he, " while 
most people advised me to sell I would not dispose of 
a pound, but as soon as almost every body advised me 
to hold on I made haste to sell the whole and did not 
get rid of it a moment too soon." From youth he 
has given much time and attention to the reading 
of the Bible, making it for several years the rule of 
his life to read it through every twelve months, and 
is yet a thoroughly confirmed materialist, in whose 
mind reason takes the place of revelation and science 
has demolished superstition. Since the war he has 
written considerable for newspapers and became the 
author of several books upon local history, biography, 
and genealogy. 

Although having attained to more than threescore 
years and suffered' the hardships incident to nearly 
four years' service in the late war, more than two 
years of which were performed after the loss of his 
rio-ht arm, he still enjoys almost unimpaired health, 
and is ;M-ae/!iCT% a comparatively young man,' all of 
which he ascribes to a naturally strong constitution, 
abstemious habits, ever totally ignoring tobacco and 
all forms of gambling, and that he has, during the 
most of his life, not allowed himself to be incumbered 
with the burdens, sources, and anxious care of more 
than one world at a time. 

The Thirty-eighth Regiment was mustered into 
the service Aug. 24, 18G2, and was mustered out June 
30, 186-5. One company of the regiment (H) was re- 
cruited in the southeastern part of the county, princi- 
pally from New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Westport. 
The regiment participated in the following engage- 
ments : Cane River, Mansura, Port Hudson, Opequan, 
Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. 
. The Thirty-ninth Regiment was mustered into 
the United States service Sept. 4, 1862, and was mus- 
tered out June 2, 186.5. There was one company in 
this regiment from Bristol County, Company F from 
Taunton. The Thirty-ninth participated in the 
following engagements: Mine Run, Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Bethesda 
Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Dabney's 
Mills, Gravelly Run, and Five Forks. 

The Fortieth Regiment had one company from 
this county, chiefly from Attleborough, Company H. 
The regiment was mustered into the service Sept. 5, 
1862, and was mustered out June 16, 1865. 

It participated in the following engagements : En- 



gagements on the Blackwater, bombardments of Forts 
Sumter and Wagner, siege of Charleston, Olustee, 
Cedar Creek, Ten-Mile Run, Jacksonville, Drury's 
Bluff, Cold Harbor, Fort Harrison, Fair Oaks, and 
the several battles before Petersburg and Richmond. 
This was one of the best regiments in the service. 

The Forty-seventh Regiment (nine months) was 
recruited chiefly by Lucius B. Marsh, of Boston. Com- 
pany C, Capt. L. T. Starkey, was from Attleborough, 
and Company D, Capt. A. S. Cushman, was from New 
Bedford. The regiment left Boston Nov. 29, 1862, 
and proceeded to New York, where it remained until 
December 21st, when it sailed for New Orleans, ar- 
riving there on the 31st, and on the following day pro- 
ceeded to Carrollton, and January 2d went into camp. 
The regiment remained in the defenses of New Or- 
leans during its term of service, its loss being twenty 
by death. It was mustered out at Readville, Sept. 1, 
1863. 

The Fifty-eighth Regiment was recruited at Read- 
ville, and left for the front April 28, 1864, under com- 
mand of Licut.-Col. John C. Whiton. There were 
several companies from Bristol County in this regi- 
ment. The regiment joined the Army of the Poto- 
mac only a few days previous to the advance towards 
Richmond, and suffered severely in officers and men. 

Capt. Franklyn Howland is a descendant of 
Henry Howland, who was in Plymouth Colony as 
; early as 1624. It is supposed that John Howland, of 
the "Mayflower," and Henry were brotliers. The de- 
scent comes from Henry' through Zocth'-, Nathaniel'', 
James*, Thomas", Thomas', William', Stephen*, and 
Franklyn''. Zoeth'ssons, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Henry, 
and Nicholas, were among the original proprietors 
and settlers of old Dartmouth. They were sturdy, 
well to do, highly-respected men. The Howlands of 
this part of i5ristol Couuty all trace their descent 
from three brothers. Franklyn's grandfather, Wil- 
liam, above mentioned, married Innocent Wilber, of 
Little Compton, R. I., where he settled, and was fre- 
quently honored with public oflice. Innocent was a 
daughter of William Wilbor, who was born in Eng- 
land in 1580, and whose son Samuel was one of the 
original proprietors of the island of Rhode Island. 
Her nephew, Philip Wilbor, was formerly Governor 
of that State. Her cousin, John Wilbor, was leader 
of the " Wilborite" faction of Friends. His father 
Stephen married Lucy P., daughter of Rev. Israel 
Washburn, a descendant of John Washburn, who 
was a resident of Evansham, county of Worcester, 
England, Secretary of the Council of Plymouth in 
England, and the first secretary of the Massachusetts 
Bay Colony in America. He subsequently moved with 
the Plymouth Colony, and was one of the original 
proprietors of Bridgewater, the descent being .John', 
John", James*, Moses', Moses", Jr., Lettice", Israel". 
Rev. Israel Washburn was born in Acushnet, 24th 10th 
month, 1796. At an early age he took orders in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and continued in the 





iJ^ur^a!,t^— 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



47 



itinerancy most of the time till he died. His last ap- 
pointment by the Conference was to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Acushnet village, but he did not 
live to move to it. 

He was an earnest advocate of all moral reforms, 
especially of total abstinence and anti-slavery, being 
classed with the Garri.son abolitionists. He was for 
many years a resident of Acushnet. In 18(32, then 
seventy-two years of age, he offered his services to 
the government, and wa.s made chaplain of the 
Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteers September 1st of 
that year. At the battle of Antietam he contracted a 
disease of which he died April 23, 1864. His son, 
Capt. A. Gardiner Washburn, a former resident of 
Acushnet, a graduate of Brown University and the 
Albany Law School, subsequently a newspaper editor, 
also died of disease contracted in the service. A re- 
markable incident of record is that Moses, Jr., was 
in the Revolutionary war; his son Lettice in the 
Revolution and war of 1812 ; his grandson Israel, his 
great-grandson A. Gardiner, and his great-great- 
grandson Franklyn in the last war. A United States 
pension was granted on account of the last four, and 
the last three held the same rank. 

Capt. Howland was born in Little Compton, R. I., 
but became a resident of Westport, Mass., the follow- 
ing year. His opportunities for an education were 
exceedingly limited. With the exception of six 
months, his studies were pursued in a mixed country 
school, "much of the time," he says, "in a house 
where daylight could be seen through the roof, and 
high winds would come through cracks in the walls 
with sufficient force to turn the leaves of a book." 
He was in school but twelve months after his four- 
teenth birthday. .Since then, however, he has allowed 
no opportunity to pass to acquire by close observation, 
by careful reading, and by intercourse with intelli- 
gent minds that practical information which has 
given him mental power and success. 

At sixteen years of age he entered the employment 
of an importing house in New York City, and con- 
tinued there till the outbreak of the Rebellion. Pass- 
ing down town on the evening of the 19th of April, 
1861, he saw bulletined on the newspaper boards the 
exciting news of the attack on the Sixth Massachu- 
setts Volunteers in the streets of Baltimore. The in- 
herited patriotism, which had been by no means 
dormant, now reached a white-heat. He enrolled 
himself at once, being only eighteen years of age, as 
a private in the Fourteenth New York State Militia, 
of Brooklyn, where he resided. The regiment was 
soon ordered to the front. It passed through Balti- 
more very soon, and was quartered at Washington 
in the Senate chamber of the capitol. He was in 
the first battle of Bull Run, when the newspapers re- 
ported him killed, but he received only a flesh-wound. 
After a year's service in the Army of the Potomac 
(where he received his first commission), he was as- 
signed to duty in the Department of the South with 



the Ninth Army Corps. A part of the time spent 
there he was on staff duty as assistant provost-mar- 
shal. During his service he was a prisoner of war 
nearly a year continuously. This time was about 
equally divided between Libby and Salisbury prison 
pens, under Winder and Wirz, and New Orleans. 
The hardships and privations endured here resulted 
in a sickness which nearly proved fatal, and left him 
with a partially paralyzed condition of the spinal 
cord. Since this event he has not stepped without 
assistance, and requires a constant attendant. He re- 
signed in April, 1864, having been in service three 
years on the 19th of that month. 

Though totally incapacitated from manual labor, 
his vigorous mind seeks employment. He edits the 
agricultural department of the New Bedford Standard, 
and has since the incorporation of that department 
in this enterprising paper, January, 1876, which de- 
partment he suggested to the publishers. He has 
been president of the South Bristol Farmers' Club, a 
flourishing agricultural organization, since it was in- 
stituted. His boyhood was passed on a large farm. 
Since the war he has been a close observer of agri- 
cultural and horticultural pursuits, and for the past 
ten years a farm on which he resides, situated on the 
Fairhaven road, in the town of Acushnet, has been 
cultivated under his immediate supervision. He is 
actively interested in the anti-liquor and Sunday- 
school causes, is president of the Acushnet and vice- 
president of the Bristol County Sunday-School Asso- 
ciations. He is now engaged in preparing for the 
press a genealogy of the Howland family, and is 
working up a complete history of Methodism within 
the boundaries of old Dartmouth. The use of a pen 
being extremely difficult, and at times impossible, 
much of his writing is done by an amanuensis. 

He studied two years for the medical profession, 
but not recovering, as he had hoped, he abandoned it. 
He has no aspirations for political office, but n-as on 
the board of school committee of Westport for two 
years, and was a candidate of the anti-license faction 
of the Republican party of Westport in 1869, when 
five of his competitors' votes would have secured his 
election at the polls. He was a justice of the peace 
for a number of years. 

Capt. Howland married Emma H., daughter of 
Capt. James H. and Emily G. Hallett, of Barnstable, 
Mass. Her father was a master-mariner. They have 
had three children, — Grace (deceased), Le Roy, and 
Max. Capt. Hov?tend is a man of pleasing address 
and winning magnetism. He is often called upon to 
address various bodies and public assemblies, and has 
an earnest, convincing oratory, not unmixed with 
humor and wit, which always serves to drive home a 
point. As a writer, he is graphic and concise, evfncing 
a thorough knowledge of the subject in hand. Labor- 
ing under disadvantages which would appall many 
able men, his perseverance and will cause him to ac- 
complish more actual labor than many men of per- 



48 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



feet health. He is a representative man, and remark- 
able in many respects. 

Our military history is closed. We have faithfully 
traced the history of the various regiments, and it 
has been our honest endeavor to place before the 
people of Bristol County a truthful record of her gal- 
lant sons who risked their lives in the defense of 
their country. We have sought to deal justly with 
all, and give deserving credit to each and every 
regiment. 

While the history is a record of many of the severest 
battles of the war, it is not in any particular over- 
drawn ; it is a " plain, unvarnished tale." It has 
been impossible to sketch many individual acts of 
heroism, but these were not wanting. 

Bristol County may justly feel proud of her sol- 
diery, as no section of our country acted a more 
prominent or honorable rule in the great tragedy. 

Eighteen years have now elapsed since the close of 
the Rebellion, and we find our country a united and 
prosperous people. Sectional strife is rapidly passing 
away, and the same hand strews flowers alike on the 
graves of the Blue and the Gray. 

" No more shall the war-cry sever, 

Or the winding rivers be red ; 
Tliey banish our anger forever 

When tliey Jaurel tlie graves of our dead. 
Under the sod and the dew, 

Waiting tlie judgment-day ; - 
Love and tears for the Blue, 

Tears and love for the Gray." 



CHAPTER VI.' 

NEW BEDFORD. 

Geographical — Topographical — First Record Reference to Old Dart- 
mouth — Early Settlement — ludian Deed — Wasamequen and Wam- 
sutta to William Bradford and others^— Incorporation of the Town — 
The yirst Representative — Other Karly Representatives — The Rus- 
sells — King Philip's War. 

New Beiiford lies in the southern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by 
Freetown ; on the east by Acushnet River, which 
separates it from Acushnet and Fairhaven ; on the 
south by Buzzard's Bay ; and on the west by Dart- 
mouth. The surface of the town is generally level 
and the soil fertile. 

The first reference found in the Plymouth Colony 
records in relation to the territory of Dartmouth is 
under date of Dec. 1, 1640, twenty years after the 
arrival of the " Mayflower." By an order of the Gen- 
eral Court of March, 1639, it was agreed that the 
purchasers or " old-comers" should make choice of two 
or three plantations for themselves and their heirs by 
the December court. When the time came it was 



1 For the greater poilion of this and the following chapter the editor 
is largely indebted to the unpublished manuscript of the late James B. 
CongdoD. 



found that the choice had been made, and the returns 
of the three tracts selected were' made and recorded. 
All the selections were upon the coast. 

The following description of the tract called "The 
Second Place," taken in connection with the language 
of the conveyance afterwards made by the Indian 
chiefs Wasamequin and Wamsutta, indicates with 
sufficient accuracy that it was intendid to describe 
the territory that twenty-four years afterwards con- 
stituted the town of Dartmouth. The language and 
orthography of the records are given. 

" The second place of a place called Acconquesse 
al' Acokers, w""" lyeth in the bottom of the bay, ad- 
joining to the west side of Poqnt Perrill, and two 
miles to tlie western side of the said river, to another 
place, called Acqussent River, w"'' entreth at the west- 
ern end of Nickatag, and two miles to the eastward 
thereof, and to extend eight miles into the country." 

By this allotment of territory no title was acquired. 
It was owned by the Indians and occupied by them. 

Early Settlement of Dartmouth. — Dartmouth 
was one of the last towns of the Plymouth Colony 
incorporated. The first record which we have of it 
is dated two hundred and twenty-nine years ago, 
thirty-four years after the landing on Plymouth Rock. 
On the 29th of November, 1654, a conveyance was 
made by Wasamequin, an Indian chief and Wam- 
sutta, his son, of the territory now comprising tlie 
towns of Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fair- 
haven, and Acushnet to William Bradford, Capt. 
Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Winslow, John 
Cook, and their associates, the purchasers, as " old- 
comers." The tract conveyed is thus described : " A 
tract of land known by the name of Accushend, alias 
Aquset, entering in at the western end of Nakata, and 
to the now Cookset, alias Ackees, and places adjacent, 
the bounds of which tract fully extend through miles 
to the eastward of the most easterly part of the river 
orbay Accushenak aforesaid, and so along the seaside 
to the river called Cookset, lying on the west side of 
Point Perril, and to the most westermost side of any 
branch of the aforesaid river, and extending eight 
miles into the woods, with all marshes, meadows, 
rivers, waters, woods, and appurtenances thereto be- 
longing." 

For this large tract Wasamequen and Wamsutta 
received thirty yards of cloth, eight moose-skins, fif- 
teen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pairs of breeches, eight 
blankets, two kettles, one cloak, two pounds of wam- 
pum, eight pairs of stockings, eight pairs of shoes, 
one tin pot, and ten shillings in other commodities, 
which phrase being interpreted probably meant rum 
and tobacco. The grantors, father and son, agree 
within one year to remove all the Indians from the 
tract. This condition certainly was not complied 
with, and it may be inferred from the fact that the 
Indians were not removed from this favorite portion 
of their territory that the two chiefs who for this beg- 
garly inventory of breeches, blankets, and other com- 



NEW BEDFORD. 



49 



modities undertook to barter away the hunting- 
grounds of the tribe liad as little authority to nialce 
the transfer as they had power to enforce the cruel 
stipulation that provided for the bauishment of the 
rightful owners of the soil.' Previous to this date 
there were no doubt some settlers upon this territory. 

As early as 1650, Ralph Russell came to Dartmouth, 
and in company with Anthony Slocum, his companion 
into the wilderness, established an iron-works at Rus- 
sell's Mills. They were from the neighboring settle- 
ment of Taunton. 

To the Russells is due the honor of having been 
the founders of this community, and from that early 
day, over one hundred and thirty years ago, there has 
been no time in the annals of the old mother-town of 
Dartmouth or of the vigorous branches of the parent 
tree when the name of Russell was not borne by many 
here whose enterprise and perseverance proved them 
■worthy descendants of him who pitched his tent in 
tlie wilderness, and, surrounded by the wondering and 
it may be hostile sons of the soil, caused the stillness 
of the forest for the first time to be broken by the 
clangor of water-driven machinery. 

In 1664, Dartmouth was incorporated, and John 
Russell, the first representative sent by the inhabitants 
to the General Court at Plymouth, took his seat among 
the rulers of the people the next year. 

John Cook seems to have been the only person 
named among the grantees of the territory who be- 
came an inhabitant of the town. His house was 
situated at the opposite extremity of the settlement, 
near what is now called the Head of the River. The 
second year he took Russell's place as representative 
at the headquarters of the Old Colony, and from that 

1 Tlie fullowing is a copj* of this deed : 

" New Plymouth, Novembrr tlie '29tli, 1G52. 

" Knuw all nif Q by these presents, that I, Wesamequen, and Wam- 
BUtta, my son, have sold unto Mr. William Bradford, Captain Standish, 
Thomas Southworth, John Winslow, John Cooke, and their associates, 
tlie pnrchasers or old-comers, all the tract or tracts of land lying three 
miles eastward from a river called Cusheiiagg, to a certain harbour called 
Acoalisett, to a tlat rock on the westward side of the said harbour. And 
whereas the said harbour divideth itself into several branches, the west- 
ernmost arme to be the bound, and all the tract or tracts of land from 
the said Westernmost arme to tlie said river of Cnshenagg, three miles 
eastward of the same, with all the profits and betiefits within the said 
tract, with all the rivers, creeks, meadows, necks, and islands that lye in 
or before the same, and from the sea upward to go so high that the 
English may not be annoyed by the hunting of the Indians in any sort 
of tlieir cattle. And I, Wesanieqneo, and Wamsntta, do promise to re- 
move all the Indians within a year from the date Iiereof that do live in 
the said tract. And we, the said Wesameqnenand Wanisutta, have fully 
bargained and sold unto the aforesaid Mr. William Bradford, Captain 
Standish, Thomas Southwurth, John Winslow, John Cooke, and the rest 
of their associates, the purchasers or old-comers, to have and to hold for 
them and tlieir heirs and assigns forever. -\nd in consideration hereof, 
we the above-mentioned are to pay to the said Wesamequen and Wam- 
flutta as followeth: thirlif t/artU of cloth, eutht moose'Skins, fifteen axes, 
fifteen hoes, Jif teen pair of breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, £2 
in wiiinpan, eight pair stockings, eight p(iir of shoes, one iron pot, and ten 
shillings in another commoditie. And in witness hereof we have inter- 
changeably set to our hands the day and year above written. 
" In presence of "John Winslow, 

"J0NATH.1N Shaw, "John Cook, 

"Samuel Eddy, " Wamsutta. His mm mark." 



time to the year 1674, when Indian hostility leveled 
every habitation and drove every white inhabitant 
from the territory, the two Johns, situated at the ter- 
mini of a line drawn diagonally across the town, con- 
tinued to discharge the duties of attending to the in- 
terests of the good people of Dartmouth in the councils 
of the colony. 

Burdensome, doubtless, to these distant settlers 
was the task of attending to the affairs of state at 
Plymouth, and it was found necessary in those good 
old times to impose upon any person chosen to the 
office of Governor who should refuse to accept the 
same a fine of fwentij pounds. It may be with pro- 
priety supposed that the office of member of the Gen- 
eral Court was not sought after with much eagerness. 

These liardy pioneers in the wilderness well knew 
that althougli legislation was a very good thing in its 
place and not to be neglected, it was no substitute for 
the axe and the plow, the forge and the anvil, in the 
great w-ork of preparing the land to become a com- 
fortable and pleasant habitation. 

In the periods which intervened between the incor- 
poration of the town and its destruction by the natives, 
eleven years, John Russell was five years and John 
Cook six years the town's delegate to the court. 

For about three years there is a blank in the politi- 
cal annals of Dartmouth. A year or two after the 
close of the war with Metacom the old town again 
comes upon the stage, and the reappearance of Rus- 
sell and Cook in their old places in the court-house 
at Plymouth conveys the double information of the 
re-settleraent of the territory and the continued popu- 
larity of the men who had shared between them all 
the honor of representing the people. 

It was in 1679 that Dartmouth had so far recovered 
from the devastation of the war as to be called upon 
to send a delegate to Plymouth. Cook was that year 
sent, and continued to occupy tlie post until 1682, 
when Russell was again elected. The next two years 
Cook sustains the burden, and then for the first time 
a new name is found upon the records of the Supreme 
Council as furnishing the Dartmouth quota of the 
assembled wisdom. 

For one year, 1685, Joseph Trijip was the represen- 
tative to the General Court. Russell does not again 
appear as a public man. 

John Russell, who with Iris father, Ralph Russell, 
and Anthony Slocum, operated the iron forge at Rus- 
sell's Mills, and whose death occurred in 1694, did not 
reside within the limits of the present city. His son 
Joseph was born in 1650, and during the war lived at 
the Apponagansett garrison, where his twin sons 
Josepli and John were born Nov. 22, 1679. He 
moved from the Apponagansett River to the Acushnet 
prior to 1711, and resided at what is now the corner 
of County and South Streets. Joseph Russell, born 
at the garrison, afterwards resided at what is now the 
corner of County and Bush Streets, where in my boy- 
hood stood the " little school-liouse," in whose yard 



50 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was the well used by this early settler. The title of 
the lands of the Russells was confirmed by Her Majes- 
ty's (Queen Anne's) justices of the Court of Quarter 
Sessions for the county of Bristol, May 25, 1711. The 
survey had been made by Benjamin Crane, who, under 
the "eight hundred acre division," established the 
original boundaries. 

The son of the last-named Joseph Russell, also 
named Joseph, was born on the 8th of October, 1719, 
and died on the 16th of October, 1804, aged eighty- 
five years. We may fairly consider this last-named 
Joseph Russell as the founder of New Bedford. He 
owned the tract of land bounded on the south by 
land of his brother Caleb, the division lines being 
midway between the present Bedford and Russell 
Streets, and on the north by land of Manasseh Kemp- 
ton, whose division line was between the present 
Elm and William Streets, and bounded easterly by 
the river. His homestead was on the County road, 
as it was called, between the present court-house and 
the residence of Mrs. Charles W. Morgan. He is 
described as " a man of great industry, prudence, and 
enterprise, and of strict integrity of character, a large 
farmer and extensive land-owner." He was also en- 
gaged in mercantile business, owning several vessels 
trading at Southern ports and the West Indies. He 
was the first to engage in the whale-fishery and to 
establish a sperm-oil factory in New Bedford. 

In 1686, Cook, for the twelfth time, was returned j 
as a delegate to the General Court. He was the last I 
representative sent by Dartmouth to Plymouth under 
the independent charter of the colony. 

For a short period the despotism of Sir Edmund 
Andros saved the people of the colony the necessity 
of any representation in the government. With his 
administration closed the political existence of Ply- 
mouth as an independent State. United with Mas- 
sachusetts, its history is mingled with that of this an- 
cient commonwealth. This was probably the end of 
Cook's political career, and it is most likely that the 
close of his earthly soon followed. In a confirmatory 
deed of William Bradford, Governor, in 1694, his 
name is not mentioned upon the list of proprietors. 

Both the others who had with him shared the rep- 
resentative honors of the town are named in the in- 
denture. 

Anthony Slocum was the companion and business 
associate of the founder of the town. This individual, 
whose descendants are numerous upon the territory 
of the ancient town of Dartmouth, and whose name 
was early given to a portion of that territory which 
it still retains, does not appear to have transmitted 
that name to posterity in connection with the occu- 
pancy of public station. Two of his descendants, 
however, were active in the aflairs of the town, — 
Holder Slocum, Sr. and Jr., father and son. The 
father is probably entitled to the notoriety of having 
been elected representative to the General Court a i 
greater number of times than any other individual i 



who ever was clothed with the honors of the oflBce. 

It is believed that for a period of nearly thirty years 
he was a member of the General Court of the com- 
monwealth. 

It is said that one year the good people of Dart- 
mouth decided to permit Squire Slocum to remain at 
home. This strange event in the history of the town, 
although it was no doubt well known to the person 
most interested, the rejected squire, was not in due 
form communicated to the old mare, the faithful ani- 
mal who for many years had annually borne to the 
metropolis her honored master, the able and popular 
representative of Dartmouth. The time for the meet- 
ing of the General Court drew near, and the well- 
trained and experienced companion of the Dartmouth 
legislator instinctively apprised of the fact, and not as 
usual feeling the weight of her master's portly person 
and well-lined saddle-bags upon her back, concluded 
there was some mistake in the matter, and w'ithout 
further parley or delay started for Boston. 

The town of Dartmouth was slow of growth. For 
the farmer it had few attractions. Much of the soil 
was poor, and it was long in recovering from the blow 
which was given to the settlement by the extermina- 
ting hostility of the Indians. 

Indian History. — In 1676 this locality was devas- 
tated by a cruel Indian war, full of barbarity and 
atrocity, carried on by King Philip, the younger 
brother of Wamsutta. 

Five years previous to this time the following agree- 
ment was made at the Dartmouth Indian encampment 
under date Sept. 4, 1671 : 

*' Mf.morandum. — That we, the Inth'ans living near alioiit tlie town of 
Dartmouth, in the jurisdiction of Ne\v,PIynioutii, wliose names are here 
underwritten, do freely own ourselves to be loyal suhjicLs to His Majesty 
of England, and to his Colony of New Plymouth; and do hereby sol- 
emnly engage onrselvesand ours to be subject to His Majesty's authority 
there established and to behave faithfully and friendly towards them; 
and that we will from time to time, if we hear of any malicious design 
aching against them, discover it to some of them with all speed; and 
that also that we shall be ready to afford them any assistjince against 
their enemies according to curability, even as we expect friendship and 
amity and protection from them. For the performance thereof we have 
hereunto set our bauds in the presence of 

" ASHAWANOMEETH. 
"NOMAN. 

(" Between 40 & 50f " Mainokum. 

Indians living near "Jeffrey. 

or in the town of 'Mames. 

Dartmouth.") "John, etc." 

The names of the Indians making this engagement 
are not given. Those annexed appear to have been 
the witnesses to the instrument. This engagement is 
important in its connection with two other events in 
the annals of the town, — the conveyance to Cook and 
others by Wasemequen and Wamsutta in 1654, and 
the infamous enslaving expatriation of the Dartmouth 
Indians in 1676. Here the right of the Indians, not- 
withstanding the stipulations of the gleed from the 
two chiefs to a residence upon the soil, is clearly 
recognized. 

All rights which the Indians may have had were 



NEW BEDFORD. 



51 



subsequently violated by the New Plymouth govern- 
ment, when one hundred and sixty of the sons of the 
soil were seized and sold into slavery. This act of 
treachery naturally aroused within the breast of the 
Indians feelings of most bitter hatred and deep-seated 
revenge. 

The rulers were unprepared to defend the colony 
against the storm which they had brought upon their 
heads. In their distress they again called upon Capt. 
Benj. Church, who had been treated by them with 
ingratitude, insult, and neglect, because he had dared 
to raise the voice of remonstrance and condemnation 
because of their treacherous act. He was, however, 
at length pacified. Tradition tells us that he wliittled 
himself into the belief that it was his duty to protect 
the settlement against the threatened destruction. 
Using a knife for some trifling purpose he cut his 
finger, and regarding this event as an indication of 
the will of Providence that he must lay aside all pri- 
vate aflairs and give himself up to the service of his 
country, he threw down his knife, and arming him- 
self, proceeded to Plymouth and took command of 
the forces of the colony. Having made a treaty with 
Awashuncks, the queen-sachem of the Yaconts, he 
succeeded in enlisting a number of her tribe into his 
company, and having obtained enlarged powers from 
the government he proceeded to a vigorous prosecu- 
tion of the war. It was near Horse Neck Beach that 
Capt. Church entered into the treaty with the Indian 
queen and her chiefs, and when, in pursuance with a 
previous arrangement, he came to visit the queen, he 
found large numbers of her people sporting upon the 
marble-like surface of the beach, some racing horses, 
some playing at foot-ball, and others fishing from the 
rocks. 

On one of his expeditions Church pursued his ene- 
mies into the Accushena territory. Having crossed 
the river, probably at the spot now called Acushnet 
village, he came in contact with a small band of the 
Saconet Indians, who had refused to become a party 
to the treaty made by their queen, and who had joined 
Philip in the contest that was then raging. The party 
were accompanied by Little Eyes and his family. He 
made the whole party prisoners, and refusing the ad- 
vice of his Indian allies to put Little Eyes to death, 
because that chief had once threatened the life of the 
English commander, he placed them all on an island 
in the Acushnet, and left Lightfoot to guard them. 
The island was probably that which was nearest to 
the shore. Fish Island, as this temporary place of 
confinement for ludian prisoners is now called, pre- 
sents at this time a very difl^erent aspect from what it 
did when Little Eyes and his companions in captivity 
were landed upon its shore, and looking upon the 
main, saw their conqueror and his party enter the 
forest which skirted the banks of the river, as he 
wended his way to the south on a visit to the fortified 
station at the head of the Aponegansett. They passed 
the night near Russell's orchard, which was in the 



vicinity of that place, and learned in the morning 
that a large party of Indian.s had the same night 
made the orchard their resting-place. Ascertaining 
the route they had taken, he retraced his steps to fol- 
low them. Coming to a cedar swamp, about three 
miles from their halting-place by the orchard, the 
forces were divided, and the ruins of John Cook's 
house at Accushena being agreed upon as the place 
of rendezvous, the two parties started in pursuit of 
the enemy. The company under the command of 
Church, which seems to have been composed entirely 
of English, soon fell in with and killed and captured 
sixty-six of the enemy. Church was now informed 
that his mighty foe Metacom was near, and that a 
party of Indians, consisting of more than one hun- 
dred, had passed across the river and marched down 
upon Sconticutt Neck. He then paddled over to the 
island where Lightfoot had been left with Little Eyes 
and his party, and there heard a confirmation of the 
fact that a large body of Indians had moved down the 
Neck. They were soon discovered returning from 
their excursion, and Church, concealing himself and 
his little band, escaped that destruction which would 
probably have been his fate had he been discovered 
and forced into a contest. 

Church now took his prisoners from the island and 
proceeded to Mattapoisett. There he halted and sent 
a messenger to the appointed place of rendezvous, the 
ruins of John Cook's house at Accushena, to ascertain 
the fate of his band of Indian allies. Here the sin- 
gular fact was ascertained that this party had killed 
or captured the same number (sixty-six) that had 
met with the same fate from the company under 
Church's immediate command. The Indians joined 
their commander and his party at Mattapoisett, from 
whence the whole body with their captives proceeded 
to Plymouth. Of the subsequent events of Philip's 
war we have no occasion to speak. Philip, broken- 
hearted by tlie captivity of his wife and son, fled be- 
fore the foe who was bent upon his destruction, and, 
surrounded in a swamp near his residence, was shot 
through the heart by an English soldier. This put 
an end to the conflict. Prisoners continued to be 
taken, and when they had all been disposed, either 
by being hung or shipped to Bermuda, the rulers and 
the fighting men rested from their labors, and the 
people of the land had peace. 

A portion of the town of Rochester, described as ex- 
tending from the westernmost side of Sippican River 
and southwestwards to Dartmouth bounds, was as- 
signed for the residence of the Indians who had not 
been engaged in hostilities against the colony. They 
were deprived of the right to bear arms, and strictly 
charged to confine themselves 'to the prescribed 
bounds of the territory which the clemency of the 
conquerors had assigned them for a habitation. After 
this time we have but little about the Indians. Their 
numbers rapidly decreased, and after the lapse of a 
few years only here and there a solitary individual 



52 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



remained to tell the story of the good Massasoit, and 
the brave but unfortunate Metacom. 

Sarah Obadiah, an Indian woman with a most un- 
Indian-like name, was the last of the race who, upon 
the old territory of Dartmouth, lived after the primi- 
tive manner of her fathers. The costume of course 
was abandoned, but in a wigwam situated near the 
stone ship upon the rock, a spot in the south part of 
a village well known to most of the inhabitants, lived 
the last of the Dartmouth Indians. This was a fa- 
vorite locality of the Indians, and doubtless has been 
one of their much-loved hunting-grounds. 



CHAPTER VII. 

NEW BEDFORD.— ( Continued.) 

Persecution of llie Quakers—" Presented" for Non-attendance at Church 

Various Rule8 and Regulations— Punislnuents— Fine for Attending 

Quaker Meeting — Artliur Howiand fined for making " Motion of Mar- 
riage"— Tlie Keniptons— Other Early Settlers— The Russells— Pioneer 
Whaling— Early Localious— Joseljli Rotcb— Isaac Howlaud— Pliva- 
teers- View of the Village uiiou the Eve of its Destruction by the 
British. 

Among the orders of the court concerning the 
Quakers was the following : 

" If any person or persons called Quakers, or other 
such like vagabonds, shall come into any town in this 
government, the marshal or constable shall appre- 
hend him or them, and upon examining, .so appear- 
ing, he shall whip them, or cause them to be whipped, 
with rods so it exceeds not fifteen stripes, and to give 
him or them a pass to depart the government, and if 
they be found without the pass and not acting there- 
unto they shall be punished again as formerly; and 
in case tiie constable shall be unwilling to whip them, 
and cannot find any one to do it, they shall bring 
them to Plymouth to the under-marshal, and he 
shall inflict it." 

Another regulation says, " Whereas, by order of 
court, all free men of this corporation, as Quakers, or 
such as encourage them, or such as speak contemptu- 
ously of the laws thereof, or such as are judged by 
court grossly scandalous, as liars, drunkards, swearers, 
shall lose their freedom in this corporation." 

1651. Ralph Allen, Sr., and wife, George Allen 
and wife, and William Allen are presented with 
others for not attending public worship according to 
law. Arthur Howiand, for not attending public wor- 
ship. This Arthur seems to have been a troublesome 
fellow to the strict Puritans of the colony. Ralph 
Allen and Richard Kirby are fined five pounds, or to 
be whipped, for vile sketches against ordinances. 

1655. Sarah Kirby sentenced to be whipped for 
divers suspicious speeches. 

1656, Sunday. Persons for meeting at the house of 
William Allen are summoned to answer for the mis- 
demeanor. 



1656. Sarah Kirby whipped for disturbing public 

worship. 

1657. Arthur Howiand, for permitting a Quaker 
meeting in his house, and for inviting such as were 
under government, children and others, to come to 
said meeting, was sentenced by the court to find se- 
curities for his good behavior; in case he should 
refuse he is fined four pounds. He refused to give 
bonds, and was fined. " The said Arthur Howiand, 
for resisting the constable of Marshfield in the exe- 
cution of his office, and abusing him in words by 
threatening speeches, is fined five pounds." And 
again, Arthur Howiand, for presenting a writing in 
court, which said writing, on the reading thereof, ap- 
peared to be of dangerous consequences, he owning it 
to be his own, and for making known the said writing 
to others, was sentenced by court to find securities for 
his good behavior. We have now another Howiand 
upon the stage. 

1657. " Henry Howiand, for entertaining a meet- 
ing in his house, contrary to order of Court, is fined 
ten shillings." And still another, Loeth Howiand, 
" for speaking opprobriously of the ministers of God's 
word, is sentenced to set in the stocks for the space of 
an hour or during pleasure of Court, which was per- 
formed and so released paying the fees." 

1657. Ralph Allen, Jr., and William Allen being 
summoned, appeared to answer for a tumultuous car- 
riage at a meeting of the Quakers at Sandwich ; their 
being admonished in that respect were cleared, not- 
withstanding irreverently carrying themselves before 
the court, coming in before them with their hats on, 
were fined twenty shillings apiece. 

Here is the case of the whipping and fining before 
spoken of, — 

1658. H. Norton and John Rouse were sentenced 
to be whipped for coming into the jurisdiction con- 
trary to call. The sentence was executed. " The 
same day performed," is the language of the record, 
and the under-marshal requiring his fees they re- 
fused to pay them, and they were again returned to 
prison until they would pay. 

1658. William Allen is fined forty shillings for en- 
tertaining Quaker meeting. About this time there 
was a part added — demanded, as says the record — 
because, among other things, "of the letting loose as 
a scourge upon us those gangrene-like doctrines and 
persons called Quakers." 

1659. We now find upon the records the follow- 
ing: " The Court taking notice of sundry scandalous 
falsehoods in a letter of Isaac Robinson's tending 
greatly to the prejudice of this government and in- 
couragenient of those commonly called Quakers, and 
thereby liable according to law to disenfranchise- 
ment, yet we at present forbear the sentence until 
further inquiry." 

1660. Daniel Butler for rescuing a strange Quaker 
was sentenced to be whipped. Joseph Allen fined ten 
shillings for attending a Quaker meeting. Here we 



NEW BEDFORD. 



53 



have some wholesale operations, — twenty-five persons 
were fined ten shillings each for attending Quaker 
meeting, and among them were Joseph, Benjamin, 
William, and Matthew Allen, Richard Kirhy and 
Richard Kirhy {2d), and Daniel and Obadiah Butler. 

1661. The obstinate Rowlands are again intro- 
duced. Henry Howland for entertaining a Quaker 
meeting in his house is twice fined four pounds. Loath 
Howland breaks the Sabbath and is fined ten shil- 
lings. 

1662. Another Howland Sabbath-breaker. Sam- 
uel Howland, having no meal in the house, went to 
the mill and took home his grist. Fined ten shill- 
ings, or the whip. 

1664. Arthur Howland is again in difficulty. But 
it is not for new heresy of opinion that he is brought 
before the magnates of the land. The following is 
the record : " Arthur Howland, for inveighling 
Mistress Elizabeth Prince and making motion of 
marriage to her, and prosecuting the .same contrary 
to her parents' liking and without their consent and 
directly contrary to their mind and will, was sen- 
tenced to pay a fine of five pounds, and to find secur- 
ities for his good behavior, and in special that he 
desist from the use of any means to obtain or retain 
her affections as aforesaid." He paid his fine, a pretty 
heavy one for those days, and gave the bonds required 
by the sentence of the court. " Arthur Howland 
acknowledges to owe unto our sovereign lord the 
king the sum of fifty dollars; John Duncan, the 
sum of twenty-five dollars ; Timothy Williams, the 
sum of twenty-five dollars. The condition that 
whereas the said Arthur Howland hath disorderly 
and unrighteously endeavored to obtain the affections 
of Mistress Elizabeth Prince, against the mind and 
will of her parents. If, therefore, the said Arthur 
Howland shall for the future refrain and desist from 
the use of any means to obtain or retain her affections 
as aforesaid, and appear at the court of His Majesty, 
to be holden at Plymouth the first Tuesday in July 
next, and in the mean time be of good behavior to- 
wards our sovereign lord the king and all his liege 
people, and not depart the said court without license, 
that then, etc." 

The next year we find him again before the court, 
and again coming under a solemn agreement no fur- 
ther to offend in the premises. 

Early in the history of the colony we find the name 
of Kempton. Manasseh and Julia Kempton are 
entered upon the records as sharing in the allotment 
of the cattle in 1627. These were the ancestors of 
the |)resent Keniptons, and the name of Manasseh 
Kempton is included among the proprietors of the 
town of Dartmouth in the confirmatory deeds from 
Governor Bradford in the year 1694. In that docu- 
ment are the names of all the families mentioned, 
and many others which always have been and still 
are the most common in this vicinity, — John Russell, 
Manasseh Kempton, Benjamin Howland, John 



Spooner, Arthur Hathaway, Samuel Allen, Joseph 
Tripp, William Shearman, Joseph Taber, Seth Pope, 
and Jonathan Delano. Peleg Slocum and Abraham 
Tucker are names which in the four towns of West- 
port, Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Fairhaven are 
familiar to all the inhabitants. 

In the first part of the eighteenth century we find 
the Russell famil}' upon the soil of New Bedford. 
At what time he came is not known, but it was pre- 
vious to the year 1711, when the Allen and Kemp- 
ton families, which at the opening of what we may 
call the local history of New Bedford, shared with the 
Russells a large part of the town and all the territory 
of the village. 

History is almost silent respecting the affairs of 
Dartmouth from the date of Governor Bradford's ad- 
ministration to the commencement of the war of the 
Revolution. 

About the middle of the eighteenth century a large 
portion of the lands now occupied by the village of 
New Bedford was in the possession of two families, 
the Russells on the south and the Keniptons on the 
north. To Joseph Russell, son of the first settler 
John, and to Manasseh Kempton, Her Majesty's 
I Queen Anne) justices of the Quarter Sessions for the 
county of Bristol gave confirmatory deeds of their re- 
spective estates dated May 25, 1714. Russell was 
bounded by a line near Clarke's Cove on the south, 
and Kempton by a line near Smith Street; the divi- 
ding line was between William and Elm Streets. The 
occupants of the territory north and south of these 
boundaries it is impossible to ascertain. Subse- 
quently we find the Aliens holding the land from the 
cove, the southern boundary of Russell, to the ex- 
tremity of Clarke's Point, and the Willis family join- 
ing the Kempton on the north. Beyond this were 
found the Peckhams and Hathaways. The inhabit- 
ants were all farmers with the exception of the Rus- 
sells. 

Joseph Russell, son of Joseph Russell, Sr., and 
grandfather of the present generation, early embarked 
in the whaling business. His ships of forty or fifty 
tons went as far as our Southern coast on their voy- 
ages of six weeks' duration. At the same time, 1751, 
there were several vessels engaged in the same pur- 
suit i'rom the Apongansett River. Daniel Wood, a 
name not unfamiliar to the New Bedford people in 
connection with whaling operations, was at that time 
the owner of some small vessels in the business, and 
at that period the Acushnet had to give precedence 
to the Aponegansett as far as whaling was concerned. 
At that period a little wharf extending from the shore 
near the foot of what is now known as Centre Street, 
and a shed-like erection which was used for trying 
the blubber brought in by the little craft in their six 
weeks' excursion upon the " summer sea," were all 
the indications of commercial operations which our 
territory exhibited. That little shed was the only 
buildinjr in what we now denominate the village that 



M 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



•was then standing except the farm-houses of the 
Aliens, the Enssells, the Kemptons, and the Willis, 
which were all situated upon the county road. From 
this house, which from its elevated situation on the 
county road overloolced the forest which covered the 
whole intervening space between the road and the 
shore, the first of the Bedford whaling merchants 
could take an extensive view of the waters of the bay 
and the river, and when, shooting in by Hap's Hill, 
he discovered his sloop pointing her bows towards the 
harbor, he could be seen wending his way towards 
the little wharf over the cart-path, which was then 
the only way of reaching the water. The blubber 
landed, the thick column of smoke which rose above 
the street which skirted the shore gave notice to the 
inhabitants on the heights that one of Joseph Rus- 
sell's whalemen had arrived from a successful voyage. 

All the purchasers of land from Joseph Russell pre- 
vious to the year 1664 were mechanics. John Louden, 
a ship-carpenter, bought the first lot disposed of by 
Mr. Russell from his homestead. This was in the 
year 1760. The next year he built a house, which 
was situated a few rods south of the four corners, and 
his ship-yard was on the east side of the way. Un- 
fortunately for him, and unfortunately for his descend- 
ants, he choose an easier mode of life and converted 
his dwelling into a tavern. He was the Boniface of 
the village when it was visited by the British ; his 
house was burnt, and he returned to his native town 
of Pembroke. 

The same year another mechanic followed Louden. 
He had formerly been a dweller upon the soil, prob- 
ably in the north part of the Dartmouth settlement, 
but had b"eea,to Nantucket, and had there been initi- 
ated, in the langliage of the indenture, "into the art, 
trade, and mystery of building whale-boats." His 
name was Benjamin Taber, and was beloved by all 
who knew him as a worthy and venerable member and 
elder of the Society of Friends, and a most upright and 
valuable citizen. Many of his descendants are still 
here. The young boat-builder from Nantucket took 
the old liouse by the river-side and moved it up the 
hill. 

It was the far-seeing policy of Mr. Russell to en- 
courage such men to settle upon his territory, and 
accordingly we find the next settler to be a mechanic. 
He was a carpenter by the name of John Allen, and pur- 
chased a lot on tlie south side of what was formerly 
called Prospect Street. It was the corner of Union 
and Water Streets, extending from the last-named 
street to the water, and included the site now and for 
many years past occupied by the tavern. Gideon 
Mosher, another mechanic, purchased opposite to him 
on the north, his land l)eing that which extends from 
the " shop of the apothecary to the shore." This he 
afterwards sold to Benjamin Taber, next north of 
Louden. Elmethan Sampson, a blacksmith, made a 
purchase, and gave for a lot eight rods in length and 
fourrods wide the sum of six pounds thirteen shillings 



and four pence lawful currency. Thus was the infant 
settlement begun by industrious and enterprising me- 
chanics. North and east the lot 6f Sampson was 
bounded by ways left for streets. 

An important event now took place in the history 
of the new settlement. This was the arrival among 
the settlers of Joseph Rotch, and he in one sense fur- 
nished no exception to the class who laid the founda- 
tion of this thriving community. He had been a 
mechanic, and animated by a spirit of adventure he 
left his residence in one of the inland towns of Mas- 
sachusetts while yet a minor, passed through the 
Dartmouth territory, and took up his abode at 
Nantucket. Engaging with characteristic zeal and 
energy in that pursuit to which the people of the 
island, and in which, before the war of the Revolu- 
tion, they outstripped every other community in the 
world, he soon saw the many disadvantages under 
which the operations of business was carried on from 
that place. An examination of the neighboring har- 
bors satisfied him of the superiority of the settlement 
at Bedford, and in the year 16(5.5 he transferred his 
business from Nantucket to the banks of the Acush- 
net. Having obtained a " local habitation" he gave 
the new settlement a name. It had arrived at a de- 
gree of importance which entitled it to a distinctive" 
appellation, and out of compliment to the original 
proprietor he called the new village Bedford. 

To understand in what way this could be construed 
into a compliment to the Russells the fact must be 
known that the family name of the Duke of Bedford 
was Russell. Had he called the rising village Rus- 
sell it would have doubtless been more grateful, as it 
would have been more just, and the associations 
which are connected with the historical recollections 
of the name of Russell are not dependent for their 
interest upon the title at that time borne by that 
branch of the nobility of England. 

Joseph Rotch made a large purchase of land of his 
Russell namesake. One lot comprised ten acres of 
what is now and always has been a portion of the 
most valuable real estate of the town. He built the 
house immediately north of the apotliecary-shop, at 
the corner of Bethel Court and Union Street, aud 
another on the spot now occupied by a house owned 
by William Rotch, Jr., nearly opposite the Merchants' 
Bank. The last-named house was among those burnt 
by the British. W. Rotch engaged largely in the 
whaling business, and under the influence which his 
capital and enterprise gave to the operations of the 
town it rapidly grew in population and importance. 
But these bright prospects were soon overcast. 

The war of the Revolution found the infant settle- 
ment with their vessels upon the ocean and their 
business wholly at the mercy of the naval superiority 
of the mother-country. Joseph Rotch returned to 
Nantucket, and with the commencement of the con- 
test for independence all the business operations of 
the community were brought to an end. At this time 



NEW BEDFORD. 



55 



the number of inhabitants had increased, and their 
dwelling-houses and places of business covered an 
extent of territory which gave the town the appear- 
ance of thrift and opulence. Besides the stores of the 
merchants and traders and the work-shops of the 
mechanics, a " rope-walk" had been established in 
the south part of the town, a distillery occupied a 
site near the Louden ship-yard, upon the lot now 
covered by the stone buildings of Howland & Co., 
and a spermaceti establishment, whose operations 
were as carefully guarded from the eye of the multi- 
tude, and were under the immediate care of Chaffee, 
who had been sent from Boston to carry on the mys- 
terious movement, was situated on a lane which is 
now known as Centre Street. Another important ac- 
cession of capital and business qualities had been 
made by the coming to the settlement of Isaac How- 
land, who, moving here from Newport, brought witli 
him the means and the enterprise so much needed iu 
every new undertaking. His house was situated on 
Union Street, and when erected was by far the most 
elegant and costly which had been built in the town. 
It occupied the land now taken forCheapside, fronting 
on Union Street. It was built of brick and was three 
stories high. W. Howland was the proprietor of the 
distillery. John Howland, one of the Dartmouth 
settlers, moved to this place as early as 1G65. 

Such was the condition of New Bedford when the 
opening of the drama of the Revolution cut them off 
from that field of operations — the ocean — upon which 
they so exclusively depended for support. The stories 
which come to us of the destitution which fell to the 
lot of many of the fathers of this community almost 
surpass belief. Thus ruined in business, and without 
the means of a comfortable subsistence, the inhab- 
itants of the village could do nothing but quietly 
await the course of events. As they were mostly 
Quakers, they could not, consistently with the peace- 
able tradition of the sect, enter into the contest either 
in person or in feeling, and in that way to some ex- 
tent neutralize those uncomfortable reflections which 
tlie loss of property and the breaking up of their hon- 
est and wealth-conferring industry was calculated to 
produce. But whatever may have been the result to 
the personal operations of the merchants and me- 
chanics of the town, it was soon evident that the 
appearance of activity and bustle in the harbor was 
destined to be greatly increased. 

The facility with which this harbor could be ap- 
proached soon attracted hither a large number of the 
American privateers, and in a short time the waters 
of the Acushnet were covered with these crafts, whose 
appearance at that time, as it did during tlie second 
contest with Great Britain, gave such grievous offense 
to peaceably-disposed followers of George Fox, who 
made up so large a proportion of the inhabitants. 

The prizes, too, of these vessels were continually 
sent to this port, as well as many captured by the 
American and French vessels of war, and while the 



Acushnet was covered with craft of this description, 
the store-houses and dwelling-houses, and even the 
barns and rope-walks, were filled with the valuable 
cargoes which had been discharged from them. Rum, 
gin, brandy, and wine, hemp and sail-cloth, dry- 
goods and sugars, the produce of every soil was 
crammed into every vacant room which could be 
found in the village. Purchasers and consignees, 
owners of privateers and merchants from all quarters 
were mingled with the officers and crews of both the 
captured and capturing vessels, so that the streets of 
the village and the house of entertainment kept by 
Louden presented a sight as novel as it was disagree- 
able to the peace-loving citizens. Such was the con- 
dition of things when, on the 5th day of September, 
1778, it was rumored that a British fleet had been seen 
directing its course towards the Acushnet. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

NEW BEDFORD.— {Cuntinued.) 

WAR or THE EEVOLUTION.i 

New Beiifurd a Reiuiezvous for Privateers — Arrival of the British Fleet 
— Biiriiint: of the Village— Gen. Charles Grey's otHcial Report — Ac- 
count by Judge Edward Pope — Elijah Macomber's Account — Remi- 
niscences of John Gilbert — Reminiscences collecred by Capt. Lemuel 
S. Aiken — Statement of Charles Grinnell — List of Property Destroyed 
— Some Doubtful Points — The Extent of the Calamity — Personal 
Sketches — Gen. Grey's Life and Character — Facts and Incidents. 

On the 5th of September, 1778, a hostile British 
fleet landed upon these shores, destroyed the shipping, 
and burned the town. 

The British acted in the matter, there is no doubt, 
from motives of retaliation and punishment, rather 
than for purposes of plunder. The same expedi- 
tion afterward proceeded to Martha's Vineyard and 
carried off large numbers of cattle, with a consider- 
able sum of money, but there is no account of any 
property being carried away from Bedford, as the vil- 
lage was then called. Our harbor had from the be- 
ginning of the war been noted as a rendezvous for 
privateers, and the damage inflicted upon English 
commerce by the whalemen of Dartmouth had ex- 
cited the deepest resentment. As early as May, 1775, 
but a few weeks after the battle of Lexington, the 
British cruiser " Falcon" had captured in the bay 
three vessels belonging to Sandwich. A schooner 
was fitted out from here under the command of Capt. 
Egery, which recaptured two of these vessels with 
fifteen British officers and sailors. The privateer 
" Providence," whose name is associated with many 
brilliant naval achievements, had her rendezvous 
here. She was a sloop of about ninety tons, and at 
one time, it is said, she was under the command of 
John Paul Jones. Her most famous exploit, under 

1 By B. F. H, Reed. 



56 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Capt. Hacker, was with His Majesty's brig "Dili- 
gence," of eighteen guns, wliich she captured and 
brought into our harbor after a most determined and 
bloody engagement. 

Maj.-Gen. Grey, under orders from Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, at New York, arrived in the bay and anchored 
oflf Clarke's Point about noon of Saturday, Sept. 5, 
1778, with two frigates, a brig-of-war, and some thirty- 
six transports, with about five thousand men. The 
main body of troops was landed on the shore of Clarke's 
Cove that afternoon, and marched in the course of the 
night past the Head of the River, and passing on a 
road east of the village of Fairhaven direct to Scon- 
ticut Neck, the troops re-enibarked and were all on 
board the fleet again before Sunday noon, the 6th. 
On the march a detachment turned to the eastward 
from County down Union Street, which when first 
laid out was called King Street, and burned the stores 
and many other buildings near the foot of the street, 
and the shipping at the wharves. A good many of 
the vessels destroyed were prizes, and large amounts 
of prize goods were burned. Another party pro- 
ceeded to McPherson's wharf, at Belleville, and de- 
stroyed the shipping there. There was a fort where 
Fort Pha?nix now stands, and the garrison spiked the 
guns and retreated, and the fort was blown up by the 
British. The next night a party landed at Fairhaven, 
and was driven off by the troops who had collected 
under command of Maj. Israel Fearing. 

We give a number of accounts of the raid by eye- 
witnesses, commencing with the report made to his 
commanding officer. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, by 
Gen. Charles Grey : 

"Sir, — In the evening of the 4th inst. the fleet, 
with the detachment under my command, sailed 
from New London, and stood to the eastward with a 
very favorable wind. We were only retarded in the 
run from thence to Buzzard's Bay by the altering 
our course for some hours in the night, in conse- 
quence of the discovery of a strange fleet, which 
was not known to be Lord Howe's until morn- 
ing. By five o'clock in the afternoon of the 6th the 
ships were at anchor in Clarke's Cove, and the boats 
having been previously hoisted out, the debarkation 
of the troops took place immediately. I proceeded 
without loss of time to destroy the vessels and stores 
in the whole extent of Acushnet River (about six 
miles), particularly at Bedford and Fairhaven; and 
having dismantled and burnt a fort on the east side 
of the river mounting eleven pieces of heavy cannon, 
with a magazine and barracks, completed the re-em- 
barkation before noon the next day. I refer your 
Excellency to the annexed return for the enemy's 
losses, as far as we were able to ascertain them, and 
for our own casualties. 

" The w-ind did not admit of any further movement 
of the fleet the Gth and 7th than hauling a little dis- 
tance from the shore. Advantage was taken of this 
circumstance to burn a large privateer ship on the 



stocks, and to send a small armament of boats, with 
two galleys, to destroy two or'three vessels which, 
being in the stream, the troops had not been able to 
set fire to. 

" From the difficulties in passing out of Buzzard's 
Bay into the Vineyard Sound, through Quickse's 
Hole, from head winds, the fleet did not reach 
Holmes' Hole Harbor, in the island of Martha's 
Vineyard, until the 10th. The transports, with the 
light infantry, grenadiers, and Thirty-third Regiment, 
were anchored without the harbor, as I had at that 
time a service in view for those corps while the busi- 
ness of collecting cattle should be carrying on upon 
the island. I was obliged by contrary winds to relin- 
quish my design. 

" On our arrival off the harbor the inhabitants sent 
persons on board to ask my intentions with respect to 
them, to whom a requisition was made of the arms of 
the militia, the public money, three hundred oxen, 
and ten thousand sheep. They promised each of 
these articles should be delivered without delay. I 
afterw^ards found it necessary to send small detach- 
ments into the island and detain the deputed inhab- 
itants for a time in order to accelerate their com- 
pliance with the demand. 

" The 12th I was able to embark on board the ves- 
sels, which arrived that day from Rhode Island, six 
thousand sheep and one hundred and thirty oxen. 

" The 13th and 14th were employed in embarking 
cattle and sheep on board our own fleet, in destroy- 
ing some salt-works, in burning or taking in the inlets 
what vessels and boats could be found, and in re- 
ceiving the arms of the militia. I here again refer 
your Excellency to returns. 

" On the 15th the fleet left Martha's Vineyard, and 
after sustaining, the next day, a very severe gale of 
wind, arrived the 17th at Whitestone without any 
material damage. 

" I hold myself much obliged to the commanding 
ofiicers of corps and to the troops in general for the 
alacrity with which every service was performed. 
" I have the honor to be, etc., 

"Charles Gkey, J1/.(?." 

" Return of killed, wounded, and. missiw/ of the detach- 
ment under the command of Maj. Gen.- Grey. 

" 1st battalion of light infantry — 1 wounded, 3 miss- 
ing. 

" 1st battalion grenadiers — 1 killed, 1 wounded, 3 
missing. 

"33d regiment — 1 missing. 

■' 42d regiment— 1 wounded, 8 missing. 

" 46th regiment — 1 missing. 

"64th regiment — 1 wounded. 

"Total — 1 killed, 4 wounded, 16 missing. 

"The enemy's loss, which came to our knowledge, 
was an oflicer and 3 men killed by the advanced par- 
ties of light infantry, who, on receiving a fire from 
the inclosures, rushed on w^th their bayonets. Six- 



NEW BEDFORD. 



57 



teen were brought prisoners from Bedford, to exchange 

for that number missing from the troops. 

"Charles Grey, M.G." 

"Return of vessels and stores destroyed on Afushnet 
River the bth of September, 1778. 

" 8 sail of large vessels, from 200 to 300 tons, most 
of them prizes. 

" 6 armed vessels, carrying from 10 to IG guns. 

" A number of sloops and schooners of inferior size, 
amounting in all to 70, besides whale-boats and 
others ; amongst the prizes were three taken by Count 
D'Estaing's fleet. 

" 26 store-houses at Bedford, several at McPherson's 
wharf, Crane's Slills.and Fairhaven ; these were filled 
with very great quantities of rum, sugar, molasses, 
cotTee, tobacco, cotton, tea, medicines, gunpowder, 
sail-cloth, cordage, etc. 

" Two rope-walks. 

"At Falmouth, in the Vineyard Sound, the IQth of Sep- 
tember, 1778. 

" 2 sloops and one schooner taken by the galleys, 1 
loaded with staves. 
" 1 sloop burnt. 

"In Old Town Harbor, 3Iartha's Vineyard. 

"1 brig of 150 tons burthen, burnt by the'Scor- \ 
pion.' 

" 1 schooner of 70 tons burthen, burnt by ditto. 
" 23 whale-boats taken or destroyed. 
" A quantity of plank taken. 

"At Holmes' Hole, Martha's Vineyard. 

" 4 vessels, with several boats, taken or destroyed. I 
" A salt-work destroyed, and a considerable quan- 
tity of salt taken. 

"Anns taken at Martha's Vineyard. 

" 338 stand, with bayonets, pouches, etc., some pow- 
der, and a quantity of lead, as by artillery return. 

"At the battery near Fairhaven, and on Clarke's Point. 

" 13 pieces of ordnance destroyed, the magazine 
blown up, and the platforms, etc., and barracks for 
200 men burnt. 

" £1000 sterl. in paper, the amount of a tax col- 
lected by authority of the Congress, was received at 
Martha's Vineyard from the collector. 

" Cattle and sheep taken from Martha's Vineyard. 

"300 oxen. 10,000 .sheep. 

"Charles Grey, M.O." 

"Return of ammunition, armx, ami accoutrements, etc., 
which were brought in by the niilltia on the island of 
Martha's Vineyard agreeable to Maj.- Gen. Grey's order, 
received at Holmes' Cove, Sept. 12, 13, and 14, 1778. 

"Tisbury — 132 firelocks, 16 bayonets, 44 cartridge- 
boxes or pouches, 11 swords or hangers, 22 powder- 
horns. 



" Chilmark — 2 halbuts, 127 firelocks, 20 bayonets, 
30 cartridge-boxes or pouches, 12 swords or hangers, 
40 powder-horns, 2 pistols, 1 drum. 

" Old Town — 129 firelocks, 14 bayonets, 3 cartridge- 
boxes, 2 swords or hangers, 9 powder-horns, 2 pistols. 

" Total— 2 halbuts, 388 firelocks, 49 bayonets, 77 
cartridge-boxes or pouches, 2.5 swords or hangers, 71 
powder-horns, 4 pistols, 1 drum. 

" N. B. — 1 barrel, 1 half-barrel and quarter-barrel 
of powder, a great number of lead-shot or balls of 
difl'erent sizes in bags and boxes, and a great many 
flints. David Scott, 

"Royal Reg. of Artillery." 

Accotmt by Judge Edward Pope. — " While the town 
was in this flourishing state the British troops, to the 
amount of four thousand, landed on the west side of 
Clarke's Neck and at Clarke's Cove on Saturday even- 
ing, the 5th of September, 1778, and marched round to 
the Head of the River, over the bridge, and down the 
east side into Sconticut Neck, leaving the villages of 
Fairhaven and Oxford on the right, burning on their 
way houses, mills, barns, etc. They encamped on Scon- 
ticut Neck until Monday, and then re-embarked on 
board their shipping. The succeeding night they 
attempted to laud a large number of troops at Fair- 
haven, in order to burn that village ; but being dis- 
covered by Maj. Israel Fearing {now brigadier-gen- 
eral), who had the command of about one hundred 
or one hundred and fifty men, and determined to save 
the place if possible, or lose his life in the atttempt, 
and placed himself and men behind houses and stores 
near where he supposed they would land, and suffered 
them to reach the shore with their boats before a mus- 
ket was discharged, and they were then in great num- 
bers beginning to land, and had set fire to two or three 
stores within fifty or one hundred yards of Maj. Fear- 
ing and his men, who then fired upon them, and by 
the screechings and track of blood afterwards discov- 
ered, supposed many were killed and wounded. They 
immediately retreated aboard their ships, taking their 
dead and wounded with them. Thus, by the bravery 
of one man, that village was preserved." 

Account by Elijah Macomber. — "The fort below 
Fairhaven village was garrisoned at the time by Capt. 
Timothy Ingraham, Lieut. Daniel Foster, and thirty- 
six non-commissioned officers and privates, making 
a total of thirty-eight men. There were eleven or 
twelve pieces of cannon mounted in the fort and about 
twenty-five casks of powder in the magazine, twenty 
ca.sks having been procured a few days previous from 
the commissary store in Bedford, which was kept by 
Philip and Leonard Jarvis, brothers. 

" About one o'clock p.m. Worth Bates, who lived 
at a place on the Bedford side called McPherson's 
Wharf, and who had that day been out fishing, 
landed at the fort in his boat and informed the cap- 
tain that a British fleet was in the bay and nearly up 
Willi the point. In a few moments they made their 
appearance by the point. The larger ships sailed up 



58 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the river and anchored off abreast the fort. About 
one-half or more of the smaller vessels anchored off 
Clarke's Point, and the remainder dropped in to the 
east of the larger vessels and commenced embarking 
troops in a small cove a short distance to the east of 
the fort, behind a point of wood and under cover of 
the guns of the larger vessels. The fleet consisted of 
thirty-six sail. Immediately upon discovering them 
three guns were fired from the fort to alarm the coun- 
try, and a dispatch sent to Howland's Ferry for rein- 
forcements. The debarkation of the British troops 
commenced about two o'clock, both to the eastward 
of the fort and at Clarke's Cove. A company of artil- 
lery from Boston, consisting of about sixty men, 
under the command of Capt. (James) Cushman, was 
stationed at the head of Clarke's Cove, which upon the 
landing of the British fell back and retreated to the 
head of the Acushnet River. (James) Metcalf was 
first lieutenant of this company, and was shot during 
the night at Acushnet village. William Gordon, of 
this town, was second lieutenant and was taken pris- 
oner by the British, but made his escape before he 
arrived at the Head of Acushnet. The troops con- 
tinued to debark from the transports lying east of the 
fort until night, but neither their movements nor the 
motions of those landed at the cove could be seen 
from the fort. 

" Not long after dark the detachment from the cove 
commenced the work of destruction. The first build- 
ings discovered in flames were the rope-walks of 
(owner unknown) and the distillery belonging to 
Isaac Howhind, father of the late Isaac Rowland, Jr. 
Soon after all the stores, warehouses, some barns and 
dwelling-houses, together with every vessel they could 
get at, were in flames. There was a large number of 
vessels in the harbor at the time, a large English ship 
having been brought in a prize by the French a few 
days previous and then lying at Rotch's wharf, as well 
as several otliers a short time before. Every vessel 
was burnt, excepting those lying in the stream, which 
they could not get at, and a small craft somewhere up 
the river. The number of vessels destroyed was sev- 
enty. Among the dwelling-houses burnt was (Joseph) 
Rotcli's and Isaac Howland's. 

" A little before nine o'clock, or between eight 
and nine, and after some of the vessels which had 
been set on fire on the Bedford side had drifted down 
towards the fort, the detachment which landed on the 
east side advanced upon the fort from the eastward. 
Two guns were fired at the Heet, and after spiking the 
guns the garrison retreated to the north, leaving their 
colors flying. The British, supposing the fort to be 
still garrisoned, opened a heavy fire upon it with their 
artillery, which soon ceased upon not being returned. 
The garrison were at this time ranged along a low 
wall a short distance to the north of the fort, waiting 
to discover the exact position of the enemy, in order 
to make their retreat successfully. They were soon 
discovered by the British, who fired upon them and 



wounded a man by the name of Robert Crossraan. A 
ball passed through one virist and across the other. 
A hasty retreat was then commenced, and the enemy 
not knowing the exact position and strength of the 
Americans, did not make a vigorous pursuit. The 
whole garrison, with the exception of the wounded 
man and two others, John Skiff and his father, who 
were taken prisoners, succeeded in making their escape 
to the woods at some little distance north of Fair- 
haven, where they lay through the night, and until 
the British had passed them from the Head of the 
River. Before the fort was evacuated, a train of pow- 
der was placed from the magazine to the platform. 
The British, upon entering, after destroying the ram- 
rods, sponges, etc., applied a slow match to the maga- 
zine, which, communicating with the train left by the 
garrison, was blown up sooner than was intended, de- 
stroying one man, — at least the fragments of whose 
gun, cap, and accoutrements were afterwards discov- 
ered near by. After burning the barracks, guard- 
house, etc., the detachment moved north, destroying 
vessels, stores, etc., and formed a junction with the 
detachment from the west side somewhere towards 
the Head of Acushnet, after which they marched 
down towards the fort. They were out all night. The 
next day they re-embarked near the fort. 

"The leading platoons of the detachment on the 
west side of the river fired upon three men, who were 
armed, near the house of Joseph Russell (father of 
Gilbert, Abraham, and Humphrey), two of whom were 
shot down. These men were Abraham Russell, about 
forty years of age ; Thomas Cook, a young man who 
lived with him ; and Diah Trafford, about twenty-three 
years of age. The British advancing rapidly upon 
them with fixed bayonets, they begged for quarter, 
which was refused. Russell was killed immediately, 
his head being entirely cut to pieces. Cook died about 
daylight; his bowels were ripped open. Trafford was 
shot through the leg and severely wounded in the ab- 
domen by a bayonet. He died the next day about 
ten o'clock, after making some statements relative to 
the death of his companions. They were all carried 
into Joseph Russell's house in the morning. 

"The prisoners taken stated, when they were re- 
leased, that the troops which landed on the east side 
were delayed some hours, in consequence of their 
light-horse and artillery becoming entangled in a 
marsh which lay at the head of the cove when they 
landed. This accounts for their delay in making an 
attack upon the fort. 

" On the night following the general attack, a num- 
ber of barges were discovered coming up the river, 
which were fired upon and driven back by the force 
which by this time had assembled at Fairhaven, a 
detachment having, I think, arrived from Howland's 
Ferry, and a body of militia from Middleborough, 
making several hundred. It was supposed that their 
object was plunder, and that the expedition was not 
ordered by any of the general officers. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



59 



" I returned to the fort in two or three days, as did 

the rest of the garrison. 

"William Tallman's father was taken prisoner. 
Several prisoners were taken at Acushnet village. 

" The American prisoners, on their return, reported 
that the whole force of the British was about five 
thousand five hundred. This, it is presumed, included 
the number composing the crew of the several vessels. 

" The detachment on the west side must have nearly 
reached the Head of the lliver before the fort was 
evacuated. Both detachments had artillery, and I 
think light horse. 

" Obed Cusliman was here with the militia next 
day ; says he was in the sloop ' Providence' awhile, 
all cut to pieces during her last cruise. 

" Isaac Howland stated his loss in shipping to be 
six thousand dollars." 

John Gilberts Account. — " On the 5th of September, 
1778, in the afternoon, the British fleet arrived off 
Clarke's Point. It consisted of two frigates, an eigh- 
teen-gun brig, and about thirty-six transports. The 
latter were small ships. The two frigates and brig 
anchored opposite the mouth of the Acushnet River, 
and a little below the point. The transports were 
anchored outside the Great Ledge, and opposite the 
mouth of the cove. The troops, including light-horse, 
artillery, etc., were landed in barges. The landing 
was completed a little before night, near where the 
present almshouse stands, and the troops arrived at 
the head of Main Street (now Union) about dusk. A 
part of the troops here wheeled to the right and passed 
down Main Street for the purpose of burning the town, 
while the remainder continued their march to the 
north on the county road. There were not, at that 
time, more than fifteen able-bodied men in the place, 
every person that could leave having gone to rein- 
force the American army on Rhode Island, where at 
that very time they were engaged, the cannon being 
distinctly heard here. I was at that time an appren- 
tice to Joseph Russell, the father of Abraham Russell, 
and had been sent for a horse to carry my mistress to 
some place of safety. On my return she had gone, as 
also the goods from the house, but Peace Akins was 
there (a connection of the family), whom I was di- 
rected to carry with me. The house stood at the jires- 
ent corner of County and Morgan Streets, and a little 
within the fence on the southeast corner of Charles W. 
Morgan's lot. By this time the British had appeared 
in sight. I was upon the horse by the side of the 
horse-block, urging Mrs. Akins to be quick in getting 
ready. She, however, made some little delay by re- 
turning into the house for sometliing, and before she 
had time to get up behind me four light-horsemen 
passed us, but without paying us any particular atten- 
tion. Whilst the head of the British column was 
passing us, and whilst Peace was in the very act of 
getting upon the horse, a soldier came up, and seizing 
the horse's bridle commanded me to get off. I nu\de 
no reply, but by reining the horse suddenly round 



knocked him down, which left me perfectly at liberty, 
and headed to the north. The troops occupied nearly 
the whole of the road, leaving, however, a small space 
on the west side between them and the wall. Through 
this open space I attempted to pass by, urging my 
horse at the top of his speed, but before I had gone 
five rods a whole platoon was fired at me, without 
hitting either myself or horse. These were the first 
guns fired by the British. The troops now opened 
from the centre to close the space next the wall, which 
reduced me to the necessity of passing through the 
centre of the remaining platoons. This I effected 
without injury, in consequence of the speed of my 
horse, and being so mixed up with the troops as to 
prevent their firing. About twenty feet in advance 
of the leading platoon were placed two men with 
fixed bayonets as an advanced guard. They were 
about six feet apart, and as I advanced from the rear 
they both faced about and presented their pieces, 
which I think were snapped at me, —they did not fire. 
I passed through between them and made my escape, 
turning up the Smith Mills road. I went to Timothy 
Maxfield's, about one and a half miles, and stayed all 
night. 

"I afterwards learned that upon my leaving P. 
Akins on the horse-block, some British oflicers rode 
up and assured her that if she remained perfectly 
quiet nothing should injure her. She remained in 
this situation until the troops had passed and the 
officers left her, when she went over to the east side 
of the road. 

"The four horsemen who first passed us on the 
horse-block went into the house and plundered two 
men whom they found there, the goods having been 
already conveyed back. These men were Humphrey 
Tallman and Joseph Trafford, who worked for Joseph 
Ru.ssell. 

"As I passed up the Smith Mills road, and about 
one-fourth of a mile from the county road, I met 
William Haydon and Oliver Potter, both armed with 
muskets, who inquired where the main body of the 
British then were. I told them they were nearly 
square against us. LI'pon receiving this information 
they cut across the woods, and, as I was afterwards 
told, came out a little in advance of the British, and 
near the west end of the present North Street. The 
woods were very thick on the west side of County 
Street at this place, and under cover of night and 
these woods Haydon and Potter fired upon the sol- 
diers and killed two horsemen. This I was told by 
Haydon and Potter, and also by the American pris- 
oners on their return home, who saw them put into 
the baggage-wagon. 

"A few minutes after these men were shot, Abra- 
ham Rus-ell, Thomas Cook, and Diah Traflbrd, all 
being armed, were discovered by the British attempt- 
ing to leave the village by coming up a cross-way into 
County Street. When at the corner of this way with 
County Street, or nearly so, they were fired upon by 



tiO 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the British and all shot down. TrafFord was twenty- 
one years old, lacking fourteen days, and was in the 
employment of Joseph Russell, with whom I then lived. 
He was shot through the heart and died instantly. 
After that his face was badly cut to pieces by the 
sabres of the British. Cook also worked for Russell 
by the month, and was nearly forty years of age. 
He was shot through the leg, and also through the 
bowels, the bullet passing through his bladder. He 
died about daylight next morning. Russell was 
about forty years of age. He died about ten o'clock 
next morning, at the house of Joseph Russell, where 
they were all carried, after remaining in the road 
where they were shot all night. Russell and Cook 
were buried in Dartmouth ; Trafford was buried on a 
hill by the shore, a little north of the old rope- walk 
in this town. This was a sort of potter's field, where 
sailors were buried. The land belonged to Joseph 
Russell. 

" A company of artillery, consisting of about eighty 
privates, had been sent from Boston for the protection 
of the place. The building occupied by them as bar- 
racks was the poor-house, which stood near the pres- 
ent site of Pliilip Anthony's dwelling-house. It was 
a long, low building, and has since been pulled down. 
The company was commanded by Capt. James Gush- 
ing, of Boston. Joseph Bell, of Boston, was first 
lieutenant; William Gordon, of Boston, second lieu- 
tenant, and James Metcalf, of Boston, third lieu- 
tenant. The latter was mortally wounded by the 
British during the night at Acushnet. This com- 
pany, although stationed here, had, a short time pre- 
vious to the landing of the British, been called to 
Rowland's Ferry to aid the Americans against the 
British on Rhode Island. But during the day of the 
landing, Lieuts. Gordon and Metcalf had returned 
with part of the company and one field-piece. As the 
British advanced they were under the necessity of re- 
treating. They had a yoke of oxen of Joseph Rus- 
sell's to draw the cannon. 

" The officers of this company had their quarters 
at and boarded with Mrs. Deborah Doubleday, a 
widow, in the house in w'hich fludge Prescott's office 
now is, which was then owned by Seth Rassell, father 
of the late Seth and Charles. After Metcalf was 
wounded he was brought down to this house, where 
I saw him the next day. I think he lived three days. 
I was at his funeral. He was buried on the hill by 
the old meeting-house at Acushnet, 'under arms.' 

" The night was clear moonlight. 

" McPherson's wharf was at Bellville, and was 
burnt by the British, together with some vessels lying 
there. A brig called the ' No Duty on Tea' was 
burnt at this wharf. She drifted down the river after 
her fastenings were burnt off, and finally sank just at 
thenorth of Dog Fish Bar, and abreastof the Burying- 
Ground Hill. Several other small vessels were burnt 
at this wharf and sank. They were afterwards got up. 

" An armed vessel sank on the west side of Crow 



Island. She was afterwards got up. Her guns were 
got up by some persons who dived down and fastened 
ropes to them, when they were hoisted up. Benjamin 
C. Myrick was drowned in diving down for the pur- 
pose of fastening a rope to the last one. 

"There were only two wharves in Bedford at that 
time, — Rotch's, the largest, and Joseph Russell's, now 
Central. 

" On the day the British landed, they commenced 
carting goods about the middle of the afternoon, and 
carried them on to a piece of cleared land containing 
about one acre which was situated in the woods west 
of the jail, and surrounded on all sides by swamps, 
heavy wood, and thick copse. Many others carried 
goods -to the same place. After moving all the goods 
I was sent for a horse to the pasture west of where 
the jail now stands, as stated before. 

" On Sunday morning, the day following the burn- 
ing of Bedford, a small force in two barges was sent 
to Padanaram. Three or four houses belonging to 
the Akins were burnt, and a brig on the stocks. 

" These Akins were strong Whigs, and it is supposed 
that they were instrumental in driving away from 
there three men who adhered to the British, and who, 
with all who took that course, were called Tories. 
The names of these men were Richard Shearman, 
Joseph Castle, and Eldad Tupper. These men went 
to the British, and as two of them were pilots, it is 
sup]iosed that they pointed out the channel of our 
harbor to the British. This accounts for the fact that 
certain houses only were burnt at Padanaram." 

Reminkcetices collected by Capt. Lemuel <S'. Akin.- — 
" While the British were marching up to Bedford, 
William Tobey, once postmaster in New Bedford, was 
driving a team loaded with goods for a safe place of 
deposit, but was so hardly pressed by the Britisli that 
he unyoked his oxen and left his wagon and goods a 
prize to the enemy. 

" Arrived at the Head of the River, a party left the 
main body and went north as far as the old gambrel- 
roofed house of Dr. Tobey, still standing. I believe 
that it was a general baking-day in these parts, for 
here they found in the cellar an oven full of bread, 
and pork and beans. These they soon dispatched, 
and robbed the house of what they wanted, and en- 
deavored to destroy the rest. But the British pilferers 
in going down the cellar left the door wide open, and 
that effectually prevented their seeing another door 
immediately behind it, leading to a room where their 
most valuable clothing was deposited, and by that 
means was saved. Another instance of the same kind 
occurred at Bartholomew Taber's. 

" They burned several houses at the Head of the 
River, among others one belonging to Capt. Crandon, 
who, to revenge himself on the British marauders, 
would not suffer his new house to be placed over his 
old cellar, nor suffer the cellar to be filled up until his 
son, having the management in some measure of his 
father's business, accomplished it. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



61 



"It was at Acushnet village that Lieut. Metcalf 
was mortally wounded. He was from Boston, and 
belonged to the Continental army. Some verses were 
composed on his death at the time by a Mrs. Negus. 
She had not the inspiration of a Sappho, yet they 
were much esteemed at the time; in fact, much worse 
have been written, and printed too. 

" The first building they burned after leaving the 
Head of the River was a house on the premises now 
owned by David Russell, then occupied by Col. Pope. 
Eldad Tupper, a Tory, and well acquainted in these 
parts, acted as their guide, and could inform them of 
all holding office or commissions. As they proceeded 
south, and near by, they came to Stephen and Thomas 
Hathaway "s. The latter was a man of handsome 
property in those days, and without children, but be 
had a ward living with him, Jonathan Kempton, who 
eventually inherited it. At the time the fleet anchored 
he was at the lower end of Sconticut Neck, and left 
immediately for home to remove the household furni- 
ture to a place of safety. After packing up, he took 
a small trunk containing quite a valuable quantity of 
silver plate, and as he stepped to the door to leave the 
house he was met by their advance-guard, who told 
him they would relieve him from any further care of 
the trunk. After taking what things they wanted 
from the house, they collected beds and bedding in a 
chamber and set fire to them, and very luckily shut 
the doors. They took Mr. Kempton a prisoner, and 
told him they should carry him to New York. He 
entreated them to let him have his liberty. After 
carrying him to the end of a long lane leading to the 
house they consented, after taking one of the two 
pairs of breeches that he had on ; that he had two 
pairs on they knew from having robbed him of his 
watch, but they informed him they must fire at him 
as a deserter, which they did, but whether with au 
intention of hitting him or not he never knew. The 
ball, however, hit a large cherry-tree, one of a num- 
ber that lined a long passage or lane leading to the 
house. Mr. Kempton returned to the house in time 
to extinguish the fire. 

" Proceeding on in something of a hurry, burning 
now and then a house or a store and destroying prop- 
erty and frightening men, women, and children, who 
generally, Indian-like, fled to the woods with what 
little they could carry for safety, some rather laugh- 
able scenes occurred amid the terror and confusion. 
One woman, it is charitable to suppose not till after 
mighty eflforts and years of longing, at last procured 
a brass warming-pan. This, though previous to Lord 
Timothy Dexter's venture of warming-pans to the 
West Indies, was too valuable to fall into the hands 
of the rapacious 'regulars;' accordingly clothes, 
bedding, household lurniture, all, except the warm- 
ing-pan, was abandoned to its fate. With this she, j 
with many others, started for the woods. Fear is a ' 
great creator of phantoms. Arrived at the woods, I 
helter-skelter, there was no time to choose their way. 



onward was the word. The bended elastic bushes 
and limbs of trees were continually striking the warm- 
ing-pan with a force, in their judgment, sufficient to 
give the regulars a clue to their whereabouts. What 
was to be done? The owner must leave the pan be- 
hind or must herself be left; the former she would not 
do, the latter she could not prevent, and every one 
fled from woman and pan with as much eagerness as 
before they fled from the regulars. 

"The British fell in with a (Quaker, Jethro Hath- 
away, father of the late Stephen, and took his broad- 
brim from his head, hurled it in the air, and after 
making much sport with it said, ' Let the old Quaker 
have it again.' 

" Bartholomew Taber, a calm, courageous man, re- 
mained by his house, and was harshly treated by the 
British soldiery. One fellow threatened to shoot him, 
and aimed his musket several times at his head, but 
perceiving it was not cocked he did not consider him- 
self in much danger. He heard the bullet whistle in 
the air, fired from the bushes at the British, which 
caused the burning ofthe school-house on his premises, 
and heard them call for a match at the same time. 

" Near the Sconticut road, about one mile east of 
Fairhaven village, was the house and farm of Capt. 
John Alden. He had a small stone building some 
little distance from his house, in which he kept gro- 
ceries for sale. He had moved his family and some 
goods to a place of safety, and had returned with his 
ox-team for more goods and furniture. A neighbor 
came to purchase some rum, and while in the act of 
getting it the British arrived and relieved him of the 
care ofthe team. They drove his oxen on the Neck, 
where they were slaughtered for the use of the army. 
On the Neck they stopped at the house of John West, 
who had in his pen a large fat hog. They put a 
bayonet through him and left him dead. 

"Just before they came to what is called the 'Nar- 
rows,' in a cleared field where there were several stacks 
of salt hay, they left a detachment of their army, who, 
fatigued and sleepy, after setting a guard and scatter- 
ing the hay, lay on it and took a nap. The remainder 
continued on about one mile to where the Widow 
Dean now lives, the place of their final embarkation. 
They had with them at this time an active, resolute 
person by the name of Pease as their prisoner. He 
was not very strictly guarded, and as they were sur- 
rounded by woods made his escape to the east side of 
the Neck, and headed north by the edge ofthe woods 
and marsh until he came to the Narrows, where he 
entered the road. Being ignorant at the time of an 
enemy near, he was hailed by the guard in the road, 
and immediately advancing to him, with a club 
secreted under his jacket, with one blow over the 
head dispatched him and eflected his escape. It was 
supposed the act was witnessed by those on board the 
fleet, who with their glasses could easily do it, for im- 
mediately after the blow was given a gun was fired 
from one of their ships. There is little doubt the 



62 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



guard was killed, as a grave was found made by the 
British near the spot. Many supposed Pease did 
wrong, and that a judgment overtook him at last, as 
he was killed by tlie falling of a well-sweep." 

Statement of Charles GrinnelL— Charles Grinnell 
made the following statement from what he had been 
told by his mother and members of the Howland 
family : 

" Susanna Grinnell and her sister, Sarah Tucker, 
left the house of Mrs. Grinnell when the British 
landed, on horseback, and went to Mrs. Tucker's. 
The detachment of the army which left the main 
body and turned down Main Street and burnt the 
town, stacked their arms in front of the old brick 
house occupied and owned by old Isaac Howland (old 
Isaac came from Newport). Howland invited the 
oificers. Gen. Grey and his staff, to come in and take 
some refreshments. While they were thus enjoying 
themselves one of Howland's men came running up 
and told him that the soldiers had broken into the 
distil-house, had got to the rum, got drunk, and set 
the distil-house on fire. This exasperated Gen. Grey, 
for he did not wish to have the property of his host 
destroyed. He ordered the men corrected and sent 
aboard the ship. While they were thus resting, some 
of the men amused themselves with firing into the 
east end of Mrs. Grinnell's house. The ball-holes 
are now to be seen under the shingles. The men 
broke into the back of Mrs. Grinnell's house, plun- 
dered it and set fire to it. A faithful black woman, 
who had remained in the house, put out the fire. She 
was in the cellar while they were firing." 

The raid on Isaac Howland's rum may account for 
some of the men missing in Gen. Grey's official re- 
turn. 

List of Property Destroyed.— The following docu- 
ment was found among the papers of Gilbert Russell, 
in his own handwriting: 

Shipping Burnt Sept. 5, 1778, by the British Troops, viz. : 
Ship " Harriet." 
Ship "Mellish" (Continental). 
Ship " Fanny" (French prize). 
Ship "Hero." 
Ship " Leopard." 
Ship " Spaniard." 
Ship"Ca'sar." 
Barque " Nanny." 
Snow " Simeon." 
Brig " Sally" (Continental). 
Brig " Rosin." 
Brig "Sally" (fish). 
Schooner " Adventure." 
Schooner " Loyalty" (Continental). 
Sloop " Nelly." 
Sloop "Fly Fish." 
Sloop (Capt. Lawrence). 
Schooner " Defiance." 
Schooner (Capt. Jenny). 



Brig " No Duty on Tea." 

Schooner " Sally" (" Hornet's"' prize). 

Sloop (Bowers). 

Sloop " Sally" (twelve guns). 

Brig (Ritchie). 

Brig " Dove." 

Brig "Holland." 

Sloop " Joseph Russell." 

Sloop " Boxirow." 

Sloop " Pilot Fish." 

Schooner (the other side). 

Brig "Sally." 

Sloop " Retaliation." 

Sloop (J. Brown's). 

Schooner (eastward). 

DireUin(]-Houses.— '&&a]&mm Taber, 2; Leonard 
Jarvis, 1 ; J. Lowden, 1 ; J. Gerrish, 1 ; W. Claghorn, 
1 ; V. Childs, 1 ; Joseph Rotch, 1 ; Joseph Rotch, Jr., 
1; Joseph Russell, 1. 

Shops, etc. — Isaac Howland's: distil-house, 1; 
cooper's shop, 1 ; warehouses, 3. Joseph Russell's : 
barn, 1 ; shop, 1. Church's shop (shoe), L Joseph 
Russell's: store, 1; warehouses (old), 2; 2 shops 
(small), 2; candle-house, 1. L. Kempton, 1. Rotch 
& Jarvis : shop, 1 ; warehouses, 2. Joseph Rotch : 
barn, 1 ; chaise-house, 1. Total, 20. Rope-walk and 
one house; A.Smith's blacksmith-shop; Benjamin 
Taber's shop. 

Some Doubtful Points. — There is some doubt with 
reference to Jlr. ilacomber's statement of troops 
lauding east of the fort. It is not mentioned in Gen. 
Grey's official reports nor in other accounts. The de- 
struction of the fort, as far as can be gathered from 
Gen. Grey, was accomplished by the troops who had 
marched from Clarke's Cove around the Head of the 
River. This is not, however, a direct statement, and 
if it is thought to be settled that Mr. Macomber saw 
the troops leaving the vessels and steering for the land 
in Fairhaven Cove, his account is conclusive. On 
the other hand, the advance of the column from 
Clarke's Cove might have reached Sconticut Neck 
without the knowledge of the garrison in the fort, 
while the firing detachments delayed at New Bedford, 
Bellville, and other places; and having thus estab- 
lished a base for re-embarkation, the attack on the 
fort might have been made by them while awaiting 
the arrival of the rear-guard from Bedford. On the 
whole, however, Mr. Macomber's statement will prob- 
ably be accepted. It is at any rate full and circum- 
stantial with reference to all the movements of the 
British. The people of Bedford village would natu- 
rally have their attention engrossed by the landing at 
Clarke's Cove and the burning of the village and 
shipping, and would be ignorant of operations east of 
the fort. 

Mr. Macomber's statement that Isaac Howland's 
house was burned must be incorrect. The house was 
on the north side of Union Street, and was torn down 
in order to open Cheapside, now Pleasant Street. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



63 



There is some mystery in connection with the 

boat attack on Fairhaven as related by Judge Pope. 
The affair has had another version with marvelously 
improbable details. Gen. Grey's account of an ex- 
pedition to burn a vessel on the stocks and others in 
the stream may be a corroboration of it. Judge 
Pope's statement is probably exaggerated, as there is 
nothing to correspond with it in Gen. Grey's return 
of killed and wounded. There was a house standing 
in Fairhaven, on the southeast corner of Water and 
Centre Streets, a few years ago, in which was a bullet- 
mark said to have been made in this skirmish. The 
bullet appeared to have been fired from a northwest 
direction. 

Judge Pope's statement that the troops remained 
at Sconticut till Monday, the 7th, would appear to be 
a mistake, as Gen. Grey's oflScial report and an ac- 
count written at the time by Robert Fanshawe, fleet 
captain, state directly the contrary. And yet the 
current tradition in Fairhaven is that the destruction 
of property in that town was accomplished on Sunday 
forenoon, the 6th ; that the troops bivouacked Sunday 
night on Sconticut Neck ; and that people frightened \ 
away from their homes in Fairhaven Sunday morn- 
ing remained in the woods all night. A letter written 
in 1874 by the late Jabez Delano, a noted antiquarian, 
states that the fort was destroyed about noon on Sun- 
day. ■ 

The Extent of the Calamity.— The object of the 
attack being to destroy privateers, prizes, and prize 
goods, comparatively few dwelling-houses were 
burned. Some were unavoidably involved in the 
destruction of adjacent warehouses. A few residences 
of prominent patriots were burned, and some may 
have been set on fire by soldiers in drunken insubor- ' 
dination. But that the destruction was general and 
wanton with respect to dwelling-houses is not a fact. 
Probably a few were destroyed that are not men- 
tioned in Gilbert Russell's list. Among them was 
Barzillai Merrick's, on the east side of South Water 
Street. The British official account states that sev- 
enty vessels were destroyed, and Mr. Russell enumer- 
ates only thirty-four. There is nothing to show when 
Mr. Russell's list was written, and it may have been 
a good many years after the conflagration. 

Capt. Fanshawe's report says prisoners reported 
seventy sail of vessels destroyed. 

Another fact going to show that the burning was 
not general is this, that in 1846 twenty-nine houses 
were standing which were built before the Revolu- 
tionary war within the limits of what comprised the 
village in 1778. 

A careful estimate of the whole loss in buildings 
and wharves, made by Judge Pope, .places it at 
£11,241, and on shipping, merchandise, etc., £85,739, 
making a total of £96,980, or .'?323,267. Lieut. Wil- 
liam Gordon, of the provincial artillery, estimated it 
at $422,680. 

Personal Sketches. — Elijah Macomber belonged 



to the garrison of the fort, and was twenty-one years 
old at the time. He served as private from March to 
December, 1778. He formerly belonged in Dart- 
mouth, but the last part of his life was spent in this 
town and Fairhaven. He died at the residence of his 
son, Lilley Macomber, about two miles northwest of 
Russell's Mills, Nov. 18, 1849. He was an illiterate 
man, and when drawn into conversation on Revolu- 
tionary matters he became much excited and spoke 
in a rambling manner. It was impossible to obtain 
from him a connected account of the invasion, and 
his statement, which was written by Henry H. Crapo, 
must have beeu the fruit of many conversations at 
different times. Mrs. Walter D. Swan and Mrs. Ben- 
jamin Baker, of this city, are his only surviving chil- 
dren. 

John Gilbert was fourteen years old at the time 
of the raid. His parents resided in Boston. During 
the latter part of his life he tended the wind-mill on 
Mill Street, between Hill and County, and lived in a 
small house etist of building southeast corner of Pur- 
chase and North Streets. Charles Gilbert, son of 
John Gilbert, was shot dead by a stupid sentinel be- 
longing to a Middleborough company when the town 
of New Bedford was garrisoned in 1814. Gilbert was 
making the grand rounds, and the sentinel fired im- 
mediately after the first challenge, instead of waiting 
until a repeated challenge had elicited no answer. A 
daughter of John Gilbert is now living in the alms- 
house. 

The statements of Messrs. Gilbert and Jlacomber 
were written in 1839, and were never printed until 
now, except a few brief extracts. 

Edward Pope was a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, or perhaps of the local County Court, and was 
the first collector of customs at this port under the 
United States government. William G. E. Pope is 
his grandson. He lived at the northeast corner of 
Union and Sixth Streets, in a house now standing on 
Market Street, second east of Sixth. He was a pris- 
oner in the hands of the British during a part of the 
memorable night, but made his escape before morn- 
ing. 

Charles Grinnell was a cousin of Hon. Joseph 
Grinnell. His mother lived in 1778 in what is now 
the Whitcomb house. Mr. Grinnell built the next 
house west on Union Street. 

Capt. Lemuel S. Akin lived in Fairhaven, and his 
account of the ravages of the British in that town was 
written from what older people had told him. 

Israel Fearing belonged in Wareham. 

Isaac Howland came from Newport. His son orig- 
inated the house of I. Howland, Jr., & Co., for many 
years the leading firm in New Bedford in the whaling 
business. The other members of the firm were Ed- 
ward M. Robinson, Sylvia Ann Howland, and Thomas 
Mandell. Mr. Robinson's wife and Sylvia Ann How- 
land were daughters of Gideon Howland, who mar- 
ried a daughter of Isaac Howland, Jr. Isaac Howland 



64 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was a Tory, had been in the slave trade from Rhode 
Island, and brought slaves with him when he removed 
to Bedford. 

Joseph Eotch came from Nantucket, and was the 
founder of the Eotch family of New Bedford. His 
house, which was burned, stood near the top of the 
hill on Xorth Water Street. The house of Joseph 
Eotch, Jr., was south of it. 

Benjamin Taber was a boat-builder, and came with 
Mr. Eotch from Xantucket. His house was on the 
north side of Union Street, east of Water. 

John Gerrish, after the war, kept the tavern on the 
east side of Water Street, south of Commercial, after- 
wards known as the Cole Tavern. He had three 
daughters, who married John Alexander, Capt. David 
Leslie, and Preserved Fish, but none of their de- 
scendants are now here. 

W. Clairhorn's house was on the west side of South 
Water Street, near Union. He belonged to the same 
family with Capt. George Claghoru, builder of frigate 
" Constitution." George Claghorn's house was on 
the east side of Second Street, near North, and was 
burned in the great fire of 1859. 

Joseph Eussell was the founder of Bedford village, 
which was named in his honor by Joseph Eotch in 
a roundabout complimentary way. The family name 
of the Dukes of Bedford in England is Eussell, and 
owing to this circumstance the name was proposed, 
but it is not known whether the New Bedford Eussells 
are of the same family or not. When New Bedford 
was incorporated as a town in 1787 the word " new" 
was prefixed, to distinguish it from Bedford in Mid- 
dlesex County. Joseph Eussell was of the fifth gen- 
eration from Ealph Eussell, the original settler at 
Eussell's Mills. His candle-house, which was burned, 
was on the north side of " Centre Street Square." It 
was another Joseph Eussell, " of Boston," whose 
house was burned. The house was on the east side of 
Water Street, where Commercial Street is now open. 

Gilbert Eussell was a son of Joseph, and father of 
the late William T. Eussell. He built and succes- 
sively occupied the houses now occupied by Dr. Abbe 
and S. G. Morgan. 

John Lowden was a calker from Pembroke; and 
his house was south of Claghorn's, where the Hill 
house now stands. It was the first house built in the 
centre of the village. Mrs. George E. Netcher is a 
granddaughter of John Lowden, and Benjamin F. 
Lowden, formerly a photographer in this city, and 
who was drowned in steamer " Grace Irving" off the 
Gurnet in 1873, was his great-grandson. 

Capt. Timothy Ingraham, who commanded at the 
fort, was grandfather of Eobert C. and Andrew In- 
graham, and of the late Gen. Timothy Ingraham. 

Gen. Grey's Life and Character.— Gen. Grey was 
born Oct. 23, 1729. He was aide-de-camp to Prince 
Ferdinand in Germany and to Wolfe at Quebec; 
appointed lieutenant-colonel June 27, 1761 ; com- 
manded the Ninety-eighth Eegiment at the capture 



of Belle Isle in 1763 ; was appointed colonel Dec. 20, 
1772, and accompanied Howe to Boston in 1775, who 
gave him the local rank of major-general. For his 
important services in the Eevolutionary war he was 
made a lieutenant-general, and appointed commander- 
in-chief in North America in January, 1783. He 
was employed in Flanders in 1793 ; captured Mar- 
tinique and St. Lucia in 1794; was made general in 
1795; was raised to the peerage in 1801, and in 1806 
became an earl. He died Nov. 14, 1607, at his seat 
near Alnwick, Northumberland. 

At one o'clock on Sept. 21, 1777, about two miles 
southwest of Paoli, Pa., Gen. Grey surprised Gen. 
Wayne with about fifteen hundred men, who had 
been detached from Washington's army after the 
'oattle of the Brandywine to annoy the British rear 
and attempt to cut off their wagon-train. His orders 
then were to rush on the Americans with fixed bay- 
onets without firing a shot, and give no quarter. 
Wayne's loss was one hundred and fifty killed and 
wounded, and the remainder retreated in confusion 
toward Chester. 

Oct. 4, 1777, Gen. Grey commanded a large portion 
of the left wing at the battle of Germantown. 

At midnight, Sept. 27, 1778, he surprised a regi- 
ment of light-horse under Lieut. -Col. Baylor, en- 
camped in barns about two and a half miles south- 
west of Tappan, N. Y. They were sleeping in 
unsoldierly security, and when captured asked for 
quarter, which was inhumanly refused by Grey, who 
gave special orders not to grant it. Many of the 
soldiers were bayoneted in cold blood. Out of one 
hundred and four persons, sixty-seven were killed or 
wounded, and seventy horses were foolishly butch- 
ered. 

Gen. Grey, on account of his common practice of 
ordering the men under bis command to take the 
flints out of their muskets that they might be con- 
fined to the use of the bayonet, acquired the name of 
the ' no-flint general." He was a man of undoubted 
personal courage. 

His orders issued on the eve of the attack on New- 
Bedford exhibit his contempt for the Americans: 

"O.V BOABD TOE 'CaRTSFORT,* 

•'Stpt.4, 1778. 
" 3lojoT~Gener(il Grei/t Orders: 

*' Wheu the enemy arc so posted that they can be got at, the major- 
general commands the troops that are ordered to attack them to march 
vigorously op and receive their fire till they come very doge, and upon 
every proper opportniiily they are to rash upon the enemy with their 
bayonets immediately after ttiey have thrown in their fire, without wait- 
ing to load again, in which method of attack the superior courage and 
strength of the troops mnst always be crowned witL glory and success. 
The niajur-general is impressed with every assurance that the officeni 
and men are so thoroughly convinced of the great advantage they have 
over the enemy in this mode of fighting, and their great zeal for the 
service, that tlie*pre8ent expedition cannot fail of success but do them 
honor, and answer the expectations of the commander-in-chief, whose 
opinion of these troops cannot be more strongly manifested than by 
sending them upon this essential service. In case of bad weather, or 
other accidents, that any of the transports should be separated from the 
fleet and fall in with a privateer, so as t-> make an escape impossible, 
which may not be unlikely, many small ones being lurking about upon 



NEW BEDFORD. 



65 



the watch, the major-geoerftl desires the commaudiDg officer of each 
transport would oblige the captain of the ship to bear immediately down 
upon such privateer, ninniug him directly and without delay on board, 
the trooi* being ready at the critical momeut to enter and take pos- 
seeeiou of the vewel. This being properly done will ever succeed, the 
enemy not being aware of such an attack, and the troope so superior in 
every respect to put into execution. 

"The commanding officers are to be answerable that no bonses or 
bams are set on fire by the soldiere, nolesB by particular orders from 
Major-General Grey." 

Earl Grev's son and snccessor in the earldom was a 
distinguished statesman and cabinet officer, and won 
great fame by earrying through the parliamentary re- 
form bill in 1832. The present and third earl has 
also been in the cabinet. 

Additional Facts and Incidents.— At the time of 
the invasion. Xew Bedford, Fairhaven. Acushnet, 
and Westport were all included in the town of Dart- 
mouth. 

No privateers were owned at Bedford in the Eevo- 
lution, but the port was the rendezvous, especially 
after Newport was taken by the British, of a number 
belonging in Boston, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. 
Among them was a large sloop called the " Broom," 
commanded by Capt. Stephen Gaboon, of Ehode 
Island, and carrying twelve guns; and the " Black 
Snake," a long, low, black schooner, owned in Con- 
necticut, and mounting eight carriage-guns. 

Capt. Hacker, of privateer " Providence," was 
afterward a Hell Gate pilot. 

Some of the old people used to say that the fleet 
moved over and anchored east of Egg Islands to re- 
ceive the troops on board, where no square-rigged 
vessel ever went before or since. 

The ill-fated John Andre was an officer in the New 
Bedford expedition. 

Eussell, Cook, and Trafford were buried in Dart- 
mouth on the farm of Jediah Shearman. The prem- 
ises are now owned by the heirs of Philip Gidley. 

The battle of Rhode Island was just one week pre- 
vious to the raid at Bedford, and this accounts for the 
absence of so large a portion of the garrison at How- 
land's Ferry, now known as the Stone Bridge, at 
Tiverton. 

Mrs. Doubleday's house was the building now oc- 
cupied as a paint-shop and restaurant, 9 and 13 North 
Water Street. 

The almshouse, where the artillery were quartered, 
was near the comer of Sixth and Spring Streets. 

Morgan Street, mentioned by John Gilbert in his 
statement, is now called Court Street. 

Most of the buildings burned in Fairhaven were on 
Adams Street, east of Oxford village, and on Main 
Street, north of the junction of Adams Street. Among 
others was a store of Obed Nye, grandfather of Thomas 
Nye, Jr., of this city, which contained a large amount 
5 



of prize merchandise. It was on the farm now occu- 
pied by Mr. Nye's son-in-law, Mr. Dana. It is re- 
ported that a river of molasses ran from the store 
down the street after the casks were consumed. Mrs. 
Nye took her children and fled to the woods. A 
house belonging to a West family, a short distance 
south of where George H. Taber now lives, was one 
of the buildings burned. 

The house of Col. Pope was on the place recently 
occupied by the late Job Sisson. 

The old John Cooke house, one of the oldest build- 
ings then standing in Fairhaven, was burned. It 
stood on the east side of Adams Street, east of John 
M. Howland's residence. 

Stephen Hathaway's house, mentioned in Capt. 
Akin's collections, is now standing on a hill east of 
Main Street, a short distance north of the line be- 
tween Acushnet and Fairhaven. A store belonging 
to Obed Hathaway, or possibly to Micah Hathaway, 
a short distance south of this house, was burned. 
Stephen Hathaway and Bartholomew Taber were 
grandfathers of George H. Taber. Bartholomew 
Taber's house was on the spot where Josiah Macy, 
Jr., now lives. The school-house burned was where 
George H. Taber's house now stands. 

From the Head of the River to Sconticut Neck 
there was no choice of routes. Main Street, in Fair- 
haven, had no existence between Spring Street and 
the junction of Adams Street north of Oxford vil- 
lage. The pond between Bridge and Spring Streets 
was then a cove open to the harbor. The road lead- 
ing from the Mattapoisett road, nearly opposite the 
Sconticut road, to Main Street, near the Acushnet 
town line, is also a more recent lay-out. Conse- 
quently the column moved southward on Main Street 
and Adams Street to Spring Street, and thence east- 
ward to the Neck road. 

The house of John Wood's father, on the spot 
where Mr. Wood now lives, was burned. 

The farm of John Alden, mentioned by Capt. 
Akin, is now occupied by Seth Alden. 

The house of John West was standing, until re- 
cently, on the premises now owned by Boston Col- 
lege. 

The re-embarkation took place from the farm now 
owned by Daniel W. Dean. 

Besides the official statement of Gen. Grey, there 
is scarcely anything in existence of a documentary 
nature written at the time of the hostile visit of the 
British referring to their destructive progress through 
the town, and the forgoing account is therefore likely 
to contain many unimportant errors, while the loca- 
tion of some of the buildings destroyed cannot be 
fixed. 



66 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER IX. 

NEW BEDFORD.— (CoH(i'/.»frf.) 

THE WHALE FISHEEY.l 

The First New England Whaling— Cape Cod — Nantucket — New Bedford 
in 1740— Early Settlers— The " Teu-Acro Purchase"— Bedford Village 
— Growth Checked by War of Revolution — Privateers — Close of the 
War— Returning Prosperity — Ediiuind Gard[ier — The Sliip "liehecca" 
— Early Voyages- The Developnieut of the Business— Success — 
Highest Point reached in 1857 — Destruction of Whalers by Confeder- 
ate Cruisers— List of Vessels Destioyed— Tlie Bisasler of 1871— Tlie 
Whaling Interest in 1883. 

Whaling. — The history of the New England whale 
fishery is so interwoven with the history of New Bed- 
ford during the last century that they cannot be sep- 
arated, and no record of the growtji and business of 
our town and city can be complete without it. Our 
wealth, our population, and our progress have been 
the fruits of this industry, and our position and fame 
among the cities of the world is due to its successful 
prosecution. 

The first whaling by New England men was doubt- 
less done by the inhabitants of Cape Cod. In the rec- 
ords of Nantucket, in 1690, it is written, " One Ichabod 
Paddock came from Cape Cod to instruct the people 
in the art of killing whales." In Edward Randolph's 
narrative, written for the Lords of Trade in October, 
1676, in describing the resources of the colony of 
New Plymouth, he says, " And here is made a good 
quantity of whale oil, which fish they take upon the 
coasts." The business was then carried on in boats 
from the shore. As early as 1715 we find the people 
of Nantucket pursuing the whales upon the ocean in 
small sloops and schooners, making voyages of a few 
weeks' duration, and bringing the blubber home and 
trying out the oil on shore. 

In 1751 there were two or three vessels from Ap- 
ponagansett River engaged in this fishery. These 
vessels were owned by John Wady and Daniel 
Wood. There were at this date one or two vessels 
in this business from the Acushnet River, owned by 
Joseph and Caleb Russell. Up to this time whales 
were principally taken between George's Bank and 
the Capes of Virginia, and the voyages continued 
from four to six weeks. Soon after the whalemen 
extended their cruising-grounds to the eastward of 
the Newfoundland coast, and the voyages were length- 
ened to three months. 

At first more vessels were fitted from Apponagansett 
River than from the Acushnet, but soon the superior 
advantages of our harbor became apparent, and the 
Apponagansett vessels were fitted here. 

Consider for a moment the aspect of our town 
when these two or three little sloops were fitting for 
their whaling voyages. The present site of the city 

IThe following chapter was contributed by Hon. William W. Crapo, 
being a portion of an address delivered by him at New Bedford July 4, 
1876, and is an invaluable contribution to the historic literature of the 
State. 



was a forest. There was a " try-house" near the 
shore (at the foot of Centre Street), and a rough cart- 
way led through the woods to the few farm-houses on 
the County road. 

The Rev. Paul Cofiin, who ten years later (July 
21, 1761) visited the place, thus describes it in his 
journal: "This day rode to Dartmouth, a spacious 
town. Twenty miles will carry you through it. 
Rocks and oaks are over the whole town. Whortle 
bushes and rocks in this and the two former towns are 
the sad comfort of the weary traveler. At sunset ar- 
rived at Rev. West's." 

In 1760 there commenced an immigration to this 
locality which indicated that its future was to be 
commercial rather than agricultural. In this year 
Joseph Russell sold an acre of land, the first sale 
made from his " 800-acre" homestead estate, to John 
Loudon. The spot selected was a few rods south of 
Union Street, on South Water Street, and on it a house 
was erected. Mr. Loudon came from Pembroke. He 
was a calker by trade, and his purpose in coming here 
was to engage in ship-building. He was followed by 
Benjamin Taber, who purchased a lot of land on the 
north of the present Union Street, and built a shop 
for the purpose of carrying on boat-building and 
block-making, which trades he had learned at Nan- 
tucket. The same year John Allen, who was a house- 
carpenter, bought a lot on the east side of South 
Water Street, extending to the river. Upon this he 
built a house, which was afterwards sold to Barzillai 
Myrick, a ship-carpenter. 

The next year (1762) Gideon Mosher,^ a mechanic, 
bought a lot on the north side of Union and east side 
of North Water, and erected a house thereon. The 
same year Elnathan Sampson, of Wareham, a black- 
smith, purchased the lot next north of Loudon's. 
His lot was bounded on the " north and east on land 
left for ways or streets." These are now known as 
Union and Water Streets. His north line was eight 
rods in length, and his east line four rods, and the 
purchase money was £6 13.s'. 4rf. The early settle- 
ment was at the Four Corners, as it was known and 
called for a hundred years. This was the centre of 
the young town. 

I have been somewhat minute in this description 
of the infant settlement, in order that the industrial 
character of the pioneers might be noticed. The men 
who came here in 1760 to build up a town were me- 
chanics. Taber, Allen, Myrick, Mosher, and Samp- 
son were industrious and enterprising mechanics, and 
their descendants, inheriting their industry and enter- 
prise, have been and are among our worthiest citizens. 
We may well believe that the earnestness of purpose 
and the devotion to their trades with which these 
young mechanics of one hundred years ago sought to 
improve their condition affected in no small degree 



2 Mosher took no deed of his purchase. The land was deeded by 
Joseph Russell directly to Benjamin Taber. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



C7 



the character of our local institutions. And we look 

back with satisfaction to the intelligent and industri- 
ous character of the skilled and honest artisans under 
whose wise influence the early settlement of our town 
was made. 

But there was one thing wanting to promote the 
business of the village. Capital was needed. Joseph 
Russell had means, which lie used in whaling and 
freighting, and which furnished moderate employ- 
ment to the villagers. But his wealth was not large, 
and his operations were necessarily very limited. 

The required capital, so necessary for the activity 
and growth of the village, came in 1765, when Joseph 
Rotch, an enterprising merchant of great experience 
and knowledge in mercantile afi'airs, selected our har- 
bor as one eligible and advantageous for the prose- 
cution of the whale fishery. This event was of the 
utmost importance, and this acquisition of capital, 
accompanied with the ripe experience, clear-headed 
sagacity, and skilled methods of this accomplished 
merchant, gave an impetus to our infant industry 
whicli insured its permanence and success. 

Mr. Rotch purchased from Joseph Russell, in 1765, 
ten acres of land in one tract, besides a number of 
smaller lots in different parts of the town. The " ten- 
acre inirchase" was from the north side of the Russell 
farm, and next to the estate of Manasseh Kempton. 
It commenced on the shore where is now Hazzard's 
wharf, and its north line, between William Street and 
Elm Street, extended nearly to Pleasant Street and 
Cheapside. Its south line was bounded by the pres- 
ent estate of Willard Sears. Its river-front extended 
from Central wharf to the north line of Hazzard's 
wharf. 

Up to this time the village had no distinctive 
name ;' it was simply a part of Dartmouth. But now 
its increasing importance rendered necessary a name 
by which the locality should be known. At the sug- 
gestion of Mr. Rotch, and as a compliment to Mr. 
Russell, although somewhat indirect, tlie village was 
called "Bedford." About this time there were other 
accessions to our business population. John How- 
land had moved into the village from Apponagansett, 
and Isaac Howland (the senior of that name) had 
come from Newport, bringing with him considerable 
capital and business enterprise. The latter gentle- 
man resided in the most elegant and expensive house 

1 Th.1t part of Diirtmouth which became New Bedford was known as 
the Acushena country. The viUage which was afterwards known as 
Cnshnet Itlie name is spelled in half a dozen different ways in the old 
recoi'dft) formed one of the three territorial divisons of Dartmouth, and 
was thus recognized for all the purposes of municipal arrangements 
and taxation. The other two were Pouagansett (Dartmouth) and Coak- 
sett (Westport). 

"Cusheiiag" was taxed ''for the puhlicke charges of the countrej, as 
they were ordered by the Court for this yeare, respecting the officers' 
wages and charge of the magistrate's table, £1 10 00." This was the terri- 
tory in the neighborhood of the Acushnet River. "The farmes against 
Koad Hand" were also taxed. These "farmes" were upon that part of 
the territory afterwards called Dartmouth which bordered upon the 
province of Rhode Island.— OW Colontj Jiecords, 1661. 



in the town. It was built of brick, the first of that 
material erected here. It was situated on Union 
Street, and was torn down when Cheapside wiis opened. 
The little village of Bedford prospered. Its indus- 
tries were successful, its population rapidly increased, 
and its merchants added largely to their wealth. The 
whaling voyages had been extended and new grounds 
had been discovered. During the ten years from 
1765 to 1775 the whaling fleet had increased from two 
or three vessels to fifty, which were much larger and 
of more value. The vessels sent out to the Falkland 
Islands in 1774 were fitted and owned here. It was 
this example of New England daring and enterprise 
which inspired Burke in the House of Commons to 
utter that eloquent tribute to our victorious industry 
which so often has touched the pride and awakened 
the enthusiasm of the sons of New Bedford and Nan- 
tucket. " No ocean," says Burke, " but what is vexed 
with their fisheries, no climate that is not witness to 
their toils. Neither the perseverance of Holland, 
I nor the activity of France, nor the dexterous and firm 
i sagacity of English enterprise ever carried this peril- 
' ous mode of hardy enterprise to the extent to which 
I it has been pushed by this recent people, — a people 
who are still, as it were, in the gristle, and not yet 
hardened into the bone of manhood." 

The war of the Revolution not only checked this 
growth, but destroyed almost entirely our business. 
It was usele.ss to send vessels to sea with the danger 
of almost certain capture ; and if capture were avoided 
and a cargo obtained, with no market, since the con- 
sumers in Europe could not be reached. No town 
suffered more from the common hazards of the war, 
nor by direct depredations of the enemy. Joseph 
Rotch returned to Nantucket and remained there 
until the war closed. Joseph Russell lost most of 
his property, except his real estate, and the same was 
true of the other merchants. The great majority of 
the business men of the village were Quakers, and 
could not conscientiously engage in tlie privateering 
adventures which otherwise, as a seafaring commu- 
nity, they would naturally have undertaken. But 
the advantages of our harbor were recognized during 
the war, and it was found to be a convenient port 
from which to fit out privateers and a safe refuge for 
their prizes. There were many, too, of our sailors 
[ and citizens who were quite willing to engage in this 
j hazardous business, prompted both by its rewards and 
! a desire to cripple the commerce of the enemy which 
I had destroyed their peaceful employments. Before 
i the open declaration of hostilities between the two 
' countries, as early as May, 1774, exa.sperated by the 
capture in Buzzard's Bay of three vessels belonging 
to Sandwich by the British cruiser "Falcon," a 
schooner had been fitted out of this harbor, which 
recaptured two of the vessels and took as prisoners 
fifteen British officers and marines. 

Our harbor became a rendezvous for privateers, 
and many prizes were brought here and valuable 



68 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cargoes landed, either to be stored in our warehouses 
or forwarded into the interior. 

It was to punish the peojjle of the town for their 
offenses in fitting out and harboring privateers, and 
to destroy the shipping and valuable stores which 
were collected here, that Maj.-Ge'n. Grey, under 
orders from Sir Henry Clinton, made the raid of 
Sept. 5 and 0, 1778, which destroyed a large portion of 
the property of the village and inflicted a blow which 
crippled it for years. This event, which is the most 
prominent one in our local Revolutionary history, is 
faithfully portrayed in Chapter VIII. in this worlc. 

But at last the war was ended. When the news ; 
came to this little village that the ship " Bedford," 
Capt. William Mooers master, had arrived in the 
Downs on the 23d day of February, 1783, the very 
day of the signing of the preliminary treaty of peace, 
and had straightway proceeded to London with her 
cargo of five hundred and eighty-seven barrels of oil, 
displaying there for the first time the United States 
flag, with its Stars and Stripes, then the people of the 
village believed that peace with its blessings had come, 
and they were ready to begin again the work of re- 
building the town. This ship " Bedford" was built 
by Ichabod Thomas on North River, Pembroke, and 
delivered to Joseph Rotch, at Bedford, Jan. 1.5, 1772, 
as appears by the receipt, which is still extant. She 
was named by the owner for his adopted town, and 
sailed from this harbor before the war. 

It was a remarkable coincidence that the war, 
which had been precipitated in the destruction of 
the tea in Boston Harbor, thrown overboard from the 
"Dartmouth," a ship owned by Francis Rotch, of 
this same village, and built in 1767 at the foot of 
Middle Street, should have associated with its close 
the advent in English waters of the ship " Bedford" 
as the first vessel floating the American flag in any 
British port. The names of the mother-town and of 
the village are thus made memorable in our Revolu- 
tionary history. 

Our municipal existence as a separate town oc- 
curred in 1787, when both New Bedford and West- 
port were by acts of incoporation severed from the 
old township of Dartmouth. 

To show how carefully our fathers protected, even 
in their legislation, the feelings of the minority in 
matters of domicil and local government, let us quote 
a sentence from the act : " Provided, nevertheless, that 
any of the inhabitants now dwelling on the above-de- 
scribed lands, who are or may be still desirous of be- 
longing to the town of Dartmouth, shall at any time 
within tw'o years from the passing of this act, by re- 
turning their names into the secretary's office and 
signifying their desire of belonging to said Dartmouth, 
have that privilege, and shall, with their polls and 
estates, belong to and be a part of the said town of 
Dartmouth." 

New Bedford was required to pay all its arrears of 
taxes to Dartmouth, and its proportionate part of the 



unpaid beef tax, so called, together with its propor- 
tion of all other debts. It was provided that the 
town's stock of powder and other town's property 
should be estimated and divided, and that New Bed- 
ford should pay to Dartmouth for the workhouse 
standing within the line of New Bedford. 

The population of New Bedford, according to the 
next census taken in 1790, was three thousand three 
hundred and thirteen ; Dartmouth had two thousand 
four hundred and ninety-nine; and Westport, two 
thousand four hundred and sixty-six. 

The leading business men of this period were Wil- 
liam Rotch, Sr., the wealthiest man of the town, esti- 
mated to be worth over one hundred thousand dol- 
lars, his son William Rotch, Jr., and his son-in-law, 
Samuel Rodman. Then followed the various mem- 
bers of the Russell and Howland families, Thomas 
Hazzard, Jr., and the Hathaways, who were all 
" well to do." There were others without the pres- 
tige of wealth, but yet of great influence in the town, 
such as Caleb Congdon and Abraham Smith, and not 
to be omitted, the Davis family, famous for its Quaker 
preachers. The wealthy people were models of in- 
dustry and economy ; actuated by a sense of duty, 
they thought it necessary to show an example of 
prudence, diligence, and unostentation to others, and 
their influence in this regard was of the greatest 
benefit to the community. Their style of living was 
plain and rational. 

In 1795 there was a Congregational meeting-house 
at the Head of the River and another in the Bedford 
village. Dr. West officiated at each on alternate 
Sundays. 

At this time there was one doctor, Ebenezer Perry, 
the son of a physician, and called a "safe doctor," 
who charged sixpence a visit. There was only one 
lawyer in the village, Thomas Hammond, rarely 
found in his office, and concerning whom tradition 
says that shooting and fishing were his favorite pur- 
suits. There was one schoolmaster, Cornelius Wing, 
and one schoolmistress. Temperance Jennings. Mr. 
Wing was preceded by William Sawyer Wall, of 
English birth, a person much beloved, and who ex- 
erted a great influence in the community. He was 
first and foremost in the educational and scientific 
efforts of that day, and his name appears as tlie first 
president of the Dialectic Society, the earliest literary 
association of the town, and which did much for its 
culture, refinement, and scholarship. 

At the close of the war of the Revolution our people 
sought to regain their prosperity and commercial im- 
portance. Although crippled in resources they were 
not disheartened, but sought with their old vigor to 
re-establish their fortunes by their former pursuits 
upon the seas. They looked to the broad oceans, 
common and free to all men as the air itself, to yield 
them rich harvests as they had in the past. 

But there were other difficulties besides the replace- 
ment of the vessels which had been burned bv the 



NKW BEDFORD. 



69 



British or had rotted in disuse. The British govern- 
ment, as if to distress us even after peace, imposed a 
lieavy alien duty upon oil, which rendered it impos- 
sible to realize a profit from the prosecution of the 
business. Her policy was to force this industry to 
lier own harbors. For a time it seemed successful, 
and many Nantucket and New Bedford whalemen 
made their voyages from English and French ports. 
But the persuasiveness and address of William Rotch, 
Br., secured to us, first from France and then from 
Great Britain, the privilege of sending our oil to those 
countries free of duty, thereby enabling him — as one 
of his biographers has said — to carry on the business 
with the highest profit and to benefit his neighbors. 

The success which attended the efl^orts of our citi- 
zens may be judged by the statement of vessel ton- 
nage owned and sailing from this harbor in January, 
1804. The total number of registered vessels was 
fifty-nine, amounting to thirteen thousand six hun- 
dred and twenty-one tons; and of enrolled vessels 
there were five thousand five hundred and twenty-five 
tons ; making an aggregate of nineteen thousand one 
hundred and forty-six tons. The freighting business 
was quite important at that time. There were thirty 
ships and brigs, averaging two hundred tons burden, 
owned and fitted here, employed in general freighting, 
making their voyages to Europe, South America, and 
the West Indies. 

But the work of developing this industry of the 
whale fishery during the early years of the nineteenth 
century was slow and difiicult. The embargo came 
and ruined many of our merchants ; and prior to that, 
in 1807, in consequence of the Berlin and Milan De- 
crees and the Orders in Council, there were thirty 
ships laid up in New Bedford on account of the 
hazards attending them at sea. 

There was no marked improvement in this business 
until after the close of the war of 1812. The politics 
of the inhabitants of New Bedford from the close of 
the Revolution to the war of 1812 was Federalist, and 
they had given bitter, decided, and partisan expres- 
sion to their opinions in opposition to this latter war. 
This may perhaps have been influenced by the severe 
reverses experienced in business. Many of our ships 
in the Pacific were captured ; and while a few were 
recaptured by Porter and Downes, most of them were 
destroyed or used as transports by the British. 

After the termination of this war. the whale fishery, 
especially as prosecuted at New Bedford, advanced 
with great rapidity and wonderful success. 

But before proceeding to the local development of 
this industry, I desire to sketch briefly, in chronolog- 
ical order, the seas and oceans which had been opened 
in the pursuit of whales. As early as 1770, Nantucket 
had sought the " right" whale off Disco, in Green- 
land, going as high as 81° north latitude. In 1774, 
New Bedford had sent vessels to the Falkland Islands. 
In 1784 we find our New England whalemen taking 
seals and whales around Patagonia and in the Southern 



Ocean. In 1789 they are about Madagascar and the 
Cape of Good Hope. In 1791 the whaleships entered 
the Pacific Ocean. We are told that the vessels were 
snjall, poorly fitted, and insufficiently prepared for 
the long and often boisterous passages around Cape 
Horn. But in one thing they excelled, — in the 
character of the men who engaged in these perilous 
voyages. History cannot point to an enterprise prose- 
cuted with more vigor and courage, with more hardi- 
hood and intelligence, than that displayed by the 
pioneers in the Pacific whale fishery. I cannot for- 
bear mentioning the name of one whom you all re- 
member; for his genial, courteous manners, his kind 
and obliging heart, his clear comprehension and 
prompt decision endeared him to us who knew him in 
his old age, and assured us that the commendation 
bestowed upon him seventy years ago for "his pru- 
dence, courage, and fortitude" were richly deserved. 
The whale fishery has produced many noble men, but 
none more praiseworthy than that hero and veteran 
of the sea, Edmund Gardner. 

It is asserted that the ship " Rebecca," of New Bed- 
ford, owned by .Joseph Russell & Sous and Cornelius 
Howland, named for Joseph Russell's oldest daugh- 
ter, the grandmother of our esteemed fellow-citizen 
Daniel Ricketson, was the first American vvhaleship 
that doubled Cape Horn. She sailed from this port 
Sept. 28, 1791, under command of Joseph Kersey, and 
returned with a full cargo of sperm oil, obtained on 
the coast of Chili, on the 23d February, 1793. 

In 1800 our whalers were cruising on the coast of 
Peru and around the Gallapagos Islands. In 1818 
they were on the " Off-shore ground." In 1820 they 
had captured whales on the coast of Japan. In 1836 
our vessels were taking oil on Kodiak, the northwest 
coast of America; and in 1848 the bark "Superior," 
of Sag Harbor, Capt. Roys, p.assed through Behring 
Strait and opened up to us the vast wealth of the 
Arctic grounds. 

There aremany incidents connected with the earlier 
voyages which deserve a perm.anent record, and the 
narrative would prove an entertaining one. I will 
recall one or two of the " good voyages," as they were 
called, of forty years ago. In October, 1838, the ship 
" William Hamilton," of New Bedford, owned by I. 
Howland, Jr., & Co., commanded by William Swain, 
brought home a cargo of four thousand and sixty 
barrels of sperm oil ; her entire catch during the 
voyage, including the shipment from the AVestern 
Islands on her passage out, being four thousand one 
hundred and eighty-one barrels of sperm oil. 

Capt. Daniel Wood, remembered by many in this 
audience, a fine specimen of our whaling- masters, 
whose clear judgment and impartial decisions fitted 
him, after active service upon the ocean, to act as 
port warden in settlements between owners and under- 
writers, brought to New Bedford in the year 1833, in 
the old ship " Braganza," nearly four thousand bar- 
rels of sperm oil ; and George B. Worth, another of 



70 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



those generous, large-hearted old sailors, brought in 
the " Magnolia" to her owners three thousand four 
hundred and fifty-one barrels. But in tho.se day.s of 
large " catch" there were low prices. 

In the prosecution of the whale fishery New Bed- 
ford has surpassed all other places that have engaged 
in the business, and her increase in wealth from this 
cause was rapid and large. From the year 1820 until 
the year 1857 her prosperity and her accumulation of 
wealth were continuous almost without exception. 

Si)ace will not permit the detail of figures showing 
this wonderful increase of material prosperity. A 
few must serve to illustrate our progress, — 

On tlip 1st day of August, 1835, our tonnage was.... 73,082 
On the 1st day of August, 1845, our tonnage was.... 110,569 

At this last-named date New Bedford was the fourth 
tonnage district in the United States, — New York, 
Boston, and New Orleans alone exceeding it. There 
was more than double the amount of registered ton- 
nage owned in New Bedford that there was in Phila- 
delphia. 

During the year 1844 there were brought into New 
Bedford, — 

Sperm oil 54,309 barrels. 

Whale oil 102,992 " 

157,501 " 
Whalebone 978,592 pounds, 

which at the prices of that time — low as compared 
with the present — yielded a total value for the 
whaling of the year of $3,063,324.15. 

About this time our people thought that the popu- 
lation, business, and commercial importance of the 
town entitled it to receive the municipal organization 
of a city, and New Bedford received its city charter 
in 1847. The town government had existed sixty 
years. The population had increased from three 
thousand to fifteen thousand. Fairhaven, which had 
been organized as a separate town in 1812 from the 
territory of New Bedford, had at this date a popu- 
lation exceeding four thousand, which swelled the 
aggregate of population residing upon the original 
territorial limits to over nineteen thousand. 

The whaling industry of New Bedford reached its 
highest point, in capital, in vessels, and tonnage, in 
1857. Its fleet of three hundred and twenty-nine 
ships and whaling outfits was worth more than twelve 
million of dollars and required ten thousand seamen. 

The largest importations of oil and bone were in 
1851 and 1853. The quantities of each, with the prices 
realized from their sale, were as follows : 

1851. 

99,591 barrels sperm oil. at S1.27li per gallon $:i,991,980.75 

328,483 barrels whale oil, at .45i,| per gallon 4,682,114.60 

3,966,500 pounds whalebone, at .34!^ 1,368,442.50 

$10,042,537.81 
1853. 

103,077 barrels sperm oil, at $1.2454 per gallon $4,050,.5.39.56 

260,114 barrels whale oil, at .68! J, per gallon 4,762,5i4.77 

5,652,300 pounds whalebone,at .34)4 1,M0,043.50 

*IO,703,lO7.83 



I have mentioned the prominent merchants who 
were identified with the prosecution of the whale 
fishery in its earlier years. There are other names 
which should not be omitted, since the men who took 
the places of the pioneers achieved much of the suc- 
cess. John Avery Parker, George Howland, Isaac 
Howland, Jr., Humphrey Hathaway, John and James 
Howland, and William C. Nye were men of great 
business sagacity, financial skill, painstaking indus- 
try, and unquestioned integrity. The large fortunes 
left behind by many of them show how fully these 
qualities had been exercised and how abundantly 
rewarded. From 1824 to 1830 there were new count- 
ing-rooms opened, representing what was then called 
the " middling interest," and occupied by Abraham 
Barker, David R. Greene, Joseph Bourne, Alfred 
Gibbs, and others. These men boldly claimed a share 
of the whaling business, and aided materially in 
making its progress continuous and rapid. We have 
also active whaling merchants of the present day, 
possessing the venturesome business enterprise of 
their predecessors. 

Two events, although comparatively recent, must 
be mentioned in order to render complete the history 
of our fishery, — the depredations by the rebel cruisers 
during the war of the Rebellion and the loss of our 
Arctic fleet in 1871. 

Early in our civil war the torch of the rebel cruisers 
carried dismay in our whaling fleets. In the summer 
of 1862 the Confederate steamer "Alabama," under 
command of Admiral Semmes, in the vicinity of the 
Azores, burned many of our vessels, and during the 
war the "Florida" and "Sumter" added to the de- 
struction. But the great loss occurred in June, 1865, 
when the " Shenandoah," having recruited at Mel- 
bourne for an Arctic cruise, entered into Behring 
Strait. Here the unsuspecting whalemen, pursuing 
their vocation amid the ice and fogs of that frozen 
region, were suddenly met by a danger which they 
could neither resist nor avoid. This armed steamer, 
the " Shenandoah," Capt. Waddell, was in their 
midst, and the work of destruction was rapid and 
thorough. Twenty-five ships, most of them of large 
size, were captured and burned, besides four others 
captured but bonded by the privateer for the purpose 
of furnishing transportation to some friendly port for 
the eight hundred sailor prisoners, who with sad 
hearts, fifteen thousand miles from home, had seen 
their burning ships, with the products of their toil 
and danger and their prospective hopes of success, 
sinking beneath the waves. 

Among the incidents of this rebel raid should be 
mentioned the praiseworthy action of Capt. Ebenezer 
Nye, of the " Abigail," after the loss of his ship, in 
saving, as far as possible, the fleet from destruction. 
The "Milo" had been captured and bonded, and had 
received on board a large number of prisoners. Dur- 
ing the following night Capt. Nye organized an ex- 
pedition of two boats, and at early dawn left the 



NEW BEDFORD. 



71 



" Milo." While the " Shenandoah" was pursuing her 
piratical work, these brave men, following along the 
fields of ice, pulled north in their open boats one 
hundred and eighty miles, and there found a number 
of defenseless whalers, giving them the information 
which saved them from capture. It was a gallant act, 
prompted by the humanity and executed with the cool 
determination of the hardy sailors. 

Fifty whaling vessels were captured by the rebel 
cruisers, of which forty-six, with outfits and cargoes, 
were burned. Of this number twenty-eight sailed 
from and were owned in New Bedford. The loss of 
ships and outfits belonging iiere exceeded one million 
of dollars, and of oil and bone on board four hundred 
thousand dollars. 

Following is a list of whaling vessels destroyed by 
the " Alabama" and other rebel cruisers during the 
Rebellion, with the amount of oil on board. All ex- 
cept the first three named were captured by vessels 
fitted out from the British dominions. 



Sperm. Whale. 
BUlB. BblB. 
4150 
210 
60 



lOO 
400 
160 



1861. 

Schooner John Adams, Provincetownl 

Schooner Slermaid, " 

Brig Parana, " ) 

1862. 



Sperm. Whale. 
Bbls. Bbls. 



New Bedford 350 

" clean 



Ship Beiijaniin Tilck'e 
Bail; Eben Dodge, 
Barl^ Elisha Dunbar, 

Ship Levi Starbuck, " " 

Bark Virginia, " " 

Ship Ocean Rover, Mattapoisett 710 

Schooner Altamalia, Sippican clean 

Ship Ocumlgee, Edgartown 250 

Scliooner Courser, Provincetowu clean 

.Schooner Weather-Gage, Provincetown " 

Bark Alert, New London " 



1310 



1863. 



Bark Lafayette, New Bedford 170 

Bark Nve, " 350 

Schooner Kingfisher, Fairhaven 170 

Brig Kate Cory, W estpurt 155 

Schooner Rienzi, Provincetown 76 



920 



Bark Edward, New Bedford.. 
Bark Golconda, " 



1865. 



30 



320 
276 



Bark Abigail, New Bedford 

Ship BrnnHwick, New Bedford 

Baik Cungre.-*s, " 

Ship Euphrates, " 

BarkGjpsi-y, " 

Sliip Hect()r, " 

Ship Hillnntn, " 

Ship Isaac Howland, New Bedford 160 

Bark Isabella, " 

Bark Jireh Swift, " 

Bark Martha (2d), •' 

Ship Nassau, " 

Bark Nimrod, " 

Ship Sophia Tliornton, " 

Bark Waverly, " 

Ship William Thompson, New Bedford 

Bark Favm-ite, Fairiiaven 

Bark Covington, Warren 

Bark Catherine, New London 

Ship General Williams, New London 

Bark Edward Carey, San Francisco 275 

Brig Susan .Abigail, " clean 

Bark William C. Nye, " 

Bark Harvest, Honolulu 300 

Bark Peail, ■' clean 

17111 



..clean 



50 
366 



150 
10 



100 
660 



200 

360 

200 

50 

"200 
480 
300 
400 
200 
100 
110 

400 
260 
200 
100 
200 
200 



25 New Bedford vessels 2742 

2 Fairhaven vessels 470 

1 Mattapoisett vessel 710 

1 Sipjiican vessel clean 

1 Westport vessel 155 

1 Edgartown vessel 250 

6 Provincetown vessels 200 

1 W'arien ves.sel 

3 New London vessels 

3 San Francisco vessels 275 

2 Honolulu vessels 300 

46 vessels 6192 6060 

But the most memorable of all the disasters which 
have attended this perilous business was that of Sep- 
tember, 1871, when in a single day thirty-three ships 
were abandoned in the Arctic Ocean, hopelessly 
crushed or environed in the ice. This large fleet of 
the most costly ships in the service, caught between 
the jaws of the ice floes, drifted with the westerly 
gales until the immense fields of ice reached the 
shore, when they were crushed like egg-shells. It 
was a sad and terrible calamity, not merely in its loss 
of property, but more in the hardship and suffering 
of twelve hundred shipwrecked men. Hemmed in 
by the ice which lines the shores of a barren country, 
where neither food nor fuel could be obtained, these 
men well knew that if driven upon the beach, ten or 
eleven dreary winter months must elapse before as- 
sistance could reach them, and that in the long inter- 
val death would come to most of them by starvation 
or cold. In their peril an expedition of three boats 
was fitted out under command of Capt. Frazier, of 
the " Florida," to go south over the ice, and if possible 
find vessels in the open sea. The written appeal for 
relief which these shipwrecked captains sent to who- 
ever it might reach was full of touching, pathetic 
eloquence." It was the appeal of brave men in dis- 
tress to brave men who could realize the fearful peril. 

A toilsome and anxious journey of seventy miles 
between packs of ice brought the little expedition to 
the open sea south of Icy Cape, and there the sight 
of ships gladdened their hearts. It needed no appeal 
for succor, no promise of reward, for the warm hearts 
of brother-sailors were ready to save their comrades, 
although at the heavy loss of an abandonment of their 
own voyages and the earnings of a year. Capt. Fra- 
zier returned to the wrecks oflT Point Belcher with the 
joyous tidings of relief, and these twelve hundred 
men, taking with them in boats such provisions as 
they could carry, made their way over and through 
the ice fields to the rescuing vessels without the loss 
of one of their number. 

Of the thirty-three vessels crushed or abandoned, 
twenty-two belonged in New Bedford, and were val- 
ued, with outfits, without the oil and bone on board, 
at one million and ninety thousand dollars. 

Whaling reached its culminating point in 1856 or 
1857. Since then it has declined, and now our fleet 
numbers only about one-third of the vessels it once 
did. There have been disasters in connection with 
this pursuit. The captures by the English in the war 
of 1812, the captures by rebel cruisers, and the loss 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of the Arctic fleet were heavy blows. Natural causes, 
which need not be mentioned, have led to its depres- 
sion, almost to its dovvnt'all. But the historical fact 
which interests us is that New Bedford has been built 
up by the whale fishery. A large share of the wealth 
of to-day comes from this source. It has made our 
community what it is. 

This large accumulation of wealth has been obtained 
by the well-directed enterprise and persevering in- 
dustry of the people of New Bedford, and belongs to 
the people of New Bedford. The capital of non-resi- 
dents has not aided us. It has been drawn from the 
broad fields of the ocean with much toil and manifold 
dangers, with perils from the ice and fogs and storms 
of frozen regions, and exposure and disease under the 

I 



hot burning sun of the equator. It has been a cre- 
ation of wealth by the skill of the merchant and the 
hardy daring of the sailor, and not a mere exchange 
! of wealth. Without surveys of the seas and bays 
which it made its cruising-grounds, — for our brave sea- 
men went in advance of exploration, — without boun- 
ties, without aid from government, but contributing 
largely to it iu its consumption of dutiable articles, 
and overcoming European competition, the people of 
New Bedford obtained the control of the whale fish- 
ery, and made their city the great whale-oil market 
of the world. Few parallels can be found in this or 
any country of such successful enterprise. 

The following is a list of vessels from New Bedford 
in the whaling fishery in 1882: 



Vesaers Name. 



A. R. Tucker, bark 

Abra. Barker, bark 

Abbie Bradl'ord, BChouuer 

Adelia Chase, schooner 

Adeline Uibbs, liark 

Alice Knuwles, bark 

Alaska, bark 

Andrew Hicks, bark 

Arnulda, bark 

Atlantic, bark 

Attleboro', bark 

Bart Gosnolfl, bark 

Belvedei'e, steamer 

Bertha, bark 

Caleb Eaton, schooner 

California 

Canton, bark 

Cape Horn Pigeon, bark 

Charles W. Morgan, bark 

diaries W. Morse, schooner. 

Cicero, bark 

Com. Morris, bark 

Desdemona, bark 

E. B. Conwell, schooner 

Ellen Rodniari, schooner 

E. B. Phillips, bark 

Eliza, liark 

Eliza Adams 

E. H. Adams, brig 

Europa, I -ark 

Falcon, bark 

Fannie Byrni-s, schooner 

Fleetvving, bark... 

Francis A. Ilarstow, brig 

Franklin, schooner 

Gay Head, bark 

Gazelle, bark 

George antl Mary, bark 

George ami Sii«an, bark 

Golden City, schooner 

Grey lion lid, bark 

Helen Mar, bark 

Hercnles, bark 

Hope On, bark 

Horatio 

Hunter, bark 

Isabella, brig 

J. A. Howland, bark 

James Allen, bark 

James Arii'dd 

Jireh Perry 

John Carver, bark 

John Dawson, bark 

John Howland, bark 

John P. West, bark 

John and Wintlirop, bark 

Josephine, bark 

Katlileen, bark 

Lagoda, bark 

Lancer, bark 

Lottie IL. Cook, schooner 

Louisa, bark 

Lncrelia, steamer 

Lydia. bark 

Mabel, bark. 

Mars, bark 

Mary and Helen, steamer 

Mary and Susan, bark 

Mattapoisett, bark 

M. E. Simmons, schooner 



Tonnage. 



145 
380 
115 

SS 
327 
302 
347 
303 
340 
291 
179 
305 
440 
177 
110 
367 
239 
212 
314 
112 
226 
338 
236 

91 

73 
155 
■m 
408 
107 
323 
285 

66 
328 
128 

•i7 
265 
273 
106 
343 

85 
178 
324 
311 
173 
349 
355 
132 
355 
348 
346 
316 
319 
173 
384 
353 
338 
385 
206 
371 
295 

82 
303 
312 
329 
188 
256 
608 
327 
110 
105 



Master. 



Agent^s Name. 



Gifford.. 
Smith... 
Dyer 



Reed 

Foster 

Fisher 

Hicks 

Jones 

Mitchell 

Lavers 

Poole 

Adams 

Gifford 

Gifford 

Brightman.. 

Sherman 

Kelley 

Keith 

Rose 



Winslow.. 

Davis 

Costa 

Gifford 

Francis.... 
Murray.... 
HoSvland.. 

Allen 

Baker 



Silva 

Heppingstone.. 

Reed 

Avery 

Crapo 

Ludlow 

Sherman 

Knowles 

Frates 

Allen , 

Bauldry 

Mclnnis 

Borden 

Morse 

Barnes 

Blossom 

Penniman 

Lake 

Chase... 

Chase 

Smith 

Warren 

Green 

Smith 

Shiverlck 

Long 

Howland 

Lewis 

Lewis 

Vera 

Koon 

Mellen 

Frazifir 

lielley 



Smitli 

Barker... 
Stickiiey. 
Maiidly... 



. Joseph A William R. Wing.. 
. Joseph & William R. Wing... 

. Jonathan Bourne 

. Louni Snow & Son 

. Jonathan Bourne 

.| John P. Knowles (2d) 

.| Jonathan Bourne 

. Andrew Hicks 

. Loum Snow & Son 

. Joseph & William R. Wing.. 

,.i William Lewis 

.! John F. Tucker & Co , 

. 1 William Lewis 

..i John F. Tucker & Co 

. Charles C. Pierce 

. ! John F. Tucker 4 Co 

.: John F.Tucker&Co 

.) William Potter (2d) 

., Joseph & William R. Wing.. 

,. I .John McCul lough 

,.1 John P. Knowles (2d) 

. Aiken & Swift 

.; Aiken & Swift 

. j Henry Clay & Co 

. Doane & Co 

. John McCuUough 

,. Jonathan Bourne 

. Taber, Gordon & Co 

. William Lewis 

Aiken & Swift 

Thonijis Knowles & Co 

Joseph Oliveia 

Joseph .t William R. Wing.. 

Philip H. Keed 

Henry Clay & Co 

John P. Knowles (2d) 

Swill i Allen 

Jonathan Bourne 

Aiken A Swift 

Henry Clay & Co 

Abbott P. Smith 

Swift A Allen 

Aiken & Swift 

Gilbert B. Borden 

Taber, Gordon & Co 

Jonathan Bourne 

William Lewis 

Aiken ,«: Swift 

Gilbert Allen 

Taber, Gordon & Co 

.Mken A- Swift 

Thomas Knowles & Co 

Joseph * William R. Wing... 

Ivory H. Barrlett & Sons 

Simeon N. West 

John P. Knowles (2d) 

Aiken & Swift 

Joseph * William R. Wing... 

Jonathan Bourne 

William Lewis 

Joseph Vera 

Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons 

William Lewis 

William Baylies 

William Lewis 

Charles C. Pierce 

William Lewis 

Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons 

Abbott P. Smith 

Loum Snow & Son 



Date of Sailing. 



April 13, 1880. 
Oct. 26, 1875. 
June 16, 1882. 
In port. 
Dec. l.'i, 1880. 
June 10, 1879. 
Sept. 14, 1880. 
Oct. 26, 1881. 
May 3, 1881. 
Nov. 2, 1880. 
Oct. 26, 1880. 
April 2:), 1881. 
Aug. 17, 1880. 
Aug. 22, 1882. 
Nov. 1, 1879. 
May 20, 1881. 
Sept. 12.1878. 
Aug. 24, 1880. 
July 13, 1881. 
Oct. 22, 1881. 
In port. 
April 5,1881. 
May 30, 1882. 
Nov. 12, 1880. 
June 8, 1881. 
May 24, 1881. 
May 28, 1874. 
Sept. 17, 1879. 
Sept. 28, 1880. 
April 7, 1880. 
In port. 
April 24, 1882. 
Nov. 6, IS77. 
April 20, 1881. 
June 10, 1882. 
Dec. ij. 1881. 
May 11.1880. 
Mav 20, 1881. 
Oct. 25, 1881. 
Oct. 13, 1881. 
May 14, 1879. 
July 0,1876. 
Oct. 14, 1S79. 
Oct. 19, 1881. 
Oct. 25, 1881. 
Sept 20, 1875. 
June 13, 1882. 
Sept. 14, 1881. 
Se]it. 7, 1881. 
Oct. 8, 187S. 
Sept. 1,1879. 
May 18, 18S0. 
Juuc 12, 1879. 
Dec. 26, 1877. 
May 24, 1882. 
April l!l, 1881. 
Oct. 7, 1880. 
Mav 6, 1880. 
April 11,1882. 
June 20, 1882. 
May 25, 1882. 
Sept. 29, 1881. 
Dec. 17,1881. 
Nov. 23, 1880. 
Sept. 13, 1881. 
In port. 
Aug. 15, 1882. 
Oct, (i, 1881. 
Oct. 2li, 1881. 
Oct. 17, 1881. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



73 



Vessel's Name. 



Merlin, bark 

Mermaiiljbnrk 

Milton 

Minerva, bark 

Morning Star, bark 

Napoleoti, bark 

NiRer 

Nortliern Liglit, baric 

North Star, steamer 

Ocean, barli . 

Ohio, iiark 

Ohio (2(1), Ijark 

Ospre.v, bark 

Palmetto, bark 

Pedro Varela, schooner 

Petrel, bark 

Pioneer, bark 

Platiua, bark 

President (2d), bark 

Progress, bark 

Rainbow, bark. 

Keindeer, bark 

Boussean, bark 

Sea Fox, bark 

Sea Ranger, bark 

Seine, bark 

Staffo)-d, bark 

Stamboul, bark 

Sunbeatu, bark 

Surprise, schooner 

Swallow, bark 

Tamerlane, bark 

Triton, Ijark 

Tropic Bird, bark 

Union, scliniiner 

Varniirn 11. Hill, brig 

Wanderer, bark 

Wave, bark 

William Wilson, schooner... 
Young Phoenix 



Tonnage. 



24S 
213 
37:i 
337 
238 
3i!2 
412 
385 
489 
288 
205 
Ma 
173 
216 

90 
267 
228 
214 
123 
358 
3il 
357 
305 
16G 
273 
234 
166 
260 
26.') 

63 
326 
372 
264 
145 

66 
126 
303 
150 

92 
356 



Master. 



Agent's Name. 



Allen 1 John F. Tucker & Co 

Allen I Andrew Hicks 

Potter I Talier, Gordon & Co 

Thompson ' .John McCullongh 

' Joshua C. Hitcli 

' .lonathiiu Bourne. 

Taber. Gordon 4 Co 

Campbell Jonathan Bourne 

Owen William Lewis 

Lewis Ivor.v H. Barllett it Sons 

Ben ten ' Loum Snow & Son 

Ellis I Aiken & Swift 

Herrick : Swift & Allen 

Tripp ! Jolin F. Tucker & Co 

Kiuketson ' Gilbert Allen 

Clagh(U"n I Thomas Knowles & Co 

Chase Gilbert Allen 

Gilbert i John F. Tucker & Co 

Tripp Lituni Snow & Sou 

' Ivor.v H Bartlett & Sons 

Cogan I Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons 

Baker : Aiken tt Swift 

Wicks , Aiken & Swift 

GifTord John P. Knowles (2d) 

Holmes Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons 

Macomber John P. Knowles (2d) 

King I Joseph & William R. Wing... 



Sate of Sailing. 



Keenan.. 
Moulton... 

Crapo 

Sherman.. 



Childs 

Stanton... 

Foster 

Silva 

McLane.. 



Lapham.. 



Joshua C. Hitch.. 

Joseph & William R. Wing... 

Robert G. Churchill 

Aiken 4 Swift 

Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons 

Joseph & William R. Wing... 

Stanton & Hamblin 

Henry Clay & Co 

John McCullongh 

John P.Kuowles (2d) 

Thom.ls Knowles & Co 

William N. Church 

Ivory H. Barlett & Sons 



Nov. 17, 1881, 
June 1, I8R0. 
Oct. 6, 1880. 
Feb. 14, 1881. 
In port. 
In port. 
In port. 
Sept. 22, 18S0. 
Aug. 2, 1881. 
May 22, 1879. 
Nov. 1,1881. 
Dec. 13, 1881. 
May 4, 1880. 
June 3, 1880. 
April 6, 1881. 
Oct. 19. 1880. 
Aug. 1", 1880. 
Aug. 31, 1882. 
July 18, 1881. 
In port. 
Jan. 21, 187.^. 
April 12, 1.S81. 
June 6, 1882. 
June 27, 1882. 
June 4, 1879. 
July 22, 1880. 
Sept. 3, 1879. 
Nov. 12, 1881. 
Julv 25, 1S83. 
June?, 1881. 
Oct. 16. 1878. 
In port. 
May 3, 1882. 
Sept. 29,1881. 
Jan. 30, 1882. 
Sept. 29, 1880. 
Aug. 29, 1682. 
In port. 
In port. 
Bee. 6, 1381. 



There are now but about fifteen hundred barrels of 
crude Southern whale-oil in the countr}', the only 
holders being J. & W. R. Wing, I. H. Bartlett & 
Sons, and Taber, Gordon & Co., all of New Bedford, 
besides one small lot in Provincetown. This is used 
to a considerable e.xteut for oiling stock in cordage- 
works. Northern whale-oil is almost as scarce, the 
holders being J. & W. R. Wing, Jonathan Bourne, 
and Swift & Allen, of New Bedford, and Hernan 
Smith, of Boston, with a total of about two thousand 
eight hundred barrels. Mr. Smith's oil, some two 
hundred and fifty barrels, has been on hand about ten 
vears. 



CHAPTER X. 

NEW BEDFORD.— ((7oii(/>u/er?.) 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
First Congregational Society, Unitarian Church — The North Congrega- 
tional Church— The Trinitarian Church— First Baptist Church— The 
North Bajitist Church — The Secoiul Baptist Church — Salem Baptist — 
County Street MetlKjdist Episcopal Church — The Front Street Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church — .■^Uen Sli'eet Methorli:it Episcopal Church — 
Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church — African Bletbodist Epis- 
copal Zion — African Methodist Episcopal Bethel — Grace Church — St. 
James' Church — North Christian Church — Middle Street Christian 
Church — South Christian Church — Christian Unifui Church — Spruce 
Street Christian — The Universalist Cliurch — Society of Friends — Sea- 
men's Betiiel — Roman Catholic Churches — Portuguese Church — How- 
land Chapel — Second Advent Church — Union Church, Plaiuville — 
Olivet Chapel — Rockdale Union Free Chapel Association — Missionary 
Chapel — Extinct Churclies: Pacific Cliunh, Third Christian, Cun- 
nonville Union Church, Mount Pleasant Church. 

First Congregational Society (Unitarian). — The 
village at the Head of the River, now called Acushnet, 



antedates New Bedford by half a century. As it was 
in early times the centre of population and business, 
religious services were first held there, and as New 
Bedford became settled its residents were in the habit 
of going up to the Head of the River to attend wor- 
ship. But in the course of time, owing to the greater 
increase of population in New Bedford, it became 
necessary to organize a precinct iu connection with 
the church at Acushnet. We find by the records of 
the First Congregational Society that the first meet- 
ing held in relation to the formation of the precinct 
was Jan. 31, 1795, at the North Purchase Street school- 
house. The officers chosen at that meeting were Jireh 
Willis, moderator; John Spooner, clerk; Edward 
Pope, treasurer. It was voted to build a house for 
public worship, iu forty shares, each shareholder sub- 
scribing six pounds, to be paid in cash, labor, or ma- 
terials. Capt. Gamaliel Bryant was chosen superin- 
tendent of its construction. The records state that 
the first lot selected for the location of the church was 
" a quarter of an acre of land lying north of Joseph 
Russell's orchard, and west of County road," pre- 
sented by Ephraim Kempton, Sr., which is now occu- 
pied by the Cfiunty Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church. It was their determination to build on this 
spot, and several persons were buried here, the de- 
sign being to set apart a portion of the grounds as a 
burial-place. But at a meeting of the proprietors 
held the following May it was contended that it was 
di.-^tant too fiir from the village, and this vote was 
aiiMiilled, and it was decided to accept a lot offered by 
William Rotch, where Liberty Hall now stands. The 



74 



HISTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



church was commenced and built during the years 
1795-97, by Manasseh Kempton, Jr., and Eastland 
Babcnck. Meetings were, however, lield in the church 
previous to its completion. 

A bell was purchased Feb. IS, 1796 (the one for- 
merly in use in the tower of the old Liberty Hall), of 
Capt. Silas Jones, of Nantucket, by subscription, at a 
cost of two hundred and fifty-five dollars. The list 
was headed by Thomas Pope, who gave ten dollars. 
The next largest sum was six dollars, and was given 
by a colored man named Aaron Childs. The bell 
was distinguished for clearness of tone and the long 
distance for which it could be heard. In November, 
1854, Liberty Hall was destroyed by fire. The remains 
of the bell were collected, and several citizens had 
tea-bells and various ornaments made, and these are 
the only relics of this old bell. 

The first pastor was Rev. Dr. West, who commenced 
his ministrations with the society at the building of 
the church. He afterwards received his dismission on 
account of ill health. After Dr. West's withdrawal, 
Rev. Messrs. Christy, Holt, and Robinson received 
calls to officiate <as pastors, but whether they accepted 
or not the records do not state. 

In 1807 a church, called the Third Church, was 
organized in connection with the precinct, which con- 
tinued until 1810, when the society, or parish com- 
mittee, as it is termed, presented Rev. Ephraim Ran- 
dall to the church as a candidate for the pastorship. 
The church refused to elect him, and the society per- 
sisting in their determination to employ him, the 
great majority of the church voted to assemble in an- 
other place of worship, which they accordingly did, 
and their subsequent history will be found under the 
head of the North Congregational Church. 

The society, with four members of the chnrch who 
remained with them and organized a new church, 
having strengthened their position by a decision from 
ecclesiastical authorities that they were justified in 
insisting upon the election of whoever they chose to 
present to the church as candidates for the pastor- 
ship, proceeded to install Rev. Ephraim Randall, who 
preached to them several years. After him, Rev. 
Messrs. Channing, Kibbey, and John Brewer were 
settled over the society. The latter was for some time 
preceptor of the Friends' Academy. 

Sept. 17, 181(), the society gave Rev. Jonathan 
Whitaker a call, which was accepted, and he preached 
to the society until Nov. 24, 1823, with great accept- 
ance. At that date an invitation was extended to 
Rev. Orville Dewey, which he accepted. 

This distinguished clergyman was born at Sheffield, 
Mass., March 28, 1794. He graduated at Williams 
College in 1814, and was afterwards a student of An- 
dover Theological Seminary, from 1816 to 1819. On 
leaving Andover he preached for several years as the 
agent of the American Educational Society, but de- 
clined any permanent settlement on account of his 
indefinite opinions in theology ; subsequently he ac- 



cepted a temporary call to Gloucester, at the same 
time candidly stating his unsettled views. Here he 
became a Unitarian, and was shortly after engaged 
as the assistant of Dr. Channing, in whose pulpit he 
preached two years. His next charge was this so- 
ciety, over which he was ordained Dec. 17, 1823. 

Dec. 5, 1833, being in ill health, he was granted 
leave of absence for a tour through Europe, his sal- 
ary being continued. Ralph Waldo Emerson sup- 
plied the pulpit the principal portion of the time 
during his absence. 

In June, 1834, Mr. Dewey received a call from the 
Church of the Messiah in New York, and asked his 
dismission, which was granted, and his salary paid by 
the society up to December ensuing. Mr. Dewey 
was extremely popular with the society, and his with- 
drawal was a matter of deep regret. 

The next pastor was Rev. Mr. Angier, who was or- 
dained May 20, 1835. The sermon on the occasion 
was by Dr. Dewey, and the introductory prayer by 
Rev. Mr. Morgridge. Mr. Angier asked for his dis- 
mission April 8, 1837, but the society voted unani- 
mously not to grant it. A second request being 
made, it was granted. 

The structure now occupied by the society, on 
Union Street, was erected during the year 1836-38, 
and dedicated May 24, 1838, on which occasion Rev. 
Messrs. Ephraim Peabody and J. H. Morison were 
installed as pastors. Mr. Morison continued with 
the society until Oct. 6, 1844. 

Rev. Ephraim Peabody was born at Milton, N. H., 
March 28, 1807. In November, 1845, he received a 
call to act as colleague pastor at King's Chapel, Bos- 
ton, which he accepted. 

Few clergymen have ever been as successful in 
winning the personal regard and attachment of their 
people as Mr. Peabody was. He died Nov. 28, 1856. 

In December, 1847, Rev. John Weiss received a 
call, and soon after commenced his labors with the 
society. In 1852, Mr. Weiss' ill healtli rendering him 
unable to discharge his entire pastoral duties, he ten- 
dered his resignation. It was not accepted, and Rev. 
Charles Lowe was ordained as a colleague, Aug. 10, 
1852. Mr. Lowe's health failing, after an association 
of about one year, a leave of absence was granted to 
him, and in September, 1853, he left this city for Eu- 
rope. Before his departure he sent a letter of resig- 
nation, but at the request of the society retained a 
nominal relation as pastor. In April, 1855, he wrote 
from Paris, asking that this connection should be dis- 
solved, and the society complied with his desire. 

Mr. Weiss' health continued very infirm, and in 
April, 1858, he received leave of absence for six 
months and went to Europe. On his return, finding 
that his strength was not sufficiently restored to war- 
rant him in undertaking the whole duty of the parish, 
he tendered his resignation, which was finally ac- 
cepted, and his connection with the society ceased in 
the spring of 1859. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



75 



An invitation was extended to the present pastor, 
Rev. William J. Potter, in July, 1859, which he ac- 
cepted, and was ordained Dec. 28, 1859. The ser- 
vices on the occasion were as follows: Introductory 
prayer. Rev. C. Y. De Normandie, of Fairliaven ; 
selections from Scriptures, Rev. T. O. Moulton ; ser- 
mon, Rev. Dr. Furness, of Philadelphia; ordaining 
prayer, Rev. J. F. W. Ware, of Cambridgeport; 
charge. Rev. C. H. Brigham, of Taunton ; right hand 
of fellowship, Rev. A. Woodbury, of Providence ; 
address to the people, Rev. Dr. Dewey, of Boston ; 
concluding prayer. Rev. Moses G. Thomas. 

In 1863, Mr. Potter was drafted. On the .following 
Sunday he preached a very powerful discourse, enti- 
tled "The Voice of the Draft,'" which was published 
and attracted great attention throughout the country. 
He resigned the pastorship and entered the army, in- 
tending to take his position as a private soldier ; but 
on reaching Washington the Secretary of Warassigned 
him a position more in accordance with liis habits 
and abilities. The society declined to accept his 
resignation, but granted him leave of absence for a 
year, at the expiration of which time he returned to 
liis duties here and has officiated as pastor to the pres- 
ent time. 

The North Congregational Church.'— The North 
Congregational Church was organized (in the meeting- 
house of the precinct, formed in 1795) by an Ecclesi- 
astical Council, Oct. 15, 1807. 

The churches represented in the council were the 
Second Church of Christ in New Bedford (Fair- 
haven), by Rev. Isaiah Weston, pastor, Joseph Bates, 
delegate; and the First Church of Christ in Rochester, 
by Rev. Oliver Cobb, pastor, Jesse Haskell, delegate. 
Having organized, the council " proceeded to exam- 
ine the standing of those who were before members of 
churches, and also candidates for admission into the 
church," and laid before them a confession of faith 
and a covenant. These were " consented to," and the 
following persons "were then regularly formed into a 
church by the name of the Third Church in New 
Bedford, and the ordinance of baptism was admin- 
istered to those who had not been baptized : 

Elkanah Michell. Sarah Kempton. 

Caleb Jenne. Joannah West. 

William West. Elizabeth Jenne. 

jTishua Barker. Joannah Ayres. 

Edward Pope. Clarrissa Crocker. 

John Sheirman. Pamela Willice. 

Gamaliel Bryant. Abigail Kempton. 

Abisha Delanoe. Elizabeth Pope. 

Jireh Willis. Dorcas Price. 

Ebenezar Willis. Catharine Long. 

Cornelius Burges. Huldah Potter. 

Cephas Cusliman. Drnsilla Potter. 

Mariah Jenne. Fear Crocker. 

Abigal Samson. Anna West. 



Aurilla Barker. 
Deborah Bryant. 
Mary Peckham. 

Abigail Michell. 
Susannah Spooner. 
Lois Hart. 



Abigail Willis. 
Abiah Garish. 
Mahittable Willis. 
Hannah Peckham. 
Anna Burgess. 
Nancv Howland. 



' By Edwin Emery. 



The first officers of the church were chosen May 
11, 1809,— Joshua Barker, first deacon; Cornelius S. 
Burgess, second deacon ; and, it is presumed, Cephas 
Cusliman, clerk. 

Rev. Curtis Coe seems to have preached for the 
church in 1809, and other clergymen from the neigh- 
boring towns to have administered the ordinances 
occasionally during the following year. In 1809-10 
there was a revival, and in March and April an addi- 
tion of twenty-two members. The church was ap- 
parently in a prosperous condition ; but about that 
time an "unhappy division began to appear," which 
resulted in the formation of two churches, the one 
Trinitarian, the other Unitarian. The majority of 
the chnrch was dissatisfied with the proceedings of 
the parish committee, and also with the candidate for 
pastor, who, as it is alleged, was not sound in doc- 
trine ; or, in the language of the memorial presented 
to the council protesting against the ordination of 
Mr. Ephraim Randall, in 1814, because he "did not, 
in the opinion of the church, speak the things that 
become sound doctrine, or those that harmonized with 
the [irofessed sentiments of the church." 

A committee, consisting of Deacons Barker and Bur- 
gess and Jireh Willis, was appointed July 20, 1810, 
to confer with the parish committee with a view of 
reconciliation. On the 7th of August they reported 
"that the conference with the parish committee af- 
forded no satisfaction, or nothing appeared to be at- 
tending to the union ;" whereupon the following vote 
was passed : " Voted, that we meet for jniblic worship 
at some public or private house on the Lord's day." 

At that time there were nineteen active (male) 
members, of whom five were in opposition to the ma- 
jority, one took no part, and thirteen were united 
against the society. The fourteen male members con- 
stituting the church that separated from the society 
were Edward Ayers, Joshua Barker, Freeman Bar- 
rows, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joshua Crocker, Cephas 
Cushman, Jesse Haskell, Roger Haskell, Isaac Man- 
chester, Nathaniel Perry, Pardon Potter, Southward 
Potter, William West, and Jireh Willis. Caleb Jenne 
had joined the Friends and Ebenezer Willis was dead. 
Those fourteen men, with not a great abundance of 
this world's goods, entered into an agreement to pay 
the salary of a minister and the rent of a place of 
worship, with the other expenses of the same. 

Soon after the separation, if not before, Mr. Sylves- 
ter Holmes, a licentiate, began liis labors with the 
church. It is inferred from the record of June 29, 
1811, that the church even then hoped to efteet a 
reconciliation, — 



76 



HISTORY OF BEISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSET'i;g. 



" The church being together according to appoint- 
ment, Edward Pope, Esq., chos'en moderator. 

" Voted, 1st, that the church meet at Judge Pope's 
on Saturday, 27th July next. 

" Voted, 2d, that the meeting be dissolved." 

What was the result of that adjourned meeting we 
can conjecture from the fact that four days later Mr. 
Holmes was ordained. 

Pursuant to letters missive, an Ecclesiastical Coun- 
cil convened on the 30th of July, and on the 31st or- 
dained Mr. Holmes to " administer ordinances." The 
exercises on that occasion were : Introductory prayer 
by Rev. Mr. Stutson, of Plymouth ; sermon by Rev. 
Mase Shepherd, of Little Compton, R. I., from 
Matthew xiii. 39 : " The harvest is the end of the 
world ;" consecrating prayer by Rev. Mr. Craft, of 
Middleborough ; charge to the pastor by Rev. Lemuel 
Le Baron, of Rochester; right hand of fellowship by 
Rev. Oliver Cobb, of Rochester ; concluding prayer 
by Rev. Mr. Andrews, of Berkley. The several parts 
were very appropriate and impressive, and the assem- 
bly solemn and attentive. 

Services were held at first in the North Purchase 
Street school-house, then in the South school-house 
on Walnut Street, and, as occasion required, at the 
residences of church-members. At length a hall over 
William W. Kempton's store, southwest corner of 
Mill and Second Streets, was obtained, and the church 
continued to worship there until a meeting-house was 
built in 1814. That house was one story high, ten- 
foot post, with end towards the street, door in middle, 
and one window on each side of the door. Its site 
was next south of Silas Kempton's house, situated on 
the southwest corner of Second and Elm Streets. 

In 1812 the five church-members who had remained 
with the society adopted a covenant differing from 
that of 1807, and with the society installed Rev. 
David Batchelder as pastor of the " Church and So- 
ciety in Bedford Precinct." Two years later Mr. 
Ephraim Randall was ordained. To the Ecclesiastical 
Council convened on each occasion the church ad- 
dressed a memorial, setting forth the facts in regard 
to the division, and protesting against such action as 
not being in accordance with the usage of Congrega- 
tional Churches. To the second memorial the coun- 
cil, of which Rev. James Flint, of Bridgewater, was 
scribe, replied, "We consider those of the members 
of the church who retain their relation to the Third 
Society, of which also they are a component part, and 
hold regularly their assembling of themselves to- 
gether as a church and people and worshipers in the 
meeting-house of said society, as being distinctly and 
properly the church belonging to the society, but 
those who went off from said meeting-house and for- 
sook the communion-table as having abandoned the 
society and relinquished the communion and fellow- 
ship and ordinances which were the bond of their 
union, and therefore as having no control or right to 
exercise discipline over those that have remained 



steadfast ; and also as the remonstrants have them- 
selves ordained a pastor independently of and without 
paying any respect to the society, they cannot now 
with any propriety interfere with the ordination for 
the purpose of which we have convened." 

Not so thought the remonstrants, for on the 19th 
of December they formally excommunicated Edward 
Pope, Abisha Delano, Elkanah Mitchel, and John 
Sherman (Gamaliel Bryant had died a few months 
before), because they " have for more than two years 
absented themselves from our religious worship and 
communion at the Lord's table in general, and have 
met for worship and attended to the Lord's Supper 
in a different jdace, and have refused to return to 
their duty as members of the church, notwithstanding 
they have been labored with in different ways at sun- 
dry times, in obedience to the holy command of our 
Lord concerning any brother or brothers who walk 
disorderly." 

Thus ended the controversy between the church 
and the society, but the bitterness of feeling engen- 
dered and the unchristian spirit aroused ceased not 
to be manifested until the chief actors had passed 
away. 

The church so increased that a larger house of wor- 
ship was soon demanded for the accommodation of 
the people. In 1817 measures were taken for the 
erection of a new house on the corner of Purchase 
Street and a new street not then named, now Elm. 
The frame was raised May 7, 1817. The house was 
built by Deacon Barker, "and the proprietors met the 
expenses of the enterprise by a payment of money, 
labor, and materials." It was forty-eight feet by sixty, 
exclusive of a portico seven feet deep, supported by 
four large pillars, and surmounted by a handsome 
steeple. It was finished June, 1818. On Tuesday, 
the 23d day of that month, it was consecrated to Al- 
mighty God with "services extremely appropriate 
and interesting, and affording much gratification to a 
very numerous audience." Rev. John Codman, of 
Dorchester, preached a sermon from Exodus xx. 24: 
"In all places where I record my name I will come 
unto thee, and I will bless thee." 

The Sunday-school, organized in 1819, was the out- 
growth of Rev. Mr. Holmes' class in the catechism. 
Probably as early as 1811 he began his work as cate- 
chist, instructing the children of his church in biblical 
history and the doctrines of the " Assembly's Shorter 
Catechism." 

In 1826 the meeting-house was enlarged. It was 
cut in two, the west end moved back, and fifteen feet 
inserted. At the same time the old meeting-house, 
then used for school purposes, was moved from Second 
Street to a site on Elm Street, just west of the meet- 
ing-house. A few years later it was raised one story ; 
the lower part was fitted up for a vestry, and the 
upper part for a school-room. After John F. Emer- 
son had taught there several years he purchased the 
house, removed it to William Street, and remodeled it 



NEW BEDFORD. 



77 



into a dwelling-house, which, with its additions, is 
now occupied by Charles R. Sherman. 

By an act of the General Court, approved by the 
Governor Jan. 27, 1827, Roger Haskell, William W. 
Kempton, Henry P. Willis, David IJriggs, Ebenezer 
Hathaway, Frederick Read, Ivory H. Bartlett, Joshua 
Barker, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joseph Bourne, and 
their associates and successors, were incorporated 
into a society by the name of the North Congrega- 
tional Church. At the first meeting, June 8th, Wil- 
liam W. Kempton was elected clerk ; Joshua Barker, 
Cornelius S. Burgess, and Haydon Coggeshall, trus- 
tees; and David Briggs, treasurer and collector. 

The distinctive title " Third," given in 1807, was 
not needed after the incorporation of Fairhaven in 
1812, and it fs probable that after 1817 the epithet 
"North" was applied by way of distinction, as the 
meeting-house was north of the old meeting-house, on 
the site of Liberty Hall. 

In 1830 it was evident that a wider field of useful- 
ness was opening for the church. The population of 
the town was increasing, the pews were all occupied, 
and a meeting-house seemed to be needed in tlie south 
part of the village. "The indications of Divine Provi- 
dence say to us emphatically, ' Strengthen your stakes 
and lengthen your cords,' " are the words of those in- 
terested in a new place of worship. In 1831 the south 
meeting-house was built, and on the 15th of Novem- 
ber sixty members were dismissed to be organized 
into a church. Thus the Trinitarian Church had its 
origin. 

On the 11th of March, 1836, the corporation voted 
to erect a new house of worship. Work was begun in 
April, the old house moved so as to front the north, 
and the foundation of a granite structure of larger 
dimensions laid. An address was delivered by Rev. 
Thomas Robbins, of Mattapoisett, at the laying of the 
corner-stone, Friday afternoon. May 13th. The house 
was built according to a plan furnished by Mr. Bond, 
architect, of Boston, under the superintendence of 
Messrs. Taber, West, Sawyer, and Underwood, mas- 
ter-masons, and Obadiah B. Burgess, carpenter. It is 
of the Gothic order of architecture, witli square tower 
and battlements, and is sixty-eight feet front by ninety 
in depth. The interior was finished with great sim- 
plicity, without gallery, except for organ and choir. 
The totalcost, including lot, was about twenty-eight 
thousand dollars. It was dedicated Thursday, Dec. 
22, 1836. An audience of nearly fifteen hundred 
people listened to a highly iuteresting sermon by 
Rev. Dr. Havves, of Hartford, Conn. The house was 
first occupied Jan. 1, 1837. The wooden building in 
the rear, subsequently occupied as a stable by James 
Thomas, was destroyed by fire about twenty-five 
years ago. » 

Rev. Mr. Holmes, having been invited to become 
the general agent of the American Bible Society, re- 
quested the church to grant him a leave of absence 
for five years, provided an associate pastor be settled. 



The church granted his request Feb. 21, 1839. At the 
expiration of four years he returned, but found the 
church desirous of severing the relation existing be- 
tween them. Accordingly, he was dismissed by a 
council March 15, 1843. 

During his ministry more than five hundred were 
received into the church. There were several seasons 
when the Spirit of the Lord descended with power, 
two of which were followed by large ingatherings 
into the church. (In 1831 sixty-six united with the 
church, and in 1834 ninety-two, of whom thirty-four 
were received May 4th.) He was instrumental in re- 
viving the old church at the "Head of the River" 
and in building a meeting-house there. 

After his dismission he was pastor of the Pacific 
Church nearly six years. His last pastoral work was 
done at his native place. South Plymouth, where he 
preached six years. Five weeks after he laid the 
harness off, his summons to depart came from his 
Master. He died in this city, at the residence of 
Ivory H. Bartlett, Nov. 27, 1866, in the seventy-ninth 
year of his age, and was buried from the church 
where he had preached so many years. 

As a man. Rev. Mr. Holmes was active, untiring, 
enterprising, commanding in appearance, capable of 
administration, impatient at interference, of indomit- 
able energy, "which the bitterest opposition only in- 
tensified ;" as a preacher, " of acute perception, tena- 
cious of his theological faith, perspicuous in style, 
earnest and forcible in delivery, effective without the 
grace of eloquence;" as a pastor, always on the alert 
for strangers, that he miglit bring them into his con- 
gregation, " thorough, kind, affectionate, sympathiz- 
ing." His influence was felt not only in New Bedford, 
but also in the Congregational Churches throughout 
Southeastern Massachusetts. 

While Rev. Mr. Holmes was absent. Rev. Thomas 
M. Smith, of Catskill, N. Y., was associate pastor. 
He was installed July 24, 1839, Rev. Leonard Woods, 
D.D., of the Theological Seminary, Andover, preach- 
ing the sermon. After three years' service he was 
dismissed, Aug. 31, 1842, on account of troubles 
which arose a few months previous. An extensive 
revival prevailed, but he objected to some extraordi- 
nary means adopted for its promotion. The council 
called to dismiss him " laid the trouble at the door of 
excitement growing out of evangelists' introducing 
desire for extraordinary measures, female speakers, 
etc., which he opposed, but did consent to a protracted 
meeting, and one was held under an evangelist, but 
trouble grew in the church." Hasty, inconsiderate, 
not understanding the principles and modes of action 
in case of grievance, the church was manifestly in 
error in the course pursued. With bitterness of 
sorrow at a later period its members viewed their 
action, and of it heartily repented. One hundred 
and four were added to the church during his min- 
istry, thirty-six of whom were received May 1, 1842. 

Rev. Mr. Smith was subsequently Professor of The- 



78 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ology at Kenyon College. He died Sept. 6, 1864. 
He was a pastor " of amiable disposition, of wise and 
discreet deportment, of sterling talents, and of well- 
proportioned ministerial character." 

The agitation of the slavery question in 1843 was a 
source of disturbance, which finally resulted in the 
excommunication of one of the deacons and another 
prominent member. The need of moral reform was 
not seen and felt. Conservatism characterized the 
majority, who were not ready to follow the advance- 
guard, because the enormity of the sin of slavery was 
not comprehended. A resolution and a vote of that 
period show the attitude of the church upon that 
question, wliich lias since shaken the foundation of 
our government and drenched the land "in fraternal 
blood," — 

" Umolvrd, Tliat all action upon or discussion of these subjects (State 
rights, national policy, ami slavery), as a church, or in meetings ap- 
pointed by the church, be indefinitely postponed." 

** Voted^ That the church do not think it expedient to pass any reso- 
lutions on the subject of slavel-y." 

Mr. Robert S. Hitchcock having accepted an invi- 
tation to assume the pastoral charge of the church, 
was ordained July 19, 1843. His father, Rev. C. 
Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph, preached the sermon. 

The question whether the pastor-elect should unite 
with the church arose during the session of the coun- 
cil, but was indefinitely postponed. Against this the 
Rev. Dr. Cod man, of Dorchester, and ten others en- 
tered their protest: "That in their opinion it is 
proper that, according to Congregational principles, 
the candidate for ordination should become a member 
of the church over which he is to be ordained." 

It was during his pastorate that twenty members, 
feeling aggrieved at the action of the church in rela- 
tion to the dismission of Rev. Messrs. Smith and 
Holmes, requested to be dismissed to form a church. 
The request was not granted, but a " Union Church," 
so called, was formed in Fairhaven. In the midst of 
the serious troubles that threatened the church a 
mutual council was called, and the difficulties peace- 
fully adjusted. Nineteen were dismissed Oct. 8, 1844, 
who with others were organized into the Pacific Con- 
gregational Church. 

On account of the precarious state of his health. 
Rev. Mr. Hitchcock tendered his resignation, and 
was dismissed Dec. 9, 1845. The council bore testi- 
mony to his ability, zeal, and faithfulness, and ex- 
pressed their high appreciation of his talents, acquire- 
ments, and piety. He has been for several years at 
the head of the HoUidaysburg Female Seminary, 
Pennsylvania. 

Nearly two years elapsed before another pastor was 
settled. On the 15th of September, 1847, Mr. Aza- 
riah Eldridge, from the Divinity School, Yale College, 
was ordained. His brother, Rev. Joseph Eldridge, 
of Norfolk, Conn., preached the sermon. In the 
winter of 1850-51 the interior of the meeting-house 
was remodeled under the supervision of Mr. G. J. F. 



Bryant, architect, of Boston. Side galleries and new 
pews were put in, and the interiial appearance greatly 
improved, though at a reduction of pews from one 
hundred and fifty-four to one hundred and eight on 
the floor of the audience-room. The expense of 
alteration was about six thousand dollars. The re- 
dedication took place March 13, 1851, when Rev. 
Dr. Edward N. Kirk, of Boston, delivered a sermon 
of great power. 

In 1852 the pastor was invited to take charge of the 
Clinton Street Church, Philadelphia. Notwithstand- 
ing the urgency of the call and the earnest words of 
Rev. Dr. Albert Barnes, who appeared in behalf of 
the Philadelphia Church, the council convened Jan. 
G, 1853, did not feel " prepared to assume the respon- 
sibility of dissolving the peaceful and prosperous re- 
lation existing between church and pastor." 

Three years later, however, the impaired condition 
of his bodily health and the plans of study abroad 
which he had fondly cherished induced him to re- 
sign. He was dismissed April 22, 1856. During his 
ministry ninety-one were added to the church. He 
was a faithful and efiicient minister, winning the con- 
fidence of his people, by whom his removal was 
deeply regretted. 

After he left he visited Europe, traveling and study- 
ing. On his return he was settled over a church in 
Detroit, Mich. During a second visit to Europe he 
was for a lime chaplain of the American Protestant 
Chapel at Paris. He now resides at Yarmouth. 

His successor. Rev. Henry W. Parker, of Brooklyn, 
N. Y., was installed Aug. 8, 1856. The sermon was 
by Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D.D., Professor of 
Ecclesiastical History, Union Theological Seminary, 
New York. 

The stone chapel adjoining the meeting-house on 
the south was built in 1857, at a cost of about three 
thousand five hundred dollars. During the winter of 
1857-58 an extensive and powerful revival occurred. 
It began to develop in a union prayer-meeting es- 
tablished through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. 
Parker, and as a result there were added to his church 
in one day. May 2d, — memorable in the history of the 
church, — seventy-seven persons on professon of their 
faith. There were one hundred and fifty-nine ac- 
cessions during his seven years' pastorate. This in- 
crease of membership rendered his duties more 
arduous, but he discharged them with fidelity, though 
with health impaired. He was dismissed July 27, 
1863. He is now Professor of Natural History at 
Grijinell College, Iowa. 

The call of the next pastor, Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, 
D.D., is sadly suggestive, not of strife and division and 
spiritual decline in the church, but of that fearful 
national conflict which well-nigh dismembered the 
Union. Chaplain Quint accepted his call by letter 
dated "Camp of the Second Massachusetts Infantry, 
Tullahoma, Tenn., April 20, 1864." 

In that letter he savs, " It is a greater sacrifice for me 



NEW BEDFORD. 



79 



to leave these men and such scenes which they must 
pass through than it was to leave aheloved home and 
a dear church at our country's call. I cannot, indeed, 
leave until my term of service ends ; and if then the 
regiment should be engaged in active service, I must 
reserve the right to remain with it a reasonable 
period." 

A suggestion of the letter was at once acted upon 
and the treasurer raised by subscription nine thou- 
sand dollars, thus promptly canceling the debt of 
the church and corporation. 

Rev. Dr. Quint was installed July 21, 1864. The 
installation sermon was preached by Rev. A. L. 
Stone, D.D., of Boston. His ministry continued 
eleven years, terminating June 10, 1875, though 
his membership still continues. His ministry was 
popular, and the church received one hundred and 
forty-five members. 

From 1855 to 1801 he was a member of the Mas- 
sachusetts Board of Education ; has devoted much 
time to local history and genealogy, has been a 
member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, is 
a member of the New England Historic-Genealog- 
ical Society, and a corresponding member of the 
New Hampshire and New York Historical Societies; 
has published two volumes pertaining to the Rebel- 
lion, has been ehaplain-in-chief of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, has held high official appointments 
in his denomination, and has made Congregational 
polity and ecclesiastical law subjects of special study. 
In 1866 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from his Alma Mater, Dartmouth College. He resides 
at Dover, N. H., and has recently represented that 
city in the Legislature. 

The present pastor, Rev. Albert H. Heath, was 
installed Oct. 19, 1876. The sermon was by Rev. 
A. J. F. Behrends D.D., of Providence, R. I. In 
1878 the galleries were fitted with square pews and 
furnished with chairs, and a new organ was placed 
in the church at a cost of about seven thousand dol- 
lars. In 1881 a new pulpit was built. The church 
has flourished under his ministrations, and up to 
1883 had received two hundred and fifty-five mem- 
bers, ninety-five of whom were admitted from the 
Pacific Church after it disbanded in 1878. The pres- 
ent membership is four hundred and ninety-five. 

In 1857 the semi-centennial of the church, and in 
1882 the seventy-fifth anniversary, were celebrated 
with interesting and appropriate exercises. A series 
of historical sermons, growing out of the latter, is 
nearly completed. 

Rev. Mr. Heath is a graduate of Bates College, 
1867. He was formerly a Free-Will Baptist, but 
while preaching at tlie Roger Williams Church, 
Providence, embraced the doctrinal views of the 
Trinitarian Congregational ists. 

The following ministers, other than pastors, have 
been connected with the church or Sunday-school: 
Freeman P. Howland, 1818, ordained in Hanson Oct. 



25, 1826 ; Augustus B. Reed, 1825 ; Thomas Bailey, 

1827; Clark Cornish, 1829; William H.San ford, 1831 ; 
Henry W. Lee, 1835, Episcopalian, and at one time 
Bishop of Iowa ; Pardon G. Seabury, 1836, pastor at 
the " Head of the River," 1830-33; William H. Stur- 
tevant, 1840, Tiverton Four Corners, R. I. ; Andrew 
Mackie, Episcopalian, dean of Northern Indiana at 
the time of his death in Laporte in 1878 ; John Cot- 
ton Smith, son of Rev. Thomas M., Bowdoin College, 
1847, Episcopalian, Doctor of Divinity, a strong and 
eftective preacher, a fluent and eloquent orator, an 
author of reputation, died Jan. 9, 1882: James F. 
Sisson, 1851, Methodist ; James R. Bourne, 1854, pas- 
tor in Sharon, Conn. ; William H. Dowden, pastor at 
North Easton ; John C. Staples, 1857, pastor at South 
Deerfield ; Ellis Mendell, 1870, pastor in Norwood ; 
Rufus B. Tobey, 1870, recently pastor in Harwich ; 
Daniel C. Burt, 1872, pastor at the " Head of the 
River," 1833-57, now clerk of the church ; Henry M. 
Dexter, D.D., 1873, editor of the Coiif/rei/ationalist ; 
William C. Stiles, 1880, pastor of the East Congrega- 
tional Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Deacons. — Joshua Barker, May 11, 1809, to Nov. 
15, 1831 ; dismissed. 

Cornelius S. Burgess, May 11, 1809; removed, and 
died in Middleborough Nov. 23, 1859. 

William W. Kempton, Nov. 26, 1831, to May 4, 
1834; died. 

William Little, Nov. 26, 1831, to June 25, 1868; 
died. 

John F. Emerson, Nov. 26, 1831, to Feb. 2, 1846; 
excommunicated. 

Andrew Mackie, June 3, 1834, to May 2, 1871; 
died. 

Sidney Underwood, June 3, 1834, to March 31, 
1842 ; dismissed. 

Thomas Nickerson, June 3, 1834; declined. 

Henry P. Willis, June 3, 1834; declined. 

David Briggs, June 29, 1834, to Sept. 5, 1841 ; died. 

John Bryant, June 29, 1834, to June 2, 1879 ; died. 

Tristram R. Dennison, Dec. 24, 1851, to July 14, 
1858; resigned (city missionary since 1853). 

Edward S. Cannon, July 21, 18.58. 

Zachariah Sturtevant, May 3, 1867. 

John Hastings, May 3, 1867. 

Edward Haskell, May 3, 1867, to Dec. 11, 1882; 
died. 

Thatcher C. Hatch, Jan. 5, 1872. 

WMlliam F. Butler, Jan. 16, 1880. 

The Trinitarian Church.'— Fifty-one years have 
passed since a band of earnest Christian workers 
withdrew from the mother-church, the North Congre- 
gational, and formed the nucleus of this organization. 

The reasons for the withdrawal of this church from 
the North Congregational cannot be better stated 
than by the following letter, dated Nov. 17, 1830 : 

" It must be perfectly apparent to every ubserrer of the North Con- 
gregatioDal Church and Society, and the rapidly increasing population 

' By 3Iiss Emma J. .\shley. 



80 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of this town, that the time has fully come when another house of wor- 
ship should be erected and another congregation collected. Our pi-esent 
place of worship is all occupied, and more pews would be taken if they 
were to be had. Under these circumstances we cannot be more favora- 
\}]y situated for such an effort than we now are. It is also morally cer- 
tain if we do not open another jtlace of worship some other persons 
will, and we have much reason to fear it would be such as differ widely 
from what we believe to be the faith of the gospel. The indications of 
Divine Providence say to us emphatically, ' Strengthen your stakes and 
lengthen your cords.' 

"If we are deaf to the voice of that God who has done so nuich for 
us there is reason to apprehend that we shall not only neglect an oppor- 
tunity to do good, but we shall give others an opportunity to do that 
which will do us much evil, and especially the cause of evangelical 
truth. We are sensible that the work before us will call for sacrifices, 
hut we have been taught in years that have gone ' that there is that scat- 
tereth and yet increaseth." " 

Nov. 15, 1831, an Ecclesiastical Council met at the 
North Congregational Church for the purpose of or- 
ganizing a new society. 

.The council consi-sted of eight clergymen, among 
whom were Revs. Oliver Cohb, Pardon G. Seabury, 
and Thomas Bobbins. 

Fifty-nine persons entered their names as members 
of the new church. They are as follows : 
John C. Almy. Hannah Gibbs. 

Sylvia Almy. Louisa F. Gibbs. 

Phineas Burgess. Joshua E. Gage. 

Betsey Burgess. Julian A. Gage. 

Simeon Bailey. Nancy B. Hawes. 

Ellen J. Bailey. Nathaniel Hathaway. 

Eliza Billings. Lucy Hathaway. 

William Bain. Nancy Howland. 

Joshua Barker. Alfred Kendrick. 

Aurelia Barker. Abigail Kendrick. 

Clarissa Barker. Abbie H. Kendrick. 

Pensa Barker. Henry C. Hendrick. 

Eugenia Barker. Almira Keith. 

David Briggs. Pho;'be McKenzie. 

Anna Briggs. Nancy McKenzie. 

Hannah Chaddock. Richard A. Palmer. 

James Carver. Avis Palmer. 

Eliza Carver. Frederick Read. 

Susan Carver. ■ Sarah Read. 

Charles Coggeshall. Thomas Remington. 

Avis Coggeshall. Charles P. Sherman. 

Henrietta Cole. Benj. Thompson, Jr. 

Benjamin Clark. Eliza Tobey. 

Ann J. Clark. Caroline Tobey. 

Adeline Crowell. Mary Taylor. 

Hope Doane. Harriet Taber. 

Sarah P. Dunbar. Marsena Washburn. 

Elizabeth Freeman. Samuel Whitby. 

Robert Gibbs. Avis Whitby. 

Ann B. Gibbs. 

To these Rev. Mr. Robbins presented the confession 
of faith and covenant. They were then addressed by 
Rev. Mr. Cobb. Deacon Daniel Perry presented the 
right hand of fellowship, after which the Lord's Sup- 
per was administered. 

Of these fifty-nine original members but five are 
now (1881) known to be living, — Mrs. Avis R. Palmer, 



now residing in New York City ; Mr. Phineas Bur- 
gess, the architect and builder of this edifice, now a 
resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mrs. Eliza (Tobey) 
Evans, now living in Assonet; Mrs. Caroline (Tobey) 
Sanford, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Ellen J. Bailey, 
who resides in this city, and is still an esteemed mem- 
ber of this church. We remember with gratitude 
her years of faithful service. Long may she be 
spared as a golden link binding the old and new to- 
gether. 

Soon after the organization four deacons were 
elected. Their names were Joshua Barker, Frederick 
Read, Charles Coggeshall, and Simeon Bailey. 

For several months, while a new church edifice 
was being erected, the meetings of the society were 
held at the houses of its members, principally those 
of Charles Coggeshall and Joshua Barker. The first 
meeting was held Nov. 17, 1831, at the house of Dea- 
con Charles Coggeshall. 

The church building was completed and dedicated 
May 16, 1832. The first pastor was Rev. James Aus- 
tin Roberts. He supplied the pulpit from May 26 
until Nov. 14, 1832, when he was installed. His sal- 
ary was fixed at twelve hundred dollars per annum. 
Mr. Roberts was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, Eng- 
land, May 2, 179.5. April 5, 1843, he asked, and was 
granted, a leave of absence for one year to visit Eng- 
land. During his absence, Rev. Mr. Dyer, of Fulton- 
ville, N. Y., supplied the pulpit. In July, 1844, Mr. 
Roberts wrote from London asking his dismission. 
It was granted, but with many expressions of regret 
from the society to which he had endeared himself by 
his consistent life and faithful pastorate. He after- 
wards returned to America, and lived and died in 
Berkley, Mass. 

Feb. 10, 1844, while the pastor was in England, 
the edifice was seriously injured by fire. The first 
church to throw open its doors was the Unitarian. 
Their kind offer was accepted, and it was decided to 
discontinue the Sunday-school and hold the Sabbath 
afternoon service in the Unitarian Church. William 
Street Baptist Church also generously offered their 
house of worship. Subsequently the North Congre- 
gational Society, having granted a leave of absence to 
their pastor. Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, invited the Trini- 
tarian Society to unite with them, and requested that 
Rev. Mr. Dyer supply the pulpit during the absence 
of their pastor. This arrangement was finally con- 
summated. 

During the fall of 1844 the pulpit was supplied by 
Rev. J. H. Tosvue, of Boston, who declined to become 
a settled pastor. 

Jan. 6,1845. '*By request the church and congregation remained 
after services in the afternoon to ascertain their wishes in regard to the 
church giving Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me., an invitation 
to become pastor of their church. The question having been put and a 
request made that all wlio were in favor of the churcli giving said in- 
vitation should lise, it appeared tiiat atl had risen, and that there was 
I but one mind both in the church and congregation in favor of said in- 
vitation." 



NEW BEDFORD. 



81 



A call was immediately (Jan. 6, 1845) extended to 
Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me. His salary 
was fixed " at twelve hundred dollars the first year, 
fourteen hundred dollars the second, and sixteen 
hundred dollars the third year, and that the latter- 
named sum be the salary after that time." It was 
also voted to allow him an annual vacation of six 
weeks. March 4th a meeting of the male members 
of the church was called to make arrangements for 
the ordination of Mr. Prentiss, who had accepted the 
call so unanimously extended to him. The installation 
took place April 9th. He remained pastor of the 
church until Sept. 30, 1850. The years of his pa.s- 
torate were those of great prosperity to the society. 
Fifty-five new members were added, and the utmost 
harmony prevailed between pastor and people. 

Oct. 15, 1850, a call was extended to Rev. Wheelock 
Craig, of Newcastle. Me., and he was installed Dec. 
4, 1850. His salary was placed at twelve hundred 
dollars, with a vacation of three weeks. He remained 
with the church eighteen yeans, during which time 
two hundred and five persons were added to the 
church membership. Many of these joined during 
the great religious awakening of 1857-59. For many 
months during this revival daily union prayer-meet- 
ings were held in this church, over which Mr. Craig 
personally presided. In the midst of this interest, in 
1858, he was invited to the professorship of modern 
languages at Bowdoin College, but he preferred to 
remain in his pastorate, where he was respected and 
beloved not only by his own society, but by the com- 
munity at large. 

In 1866 the church was again injured by fire. 
While it was being repaired services were held in 
Pierian Hall. 

In 1868, Mr. Craig's health began to fail, and his 
church granted him a leave of absence for four 
months, liis salary to be continued, and his pulpit 
supplied during his absence by his brother, Rev. 
Henry Craig. He sailed from New York May 23, 
1868, landing in Ireland. He traveled through many 
countries of Europe. His health appeared to improve 
until his arrival in Italy. Finding his strength fail- 
ing he hastened back to Switzerland for the winter, 
but after several weeks of rapid decline he died at 
Neufchatel, Switzerland, Nov. 28, 1868. The last 
words of Scripture that he spoke were, " There shall 
be no night there, but the Lamb which is in the midst 
of tlie throne shall be their light." His remains were 
brouglit to this city, and his funeral services were held 
at his own church Dec. 24, 1868. His funeral sermon 
was preached by Rev. Dr. Weld, of Boston, from 
Psalms xii. 1, " Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, 
for the faithful fail from among the children of men." 

Feb. 12, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. Cassius 
M. Terry, of New York City, to become pastor of 
the church. This call was accepted Feb. 16, 1870, 
and he commenced his labors in June, but his instal- 
lation did not take place until Nov. 3, 1871. During 
6 



the fall of 1871 his health began to fail, and his 
church was grieved but not surprised when, Feb. 25, 
1872, he wrote a letter asking his dismissal. His 
resignation was accepted March 1, 1872. During 
his connection with the church he had received forty 
persons to membership, which is the highest percent- 
age per annum received by any pastor during the his- 
tory of the church. He afterwards removed to Min- 
neapolis, Minn., but change of climate failed to 
eradicate the seeds of disease sown by the east winds, 
and he died of consumption Aug. 18, 1881. His 
memory is cherished with the utmost respect and 
affection by this people. 

After the resignation of Mr. Terry in March the 
church was supplied until October very acceptably 
by Rev. Dr. L. T. Townsend, of Boston. 

At a meeting held Oct. 21, 1872, it was voted to 
extend a call to Rev. Matthew C. Julien, of New 
York, with a salary of three thousand five hundred 
dollars. It was accepted, and the installation took 
place Dec. 11, 1872. 

Mr. Julien found the church burdened with a debt 
of two thousand seven hundred dollars. This he im- 
mediately took measures to liquidate. He called a 
meeting of the church and society, and a sum more 
than sufiicient to cover the amount was raised at once. 
Since that time no debt has been allowed to accumu- 
late. At the beginning of each year estimates deemed 
sufficient to defray the expenses for the ensuing year 
have been made, and the records show that in no case 
have they been exceeded. 

His next effort was to reorganize the Bible school 
on a new basis. In this he was eminently successful, 
as is abundantly proven by the prosperous condition 
of the school to-day. It has an average attendance 
of upwai'ds of two hundred pupils, and were our ac- 
commodations suitable we have every reason to be- 
lieve that the membership would be greatly increased. 

Extensive repairs and alterations were made in the 
church edifice during the summer and fall of 1879. 
The organ was taken from the rear gallery and placed 
in front of the audience, and the interior of the church 
was tastefully frescoed and refurnished. It was re- 
dedicated Dec. 11, 1869, with interesting and appro- 
priate exercises. Addresses were made by Rev. Dr. 
Duryea, of the Central Congregational Church, Bos- 
ton, and Rev. Mr. Heath, of New Bedford. The 
music was furnished by the New Bedford Choral 
Association. 

It may be well here to mention certain legacies that 
have been bestowed by members of the church now 
deceased. The silver communion service was the 
gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibbs. It consists of a 
tankard, two plates, and four cups. Mr. Ivory H. 
Bartlett, Jr., donated in his will five hundred dollars 
to the Bible school. 

The deacons who have served since the organiza- 
tion of the church, including those previously men- 
tioned, are as follows : Joshua Barker, Simeon Bailey, 



82 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Frederick Eead, Charles Coggeshall, Reuben Nye, 
Gilbert Ricbmond, Joseph Goodspeed, Augustus P. 
Hamlin, Allen Crowell, William G. Edwards, Ezra 
B. Chase, Eben Nye, Isaac C. Sherman, William 0. 
Woodman, Fred. A. Washburn, Isaac N. Barrows. 

Among those who were conspicuous in the earlier 
history ol' the church not only for their loyalty but 
also for the public value of the service they rendered, 
some of whom have already been referred to, may be 
mentioned the names of Mr. and Mr. Robert Gibbs, 
Mrs. Alfred Kendrick, Pensa Barker, Clarissa Barker, 
Eliza Tobey, Dr. Alexander Read, John A. Kass.on, 
Jonathan Fussell, Marsena Washburn, Caroline To- 
bey, Isaac D. Hall, Deacon Joshua Barker, Deacon 
Simeon Bailey, and Deacon and Mrs. Reuben Nye. 

Mr. Julien has now been pastor of this church ten 
years. He labors with this people with great faith- 
fulness and acceptance, and fearlessly preaches what 
he considers the truth of God. The perfect harmony 
which to-day prevails throughout this church and so- 
ciety, is largely due to liis influenee. 

The First Baptist Church was organized June 30, 
1813, with the following members: John Brown, 
Elizabetii Coggesliall, Emily Brown, Susan Macom- 
ber, Alles Tobey, James Tripp, Susan Tripp, John 
Wrightington, Philip Cannon, Jr., Deborah Potter, 
Nancy Hitch, Pamelia Stovvell, Catharine Martin, 
Perivilla Lowdon, Mercy Andrews, Elizabeth Tuell, 
Phebe Cannon, Hannah Covell, Sally Greene, Catha- 
rine Tallman, John Pickens, Dolly Wilcox, and 
Huhlah Thomas. 

The first pastor of the church was Rev. George 11. 
Hough, from April, 1814, to January, 1815. His suc- 
cessors have been as follows : Revs. Silas Hall, 1817-19 ; 
James Barnaby, 1819-23; Isaac Chase, 1823-24; Fran- 
cis VVayland, supply ; Daniel Curtis, 1825-26 ; Gideon 
B. Perry, 1827-30; S. P. Hill, John E. Weston, and 
S. Lovell, supplies ; Asa Bronson, 1831-33 ; John O. 
Choules, 1833-38; M. M. Dean, G. J. Carlton, sup- 
plies ; Henry Jackson, 1838-45 ; Rufus Babcock, D.D., 
1846-50; John Girdwood, 1850-65; George S. Chase, 
supply ; D. D. Winn, 1866-79 ; H. K. Pervear, 1880, 
present pastor. 

The church first worshiped in a hall on Second 
Street near Mill. Upon the division of the town the 
old town-house at the Head of the River was purchased 
by the society and removed to the corner of South 
Second and School Streets, and was dedicated July 3, 
1817. This was occujiied until Oct. 29, 1829, when 
their present church edifice was dedicated. This was 
enlarged in 1833, the interior changed in 1841. It 
was repaired in 1856 and again in 1879, when exten- 
sive alterations and repairs were made. The present 
membership is two hundred and fifty. 

The North Baptist Church' was organized Nov. 
13, 1873. The corner-stone of the church edifice was 
laid the following spring, the religious part of the 

1 By Rev. Charles F. Nicholson. 



I exercises being conducted by Rev. J. D. Fulton, D.D., 
then of Boston. At the formal opening of the house 
; the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. George 
I C. Larimer, D.D., then of Boston. Rev. O. E. Cox 
was the first pastor, and retained the position about 
two years. His successor was Rev. Charles A. Snow, 
who continued in the pastorate six years. The pres- 
ent incumbent became the third pastor of the church 
I Oct. 1, 1881. There have been two baptisms and sev- 
, eral additions by letter during the past year. The 
! present membership is one hundred and twenty-five. 
The church is officered as follows : Pastor, Rev. 
Charles F. Nicholson ; Deacons, Luther G. Hewins, 
Thomas Pope, Annibald Dalrymple ; Clerk, Luther 
G. Hewins, Jr. ; Sexton, Samuel T. Eldridge. 

Most of the original constituent members (about 

thirty) withdrew from the William Street Baptist 

Church of this city for the express purpose of starting 

a new church interest, which was felt to be a great 

and immediate necessity, in the north part of the city. 

Mr. Augustus Green, of the William Street Baptist 

I Church of this city, has from the first been an ardent 

I advocate and generous contributor to the North Bap- 

I tist Church enterprise. He has given to this object, 

' all told, about seventeen thousand dollars. 

An important auxiliary of the church is an inter- 
esting Sunday-school of about two hundred members, 
which is earnestly at work studying and teaching the 
word of God. 

There is a pleasant parsonage adjacent to the church 
edifice on County Street. 
' The Second Baptist Church was organized Jan. 
22, 1845, and in the same year their first house of 
worship was dedicated. The first pastor was Rev. 
Thomas U. Allen. Among others of the early min- 
isters were Edmund Kelley, Elder Jackson, C. Bray, 
Richard Vaughn, P. Bowler, T. P. Valentine, and 
I C. Woodward. 

Salem Baptist Church. — This church was organ- 

J ized Dec. 7, 1858. It was composed of ninety-five 

persons, who, with their pastor. Rev. William Jack- 

': son, withdrew from the Second Baptist Church. 

1 Among the original members of the church were 

William Bush, Scipio Blackwell, Peter Nelson, John 

C. Dunlap, Edwin Lewis, and Anthony G. Jour- 

dain, Jr. The pastor. Rev. William Jackson, was 

born in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 16, 1818. The house of 

worship occupied by the society is on North Sixth 

Street, and was formerly known as the Centre Chapel. 

The church has had but two pastors, Rev. William 

Jackson, from 1858 to 1869, and Rev. .1. H. Lee, from 

1869 to the present time. 

The Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church.'' 
— Every branch of the Christian Church worthy of an 
existence deserves to have its history recorded for the 
benefit of succeeding generations, and for its own 
honor. 

2 By Rev. A. McCord. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



83 



This church was built in 1831, and dedicated in 
February, 1832. At this time it formed a branch of 
the Elm Street (now the County Street) Society. 
During 1831 and 1832, Rev. Asa Kent offici.ited, 
and at the Conference of 1832, A. D. Sargeant and 
Daniel Webb were appointed to serve both charges. 

In 1833, by mutual consent, they separated, and 
Fourth Street became a separate and distinct church 
under the pastoral care of A. U. Swinerton, who re- 
mained two years. 

Only three of the original Acushnet members came 
from Elm Street to Fourth Street, viz. : Z. Cushman, 
B. K. Saver, and Bloomy Holmes ; the last is still 
living. 

Rev. Swinerton was greatly prospered, receiving 
forty -seven into the church by profession, and twenty- 
nine by letter. During his pastorate the church was 
financially embarrassed for years with a debt of six 
thousand dollars. 

In 1835, Rev. Sanford Benton was appointed to this 
church, and labored successfully for one year, when 
he was removed at his own request. 

In 1836, Rev. Phin. Crandall was stationed here, 
and remained two years. While here he distinguished 
himself in a controversy with Rev. Mr. Morgrige on 
the doctrine of the Trinity in the public press. 

In 1838, Rev. W. Emerson served this church. 

The records of this pastorate are wanting. 

Rev. Daniel Webb was appointed to this charge in 
1839. He remained but one year. 

In 1840, Rev. Mr. Campbell supplied this church. 
A very interesting revival of religion attended his 
labors. He was removed at the end of his first year, 
and afterwards became what was then called a "Mil- 
lerite." 

In 1841, Rev. George Pool was appointed, but re- 
mained only one year, when he was appointed prin- 
cipal of the E. Greenwich Academy. He was very 
popular with the church, and they regretted his re- 
moval. A general religious interest prevailed during 
his short pastorate, and his removal was considered 
detrimental to the prosperity of this church. 

In 1842, Rev. Mr. Swinerton was reappointed to 
this charge, and remained two years, — a fact which 
showed the high estimate in which this church held 
this worthy man. He raised for missions $57.70. 

Rev. Isaac House was sent here in 1844. He was 
eloquent and popular, drawing large audiences. He 
became sick in the fall of this year, and died July 7, 
1847. 

Rev. Daniel Webb supplied the balance of the 
year. 

In 1846, Rev. P. Townsend became pastor. He 
died in April, 1877, at his home in Cochesett, Mass. 

In 1847, Rev. Daniel Filmore became pastor, and 
served with great acceptance. 

In 1849, Rev. W. H. Richards came to serve this 
society. While pastor here his wife died. 

In 1850, Rev. M. Chase was appointed pastor, and 



his ministry was very successful, adding a large num- 
ber to the church. At the end of this year he reported 
two hundred and ten members and sixty-two proba- 
tioners. The ne.xt year he reported two hundred and 
sixty-seven members and one hundred and sixteen 
probationers. .\t the close of this year he, with others, 
bought the Allen Street Church, and formed a new 
society with members from the Fourth Street Society. 
The above figures include those that went to found 
the .411en Street Society. This move was afterwards 
much regretted, owing to the weakeningof the mother- 
church by it. 

In 1852, Rev. Richard Livesey became pastor. 
This year thirty-five removed by letter to Allen 
Street, which, with the number before removed, 
reduced the membership at Fourth Street to one 
hundred and ninety-one members and eighteen pro- 
bationers. 

At the close of this Conference year the Providence 
Annual Conference was entertained by this society. 
Bishop Janes presided and Bishop Baker was present. 

In 1853, Rev. J. Mather was selected for this ap- 
pointment, and remained two years. During his 
pastorate nine were received by letter and four by 
profession. Owing to the number removing to Allen 
Street, the membership was reduced to one hundred 
and seventy-two, and seven probationers. 

In 1855, Rev. George M. Carpenter was stationed 
here. He remained two years. The membership 
was reduced during his pastorate by the continued 
flow to Allen Street and deaths and removals to one 
hundred and thirty-six, and six on trial. 

At this date the tide to Allen vStreet ceased to flow 
from this church. 

In 1857, Rev. Mr. Baylies was appointed pastor. 
This was a year of general religious revival through- 
out the country, and quite a number were added to 
the church ; reported one hundred and thirty-two 
members and forty-two probationers. 

In 1858, Rev. J. T. Benton became pastor, and re- 
mained two years. He reported one hundred and 
forty-two members, and twenty-two on probation. 

In 1860, Rev. S. F. Upham, since elected professor 
in Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, N. J., was 
appointed pastor and served two years. During his 
pastorate fifteen were added to the church, fourteen 
of them by letter, yet such was the decrease by 
death and removal that only one hundred and thirty- 
four members and flfteen probationers remained at 
the close of his pastorate. During his pastorate the 
church building was enlarged and remodeled at a cost 
of six thousand three hundred dollars. 

The house was rededicated in February, 1861, by 
Rev. L. D. Barrows. 

In 1862, Rev. N. Bemis wiis appointed the pastor. 

At the close of his pastorate he reported one hun- 
dred and thirty-seven members and fourteen proba- 
tioners. 

In 1863, Rev. E. H. Hatfield was appointed pastor. 



84 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and served two years. The records show no recep- 
tions into the church during his pastorate. There is 
a h\rge falling off in membership at this time not 
accounted for. He reported one hundred and thir- 
teen members and ten probationers. 

In the spring of 1865, for the first time in its his- 
tory, Fourth Street was left " to be supplied." Rev. 
Joseph Marsh, a local preacher, was invited to serve 
the church. His wife died during this pastorate. 
He reported the tide falling, — only one hundred and 
five members and eight probationers. 

In the spring of 1866, Eev. William H. Jones, of 
the New Hampshire Conference, was appointed to 
this charge. At this time a debt of two thousand 
four hundred dollars, contracted at the time when the 
church was improved. He reported three admitted 
by letter and four by profession. Total members, 
one hundred and ten, and thirteen on trial. 

In 1867, Rev. E. S. Stanley was sent as pastor. 
There was .some increase during this pastorate. He 
reported one hundred and eighteen members, and 
twenty-one on trial. 

There is a break in the records here. The ne.xt 
report is that of Charles Ryder, who supplied this 
church from May 1, 1873, to July 1st, and then re- 
signed. 

Charles Morgan supplied from Sept. 1, 1873, to 
March 25, 1874, and reported twenty-three conver- 
sions. At the Conference of 1874 he was returned as 
pastor, and served to April, 1875. 

In 1875, Rev. R. W. C. Farnsworth was appointed 
pastor, and served until April, 1878. 

In 1878, Rev. Asa N. Bodfish was appointed pastor, 
and remained three years. He reported one hundred 
and thirty members. This number was found re- 
duced to one hundred and eighteen. 

In 1881, Rev. A. McCord was appointed pastor. 
The outlook was exceedingly gloomy. The church 
building was in urgent need of repairs. The pastor 
went to work and raised, in and out of the church, 
two thousand three hundred dollars, and thoroughly 
repaired, painted, and refurnished the church inside 
and out. 

All the bills were paid, so that at the close of that 
year he could report no debt. The winter of that 
year a revival started, and many were converted and 
received on probation. The work continued into the 
next year, and during the second year he received 
into full connection fifty-five, and in March, 1883, 
twelve remain on probation. Other improvements 
have been made in the church facilities and paid for. 
The amount expended for improvements in one way 
and another during the two years has reached about 
two thousand five hundred dollars, which has all been 
raised. The church feels that the tide has turned, and 
trust in God as their hope for years to come. The 
Sabbath-school has largely increased. The member- 
ship of the church is one hundred and eighty, and 
twelve on probation. 



Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church. — This 

house of worship was built in 1842 by William and 
Joseph Smith, Christian Baptist preachers, and was 
occupied for several years by that denomination. 

Nov. 8, 1851, it was offered for sale by Hervey Sul- 
lings and James A. Tripp, the proprietors, and princi- 
pally through the exertions of the Rev. Moses Chase, 
then in charge of the Fourth Street Church, it was 
purchased by the following persons: Stephen Wood, 
Joseph Brownell, John Allen, Albert D. Hatch, Ezra 
Kelley, Rev. Moses Chase, and Thomas R. Peirce, all 
of whom were members of the Fourth Street Church 
except Mr. Peirce. They obtained a supply for the 
pulpit until the 8th of December, when the Rev. An- 
drew McKeovvn was appointed by the presiding elder 
until the ensuing session of the Providence Confer- 
ence. 

The following members of the Fourth Street Church 
were the founders of this society : Robert A. Sher- 
man, Eliza R. Sherman, Henry M. Allen, Phebe A. 
Allen, Solomon Chadwick, Nancy W. Chadwick, 
Benjamin Buffington, John Allen, Sarah W. Allen, 
Matilda C. Anderson, John Tripp, Polly Tripp, Sarah 
P. Tripp, Hope Sherman, Mary E. Macomber, Mary 
E. Miller, Nicholas Mack, Frederick A. Chase, Su- 
sannah Rogers, Stephen Wood, A. D. Hatch, H. H. 
Tillson, Alanson Williston. 

The following persons were appointed to serve as a 
board of trustees, viz.: Robert A. Sherman, Henry 
M. Allen, Solomon Cliadwick, Davis Thomas, John 
Allen, Stephen Wood, Warren Howland, Alanson 
Williston, and Benjamin Buffington. 

The house of worship was reopened with appro- 
priate religious services Jan. 22, 1852. A sermon was 
preached on the occasion by the Rev. Moses Chase. 

Mr. McKeown's successors have been as follows : 
Revs. .1. B. Gould, J. A. M. Chapman, Henry Baylies, 
P. T. Kinney, John Livesey, William Kellen, F. J. 
Wagner, E. A. Lyon, Thomas Ely, Freeman Ryder, 
J. M. Durell, V. N. Matson, Bradford T. Roy, B. P. 
Raymond, J. H. Humphrey, Charles S. Nutter, and 
in 1881 Rev. George W. Wright, M.A., the present 
pastor, was appointed. 

Rev. George W. Wright, the present pastor, was 
born at Beekman, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He graduated 
at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., in the class 
of 1868, and also graduated at Wesleyan University, 
Middletown, Conn., in class of 1872. He studied 
theology at the School of Theology of Boston Univer- 
sity during the year 1873. This (eccle.siastical year, 
1881) year was characterized by an extensive and 
powerful revival, resulting in a large number of con- 
versions and a large increase in numbers and interest 
in the Sunday-school. 

The various departments of the church are health- 
ful and vigorous. The membership of the church is 
one hundred and eighty ; probationers, forty-eight. 
The Sabbath-school has numbered at its regular ses- 
sion as high as two hundred and twenty-five. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



85 



Mr. Jethro C. Brock, Esq., is the present popular 
superintendent. The present board of trustees are 
Henry M. Allen, Charles E. Cook, J. Harvey Sher- 
man, Jethro C. Brock. S. D. Robinson, Charles A. 
Tuell, Frederick D. Bless. 

The Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church' of New Bedford, Mass., was organized May 
24, 1844. In the spring of 1843 the Elm Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a committee 
from her trustees, who purchased a lot on Pleasant 
Street, and erected an edifice thirty by forty feet for 
the purposes of a Sunday-school. Nearly seventy 
members from that society volunteered the care of 
this new mission and soon established social meetings. 
The organization which speedily followed was efl'ected 
without dissension, it being apparent to the mother- 
church that the step was fully authorized by the relig- 
ious necessities of (hat part of the city. 

Its career has been marked by great religious pros- 
perity. Hundreds have bowed at her altars to the 
sceptre of Immanuel. Her Sunday-school ranks 
among the largest in New England. 

The original edifice was enlarged during the pas- 
torate of Rev. John Livesey, which extended from 
August, 1843, to the spring of 1845. 

The present edifice was dedicated July, 1849, and 
improved during the pastorates of Revs. L. B. Bates 
and E. F. Clark. 

The following have been her pastors : John Livesey, 
1843-4.5; Samuel Beedle, 1845-46; S. C. Brown, 
1846 ; C. H. Titus, 1846-48 ; Jonathan Cady, 1848- 
50 ; John Hobart^ 1850-51 ; H. C. Atwater, 1851-53 ; 
Frederick Upham, 1853-55 ; E. B. Bradford, 185.5-57 ; 
John Howson, 1857-59; Charles Nason, 1859-61; 
William McDonald, 1861-63; W. F. Farrington, 
1863-64; N. P. Philbrook, 1864-66; L. B. Bates, 
1866-69; J. E. Hawkins, 1869-72; W. T. North, 
1872-75; T. K. Green, 1875-78; J. W. Malcolm, 
1878-80 ; E. F. Clark, 1880-83. 

County Street Methodist Episcopal Church.-— 
This society was organized in 1820, and worshiped in 
the church on Elm Street (below Purchase) till 1859, 
when the new building on the corner of County and 
Elm Streets was completed, and dedicated May 5th 
of that year. 

The following are the namesof the pastors, with dates 
of their service: Jesse Fillmore, 1820-21; Solomon 
Sias, 1822-23; E[)h. Kebby, 1824; Frederick Upham, 
1825; Jacob Sanborn, 1826-27; Asa Kent, 1828; 
Timothy Merritt, 1829-30; Daniel Webb, 1831-32; 
Daniel Fillmore, 1833; Thomas C. Pierce, 1834-35; 
Shipley W. Wilson, 1836-37; Isaac Bonney, 1838-39; 
Joel Knight, 1840-41 ; John Lovejoy, 1842-43; A. P. 
Wheeler, 1844; David Patten, 1845-46; James D. 
Butler, 1847-48; Robert M.Hatfield, 1849-50; Daniel 
Wise, 1851-52; E. T. Fletcher, 1852-53; W. T. Har- 
low, 1854-55; John Cooper, 1856; H. S. White, 



' By Eev E. F. Clark. 



2 By Leonard B, Ellis. 



1857-58; Mark Trafton, 1859-60; William S. Studley, 
1861-62; Mark Trafton, 1863-64; R. W. Humphries, 
1865-67; D. P. Leavitt, 1868-70; E. McChesney, 
1871-73; Luther T. Townsend, 1874; W. F. Crafts, 
1875-76; W. F. Whitcher, 1877-78 ; W. L.Phillips, 
1879-80; E. T. Towle, 1881; H. D. Kimball, 1882-83. 
The church ofiicers were as follows: Stewards, Ben- 
jamin Pitman, Ambrose Vincent, George G. Gifford, 
George M. Eddy, Benjamin Anthony, Charles De 
Wolf, Sylvanus Bennett, Savory C. Hathaway, James 
Taylor; Class-Leaders, Addison Woodard, Caleb L. 
Ellis, Savory Hathaway, Frank A. Butts, Jr., William 
J. Sherman, Josiah Richmond, Jona. Covell, Thomas 
H. Soule, Fred. H. Vinal, Nathan L. Paine, William 
B. Dwight, John B. Smith, Job Wade, James B. Rus- 
sell, Timothy M. Giftbrd, Joseph R. Slocum, George 
T. Allen, George T. Hardwick, George N. Dyer, Chas. 

A. B. Peterson, William 1\I. Butler, George G. GiflTord, 
Jr., Mark T. Vincent; District Steward, Ambrose Vin- 
cent ; Recording Steward, Benjamin Pitman ; Secre- 
tary, Mark T. Vincent; Treasurer, George M. Eddy; 
Collector, Mrs. Joseph R. Slocum ; Trustees, James 
Taylor (president), L. B. Ellis (secretary), Benjamin 
Anthony (treasurer), F. A. Soule, S. T. Perry, George 
M. Eddy, S. C. Hathaway, Job Wade, George G. Gif- 
ford ; Local Preacher, Addison Woodard. 

The following are the officers of the Sunday-school: 
L. B. Ellis, superintendent ; Savory C. Hathaway, 
Mary E. Austin, assistants; Benjamin Pitman, secre- 
tary ; William M. Butler, assistant ; Emma C. Austin, 
treasurer ; Charles L. Paine, librarian ; Mark T. Vin- 
cent, Annie L. Almy, LillieS. Perry, Mary A. Willis, 
assistants. 

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.— 
This church was organized March 5, 1850, and cou- 
sisted of the following members : Edward Thomas, 
Alexander Devol, Isaac Henson, William H. Harris, 
Sarah Harrison, Jane Thomas, Mary Ann Devol, 
Harriet Wright, Mary Harris, Celia Williams, Cath- 
arine Henson, Phebe Henson, and Charles Eaton. 

They first held services in a school-house on the 
corner of Eighth Street and Mechanics' Lane, after- 
wards at the residence of Mr. Alexander Devol, on 
Middle Street, until 1851, when they removed to their 
present house of worship. The pastors have been as 
follows : Rev. Leonard Collins, H. Thompson, James 
Simmons, Dempsey, Peter Ross, Joseph Hicks, Clin- 
ton Leonard, Samuel M. Giles, W. B. Smith, Na- 
thaniel Stubb, Lucas Sayler, Thomas Davis, William 

B. Smith, George H. W.ishingtou, J. B. Small, W.D. 
F. Pyle, John F. Lloyd, Silas A. Mitchell, William 
B. Heath, Daniel Davis, N. H. Turpin, George H. 
Washington, and William B. Bowens. 

African Methodist Episcopal Bethel Church.— 
Those churches styling themselves African Methodist 
separated from their white brethren of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at a convention assembled in Phila- 
delphia in April, 1816. 

This church was organized in 1842, by Rev. Eli N. 



86 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hall, of Providence, with the following persons: 
Jacob Thomas and wife, John Bailey and wife, John 
Elsemore and wife, Walter Hawkins and wife, James 
Cook and wife, John Williams and wife, James Allen, 
George F. Fletcher, Grafton Johnson, John F. Chew, 
Jackson Hawkins, Henry J. Johnson, Hatty Peter- 
son, Porter Hendrickson and wife, James Dyre and 
wife, and Jesse Richardson. 

During the same year a house of worship was built, 
at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars. This was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1854. The present building was 
commenced in 1855. The corner-stone was laid by 
Joseph R. Turner, but no work on the church was 
done for seven years. Rev. H. J. Johnson at length 
formed the "One Object Society" to carry out and 
complete the work ; and finally, after upwards of ten 
years' persistent efl'ort, aided by liberal contributions 
from the public, the church was finished and paid for, 
at a cost of about four thousand five hundred dollars. 
Pastors, Revs. John Butler, Henry J. Johnson, Rich- 
ard Robinson, Leven Tillman, Peter Gardner, H. J. 
Johnson, Dayton Doyle, Thomas M. D. Ward, J. D. S. 
Hall, Joseph R. Turner, Lewis S. Lewis, Jacob Mitch- 
ell, Henry J. Young, William Grimes, William De- 
mond, H. J. Johnson, J. P. Shreeves, J. H. W. Hur- 
ley, John R. V. Morgan, Joseph G. Smith, William 
H. Johnson, John T. Haysielt, Stephen V. Douglass, 
P. L. Stanford, E. T. Williams, Joseph P. Shreeves, 
William J. Laws, and Rev. William H. Hunter, the 
present incumbent. 

Grace Church..' — The initial step in the formation 
of a Protestant Episcopal Church in New Bedford was 
taken Oct. 2, 1833, when a meeting of gentlemen in- 
terested in the church resolved upon its establish- 
ment, elected wardens, vestry, and a clerk, and took 
measures for securing an act of incorporation. The 
project was largely aided by the advice and services 
of Rev. Mark A. De W. Howe (now Bishop of Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania), who was present at the meeting 
as a representative of the Massachusetts Convocation. 
The parish, at first called Christ Church, was incor- 
porated March 19, 1834, under the name of " The 
Wardens, Vestry, and Proprietors of Grace Church 
of New Bedford." 

For some two years the new parish rented as a 
place of worship a building on Middle Street which 
was owned and had been occupied by the Second 
Christian Society. In 1834 the subject of building a 
church was agitated, and a lot was bought on Union 
Street, upon which, July 30, 1835, the corner-stone of 
a wooden church of Gothic style, with two towers 
in front, was laid, and the building was completed 
and consecrated in the following year. 

Immediately upon the organization of the parish 
Rev. Nathaniel T. Bent became minister in charge as 
a missionary of the Massachusetts Convocation, but 
after the lapse of two months was elected rector, and 



1 Coiiliibiiteii by Gol. C. B. H. Fossendeii. 



faithfully and efBciently served as such till his resig- 
nation in November, 1838. 

Early in 1839, Rev. Theodore W. Snow was chosen 
rector, but was obliged to resign in 1841 in conse- 
quence of impaired health, affecting mind as well as 
body. 

In March following. Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, 
then a chaplain in the United States navy, was called 
to the rectorship. He accepted the position for a 
year, having obtained a furlough for that time, and 
that being extended, re-engaged for another year 
He was then elected permanent rector, but in 1845 
being ordered on sea duty by the department, he re 
signed. Rev. Dr. Lambert is now rector of St. John's, 
Charles town. 

From September, 1846, to February, 1848, Rev, 
George D. Wilder (now rector of Christ Church 
Riverdale, N. Y., and the accomplished secretary of 
the Church Congress) acted as rector. 

At Easter, 1848, Rev. Sanford J. Horton succeeded, 
and held the position till November, 1851, when he 
resigned. Dr. Horton, now the head of a flourishing 
church school at Cheshire, Conn., was greatly beloved 
by the parish, but the meagreness of his stipend com- 
pelled him to sever his connection with the parish. 

In February, 1852, the parish called again its first 
rector. Rev. Mr. Bent, but failing health forbade his 
acceptance, and Rev. Charles W. Homer was chosen 
and accepted the position. At this time the parish, 
never before in a very prosperous financial condition, 
was at low tide in its monetary affairs. The rector's 
stipend was but seven hundred dollars, and he was 
fitfully paid ; the church building was in a wretched 
state, and the outlook was dreary enough. The sec- 
ond year of Mr. Homer's incumbency a spasmodic 
effort was made to secure a new church, one of stone. 
It utterly failed, and the failure left the parish de- 
pressed and well-nigh disheartened. The rector, 
then in the flush of youth, was unequal to tlie 
needed struggle for success, and in October, 1854, 
resigned. He is now rector of St. James', one of the 
largest churches in Broojclyn, L. I. 

Rev. Spencer M. Rice followed as rector, entering 
upon his work in February, 1855. Coming into the 
church from the Methodist denomination, Mr. Rice 
brought with him not a little of the zeal and fervor 
of that sect, and a shrewd, practical knowledge of 
affairs. He was remarkably faithful and successful 
in the performance of parochial duty, and a wise 
counselor and indefatigable helper in managing the 
temporal interests of the parish. It goes without 
saying that he was successful. The parish income 
showed it, the new interest in church work manifested 
it, and the complete renovation of the church edifice 
and the extinction of tlie church debt proved it. Mr. 
Rice was induced by the state of his health to resign 
in 1860. He is now residing in Jersey City, N. J., 
having lately, after a long rectorate, resigned the 
charge of Grace Church in that city. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



87 



In September following Rev. Josiah P. Tustin, D.D., 
became rector, and resigned in April, 18(52. 

Rev. James Mulchahey succeeded him in Septem- 
ber, 1862, and held the rectorship for some seven 
years. During that time the lot in the rear of the 
church was bought, and the old house thereon con- 
verted into a commodious chapel. He had the satis- 
faction of leaving the parish in good condition, the 
result of his intelligent, faithful, and devoted service. 
Rev. Dr. Mulchahey, after some years' residence as 
rector of a church in Toledo, Ohio, was elected an 
assistant minister of Old Trinity Parish, New York, 
and is now in charge of St. Paul's in that city. 

The next rector was Rev. Edmund Rowland, who 
assumed charge in November, 1869. In May, 1871, 
he resigned, upon the Invitation of Bishop Coxe to 
act as assistant rector of St. John's, Buffalo, N. Y. 
After an unsuccessful attempt to fill his place he was 
unanimously and urgently recalled, and resumed the 
rectorship, remaining till December, 1878, when he 
resigned and took charge of Calvary Church, Clifton, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he now resides. His term of 
service in Grace Church was longer than that of any 
of his predecessors, covering a period of nine years. 
His rectorship, though marked by no extraordinary 
achievement, was grandly successful. The church 
grew steadily and healthily in every direction ; needed 
changes and improvements in church and chapel were 
quietly made ; a rectory was provided by a few mem- 
bers of the parish ; efforts were made to establish a 
mission in the north part of the city, which resulted 
in the erection of a new church there, and the germ 
of the new Grace Church was in the church building 
fund which the rector started and so hopefully and 
patiently nurtured. 

The present rector, Rev. George A. Strong, assumed 
his duties on Easter-day, 1870. He did not suffer the 
project of building a new church to slumber, and the 
gift of an eligible site for it by two devoted women 
of the parish settled the success of his appeals. The 
Easter offerings of 1880, appropriated to the fund, 
amounted to sixteen thousand dollars, which, with 
the four thousand dollars gathered in Mr. Rowland's 
time, and the expected avails of the sale of the old 
church and lot, warranted immediate steps for begin- 
ning work. The corner-stone of the new Grace 
Church, on the corner of County and School Streets, 
was laid by Rev. Dr. Rowland, Sept. 11, 1880. The 
building, mostly completed, was opened for service 
Nov. 11, 1881, Rev. Phillips Brooks, D.D., preaching 
the sermon ; and Oct. 19, 1882, the building, finished 
and paid for, was consecrated by Right Rev. Benjamin 
H. Paddock, bishop of the diocese. The cost of the 
church, exclusive of the lot (the market value of 
which was about ten thousand dollars), was forty- 
seven thousand dollars. Its seating capacity, about 
six hundred, with sittings for nearly two hundred 
more in the adjoining chapel, is none too great for 
present needs. In the tower is a chime of bells, ten 



in number, weighing over eleven thousand pounds, 
the gift of the late Stephen G. Driscol. They were 
rung for the first time on Christmas-eve, 1882. 

The parish to-day, with a rector in whom its mem- 
bers are thoroughly and heartily in unison, with its 
church sittings nearly all taken, with an income in 
excess of its ordinary expenses, and with the interest 
in church services and church work steadily increas- 
ing, occupies an assured position, and should exert a 
widening conservative influence. 

St. James' Episcopal Church, situated on County 
Street, at its junction with Linden Street, has been 
from the date of its erection one of the attractive 
features of the city, partly because of the unique 
style of its architecture, and in part because of the 
extraordinary circumstances connected with the or- 
ganization and growth of the parish. 

Early in the spring of 1878 there was a movement 
among the English operatives in the Wamsutta Mills 
tending to the establishment of a congregation which 
should be distinct from the old parish church, situ- 
ated on Union Street. Their relations with the older 
parish were most amicable, but the remote distance 
of the church from the mill district, the rapid increase 
of the population, and the promise in a near future of 
a still greater addition to the numbers of English 
church people in the city favored the movement for a 
new parish. At the instance of the then rector of Grace 
Church, the Rev. Edmund Rowland, and under a 
suggestion from the Bishop of Connecticut, who is 
also dean of the world-famed Berkeley Divinity 
School, the Rev. C. H. Proctor, a recent graduate of 
the school, and at the time doing active missionary 
work in the mining districts of Pennsylvania, was in- 
vited to take charge of the whole movement. It was 
proposed to make the organization a mission chapel, 
to be supported in part by the parish of Grace Church, 
in part by the missionary society of the diocese, and 
in part by voluntary contributions from the people 
who would join the movement. With this agreement, 
Mr. Proctor accepted the position offered to him, and 
held the first service with the congregation in a hired 
shed on Purchase Street, near the mills, on the lOtb 
of March, 1878. This first service and surroundings 
have been graphically described: The cobwebbed 
beams were hidden with sheets of Wamsutta cloth ; 
two packing-boxes turned on end and covered with 
calico served as altar and pulpit; the alms were col- 
lected in two new and bright tin pie-plates ; a bor- 
ron-ed parlor-organ and an extemporized choir of 
voung girls furnished the music ; a paper screen in- 
closed a corner for a vestry-room. 

The names of about forty individuals were entered 
as a nucleus about which to gather the new parish. 
Almost at the outset, and before the new minister had 
fairly taken position, it was discovered that the Dioc- 
esan Missionary Board discouraged and repudiated 
the whole scheme and had promised it no support, 
and at the same time as an adjunct chapel to Grace 



88 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Church the work would receive no possible encourage- 
ment, and Mr. Proctor found himself forced to face a 
most discouraging outlook, — a church of forty souls, 
a salary of three hundred dollars, and the assurance 
that his work must be independent of all local sup- 
port beyond his own congregation. This was the be- 
ginning of a work whose after-history is said to have 
no parallel in the church. Mr. Proctor, suffering 
with distressing ill health, but nerved with deleriuina- 
tion, called his people together on the 28th of March, 
just two weeks after the first service, laid the case 
clearly before them, and expressed his desire to ac- 
complish what they had wished and planned, and 
then and there took the first steps in organizing the 
parish. Articles of association were drawn up and 
signed by those who were canonically entitled to do 
so. The jmrish was christened "St. James," com- 
memorating both the teaching of that apostle and 
also the memory of a dear friend of the rector, whose 
Christian name was thus incorporated with the work, 
and the first vestry was elected as follows: Wardens, 
Andrew Bannister and James Boardman ; Treasurer, 
William Smith ; Clerk, A. McCreary ; Vestrymen, 
Sidney Smith, James Slater, William Robinson, Wil- 
liam Philips, George Ramsbotham. Tlirough the 
kindness of the heirs of the Rodman estate a disused 
school-house was loaned free of rent to the new parish, 
and from this date services have been held continu- 
ously. Plans for the erection of a church building 
were taken in hand immediately. Subscriptions were 
solicited, and an almost uninterrupted flow of gifts 
and donations poured down upon the rector. A choir 
was organized under Mr. Proctor's direction, whose 
previous study of church music in the Englisli cathe- 
drals proved of great service, and a feature was estab- 
lished in the rendering of the services of the church 
which has scarcely since abated and which has always 
been a strong attraction. 

Minor societies were put in operation. The St. 
James' League, organized April 15, 1878, with Mrs. 
Sidney Smith as president, and the St. James' Sewing- 
School, with Miss Ella C Adams as president, organ- 
ized soon after, have both assisted largely in strength- 
ening the work. On Easter-day, April 21st, upwards 
of three thousand dollars had been received or pledged 
for building purposes. On the 22d of May, under 
the direction of Judge Alanson Borden as justice of 
the peace, the parish received its legal organization 
and title, and Mr. Proctor was instituted rector. On 
Wednesday, June 6th, money enough having been 
secured, the parish purchased and secured the title- 
deeds to the most eligible site upon which tlie church 
now stands. On Saturday, the 15th of June, with 
religious services, ground was broken on the new lot, 
the Rev. Mr. Rowland, of Grace Cliurch, participating 
with the rector in the exercises and giving the address 
of the occasion. Mr. Proctor, breaking the first sod, 
was followed by Mr. Rowland, aud then by the long 
line of people on both sides of the inclosed space. 



Plans for the new edifice were, adopted from those 
presented by W. C. Brocklesby, architect, of Hartford, 
Conn. On Friday, July 25th, being St. James' Day, 
the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies, 
the Rev. Dr. Mulchahey, of St. Paul's, New York 
City, giving the address, followed by Mr. Rowland, of 
Grace Church, the stone being laid in place by the 
rector of the parish, Mr. Proctor. On Tuesday even- 
ing, December 24th, the church was occupied for the 
first time, although in as yet an unfinished condition, 
the workmen not entirely leaving the churcli until 
Feliruary, when the rector placed tlie last and upjier- 
most brick on the top of the tower, a scaffolding 
being especially prepared for the purpose. So, with- 
out the aid of any other single parish, as such, and 
without assistance from any missionary board, dioc- 
esan or otherwise, St. James' Church became an 
established fact in less than twelve months' time. 
With the advice of responsible persons, the church 
was completed, with its tower aud necessary furniture 
and some of the ordinary properties of a church 
building, adding thereby a comparatively small debt 
to the original undertaking, but which without these 
additions would have been almost from the first wholly 
free. Sixteen thousand dollars have been raised in 
four years in cash offerings and memorial gifts, and 
the fairest promises are made for sustaining the work 
in the future. 

The parish has been self-sustaining from its founda- 
tion, and has extended its influence in a short space 
of time from forty souls to near four hundred families. 
The parish list now numbers about one hundred and 
fifty families immediately connected with the church, 
but this in nowise includes the large community 
who depend upon the ministrations of the rector. 
The christenings alone in St. James' average nearly 
one for every Sunday in the year. 

The rector of the parish, its founder and first rector, 
Charles Hayden Proctor, is an M.A., graduate of 
Trinity College, class of 1873, and of the Berkeley 
Divinity School, class of 1876. His qualifications for 
the position he holds have been enhanced by the ex- 
perience of close observation and study in English 
cathedrals, and during a recent visit in England his 
work in St. James' Churcli and among the English 
Church people received most cordial and substantial 
recognition from His Grace the Archbishop of York, 
the Bishop of Manchester, and more recently from 
I the late Dean of Westminster, and also from the late 
Archbishop of Canterbury. While in the Northern 
Convocation he was specially honored with a license 
to officiate from the archbishop's own hand. With 
r a natural firmness of determination, Mr. Proctor has 
been enabled to accomplish much that many men 
would have shrunk from undertaking, and the church 
established under his hand will be a lasting monu- 
ment, tlian which one could ask to deserve no greater. 

North Christian Church.— This church was " con- 
stituted a Christian Church Jan. 25, 1807." The 



NEW BEDFORD. 



89 



founders of the society were formerly members of the 
Baptist Church in Dartmouth, under the pastoral 
charge of Elder Daniel Hix. The following arc the 
names of the original members: Obed Kempton, 
Ruth Kempton, John Hathaway, Edith Hathaway, 
Jonathan Haskins, Sarah Haskins, Sarah Strange, 
Lois Hervey, Patience Hatch, Remembrance Wood, 
Nabby Russell, Nabby Tobey, Betsey Chase. 

At a meeting of the church, Sept. 26, 1811, Mr. 
Mandell was appointed to " keep the records," Obed 
Kempton treasurer, and Abraham Giflbrd " to receive 
the regular contributions." Jabez Hammond was or- 
dained as the lirst deacon by Elders Hix and Taylor 
on May id, 1812. 

The first clergymen of whom the records make 
mention, who preached for the society at different 
periods during its first existence, were Elders Daniel 
Hix, Frederick Plummer, John Gray, Douglass Far- 
num, Benjamin Taylor, and Abner Jones. 

Elder Benjamin Taylor was the first settled minis- 
ter of whom the records make mention. He com- 
menced his labors with the church in 1812, and con- 
tinued his charge until 1819. 

Aug. 19, 1817, a committee was selected to inform 
Elder Elias Smith, who had occasionally preached 
to the church, that he could no longer be received in 
that capacity. The objection to Mr. Smith was his 
tendencies to the doctrines promulgated by the Uni- 
versalists. Mr. Smith was the father of Matthew 
Hale Smith, and one of the founders of the " Chris- 
tian sect." Another noteworthy item in connection 
with Elder Smith is that he was one of the origina- 
tors of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, the first relig- 
ious paper ever published in America. 

Sept. 4, 1819, Elder Taylor dissolved his connection 
with the church and took up his residence in Swan- 
sea. His successor was Elder Moses How, who settled 
with them during the fall of 1819. 

About 1820, Elder Simon Clough visited the church 
and officiated frequently ; he preached during the 
greater part of 1823-24. 

In December, 1826, Elder Charles Morgridge, of 
Boston, was settled as minister. The pulpit was sup- 
plied in the interim by Elder Hervey Sullings. 

During the fall of 1831, Mr. Morgridge resigned his 
pastoral charge, and in January, 1832, Elder Loveil, 
formerly a Methodist preacher of Portsmouth, N. H., 
succeeded him. He officiated for about two years. 

In 1833 the church was reorganized, and a charter 
of incorporation was obtained from the General Court, 
dated March 14th. 

On retirement of Mr. Loveil, Rev. Mr. Morgridge 
again renewed his connection with the church, and 
remained with it until the spring of 1841. 

During August, 1841, an invitation was extended 
to Rev. Silas Havvley to become pastor, and he con- 
tinued until January, 1843. At this date Elder P. R. 
Russell supplied the pulpit for about a year. Soon 
after his withdrawal Elder A. G. Morton became 



pastor, and continued till Dec. 29, 1851, when he 
withdrew. 

Nov. 11, 1852, the society voted to extend an invi- 
tation to William R. Stowe, which he accepted, and 
continued with the society until January, 1854. On 
his retirement Elder David E. Millard, of Broom- 
field, N. Y., was engaged to preach for the society. 
He entered upon his duties May, 1854, and in Sep- 
tember of the same year received and accepted an in- 
vitation to assume the pastorship. In July, 1855, he 
tendered his resignation, which was accepted. At a 
special meeting held during tlie following December 
Rev. T. C. Moulton was elected pastor. Mr. Moulton 
returned no answer to the call until November, 1856, 
when he declined the invitation. 

For upwards of eighteen months the church was 
without a settled pastor, the pulpit being supplied by 
a committee. Finally, in May, 1857, Rev. S. W. 
Whitney, of New York, was engaged, and remained 
till some time in 1858. 

The supply of the pulpit was again in the hands of 
a committee, which at length, in September, 1858, 
succeeded in securing the services of the Rev. T. C. 
Moulton, and he continued to act in this capacity 
until March, 1859, when he was elected pastor, and 
remained until September, 1868. He was succeeded in 
November, 1868, by Rev. Austin Craig, who resigned 
Aug. 30, 1869. His .successors have been Rev. A. J. 
Kirkland, Rev. O. A. Roberts, and Rev. S. Wright 
Butler, the present incumbent. 

The society first worshiped in the shop of Mr. Obed 
Kempton, on the corner of Purchase and Middle 
Streets ; then in a rope-walk in the south part of the 
city. In 1808 or 1809 the church on Middle Street 
was erected by Mr. Abraham Gifford and others for 
the society. It was used by it for a house of worship 
until 1833, when the large and commodious church 
which it now occupies, opposite the Parker House, 
was built. 

The church has always been liberal in the support 
of the gospel and generous in its charities. 

The Middle Street Christian Church.'— The 
Middle Street Christian Church was constituted 
March 21, 1828, of members who, at their own re- 
quest, were set off for that purpose by the North 
Christian Church, vidiich was organized in 1807. The 
members were Abraham Gifford, William Cranston, 
William Whitten, Warren Maxfield, Watson Ellis, 
Ezra S. Kempton, Samuel James, James Barlow, and 
Elder Harvey Sullings, a preacher. They met at the 
house of Obed Keniptcn, northwest corner of Middle 
and Purchase Streets. The first baptism was of Mary 
Pease and Rebecca Gifford. The first settled min- 
ister was William Coe. The first meeting-house 
erected was on Middle Street, .south of Mr. Kempton's 
house. The pastors were the venerable William Coe, 
three years ; Luther Baker, a man of"' holy life ;" Isaac 



1 IS.v N. SiiUinieilii-ll, D.II. 



90 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Smith, called the "excellent man ;" Moses How, under 
whom a great revival took place in January of 1837. 
Many were added to the church, and in 1834 they 
moved into the church on Middle Street, opposite 
Sixth Street, where they now (1882) worship. Elder 
How was called the " good pastor." He continued 
with this church till July, 1844. He died in 1882, in 
the seventieth year of his ministry and the ninety- 
second year of his age, honored, respected, and be- 
loved through all New England, and by the Chris- 
tians through the United States. 

Elder How was followed in 1844 by the "good 
preacher," O. E. Morrill, and in 1848, Morrill was 
succeeded by Elder Brown. In 1849 to 1850, John 
Taylor, "the tender-hearted minister," preached, and 
the church was much revived. From 1850 to 1857 
the aged Benjamin Taylor was their pastor, who was 
succeeded by Elder James S. White, who continued 
pastor to 1861, when Benjamin S. Batchelor was set- 
tled, and filled the pulpit with great success until 
1875. A young minister named A. A. Kirkland then 
supplied the pulpit for some months till the eloquent 
pulpit orator, Z. T. Sullivan, was settled, who con- 
tinued drawing large congregations until 1877, when 
he accepted a call from the Congregational Church at 
Brockton, and was followed by Elder Daniel L. Craft, 
who filled it for two years. In 1880, N. Summerbell, 
D.D., former president of Union Christian College, 
was settled. More than forty members have been 
added up to this time; also a heavy debt, which had 
been accumulating for the past five years, has been 
paid. The present number of members is two hun- 
dred and thirty-four. There is a good Sunday-schodl, 
of which Isaac W. Benjamin is superintendent, and 
Frank L. Davis, assistant. 

The peculiar characteristic of the Christian Church 
is its conformation to the New Testament form of 
Christianity. It, therefore, accepts the Bible as the 
heaven-given and only perfect creed, Christ as the 
only heaven-appointed leader, charity as the greatest 
Christian grace, and Christian union as a duty. It 
states its faith in Bible language with the exactness 
of verbal accuracy, and submits to no additions to 
the Bible, but extends fellowship and communion to 
all Christians. 

Eev. Dr. Summerbell, the present pastor, is the 
well-known originator and editor of The Christian 
Pulpit, a monthly, and former editor of the Herald of 
Gospel Liberty, Dayton, Ohio; is the author of many 
popular works, the most important of which are his 
" History of the Christians," from the birth of the 
Saviour to the present time, royal octavo, five hun- 
dred and seventy-six pages, and his " Discussions," 
and his remarkably popular work called " Christian 
Principles," all of which have passed through many 
editions. The " Christian Principles," after passing 
through eight editions, has been " revised and abridged 
by Rev. R. J. Wright, LL.D.," and published at his 
own expense for universal distribution. 



The church has been much str^gthened under his 
labors, and its former distinction as a church of revi- 
j vals and deep religious experience has returned. The 
present church clerk is Frank L. Davis. 

South Christian Church. — The house of worship 
on the corner of Sherman and Bonney Streets was 
built in 1851-52 by Booth & Hathaway, at a cost of 
about four thousand dollars. It contains sixty pews, 
and will seat about three hundred and fifty persons. 
Meetings were first held in the vestry in February, 
1852. June 9th the house was dedicated. The ser- 
mon on the occasion was preached by Rev. George 
H. Eldridge, who commenced his ministerial services 
there the previous April. In five days subsequent to 
the dedication pews enough were sold to pay every 
bill on the house and leave a surplus of four hundred 
dollars in pew stock belonging to the society. During 
that summer it was organized as the "South Christian 
Society," and in September following it was " con- 
stituted a Christian Church," consisting of the fol- 
lowing persons: Pardon Wilcox, Tillinghast Sowle, 
Cranston Wilcox, Josiah S. Bonney, William Miller, 
Henry T. James, William H. Macy, Barbara Sowle, 
Betsey Wilcox, Hannah H. Albert, Phebe A. James, 
and Sarah Chace. 

Elder Hervey Sullinss was an active member of 
this church and contributed liberally to its support. 
When the society wa.s without a pastor he often sup- 
plied the pulpit, and was favorably received. He 
died in December, 1859, about eighty years of age. 

Rev. George H. Eldridge was the first pastor, and 
continued his labors until April, 1856. For nearly 
two years after the retirement of Mr. Eldridge the 
supplies of the pulpit were irregular. In December, 
1856, the church received a visit from Rev. I. H. Coe, 
and subsequently extended a unanimous call to hira 
to become pastor. The invitation was accepted, and 
Mr. Coe entered upon his duties April 1st of the fol- 
lowing year, and has continued from that time to the 
present, and is noiv the oldest settled pastor in this 
city. He was born in Woodstock, Conn., May 12, 
1818. 

The Spruce Street Christian Church was organ- 
ized June 28, 1869, with the following members: 
Nicholas S. Chadwick, first pastor, William Bosworth, 
Isaac S. Thomas, George L. Dyer, George L. Eldrige, 
Joseph W. Robertson, Sarah M. Eldrige, Mary E. 
Ellis, Lydia Berree, Susan E. Johnson, Abby Berree, 
Lydia R. Grimshaw, Martha G. Turner. 

Jan. 25, 1880, Rev. Gardner Devan commenced his 
labors with us, and Feb. 8, 1881, resigned. 

July 14, 1881, church called Rev. Allen Damon to 
be their pastor, who is serving us to date, Sept. 19, 
1882. Church as now organized : Allen Damon, pas- 
tor ; Deacons, Richard E. Macomber, Isaac S. Thomas ; 
Treasurer, B. F. H. Reed ; Clerk, J. S. Thomas ; Su- 
perinlendent of Sabbath-school, Laurens W. Faunce; 
Chairman of Business Meetings, E. J. H. Tripp. 

March 26, 1871, Mr. Chadwick resigned. Services 



NHW BEDFORD 



91 



in church were coutinued by different pastors, Elders 
Howe, Murry, Greenwood, Peirce. Rev. Mr. Kirkland 
supplied three months. Joseph W. Thomas was pas- 
tor for the year ending Nov. 24, 1872. 

Dec. 1, 1872, Rev. Ellen Gastin commenced her 
labors with us, and on Feb. 23, 1873, resigned. 

April 6, 1873, C. F. Burleigh commenced preacliing 
here, and on July 9th following was ordained and in- 
stalled as pastor. He resigned April 28, 1878. 

During his pastorate, wliich was longer than any 
other, the church has seen some prosperity, and has 
also been called to pass through some grievous trials. 

The church now numbers fifty-eight, together with 
an interesting Sabbath-school, with prospects of much 
greater growth and usefulness. 

This church differs somewhat from all others in the 
city, as it does not own the church property. It is 
held by the vSpruce Street Mission Society. 

The Christian Union Church,' New Bedford, was 
organized about the 1st of January, 1875, worshiping 
in a hall for one year, at which time they had com- 
pleted a house of worship on High Street, it being 
dedicated by Rev. Edwin Burnham on the 12th day 
of January. The church has from the first organiza- 
tion numbered about sixty, some being added and 
some leaving. Only four deaths have occurred in the 
eight years of time since its first existence. 

There is connected with the church a small Sab- 
bath-school, numbering about forty to fifty scholars, 
yet in a good healthy condition. 

The creed of the church is the Bible only. Its 
mode of baptism is immersion. Its test of fellowship 
is Christian character, open communion to all Chris- 
tians, or, as its name indicates, union with all true 
Christians. 

Its mode of government is adopted from Matt. 
xviii., accepting no human forms. Its bond of union 
is Christian love, allowing all or any members to leave 
when they cease to love, and return on the same 
principles. 

The faith of the future is " that the wa<jes of sin is 
death ;" " the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus 
Christ." 

The TJniversalist Church.^ — The present house of 
worsliip on William Street is the second house that 
has been built in New Bedford. The first house was 
erected in 1836, and stands on the southeast corner of 
Fifth and School Streets. In this house the Univer- 
salists held public worship for about twelve years, 
and had for regular pastors John M. Spear, G. T. 
Farnsworth, and S. S. Fletcher, who were very good 
preachers. In 1S49 the society, having become much 
involved in debt, sold their house to the Catholics, 
since which it has been known as the St. Mary's 
Church. 

In 1851 some of the Universalists of the old church, 
with others who had come to New Bedford within a 



' By A. M. HIggins, M.D. 



2 Coiitrilmloil liy Hull E.I. liani.v. 



few years, who felt the need of worshiping God and 
promulgating the doctrines of Uuiversalism, came to- 
gether and secured the services of the then Rev. 
Hiram Van Campen,and held religious worship each 
Sabbath-day in a small hall (Sears' Hall it was called) 
on Cheapside, nearly opposite and in front of the 
City Hall. Here Mr. Van Campen preached for 
several years, and the congregation grew and in- 
creased. In 1854 the Rev. Mr. Stevenson was em- 
ployed, and under his ministry, with the good seed 
sown by Mr. Van Campen, the people resolved to 
have a house of worship, and in August, 1855, the 
present house was completed and dedicated, and 
since which time public worship has been regularly 
held, with a few slight intermissions in the change of 
pastors. The pastors ha,ve been the Revs. B. V. Ste- 
venson, J. J. Twiss, T. G.St. John, S. L. Rosepaugh,' 
George W. Skinner, I. C. Knowlton, C. B. Lombard, 
J. H. Farnesworth, William C. Stiles, and G. F. 
Flanders, D.D. ; the last named is the present pastor. 
Mr. Flanders is a very able, learned, and eloquent 
preacher, and under his ministry the society is in an 
excellent condition. 

John P. Knowles, G. L. Barney, Benjamin Alsey, 
Mr. Van Campen, John M. Foster, Benjamin F. 
Brownell, and others now dead have been the most 
prominent citizens and supporters of this church in 
the past, and still live and are interested in the soci- 
ety. New members have joined, such as John P. 
Knowles, Jr., H. M. Knowlton, A. G. Walker, and 
others, with many excellent ladies, and these all are 
the friends and supporters of the society. It is but 
simple justice to s.iy that during all the past this 
church has maintained the doctrines of the early 
founders of Universalisni in America, and fervently 
adhere to the fundamental doctrines of the Universal- 
ist denomination. 

It has always aided in the works of charity, love, 
and temperance in this community, and sought to 
elevate man. It practices the exact fatherhood of 
God and the brotherhood of man, upon which basis 
alone comes all the workings of the true good spirit 
in man. 

Society of Friends. — Meetings were first held in 
the village of Bedford in 1772; but we learn that 
they were held at the Head of the River as early as 
1725, and a portion of the meetinghouse now occu- 
pied by the Friends there was built in 1727. 

They first met here in a school-house which stood 
upon a rockjust eastof the northeast corner of School 
and Third Streets. This was the only place of wor- 
ship in the village for some years. Their first house 
was built in 1785, on Spring Street. 

These comprise most of the early Friends: Joseph 
Rotch and his son William Rotch, Sr. ; Joseph Rus- 
sell, who owned the principal portion of the place 
south of Elm Street; William Russell, who emigrated 
from Nantucket and lived to a very advanced age, 
being nearly a hundred vears old at his death; he 



92 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



built the fourth house in the village; Seth Russell, 
the father of Seth and Charles Russell, whose resi- 
dence was on the west side of Water Street ; Benjamin 
Taber, grandfather of William C. Taber, who built 
one of the three first houses in the village; Joseph 
Austin, the first hatter; Matthew Howland, lather of 
George Howland, deceased; and Daniel Ricketson, 
father of Joseph Ricketson, who was for many years 
cashier of the Commercial Bank. 

Subsequently we find as members the following dis- 
tinguished citizens: Abraham Smith, William Rotcli, 
Jr., and his brother Thomas, Samuel Rodman, Thomas 
Hazard, Elislia Thornton, Jolin Howland, father of 
Capt. James Howland, Humphrey Russell, William 
Sawyer Wall, father of William A. Wall, the cele- 
brated artist of this city, and Cornelius Howland. 

The preachers of whom we have knowledge are 
Thomas Rotch, James Davis, Elisha Thornton, Job 
Chaloner, Lydia Rotch, afterwards dean, Mary Card, 
Deborah Otis, and Joseph Davis. The above persons 
are deceased. There are still living Susan, Rhoda, 
and Rachel Howland, Susan R. Smith, Mary Shove, 
Rhoda H. Taber, Josiah Holmes, Jr. 

The first clerk of whom we have any infcu'mation 
is Caleb Greene. He was succeeded by Abraham 
Sherman, Jr., who held the post twenty-six years. 
The next was William C. Taber, who officiated nine- 
teen years ; after him Charles R. Tucker and Mat- 
thew Howland served a short time, when he was 
again chosen, and is at present acting in that ca- 
pacity. 

The former elders of the society were Caleb Greene, 
William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Francis Taber, 
Barnabas Taber, and Abraliam Sherman, Jr., W. C. 
Taber, W. P. Howland, Charles R. Tucker, Matthew 
Howland, and Seth K. Akin. 

Tlie present meeting-house is on Spring Street, be- 
tween Sixth and Seventh. 

Josiah Holmes, Jr., Rachel S. Howland, William 
Thompson, Ruth S. Murray, Rebecca H. Smiley, 
ministers; William C. Taber, Matthew Howland, 
Seth K. Akin, Betsey P. Wood, Sarah H. Anthony, 
Deborah Wing, Mary A. Smith, Anna G. Wood, 
Susan T. Thompson, elders. While Friends have 
their recognized or recorded ministers, they do not 
hold the pastoral relation as it exists in other re- 
ligious organizations. 

The Seamen's Bethel. — The first meeting to take 
into consideration the expediency of forming a society 
to promote the interests of seamen was held at the 
Merchants' Insurance office, May 17, 1830. Stephen 
Merihew was chosen chairman, and H. G. O. Colby 
secretary. A committee, consisting of Messrs. S. S. 
Smith, S. J. S. Vose, and J. F. Emerson, drew up a 
constitution, which was adopted at the same meeting. 

Jan. 28, 1831, a committee, consisting of Messrs. B. 
Rodman, T. Riddell, and W. C. Nye, reported in 
favor of building a chapel for mariners. In May 
following a house and lot on what is now known as 



Bethel Street was purchased of Mary Rotch for four- 
teen hundred dollars. At the first annual meeting 
of the society, held June 7, 1831, it was resolved that 
the form of worship should be perfectly unsectarian, 
and that all denominations should have the privilege 
of supplying the pulpit. 

Services were first conducted in the old Towu Hall 
every Sunday morning, each of the clergymen in the 
place officiating in turn. The first meeting was held 
Sunday, July 31, 1831. About this time the house 
which had been purchased was moved to the south 
part of the lot, and a chapel, forty-five by forty feet, 
was built by Mr. Shaw from Bristol, R. I., under the 
direction of a committee consisting of Messrs. Samuel 
Rodman, Jr., T. Riddell, and W.W.Swain. 

The first chaplain was the Rev. Enoch Mudge, who 
commenced his labors April 27, 1832. May 4th the 
society was incorporated by act of the General Court. 
Rev. Mr. Mudge resigned in July, 1844, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Moses How, who remained fifteen 
years. The present efficient chaplain. Rev. James D. 
Butler, was his successor. Mr. Butler entered upon his 
duties as chaplain and agent April IT), 1859, and re- 
mained until 1863, when he resigned and became 
pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Paw- 
tucket, R. I., and was subsequently pastor at New 
London. In 1870 he returned to New Bedford, where 
he has since resided. Mr. Butler has now served the 
New Bedford Port Society seventeen years, and his 
service has not only been a long one but an honor- 
able one. A writer, in speaking of him, says, " As 
' a laborer he ranks high in his denomination. His 
piety is of no ordinary cast, and he is diligent and 
persevering in all his duties." 

Rev. Samuel Fos succeeded Mr. Butler in 1863, and 
remained until 1869. 

In March, 1866, the Bethel was partially destroyed 
by fire. The burnt portion was immediately rebuilt, 
and the whole edifice thoroughly repaired. July 26, 
1867, the church was reopened with appropriate ex- 
ercises. A sermon was preached on the occasion by 
Rev. L. B. Bates. 

The present officers of the Port Society are as fol- 
lows : Hon. George Howland, Jr., president ; Wil- 
liam Phillips, Jireh Swift, vice-presidents ; James 
Taylor, recording secretary ; James D. Butler, cor- 
responding secretary; Gideon B. Wright, treasurer; 
Rev. James D. Butler, chaplain ; Joseph C. Delano, 
Alexander H. Seabury, George B. Richmond, Oliver 
Prescott, Edward D. Mandell, C. B. H. Fesseuden, 
Abram T. Eddy, Edmund Rodman, Samuel H. Cook, 
Henry T. Wood, F. A. Washburn, George F. Bart- 
lett, Matthew Howland, Timothy D. Cook, George R. 
Phillips, John F. Tucker, Benjamin Anthony, James 
E. Stanton, Benjamin T. Cummings, William R. 
Wing, John P. Knowles, Jr., Loum Snow, board of 
managers. 

St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church. — The 
first pastor of this cliuixh was Rev. Father Lavasey, 



NEW BEDFORD. 



93 



who built the first church edifice on Allan Street in 
1820, at a cost of eight hundred dollars. In 1840 the 
house was sold, and the Universalist Church corner 
Fifth and School Streets was purchased. This was 
occupied until the completion of their present church 
edifice in 1S70, when the name of the church was 
changed to St. Lawrence, it having previously been 
called St. Mary. St. Mary's Church is now used for 
children's mass and Sunday-school. The present pas- 
tor is the Rev. Hugh J. Smyth, assisted by Rev. Owen 
Kiernem. 

The Church of the Sacred Heart is located on 
Ashland Street, corner of Robeson, and Rev. George 
Pager is pastor. 

St. John Baptist (Portuguese) is located on 
Wing Street, corner Fifth. Rev. Antonio M. Freitas 
is the present pastor. 

Howland Chapel. — This chapel was erected in 
1870 by Matthew Howland as a place of worship for 
tlie operatives and others in the vicinity of the Wam- 
.-^utta Mills, who were destitute of a house of wor- 
ship. In the summer of that year Mr. Howland pur- 
chased a lot of land on the east sideof Purchase Street, 
and immediately commenced the erection of the 
chapel, which is thirty-six feet by fifty-five feet in 
size. 

It was completed and furnished at an expense of 
little over seven thousand dollars, all of which sum 
was paid by Mr. Howland. The chapel was dedi- i 
cated Jan. 13, 1871, and on the following Sabbath a 
school was opened under the superintendence of 
Henry T. Wood, of this city, and in the evening relig- 
ious services were held for the benefit of all who in- 
clined to come, it being distinctly understood there 
was no tax to be levied or contribution called for or 
sectarianism to be exercised. It was remarked in one 
of the newspapers at the time that " the chapel was 
completely filled with people, who showed a marked 
interest in the exercises of the evening." In a short 
address on the occasion, Mr. Howland said that the 
erection of the chapel had not been from any selfish 
motive, but to furnish a comfortable and agreeable 
room for those who felt destitute of a place of wor- 
ship in this part of the city to come and listen to the 
jireaching of the gospel and be taught the simple 
truths of the Bible. 

Since the organization of the school, twelve years 
ago, it has been kept up without omission, most of 
the time under the faithful and efficient superintend- 
ence of H. T. Wood, who resigned about a year since, 
and was succeeded by Robert B. Taber. The average 
attendance of the school has ranged from one hundred 
and twenty to one hundred and fifty. 

The expenses connected with the chajjcl since its 
erection, such as warming, lighting, salary of sex- 
ton, fuel, etc., have been paid by Mr. Howland. 
Many of the small expenses connected with the school 
have been paid by little contributions from the chil- 
dren. The school has also quite a good library. 



The Second Advent Church. — The first meetings 
of this sect in New Bedford were held in 1840, by 
William Miller, of New York, and among its early 
supporters here \>'ere Francis Whitton, EUery Rec- 
ords, Henry V. Davis, William B. King, William 
Giftbrd, Stephen D. Jordan, Dr. Baker, Asa Coombs, 
Curtis Gammons, Pardon Potter, James Baxter, Hat- 
til Kelley, Jeremiah Tripp, John F. Vinal, and John 
Gammons. 

The first settled pastor was Elder Joseph Turner. 
The church is located on Kempton Street. nearCounty. ■ 
E. E. Church, Phiiieas White, deacons; Phineas 
White, Benjamin Irish, William B. Hambly, Ezra 
Wing, William B. King, George W. Maker, E. E. 
Church, Frederick Stanton, James G. Harding, 
church and finance committee; James G. Harding, 
clerk and treasurer. 

There is also a Union Church located at Allen's 
Corner, Plainville ; Olivet Chapel, on Acushnet Av- 
enue, corner ofBlackmer; Rockdale Union Free 
Chapel Association, organized March 19, 1873; and 
Missionary Chapel. South Water Street, corner of 
Leonard. 

Extinct Churches. — The following churches are 
extinct : 

The Pacific Church. — This church was organ- 
ized Oct. 8, 1844, with the following persons; Perry 
G Macomber and wife, Samuel Bennett and wife, 
Ebenezer Rider, John W. Tripp and wife, George 
Perry and wife, John S. Holmes, Mrs. Susan Perry, 
Laban Thatcher, Sarah Allen, Hannah Chase, Fanny 
Thomas, Sarah Slocuni, Sarah Cobb, Rebecca Albert, 
Thankful Hawes, Almira Ellis, Abby Copeland, Susan 
Vincent, and Betsey Holmes. 

October 13th, Rev. Sylvester Holmes and wife, Jon- 
athan Wheeler and wife, Seth C. Nichols, Eliphalet 
Daggett, Esther Sowle, and others were received into 
the church. 

Sabbath afternoon, November 3d, the following 
persons were admitted to membership by letter: I. 
H. Bartlett, Joseph Seabury and wife, Deborah C. 
Bartlett, and Miss Abby Jane Clapp. November 4th, 
Perrj' G. Macomber and Jonathan Wheeler were 
chosen deacons. 

The pastors were as follows: Revs. Sylvester 
Holmes, Mr. Colburn, Timothy Stowe, Bernard Paine, 
T. C. Jerome, I. L. Harris, and Rev. C. J. K. Jones. 

The church disbanded April 17, 1878, the member- 
ship of nearly one hundred going to North Congre- 
gational Church and Unitarian Church, almost en- 
tirely to the former. 

The church property was sold to the Second Ad- 
ventists. 

Third Christian Church. — This church was 
organized in 1826. It was known as the African 
Christian until 1840, when the name was changed to 
Third Christian. The house of worship was on 
Middle Street, and was dedicated June 24, 1830; 
sermon by Elder William tjuinn. Shortly after the 



94, 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



society was admitted to the Christian connection. 
The names of tliose constituting the church were 
John Christopher, Joseph Antone, N. Anderson, 
Moses Slieperd, Samuel Wilson, Charles K. Cook, 
Samuel Richards, Ruth Johnson, Dinah Farmer, 
Rebecca Bailey, Sally Antone, Margaret Sheperd, 
Catharine Dixon, Jane Fute, Avis Williams, Char- 
lotte Cook, and Abby Christopher. 

The following were the pastors : Rev. Messrs. Wash- 
ington Christian, Jacob Perry, Isaac Smith, Luke Wal- 
dron. Haves, Anthony, Henson, Francis, Sunrise, Be- 
man, and J. B. Smith. 

To meet the expenses of repairs the property was 
mortgaged to the Five Cents Savings-Bank, which 
foreclosed the mortgage in 1859, and the church be- 
came extinct. During the latter part of its existence 
it was known as the Free-Will Baptist Church. 

Cannonville Union Church was organized 
through the eftbrts of Messrs. Edward S. Cannon, 
Charles Cannon, W. H. Sturtevant, Ellis Bartlett, 
Isaac Bolles, and George W. Hathaway. A house of 
worship was built by William Wilcox, costing one 
thousand dollars, of which sum seven hundred and 
fifty dollars was raised by Messrs. Cannon. It was 
dedicated Dec. 9, 1841, sermon by Rev. G. F. Pool. 
In the spring of 1842 a church was formed, having a 
membership of forty-two. 

The first settled pastor was Rev. Edward H. Hat- 
field, whose ministry began in 1849. He continued 
only six months ; supplies were then procured until 
the next session of Conference, when Rev. Charles 
Noble was sent to the church. After a year's service 
he gave up the keys to Mr. Cannon, and Conference 
relinquished the station. Mr. Cannon then employed 
Rev. W. H. Sturtevant, paying him his salary out of 
his own pocket. In April, 18.52, Rev. Mr. Tripp, a 
Baptist clergyman, took charge, and remained until 
the February following. Mr. Edward S. Cannon was 
the mainspring of this church. 

The Centre Church was organized Feb. 12, 
1845. The following were some of the original mem- 
bers : James H. Collins, William H. Stowell, Isaac 
Bly, David Ilsley, Prentiss W. Cobb, Benjamin G. 
Wilson, Robert Luscomb, William Bly, Ruth Bly, 
Deborah Simmons, and Eliza Tubbs. 

It was at first attempted to form a church of the 
Christian denomination, but the clergymen invited to 
do this declining, invitations were extended to Rev. 
Messrs. Ephraim Peabody, Davis, and E. B. Hall, of 
Providence, by whom the society was organized. 
Rev. Charles Morgridge was the first pastor ; he 
preached until March, 1845. The next was Rev. 
Jonathan Brown, of Naples, N. Y., who officiated 
about three years without much success. The church 
then voted not to emi)loy any but Unitarian minis- 
ters. In October, 1848, Rev. Moses G. Thomas was 
installed. His pastorship continued until 1854, when 
the financial affairs of the church became so full of 
embarrassment that it was voted to disband. 



The Mount Pleasant CnpECH owed its origin 
to Noah Tripp and some twenty-two otliers from the 
Pleasant Street Church. The house was built in 
1852. In the commencement it was proposed to 
make it free to all denominations, but it was after- 
wards deemed necessary to organize as a Methodist 
Church, which was done April 19, 1854. The first 
pastor was Rev. E. W. Dunbar. He was followed 
by Rev. Messrs. Gavitt, Hinks, Worthing, and Ham- 
len, who preached a year each. The house was then 
sold to the Baptists, who held services but a short 
time. 



CHAPTER XL 

NEW BEDFORD.— (CoufMi.ierf.) 

PRESS— ED0CATIONAL— BANKS, ETC. 

The Medley, or New Bedford Marine Journal — The Mercury — The 
Standard — The Whaleman's Shipping-List — The New Bedford Signal 
— NunuTous other Newspapers — Friends' Academy — Free Puhlic Li- 
brary — The National Bank of Commerce — The Merchants' National 
Bank — The Mechanics' National Bank — The First National Bank- 
Tile Citizens' National Bank — Institution for Savings — Five-Cent 
Savings-Bank — Water-Works — New Bedford and Fairhaven Street 
Railway — Post-Office — Wamsutta Mills — Potamska Mills — Grinnell 
Mills — Gosnold Mills, etc. — Masonic — Star iu the East Lodge — 
Eureka Lodge — Adoniram Chapter R. A. M. — Sutton Commandery — 
Early Physicians — Fire Society, 1809 — The Ship Rebecca — Miscella- 
neous. 

The first paper published in New Bedford wiis The 
Medley, or Neio Bedford Marine Journal, the first num- 
ber of which was issued Nov. 27, 1792, " printed and 
published by John Spooner, at his office near Rotch's 
wharf" It was a small sixteen-column sheet. The 
first number contained news from Italy, France, and 
England, and a record of the proceedings of the 
Second Congress of " Confederated America." John 
Spooner notifies the inhabitants that " he has just re- 
ceived from New London and for sale the following 
books." In the list were " Watts' Hymns," " Fen- 
ning's Spelling-Book," " Vicar of Wakefield," " Sea- 
men's Journals," " Adventures of Gil Bias," "Fanny, 
or the Happy Repentance," etc. He also advertises 
for sale Dutch quills, wafers, etc., and will take 
"cash or any of the above books given in exchange 
for clean cotton or linen rags, old sail-cloth, or junk." 

Caleb Green advertises " Books and book-binding," 
while Wiiliam Rotch, Jr., "Respectfully informs his 
Customers and Friends he has for sale wholesale and 
retail, at his store in New Bedford, sail-cloth, coarse 
and fine sheetings, pork and salt, Philadelphia and 
Russia bar-iron, paints, etc." 

Tiie brig " Mary" is advertised to sail for Havre de 
Grace, Cornelius Grinnell, master; and the sloop 
" Mayflower," Gibbs West, master, for New York and 
Chesapeake. 

The New Bedford Mercury, a weekly newspaper, was 
established in 1807 by Benjamin Lindsey, who had 



NEW BEDFORD. 



95 



previously worked as compositor and foreman in the 
printing-office of the Palladiiun in Boston. It was a 
small sheet of sixteen columns, printed " on good 
paper and in fair type," the subscription price two 
dollars, exclusive of postage, and " payable half- 
yearly in advance." In his address to the public 
the editor says, " It is our wish and intention to pub- 
lish a useful and, as far as our resources will permit, 
an entertaining journal, embracing all those objects 
which properly fall within its scope, etc. ... In 
politics we shall adopt the truly republican principles 
of Washington's 'Farewell Address,' convinced that 
all Americans are alike interested in their support. 
Thus doing, we shall 

"' Nothing extenuate, 
Nor set down aught in malice.' " 

The first issue contains " very late foreign news" 
(for those ante-clipper-ship, ante-steam-power, and 
ante-telegraph times), a proclamation by Thomas 
Jefferson, and various local advertisements by Abra- 
ham Sherman, Peter Barney & Son, and Russell, 
Thornton & Co. In the second number is an adver- 
tisement of a new line of stages between New Bed- 
ford and Boston, announcing that the "stage will 
start from Crocker's tavern in New Bedford at sun- 
rise on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and ar- 
rive at Boston at three o'clock p.m." 

The founder of the Mercury conducted it alone till 
1826, when his son, Benjamin Lindsey, Jr., was asso- 
ciated with him. In 1831 they started the Daihj Mer- 
(■urij (the first daily established in New Bedford), and 
the senior projirietor soon after retiring, the entire man- 
agement devolved upon the son, who published it till 
July 15, 1861, when, having been appointed United 
States consul at St. Catharine's, Brazil, he sold the 
newspaper establishment to C. B. H. Fessenden and 
William G. Baker. 

The Mercury, under Mr. Lindsey's management, 
grew in importance and value, was edited with abil- 
ity, and for many years enjoyed a wide circulation. 
For a long time it had no competitor, there being 
then no evening paper, and its close attention to the 
I'ullness and accuracy of its ship news secured for it a 
generous list of subscribers. 

Fe-ssenden & Baker took charge of the paper upon 
the very eve of the late civil war. It was not an 
auspicious time for such an undertaking by men of 
limited pecuniary means and unacquainted with the 
details of newspaper business. But the new proprie- 
tors had a decided taste for journalism, and lost noth- 
ing in reputation, if they gained nothing in money, by 
the venture. The character of the paper did not 
.suffer by the transfer. It honestly and heartily sup- 
ported the Republican administration in the prosecu- 
tion of the war and afterwards in the great work of 
reconstruction. It advocated at an early day the 
arming of the enslaved negroes and their emancipa- 
tion, one of its editorials having the caption, " We 



must fight them or free them." In the darkest days 
of the Rebellion its leading articles were cheery and 
hopeful, prophesying progress through a big disaster, 
and showing unbounded confidence in the final tri- 
umph of the nation. Even beyond the circumscribed 
limits of its circulation it exerted a healthful and 
conservative influence, for its columns were scrupu- 
lously kept free from anything that would offend 
good taste or injure public or private morals, and 
it was vigorous in its advocacy of all real reform. 
It was persistent in urging the introduction of pure 
water into New Bedford as a sanitary and economic 
measure, and the supplementing of the loss to the 
city from the inevitable decline of the whale fish- 
ery by the increase of manufactures, both which 
have gradually come to pass. 

May 1, 1876, the Mercury passed by purchase into 
the hands of the present proprietors, Messrs. Stephen 
W. Booth, Warren E. Chase, and William L. Sayer, 
who now, under the style of the Mercury Publishing 
Company, conduct it. Mr. Booth had for years been 
in the employ of Fessenden & Baker as clerk and 
then business manager. Mr. Chase had large expe- 
rience and skill as a compositor, and Mr. Sayer had 
graduated with honor from the Mercury office as re- 
porter. Young, hopeful, intelligent, industrious, and 
determined to succeed, they have kept up the tone of 
the paper, and in many respects improved its appear- 
ance. Republican in principle, it is independent of 
party, its editor, Mr. Sayer, approving or condemning 
measures without regard to their party origin or sup- 
port. The paper is losing nothing of vigor in its old 
age, keeps up with the current of opinion on matters of 
public concern, is breezy with local news, and prom- 
ises to grow and prosper with the growth and pros- 
perity of the city, because it supplied a public need. 

Tlie Old Colony Gazette was started in October, 1808. 
In 1811 the name was changed to the New Bedford 
Gazette, and again in 1812 to The Bristol Gazette, wlien 
it was removed to Fairhaven. It was discontinued 
July 10, 1813. Billings & Tucker and David HoUis 
had charge of it in 1810, afterwards Joseph Gleason, 
Jr., until Feb. 5, 1813, when it passed into the hands 
of Paul Taber. 

The New Bedford Courier was established June 12, 
1827, by Benjamin T. Congdon. In 1833 the words 
Weekly Lyceum were added to the title. In the fol- 
lowing year the Workingmen's Press, a paper first 
issued in May, 1832, was united with the Courier. 
The first number of the con.solidated sheets appeared 
Feb. 26, 1834, under the management of Harris & 
Borroughs, to whom Mr. Congdon had transferred his 
\ interest in the paper. After the publication of the 
I second or third number the paper again passed into 
his hands, and was continued by him under the same 
title. New Bedford Weekly Courier and Workingmen's 
Press, till July 2, 1834, when he sold it to J. George 
Harris and Charles W. Rexford, who changed the 
title to New Bedford Gazette and Weekly Courier, and 



96 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



published it in connection with the Daily Gazette until 
November 3d of the same year, when the partnership 
was dissolved by the withdrawal of Eexford. Mr. 
Harris edited the paper until 1838. In 1838 the 
name was again changed to The New Bedford Weekly 
Advocate, but neither this paper nor the Daily Gazette, 
which was established in 1833, and edited by Harris & 
Rexford and J. George Harris, were published in 1839.' 

Mr. Harris is now a retired pay director in the 
navy, residing in Nashville, Tenn., with summer 
residence at New London, Conn. 

The Register, daily and weekly, was published by 
William Caufield in 1839; Morning Register and New 
Bedford Register, by Canfield & Andros, in 1841 ; 
Evening Register and New Bedford Register, by Wil- 
liam Young, in 1845. 

The Daily Evening Bidletin and Semi- Weekly Bulle- 
tin were started in 1842, edited by William Eddy in 
1843, by Charles T. Cougdon in 1844, and by Henry 
Tilden in 1845-46. 

During 1846 the evening paper was published tri- 
weekly, and the name of the weekly changed to The 
Weekly Bulletin and Advocate. 

The Seaman's Reporter and Family Visitor, after- 
wards The New Bedford Reporter and Whalemen's 
Weekly Visitor, edited by Joseph H. Smith, appeared 
in July, 1844. He was succeeded, in 1849, by Charles 
H. Kingsford. In connection with the weekly Mr. 
Smith also published from July 2, 1847, a semi- 
weekly called the New Bedford Reporter and Semi- 
Weekly Democrat. Kingsford afterwards issued an 
octavo sheet, made up of advertisements and circu- 
lated gratuitously. 

The Daily Evening Standard was first issued on Fri- 
day, Feb. 15, 1850, and was a sheet nineteen by 
twenty-seven inches in size. The field had long been 
occupied by the Mercury, and many attempts to es- 
tablish rival newspapers had failed. Mr. Edmund 
Anthony, the originator of the Standard, wiis a native 
of Swansea, and for some years carried on the print- 
ing business in Taunton, where he founded the Taun- 
ton Democrat, now the Gazette, and its weekly edition, 
now called the Household Gazette. The Standard 
rapidly gained in patronage and favor, and Feb. 6, 
1851, the announcement was made that its circulation 
in the city of New Bedford was more than that of any 
other paper. As a consequence the postal authorities 
awarded to it the advertising of letters not called for, 
and tlie advertiseuient appeared in its columns for the 
first time April 16th. The Standard has been en- 
larged several times, — July 1, 1852, Feb. 15, 1856, 
June 8, 1864, Nov. 16, 1865, Jan. 2, 1871, and Oct. 
23, 1879, — and is now a broad sheet twenty-five by 
forty-two inches. With the extension of telegraph 
facilities at the opening of the civil war it became 
advisable to print more than one daily edition. The 
hour of publication had been three o'clock. Another 

1 See biographical dcjiartmeut. 



I edition at 3.30 o'clock first appeared June 1, 1861, and 
was continued till Nov. 7, 1868 ; another at five o'clock 
appeared July 6, 1861, and is still regularly issued. 
For a few months at the opening of the war a morn- 
ing edition was printed, and for a number of summers 
previous to 1870 an extra edition was pulilislied at 
1.30 o'clock, in order that it might be circulated the 
same day at the great summer resort on Martha's 
Vineyard. Increased means of transportation have 
since obviated the necessity of this. At one time in 
the course of the war, from Sept. 2, 1864, to April 15, 
1865, the state of the paper market was such that the 
proprietors could not obtain paper the exact size they 
needed, and the columns were temporarily shortened 
about half an inch. In January, 1864, Mr. Anthony 
, commenced the publication of the Springfield Union, 
I and July 26th of that year it was announced that the 
Standard would appear in the name of E. Anthony 
& Sons, Edmund Anthony (Jr.) and Benjamin An- 
thony being admitted as partners. Mr. Anthony dis- 
posed of his Springfield enterprise in about two years 
and returned to New Bedford, where he died Jan. 24, 
1876, at the age of sixty-seven years. The style of 
the firm continues as before, E. Anthony & Sons. 

The Republican Standard (weekly), published on 
Thursdays, commenced at the same time with the 
daily, the first number appearing Feb. 21, 1850, its 
size being twenty-two by thirty-three inches. Its 
prosperity and progress have been proportionate to 
that of the Evening Standard, and it was enlarged Feb. 
16, 1854, Jan. 3, 1867, Jan. 5, 1871, Jan. 4, 1877, and 
Jan. 4, 1883, and its size is now thirty-five by forty-nine 
inches. At the time of enlargement in 1867 the quarto 
form was adopted. These newspapers are tlie largest 
of their respective classes south of Boston and east 
of Providence, and their circulation is larger than 
that of any other papers in the same section, the 
regular issue of which being between three thou- 
sand five hundred and four thousand copies. The 
Evening Standard is mostly read in New Bedford and 
within ten miles around. Its circulation in the city 
is about two thousand nine hundred copies, or one 
for every nine inhabitants, men, women, and children. 
Three-fourths or more of the circulation of the Repub- 
lican Standard is in the towns of Southern Massachu- 
setts and Eastern Rhode Island, and it is sent regu- 
larly to six hundred post-offices. The aim of the 
Standanl has been from the first to present a thorough 
digest of news of every description on all the current 
topics of tlie time, giving special prominence to de- 
tails of matters of local interest. In politics it has 
been in afliliation with the Republican party, except 
with regard to the tariff. The job-printing depart- 
ment of the office is well organized and does a large 
business. Though inaugurated on what superstition 
has marked as an unlucky day, the enterprise has 
been an unbroken success in all respects, and has be- 
come the largest printing establishment in Southern 
Massachusetts. 



NEW BEDFOKD. 



97 



The Whaleman's Skijjpinrj- List and Merchants' Tran- 
script was founded March 17, 1843, by Henry Lindsay, 
and conducted by him until his death in 1853. It then 
])assed into the liands of Benjamin Lindsey, and was 
owned l)y him until 1S73, when it was purchased by E. 
P. Raymond, who has since conducted it as sole editor 
and proprietor. Mr. Raymond has had the editorial 
management of the paper since 1861. It is the only 
paper of its kind in the world, and its circulation ex- 
tends to London, Dublin, Glasgow, Canary Islands, 
Paris, China, St. Helena, Barbadoes, New Zealand, 
Chili, Tasmania, Berlin, Azores, etc. 

The New Bedford Signal was started Dec. U, 1878, 
by George Robertson as editor and proprietor. It 
was started as a twenty-column sheet, but has been 
enlarged to twenty-four columns. It is independent, 
"bound to no sect, ruled by no party." 

The New Bedford Times, a weekly paper, was edited 
and published by John Frasier from 1857 to 1861. 

The following papers were short-lived: The Chris- 
tian Philanthropist, 1823, edited by Melcher and 
Rogers; The Censor; The Record of the Times, 1830; 
The Advocate, commenced in 1844, published by Henry 
Tilden ; The Union, 1857, by Henry Tilden ; The May- 
flower, 1844; The Independent Pres.'<, October, 1848; 
The Harpoon, edited by William Miller; The Weeili/ 
Echo, 1849, edited by Moses Brown ; The Whaleman, 
published weekly from 1854, edited by William S. 
Anderson; The Citizen, Dec. 1, 1860; The aty Hall 
Advertiser, 1860-61, and The Herald. 

Friends' Academy.' — Friends' Academy, now lo- 
cated in Kew Bedford, west of County Street, and 
between Morgan and Elm Streets, is a day school for 
teaching boys and girls the elements of ancient and 
modern languages, of mathematics, and of natural and 
moral sciences, with certain of their applications. Its 
past of seventy years has witnessed many changes in 
teachers, in pupils, in text-books, in methods, in pros- 
perity, and in the mode of realizing the purpose of 
its founders ; but that purpose itself has always been 
kept in view. The internal history of a school which 
has touched the lives of two thousand pupils would 
form an interesting contribution to pedagogics, but 
where obtain the data? Most adults remember as 
little of school life as of infant life. The world 
dwarfs the school by comparison in the mind of the 
grown-up man. He recalls, at most, some prank of 
himself or his fellows ; naturally, he knows his beard 
better than his brain, whatever their relative import- 
ance. Nor can the layman, to use a Germanism, see 
that the moral and natural sciences, that languages, 
even the so-called dead languages, that mathematics 
themselves have been transformed in the last seventy 
years, and that these changes have been reacting in 
the school. Thus it happens that from inquiries, 
from catalogues, from reports one gets so little that is 
interesting or useful. 

1 Contributed by Mr. A. lugrahani. 



The external history of the academy we will tabu- 
late at the end of this brief article, and gain room for 
a glimpse at literary New Bedford of 1810, the year 
in which the village that had owed to William Rotch 
and his associates the greater share of its business 
prosperity was to owe to him and to them its strongest 
impulse in the direction of thought and culture. 

Abraham Shearman, Jr., at his book-store in " Four 
Corners," offered for sale, among other books," Frag- 
ments in Prose and Verse," by Elizabeth Smith ; 
" Memoirs of Frederick and Margaret Klopstock ;" 
Barlow's " Columbiad ;" Beattie's " Elements of 
Moral Science ;" Stewart's " Philosophy of the Hu- 
man Mind ;" " Lectures on Astronomy," by Margaret 
Bryan; Ewing's "Natural and Experimental Phil- 
osophy;" Gregory's " Letters on Taste, Composition, 
and Literature;" Accum's "Analysis of Minerals ;" 
Scott's " Marmion ;" Dryden's " Virgil." 

Cephas Cushman " respectfully informs the public 
in general that he intends opening a day and evening 
school to teach the art of writing." 

Elisha Thornton and his son, Daniel Thornton, 
" propose opening a school jointly on the 11th inst. 
(December, 1809) at the Friends' school-house in the 
village of New Bedford, for the instruction of the 
youth of both sexes, principally in the higher 
branches of literature, viz.: English grammar, geog- 
raphy, use of the globe, the several branches of the 
mathematics, as geometry, surveying, navigation, and 
astronomy." 

Among the laws of New Bedford South School we 
find the following: " The common branches of learn- 
ing to be taught in said school are spelling, reading, 
writing, English grammar, and arithmetic, geography, 
with the use of the globe and making maps U[)on dif- 
ferent principles ; geometry, trigonometry, with their 
application to the mensuration of heights and dis- 
tances, navigation and surveying of land, mensura- 
tion of superfices and solids, gauging, dialing, book- 
keeping by single and double entry will be taught 
at different prices." 

The Social School had been established near the 
" Head of the River" in 1798. " In this school," 
among other things, " the scholars shall be taught to 
accent and read properly both poetry and prose, be 
put to arithmetic and the study of English grammar 
as soon as the committee and preceptor shall deem 
them qualified therefor." The following books shall 
be used in the school, viz. : Webster's "Institute," 
" Young Ladies' Accidence," the Holy Bible. "The 
senior class shall be instructed one day in each week 
in epistolary and other composition. The pupils 
shall be taught to make and mend their pens on their 
beginning to write joining hand." It is enjoined on 
the teacher "that he never strike the children on the 
head, nor authorize one scholar to inflict corporal 
punishment on another;" and also " that he frequently 
address his pupils on moral and religious subjects, 
endeavoring to impress their minds with the sense of 



98 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the being and providence of God, and the obligation 
they are under to love, serve, and pray to Him ; their 
duty to their parents and masters and respect to their 
superiors ; tlie beauty and excellence of truth, justice, 
and mutual love ; tenderness to brute creatures, and 
the sinfulness of tormenting them and wantonly 
destroying their lives." 

The New Bedford Academy, between the villages 
of Fairhaven and Oxford, had been established in 
1799. It was voted by the trustees in 1810, January 
22d, that the committee be directed and are hereby 
authorized to make arrangements to sell the liouse at 
public sale. 

In October, 1810, Cornelius Wing gives notice that 
he intends to open his evening school at the South 
school-house for the third season. 

In July, 1810, the New Bedford Library Society 
confer with the proprietors of tlie Social Library on 
the subject of incorporating both libraries in one. 

Meiiibei-K of the Board of Trustees of Friends' Acad- 
emy.~WU\\a.m Rotch, 1812-28; Elisha Thornton, 
1812-16; Thomas Arnold, 1812-26; Samuel Elam, 
1812-13; Samuel Rodman, 1812-35; William Rotch, 
Jr., 1812-50; William Dean, 1812-50; Abraham 
Shearman, Jr., 1812-23; James Arnold, 1812-68; 
Samuel Rodman, Jr., 1813-76; Obadiah M. Brown, 
1813-22; George Rowland, 1817-52 ; Benjamin Rod- 
man, 1817-76; Joseph Rotch, 1823-39; Charles W. 
Morgan, 182.3-61; Francis Rotch, 1823-74; Andrew 
Robeson, 1823-62; Thomas A.Greene, 1820-67; Wil- 
liam R. Rodman, 1830-55; Joseph Grinnell, 1836-55; 
Samuel W. Rodman, 1838; William R. Robeson, 1838; 
Benjamin S. Rotch, 1839-82; Andrew Robeson, Jr., 
18.39-74; William J. Rotch, 1839; William Logan 
Rodman, 1855-63; Lawrence Grinnell, 1855; Thomas 
R. Rodman, 1856; Edmund Rodman, 1856; George 
Hussey, Jr., 1864-72; Horatio Hathaway, 1864; 
Joshua C. Stone, 1866-69; Leander A. Plummer, 
1868; S. Griffiths Morgan, 1870; William Rotch, 
1870; Morgan Rotch, 1880; Thomas M. Stetson, 
1880; Frederic Swift, 1880; Edmund Grinnell, 1880. 

Presidents of the i?oac(;.— William Roteh, 1812-28; 
Samuel Rodman, 1828-32; James Arnold, 1832-36; 
William Rotch, Jr., 1836-50; Samuel Rodman, 1850 
-76 ; William J. Rotch, 1870. 

Treasurers of the Board. — William Rotch, Jr., 1812 
-50; William J. Rotch, 1850. 

Secretaries of the Board. — Samuel Rodman, 1812-27 ; 
Samuel Rodman, Jr., 1827-37 ; Thomas A. Greene, 
1837-41; Benjamin S. Rotch, 1841-46; William J. 
Rotch, 1846-56 ; William Logan Rodman, 1856-64 ; 
Edmund Rodman, 1864. 

Principals. — John Maitland Brewer, 1S12-17 ; Jloses 
S. Moody, 1817-18 ; Thomas A. Greene, 1818-20; John 
H. W. Page, 1827-29 ; William Howe Sanford, 1829- 
31; William Mosely Holland, 1831; David Mack, 
1831-36; Isaac N. Stoddard, 1835-37 ; John V. Beane, 
1837-45 ; Simon Barrow, 1845-46 ; Abner J. Phipps, 
1847-58 ; Edward A. H. Allen, 1855-69 ; T. Prentiss 



Allen, 1858-64 (male department) ; John Tetlow, 
1869-78; Andrew Ingraham, 1878. 

Assistants (the dates are approximate). — Thomas 
A. Greene, 1817; Joseph Congdon, 1820; John F. 
Emerson, William Howe Sanford, Alanson Brigham, 
Oliver Preseott, 1829; Samuel A. Devens, Samuel 
Sawyer, George Washington Warren, Elizabeth Dorr, 
Edward Fabre, 1829 ; Julia Mack, Joshua Seixas, 
George Ticknor Curtis, William Mack, Francis B. 
Casas, Samuel Mack, Henry Washington Lee, Wil- 
liam D. Taber, P. A. Giraud, J. A. Frentin, Edward 
Seager, M. Moultrop, Nathan D. Gould, George W. 
Winchester, 1835; William Mack, Abby Osgood, 
Samuel Beane, Phineas Adam Beane, F. P. Wierz- 
biski, Erastus W. Woodbury, James H. Coggeshall, 
Charles Peabody, Albert G. Wicks, Simon Barrows, 
J. B. R. Walker, John B. Garland, William Hatha- 
way, J. B. Edwards, Catherine Kittredge, Mary Ann 
Willard, Anna W. Weston, Cyrus Bartlett, J. F. 
Kelly, John Bennett, Hannah B. Robinson, Minerva 
Chase, Mary Washburn, 1845 ; Luke K. Bowers, Cli- 
mena Wakefield, George H. Fillmore, Ivory S. Corn- 
ish, Lorenzo D. Blood, William T. Goodwin, Abby L. 
Hitchcock, 1855; Sophia Shepherd, Louisa P. Stone, 
Elvira Johnson, Martha Russell, Clara Kempton, 
Cornelia T. Hart, Annie Gordon, Edwin P. Seaver, 
William Gordcm, D. J. Butler, John Tetlow, Jr., 
Caroline A. Hinckley, Emma Saul, Bessie T. Wing, 
Gabrilla T. Eddy, Andrew Ingraham, Cornelius 
Howland, Jr., Mrs. H. B. Warner, L. Papanti, M. 
Blanquet, Max. Eppendorf, Max. Richter, Edward 
C. Dubois, Frances G. Henry, A. C. Maggi, 1869; 
Celia L. Chase, Mary E. Savery, Lorette M. Furber, 
Maria S. Eaton, Louisa H. Clapp, 1875; Charles J. 
Gardner, Caleb A. Burbank, Edward H. Cobb, Charles 
Monier, Arthur Gumming, J. T. White, Mary T. 
Spalding, Maria Maggi, May G. Bonney, Mary S. 
Locke, Mary B. Seabury, Samuel Lepoids. 

Chronology. — 1810. A school-house erected by Wil- 
liam Rotch on a lot of land which he had purchased 
at the corner of County and Elm Streets, in the vil- 
lage of New Bedford. September 17th. Preliminary 
meeting; William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Sam- 
uel Rodman, Samuel Elam, Thomas Arnold, James 
Arnold agree to contribute certain sums " for the 
purpose of establishing and endowing an institution 
for the instruction of Friends' children, and such 
others, as it may appear hereafter, as may usefully 
and safely be admitted therein, in the knowledge of 
the languages, of mathematics, and philosophy, and 
such other branches of useful literature as hereafter, 
upon experiment, may be found within the compass 
and means of the institution usefully to teach." 

1812, Feb. 29th. Charter of Friends' Academy 
signed by Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Massachu- 
setts. 

1813, Dec. 3d. The trustees are notified that Sam- 
uel Elam, of Newport, had bequeathed to the academy 
all his printed books and pajiers. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



99 



1830. Additional land presented by VV. Charles 
Morgan, Esq., and other.s. 

185.5, May 9th. Repeal of the first article of the 
by-laws, which made membership in the Society of 
Friends a condition of appointment to the office of 
trustee. 

1855, Sept. 19th. The department for girls made 
entirely distinct from that for boys. 

1856, June 11th. A building committee appointed 
to erect a new school-house on land recently [uir- 
chased on Morgan Street. 

1857, May 7th. Dedication of the new building. 
1860. The building enlarged and remodeled. 
1869. Male and female departments completely 

consolidated. 

References for further information : Historical 
Sketch of the Friends' Academy, |)repared for the 
Centennial Year, to which is appended a presentation 
of the course and methods of instruction at present 
pursued. New Bedford : Fessenden & Baker, Print- 
ers, 1876. The historical sketch was contributed by 
Thomas R. Rodman, Esq., the remainder by John 
Tetlow, A.M., then principal of the academy. His- 
tory of New Bedford, by Daniel Ricketson, Esq., pp. 
325. 

History of the New Bedford Public Schools. — 
The first movement to establish a regular system of 
public schools in New Bedford, in conformity to the 
laws of the commonwealth, was made in 1821. Prior 
to that time the only free school which had been sup- 
ported at public expense was one intended for the 
poor alone; and "it was in every sense," says Mr. 
James B. Congdon, " a. poor school." 

The wealth of the town was intensely hostile to the 
movement. The only man of wealth who acted with 
the people in the matter was John Avery Parker. 
But the attempt succeeded. A school committee was 
appointed, an appropriation of twelve hundred dol- 
lars was voted, and the town was sub-divided into 
school districts. 

A year or two after the opponents of a free-school 
system rallied their forces and were successful. Upon 
the question of appropriating twelve hundred dollars 
for schools, the friends of public education were voted 
down. But the triumph of the contestants was not 
of long continuance, for the very next year the neces- 
sary sum was appropriated to support the schools, 
and active opposition to them, as the system was then 
constituted, ceased altogether. 

But when, after an interval, there was a movement 
for the establishment of a High School, it excited 
acrimonious hostility. Its enemies rallied in force, 
and were repeatedly successful. But its friends as 
often renewed the struggle, and finally the opposition 
gave way and a high school became one of the per- 
manent features of the public-school system of the 
town. 

From that time forward the schools grew more and 
more deeply in popular favor, and as the town in- 



creased in numbers the appropriations were increased 
in proportion, until the original grant of twelve hun- 
dred dollars, in 1821, had grown to the sum of twenty- 
one thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars in 
1846, when a charter was granted and accepted, and 
the town became a city. 

Nothing occurred worthy of note for many years. 
The constitution of the school system and the methods 
of instruction followed closely the traditional types 
then prevailing in Massachusetts. The ideal of 
" school-keeping" was very low before, and even for 
some time after the middle of the century the phil- 
osophy of education as exemplified in our public 
schools was extremely vague and indeterminate, and 
many of the methods of instruction had nothing to 
recommend them except I hat that was the way chil- 
dren had always been taught. Horace Mann, in 
1840, painted a humiliating picture of the average 
Massachusetts public school, and it is commended to 
the careful study of those fossilized grumblers who 
denounce the reformed methods of instruction as 
damaging innovations of the good old ways, when 
they themselves went to school ; but although the 
New Bedford schools attempted no departures from 
the beaten track, they had at all times many teachers 
of superior ability, who verified in the happiest man- 
ner the adage, as true as it is trite, that " as is the 
teacher so is the school ;" and the character of the 
schools of New Bedford, in general, was no doubt 
above that of most New England schools. 

It was fortunate for the High School, in the days 
when the institution was regarded by many as a 
doubtful experiment, that it had for its principal Mr. 
John F. Emerson, a man of admirable character, fine 
culture, and peculiar aptitudes for his vocation. Such 
a man will make any school which he may undertake 
a success, and Mr. Emerson's administration concili- 
ated the opponents of the High School, and multiplied 
its friends, until, when he resigned his position in 1861 
on account of impaired health, after many years of 
faithful and eminently useful service, it was firmly 
established in the favor of the community. His 
pupils, one and all, speak of him in terms of the high- 
est respect and regard. His lifelike portrait hangs 
in a conspicuous place in the hall of the new and 
noble High School house, an honor which he richly 
earned. 

As the years wore on, and the schools increased in 
size and number as the city grew in population, the 
school committee found the task of supervision too 
exacting to be faithfully performed by gentlemen who 
had each his own personal business to transact. The 
result, it was evident, was a total lack of system in the 
management of the schools, and an unjust irregularity 
in their oversight. Some were measurably cared for, 
others were almost totally neglected, and there was 
lacking a central force to give unity as well as direc- 
tion to the whole. 

In this condition of affairs the plan adopted for relief 



100 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



by several other cities who were in like circumstances, 
of employing a superintendent of the schools, began to 
be discussed and gradually to grow in favor, until at 
length, in IStil, Mr. Abner J. Phipps was elected su- 
perintendent, and was placed as the executive officer 
of the school committee in control of the schools. 
Mr. Phipps had won an enviable reputation as a gen- 
tleman of excellent ability, critical scholarship, and 
capacity to govern and teach youth in a superior 
manner, during a long term of service as principal of 
Friends' Academy in New Bedford. 

As his office had been lately created and had yet to 
establish itself in public favor, he pursued a judicious 
course in attempting no considerable changes in the 
old order of things. He was content to let system 
and methods remain undisturbed, satisfied with labor- 
ing to supply the defects in executive work which had 
specially occasioned his appointment. He held the 
office until the beginning of the year 1864, when he 
resigned to take a similar position in the city of 
Lowell. 

In February, 1805, Rev. Henry F. Harrington, of 
Cambridge, was elected to succeed him. Mr. Harring- 
ton had passed through a peculiarly advantageous ex- 
perience to prepare him for his duties, as he had borne 
a prominent part in the formation of the school sys- 
tem of the then newly-founded city of Lawrence, had 
afterward been superintendent of its schools, and sub- 
sequently an active member of the school committee 
of the city of Cambridge. He immediately entered 
upon the duties of his new office, and as soon as he 
had acquainted himself with the condition of the 
schools, began — having the sympathy and co-opera- 
tion of most of the leading members of his school 
committee — that series of reforms and improvements 
which have secured for the schools of New Bedford a 
distinguished position among the schools of the State. 
It has been claimed by the New Bedford school com- 
mittee, and the claim has never been disputed, that 
their schools have been invariably pioneers in the 
practical exemplification of the admirable methods 
of instruction which now prevail, that there is not 
one of them which, so far as New England is con- 
cerned, did not have its origin in their own city. 

The reorganization of the primary schools, and the 
substitution of intelligent and attractive methods of 
learning to read, learning numbers, etc., in place of 
the old rote methods, vi-ere accomplished in 1865. In 
1867 the "New Bedford Manual of Instruction" was 
prepared and adopted. There were at the time no 
hand-books of the kind in New England, and only 
two or three in all the United States. This manual 
was so well approved that it was copied entire into 
the volume of the reports of the State Board of Edu- 
cation in the following year, and thousands of copies 
were distributed by private subscription in the nor- 
mal schools and among the school committees and 
teachers of the State. It was the source and basis of 
wide-spread reforms, and a new and enlarged edition. 



embodying the practical wisdom ^yhich had been ac- 
quired meanwhile, was printed in 1874. 

In 1869 a beginning was made towards the intro- 
duction of supplementary reading in the shape oi 
three hundred subscriptions to the Nursery, a child's 
magazine, for use in the primary schools. This was 
the first practical recognition in New England of the 
great principle, now so widely and heartily accepted, 
that it is only reading much which can confer the 
al)ility to read well. 

In this way step after step was taken to rid the 
schools of whatever there might be of defect in the 
processes of study, and to introduce truer and better 
ways. As might be expected from this earnest and 
resolute feeling after the best, mistakes were some- 
times made. Experiments were tried, some of which 
resulted in failure. But if there had been a timorous 
halting to undertake lest the result should be disap- 
pointing there could have been no vital energy of 
operation, no well-grounded and substantial progress. 
It is to the great credit of the New Bedford School 
Committee that they have uniformly allowed their 
superintendent untrammelled opportunity to make 
proof of his ideals, willing to run the risk of an occa- 
sional failure for the sake of assured successes. Thus 
the New Bedford school work is the first of actual 
experiment. Nothing is practiced because recom- 
mended or practiced in other quarters ; nothing is 
omitted which it has not been proved to be judicious 
to omit. 

The studies of the schools are selected and ad- 
justed to each other on clearly defined principles, so 
that all the school work has a direct and intelligent 
purpose. The most important study is considered to 
be language. This is pursued diligently, having 
paramount attention, through all the grades and de- 
partments of the school system, from the little pri- 
marians of the thirteenth or entering grade to the 
young men and women of the first or graduating 
grade in the High School. The means employed are 
an abundance of interesting reading, and the fre- 
quent writing of compositions in the various forms 
pertaining to that exercise. The specific ends to be 
gained are the acquirement of a full and ready vocab- 
ulary and the capacity of easy and accurate expres- 
sion through speech and with the pen, and this, 
joined to a thorough knowledge of the four funda- 
mental rules of arithmetic, is what Edward Everett 
called "an excellent education." This study is also 
intended, incidentally, to develop the power of orig- 
inal thought, and to lead to a relish for pure, inform- 
ing literature. 

The perceptions are held to constitute the most 
trustworthy instrumentality in the acquirement of 
accurate conceptions of material things, therefore all 
studies are to be illustrated by means of objects to as 
great an extent as may be conveniently possible. 

No study is to be pursued merely for the sake of 
mental discipline, on the ground that there is no time 



NEW BEDFORD. 



101 



for such study. Mental discipline is recognized to be 
one of the essential elements of a good education; 
but in our public schools only so much can justly be 
furnished as can be attained througli the systematic 
pursuit of the practical information which is jirovided 
in the course of study. The attention given to arith- 
metic is abridged to the limit of the few topics which 
are desirable for practical use in life, while the com- 
paratively useless details in geography and history 
with which the text-books on those subjects are 
crowded are omitted. 

The proper relations of mental to moral instruc- 
tion, that vital subject, have been set forth in a late 
New Bedford Annual School Report as follows : 

" Mental education has no inherent moral force. 
It is the obedient vassal of character. As the needle 
follows the lead of the magnet, so the intellect follows 
the lead of the sentiments, and if they be corrupt 
mental education becomes only a promoter of evil. 
The training of the sentiments, then, is incalculably 
more important than the training of the mind; and 
in all conilicts between mental training and character 
training, as regards the appropriation of time, of effort, 
or of money to one or the other, incntid training is 
alwayi to (jive waxj." 

The efforts thus put forth for the best possible school 
system and school work have received an incalculable 
advantage from the benefits derived from the "Sylvia 
Ann Howland Fund." This fund is the fruit of a 
gift of one hundred thousand dollars to the city in 
the year 1S70 by the lady whose name it bears, the 
income to be divided between the Free Public Li- 
brary and the public schools. It is an admirable pro- 
vision of the donation to the schools that no portion 
of the avails are to be devoted to any purposes which 
the city is legally bound to provide through taxation. 
The city pays six per cent, for the use of the fund, 
and thus the school committee have had in possession 
annually since the year 1870 to expend for the good 
of the schools the sum of three thousand dollars. 
They have been enabled to supply all needful appli- 
ances to secure the best possible results of study, — 
books of reference and for reading, apparatus and 
cabinets for scientific illustration, museums for ob- 
jective teaching, maps, globes, musical instruments, 
and all the other appurtenances of a thoroughly fur- 
nished school-room. And so greatly have these as- 
sistances given interest to the vocation of the teachers, 
as well as high tone and character to the teaching, 
that several teachers who have been offered higher 
salaries to go elsewhere have declined on the sole 
ground that they could not bear to surrender the ad- 
vantages derived from the " Howland Fund." 

It is a singular fact that the only three instances in 
the history of Massachusetts in which large sums of 
money have been given by private munificence for 
the good of public schools should have occurred in 
Bristol County, — in New Bedford, Fall River, and 
North Easton. 



The organization of the school system is as fol- 
lows: There are five departments, viz., High, Gram- 
mar, Primary, Country, and Mill School Departments. 

These departments (except the Mill School) are 
sub-divided into thirteen grades, whose total corre- 
sponds with the number of school years. Of these 
grades the Primary Department includes four, the 
Grammar Department five, and the High School De- 
partment four. They are designated by numbers, 
the youngest in the list being the thirteenth. 

There are twenty-two public school-houses in the 
city. Of these a portion are quite old, and will have 
to give place before long to new and better structures. 
Others have been reconstructed, and will serve their 
purpose for many years longer, while several are new 
and are replete with every convenience. The city 
government is very liberal in furnishing additional 
accommodations for the ever-enlarging number of 
pupils. An excellent school-house has lately been 
completed at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars. 

The High School house is a model edifice, of im- 
posing proportions and a striking and pleasing style 
of architecture, while the interior is faultless in its 
carefully-studied arrangements. It has eight school- 
rooms, two art- or draughting-rooms, a library, a 
philosophical lecture-room with apparatus-room at- 
tached, a chemical laboratory thoroughly fitted at 
great expense, in which twenty-four pupils can work 
at the same time, clothes' room and dressing-room, 
and a hall which will accommodate more than a 
thousand persons. The cost of the building was one 
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. 

The Mill School is an exceptional institution, de- 
signed to serve two purposes, — the chief one to give 
children who work in the mills a more fitting educa- 
tion than they could obtain by being classed in the 
regular grades, the other to allow the pupils in the 
regular grades who are constantly at school the op- 
portunity of uninterrupted progress by preventing 
the drawbacks which would be incident to periodical 
increment by children discharged from the mills, who 
are not capable of being classed with regular pupils 
without clogging the wheels of progress. The Mill 
School is admirably taught and highly valued. 

The total appropriation for the New Bedford schools 
for the year 1883 was eighty-three thousand eight hun- 
dred dollars. There were in service during the year 
1882 one hundred and fifteen teachers, of whom only 
seven were men. 

Aimwell School is located on North Street, near 
Foster. Mrs. W. H. Knight, principal ; Mrs. George 
O. Buckley and Miss Mary L. Smith, assistants. 

The New Bedford Free Public Library.— The 
commonwealth of Massachusetts, recognizing from 
the earliest period of its history the educational influ- 
ence of public libraries, gave the assistance of its 
legislation in the promotion of their establishment 
and management. 

Earlv in the present centurv laws were enacted 



102 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 

* 



giving corporate powers to the proprietors of social 
libraries, many of which had been established in 
various parts of the commonwealth, and under the 
provisions of the law the number was increased, their 
condition made permainent, and their management 
rendered convenient and effective. 

But a few years after the incorporation of the town 
of New Bedford, the want of books and the inability 
of most of the inhabitants to procure them led to a 
combination of effort for that purpose. 

The early settlers of the village of Bedford were 
intelligent, as well as industrious, frugal, and virtuous. 
They were so far enlightened as to understand the 
value of books, and they saw clearly that the remedy 
for individual inability to procure them was such a 
combination of meaus and efforts as would render the 
united ability the property of each. 

Several such combinations were formed in New 
Bedford previous to the passage of the act conferring 
upon them corporate powers. 

The proprietors of Dobson's Encyclopaedia were 
the earliest to form this social and profitable arrange- 
ment. For our unlearned and isolated people this 
work was a library in itself. Eagerly and thoroughly 
were its pages read and consulted, and the well-worn 
volumes now in the Free Public Library bear testi- 
mony to the fact, so creditable to the people of the 
village. 

The Library Society followed. This was a more 
comprehensive effort. The desire for books had out- 
grown the ability of Dobson to satisfy. The Social 
Library followed. This was a vigorous, well-directed, 
and well-managed a.ssoeiation. The good sense of all 
recognized the wisdom of combination, and in the 
union there was found strength. The three associa- 
tions were united, and the New Bedford Social Library 
bad a long, prosperous, and profitable career. 

When the passage of the State law allowed the 
proprietors to become a body corporate, advantage 
was taken of its provisions. For nearly half a cen- 
tury this valuable collection of books was the princi- 
pal source whence was supplied the desire of the 
people for knowledge and intellectual recreation. 
" Library-day" was always a welcome daj'. There 
was in attendance generally a large number of intel- 
ligent seekers, and the result of that intercourse with 
books' for which this library provided was a marked 
and most promising and interesting feature in the 
characters of the young men and women of New 
Bedford. 

The act to authorize cities and towns to establish 
and maintain public libraries was passed by the Gen- 
eral Court of l\Iassachusetts, May 24, 1851. 

The ordinance for the establisliment and govern- 
ment of a free public library in New Bedford was 
passed Aug. 16, 1852. 

The first movement in the undertaking was an un- 
successful one. It was made in the City Council July 
8, 1851, by Warren Ladd, then a member of the pop- 



ular branch of that body. The order was only to con- 
sider the expediency of the measflre. It passed the 
Common Council without a dissenting voice, but the 
aldermen non-concurred. It will be seen that this 
movement was hut for/t/-five days after the passage of 
the enabling act. 

On the 27th of May, 1852, a large petition, headed 
by James B. Congdon, was presented to the Council. 

The petition was referred to the Committee on 
Public Instruction, who reported on the 14th of June. 
Tliey recommended an appropriation of fifteen hun- 
dred dollars for the establishment of the library. 

In their report the committee attach great import- 
ance to the fact that they had been assured that, 
" provided the authorities should, by the passage of 
the order making the appropriation asked for, estab- 
lish tlie principle that the maintenance of a free city 
library for the continuous education of the people 
will be the settled policy of the city," the fire thousand. 
volumes of the New Bedford Social Library would be 
transferred to the city. 

Quoting the words of James B. Congdon, through 
whom this offer of the proprietors of the library was 
made, they say, "With such a foundation to build 
upon, with the appropriation now prayed for to give 
it a ])osition for immediate and extended usefulness, 
the library would open to our inhabitants the means 
of infiocent enjoyment and of valuable acquisition, 
and be a source of commendable pride to our citizens." 

But the Free Public Library had, in fact, been es- 
tablished before the presentation of the report. The 
appropriation bill for the year, which had already 
passed, contained an item of Ji/'leeii hiindri-d dollars 
for the library. Councilman Pitman,- who was a 
member of the committee to whom the petition was 
referred, had anticipated the favorable action of the 
Council, and had introduced and carried an amend- 
ment to the bill making the appropriation as above 
stated. This amendment was made previous to the 
presentation of the report of the committee. The ap- 
propriation bill passed July 20, 1852. The date of the 
adoption of that amendment is the date of the establish- 
ment of the New Bedford Free Public Library. 

The library was opened for the use of the people 
and the delivery of books on Thursday, the 3d day of 
March, 1853. 

The number of volumes at the opening was between 
five and six thousand. 

It is an interesting and creditable fact that the New 
Bedford Free Public Library is the only public library 
established under the law of 1851, excepting that in 
Boston, noticed by Edwards in his elaborate " Me- 
moirs of Libraries," published in London in 1859. 

The six thousand volumes with whicli the library 
opened have now increased to about forty-three thou- 
sand. 



1 Hon. Robert C. Pilman, one of the present judgeo of the Superior 
Couri of the commonwealth. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



103 



Tlie building now occupied by the New Bedford 
Free Public Library was erected in 1856-57. Its cost 
was about forty thousand dollars. It is built of brick, 
with granite underpinning and steps and freestone 
ornaments. 

The corner-stone of the building was laid on the 
28th of August, 1856. 

Of the library building the upper rooms only are 
occupied by the library. The principal room is neat ; 
and tasteful in its architectural features and conve- ] 
nient in its arrangements. It has two tiers of alcoves, 
one on the floor and one on the gallery, which is car- 
ried around the whole room, excepting on the north ! 
end where the stairs lead to it. An iron railing divides 
the alcoves from the visitors. Reading-desks outside 
the railing contain the periodicals, which are acces- 
sible to all, and seated at these desks the visitors are, 
in addition to these, furnished with any books they 
may wish to consult. The delivery is at a table at the 
north end. A stand for newspapers occupies a central 
position in the room. Six other rooms are occupied 
for library purposes, four for books, one for the trus- 
tees, and one for the convenience of the librarian and 
his assistants. 

The library has had a growth unexpectedly rapid, 
and at this time the want of more room is severely felt. 

The trust funds established for the benefit of the 
library are three. 

The first upon the list is the George Howland, Jr., 
Fund. Its amount is the sum of two years' salary of 
George Howland, Jr., as mayor, sixteen hundred dol- 
lars. 

Under the will of Charles W. Morgan there was 
paid to the city by William J. Rotch, his executor, 
the sum of one thousand dollars, which constitutes 
the Charles W. Morgan Fund. 

Under the will of Sylvia Ann Howland the city of 
New Bedford was paid the sum of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars. The testament of this excellent lady 
contained the following interesting item: 

" I give and bequeath to the city of New Bedford 
the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, and direct 
that this sum shall be invested judiciously under the 
direction of the City Council, and the income there- 
from shall be expended and used for the promotion 
and support within the city of liberal education, and 
the enlargement from time to time of the Free Public 
Library." 

Of this bequest fifty thou.sand dollars were set apart 
for the library, and constituted the Sylvia Ann How- 
land Free Public Library Fund. Its income is now 
the chief dependence of the trustees for the " enlarge- 
ment" of the library, as the appropriation by the city 
barely suffices for the salaries and other expenses of 
the institution. 

During the delay which attended the litigation upon 
the will of the deceased the funds of the estate largely 
increased, and in addition to the bequest ol' fifty thou- 
.sand dollars which constitutes the fund, about ten 



thousand dollars was paid into the treasury of the city 
as interest or income and placed to the credit of the 
library. 

Under the direction of the trustees of the library a 
plain white marble tablet, commemorating this noble 
act, was placed in the principal room of the institution. 

It is surrounded by a frame of tasteful design and 
of perfect execution. The whole, both in plan and 
performance, including the site selected for its erec- 
tion, is one which commends itself to the good sense, 
the feelings of propriety, and the grateful emotions 
of the people of New Bedford. The inscription upon 
the tablet is as follows: "This tablet commemorates 
the enlightened liberality of Sylvia Ann Howland, 
who bestowed upon the city of New Bedford the sum 
of two hundred thousand dollars ; one hundred thou- 
sand dollars to aid in supplying the city with pure 
water, and one hundred thousand dollars as a fund 
for the promotion of liberal education by the enlarge- 
ment of the Free Public Library, and by extending to 
the children and youth of the city themeansof a wider 
and more generous culture." 

It will be seen by this inscription that the whole 
amount bequeathed to the city of New Bedford by 
this lady was two hundred thousand dollars. One- 
half the sum was applied to the construction of the 
New Bedford water-works, the other was equally 
divided, forming the library and educational fund. 

The amount of the several trust funds established 
for the benefit of the Free Public Library, which have 
been severally noticed, is fifty-two thousand six hun- 
dred dollars. 

The annual income is three thousand one liundred 
and fifty-six dollars. 

This income is a vital element in the existence of 
the library. We have seen that the ordinary annual 
appropriation is necessarily absorbed by the expenses 
of management. It is, therefore, mainly upon the 
income of the permanent funds that the trustees 
depend for the supply of books and periodicals, and 
for the constant renovation which the active use of 
the books renders necessary. 

Mr. Robert Ingraham was the first librarian (Octo- 
ber, 1852), and has officiated in that capacity to the 
present time, a period of over thirty years, and it may 
truly be said that much of the success of this library 
is due to Mr. Ingraham's zeal, intelligence, and in- 
dustry. 

The National Bank of Commerce.— The Bedford 
Bank was organized in 1803 with a capital of 860,000; 
Thomas Hazard, president; John Pickens, cashier. 
Capital increased in 1804 to $150,000, and continued 
with same officers until 1812, when charter expired. 

The Bedford Commercial Bank was organized in 
1816 with a capital of $100,000; George Howland, 
president; Joseph Ricketson, cashier. The capital 
was increased in 1821 to *150,<)00 ; in 1825, to $250- 
000; in 1831, to $400,000; and in 1851, to .$600,000. 
George Howland continued as president until his 



104 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



death in 1852. E. M. Robinson filled the office from 
1852 to 18G0; Thomas Nye, Jr., from 1860 to 1869; 
Thomas S. Hathaway, from 1869 to 1878; Francis 
Hathaway was elected August, 1878, and is the pres- 
ent incumbent. 

The bank has had five cashiers, as follows : Joseph 
Ricketson, 1816-34; James H. Crocker, 1834-.38; 
Thomas B. White, 1838-73; Benjamin F. Coombs, 
1873-76 ; and James H. Talhnan, 1877 to present time. 
The Bedford Commercial Bank continued until 
Dec. 19, 1864, with the same capital ($600,000), when 
it was organized as " The National Bank of Commerce 
of New Bedford," with a capital of $600,000, which 
was increased in 1874 to $1,000,000, its present capital. 
The directors at the time of its organization as a 
national bank were Thomas Nye, Jr., president, Wil- 
liam J. Rotch, Thomas S. Hathaway, George Hussey, 
Matthew Howland, Charles L. Wood, William Hath- 
away, Jr., Thomas Knowles, Henry Taber, William 
C. N. Swift. 

The present (1882) board of directors are as fol- 
lows: Francis Hathaway, William Hatliaway, Jr., 
William C. N. Swift, Matthew Howland, William J. 
Rotch, Henry Taber, Thomas Nye, Jr., Leander A. 
Plummer, Charles W. Clifford, William A. Robinson, 
and Morgan Rotch. 

The Mercliants' Bank of New Bedford was or- 
ganized July 23, 1825. The first board of directors 
were as follows: John A. Parker, Samuel Borden, 
Job Eddy, Abraham Barker, Joseph Bourne, Wm. 
H. Allen, David R. Greene, John Coggeshall, Jr., 
Alfred Gibbs; John Avery Parker, president, James 
B. Congdon, cashier. 

]VIi". Parker was president of the bank until his 
death, Dec. 30, 1853. Mr. Congdon was cashier of the 
bank until Jan. 1, 1858, when he resigned. Charles 
R. Tucker succeeded Mr. Parker as president, and 
held that ofiice until his death, Dec. 21, 1876. Jona- 
than Bourne succeeded Mr. Tucker, and is now presi- 
dent. P. C. Howland succeeded Mr. Congdon, and is 
now cashier. 

The Merchants' Bank of New Bedford was reorgan- 
ized as the Merchants' National Bank of New Bed- 
ford, Feb. 14, 1865. The board of directors at the time 
of reorganization, Feb. 14, 1865, w'ere as ibllows : 
Charles R. Tucker, Abraham Barker, David R. 
Greene, Gideon Allen, Thomas Bradley, Dennis 
Wood, J. Bourne, Jr., William P. Howland, An- 
drew Hicks. 

The capital stock Feb. 14, 1865, was .$600,000, with 
a surplus of $166,050.58. The present (Sept. 11, 
1882) board of directors are Jonathan Bourne, George 
F. Bartlett, George R. Phillips, William R. Wing, 
Andrew Hicks, George F. Kingman, Lewis S. Judd, 
Samuel C. Hart, Thomas H. Knowles, Gilbert Allen, 
Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Francis B. Greene, Wil- 
liam N. Church ; J. Bourne, president, P. C. How- 
land, cashier. Capital, $1,000,000; surplus and un- 
divided profits (Sept. 11, 1882), $488,177.43. 



The Mechanics' National Bank.' — This was 
originally a State bank, incorporated Oct. 3, 1831, 
under the name of "The President, Directors, and 
Company of the Metlianics' Bank in New Bedford," 
and to so continue until Oct. 1, 1851, with a capital of 
$200,000. 

The first meeting of the stockholders was held July 
16, 1831, and the first meeting of the directors July 
23, 1831. The names of the directors were as follows: 
William R. Rodman, Thomas Mandell, George T. 
Baker, Joseph R. Shiverick, .Tohn Perkins, Edmund 
Gardner, Pardon Tillinghast, Andrew Robeson, Dud- 
ley Davenport. William R. Rodman was the first 
president. He held the ofiice for twenty years, re- 
signing October, 1851. Thomas Mandell succeeded 
him, being elected president Oct. 11, 1851, and hold- 
ing the ofiice till his death, which took place Feb. 13, 
1870. Hon. William W. Crapo was chosen president 
June 1, 1870, and still retains that position. 

Pardon Tillinghast, the first vice-president, was 
elected Jan. 10, 1866, resigning June 1, 1870. Hon. 
Andrew G. Peirce was chosen vice-president June 1, 
1870, and still holds the oflSce. 

Joseph Congdon was elected cashier Oct. 6, 1831, 
holding the position till Oct. 7, 1857, a period of 
twenty-six years, when he resigned on account of ill 
health. E. Williams Hervey succeeded Mr. Congdon 
as cashier, being elected Oct. 7, 1857, and holding the 
position till Aug. 9, 1882, when ill health compelled 
him to resign after a period of nearly twenty-five 
years as cashier and twenty-nine years in the service 
of the bank. James W. Hervey was the third cashiei-, 
being elected Aug. 12, 1882, having served the bank 
since 1857, and as assistant cashier since Oct. 8, 1859. 

Joseph R. Shiverick, the first secretary, served till 
Oct. 5, 1859; James H. Collins, Oct. 8, 1859, to Oct. 
12, 1861; Thomas Wilcox, elected Oct. 12, 1861, still 
retains the office. 

Of the original board of directors none are living. 
Of those who have served the interests of the bank 
as directors but not at present connected with the 
bank only two are living, viz.: William Watkins, 
elected Oct. 6, 1852, resigned Feb. 8, 1879, to accept 
the presidency of the First National Bank of this 
city; Edmund Taber, elected Oct. 3, 1849, resigned 
1861, and is now interested in the oil districts of Vir- 
ginia. 

The capital of the Mechanics' Bank under the 
State charter was twice increased. The first increase 
was $200,000, April 12, 18.54, making $400,000, and 
the second of $200,000, June, 18.57, making $600,000, 
the present capital of the Mechanics' National Bank. 
The present surplus is about .$250,000. 

In March, 1849, the Legislature was petitioned for 
a renewal of the original charter, which by limitation 
would expire Oct. 1, 1851. The Mechanics' Bank did 
not cease business as a State bank until the 31st of 

1 Coiitriltviteii by Junies W. Hervey. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



105 



March, 1865, although the bank was reorganized as a 
national bank June 3, 1864. 

The following is a list of the present board of di- 
rectors, with the dates of their election : Hon. William 
W. Crapo, Oct. 9, 1S6I ; Hon. Andrew G. Peirce, 
John R. Thornton, Jan. 8. 1867 ; Jireh Swift, Oct. 3, 
1849; Thomas Wilcox, Oct. 9, 1861; Edward D. 
Mandell, Feb. 26, 1870; Horatio Hathaway, June 3, 
1871; Loum Snow, E. Williams Hervey, June 9, 
1872; Edward Kilburn, Jan. 9, 1883. 

The present officers of the bank are: President, 
Hon. William W. Crapo, elected June 1, 1870; Vice- 
President, Hon. Andrew G. Peirce, elected June 1, 
1870; Secretary, Thomas Wilcox, elected Oct. 12, 
1861; Ca.shier, James W. Hervey, elected Aug. 12, 
1882; Assistant Cashier, Lemuel T. Terry, elected 
Aug. 12, 1882; First Uook-keeper, Nathan C. Hatha- 
way, elected Aug. 12, 1882 ; Second Book-keeper, Al- 
fred Thornton, elected Aug. 12, 1882. 

The First National Bank.— The Marine Bank of 
New Bedford was organized April 3, 1832, with a capital 
of two hundred thousand dollars, which was increased 
the next year to three hundred thousand dollars, in 
1851 to five hundred thousand dollars, and in 1855 to 
six hundred thousand dollars. Joseph Grinnell, Na- 
thaniel Hathaway, Kimball Perry, Joseph G. Tilling- 
hast, Alexander H.. Campbell, Epliraim Kempton, 
Benjamin Russell, Jose|)h R. Anthony, and William 
W. Swain were elected directors. Joseph Grinnell was 
president from the organization to 1864. The cashiers 
were John E. Williams, William M. Sisson, and John 
P. Barker. This bank was among the first of the State 
banks to adopt the national system. In 1864 it be- 
came a national bank, changing its name to the First 
National Bank of New Bedford. This bank com- 
menced business witb the capital of the old bank 
(six hundred thousand dollars), which was increased 
in 1869 to one million dollars. The directors were 
Joseph Grinnell, Ward M. Parker, William Giff'ord, 
Edward W. Rowland, Edward C. Jones, Lemuel Kol- 
lock, George F. Barker, Otis Seabury, and J. H. Bart- 
lett, Jr. Joseph Grinnell was elected president, and 
John P. Barker cashier. Mr. Grinnell was president 
until January, 1878, and was succeeded by Edward 
W. Howlaird and William Watkins. Mr. Barker was 
cashier until 1874, when W. P. Winsor, the present 
cashier, was elected. This bank has been since its 
organization a designated depository of the United 
States. 

The Citizens' National Bank was incorporated 
May 17, 1875, with the following board of directors : 
Joseph A. Beauvais, John P. Knowles, William J. 
Kilburn, Charles Tucker, Joseph H. Cornell, L. S. 
Judd, and John F. Tucker. The first jjresident was 
Joseph Beauvais, who has officiated to the present 
time. T. B. Fuller was chosen first cashier, and is the 
present incumbent. Capital upon organization was 
two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which has 
been increased to five hundred thousand dollars. 



The New Bedford Institution for Savings was 

incorporated in 1825 with the following incorporators: 
William Rotch, Jr., Gilbert Russell, Cornelius Grin- 
nell, Andrew Robeson, Haydon Coggeshall, Benjamin 
Rodman, John A.Parker, Eli Haskell, Richard Wil- 
liams, George Howland, Joseph Bourne, Abraham 
Shearman, Jr., William W. Swain, Thomas Rotch, 
Thomas A. Greene, Charles W. Morgan, Samuel 
Rodman, Jr., John B. Smith, William C. Nye, 
Thomas S. Swain, William H. Allen, Lemuel Wil- 
liams, Jr., John Howland, Jr., Cbarles H. Warren, 
William P. Grinnell, Joseph Ricketson, Charles Grin- 
nell, Nathan Bates, John Coggeshall, Jr., James How- 
land (2d), Gideon Howland. 

The first officers were: President, William Rotch, 
Jr. ; Treasurer, Abraham Shearman, .Tr. ; Secretary, 
John B. Smith. 

The first board of trustees were as follows : William 
Rotch, Jr., Gilbert Russell, Cornelius Grinnell, Hay- 
don Coggeshall, John A.Parker, Eli Haskell, Joseph 
Bourne, Abraham Shearman, Jr., Thomas Rotch, 
Thomas A. Green, Charles W. Moi-gan, Samuel Rod- 
man, Jr., William C. Nye, Thomas S. Swain, John 
Howland, Jr., William P. Grinnell, Nathaniel Bates, 
John Coggeshall, Jr., Gideon Howland. 

The following is a list of officers from 1825 to 1883: 
Presidents, William Rotch, Jr., Abraham Baker, 
Tliomas Mandell, Pardon Tillinghast, William C. 
Taber, and William Watkins; Secretaries, John B. 
Smith, Abraham Shearman, Jr., Thomas A. Green, 
Joseph Ricketson, George Howland, Jr., James B. 
Congdon, Charles R. Tucker, William C. Tate, Ed- 
mund Taber, and Henry T. Wood ; Treasurers, Abra- 
ham Shearman, Jr., William C. Taber, George W. 
Baker (William C. Taber, treasurer /)ro to».), Reuben 
Nye, William C. Coffin, and Charles H. Peirce. 

The present trustees are William C. Taber, Wil- 
liam Hathaway, Jr., Benjamin T. Ricketson, John R. 
Thornton, George A. Bourne, William J. Rotch, Wil- 
liam Watkins, Edward D. Mandell, Matthew How- 
land, Henry T. Wood, Gilbert Allen, Andrew G. 
Pierce, Leander A. Plummer, Charles H. Gifl'ord, 
Asa C. Peirce, Charles Taber, William G. Wood, 
William C. Taber, Jr., Joshua C. Hitch, John F. 
Tucker, Abraham T. Eddy, Horatio Hathaway, 
George O. Crocker, Edward S. Taber, Thomas M. 
Hart, Lemuel M. Kollock, Abraham H. Howland, Jr., 
Charles W. Clifford, Isaac W. Benjamin, Francis 
Hathaway, William A. Robinson, diaries W. Plum- 
mer. 

The first deposit was made by Rhoda E. Wood, of 
Fairhaven, Mass., of fifty dollars, Aug. 15, 1825. 

Present amount of deposits, Jan. 3, 1883, .$9,474,- 
804..58; undivided earnings, $317,457.67; total funds, 
19,792,262.25. 

The New Bedford Institution for Savings has never 
passed a regular semi-annual dividend on account of 
any of the financial disturbances which have occurred 
since its organization in 1825. The trustees of the 



106 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



institution have always pursued a conservative policy, 
and the institution has the confidence not only of the 
local community but has a well-earned reputation 
abroad. There has never been a " run" on the insti- 
tution at any time of financial panic in other cities. 

The rooms on Hamilton Street, in the rear of the 
Merchants' National Bank, which were occupied by 
the institution in its earlier history, becoming inade- 
quate to its increasing business, the present building, 
at the corner of William and North Second Streets, 
was erected, and in IS.i-l the office was transferred 
thither. 

The whole amount of dividends paid during the 
existence of the institution is eight million six hun- 
dred and seventy-six thousand three liundred and 
eighty-six dollars and thirty-three cents. 

The New Bedford Five Cents Savings-Bank was 
iucorpoi'ated May o, lS.5o, with the following incor- 
porators: Thomas B. White, W. H. Taylor, L. Kol- 
lock, I. H. Bartlett, A. H. Seabury, Charles Almy, 
Henry H. Crapo, George Howland, Jr., and Asa R. 
Nye. The first board of trustees were George How- 
land, Jr., Henry H. Crajjo, Alexander H. Seabury, 
John P. Barker, Charles Almy, Thomas B. White, I. 
H. Bartlett, Nehemiah Leonard, Andrew Roberson, 
Jona. P. Land, William Phillips, Edward S.Cannon, 
Edward W. Howland, Moses Howe, Joshua Rich- 
mond, George F. Barker, Dennis Wood, Charles 
Hitch, James Darfee, Lemuel Kollock, Asa R. Nye, 
Edward D. Mandell, William P. Howland, Alden G. 
Ellis, T. A. Beauvois, Moses G. Thomas, Samuel 
Ivers, Simpson Hart, Abner J. Phipps, W. H. Tay- 
lor, Joseph Taylor, W. L. Rodman, Horatio Leonard, 
John Wood. The first oSicers were George Howland, 
Jr., president; H. H. Crapo and A. H. Seabury, vice- 
presidents; John P. Barker, treasurer, and Charles 
Almy, secretary. 

The ofiicers from the organization to the present 
time have been as follows: George Howland, Jr., 
president; Charles Aim}', secretary ; A. H. Seabury 
and H. H. Crapo, vice-presidents from 1855 to 1858 ; 
A. H. Seabury and Dennis Wood, vice-presidents 
from 1858 to 1874 ; Dennis Wood and Frederick S. 
Allen, vice-presidents from 1874 to 1878; Frederick 
S. Allen and Lemuel Kollock, vice-presidents from 
1878 to 1883; John P. Barker, treasurer from May, 
1855, to October, 1855 ; T. C. Ricketson, from October, 
1855, to April 6, 1861 ; B. Ricketson, Jr., from April, 
1861. 

The present trustees are as follows : George How- 
land, Jr., Fred. S. Allen, Lemuel Kollock, Charles 
Almy, William Phillips, James Durfee, Alexander 
H. Seabury, Samuel Ivers, Thomas Wilcox, William 
G. Taber, George R. Phillips, .Tohn P. Knowles (2d), 
E. Wm. Hervey, Warren Ladd, Joseph Taylor, Henry 
J. Taylor, William J. Kilburn, William R. Wing, 
William N. Church, James P. Macomber, J. Aug. 
Brownell, Loum Snow, Jr., Frederick S. Gifford, 
Thomas H. Knowles, H. C. Denison, Samuel H. 



Cook, Samuel C. Hart, Edwin S. Thayer, C. B. H. 
Fessenden, Tliomas B. Tripp, Beifjamin I. Cummings, 
Philip B. Purrington, Edward H. Allen, George F. 
Kingman, Edwin Dews, Parknian M. Lund, Frederick 
S. Potter, Edmund Grinnell, John F. Swift. 

The first deposit was made May 26, 1855, by Horace 
W. Barker, of $25. The present (Dec. 29, 1882) 
amount of deposits is $3,109,118.64 ; surplus, $44,880.- 
76; earnings, $27,867.67; reserve fund, $45,101.94. 
Money goes on interest the second Wednesday of 
January, April, July, and October. Dividends are 
payable on the second Wednesday of April and 
October. 

Water-Works.'— The first movement towards in- 
troduction of water in New Bedford was made in 
March, 1860. Various plans were subsequently 
thoroughly discussed and examined, and April 18, 
1863, the acts for supplying the city with pure water 
were passed by the General Court. November, 1865, 
plans as hereinafter described were adopted, and an 
ordinance to regulate the proceedings of the commis- 
sion. William W. Crajio, Warren Ladd, and David 
B. Kempton were appointed commissioners. 

December 13th a board of commissioners was or- 
ganized with W. W. Crapo as chairman, and James B. 
Congdon clerk. The years 1866 to 1869, inclusive, 
were occupied by process of construction, and water 
was introduced in the latter part of 1869. 

Water is obtained from a storing reservoir, arti- 
ficially formed by constructing a dam across the val- 
ley of the Acushnet at a point about seven miles 
north of the centre of the city. The area of water- 
shed of the storing reservoir is three thousand three 
hundred acres; area of water surface of reservoir is 
three hundred acres; capacity of reservoir, four hun- 
dred million gallons ; elevation of surface of full 
reservoir, forty feet above high tide. 

The dam is six hundred feet long, twenty feet wide 
on top, witli slopes two to one. In the middle is a 
puddled wall from six to twelve feet wide. Inner 
slope is protected by lining of huge-size stone. Water- 
way, located at east end of dam, fifty feet wide, con- 
structed of rubble hydraulic masonry, except over 
fall, which is hammer-dressed; whole rests on timber 
and plank platform, and that upon fctundation of 
puddled earth. Gate-chamber located at west end of 
dam, and is carried out into reservoir about fifty feet. 
Chamber IS of hammer-dressed stone, laid in hydraulic 
cement mortar; the house is of birch, whole rests on 
timber and plank foundation. Soon after dam was 
first completed leaks began to appear in the vicinity 
of gate-house, and on Feb. 15, 1868, a breach occurred 
in this part of the dam, the gate-house and over one 
hundred feet of the dam being carried away. The 
cause was due to fine sand under the gate-house and 
culvert becoming saturated and running like quick- 
sand. This trouble was obviated in rebuilding. 

1 Contributed by H. C. P. Coggeshall. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



107 



From the dam at the storing reservoir the water 
flows by gravity through a single ring brick conduit. 
The conduit is in form of an egg-shape oval. Its in- 
terior dimensions are three and four feet, the lower 
end being a semicircle of three feet diameter. Its 
length is five and five-eighths miles. Tliere are three 
overflows on this line of conduit for the discharge of 
surplus w'ater. The grade is 0.58 per mile. 

The outlet of the conduit is into the receiving res- 
ervoir. This reservoir has a capacity of three million 
gallons. When filled the water has a depth of tvvelve 
feet, and its elevation is thirty feet above tide. 

Its embankments are twelve feet wide on top. The 
outside slope is two to one. The inside slope is one 
and one-half to one. The inside slope has a lining of 
puddled earth four feet wide at the top and ten feet 
wide at the bottom of the reservoir, and carried down 
three feet below the bottom. The inside slope is pro- 
tected by a lining of granite stone one foot thick, hav- 
ing the joints well filled with fine gravel. From the 
receiving reservoir to the pump-well the water is con- 
ducted in a stone culvert. The length of this culvert 
is two hundred and sixty-nine feet. The dimensions 
of the pump-well are: length, thirty-one feet; width, 
twelve teet ; depth, seventeen feet. There are four 
recesses, five by six feet, for the pumps. From the 
pump-well the water is raised a height of one hun- 
dred and twenty-four feet to the distributing reser- 
voir, through a sixteen-inch force-main two thousand 
two hundred feet long. The pipe system is also sup- 
plied in the lower section direct from the jiumps 
through a ten-inch main. The distributing reservoir 
has a capacity of fifteen million gallons. When filled 
the water has a depth of seventeen feet, and its eleva- 
tion is one hundred and fifty-four feet above tide. Its 
embankments are from eight to eighteen feet above 
the natural surface of the ground. The top is fifteen 
feet in width, and its slopes are two to one. On its 
inner slope is a lining of puddled earth seven feet 
wide at the top and fifteen leet wide at the bottom of 
the reservoir, and carried down five feet below the 
bottom. Upon the inside slope of the embankment 
is a wall of granite, eighteen inches thick at the bot- 
tom and twelve inches at the top. Between the back 
of the stone facing and the front of the puddle is a 
layer one foot thick, composed of small stones and 
gravel. There are two pumping-engines. The larger 
engine was designed by William J. McAlpine, C.E., 
and was built by the Quintard Iron-Works, New York 
City. It is a vertical beam condensing engine, with 
two vertical single-acting ]>umps. Its general dimen- 
sions are; steam-cylinder, thirty-eight inches tliameter, 
eight feet stroke ; beam, twenty-six leet long ; fly- 
wheel, sixteen feet diameter and twelve tons weight. 

The pumps are pl.aced one on each side of the beam 
centre. Diameter of pumps twenty-eight inches, stroke 
four feet eight inches. The beam is supported by a cast- 
iron hollow column which serves as an air-chandjer. 
This engine is supplied with the "Sickles" adjustable 



cut-oft', and is capable of using steam expansively to 
any desirable extent. It passes slowly over the centres, 
thus giving the pump-valves time to close. This en- 
gine has the capacity of pumping five million gallons 
in twent)'-four hours. In the line of duty this engine 
has given excellent results. The smaller engine is a 
Worthington compound duplex engine, of a capacity 
of pumping three million gallons in twenty-fourhours. 
In 1873 a stand-pipe was erected near the distributing 
reservoir. Its internal diameter is five feet, and the 
elevation of its top is one hundred and ninety-seven 
feet above tide. The distributing pipes are partly of 
cast iron and partly of wrought iron, cement-lined. 
There are forty-four and one-filth miles of pipes in use, 
ranging from four to twenty-four inches in diameter. 
Of this length about nine and a half miles are of 
wrought iron, cement-lined, the rest being of cast 
iron. There is also about one mile of smaller distrib- 
uting pipes, ranging from one inch to four inches. In 
December, 1882, there were in use three hundred and 
ninety-one stop-gates, three hundred and thirteen 
fire-hydrants, four thousand two hundred and three 
taps, forty-one mitres, and twenty-three motors. The 
average daily consumption for 1882 was two million 
three hundred and twenty-six thousand three hun- 
dred and fifty-two gallons. Bonded indebtedness is 
seven liundred thousand dollars. The total receipts 
for the year 1882 were forty-six thousand seven hun- 
dred and sixty-six dollars and nineteen cents. The 
cost of management and repairs during that year 
was twenty-three thousand four hundred and forty- 
six dollars and fourteen cents. 

George A. Briggs was chief engineer and superin- 
tendent from the commencement of the works until 
1871. William J. McAlpine, chief engineer, was con- 
sulting engineer during construction. Since 1871 the 
superintendents have been as follows, viz. : 1871-72, 
Israel C. Cornish; 1872-77, George B. Wheeler; 
1877-81, William B. Sherman; 1881, Roliert C. P. 
Coggeshall, present incumbent. 

The ordinance to establish the Acushnet Water 
Board, to take the place of the water commissioners, 
was passed Oct. 1, 1869. The board consists of five 
members, and reports to City Council. The mayor and 
president of Common Council are members ex <iffiiio. 
Of the members chosen at large one retires each year, 
but the retiring member is eligible to a new election. 
The following citizens have acted as members of this 
board: Hon. William W. Crapo, David B. Kemp- 
ton, Warren Ladd, George B. Richmond, Henry F. 
Thomas, George Howland, Jr., Henry J. Taylor, 
George H. Dunbar, Rufus A. Soule, Frederick S. Allen, 
Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Thomas Bennett, Jr., Ed- 
win Dews, Alanson Borden, William H. Matthews, 
Thomas W. Cook, Thomas R. Rodman, William T. 
Soule, Robert W. Taber, George Wilson, J. B. Tomp- 
kins, Jr., George R. Stetson, and William N. Church. 
The clerks of the Acushnet Water Board have been 
Jami's B. Congdon. William B. Sherman, and Robert 



108 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



C. P. Coggeshall. The water registrars have- been 
James B. Congdon and James H. Hathaway. In 
December, 1882, the name of the water board was 
ch.aneed from " Acushnet" to the New Bedford Water 
Board. 

In April, 1878, the General Court passed an act en- 
abling the city to increase its water supply by taking 
such an amount as is needed from either Long Pond 
or Little Quitticus Pond. It was afterwards voted by 
the water board that the proposed additional supply 
should be taken from Long Pond. The line of the 
proposed conduit has been determined, and the land 
through which it will pass has been taken by law. 
This preliminary action leaves the work in a condi- 
tion for future operations whenever it becomes neces- 
sary. 

The New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Rail- 
way Company was incorporated Feb. (i, 1872, and on 
the 2d of the following month was organized with a 
capital of fifty thousand dollars. The board of direc- 
tors were William W. Crapo, Warren Ladd, Weston 
Rowland, James V. Cox, George Wilson, Samuel P. 
Burt, Nathan S. Ellis, Andrew G. Peirce. Andrew 
G. Pierce, president and treasurer; Samuel P. Burt, 
clerk ; Charles A. Gray, superintendent. Its track 
commenced at Linden Street, on Purchase, and was 
laid south to School Street, and east on School to 
steamboat wharf; from Purchase on William, through 
William, North Second, Middle Street, acro.ss the 
bridge, and in Fairhaven to the station of the Fair- 
haven Branch Railroad. Total length of road three 
and three-tenths miles. 

Its present officers are as follows : Warren Ladd, 
president and manager ; Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer ; 
Edward T. Peirce, clerk ; Directors, Warren Ladd, 
Andrew G. Peirce, William W. Crapo, Weston How- 
land, George Wilson, James V. Cox, Samuel P. Burt, 
Edward Kilburn. Capital stock one Imndred and 
thirty-five thousand dollars. 

Tlie track has been extended from School on Fourth 
to Cove Street, and from William, on North Second, 
through Union, Sixth, Elm, Summer, and Parker to 
Cedar Street. Present total length of track six and 
four-tenths miles. 

Post-Office. — The New Bedford post-office was es- 
tablished Jan. 1, 1794, with William Tobey as post- 
master. The following is a list of postmasters from 
1794 to present time, with dates of appointment: 
William Tobey, 1794; Abraham Smith, June 20, 
1806; Richard Williams, April 4, 1826; Simon Bai- 
ley, June 20, 1840; Edward W. Green, June 13, 1845; 
Simon Bailey, June 18, 1849; Thomas Coggeshall, 
Dec. 30, 1852; Joseph C. Kent, June 8, 1853; John 
Eraser, April 6, 1857; Cyrus W. Chapman, April 16, 
1861 ; Edmund Anthony, Feb. 3, 1870; Thomas Cog- 
geshall, March 1, 1876, present incumbent. 

Wamsutta Mills. — Long before the decline of the 
whale fishery it became apparent that this industry 
could not furnish a sufficient field for the capital 



and enterprise of the town, and that New Bedford 
must look to other employnient for growth and 
progress. Commercial New England was yielding to 
manufacturing New England, and New Bedford, not 
relinquishing her control of the whale fishery, sought 
to add the machinery of the manufacturer. The 
first really efficient move in this direction after the 
cordage-factory was the establishment of the Wam- 
sutta Mills. 

The beginning of these mills dates back to 1846, 
when the corporation was chartered. A stone mill, 
now called the No. 1 mill, 212 feet by 70, with four 
floors, was built in 1847, and in the following year 
work was begun with 15,000 spindles and 300 looms. 
Six or seven years later, or about 1854, the increased de- 
mands of the trade required an extension of the mills, 
and another four-storied stone building, 245 feet long 
by 70 wide, was erected immediately adjoining the 
original mill, and equipped with 16,000 spindles and 
300 looms. But the demand for the goods gradually 
outgrew the increased supply, and in 1865 aduplicate 
of mill No. 2 was put into operation with 16,000 more 
spindles and 300 more looms. The close of the war 
seemed to give a fresh impulse to the business, for it 
was found necessary to build a new mill in 1868 on a 
grander plan than the older structures. This was 
mill No. 4, which is of brick, with granite founda- 
tions, 495 feet in length, 75 feet in width, and five 
stories high. This important addition almost doubled 
the productive capacity of the establishment, the new 
mill containing 38,000 spindles and 1100 looms. It 
proved to be suflicient, however, for only seven years, 
and in 1875 mill No. 5 was built. It stands on a line 
with No. 4, and is substantially uniform with it, 
though its dimensions differ somewhat, being shorter 
and wider, 433 feet in length by 93 in width. In it 
! were placed 50,000 sjjindles and 1000 looms. In 
1881-82, No. 6 mill was built of brick, three stories 
high, 569J feet long and 95 feet wide, containing 
51,000 spindles and 1072 looms, and employs 600 
hands. 

This large area of machinery is driven by several 
Corliss engines of immense power. One of these 
monster engines, two thousand horse-power, mightier 
by six hundred horse-power than the great engine at 
the Centennial Exhibition, has a stroke of ten feet, 
and the weight of its fly-wheel alone is fifty tons. 
j The product of the mills is chiefly the Wamsutta 
shirting and sheeting, of world-wide fame. 

This immense establishment employs 2400 persons, 
has a total of 200,000 spindles, and 4300 looms rang- 
ing in width from 40 to 120 inches. Capital, $3,000,000. 
The present officers are as follows : Joseph Grinnell, 
president; Edward Kilburn, agent ; and Andrew G. 
Peirce, treasurer. 

The Grinnell Mill.— The new mill of the Grinnell 
Manufacturing Company is 066 feet long, 98 feet wide, 
and three stories high, with flat roof, and a basement 
about six feet high, two-thirds above ground. The 



NEW BEDFORD. 



109 



height of the first story is 15 feet, the second 14J feet, 
and the third 15.1 to 17 feet. The whole will cover 
almost an acre and a half As stated before, it ranges 
from east to west along the nortli part of the Rodman 
Dike property, at the south side of Kilburn Street. 
The engine-house, at the southwest corner, is 40 by 
50 feet, a single story 28 feet high. The boiler-house 
is 52 by GS feet, a single story 22 feet high. 

The picker building, 117 by 98 feet, and from 15'. 
to 17 feet Iiigli, is situated 28 feet west of the main 
building. In the southeast part of this structure is 
the picker- room, 77 by 62 feet, and it also contains a 
repair-shop, 85 by 82 feet, and a cloth-room, 85 by 36 
feet. It is connected with the mill by a structure 28 
by 30 feet, which contains the main entrance to the 
mill, a harness-room, lap-elevator, etc. The picker 
building being of the same width as the mill, ranges 
with it. Farther to the west is the office building, 
48 by 24 feet, 15] feet high, and containing in addition 
to the offices a supply-room in the basement. The 
united length of the connected buildings is 859 feet. 

The mill contains 1264 looms 40 inches wide and 
9600 spindles. The power is furnished by a Corliss 
engine with two cylinders, each thirty-two feet in 
diameter and six feet stroke. 

Potamska Mills. — Potamska Mill, No. 1, was built 
in 1871, and went into operation with a capital of 
$600,000. It is 345 by 92 feet, four stories high ; the 
weaving-shed is one story high, 108 by 97 feet ; the 
picker-room is two stories high, 119 by 40 feet. It 
has 48,000 spindles and 1006 looms. 

No. 2 mill was built in 1877, the main building 
being 348 by 92 feet, four stories high; the L 184 by 
92 feet, two stories high ; the weaving-shed 184 by 92 
feet, one story high; and the jMcker-house 71 by 47 
feet, two stories high ; all built of brick. This mill 
has 58,328 spindles and 1428 looms. The total num- 
ber of spindles in both mills is 106,328, and the total 
number of looms 2424. 

These mills manufacture fine lawns, satteens, cre- 
tonnes, jeans, and ]irint cloths. Both mills are 
driven by Corliss double twenty-eight-inch cylinder, 
five-foot stroke engines, of eight hundred horse- 
power each, both mills employing about twelve hun- 
dred operatives. 

James Robinson was the first president and treas- 
urer. He was succeeded Aug. 27, 1875, by Horatio 
Hathaway, who was succeeded by the present officers, 
— Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer, elected in 1878, and 
Edward Kilburn, president, elected in 1879. Hiram 
Kilburn has been superintendent from the commence- 
ment. The goods of these mills have an enviable 
reputation for honest work and quality of material. 

The Gosnold Mills were incorporated in 1848 and 
organized in 1855, with the following board of direc- 
tors: Thomas Nye, Jr., Lemuel KoUock, William 
Phillips, W. J. Rotch, John R. Thornton, James D. 
Thompson, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., and Edward B. 
Mandell. 



The first president was Lemuel Kollock, who served 
until April 20, 1865, when he was succeeded by James 
D. Thompson, and April 21, 1875, Mr. Thompson was 
succeeded Ijy the present president, Mr. Joseph H. 
Cornell. 

The first treasurer and clerk was Frederick Bryant, 
who was succeeded Feb. 17, 1856, by William Phil- 
lips. In 1858, Mr. L. M. Kollock became treasurer 
and clerk, and continued in that office until April, 
1865, when he was succeeded by James D. Thompson. 
Mr. William W. Webb was chosen clerk at the same 
time. Mr. Thompson officiated until April 18, 1876, 
when he was succeeded by Mr. Joseph H. Cornell, the 
present incumbent. Mr. George Wilson was elected 
treasurer April 30, 1872, when the following new 
board of directors were chosen: George Wilson, 
James H. Cornell, George F. Kingman, James M. 
Lawton, and John B. Little. John A. Bates was 
elected secretary April 15, 1873, and continues to the 
present time. Mr. Little was succeeded Aug. 1, 1874, 
by Atmore Holmes as a director, and in April, 1876, 
Mr. Lawton was succeeded by William G. Taber. 
The mills have had but two superintendents, John 
W. Kingsbury and the present, Mr. Henry Howard. 

The mills manufacture hoop, band, scroll, rod, 
horse-shoe, and hame iron and chains of every de- 
scription. The growth of these mills lias been steady, 
and from a comparative small beginning they now 
rank among the representative institutions of the city. 

Masonic— Star in the E.\st Lodge,' F. and 
A. M. — This is the oldest Masonic lodge in the city, 
having been chartered Dec. 10, 1823, with the follow- 
ing charter members: Timotliy I. Dyre, Anthony D. 
Richmond, George Randall, Asa Wood, Alden D. 
Stoddard, Jonathan Buttrick, Oliver Sw:iin, Charles 
Coggeshall, Thomas Cole, Zaccheus Cushnum, Sam- 
uel Hall, Eastland Babcock, Timothy G. Coffin, Reu- 
ben Swift, Joseph E. Melcher, James Maddix, Sam- 
uel James, James Mooers, Mendell Ellis, Silvanus 
Ames, and Edward T. Taylor. 

This veneral)le lodge has always quietly and faith- 
fully exemplified the beautiful principles of Free- 
masonry, and its records are heavily laden with 
blessings of widows and orphans who through a long 
term of years have had their hearts made glad and 
burdens lightened by its generous aid. 

Its officers and members have carried on the good 
work whether the prevailing public opinion was for 
or against the fraternity, and it is one of the honored 
lodges that met regularly and duly attended to its 
business all through the fanatical Anti-Masonic ex- 
citement. Its roll embraces the names of a large 
number of our best citizens in character and integ- 
rity, and it furnished the charter members of Eureka 
Lodge of this city, as well as many of those of Con- 
cordia Lodge of Fairhaven and Noquochoke Lodge 
of Westport. 

I By James C. Hitch. 



110 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Past Masters of this lodge since its charter are 
Timothy I. Dyre, George Randall, Oliver Swain, 
Ephraim Kempton, Abner Bourne, Anthony D. 
Richmond, Tliomas T. Wells, John Sargent, Lucien i 
B. Keitli, Timothy G. Coffin, John Freeman, Timo- , 
thy lugraham, Samuel W. Hayes, Henry F. Thomas, ^ 
Henry Taber (2d), Isaac M. Richardson, George H. 
Taber, John B. Baylies, Shipley W. Bumpus, Albert j 
H. W. Carpenter, William W. Arnold, Wanton T. 
Drew, James Taylor, Ezekiel C. Gardiner, Anthony 
D. Hall. 

Its present membership is three hundred and sixty, 
and its officers are Theodore W. Cole, W. M. ; Fred- 
erick A. Bradford, S. W. ; Frank M. Ashley, J. W. ; 
Edward Stetson, Treas. ; James C. Hitch, Sec. ; Ben- 
jamin F. Jenney, Chap.; Andrew M. Marts, M. ; 
Wa-shington A. Jenkins, S. D. ; Bartholomew Othe- 
man, J. D. ; Thomas R. Brownell, S. S. ; Ernest A. 
Wheaton, J. S. ; George Peirce, O. ; Ansel F. Blos- 
som, Tyler. 

Eureka Lodge,' F. and A. M. — The membership 
of Star in the East Lodge having grown so large, 
it was deemed advisable by members of the fraternity 
to have another lodge, and Eureka Lodge was 
chartered May 8, 1857, with the following-named 
members: Timothy Ingraham, Isaac M. Richardson, 
Benjamin Russell, Moses H. Bliss, Stephen A. Tripp, 
Moses G. Thomas, Lineas Wood, James C. Tripp, and 
Henry F. Thomas. 

It has always been prosperous from the beginning. 
Its Past Masters are Timothy Ingraham, Henry F. 
Thomas, Isaac M. Richardson, Amasa L. Gleason, 
Charles W. Seabury, John A. Lee, Abraham H. How- 
land, Jr., Thomas B. Tripp, James L. Sherman, .\nsel 
G. Baker, William T. Soule, William O. Woodman. 

Its present membership is three liundred and 
twenty-six, and its officers are Frederick W. Mosher, 
W. M. ; William H. Waterman, S. W. ; Edward H. 
Field, J. W. ; Humphrey A. Gifford, Jr., Treas. ; 
William A. Mackie, Sec. ; Edwin Whittaker, Chap. ; 
George S. P. Bradford, U. ; Arnold B. Wady, S. D. ; 
Simpson J. Blossom, J. D. ; Charles L. Tripp, S. S. ; 
Henry L. Dwight, J. S. ; Thomas J. Borden, I. S. ; 
George Peirce, O. ; Ansel F. Blossom, Tyler. 

Adoniram R. a. Chapter.' — This old organiza- 
tion has been imparting the impressive and deliglitful 
lessons of Chapter Masonry to generations in this 
section of Massachusetts, and its members may be 
found in all parts of the world, carrying on the work 
of other chapters which they have organized. Its 
charter is dated Oct. 4, 1816, and was granted to the 
following companions of Attleborough and vicinity: 
George Ellis, Manning Richards, George W. Robin- 
son, Otis Robinson, James Warren, Richard Carrigue, 
Jabez Newell, Edward Richardson, Obed Robinson, 
Jr., Darius Briggs, Abiathar Richardson, Jr., John 
Whiting, Daniel Babcock, Carlos Barrows. 



It was moved to Taunton on the 5th of July, 182.5, 
and after twenty years good service its location was 
changed to this city, Nov. 25, 1845. 

Its Past High Priests are Richard Carrigue, George 
Ellis, James W. Crossman, John Howard, William 
W. Crossman, Samuel Caswell, Jr., Timothy Ingra- 
ham, Moses G. Thomas, Wanton T. Dew, John A. 
Lee, Abram H. Howland, Jr., William W. Arnold, 
Albert H. W. Carpenter, James L. Sherman, Albert 
E. Wright. 

Its present membership is three hundred and 
eighty-four, and its officers are William M. Thorup, 
H. P. ; Ansel G. Baker, K. ; John W. Taylor, S. ; 
George R. Stetson, Treas. ; H. Wilder Emerson, Sec. ; 
Charles H. Brownell, Chap. ; Frank M^ Ashley, C. H. ; 
Benjamin S. Jenkins, P. S. ; Henry C. W Mosher, R. 
A. C. ; Joseph W. Chadwick, Stephen A. Brownell, 
Charles W. Potter, Jr., M. V. ; Ansel F. Blossom, 

' Tyler. 

' Sutton Commandeey of Knight.s Templae,^ 
and the Appendant Orders. This conimandery was 
chartered May 4, 1864, with the following members : 
■John B. Baylies, Albert H. W. Carpenter, Gnstavus 
Delano, Wanton T. Drew, John Anson Lee, Charles 
H. Sanford, Elisha C. Leonard, Joshua B. Winslow, 
Henry Field, Jr., Jacob L. Porter, Francis L. Porter, 
Robert C. Topham, Jacob B. Hadley, David Brayton, 
William E. Mason, Hiram Wheaton, Larnet Hall, 

' Jr., Stephen W. McFarlin, Amasa L. Gleason, John 
Valentine, .Jr., John Fuller, William W. Arnold, An- 
dreas T. Thorup, Henry G. Pomeroy, George Bli.ss, 
James H. C. Richmond, William A. Searell, James 
D. Driggs, William 0. Woodman, Nathan Lewis, 
George R. Paddock, David S. Small, Peter Fales, 
Peter D. Cutter, John Terry, and Ansel Tripp. 

I It has been very flourishing from the start, and the 
utmost harmony and good fellowship has existed 
among all the Sir Knights. 

It was named in honor of Sir Knight Gen. William 
Sutton,of Salem, who was much interested in all that 

'< pertained to Freemasonry, particularly to Templar 
Masonry, and he presented Sutton Commandery with 
a beautiful banner. 

The Past Eminent Commanders are John B. Bay- 
lies, Albert H. W. Carpenter, John A. Lee, Abraham 
H. Howland, Jr., Gardner T. Sanford, Henry Field, 
Jr., and James Taylor. 

Its present membership is two hundred and nine, 
and the officers are William T. Soule, E. C. ; James 
L. Sherman, Gen. ; William H. Matthews, Capt. 
Gen.; Frederick A. Bradford, Prelate; Jacob B. 
Hadley, Treas. ; H. Wilder Emerson, Rec. ; Ezekiel 
C. Gardiner, S. W. ; Edwin Dews, J. W. ; William 
H. Sherman, St. B. ; Theodore W. Cole, Sw. B. 
Henry C. W. Moslier, W. ; Charles H. Wood, 3d G. 
Benjamin S. Jenkins, 2d G. ; Thomas L. Allen, 1st G. 
Ansel F. Blossom, Sen. 



1 By James C. Hitch. 



2 By James C. Hitch. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



Ill 



Early Physicians. — Probably the earliest physi- 
cian within the limits of the old town of Dartmouth 
was Dr. Daniel Hathaway. 

Dr. Benjamin Burg was also an early physician. 
He died Sept. IS, 1748, and was buried in the old 
cemetery at Acushnet. 

Another vvell-known physician of his time was 
Elisha Tobey, who died May 10, 1781. 

Dr. Samuel Perry was also a physician of consid- 
erable repute. He had two sons, both well-known 
practitioners in the town. Dr. Samuel, Jr., died 
Oct. 26, 1820, and liis brother, Dr. Ebenezer, March 
18, 1822. 

Dr. Silas Tompkins died here Dec. 21, 1853. 

Dr. William Gushing Wliitridge was born in Tiv- 
erton, R. I., Nov. 25, 1784, and died at New Bedford, 
Mass., Dec. 28, 1857, in the seventy-fourth year of his 
age. His father was a distinguished physician in liis 
day, and his surviving brothers. Dr. Joshua R. Whit- 
ridge, of Charleston, and Dr. John Whitridge, of 
Baltimore, rank deservedly high in the cities of their 
adoption. Dr. Whitridge entered Brown University 
in 1800, but subsequently went to Union College, 
Schenectady, N. Y., where he was graduated with 
distinction in 1804. He entered at once as a pupil 
in his father's office, and attended one full course of 
lectures at Harvard University. He did not, how- 
ever, at that time take a medical degree, and in 1847 
received from Harvard the honorary title of Doctor 
of Medicine. 

The first theatre of his practice was Tiverton, R. I., 
where he continued to labor with success until 1822, 
when he removed to New Bedford. Here he toiled 
in a widening circle of professional occupation until 
death bore him from the scene of his labors. His per- 
sonal appearance was highly prepossessing, and his 
manners were simple and unaffected. He possessed a 
quick and ready perception, a rare faculty of analy- 
sis, and a remarkable facility in the attainment of 
useful and important facts bearing upon his profes- 
sion. The public confidence in his skill as a physi- 
cian was very great, and at the time of his death he 
had the largest consultation practice in New Bedford. 
Dr. Whitridge was frequently delegated by the Mas- 
sachusetts Medical Society to attend the sessions of 
the American Medical Association, and was present 
at those of Boston and New York. 

Dr. Alexander Read was a physician of high stand- 
ing, and one of the leading members in the profession 
in this part of the State. He was born in Milford, 
July 10, 1786. He was graduated in 1808 at Dart- j 
mouth College, having acquired the reputation of ' 
good scholarship and unblemished morals. He pur- I 
sued his medical studies under the direction of Dr. 
Greene, of Worcester, and of Nathan Smith, M.D., 
and in 1811 commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession in New Bedford. He soon acquired the repu- 
tation of a skillful and attentive physician, and re- \ 
ceived the patronage of a numerous circle of intelligent 



and wealthy citizens. A course of lectures prepared 
and delivered by him on chemistry and botany with 
great acceptance was a happy introduction to the 
youthful portion of the more intelligent population, 
and many of the attendants remained ever after his 
ardent friends. 

Possessing by nature a sanguine temperament, and 
by cultivation and intercourse with good society a 
refined taste, he was fitted to be an ornament in the 
circle in which he moved. He was made to love and 
to be loved. He was kind, conciliatory, and con- 
siderate. Naturally modest and self-diffident, he 
wondered at his own success. He seemed to live 
more for others than for himself. His own happiness 
was an incident rather than an end in his pursuits. 
His ruling passion was to promote the well-being of 
those with whom he associated. Hence as a physi- 
cian he was ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, care- 
ful in his observation of the changing phases of dis- 
ease, kind in his deportment, courteous in all the 
relations of life, and skillful to perceive and minister 
to tlie necessities of his numerous patients. 

In 1816 he received the degree of M.D. at New 
Haven. Dr. Read was a skillful surgeon as well as 
physician, and was much devoted to that branch of 
his profession. His advice was much sought and ap- 
preciated by his professional brethren. They felt 
that their reputation was safe in his hands, that 
when called in counsel he would sustain and not sup- 
plant them. He scorned the low art to which, it 
must be confessed, a few, even of educated men, re- 
sort for the acquisition of business. Quackery, 
whether in its infinitesimal or more heroic develop- 
ment, received from him no countenance. He pub- 
lished but little. His remarks on tlie mode of prep- 
aration and uses of Datura Stramonium are a model 
of simplicity and directness in medical communica- 
tions. 

His crowning excellence was his reverence for God. 
His was the religion of the Bible. He acknowledged 
its claims and reverently bowed to its teachings, and 
in the hour of affliction and sickness he was rewarded 
by its abundant consolations. Religion with him 
was an abiding principle, not the fitful vagary of an 
excited imagination. 

Such was Dr. Read, — a good husband, kind father, 
beloved physician, and in every relation eminently 
a good man. 

His fatal di.sease was ha'uiaturia, followed by 
chronic disorganization and protracted sufl^ering. 

Fire Society, 1809.— The following is a " List of the 
membersof the Bedford Fire Society, with ('A') watch- 
word, June 10, 1809, presented to the fire-wards, viz. : 
Joseph Ricketson, Elisha Thornton, Jr., Barnabas 
Taber, Job Eddy, James Allen (2d), Simpson Hart, 
Cornelius Howland, Nicholas D. Greene, Daniel 
Taber, Nathan Taber, Abraham Shearman, Jr., Caleb 
Green, William Sawyer Wall, Jahaziel Jenney, Wil- 
liam James, Peter Barney, Josiah Wood, Francis 



112 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Taber, John Thornton, Peleg Howland, William 
Eoss, Gilbert Howland, Gilbert Eussell, Sands Wing, 
Caleb Congdon, Benjamin Lincoln, Freeman Barrows, 
and John H. Howland. 

" By order of the society, watchword ' A.' 

"Caleb Greene." 

Attached to this list is the following notice: 
" To Caleb Congdon, one of the fire-wards for the 
town of New Bedford, the inclosed list of the mem- 
bers of the Bedford Fire Society with its watchword 
is presented thee for thy government or direction, to 
give orders to said members at any fire which may 
happen. The watchword is not to be divulged." 

An Interesting Document.— The old borough of 
Dartmouth, England, the fishing community at the 
mouth of the Dart, gave our old Dartmouth its name. 
Many incidents connected with its name and history 
made this ancient borough, whose franchise dates 
back to the reign of Richard CcBur de Lion, closely 
associated with the commemorative exercises. 

An address " To the mayor, recorder, and aldermen 
of the city of Dartmouth, county of Devon, England," 
had been prepared, and was read to the meeting. 
Having been signed by the mayor, aldermen. Common 
Councilmen, and clerk of the city of New Bedford, 
and by the selectmen and town clerks of the towns 
uniting in the celebration, and beautifully engrossed, 
it was sent to its destination. 

The time required by its engrossment, and to obtain 
the large number of necessary signatures of persons 
dwelling widely apart, brought the end of the year 
before it could be forwarded. 

It was not until Washington's Birthday, 1866, that 
the mayor of the city received a response to this 
greeting from the old Dartmouth of America to the 
old Dartmouth of Great Britain. But when it was 
received the delay was not cared for or thought of. 
The reply was dated on the " Fourth of July," 1865, 
was signed by the mayor, recorder, clerk, and bur- 
gesses of the borough of Clifton Dartmouth Hard- 
ness, in the county of Devon, England. One of the 
councilors bears the significant name of John Bully. 
It is a well-written document, and its tone is kind and 
manly. In these respects it fully met the circum- 
stances of the occasion and the wishes and expecta- 
tions of those to whose greeting it was an answer. 
But the form in which it appeared was a surprise and 
a delight. Its elegant chirography upon vellum is a 
picture in itself; and this, with its beautiful illumi- 
nations of border and other chaste ornamentation, 
give the whole a rare, rich, and attractive appear- 
ance. 

The Ship "Rebecca."' — The ship " Rebecca" was 
the first ship built in New Bedford. She was 
launched in the spring of 1785. George Claghorn 
was the master-carpenter, who afterwards built the 
frigate " Constitution," the pride of our navy. 

1 By Willinm T. UusseU, wrlHen in 18J4. 



The " Rebecca" was owned by^ Joseph Russell and 
his sons Barnabas and Gilbert Russell. The timber 
of which she was built was chiefly cut in the south- 
westerly part of the town, now covered with houses 
and gardens. She measured 175f J tons, which at that 
time was considered so immensely large that she was the 
wonder and the admiration of all the country round. 
People from Taunton, Bridgewater, and all the neigh- 
boring towns came to New Bedford to see the big 
ship. There was a woman figure-head carved for her, 
and when it was about being |iut upon her a number 
of the Friends' Society remonstrated against so vain 
and useless an ornament, and she went to sea without 
it. 

The owners of the " Rebecca" had sohie difficulty 
in finding a man of sufficient experience to trust with 
the command of so big a ship. Now we have a 
schooner of larger tonnage running to New York as a 
packet (schooner " Richmond" is one hundred and 
eighty tons). 

James Haydon was finally selected for her captain, 
and Cornelius Grinnell, chief mate. She sailed on her 
first voyage to Philadelphia; from thence to Liver- 
pool. The second voyage Cornelius Grinnell was 
captain, and continued to command her for six years. 

The "Rebecca" was the first American whale-ship 
that doubled Cape Horn. She was commanded by 
Capt. Kearsley, and made a successful voyage, ob- 
taining a cargo of sperm oil on the coast of Chili, and 
returning in about twelve montlis. 

The "Rebecca" finally made a disastrous eiid. 
She sailed from Liverpool for New York in the 
autumn of 1798, commanded by Capt. Gardner (the 
father of the present Capts. Gardner), and has never 
been heard of from that time to this.* 



^ Capt. Cornelius Howland and Caleb Greene, the sclioolmaeter, were 
ownei-s in the " Rebecoi" when she made her Pacific voyage. Some of 
the schooners of the present daj' are nearly four times the size of the 
" Rebecca." She was not the first sliip liuilt in Betlford. Tlie liuilding 
of the "Dartmouth" has an earlier ihtte, and onr hite fellow-citizen, 
Thomas Kempton, said that a ship called the " Bedford" was built on 
the west siile of the Acushnet as early as 1770. This could not have 
been the historic " Bedford." 

Frederick C. Sanford, of Nantucket, in his valuable and interesting 
article in the NanOxcliet Inquirer, 18f)2, on the '* Pioneers of the Whale 
Fishery," says that " in 1791 onr ships entered the Pacific." This is the 
year that the "Rebecca" doubled Cape Horn. Accounts differ as to 
which took the lead in the adventure, Nantucket or New Bedford. In a 
letter dated .Vug. "27, 18715, Mr. Sanford says that " in consequence of the 
preat success in the Pacific of ships from London and Mr. Rotcirs ships 
from Dunkirk, six ships were in 1700 fitted lor whaling in that ocean from 
Nantucket. The 'Beaver' sailed first, August, 1791." The first start 
from this country for doubling Cape Horn was no doubt from Nantucket. 
The " Rebecca" was not fitted for the Pacific. Information obtained on 
the voyage induced the captain to try his luck there. Which of the 
two ships first rounded the cape does not appear, is not of much im- 
portance. 

The following extracts form a part of the conclusion of Mr. Sanford's 
interesting article. His description of the vessels and the men employed 
in this bold enterprise will apply to the New Bedford iis well as to the 
Nantucket pioneers engaged in it. No one will question the truth of 
the portrait he has drawn of the hardy, bold, and enterprising men of 
Nantucket, who were the worhl-ienowned leaders in this extraordinary 
branch of the world's industrial pursuits. The story of the whalers 
borders upon the romance of history, and deserves an abler historian 



NEW BEDFORD. 



113 



Old advertisement in Medley, 1794, — 

"Lost. — On Monday evening last, from tlie house-yard of the late 
Mr. Daniel Smith, a large Brass Kettle, with a crack in the hottom, 
and a patch thereon. Whoever will give information so that the kettle 
may he found will greatly assist a distressed family. 

" BicDFiiRO, April 4, 17'J4." 

Benevolent and other Societies. — Association for 
tlie Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford; Mrs. j 
Matthew Howland, president; Mrs. Loum Snow, 
vice-president; Mrs. Henry T. Wood, treasurer ; Mrs. 
Oliver Prescott, secretary ; Mrs. Joseph Grinnell, 
Mrs. Abraham Russell, Mrs. George Howland, Jr., 
Mrs. William Phillips, Mrs. William G. E. Pope, 
Mrs. Joseph R. Read, Mrs. Cornelius Howland, Mrs. 
Caleb Anthony, Mrs. B. R. Almy, Mrs. William 
Thompson, Mrs. James Fisher, Mrs. William J. Rotch, 
Mrs. James Almy, Mrs. Edward D. Mandell, Miss 
Louise S. Cummings, Mrs. Frederick S. Gifford, Miss 
Susan Snow, Mrs. Edward C. Jones, Mrs. William G. 
Wood, Mrs. Horatio Hathaway, Mrs. William A. Dana, 
Miss Gertrude Baxter, Miss Anna Clifford, Miss Mary 
T. Howland, Mrs. George Hussey, Mrs. Daniel Wil- 
der, Mrs. John F. Tucker, Miss Amelia H. Jones, 
managers ; Thomas Nye, Jr., Oliver Prescott, Joseph 
Grinnell, Edward D. Mandell, Horatio Hathaway, 
advisers. 

Liberty Hall Association, organized July 15, 1841. 
Hall rebuilt in 1865. George A. Bourne, president ; 
Thomas Wilcox, clerk ; Joseph Buckminster, treas- 
urer ; Thomas L. Parsons, agent ; George A. Bourne, 
Thomas Wilcox, Joseph Buckminster, directors. 

City Farm, at Clarke's Point; Peleg S. Macy, su- 
perintendent ; Mrs. C. S. Macy, matron ; Rev. Isaac 
H. Coe, chaplain. 

Union for Good Works, established Feb. 9, 1870. 
The object of the members of this society is " To do 
good and to grow better." 

Young Men's Christian Association of New Bed- 
ford; Edmund Rodmund, president ; Allen F.Wood, 
vice-president ; Charles E. Hendrickson, recording 
secretary ; C. W. Knight, treasurer ; Charles W. 
Harned, general secretary. 

than any who have yet attempted to relate it. Who so well qualified as 
the writer of the article from which we have quoted ? 

" In 1791 our ships entered the Pacific in pursuit of their prey. They 
douhled Cape Horn in a class of vessels that would be considered unsafe 
at this day to perform a summer voyage across the Atlantic, small in 
size, not exceeding two hundred and fifty tons in burden, heavy, dull 
sailers, without copper ou their bottoms, poorly and scantily fitted, in- 
deed, hut manned with men of an iron nerve and an energy that knew 
no turning, and here again they were successful. 

"I am fully aware that New Bedford surpasses all other places en- 
gaged in the whale fishery in wealth and jirosperity. Success has 
followed exertion in a ratio of one Inmdredfold. and there are very few 
places in our country which have arisen to such a height of prosperity 
in 80 short a period. It seems almost the work of an enchanter. 

" Other places have eclipsed Nantucket of late, hut the well-earned 
fame of our sires knows no diminution, hut brightens their laurels as 
time lessens their numbers. Nantucket may with an honest pride look 
hack to a long list of worthies, men tilled with interminable persever- 
ance and an energy that defied and overcame all obstacles, — a list that 
will bear no unworthy comparison with Samuel Adams and his Revo- 
lutionary companions, as deserving of her pride as the jewels of Cor- 
nelia." 



Orphans' Home, organized in 1842. For orphans 

in both sexes. About thirty inmates. Miss Celia 
Brett, matron ; Mrs. ICliza A. Brett, assistant matron ; 
Mrs. William C. N. Swift, president; Mrs. William 
Crapo, secretary ; Mrs. James D. Thompson, treasurer. 

St. Joseph's Hospital, under control of the Sisters 
of Mercy. Sister De Pezzie, superior. The following 
gentlemen comprise the hospital staff: Rev. Hugh 
J. Smyth, director; S. W. Hayes, M.D., physician in 
charge ; George Atwood, M.D. (Fairhaven), J. H. 
Mackie, M.D., E. P. Abbe, M.D., consulting physi- 
cians and surgeons ; S. W. H.tyes, M.D., G. T. Hough, 
M.D., F. H. Hooper, M.D., William H. Taylor, M.D., 
visiting physicians and surgeons ; J. J. B. Vermyne, 
M.D., ophthalmic surgeon. 

Union Lodge, No. 7, F. and A. M. (Colored). 

Annawan Encampment, I. O. of O. F. 
■ Acushnet Lodge, No. 41, I. 0. of O. F. 

Vesta Lodge, No. 166, I. O. of O. F. 

Potomska Lodge, No. 1511, G. U. O. of O. F. 

Odd-Fellows' Beneficial Association of Southern 
Massachusetts ; Samuel C. Hart, president. 

Potomska Stamm, No. 182, I. O. R. M. ; Martin 
Freundshu, O. C. 

New Bedford Lodge, No. 667, K. of H. ; Joseph E. 
Higgins, P. D. 

William Logan Rodman Post, No. 1, G. A. R. ; 
Andrew J. Smith, Com. ; John W. Footman, S. V. C. ; 
Thomas E. Ward, J. V. C. ; Benjamin H. Arnold, Sur- 
geon ; Charles P. Casmire, Chaplain ; Frederick A. 
Washburn, Q.M.; Ezra K. Bly, Adjt. 

New Bedford City Guards ; J. K. McAfee, captain ; 
Z. C. Dunham, first lieutenant ; William R. Spooner, 
second lieutenant ; George N. Hall, clerk ; Abner P. 
Pope, treasurer. 

Honorary members : Edwin Dews, president ; South- 
ward Potter (2d), secretary and treasurer; Samuel C. 
Hart, William Baylies, James E. Blake, executive 
committee. 

Mount Taber Council, No. 13. 

El Bethel Temple of Honor, No. 24. 

Orient Lodge, No. 178, G. T. 

Liberty Lodge, No. 48, G. T. 

Acushnet Division, No. 87, S. of T. ; Francis H. 
Greene, W. P. ; Frank P. P. Tuell, W. A.; William 
O. Cross, R. S. ; Adeline Durfee, A. R. S. ; Charles 
D. Tuell, F. S. ; George S. Bowen, T. ; Isaac Barnes, 
Chap. ; Charles L. Parker, C. ; Emily B. Butman, A. 
C. ; William Robinson, I. S. ; Samuel Jones, O. S. ; 
S. T. Viall, P. W. P. 

St. Lawrence Catholic Temperance Society; Michael 
Duggan, President. 

Incorporated Companies, etc.— Acushnet Co- 
operative. Capital stock, seven thousand five hundred 
dollars. Sylvanus Bennett, agent. 

Morse Twist-Drill and Machine Company, located 
on Bedford, corner of Fourth Street. Edward S. Taber, 
president and treasurer; Nathan Chase, Frederick S. 
Allen, Thomas M. Stetson, Gilbert Allen, Andrew G. 



114 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Peirce, and Edward S. Taber, directors ; Gilbert Allen, 
clerk of board. 

Mount Washington Glass Company, located on 
Prospect Street. Capital stock, eighty-three thousand 
dollars. Alexander H. Seabury, treasurer. 

New Bedford Co-Operative Saving Fund and Loan 
Association, 41 William Street, incorporated July 11, 
1881. Authorized capital, one million dollars. Isaac 
W. Benjamin, president; Edward Kilburn, vice-presi- 
dent; Charles R. Price, secretary; Gideon B. Wright, 
treasurer. 

New Bedford Copper Company was incorporated in 
1860. Capital, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 
Gilbert Allen, president; William H. Matthews, treas- 
urer; Henry Field, Jr., superintendent; Gilbert Allen, 
Edward D. Mandell, Leander A. Plummer, William 
J. Eotch, James D. Thompson, Frederick S. Allen, 
Charles W. Clifford, directors. 

New Bedford Cordage Company was incorporated 
in 1846. Capital, seventy-five thousand dollars. Wil- 
liam J. Kotch, president; L. A. Plummer, treasurer 
and clerk. 

New Bedford Gas-Light Company, 70 South Water 
Street; incorporated in 1850. Capital, two hundred 
and twenty-five thousand dollars. William C. Taber, 
president; Gilbert Allen, treasurer; Gideon Wood, 
superintendent ; William C. Taber, William J. Rotch, 
Jonathan Bourne, Jr., Edward C. Jones, Joseph C. 
Delano, Charles Almy, Abram H. Rowland, Jr., Gil- 
bert Allen, Lemuel Kollock, directors. 

New Bedford Ice Company. Capital stock, twenty 
thousand dollars. M. E. Hatch, treasurer, 9 Fourth 
Street. 

New Bedford, Vineyard and Nantucket Steamboat 
Company ; incorporated March 21, 1854. Capital, 
seventy thousand dollars. Edward D. Mandell, presi- 
dent; Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer; Edward T. Peirce, 
clerk ; Edward D. Mandell, Jonathan Bourne, Andrew 
G. Peirce, Samuel P. Burt, New Bedford; Charles 
Bradley, Vineyard Haven, directors. 

This company owns and runs the steamer " Martha's 
Vineyard," five hundred and twenty-five tons burden, 
also steamer " Monohansett," four hundred and sev- 
enty-five tons, between New Bedford and Edgartown, 
Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Highlands, Vineyard Haven, 
and Wood's Holl. Also steamers " Island Home" 
and " River Queen" to Nantucket. 

Rotch Wharf Company ; office, Rotch's Square. 
William J. Rotch, president; Isaac W. Benjamin, 
treasurer; Elisha Gibbs, wharfinger. 

Thayer and Judd Paraffine Company ; oflSce, Rotch's 
Square. Incorporated. May 1, 1872. Capital, three 
hundred thousand dollars. Edwin S. Thayer, presi- 
dent; L. S. Judd, treasurer; E. S. Thayer, general 
agent; John B. Hussey, E. S. Thayer, L. S. Judd, J. 
B. Merriam, William Morgan, directors. 

The Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company, 
organized February, 1880. C. W. Clifford, president ; 
Samuel Ivers, treasurer; Moses E. Hatch, Samuel 



Ivers, Edward Grinnell, Morgan Eotch, Walter Clif- 
ford, O. P. Brightman, directors,' M. E. Hatch, gen- 
eral manager. 

Insurance Company. — Bristol County Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company, 44 North Water Street; incor- 
porated A. d. 1829. Jonathan Bourne, president; Geo. 
N. Alden, secretary and treasurer. 



CHAPTER XII. 

NEW BEDFORD.— ( Contuuicd.) 

CIVIL HISTORY— MILITARY HISTORY. 

Incorporation of tlie Town — Setting off of Fairliiiven — Part of Dart- 
nioutli annexed to New Bedford — Part of .\cu9linet annexed to New 
Bedford — Incoi'poralion of tlie City — List of Mayors — Representatives 
10 General Conrt— City Debt— Military Record- War of 1812— War of 
tlie Rebellion — List of Soldiers — Roll of Honor — Soldiers' and Sailoi-s' 
Monnnient. 

This town originally formed a part of the old town 
of Dartmouth, and was incorporated Feb. 23, 1787. 
It retained its original area until Feb. 22, 1812, when 
the town of Fairhaven was set off. A part of Dart- 
mouth was annexed March 20, 1845, and a part of 
Acushnet April 9, 1875. 

New Bedford was incorporated as a city March 9, 
1847. 

The following is a list of the mayors: 

Abraham H. Howlaud, 1847-51. 

William J. Rotch, 1852. 

Rodney French, 1853-54. 

George Howland, Jr., 1855-56, 1863-65, and about 
three months of 1862. 

George H. Dunbar, 1857-58, 1873. The municipal 
year was changed in 1857, so that his first term was 
nine mouths. 

Willard Nye, 1859. 

Isaac C. Taber, 1860-61, and to Sept. 29, 1862. 

John H. Perry, 1866-67. 

Andrew G. Peirce, 1868-69. 

George B. Richmond, 1870-72, 1874. 

Abraham H. Howland, Jr., 1875-76. 

Alanson Borden, 1877. 

George B. Richmond, 1878. 

William T. Soule, 1879-80. 

George W. Wilson, 1881-83. 

KEPRESENTATIVKS TO GENERAL COURT FROM 178S TO 188;i. 



Walter Spoouer, May 13, 1788. 
" " M:ly 15, 1789. 

" May 11, 1790. 

" " Nov. 2B, 17'J0. 

May 17, 1792. 
Seth Spooner, May 1, 1794. 
" •' May C, 1795. 

May 13, 1796. 
May 8, 1797. 
" " May 1, 1798. 

" •' May 16, 1799. 

" " May 12, 1800. 

" " May 12, 1801. 



Alden Spooner, May 12, 1801. 
Setb Spooner, May 10, 1802. 
Benjamin Church, May 9, 1803. 
Seth Spooner, May 4, 1804. 
Lemuel Williams, May 12, 1806. 
Alden Spooner, May 12, 1806. 
Seth Spooner, May 12, 1806. 
Samuel Perry, May 12, 1806. 
John Hawes, May 16, 1807. 
Seth Spooner, May 13, 1809. 
Alden Spooner, May 13, 1808. 
Sanmel Perry, May 13, 1.S08. 
Charles Russell, May 13, 1808. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



115 



Aldpn Spooner, May 19, 1809. 
Setli Spooner, Sliiy 19, 1809. 
Samuel Perry, Jlny 10, 1809. 
Thomas Nye, May 19, 1809. 
Charles Russell, May 1!), ISO'.). 
Seth Spooner, May 19, 1310. 
Samuel Perry, May I'.l, ISIO. 
William Willis. May 19, 1810. 
Gamaliel Brvaut, May 19, 1810. 
.Jireli Swift, Jr., May 19, 1810. 
Jonathan Pope, May 19, 1810. 
Selh Spooner, May 18, 1811. 
Samuel Perry, May 18, ISU. 
William Willis. May 18, 1811. 
Gamaliel Bryant, May 18, ISU. 
Jireli Swift, May 18, ISU. 
Jonalliau Pojie, May 18, ISll. 
John M. Williams, May 15. 1812. 
James Waslihiini, May 15, 1812. 
Gamaliel Bryant, May 15, 1812. 
Jireh Swifl, Jr., May 16, 1812. 
Gamaliel Bryant, May 10,1813. 
•Tolin M. Williams, May 10, 1813. 
Jireh Swift, May 10, 1813. 
William Hathaway, May 10, 1813. 
John M. Williams, May 7, 1814. 
William Hathaway, May 7, 1814. 
James Washburn, May 7, 1814. 
Jireh Switt, May 7, 1S14. 
James W'ashhurn, May i:i, 1815. 
Jireh Swift, May l:i, 1815. 
John M. Williams, May 13, 1815. 
Mauasseh Kemiiton, May 13, 1815. 
John A. Parker, Miiy 13, 1810. 
Thos. Keniplcm (Sd), May 13,1816. 
John Nye, May 13, 1810. 
Fredeiic Mayhew, May 13, 1816. 
William Willis, May 10, 1S17. 
John Nye, Jlay 2, 1818. 
John A. Parker, May 2, 1818. 
Lemuel Williams, May 15, 1819. 
John Nye, May 15, 1819. 
Benjamin Lincoln, ]May 15, 1819. 
Cornelius Grinnell, May 15, 1819. 
John Nye, May 6, 1820. 
Lemuel W^illiams, May 6,1820. 
Th.uuas Kulch, .May 6, 1820. 
A\'illiam Hathaway, May 6, 1820. 
Thomas Botch, May 8, ISil. 
Lemuel William*, Jr., May 8, 1821 
William Hathaway, May 6, 1822. 
John Nye, May 0, 1.822. 
Benjamin Lincoln, May 6, 1822. 
John A. Parker, May 6, 1822. 
Thomas Rotch, May 3, 1823. 
Lemuel Williams, May 3, 1823. 
John A. Parker, May 3, 1823. 
William Hathaway, May 3, 1823. 
Thomas Botch, May 3, 1824. 
Thonuis Rotch, May 2, 1825. 
John A. Parker, May ?, 1825. 
Timothy G. Coffin, May 2, 1825. 
Charles H. Warren, May 2, 1825. 
Thomas Botch, May 0, 1826. 
John A. Parker. May 14, 1827. 
Thomas A. Greene, .May 14, 1827. 
John A. Parker, May 10, 1828. 
Thomas A. Greene, May 10, 1828. 
Cornelius Grinnell, May 10, 1828. 
Ephraim Kempton, May 10, 1828. 
William C. Nye, May 10, 1828. 
Charles W. Morgan, May 10, 1828. 
Thomas A. Greene, May 11, 1829. 
William C. Nye, May U, 1829. 
James Arnold, May U, 1829. 
Russell Freeman, May 11, 1829. 
Eli Haskell, May 11, 1S29. 



Charles W. Morgan, May 11, 1829. 
Thomas Greene, May 10, 1830. 
Russell Freeman, May 10, 1830. 
Thomas A- Greene, May U, 1831. 
William C. Nye, May 11, 1831. 
Charles W. Morgan, May 11,1831. 
Russell Freeman, Blay 11, 1831. 
Thomas Maudell, May 11,1831. 
Benjamin Lincoln, May U, 1831. 
Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 12, 1832. 
Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 12, 1832. 
Isaac Case. Nov. 12, 1832. 
Thomas Mandell, Nov. 13, 1832. 
John Burrage, Nov. 13, 1832. 
Benjamin Lincoln, Nov. 13, 1832. 
Edmund Gardner, Nov. 13, 1832. 
Mark B. Palmer, Nov. 11, 1833.' 
Jonathan R, Ward, Nov. 11, 1833. 
Charles W. .Morgan, Nov. 11, 18.3.3. 
John Burrage, Nov. 11, 1S33. 
Thomas Maudell, Nov. 11, 1833. 
Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 11, 1833. 
Isajtc Case, Nov. 11, 1833. 
Edninud Gardner, Nov. 11, 1833. 
Benjamin Lincoln, Nov. 11, 1833. 
Thomas Mandell, Nov. 14, 18.34. 
Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 10, 1834. 
John Perkins, Nov. 10, 1834. 
Jireli Perry, Nov. 10, 1834. 
Ohed Nye, Nov. 10, 1834. 
Roland R. Crocker, Nov. 10, 1834. 
David E. Greene, Nov. 10, 1834. 
Oliver Crockei-, Nov. 10, 1834. 
John H. Clifford, Nov. 10, 1834. 
Thomas Mandell, Nov. 9, 1835. 
Jonathan R. Ward, Nov. 9, 1835. 
Benjamin Coombs, Nov. 9, 1835, 
Sampson Perkins, Nov. 9, 1835. 
William H. Crocker, Nov. 9, 1835. 
James D Thompson, Nov. 9, 1835. 
Robert Hillman, Nov. 9, 18.35. 
Thomas B. Bush, Nov. 9, 1835. 
Cyrus Hooper, Nov. 9, 1835. 
Thomas Mandell, Nov. 14, 1836. 
Jonathan R. Ward, Nov. 14, 1836. 
Sampson Perkins, Nov. 14, 1836. 
William H. Crocker, Nov, 14, 1830. 
James D. Thompson, Nov, 14, 1836. 
Benjamin Coombs, Nov. 14, 1S36. 
Thomas B. Bush, Nov. 14, 1836. 
Cyru.s Hooper, Nov. 14, 1836. 
Isaac Case, Nov. 14, 1836. 
Isaac D. Hall, Nov. 14, 1836. 
Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 13, 1837. 
Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 13, 1837. 
Pardon G. Seabnry, Nov. 13, 1837. 
Ephraim Kempton, Nov. 13, 1837. 
Samuel Tobey, Nov. 13, 1837. 
John Perkins, Nov. 13, 1837. 
William H. Allen, Nov. 13, 1837. 
Henry Taber, Nov. 13, 1837. 
James Wady, Nov. 13, 1837. 
Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Pardon G. Seabury, Nov. 12, 1838. 
EI.en, N. Chaddock, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Leonard Macomber, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Abraham Barber, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Silas Stetson, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Robert Hillman, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Thomas D. Eliot, Nov. 12, 1838. 
William H, Stowell, Nov. 12, 1838. 
Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 11, 1839. 
John Perkins, Nov. U, 1839. 
Silas Stetson, Nov, 11, 1839. 
George Howland, Nov. 11, 1839.' 
JohH F. Emerson, Nov. 11, 1839. 
Charles V. Card, Nov. 11, 1839. 



I Henry Taber, Nov. 11, 1839. 

Alfred Gibbs, Nov. 11, 1839. 
i Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 11, 1839. 
j Thomas A, Greene, Nov. 19, 1839. 

John Perkins, Nov. 19, 1839. 

Alfred Gibbs, Nov. 19, 1839. 

Charles V. Card, Nov. 19, 1839. 

Silas Stetson, Nov. 19, 1839. 

Thomas A, Greene, Nov, 9, 1840. 

Henry Taber, Nov. 9, 1840. 

H. G. 0. Colby, Nov. 9, 1840. 

Silas Stetson, Nov. 9, 1840. 

George Howland, Nov. 9, 1840. 
(No one appears to have been 

elected in 1841.) 

Ephraim Kempton, Nov. 28, 1842. 

H, G. 0. Colby, Nov. 28, 1842. 

Calvin Staples, Nov. 28, 1842. 

Benjamin S. Rotch, Nov. 28, 1842. 

Henry Taber, Nov. 28, 1842. 
" " Nov. 13, 1843. 

Abr H, Howland, Nov, 13, 1843. 

John H, W. Pago, Nov. 13, 1843. 

Benjamin S. Rotch, Nov. 13, 1843. 

Calvin Staples, Nov. 13, 1843. 

Abr. H. Howland, Nov. 11, 1844. 

John H. W. Page, Nov. 11, 1844. 

Thomas Kempton, Nov. 11, 1844. 

David R. Greene, Nov. 11, 1844. 

James A. Congdon, Nov. 11, 1844. 

John H. W. Page, Nov. 10, 1845. 

Abr. H, Howland, Nov. 10, 1845. 

Thomas Kempton, Nov. 10, 1845. 

David R. Greene, Nov. 10, 184.5. 

Calvin Staples, Nov, 10, 1845. 

Abr, H. Howland, Nov, 10, 1846. 

Thomas Kempton, Nov. 9, 1846. 

Willard Nye, Nov. 9, 1846. 

Richard A. Palmer, Nov. 9, 1846. 

Luther Baker, Nov. 9, 1846. 

William J. Rotch, Nov. 8, 1847. 

Bichard A. Palmer, Nov, 8, 1847. 

Luther Baker, Nov. 8, 1847. 

Calvin Staple.s, Nov. 8, 1847, 

Thomas Nye, Jr,, Nov, 8, 1847. 
(No choice made in 1848.1 

William .;. Rotch, Nov. 12, 1849. 

Obed Nye, Nov. 12, 1849. 

Thomas Kempton, Nov. 12, 1850. 

Obed Nye, Nov. 12, 1850. 

Richard Palmer, Nov, 12,1850. 

Thomas Kempton, Nov. 10, 1851. 

George Howland, Jr., Nov. 10, 1851. 

George B- Richmond, Nov. 10, 1851. 

Cornelius Howland, Nov. 10, 1851. 

Abrahiini Gardner, Nov. 10, 1851. 
(No choice in 1852.) 

Willard Nye, Nov. 15, 1853. 

Tllson B. Deiiham, Nov, 15, 18.53. 

Henry F. Thomas, Nov. 15, 1863. 

Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 15, 18.53. 

Asa U. Nye, Nov. 13, 1854. 

Tilson B. Denham, Nov. 13, 1854. 

Edward Milliken, Nov. 13, 1854. 

George G. Giflord, Nov. 13, 1854. 

Caleb L. Ellis, Nov, 13, 1854. 

Edward Milliken, Nov. 6, 1855. 

Henry F. Thomas, Nov. 6, 1S65. 

Daniel Homer, Nov. 6, 1855. 

John Hicks, Nov. 6, 1866. 

Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 6, 1855. 

George H, Dunbar, Nov. 6, 1856. 

Haltel Kelley, Nov. 5, 1866. 
j WilliamH. Allen, Nov. 6, 1866. 

William W, Clapo, Nov, 5, 1856. 

Thomas U. Soule, Nov. 6, 1856. 

William H. Allen, Nov. 2, 1867. 



Battel Kelley, Nov. 2, 1867. 

Samuel Watson, Nov. 2, 1857. 

Alanson Borden, Nov. 3, 1858. 

Sabin B, Chamberlain, Nov, 3, 1858. 

Samuel Watson, Nov. 3, 1858. 

Nathan B, Gifford, Nov. .3, 1858. 

Augustus L. West, Nov. 3, 1858. 

Sabin B. Chamberlain, Nov, 9, 1859. 

Alanson Borden, Nov. 9, 1859. 

James Rider, Nov, 9, 1869, 

Nathan E. Gifford, Nov. 9, 1859. 

Bichard A. Pierce, Nov. 9, 1859. 

Sabin B. Chamberlain, Nov. 9, 1860. 

Richard A, Pierce, Nov. 9, 1860. 

Robert Gibbs, Nov. 9, 1860. 

Caleb L Ellis, Nov. 9, 1860. 
" " Nov. 6, 1861. 

Robert Gibbs, Nov. 6, 1861. 

Charles Almy, Nov. 4, 1862. 

Horatio A. Kempton, Nov. 4, 1862. 

Nathaniel Gilbert. Nov. 4, 1862. 

Wright Brownell, Nov. 4, 1862. 
! Charles T, Bonney, Nov. 4, 1862. 

Charles Almy. Nov. 3, 1863. 
j Horatio A. Kempton, Nov. 3, 1863. 

Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 3, 1863. 

Wright Brownell, Nov. 3, 1863. 

Charles T. Bonney, Nov. 3, 1863. 

Ebonezer L. Foster, Nov. 8, 1864. 

William Bosworth, Nov. 8, 1864. 

Cornelius Howland, Nov, 8, 1804. 

Wright Brownell, Nov, 8, 1864. 

Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 8, 1864. 

Ebenezer L, Foster, Nov. 7, 1865. 

William Bosworth, Nov. 7, 1865. 

Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 7, 1866. 

Isaac H. Coe, Nov. 7, 1865. 

Joshua C, Stone, Nov. 7, IS65. 

Elijah H, Chisholm, Nov. 7, 1866. 

Oliver H. P. Browne, Nov, 7, 1866. 

Joshua C. Stone, Nov. 7, 1866. 

Isaac H. Coe, Nov, 7, 1866. 

Oliver H. P. Browne, Nov. 6, 1867. 

Joseph W. Cornell, Nov. 6, 1867. 

James B. Wood, Nov. 6, 1867. 

William H, Reynard, Nov. 6, 1867. 

Samuels, Paine, Nov. 4, 1868. 

Rodney French, Nov. 4, 1868. 
I John A. P. Allen, Nov. 4, 1868. 

Jethro C. Brock, Nov. 4, 1868. 

Samuel S, Paine, Nov. 8, 1869. 

Rodney French, Nov. 8, 1869. 

John A, P. Allen, Nov. 8, 1869. 

Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 8, 1869. 

Josiah Bonney, Feb. 16, 1870. 

Joseph W. Cornell, Nov. 1(1, 1870. 

Ellis Perry, Nov. 10, 1870. 
I Josiah Bonney, Nov. 10, 1870. 

Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 10, 1870. 

Ellis Perry, Nov. 8. 1871. 

Joseph W. Cornell, Nov. 8, 1871. 

Thomas B, Tripp, Nov, 8, 1871. 

Isaac D, Hall, Nov. 8, 1871. 

Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 5, 1872. 

Isaac D. Hall, Nov. 5, 1872. 

I8a.ac F. .Sawtelle, Nov, 6, 1873. 

William C. Parker, Nov. 5, 1873. 

Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 6, 1873. 

Cyrus W. Chapman, Nov. 5, 1873. 

Charles M, Pierce, Nov. 4, 1874. 

Giles G, Barker, Nov. 4, 1874. 

Charles R, Tucker, Jr,, Nov, 4, 1874. 

Joseph Buckminster, Nov. 2, 1875. 

Benj. S. Batchelor, Nov, 2, 1876. 

Hosea M. Knowltoii, Nov. 2, 1875. 

Giles G. Barker, Nov. 13, 1876. 

Joseph Buckmiufitur, Nov. 13, 1876. 



116 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Benjamin S. Batchelor, Nov. 13, 

1876. 
Rllfus A. Soule. Nov. 9, 1877. 
Charles A. Case, Nov. 9, 1877. 
Israel C. Cornish, Nov. 9, 1877. 
Thomas B. Hathaway, Nov. 9, 1877. 
Rufus A. Soule, Nov. 11, 1878. 
James M. Lawton, Nov. 11, 1878. 
Andrew Bullocl<, Nov. 11, 1878. 
Willi.ini Sanders, Nov. II, 1878. 
James M. Lawton, Nov. 7, 1879. 
Eben 0. Milliken, Nov. 7, 1879. 



William Sanders, Nov. 7, 1879. 
Thomas Hathaway, Nov. 7, 1879. 
A. Edwin Clarke, Nov. 6, 1880. 
Andrew Bullock, Nov. 6, 1880. 
Eben C. Jlilliken, Nov. 6, 1880. 
James A. Crowoll, Nov. 6, 1880. 
James C. Crowell, Nov. 12, 1881. 
Orlando G. Eobinson, Nov. 12, 1881. 
" " Nov. H,18S2. 

William A. Soarell, Nov. 11, 1882. 
James R. I)enliam, Nov. 11, 1882 
William Gordon, Jr., Nov. 11,1882. 



1883 $36,000 I 1898.. 



1884.. 
1885.. 
1886.. 
1887.. 
1S88.. 
1889.. 
1890.. 
1891.. 
1892.. 
1893.. 
1894.. 
1895.. 
1896.. 
1807.. 



41,000 
35,000 
35,000 
35,000 
36,000 
35.000 
35.000 
40.000 
40,000 
33,000 
30,000 
30,000 
30,000 
30,000 



1899.. 
1900.. 
1901.. 
1902.. 
1903.. 
1904.. 
1905.. 
1906.. 
1907.. 
1008.. 
1909.. 
1910.. 



... $30,000 

... 30,000 

... 40,000 

... 40,000 

40,000 

40,000 

40,0(10 

40,000 

40,000 

40,000 

40.000 

40,000 

... 30,000 

$1,198,000 



City Debt. — The amount of the debt of the city 
of New Bedford, and the payments to be annually 
made thereupon, are shown by the following state- 
ment : 



The following table shows the amount of taxes 
levied in this city since 1863, and the rate per thou- 
sand for State, county, and city purposes ; also the 
number of polls : 



Tear. 


Valuation of 
Real Estate. 


Valuation of Per- 
sonal Property. 


State Tax. 


County Tax. 


City Tax. 


Overlay. 


No. of 
Polls. 


Kate of 
Tax. 


1863 


$8,610,200 
8,158,600 
8,161.800 
8,U8,30u 
8,268,500 
8,288,100 
8,277,900 
8,774,600 
9,116,600 
10,050,800 
11,12.5,700 
11,665,400 
11,946,600 
12,411,200 
12,609,200 
12,808,700 
12,898,300 
13,138,400 
13,505,400 
14.138,300 


$14,496,900.1.0 
10.935,100.00 
12,171,800,00 
13,240,.'<00.00 
13,740,000.00 
13,608,100.00 
14,6.62,100.00 
14,2->1,. 614.00 
13,844,661.67 
13,742,898 110 
14,114,364.20 
13,846,904.05 
14,428,674 00 
14,339,002.00 
13,524,097.00 
13,137,011.20 
12,874.418.00 
13,137,519.00 
13,609,922.00 
11,240,900.00 


$61,632 
61,632 
92,919 
69,310 
98,850 
39,540 
49,425 
49,425 
49.425 
32,280 
36,315 
32,280 
32,280 
26,244 
21,870 
14,680 
7,290 
21,870 
21,870 
29,160 


822,881.42 
19,.368.55 
19,401.85 
20,434.95 
20,4:i4.95 
21,083.67 
19,461.85 
17,840.02 
22,705.48 
18,943.05 
23,679.67 
27,874.24 
28,415.48 
23,859.86 
23,859.86 
26,249.76 
25.666.72 
28,377.03 
26,871.30 
25,689.88 


$159,000 
2^6,000 
215,000 
252,000 
200,000 
230,000 
287,000 
290,000 
293,300 
366,000 
349,000 
354,000 
383,000 
387,000 
436,200 
371,600 
386,000 
361,250 
437,300 
434,200 


$8,861.43 

8,623.06 

7,106.36 

8,637.10 

9,1.36.30 

13,633.03 

9,340.15 

9,478.20 

12,599.62 

13,181.96 

11,454.46 

11 005.10 

17,136.07 

20,251.49 

17,273.46 

17.259.61 

17,497.36 

16,080.89 

16,084.49 

17,006.64 


4875 
4.608 
4678 
4658 
4647 
6004 
4906 
5161 
5333 
5677 
6780 
6930 
6226 
6651 
6502 
6729 
6891 
7028 
7025 
7345 


$10.50 
16.00 
16.00 
16.50 
14.50 
13.60 
16.60 
16.00 
16.00 
17.20 
16.20 
16.20 
17.00 
16.60 
18.60 
16.00 
16.40 
15.70 
18.00 
17.50 


1864 


1866 


1866 


1867 

1868 


1870 

1871 

1872 


1873 


1875 


1870 


1877 


1878 

18T9 

1880 




1882 





War of 1812.— The sentiment of the citizens of ! 
New Bedford in relation to this war and its pri- ! 
vateering auxiliaries is best expressed by the follow- ' 
ing vote, passed July 21, 1814: 

" Voted, nitnmmously, as expressive of the sense of the inlmbitaiits of 
this town, thiit inasmuch as we have uniformly disapproved of the 
inipohtic, iinneceasary, and ininons war iu whicli the United States are 
engaged, we have considered it our duty to abstain, and Iiave scrupu- 
lously abstained from all interest and concern in sending out private 
armed vessels to harass tlie commerce of the enemy, and from all votun- ^ 
tary acts which appeared to us to have a tendency to prolong the dura- t 
tion, encourage the prosecution, or increase the ravages of the ' nnprof- , 
itablc contest;' that we have seen wilh disapprobatinn several private ' 
armed vessels belonging to other ports tiiking shelter in our peaceful 
waters, and regret that we have not the authority of law wholly to ex- j 
elude them fiom our harbor, where they serve to increase our dangers, ; 
and to excite tumult, disorder, riot, and contusion. 

" Voted, uimnimously, as expressive of the sense of this town, that | 
private armed vessels, while cruising in various climates and visiting j 
ships and vessels from every country, are extremely liable to contract i 
and receive on board infectious diseases, and that in all such cases there | 
is reason to suspect that such vessels and the persons, baggage, clothing, ! 
and goods on board may be infected with some contagious distemper. ! 

" Voted, imanimously, as expressive of the sense of the irdiabitants of | 
this town, that the safety of the inliabitants thereof requires that any ' 
private aimed vessel or vessels which shall arrive or be bound into the 
harbor of New Bedfoid, from any port or place, shall be required to per- 
form quarantine during a term of not less tlian forty days; and that the 
selectmen and health committee of the town be reiiuested to cause all 
such vessels to perform quarantine at sucli places as they shall appoint, 
under such restrictions and regulations as tliey may judge expedient. 

" Voted, That the privateer called tlie ' Yankee,' now in this port, be 
ordered by the selectmen immediately on quarantine ground, to be des- 
ignated by them, for forty da>B. 

"Voted, That the town will indemnify the selectmen from all harm 
which may accrue to them iu the execution of their duties in enforcing 



the quarantine laws, as well in regard to the ' Yankee' privateer as all 
other vessels. 

•' Voted, That the following persons be a Committee of Safety, whose 
business will be to advise and direct in measures that may best secure 
the peace and safety of tlie town in case of invasion by an enemy : 

"Roger Haskell, Samuel Perry, William Hathaway, Francis Kotch, 
Rowland R. Crocker, James Washburn, Lemuel Williams, Jr., John A. 
Parker, Lewis Ludlam^ Cornelius Giinnell." 

It was a sad war for this little community, for the 
commerce of the country was swept from the ocean, 
and it was upon the ocean alone that the inhabitants 
of New Bedford depended for support. 

The losses were heavy and the suffering was great, 
and there are some who will read this who still retiiin 
a vivid recollection of the deprivations which followed 
the closing of the ocean highways and cruising- 
grounds to the enterprise and skillful daring of our 
merchants and sailors. 

There was, in the summer of 18] 4. a large detach- 
ment of the militia of this part of the State ordered 
to New Bedford for its defense. There were at that 
time probably a thousand men under arms in the 
town, including our own military companies. 

We publish the names of the members of the two 
New Bedford military companies then on active duty. 
This we have been enabled to do by an examination 
of the rosters of the several companies composing the 
command of Lieut.-CoL Benjamin Lincoln, which 
were detached for service at New Bedford. The 
record is very complete. This valuable contribution 
to our local annals is in the possession of the Free 



NEW BEDFORD. 



117 



Public Library, to which institution it was presented 
by Mrs. Caroline Lincoln Whitridge, the daughter 
of the lieutenant-colonel in command, afterwards 
Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. 

We find but little of incident in this military record. 
Several courts-martial were held for desertion and 
other grave offenses. One poor boy-fifer, who said 
he did not mean to run away, was sentenced to close 
confinement during his term of service, and to have 
his tvhiskey stopped. Lucky sentence for the boy ! 
One officer deserted at the first alarm, and a private 
fled beyond the reach of a squad sent for him. 

Offjcei'R of the Itegimeiit. — Benjamin Lincoln, lieut.-col. commaixling; 
Edward Pope, maj. ; John Coggeshall, niaj, of art. ; Elislia Tobey, iidjt. ; 
William Kempton, q.m. ; Samuel Perry, Burgeon; Elijah Wilbur, 
q.m.-sergt. ; Levi Peirce, maj.; Ebenezer Hunt, maj.; Daniel Lane, 
adjt. art. All of these were of New Bedford, excepting Tobey, Peirce, 
Hart, and Lane. 

In Capt. Reuben Swift's company, formed at the 
" Head of the River," there were the following men 
from New Bedford: 

William Swift, Ist sergt. ; Allen Buwen, :Jd eergt. ; and Nathaniel 
Spooner, Lemuel Armsby, Elijah Parlier, Jr., Oliver Wolcott. Peter 
Taber, Cornelius Pope, Samuel Hammond, William Tobey (3d), Samuel 
J. Tobey, James Wood, John Freeman, Stephen Wing (2d), James Davis, 
Jr., Joshua Spoonef, Stillman Washburn, G. Weston, Micah Spooner, 
Jr., John Williams, Abraham Reynolds, Asa Crapo, Benjamin S. Hatha- 
way, Philip Reynolds, privates. 

This company was stationed at Clarke's Cove, in 
New Bedford, for the purpose of forming a regular 
guard around Clarke's Point, from the Cove to the 
Smoking Rocks. 

The only New Bedford men in Capt. William Nye's 
company from Fairhaven were the captain, Loum 
Snow, and James Taber. 

Infantry Company. — Roll of Capt. Nathaniel 
Nelson's company of detached troops, stationed at 
New Bedford, ordered out by Lieut.-Col. Benjamin 
Lincoln, June, 1814 : 

OJicers. — Nathaniel Nelson, capt. ; Job Gray, Jr. (Fairhaven, siclc and 
did no dutyj, liont.; George Clark, ensign . . .; Benjamin Warren, 1st 
sergt.; Gamaliel Hart, 2d sergt.; Natlianiel Perry, :id sergt.; Tliomas 
Riddell, 4Ih sergt.; Charles Hathaway, drill-sergt. ; David Howlaud, 
James Proud, Robert Tuckerman, Charles Covel, corps. ; Alanson Cas- 
well, drummer ; Charles Pratt, lifer ; Abner Soule, captain's waiter. 

Privalps. — liavid Allen, Joseph Wilco.x, Josiah L. Bliss, William Tuck- 
erman, Edward Gai-dner, Willet Seabury, Joseph Merrett, Nathaniel Bas- 
sett, Charles Gilbert, Benjamin Hamnuuid, Nye Holmes, Jonathan How- 
laud, Jr., Elisha Briggs, William W. Kemptun, James Babcock, Samuel 
Proud, Josiah Winslow, Ivory C. Albert, Uriah Head, Perry Jenkins, 
Russell Wood, Thomas Kempton, William Lane, William Cudworth, 
Heman Cushman, Oliver Price, Jr., Avery Parker (2d), John Sisson, 
Thomas Durfee, Stephen Howland, Elisha Clark, Moses W'ashburn, 
Thomas Burrell, Charles Wood, Stanton Burch, Richard Hill, Stephen 
West, .Jr., John W^uikins, Jonathan Haffords, Benjamin Brownell, Uavid 
VVilber, Felix Filuel, Ezra Hathaway, , , . Warren Mosher, Noel Taber, 
John Akin, Benjamin B. Covell, William Bliss, Jr., Michael Randall, 
Elijah Knap, TiUlnghast Tompkins, Eliliu Mosiier (2d), James Haffords 
(armorer), Merill Hathaway, Israel Smith, Henry Frederick, Hampton 
Peirce, Gardner Chase, Benjamin Douglas. Total, seventy ; including 
officers. 

The preceding company was stationed in New Bed- 
ford, ready for service at a moment's warning, did 
fatigue duty, etc. 

All the members of this company were of New 



Bedford excepting Lieut. Gray, who was from Fair- 
haven, Charles Wood, who was from Dartmouth, and 
the last six named on the list, who were from Free- 
town. Charles Gilbert was killed by a stupid sen- 
tinel stationed at the gun-house on Spring Street, 
near Sixth. He was going the rounds in the night 
inspecting the posts, and, not answering promptly 
the Jirsf demand for the countersign, he was shot and 
instantly killed. 

Artillery Company. — Return pay-roll of Capt. 
Samuel Stall's company of artillery of the Second 
Brigade, Fifth Division of Massachusetts militia, sta- 
tioned in New Bedford, and detached by order of 
Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Lincoln : 

Officers — Samuel Stall, capt. ; Frederick Blayhew, 1st lieut. ; Haydon 
Coggeshall, 2d lieut.; Thomas Earl, George S. Dunham, Thomas Martin, 
Jesse Haskell, sergts. ; David Kempton, Thomas Ellis, Peleg Clarke, 
Watson Ellis, corps. ; George Caswell, drummer; Russell Booth, fifer; 
.Tohti Wrightington, matl'oss. 

Privities. — Charles Coggeshall, Nathan Perry, Lloyd Howlaud, John 
Heath, Nash De Cost, Martin Hathaway, Sylvanus Sowle, Ira Caswell, 
Isaac Kempton, Wing Howland, Josiah Smith, Thomas Maxfiehl, Abra- 
ham Peirce, Wai'ren Maxfiebl, James Cannon, Henry Coffin, Bryant 
Macomber, Henry Place, Jonathan Gifford, Avery Parker, Smith Stetson, 
Giiffin Beruey, Jr., John Reynolds, Barnabas Smith, Ezekiel Tripp, .Tames 
Howland (.'Id), Allen Shearman, Edmund Jackson, Joseph L. Jenney, 
John P. West, Richard West, Isaac Smith. 

New Bedford, August, 1814. 

War of the Eebellion. — New Bedford responded 
promptly to the country's call in 1861, and on the 
19tli of April of that year five thousand dollars were 
appropriated for the benefit of the City Guards, and 
ten thousand dollars for the formation of a Home and 
Coast Guard. On the same date the American flag 
was ordered to be displayed from the City Hall until 
otherwise ordered. 

The mayor, aldermen, clerks, and treasurers during 
the war were as follows: 

In 1861, Isaac C. Taber, mayor; Warren Ladd, 
James L. Humphrey, Nathan Lewis, John P. Barker, 
Matthew Howland, WiUiam H. Reynard, aldermen. 

In 1862, Isaac C. Taber, mayor; Warren Ladd, 
Bethuel Penniman, Jr., Nathan Lewis, John P. 
Barker, Matthew Howlaud, William H. Reynard, 
aldermen. 

In 1S6.J, George Howland, Jr., mayor ; Warreu 
Ladd, George Gr. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, John P. 
Barker, Matthew Howland, John H. Perry, alder- 
men. 

In 1864, George Howland, Jr., mayor ; Warren 
Ladd, George G. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, John P. 
Barker, Matthew Howland, John H. Perry, alder- 
men. 

In 1865, George Howland, Jr., mayor ; Warren 
Ladd, George G. Gifford, Joseph Knowles, George 
F. Kingman, Matthew Howland, John H. Perry, 
aldermen. 

The city clerk in 1861 and 1862 was Sanford S. 
Horton ; in 1868, 1864, and 1865, Henry T. Leonard. 
The city treasurer during all the years of the war was 
James B. Congdon. 



118 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



July 15tli. A report was received showing that 
Fort Plia'nix, in Fairhaven, and Fort Taber, in New 
Bedford, mounting eleven guns, liad been manned liy 
the Home Guard, and recomnicndingan additional ap- 
propriation to maintain the same ; and on the 29tli of 
July five thousand dollars was appropriated. 

September 5th. The mayor was authorized to or- 
ganize one or more companies " for the national 
army," the bounty to each member not to exceed fif- 
teen dollars. 

November 20th. Fifteen hundred dollars was ap- 
priated for State aid to soldiers' families. 

December 15th. Five thousand dollars was appro- 
priated for the i)ayment of soldiers' bounties. 

1862, January 3d. A report was made that three 
companies of volunteers for three years' military ser- 
vice had been organized. 

January 4th. Tliis being the close of the munici- 
pal year, a report and resolution complimentary of 
the outgoing mayor, Hon. Isaac C. Taber, were unani- 
mously adopted. 

July 10th. Seven thousand five hundred dollars 
was appropriated to establish a general hospital for 
sick and wounded soldiers, provided the general gov- 
ernment should " decide to locate one in this city." 

Voted, To pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to 
each volunteer who enlists for three years' military 
service, to the credit of the city. Twenty-six thou- 
sand dollars was appropriated to pay the same. The 
use of the spacious city almshouse, capable of accom- 
modating three hundred sick and wounded soldiers, 
was offered to the general government, which offer 
was respectfully declined. 

August 18lh. The bounty to volunteers was in- 
creased to two hundred and fifty dollars ; and twenty 
thousand dollars was appropriated to pay the same. 

August 29th. Voted, To pay a bounty of two hun- 
dred dollars to each volunteer for nine months' ser- 
vice. Twenty-five thousand dollars was appropriated 
to pay said bounties. 

October 21st. A further appropriation of five thou- 
sand dollars was made for the Home and Coast Guard, 
and twenty thousand for military bounties, which, on 
the 1.8th of December, was increased by a loan of 
twenty-six thousand dollars. 

186.3, February 26th. The City Council adjourned 
" for the purpose of paying their respects to Governor 
Andrew and Gen. Wool at the City Hall." 

March 4th. State aid was directed to be paid to the 
families " of colored citizens who shall be mustered 
into the service of the United States." 

April 9th. Two hundred dollars was authorized to 
be expended on the enlistment of a company of heavy 
artillery, which, on the 21st of May, was increased to 
one thousand dollars. 

July 15th. "A watchman was discharged for using 
seditious language." 

July 30th. State aid was directed to be paid to the 
families of drafted men. "Ordered, That tlie bell be 



rung and a salute be fired on thp day of the public 
thanksgiving on the 6th of August." 

September 21st. The treasurer was directed to pay 
thetreasurer of the commonwealth $15,450.68, "under 
the laws in relation to the reimbursement of bounties." 

1864, November 17th. Voted, That the poll-taxes 
of the returned soldiers belonging to New Bedford be 
remitted. 

1865, January 7tli. Appropriate resolutions were 
passed in regard to the death of Hon. Edward Ever- 
ett, and ex-Governor John H. Clifford was invited to 
deliver a eulogy on the life and character of the de- 
ceased. 

February 7th. The mayor recommended the ring- 
ing of the bells and the firing of one hundred guns 
in honor of President Lincoln signing the emancipa- 
tion proclamation. 

April 10th. A committee was appointed to make 
arrangements to celebrate the fall of Richmond and 
the surrender of Gen. Lee. 

April 15th. A message was received from the 
m.ayor making an official announcement of the death 
of President Lincoln, and a committee was appointed 
to consider and report upon the proper measures to be 
taken in regard to it. The committee reported a 
series of appropriate resolutions, which were adopted. 

June 22d. Alderman Gifford presented to the Coun- 
cil a Confederate fiag captured at Chai'leston, S. C, 
Feb. 18, 1865, and sent to him by Capt. James W. 
Grace, of Company C, Fifty-fourth Regiment Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers (colored). 

New Bedford furnished about three thousand two 
hundred men for the war, which was a surplus of eleven 
hundred and ten men over and above all demands.' 

One hundred and twenty were officers in the mili- 
tary service:. We do not know the number who 
served in the navy. The whole amount of money 
appropriated and expended on account of the war, 
exclusive of State aid, was one hundred and seventy- 
seven thousand dollars. 

The amount of money appropriated and expended 
by the city during the four years of the war for State 
aid to the families of volunteers, and which was after- 
wards refunded by the commonwealth, was as follows : 
In 1861, $5091.52; in 1862, $2.5,257.29; in 1863, .$40,- 
146.04; in 1864, $36,.500; in 1865, $18,500. Total 
amount in four years, $125,495.85. 

The Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Society donated for the 
relief of the soldiers upwards of twenty thousand dol- 
lars in money ; in cotton cloth and flannel, four thou- 
sand dollars; and in hospital stores to the value of 
six thousand dollars. The following are some of the 
articles contributed : Condensed milk, preserved fruits, 
jellies and pickles, farina, maizena, tamarinds, lemons, 
dried apples, tea, coffee, cocoa; 1116 bottles of wine, 
consisting of sherry, currant, blackberry, and native 



1 Tliis liirge surplus was mainly- owing to the act of Congress passed 
July, 1864, allowing credits for men serviug in the United States navy. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



119 



wines, 423 bottles of brandy, 1130 bottles of black- 
berry brandy and syrups, 345 bottles of Port wine, 
large contributions for the Thanksgiving dinner 
and Christmas-trees at Portsmouth Grove Hospital, 
besides bushels of lint and bandages. The Society 
for the Comfort and Relief of our Soldiers in Hospi- 
tals furnished, among other things, 5904 flannel 
shirts, 3887 pairs of drawers, 4573 woolen socks, 1790 
towels, 94 coats, 76 vests, 120 collars, 1000 handker- 
chiefs, 368 cravats, 314 dressing-gowns, 1836 pocket- 
handkerchiefs, 300 pants, 148 napkins, 678 pairs slip- 
pers, 265 woolen mittens, 542 blankets, 515 sheets, 
673 pillows, 750 quilts, 988 canes, 1280 woolen un- 
dershirts, etc. 

The contributions named above are certainly re- 
markable, but we have to add that the ladies of New 
Bedford began early in the war. They held a meet- 
ing on the 18th of April, 1861, and organized for the 
work. Mrs. Joseph C. Delano was chosen president ; 
Mrs. Lawrence Clrinnell, vice-president; and Mrs. 
William Eddy, secretary and treasurer. In addition 
to the above contributions, five hundred dollars were 
given by a lady to pay soldiers' wives for sewing. 
They also sent contributions to the St. Louis and 
Baltimore Soldiers' Fairs, and furnished tables at the 
New York and Boston Fairs. 

List of Soldiers from New Bedford in the war of 
the Rebellion: ^ 



Z. S. Bearse. 
Charles Bliss. 
James C. Holies. 
John M. Boling. 
Joseph P. Bowmiin. 
David Bradley. 
B. F. Burdick. 
James N. Carroll. 
Collins Chase. 
James Clark. 
James Collins. 
James Conolly. 
James A. Davis. 
Ezra H. Dexter. 
Benjamin Diirfee, 
John Edwards. 
John Flahaven. 
James Fleet. 
John H. French. 
Josiah Fioeman. 
Charles C. Gilford. 
Samnel S. GiflTurd. 
William Gifford. 
AVilliani A. Haskins. 
John H. Haziiid. 
Frederic A. Ilatliaway. 
Sanford Jeiiiiey. 
William H. Josei)h. 
William S. Keene. 
Alfred C.King. 
Isaiah King. 
Benjamin F. Lewis. 
John Linchan. 
George R. Long. 
William Lyng. 
Gilbert A. Look. 
Andrew N. Mack. 
Joseph T. Huffoid. 



David Hammond. 
William W. Harps. 
Herbert K. Haskins, 
Saniuel A. Haskell. 
Irving H. Jenney. 
Daniel B. Leonard. 
Henry Lindsey. 
Lawrence Mackie. 
Joseph T. Mason. 
Eben P. Nye. 
Albert F. Peck. 
Timothy T. Peck. 
Joseph Parkinson. 
Thomas Parlow. 
Stephen R. Porter. 
William J. Richmond. 
William H. Salisbury. 
Stephen P. Sawyer. 
Thomas F. Shaw. 
Charles G. Swasey. 
Robert W. Taber. 
James H. Tallman. 
George A. Taylor. 
John M. Warren. 
Stephen R. Young. 
James Haiton. 
Bethuel I'enniman, Jr. 
Joseph K. Kye. 
Theodore A. ISurton. 
John H. 31. Babcock. 
William E. Mason. 
James L. SImrp. 
Daniel A. Butler. 
Charles H. Tobey. 
James (.'. Hitch. 
William Hiimer. 
William Huffman. 
Joseph B. Holmes. 



1 Contributed by Capt. Franklyn Howland. 



Abram H. Howland. 

Gei)rge Jenkins. 

Abram R. Lusconib. 

Jolm Mitclifll. 

Frederick P. Mosher. 

John Mnspratt. 

George Orne. 

Samnel G. Peckham. 

James S. Quick. 

Edward Ryan. 

Leonard N. Sanford. 

John W. Smith. 

James Stiles. 

Sidney W. Teachman. 

Philip Tripp. 

William H. Welsh. 

Henry W, Biiggs. 

James L, Wilbur. 

Charles West. 

John W. Look. 

Abol Soule, Jr. 

Simeon Webb. 

WilliaDi G. Denham. 

Andrew Porter. 

John L, Flynn. 

Ira P. Tripp. 

Martin Atkinson. 

Alfred Albro. 

Luther Atwood. 

George H. Allen. 

David B. Bacon. 

Barak E. Matthews. 

Charles H. Maxfield. 

Edward McCann. 

Barney Miner. 

Caleb P. Mosher. 

Holder R. Mosher. 
John Matteron. 

George F. Packard. 

Henry K. Paine. 
George W. Parker. 
Lewis J. Pareons. 
Charles C. Pierce. 
Charles H. Pierce. 
Lyman C. Perry. 
Henry B. Pratt. 
Silas N. Richards. 
Robert Salisbury. 
George F. Sisson. 
William Slocura. 
John S. Smith. 
Samuel B. Smith. 
Samuel K. Spooner. 
Cornelius G. Taber. 
Daniel G. Taber. 
William W. Taylor. 
Jamea G. Tighe. 
William A. Tillinghast. 
George H. W. Tripp. 
Sylvanus Tripp. 
Thomas Whitehead. 
David Wilkie. 
Richard P. Stowell. 
William H. Iiigraham. 
Jacob Parkinson. 
Sidney W. Knuwles. 
William H. Caswell. 
Isaac A, Jennings. 
Henry H. Potter. 
Thomas J. Gifford. 
Sylvester C. Spooner. 
Thomas F. Wood. 
George H, Djivis. 
Charles H. Briggs. 
Frederic J. Mansfield. 
William L Hiy. 
Joseph II. A. K el ley. 



William T. Barker. 

Adoniram J. Rice. 

Charles F. Bniyton. 

Lyman G. Taber. 

Edward G. Tallman. 

Charles C. GitTord, 

Charles G. Allen. 

Stephen P. Almy. 

Elisha D. Antliony, 

Isaac D. Baker. 

William W. Bonney. 

William B. Bosworth. 

George P. Brock. 

Charles B. Burgess. 

Benjamin P. Cussard. 

George S. Casnell. 

Edward P. Clark. 

Henry W. Clare. 

William H. Coffin. 

Thomas S. Dunham. 

George F. Durfee. 

Horace M. Ellis. 

John Flood. 

Hudson Jack. 

George W Jenkins. 

William Lawrence. 

William H. Linch. 

John E. Mann. 

William M. Maun. 

Charles W. Mendall. 

Joseph P. G. Munroe. 

John M. Mosher. 
■Jacob Peiser. 

Philip B. Purrington. 

William F. Reynolds. 

Samuel Rigl)y. 

William G. Saddler. 

Rufus F. Soule. 

Samuel H. Spooner. 

Philip M. Topham. 

Edward C.Tripp. 

Robert Tuckerman, Jr. 
Samuel J. Watson. 

Henry P. Wilcox. 

William Wilkinson. 
George K. Hurlbert. 
William H. Allen. 
Jonathan W. Davis. 
Frederic A. Pluninier. 
Joseph C. Brotherson. 
Andrew Dexter. 
Henry Kohn. 
James Weston. 
Nathaniel A. Booth. 
James Burns. 
Benjamin F. Card. 
George W. Davis. 
George L. Durfee. 
Perry G. Groves. 
Francis Herley. 
George R. Paddock. 
Alexander M. Bronnell. 
Frank H. Kempton. 
Franklin K.S.Nye. 
Thomas L. Allen. 
William N. Angell. 
William T. Barker. 
Charles F. Brayton. 
Leonard Briggs. 
Jacob Brown. 
Ama^a Bullard. 
Edward J. Chapman. 
Isaac S. Chadwirk. 
Stephen E. Christian. 
George B. Coggeshall. 
Benjamin B. Covell, Jr. 
Charles F. Crane. 



120 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Philip M. Crapo. 
Fredfric E. Cushmau. 
Charles M. Dedrick. 
Luke Dexter. 
Thomas D. Dexter. 
Heuben C. Folger. 
Charles H. Forbes. 
Enoch N. Griniiell. 
Gilbert N. Hall. 
Walter Hanover. 
John Hargreaves. 
Savory C. Hathaway. 
Alfred Hiller. 
Abner N. Huwanl. 
Nicholas E. Howland. 
William W. Howe. 
Joseph T. Haffords. 
Geo. T. Handy. 
James S. Hathaway. 
Wm. W. Hatch. 
Alfred G. Hitch. 
Charles H. Howland. 
Thos. Hussy. 
Wm. M. Jiickson. 
Joseph H. Kelley. 
Amos P. Lovejoy. 
John B. Manchester. 
Fred. Mansfield. 
Chas. H. Negus. 
John W. Pierce. 
Simeon W. Putter. 
Wm. I. Kichards. 
Thos. C. Robbina. 
Chatf. C. Sininiuns. 

Leander H. Swift. 

Lyman G. Tab^r. 

Thos. D. C. Tripp. 

Wm. H. Washburn. 

Benjamin S. Wilcox. 

Tlios. T. Wood. 

Philip n. Pennington. 

Patrick Canovan. 

Charles H. Walker. 

Chas. A. Gould. 

Fred. Huflnian. 

Thos. Lahey. 

John Biirnett. 

Patrick Brandon 

Leander Luce. 

Leprelate King. 

Frederic S. Gifford. 

William C. Biighara. 

Thomas L. Hart. 

John C. Brown. 

Thomson K. Gnnimons. 

James K. Hoyle. 

William H. Knox. 

Edward Reicliman. 

George H. Iluwland. 

Theodore P. Cronell. 

Henry Baunian. 

ClarenCL- A. Bearse. 

William Blake. 

Charles M. Boiden. 

Charles Brown. 

Dedrick Brown. 

Frederick W. Bronnell. 

George Brown. 

Robert S. Carroll. 

William Carter. 

Luther Dennis. 

George U. Ellenwood. 

Charles Fales. 

David Fish. 

Ralph P. (iarratt. 

Thomas Gaylord. 

Abram F. Green. 



Hugo Haase. 
Ira E. P. Haskins. 
Samuel Haskina. 
Charles H. Hathaway. 
Judah ilanes, Jr. 
Frederic Heiden. 
Charles Hines. 
George Hoffman. 
Ehenezer Howland. 
Frank Howard. 
George Lee. 
William Burke. 
Patrick Claik. 
John Donavaii. 
John Gordon. 
Henry Hammond. 
George W. Hathaway. 

amuel B. Holmes. 
William A. Jenny. 
Humphrey S. Mason. 
Charles H. Oliver. 
Horatio G. Oliver, Jr. 
Horace N. Plummer. 
Samuel J. Rodman. 
Charles H. Shaw. 
Matthew Shea. 
Edward P. Sonle. 
Columbus Stowell. 
William H. Webb. 
William S. Cobb. 
James L. Wilbur. 
William H. Chase. 
Roland W. Snow. 
Thomas H. Hammond. 
William Eldridge. 
George W. Perry. 
Thomas H. Denham. 
Charles R. Akin. 

Charles Alger, Jr. 

Thomas W. Leonard. 

John R. Ludlow. 

James Matthews. 

Andrew J. McFaden. 

William Moudt. 

Henry Murphy. 

James Murphy. 

Jerry Murphy. 

August Nanman. 

John O'Connell. 

Horatio A. Palmer. 

Benjamin T. Peckham. 

William H. Potter. 

Walter Powers. 

Charles Read. 

Frederic Ricketsou. 

Weston G. Sabine. 

William Smith. 

David Tripp. 

Holder R. Tripp. 

James H. Tripp. 

James Harvey Tripp. 

Henry Walker. 

Horace W. Webster. 

James Webster. 

Michael Weik. 

Albiuus Williams. 

Edward Champlin. 

George H. Chadwick. 

Joseph W. Clark. 

Samuel Clark. 

Henry D. Crapo. 

Joseph 0. Dickerman. 

John T. Drew. 

William H. Duunam. 

Henry Filzsimmona. 

Michael Flyiin. 

Josiah W. Gardiner. 



William Greeley. 
Gardner Groves. 
Thomas Gunning. 
William C. Hackett. 
Joseph Hall. 
George A. Harlow. 
John C. fLirt. 
Samuel A. Handy. 
John F. Hathaway. 
Joseph R. Hathaway. 
William Hathaway, Jr. 
Albion K. P. Hayden. 
Richard Heyes. 
John H. Hodgins. 
Charles F. Jay. 
Benjamin F. Kanuse. 
Robert King. 
George F. Manchester. 
David McVey. 
Robert Miller. 
Edward Mitchell. 
Robert Moncrief. 
Alexander Moor. 
James Nield. 
Francis Oldis. 
Jacob Peacock. 
Luther Pettey. 
David B. Pierce. 
John Pilling. 
Daniel C. Morey. 
Thomas Daley. 
Charles Thomson. 
Max EppendorfF. 
John B. Hyde. 
Robert A. Dillingham. 
Henry D. Scott. 
Peleg W. Blake. 
Mason W. I'age. 
Charles N. Tripp. 
Charles H. Morgridge. 
Eplnaim B. Nye. 
Elisha J. Gibbs. 
Patrick Welch. 
Joseph W. Clark. 
James Kay. 

Lysander F. Remington. 
Timothy W. Terry. 
Edward T. Wilson. 
Jolin Agen. 
Christopher C. Allen. 
Charles A. Clark. 
Anson E. Ferris. 
Benjamin Graham. 
Albert F. Miliken. 
James Winters. 
Charles D. Barnard. 
Jacob A. Gilbert. 
Michael Hewitt. 
Christopher B. Tripp. 
James A. Wood. 
James D. Allen. 
James W. Baldwin. 
Lorenzo D. Bronnell. 
Edwin J. Butler. 
John Canty. 
Daniel Carney. 
Thomas Curney. 
William W. Carsley. 
William W. Casnell. 
Joseph H. Allen. 
Daniel Besse. 
Jo si ah Wood, 
Edmund H. Fitzpatrick. 
Timothy Cockery. 
George Mills. 
Joseph Smith. 
Michael Bird. 



Freeman A. Taber. 
WiHiam D. James. 
David S. Keene. 
Ezia K. Bly. 
William H. H. Booth. 
Aehton H. Hicks. 
William Jackson. 
Henry B. James. 
Charles Dixon. 
John Shay. 
Oliver Warrtmer. 
Lewis Hart. 
Richard A. Peirce. 
Otto Bush. 
John C. Booth. 
Walter T. Wood. 
Joseph Head. 
Henry W. Konnian. 
James N. Penniman. 
William Hawes. 
Charles Flewry. 
Max Szepett. 
John Ball. 
William Porter. 
James Buyer. 
James Morris. 
Gilbert Borden. 
Joseph Burt, Jr. 
William H. Topham. 
Samuel J. Blain. 
William A. Pinder. 
James H. Saxon. 
George Shaw. 
Benjamin F. Smith. 
Edward F. Sniitii. 
Henry W. Sonle. 
Stephen Townsend. 
James A. Tripp. 
Lot Tynan. 
John Waddington. 
James L. Warren. 
Francis P. Washburn. 
Benjamin West. 
Charles E. Wheaton. 
William S. Wilcox. 
James Aiken. 
James Sewall. 
James L. Wilbur. 
Rowland R. Hillman. 
Theodore A. Barton. 
Frank H. Kempton. 
Albert C. Wilbur. 
Charles C. Pierce. 
Sanford Jenney, Jr. 
William H. Chase. 
Charles A. Albro. 
James Albro. 
Patrick Downing. 
Stephen C. GifFord. 
Joseph P. Gilnnin. 
William Jones. 
William H. Joseph. 
Gilbert A. Look. 
John E. Mann. 
Chailee F. Pnrrington. 
Samuel H. Smitli. 
Elisha C. Tnpp. 
John A. P. Allen. 
T. Washburn Cook. 
Edwin Dens. 
William Cook. 
Leander A. Williston. 
William B. Allen. 
George H. Chase. 
James E. Childs. 
Daniel C. Anhley. 
(ieorge D. Davis. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



121 



Jolm F. Kubler. 
John H. Lawrence. 
William B. Ryder. 
Clement Allen. 
Lewis Becker. 
Raven Bowie. 
Josepbus Birckley. 
Edward 0. DriscoH. 
George F. Gibbs. 
Charles \V. Hyde. 
Richard B. Keating. 
James Kelley. 
John Layton. 
.Samuel J. Russel. 
Philip K. Simmons, 
William S. Tuckwell. 
Henry C. Russell, 
John W. Babbitt. 
Peter Ferrill. 
Benjamin F. Lewie. 
Jethro F. Studley. 
Gilbert D. Gammons. 
James Ainger. 
Thomas T. Allen. 
John Barker. 
Henry C. Barnard. 
Reuben C. Barnard, 
Thomas C. Barnard, 
William P. Booth, 
William Braley, 
George E, Chase. 
Charles Clement. 
Wiiliara W. Cornell, 
John W. Cornell. 
Alonzo H. Cox, 
Frederic S. Dalton. 
Paidon A. Davie. 
Jason De Amoral. 
Charles Delanoe. 
Thomas Donovan, 
John Dow. 
John J. Duffy. 
Hainum Eai les. 
William Kldredge. 
Franklin Ellis, 
John Fanning. 
Robert Farmer. 
Silas Fislilocke. 
Charles Fuller. 
Michael Green. 
Calvin P. Hammond. 
Joshua B. W. Hart, Jr. 
Charles Harris. 
Peler Harrington. 
WilliHm E. Harper. 
Joseph C. Haskins. 
Beujamiu P. Hanes. 
leaac B. Hulines. 
Joshua (_'. Holmes. 
George H. Huward. 
James H. Hoyt, 
Charles G. Jay. 
Herbert A. Jenny. 
Nathan T. Johnson. 
John Kelley. 
John Kelley (2d). 
Michael KTllion. 
George A. Wilson, Jr. 
James Wolfinden. 
Horace L. Wood. 
William Wood. 
Benjamin Yager. 
Peter Zettick. 
John Rollock. 
Henry Taylor. 
James H, Wood. 
William Dnrrais. 



George H. Elsher. 
William H. Welch. 
John Lewis. 
William Maxim. 
John W. Chalkly. 
William F. Chase. 
James Comerly. 
Herbert L. Ellis, 
Homer B. Ellis. 
Llewellyn Fiodericks. 
Lewis T. Gibbs. 
Lewi-s L. GiflFord. 
Lorenzo D. Gifford. 
Perry D. Groves. 
IraE. P. Uaskins. 
Bradford Hathaway, Jr. 
William H. Kempton. 
Henry G, Keuner. 
Joseph Lewis. 
Thomas A. Lewis. 
William Lane. 
Thomas W. Lawrence. 
John Lowrey. 
Hiram N. Maconiber. 
John Martin. 
William T. Martin. 
Peter Macdonough. 
Michael McGrath. 
John T. T. McKenzie. 
Albert S. Murne, Jr. 
William Mosher. 
John B, Peckliam. 
Nath. B. Peckham. 
Samuel G. Peckham. 
Thomas H. B. Peckham. 
Luther Petty. 
Charles E. Phelpa. 
Eli W, Pierce. 
Lucius S. Raymond. 
William F. Raymond. 
George F. Reynolds. 
John Rickur. 
Philip Riley. 
Charles H. Simmons. 
Thoma-s Sutton. 
Frederic T. Spooner. 
Edward G. Taber. 
William H. Thatcher. 
William Thompson. 
James Tucker. 
Ale.xauder Turner. 
Andrew H. Viual. 
Tliomas H. Wallace, 
James H. Petty. 
James Place. 
Charles F. Potter. 
Samuel J. Rodman. 
Charles H. Shepard. 
Sydney M.Teacliman. 
William M. Webb. 
Edwarii T. Ryder. 
Samuel E. Hart. 
Isaac H. Coe. 
Silas N. Richards. 
Rufus D. Hills. 
Lucius H. Muriell. 
Horatio Wood. 
William T. SmmI... 
Leopold IJariol 
Cyrus A. Richmond. 
CharleB G. Baker. 
Orville Bassett. 
Edwin Biyant. 
*Henry D. Edwards. 
Smith M. Ide. 
Barney Minler, 
Joseph W.Robeit-on 



Frank M. Rogers. 
Charles C. Roock. 
Albert F. Shaw. 
Benjamin F. Soule. 
Charles C. Swain. 
Edward Tyrell. 
Ephraim H, Pinney. 
John Hennessy. 
Edward Barrett. 
Charles C. Brown. 
Andrew Fuller. 
William Keogh. 
Augnsius McManu. 
John Shannon. 
.John Sheridan. 
Alexander Young. 
Cliarles H. Addison. 
William B. Brown. 
James McDonnell, 
•Tames Healey. 
James Peterson. 
John Spencer. 
Frank L. Hill. 
William A. Winton. 
Anthony Bulhill. 
Charles Berger. 
Henry Brann. 
George Dean. 
John HoUiday. 
Jacob L. Kuhn. 
David Morris. 
William McCaully. 
Michael Smith. 
Richard Ray. 
Alexander Brown. 
John Cassie. 
Theodore Franchia. 
Edward McGinnis. 
John Murphy. 
James Rogers. 
Henry Ellis. 
Louis Pushee. 
Francis P. Kane. 
Alexis Dubril. 
John Lombard. 
Charles Bauer, 
John Berg, 
Charles Curk. 
Jeremiah Donnoy. 
John Jones. 
John McCarthy. 
Henry McElroy, 
Charles Smith. 
Thomas Stapletoii. 
Benjamin Wentwortli. 
William Flynn. 
James Burke. 
Charles F. Dubard. 
William Hunkin. 
Otis A. Iviug. 
William H, Macomber, 
Thomas Tracy. 
John D. Whitehall. 
Frederic Cii^sie. 
William Ford. 
Henry Roach. 
John Smitheiman. 
John W. llervey. 
Eliphalet II. Robbins. 
Charles F. Ilowland. 
Jnhn A. Bates. 
Gforge W. Allen, 
Nathan D. Maxlield. 
GeorgH K. Weaver, 
Cliarles G. Wil:*nn, 
Rbeii C. Adams. 
Francin H. Btickua. 



Andrew P. Bismore. 
Charles R. Booth. 
Augustus D. Briggs. 
Henry R. Butts. 
James N. Carroll. 
William Clymonts. 
Sylvester Awlyn. 
Michael Conway. 
George H, Coon. 
Charles B. Douglass. 
Lowell E. Edson. 
Bernard T. Garland, 
Charles F. Gim.rd. 
William S. HaeUias. 
William Hathaway. 
William H. Hicks. 
Michael Sally. 
Joseph N. Sanders. 
Samuel N. Leonard. 
Charles A. Line. 
Frederick Lyng. 
William Lyng. 
Francis Maxwell. 
William McCloskey. 
James Mohfin, 
Timothy F. Murphy, 
Jr)seph E. Oliver. 
Leander Perry. 
Abnor S. Potter. 
John il. Richards, 
Michael Smith. 
William P. Soule. 
Dennis Sullivan. 
William H. Taher. 
Stephen W. Tallman. 
Daniel I). Tripp, 
Charles F. Tillinghast. 
Charles H. Tripp. 
Joseph H. Tripp. 
Paul B. Warren. 
Henry Watson. 
James Watson. 
William IL Weaver, 
John Welch. 
Thomas Welch. 
Charles D. Whiltemore. 
Francis K. Young. 
Edward Johnson. 
Charles P. Casmire. 
William S. Maxfield. 
Harrison G. Nye. 
Andrew J Sherman. 
Thomas G. Tillinghast. 
Seth A. Wilcox. 
Alphonso C. Braley. 
ATidrevv J. Francis. 
George W. Hood. 
Thomas H. Nolan. 
William J. Powell. 
Almade R. Smith. 
William Almy. 
John A. Bales. 
Charles H. Bonney. 
Abraham E. Burden. 
George C. Brightman 
Charles Carpenter. 
Michael Carter. 
John Casliin. 
Isaac H. Cook. 
George W. Davis. 
Lafayette Dean. 
William H. Eaton. 
Samuel E. Gjibriel. 
Nathan S. Gibbs. 
William C. Gidley. 
Simon Handy. 
George L. Hathaway 



122 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Henry Heintz. 


Henry A. Wilcox. 


Charles F. Remington. 


Joshua B. Bowman. 


Stephen G. Jordan. 


Erastus M. Coombs. 


Isaac W.Sekell. 


Frederick W. McCIeare. 


Juhn Lee. 


Frank Andrews. 


William W.Sekell. 


Charles R. Atkins. 


Stephen H. Leonard. 


Matthew Baker. 


George W. Thurston. 


Joseph Jager. 


Square H. Luce. 


Luther Blake. 


Ambrose H. Tripp. 


Timothy Corkery. 


Sinieon Macomber. 


George F. Booth. 


Edmund G. Welch. 


Dennis Donovan. 


Daniel McCarter. 


John Bryant. 


Horatio C. Wheaton. 


William Bepuhs. 


Hugh McDevitt. 


N. P. Burnham. 


Frederic J. Wilcox. 


Patrick Gary. 


Edward Slurphy. 


William F. Casside. 


Zeno K. Wood. 


James Condon. 


George W. Biiiy. 


William H Conklin. 


Zrtchiiriah Booth. 


Patrick Flynn. 


Charles Clarke. 


John E. Croacher. 


John C. Bean. 


John Hogan. 


Henry W. Davis. 


Thumaa Curran. 


Samuel W. Dow. 


Keron McAvoy. 


William Gienville. 


Frank Davi . 


William T. Gifford. 


William Roxburg. 


Henry Kester. 


Jacob Doremus. 


Wilhelm Hewer. 


John A. Stewart. 


Tiniuthy Kilbragli. 


Alfred C. Dunham. 


Edward Keffe. 


Charles E. Robertson. 


John Murphy. 


Robert H. Dunham. 


Daniel F. Leary. 


George A. Alexander. 


John Sheffner. 


Andrew Hall. 


Lewis P. Luce. 


Charles E. Bosworth. 


John Sweeney. 


Dudley C. Hathaway. 


John Neville, 


Peter Harrington. 


Jobti Wilson. 


John Henry (2d). 


Thomas Norton, 


John Clark. 


Edward Anson. 


Henry W. Kenyon. 


George Thomas. 


Thomas Clifford. 


John Dodge. 


Edward F. Knuwles. 


Berand Van Haniingen. 


Josiah W. Coggeshall. 


Frank Green. 


Albert F. Manly. 


Luscomb Sisson. 


William H. Conckliu. 


John Hartwig. 


John McGowen. 


Edward Stewart. 


John Mahall. 


JohnF. Vinal. 


Bernard McKenna. 


William C. Sullivan. 


Nathan P. Pike. 


George W. Howland (2d). 


Samuel Moriill. 


Luther Nelson. 


Luke Miller. 


William H. P. Brownell. 


John Mulligan. 


Samson Pew. 


Felix Owens. 


Job H. Uiflbrd. 


Francis H. Noons. 


Miles Carter. Jr. 


John White. 


Henry N. Goburn. 


Isaac Raids. 


William S. Jackson. 


Charles G. Pierce. 


John J. Colwell. 


Thomas M. Read. 


Edward Gallagher. 


Alien Dnprey. 


Hugh McDonald. 


James T. Shepherd. 


Michael Coffee. 


Charles Flenrry. 


James K. Pritcbard. 


Daniel B. Smith. 


John J). Denison. 


Joseph S. Howland. 


Charles N. Wood. 


Francis Spooner. 


Jeremiah Murphy. 


Preston 0. Smith. 


Benjamin H. Arnold. 


Andrew B. Turner. 


Thomas Murphy. 


John Q. Alley. 


Patrick (JarroU. 


Henry J. Williams. 


Thomas Roach. 


Edward C. Pew. 


Monroe Holeomb. 


Ashton Hicks. 


George Mahan. 


John Murray. 


William H. Heath. 


Joseph Whalen. 


Charles Marcy. 


Cornelius Hi)wland, Jr. 


Robert S. Joiner. 


James Bennett. 


William S. Sherman. 


Samuel P. Hart. 


Michael Leonard. 


Josiah W. Coggeshall. 


Eugene Sullivan. 


William G. Davis. 


William E. Manchester. 


James Sullivan. 


James F. Aton. 


Anthony Lang. 


William F. Peckliam. 


Cliristopher C. Gifford. 


Charles Cook. 


Isaac C. Hart. 


John A. Keyes. 


Benjamin H. Arnold. 


Frederic Karcher. 


Walter D. Keith. 


William J. Slocnm. 


Henry L. Boeworth. 


Hermon 0. Schieferdecker. 


William D. Adler. 


John Smith. 


Thomas Huges. 


George Vogel. 


Elishup P. Allen. 


Benjamin F. Soule. 


John Hoffer. 


Henry Urban. 


Thomas AVilson. 


Charles B. Jones. 


John Kelley. 


William N. Booth. 


John Brown. 


Andrew W. Ruesel. 


Dennis Lourney. 


Lot Tripp. 


George F. Lincoln. 


Thomas D. Crocker. 


George P. Macomber. 


David Brown. 


Albert F. Bullard. 


Eben P. Nye. 


Albert Negns. 


Alexanfler Aiken. 


Benjamin Hillnum. 


George S. Palmer. 


Alexander Negus. 


Daniel W. Borden. 


Henry Hillnian. 


Samuel C. Raymond. 


Franklyn Nye. 


James R. Brown. 


David B. Angell. 


Edward R. Richards. 


William C. Taylor. 


John B. G. Haskins. 


Edward J. Anthony. 


Michael Rogers. 


John Turner. 


Hiram V. Howard. 


John P. Brenning. 


William H. H. Booth. 


William Wise. 


Joseph J. Jennings. 


Sylvan us A. Gifford. 


William H. H. Allen. 


James May. 


George Lucas. 


George E. Hawes. 


Edward K. Bly. 


John McDonald. 


Michael Megee. 


Gilbert W. Jennings. 


Joseph Head. 


Frank Miller. 


Edward Murphy. 


Silas C. Kenney. 


Charles G. Macy. 


Edward Pryor. 


John E. Murphy. 


OtisB. Phinney. 


William T. Rodgers. 


Edward T. Ifyder. 


William D. Perry, 


James H. Albro. 


William Driscoll. 


Richard P. StoweU. 


Henry Place, Jr. 


William Bentley. 


J. M. Penniman. 


Francis L. Gilman. 


Albert Shuman. 


Joseph H. Bly. 


Thomas Ash. 


Samuel Spencer. 


Matthew Smith. 


William Bosthoff. 


Tisdttle Atwood. 


John F. Beckdt.n. 


James Smith. 


George Crabtree. 


Edward Boyd. 


Charles A. Dudley. 


James Sullivan. 


Henry K. Wing, 


William H. Coblin. 


Isaiah King. 


James G. Warren. 


John A. Wing. 


Frank Doyei-. 


William Leva. 


Francis A. Wheeler. 


Elisha Doatie. 


John Doyer. 


Henry Power. 


Levi Whitcomb, 


James F. Chipmnn. 


John HawkiTis. 


George Young. 


Herbert Handley. 


Peter C, Sears.* 


John Henry. 


Thomas Clymonts. 


Reuben H. Waite. 


Charles B. Walker. 


Lawrence Harding. 


Patrick Burke. 


Joseph Yeager. 


Charles H. Nye. 


George W. Jennings. 


Timotliy Ingrtlmm. 


Frank A. Bemenber. 


Israel Smith. 


Thomas Jennings. 


Sanford Almy. 


Ezra D. Chase. 


Samuel Kerchew. 


Dennis Moriarity. 


William Ingraham, 


Edward G. Gilman. 


George Oerhlein. 


William Newton. 


Cyrus M. A''augn. 


Charles H. Hunt. 


Henry Hill. 


William Olin. 


John W. Footman. 


George Simpson. 


Thoinas A. Cnshman. 


Charles H. Phillips. 


James H. Leaverns. 


William Bresb-n. 


Octavius C. Smith. 


Thomas Pittsley. 


William S. Norton. 


Albert C. Maggi, 


James H. Wrightington. 


Charles H. Nye. 


Louis N. Phillips. 


Charles L. Tliuiiipson. 


Jacub Almy. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



123 



Bobert Black. 


Joseph A. Bullard. 


Emery Phelps. 




Alden B. Hathaway. 


William A. Sweeney. 


Edward P. Cowing, 


Robert Stevens. 




Charies H. Oliver. 


William .\: B. Wilson. 


Walter D. Keith. 


Abram P. Torrence. 




Horatio G. Oliver. 


William S. Reeiiy. 


Rowland L. Hillman. 


Joseph T. Wilson. 




John H. Ricketson. 


Benjamin F. Ca.s\vell. 


Freenmn C. Luce. 


John Wriglit. 




Josiah F. Bailey. 


William R Clark. 


Alvin C. Smith. 


Nathaniel Wright. 




Joseph B. Holmes. 


James H. Cox. 


Charles L. Thompson. 


William Cebolt. 




John W.Tabt-r. 


Thomas B. Cowing. 


Henry K. Wing. 


Thomas U. W. Dadford 




Charles R. Akin. 


Allen B. Dunbar. 


Theodore S. Besse. 


William E.Mason. 




Martin Atchison. 


William A. Dunbar. 


Obed. N. Briggs. 


Charles H.Tobey. 




John Duffey. 


Isaac Gifford. 


Frederick P. Clark. 


George M. Jenkins. 




Charles H. Benton. 


George B. Hathaway. 


Charles A. Davis. 


James Z. Warren. 




George Duffey. 


George Head. 


George S. Doten. 


Stephen J. Griffith. 




Thomas J. Eagleton. 


Henry S. Hines. 


William H. Fisher. 


Allen Almy. 




John Forsyth. 


John P. Wood. 


William G. Howard. 


Samuel .T, Watson. 




John Gallaghan. 


Lathrop R. Howland. 


Peleg Macomber. 


Roberts. Carrol. 




Franklin L.Hull. 


Charles F. Jennings. 


Henry F Sherman. 


Edward J. Chapman. 




Benjamin K^ Jenney. 


Edward Kelley. 


Ntirbert V, Weaver. 


William N. Angel. 




William A. Jenny. 


Patrick Riley. 


George G. Coffin, Jr. 


Charles H. Negus. 




John T. Kennedy. 


Samuel R. Luecomb. 


David B. Bacon. 


Nathaniel Bearse. 




George F. Manduster. 


James McGowan. 


John Battles. 


Stephen C. Christian. 




William H. Maxery. 


William Oesting. 


James 0. Bolles. 


Thomas D. Crocker. 




JCihn Moor. 


John O'Neil. 


William D. Endlong. 


Stephen E. Crapo. 




George T. Parnell. 


Harrison A. Rogers. 


John Cambridge. 


Frederic E. Cushman. 




John Watkins. 


William G. Saddler. 


Wright Carpenter. 


Amos J. Dunham. 




Nathaniel B. Whipple. 


Samuel H. Taber. 


Charles Cavanaugh, 


Henry M. Durfee. 




Thomas Wriglit. 


William G. Tripp. 


Phineas K. Clark. 


William F. Gifford. 




James Egerton. 


Cbarles P. Wardell. 


Lewis H. Coble. 


William H. Gifford. 




James Holmes, 


Martin Waters. 


Judson W. Daniels, 


Franklin S. Gray. 




George S. Howard. 


James Y. Williams. 


Thomas S. Dean. 


Lorenzo Gross. 




Nathan H. JohuHon. 


George R. Hiirbert. 


Isaac C. Fisher. 


Simeon Handy. 




Nathan J. Knight. 


Preserved Bullock. 


John n. French. 


William W. Hatch. 




Thomas Lapham. 


Thomas S Putter. 


Charies H. Gibson. 


John H. Hazard. 




Jam-'S M. Lawton. 


Henry J. Rumville 


Joseph L. Glines. 


Nicholas E. Howland. 




Albert H. Nye. 


Christian M. Schnltz. 


Nathaniel H. Green. 


Robert B. Hussy. 




James Ryan. 


George Smith. 


Daniel L. Hathaway. 


Charles W. Kempton. 




Charles F. Shaw. 


George E. Smith. 


Philips. Hatch. 


Charles F. Knights. 




Winiam C. Thomas. 


Ellery Bassett. 


Alexander H. Hillman. 


Andrew N. Mack. 




Leander A. Tripp. 


Timothy Iiigraham. 


Charies Holland. 


George H. Rogers. 




Robert Willis. 


William L Rodman. 


Calvin Howard. 


Patrick Cnnnavau. 




Isaac J. Watts. 


Thonms R. Rodman. 


William G. Hazard. 


Samuel H. Wilkinson. 




George M. Jenkin'^. 


Albert F. Bullard. 


Albert P. Jenney. 


Daniel 0. Foster. 




Augustus L. Marshall. 


Timothy W. Terry. 
Charles F. Shaw. 


Ezra T. Jenney. 
Edward F. Jennings. 


Roll of Honor.— 


The 


following is a list of the 


John F. Vinal. 


W. H.H.Jennings. 


names of the volunt 


eers in the army and navy who 


Timothy Ingraham, Jr. 
George D. Bisbee. 
William C. Thumas. 


Samuel Johnson. 
Henry CJ. Kingman. 
Patrick Lacy. 


died in the service 
bellion of 1861-65: 


of their country during the Re- 


Warton.A. Williams. 


Noab J. Lake. 


Akin, Charles R., musician, 


4th Regt. Cav., Co. B. ; died of disease Feb. 


William H.Gray. 


Henry B. Leach. 


10, 1865, kt Fortress Monroe. 




William H. Carney, 


George P. Macomber. 


Akin, Jdmes F., 13th Bat.; 


died in 


Chesapeake Hospital, Hampton, Va., 


Wesley Furlong. 


John N. Mitchell. 


Nov. 12, 18G3. 






George H. Lee. 


Artemas Morse. 


Albro, James H., 2d Regt. Heavy A 


t.. Co. E; died of fever in Newberne, 


James H. Buchanan. 


Patrick Ormond. 


N. C.Oct.S, 1864. 






George Delavan. 


Isaac S. Peckham. 


Aldrich, Albert J., corp., 30th Regt 


, Co. D ; died in camp opposite A'icks- 


David S. Fletcher. 


Samuel Pierce. 


burg July 19, 1862. 






Jnmes H. Gording. 


Charles H. Pohle. 


Allen, Frederick S., Corp., 


20th Regt., Co. G ; died Oct. 25, 1862. of 


William D. Kelley. 


Walter A. Potter. 


wounds received at Antietam 


grave at Linden Grove Cemetery, 


Alexander H. Johnson. 


James Ramsdell. 


Westport. 






Henry A. Munroe. 


Wilson Reynolds. 


Andrews, Frank, 18th Regt 


,Co. A 


died at United States General Hos- 


John Blackburn. 


Joseph F. Roberts. 


pilal at Windmill Poin 


, Va., Feb. 10, 1863. 


Joseph R. Campbell. 


Melvin Sawyer. 


Baker, Charles G., Ut Regt. Cav., 


Co. K ; died at home Sept. 4, 1862, 


Noali Craig. 


Charies H. Sears. 


two months after being 


discharged; grave in Rural Cemetery. 


Francis Demong. 


Henry F. Sherman. 


Barry, William (of Rochester?), 18th Regt., Co. C; killed at Rappahan- 


James Downing. 


John S. Southwick. 


nock Station, Nov. 7, 1863. 




Lewis A. Teachwood. 


Byron Spencer. 


Bartlett, John E , 1st Rhodt 


Island 


Regt., Co. F ; died at Beaufort, N. C, 


Joseph Lee Hall. 


William B. Spooner. 


June 29, 1862. 






Charles H. Harrison. 


Benjamin Sprague. 


Bean, John C., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C 


; died at Batun Ri.>ugc, La.. July 5, 


Cornelius Henson. 


George W. Tophara. 


1863. 






John H. Harrison. 


Jireh H. Tripp. 


Bearse, Zaohariah T , 3d Regt. Cav. 


Co. I ; died at home Aug. 9, 1864 ; 


Robert Lawrence. 


William H. Tripp. 


grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 




Samuel L;iyton. 


Charles F Tucknell. 


Bentley, William, 38th Regt., Co H. ; died at New Orleans, La., June 


Joshua B. Bowman. 


James D. Vaughn. 


4, 1863. 






William G. Davis. 


Albert C. Viment. 


Blain, Samuel J., 1st lieut., 


- Regt 


U. S. Cul.ired Troops; died at Flor- 


Isaac C. Hart. 


Leander Washburn. 


enrt. .S. C, about Nov. 1 


, 1864. 




William D. Alder. 


Joseph Watkins, 


Blake, Luihan, 18th Regt., 


Co. A; 


killed at battle of Fredericksburg, 


Allen Almy. 


L-aiah H. Wilcox. 


Dec. 13, 1862 ; monume 


It in West Ccmelt-ry. 



124 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Blake, Peleg W., 1st lieut., 5th Batt. ; killed near Petersburg June 18, 
18G4; gnivo in West Cemetery. 

Blood, ThonipsoD B. (of Ciielsea?), IStli Kegt,, Co A; died in rebel 
prison at Andersonville, March 24, 1864. 

Bly, Joseph H.,38th Kegt., Co. H ; died at Satterlee Hospital, Phila- 
delphia, Nov, 10, 1864, of wounds received at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 
1864; buried In Oak Grove Cemetery. 

Booth, Cliarles K. , 3d Kegt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Port Hudson, La , of 
wounds Dec. 2, 1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 

Booth, George ¥., 18th Kegt., Co. A ; died at Hall's Hill, near Washing- 
ton, Jan. 4, 1862. 

Booth, John C, 32d Kegt, Co. C; died in prison at Bichmond, Va., Dec. 
4, 1863. 

Borden, Abraham E., U. S. Signal Corps; died on board gunboat " Sa- 
chem," Sept. 8, 1863; grave in Kural Cemetery. 

Borden, Daniel W., 2()th Regt., Co. D ; killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Freder- 
icksburg, Va. 

Busworth, Henry L., Jr., 3d Regt. Cav,, Co. C ; killed near Winchester, 
Va , Sept. 19, 1864 ; grave in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaveu. 

Boyd, Edward, 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Andei-sonville Nov. 14, 1864. 

Briggs, Augustus D., 3d Regt. Cav., Co, A ; died in Camden Street Hos- 
pital, Baltimore, Nov, 14, 1864, of wounds received at Cedar Creek. 

BriggB, Obed N., corp., 23d Regt., Cu. D ; killed at Cold Harbor June 3, 
1864. 

Brockdou {Beckdon on official list), John F., 5th Regt. Cav., Co. D; died 
on lioard transport "J. K. Barnes" Sept. 22, 1865. 

Brown, Charles A., alias Charles Besse (of Truro?), 20th Regt., Co. A; 
died at Danville prison Dec. 7, 1864. 

Brown, George H., 32d Regt., Co. H ; died at Richmond, Va., Feb, 13, 
1S64. 

Brown, John C, capt., 73d Regt. U. S. Colored Inf., Co. G; died on bat- 
tle-field at Blakely, Ala., of wounds received while assaulting the 
enemy's works, April 10, 1865. 

Bryant, John, 18th Regt., Co. A ; killed at battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 
13,1862. 

Bryant, Wdliani F. (of Rochester?), 38th Regt., Co, 11; died at Baton 
Rouge Sept. 30, 1863. 

Buchanan, James U., corp., 54th Regt., Co. C; killed at Olustee, Fla., 
Feb. 20, 1S64. 

Burke, Thomas, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. L; died at Baton Rouge, La., July 2, 
1863. 

Campbell, Joj^eph R., Corp., 64th Regt., Co. C ; killed at Fort Wagner 
July IS, 1863. 

Canty, John M., 5th Batt.; died July 8, 1863, of wounds received at Get- 
tysburg; buried July 29, 1863, in Catholic Cemetery. 

Carroll, Patrick, corp., 3d Regt. Cav,, Co. A ; died at Washington Aug. 
6, 1864; grave in Catholic Cemetery. 

Cavenaugh, Cliarles, 23d Regt , Co. D ; died March 26, 1862, of wounds 
received at Newberne. 

Chapman, Thomas W. (of Acushnet?), 29th Regt., Co. D; died in Ken- 
tucky Sept. 22, 1862. 

Chase, Ezra D., 20th Regt., Co. G; killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 9, 
1864. 

Chase, William T., 3d Regt. H. Art,, Co. F; died at Fort Wagner, D. C, 
Dec. lu, 1864; giave in Rural Cemetery. 

Christian, Stephen C, corp., 58tli Regt., Co. E; killed before Petersburg 
June 17, 1864; buried Nov. 27, 1864, in Oak Grove Cemetery. 

Clark, Johnson, asst. surg., 99th N. Y. Regt. ; died Dec. 9, 1861. 

Clongli, James, corp., 7th Regt., Co. A ; died in Armory Hospital, Wash- 
ington, June 18, 1863, of wounds received at Fredericksburg May 3, 
1863. 

Coble, Lewis H., 23d Regt , Co. D ; died at Newberne, N. C, April 14, 1862. 

Coburn, Harry N., hosp. steward, 3d Regt. Cav,; died Nov. 4, 1863, at 
Port Hudson. 

Cole, Charles B., mus., 55th Regt., Co. B; died Dec. 20, 1863, at Folly 
Island, S. C. 

Conly. Timotny, 28th Regt., Co. B; killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 

Coombs, Erastus M., corp., 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Harrison's Land- 
ing July 19,1862. 

Corcoran (Corkery in official list), Timothy, sergt., 28th Regt, Co. B; 
killed in battle of Chantilly Sept. 1, 1862. 

Crane, Charles F., 3d Regt., Co. E ; died at Newberne Jan. 29, 1863. 

Crapo, Heury D., 5th Batt.; killed at Bottom Bridge, Va., June 8, 1864. 

Crapo, Stephen E., corp., 58th Regt., Co. E; killed near Spottsylvania 

Conrt-House May 12, 1864; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Davis, William F. (quota of Lawrence) ; died at Andereonville, Ga., Oct. 
28, 1864. 



Dennison, John, 9th Regt., Co. C; died at Mount Pleasant, Washington, 

D. C, Nov. 7, 1863. 
Devon, Charles F.. 13th III. Regt.; died at Nashville, Tenn., June 2, 

1864; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Dixon, Charles, 55th Regt., Co. D ; died at Beaufort, S. C, June 16, 1865. 
Douglass, Charles B,, 3d Regt. Cav,, Co. A ; wounded in action, Plane's 

Store, La, Nov. 29, 1863; died next day. 
Downing, Patrick, 2d Regt. H. Art., Co. E; died at Newberne, N. C, June 

6, 1864. 
Dunham, Amos J., 58th Regt., Co. E; died at Annapolis Oct. 28, 1864; 

grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Dwyer, Timothy, 28th Regt., Co. H.; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 

1862. 
Eagan (Akin in official list), Alexander, 20th Regt., Co. D ; killed at Get- 
tysburg July 3, 1863; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Edsou, Lowell M., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A; died at Baton Rouge July 28, 

1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Elliott, Joseph, 3d Kegt. Cav., Co. C; killed near Alexandria, La., ]\Iay 

1, 1864. 
Fitzsimmons, Henry (quota of Mi ddlebo rough), 58th Regt., Co. K ; died 

in Baltic, Conn., August, 1867, of wounds received at Petersburg, 

Va., April 2, 1865 ; grave in Catholic Cemetery. 
Flaherty, John, 2d Regt. Cav., Co. B ; died at Fort Ethan Allen, Aug. 30, 

1863. 
Fleetwood, Lewis A., o4th Regt., Co. C ; wounded at Fort Wagner July 

18, 1863; foot amputated; died in New Bedford after discharge; 
grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 

Foster, Daniel 0., q.m.-sergt, 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B; died at Deer 

Island April 20, 1864. 
Garhck, Reuben A. (of Dartmouth ?), 3d Regt. Cav., Co. H ; killed Sept. 

19, 1864. at battle of Winchester. 

Gibson. Charles H., musician, 23d Regt., Co. D; killed on board steamer 
" Fawn," Sept. 13, 1864, on Roanoke River. 

Gifford, William H., 58th Regt., Co. E; died in Danville prison, Aug. 14, 
1864 ; grave at South Dartmouth. 

Gilman, Edward G., 1st Regt. Maine H. Art. ; died before Petersbui'g, Va., 
Dec. 15, 1865. 

Gooding, James H., sergt., 54th Regt., Co. C; wounded and taken pris- 
oner at Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20, 1864 ; died at Andersonville, July 19, 
1S64. 

Gordon, Thomas (quota of Cambridge), 28th Regt., Co. D ; reported miss- 
ing in action May 18, 1864. 

Graham, Edward ; died at Andersonville Oct. 5, 1864. 

Gray, Franklin S., 58th Regt., Co. E; killed at Cold Harbor June 3, 1864. 

Gray, John H., 99th New York Regt., Co. A ; died at Yorktown, Va., 
Oct. 2, 1863. 

Hall, Joseph L., 54th Regt., Co. C; missing at the assault on Fort Wag- 
ner July IS. 1863. 

Hall, Levi, 4th Regt Cav , Co. C; killed at St. John's Island July 17, 
1864. 

Handley, Herbert, sergt, 20th Regt., Co. G; killed by a horse in Provi- 
dence Sept. 8, 1861. 

Hart, J. B. W., Jr., 6th Co. II. Art; died at Fort Baker, D. C. Sept. 4, 
1864. 

Harvey, George W,, corp., 33d Regt., Co. I; died at Andersonville prison, 
Ga., Aug. 30, 1864. 

Iliithaway, John F., 5th Batt ; died July 14, 1863, of wounds received at 
Gettysburg ; buried in West Cemetery Aug. 5, 1863. 

Hawes, George E., corp., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died Dec. 14, 1862, at Hamp- 
ton, Va.; grave in Rural Cemetery. 

Heilman, George, 16th Regt, Co. H; died at Andersonville, Nov. 3, 1864, 

Heintz, John H., 3d Kegt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Port Hudson Oct. 1,1863. 

Herron, William H., 3d New Hampshire Eegt, Co. K; died at Nash- 
ville May 24, 1865. 

Hill, Henry, Ist sergt., 33d Regt, Co. I ; killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 
1864. 

Hogan, John, 28th Regt., Co. B ; killed at Antietam Sept 17, 1862. 

Holmes, James, 58th Regt., Co. H ; died at Baton Rouge Oct. 21, 1863. 

Howard, George H., 6th Co. H. Art.; died in hospital at New Bedford 
Oct. 24, 1863. 

Howard, Hiram B., 20th Regt., Co. D ; killed at Gettysburg July 3,186.3. 

Rowland, Charles F., 1st sergt, 41st Regt., Co. A ; died at Baton Rouge, 
La., Feb. 19, 1863 ; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. 

Howland, George W., capt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A; died at home June 6, 
1865; disch. April 11, 1865; grave in Rural Cemetery. 

Howland, Lothrop P., 33d Regt, Co. I; killed at battle of Wauhatchie 
Oct. 29, 1863. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



125 



Hussey, Robert B., 58th Regt., Co. E; died at Nantucket while on fur- 
lough, Nov. 27, 1864. 
Jackson, William S., -^th Regt. Cav., Co. F; died at Cliirksville, Texas, 

July 15, 18G5. 
Jenney, Sanford, Jr., sei'gt., 2d Regt. H. Art., Co. E ; died at Newberue. 

N. C, May 4, 1864 ; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Johnson, Edward, sergt., 3d Regt. Cav ,0o. C ; killed in action at .\lex- 

andria, La., May 1, 18C4. 
Jones, Charles, corp., 18tb Regt., Co. H ; died in New Bedford March 

31, 1864. 
Joyner, Robert S., ISth Regt., Co. F ; taken prisoner at battle of the 

Wilderness, Slay, 18G4; died in rebel prison at Millen.Oa. 
Kauuse, Benjamin S., 5th Batt. ; killed before Petersburg June 18,1864; 

buried in West Cemetery. 
Keen, David S., 20th Begt., Co. D; died at Crab Orchard, Ky., Oct. 19, 

1863 ; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Kempton, Charles G., 38th Regt., Co. H; died at Univei-sity Hospital, 

New Orleans, April 25,1863. 
Kenney, Silas C, Corp., 38th Kegt., Co. H; killed at Port Hudson June 

14, 1S63. 
Killian, Michael, 6th Co. H. Art. ; died at Fort Baker, Washington, Aug. 

22, 1864. 
King, Leprelate, 4th Kegt., Co. K ; died at Brashear City June 11, 1863, 
Kingman, Henry C. (quota of Rochester), 23d Regt., Co. D; died in 

Libby Prison Aug. 6, 1864, of wounds received at Drury's Bluff. 
Kubler, John F., sergt., 3d Regt. H. Art., Co. B ; died at Sanitary Com- 
mission Hospital, Washington, Nov. 13,1864; grave in Rural Ceme- 
tery. 
Lally, Michael, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died of wounds at Winchester, Va., 

Nov. 7, 1864. 
Landers, Joseph N., 41st Regt., Co. A ; died at Baton Rouge, La., March 

20, 1863. 
Lawrence. George H., 3d New Hampshire Regt., Co. E; killed at Morris 

Island July 27, 186:i. 
Lawton, David, 2d Regt. H. Art., Co. F ; died Nov. 15, 1864, at Newberne, 

N. C. 
Leavens, James H., sergt., 18th Regt., Co. A; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 2, 1863. 
Lee, John, 41st Regt., Co. A ; died at home June 11,1863; buried in Oak 

Grove Cemetery. 
Lemunyou, Luther W. ,26th Regt., Co. G ; died at New Orleans Oct. 25, 

1863. 
Leonard, Stephen H., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died Sept. 24, 1S64, at Win- 
chester, Va., of wounds received September 19th. 
Leonard, Thomas W., 47th Regt., Co. D ; died at at Camp Parapet, Car- 

rolltoii. La., July 15, 1863. 
Lines, Samuel, 24lh Regt., Co. F ; killed at Newberne, N. C, March 14, 

1862. • 
Look, Gilbert A., 2d Regt. H. Art, Co. E; died in Newark, N. J., June j 

8, 1861. 
Louden, Edward (quota of W'estport), 22d Regt., Co. G; died at Ander- 

sonville.Ga., Oct. 11,1864. 
Low, Robert A., 55th Kegt., Co. B ; died at Boston Jan. 6, 1864. 
Lucas, Charles A., sergt., :id Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Port Hudson, La., 

Nov. 30, 1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Lucas, George F., 20th Regt., Co. D; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 

1863. 
Luce, Lewis P., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C ; died at Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 20, 

1863. 
Luce. Nathaniel R, musician, 6th Co. H. Art. ; died at New Bedford Feb. 

29, 1864. 
McDevitt, Hugh, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; killed at Winchester, Va., Sept. 

19, 1864. 
McGowan, John, 2d Regt. 11. Art., Co. H ; died at Andersonville prison 

June 25, 1864. 
Mack, Andrew N. ,58th Regt.. Co. E; killed at Cold Harbor June 3. 

1-S64; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Macy, Charles G., 18th Regt., Co. I ; died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 1, i 

1864. I 

Manchester, William E., 18tli Regt., Co. F; killed at Bull Run Aug. 30, ! 

1862. 
Marcy, Charles, Uth Regt., Co. K ; killed May 6, lh64, in the battle of 

the Wilderness. 
Marshall, Augustus L., 4th Regt. Cav., Co. E; died Aug. 21, 1864, at 

Fortress Monroe. 
Martin, Thomas (of California?), 1st sergt., 2d Regt. Cav., Co. K ; killed 

in action Aug. 27, 1864. 



Maxim, David, Jr. (quota of Worcester), .3d Regt. H. Art., Co. B ; died 

in Washington March 18, 1865; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Maxwell, Luther, 8th Maine Regt., Co. E; died at Point of P^cks, Md., 

Oct. 11, 1864. 
Miller, Luke, 20lh Regt., Co. G ; wounded at Gettysburg ; died at An- 
dersonville Oct. 1, 1864. 
Milliken, Albert F. , Corp., 5th Batt. ; killed at Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 

1862. 
Morris, William H., 54th Regt., Co. K ; missing since action of Olustee, 

Fla., Feb, 20, 1864. 
Moslier, Philip (of Raynham ?), 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B; prisoner at 

Gainesville, Fla.; died in liands of the enemy. 
Noland, Joseph, 25th Regt. U. S. Colored Troops, Co. H; died at Fort 

Barrancas, Fla., June 16, 1865. 
Norton, William S., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at New Orleans Jan. 29, 

1864. 
Nye, Ephraiin B., 2d lieut., 14th Batt. ; killed at Petersburg, Va., March 

25, 1865 ; buried at Pocasset. 
Nye, Franklin, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C; killed at Port Hudson Nov. 30, 1863. 
O'Brien, Daniel (of Boston?), 20th Regt., Co. D; killed at Ball's Bluff 

Oct. 21,1861. 
Oliver, Charles H., q.m.-8ergt.,4th Regt. Cav., Co. B ; died a prisoner at 

Albany, Fla., Jan. 6, 1865. 
Oliver, Horatio G., Jr., sergt., 4th Begt. Cav., Co. B; died in hands of 

enemy at Wilmington, N. C, March 4, 1865. 
O'Malley, Owen, 7th Regt., Co. H ; died at Chancelloi-sviUe, Va., May 3, 

1863. 
Ormond, Patrick, 22d Regt., Co. D ; supposed to have died at Anderson- 
ville December, 1864. 
Orne, George, 3d Regt., Co. F; died Jan. 30, 1S63, at Boston. 
Palmer, George S., 18th Regt.,Co. H; died in Farley Hospital, Wash- 
ington, Nov. 14, 1863, of wounds received at Rappahannock Station ; 

buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Pearson, William, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. B ; killed at Jackson, La., Aug. 3, 

1863. 
Penniman, James M., 32d Regt., Co. G ; died at Annapolis Feb. 26, 

18C5. 
Perry, Oliver H., 157th Penn. Begt. ; died June 20, 1865. 
Place, Henry, Vet. Res. Corps ; died at Harwood Hospital, Washington, 

D. C, Jan. 18, 1S64. 
Potter, Walter A., 32d Regt., Co. D ; killed at Newberne March 14, 

1862. 
Pugh. Sampson, 5tli Regt. Cav., Co. D ; died at David's Island, N. Y., 

Oct. ^6, 1865. 
Records, Lemuel S., 33d Regt., Co. I ; died in hospital at Lookout Valley, 

Teun., .\pril 1, 1864. 
Reed, Isaac, 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Florence, S. C, September, 

1864. 
Reichmann, Edward, Corp., 47th Regt., Co. D ; died Sept. 24, 1863. 
Riclimond, Cyrus A., Corp., Ist Regt. Cav., Co. K ; died at home Nov. 

1, 1862; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Rodgers, William T., IStli Kegt., Co. I ; died Sept. 16, 1863, at Newark, 

N.J. 
Rodman, William L., lieut.-col., 38tli Regt. ; killed at Port Hudson May 

27, 1863 ; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Ryan, James P., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died at University Hospital, New 

Orleans, June 4, 1863. 
Sargent, Joseph A., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav.,Co.A; died at Annapolis March 

12, 1865. 
Scannell, John, 9th Kegt., Co. K; died of wounds July 1, 1862. 
Sears, Charles H., 23d Regt., Co. D; died at Newberne Jan. 1, 1863, of 

wounds received in the battle of Whitehall Dec. 16, 1802 ; grave at 

South Dartmouth. 
Sekell, Isaac W., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Chestnut Street Hos])ital, 

Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1865. 
Shepherd, Eugene (quota of Chelsea) ; died at Nashville, Ten n., January, 

1865. 
Shepherd, James P., 18th Regt., Co. A ; died at West Philadelphia July 

18, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg; buried in Rural Ceme- 
tery. 
Sherman, William F., 31st Maine Regt., Co. C ; died at Milieu, Ga., Oct. 

30,1864. 
Simmons, Charles II., 6th Co. H. Art.; died in hospital at Clarke's Point, 

New Bedford, Oct. 19, 1863. 
Simpson, George, 20th Regt,, Co. G ; killed at Ball's Bluff Oct. 21, 1861. 
Smith, James, 20th Regt., Co. D; died Dec. 20, 1862. 
Smith, Matthew, 20th Regt., Co. D ; died Dec. 11, 1862. at Falmouth, Va. 



126 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Smith, Michael, 3d Kegt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Fort Kearney Aug. 24, 

1865. 
Smith, Octavius C, sergt., 33d Regt., Co. I ; killed at battle of Wau- 

hatchie, Tenii., Oct. 29, 1863. 
Soule, Henry W., 5th Bait. ; killed at Gettysbura July 2, 1863 ; grave in 

Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Spooner, Francis, 18th Regiment, Co. A ; died at Andersonville, Ga., 

Aug. 3, 1864. 
Stowell, Columbus, 4th" Regt. Cav,, Co. B ; died in prison at Charleston, 

S.C, Oct. 15, 1864. 
Swain, Charles B., Ist Regt. Cav., Co. K ; died at Beaufoit, S. C, Nov. 4, 

1862. 
Sweeney, William A., corp., 33d Regt., Co. I; killed at battle of Resaca, 

Ga., May 15, 1864. 
Tabor, Samuel H., 68th Regt., Co. B ; died in Danville Prison Hospital 

Aug. 31,1864. 
Thatcher, William H., 6th Co. H. Art. ; died at Fort Davis, D. C, June 

27, 1864. 
Thompson, James, 13th Batt, ; drowuod at Hampton Roads, Va., Feb. 1, 

1803. 
Tilliughast, diaries F., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; prisoner at battle of Cedar 
Creek; died in prison at Salisbury, N. C, June 9, 1864; monument 
in Rural Cemetery ; it is not known where his body is laid. 
Tillinghast, Thomas (J., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A; died at Winchester, 
Va., Oct. 20, 1S64, of wounds received at Cellar Creek; monument 
in Rural Cemetery; it is uot known where bis remains were laid. 
Tirrell, Charles F., "Ill Regt., Co. I ; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 

1862. 
Torrence, Abraham P., Corp., o4th Begt., Co. C; killed at Fort Wagner 

July 18, 1863. 
Tripp, Ebenezer, 20th Regt., Co. G; killed at Ball's Bluff Oct. 21, 1861. 
Tripp, James H, 47th Regt, Co. D; died June 4, 1863, at Carrollton, 

La. 
Tripp, Jireh B., 23d Regt., Co. D ; died in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., 

Oct. 14, 1861. 
Tripp, Leauder A., sergt., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died June 30, 1864, at Mor- 

ganza, La. 
Tripp, William U., 23d Regt., Co. D; killed before Petersburg Aug. 16, 

1864; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Truckwell, Charles F., 23d Regt., Co. D; died at Newberue May 9, 1862; 

grave in West Cemetery. 
Turner, Treadwell, 64th Regt., Co. C; killed at Fort Wagner July 18, 

1863. 
Urban, Henry, 20th Kegt., Co. C; died Jan. 7, 1S65. 
Viall, George M. (of Providence?), 4lBt Regt., Co. A; died at Baton 

Rouge May 15, 1863. 
Watson, Samuel J., 2d lieut., 58th Regt., Co. E; died at home Dec. 11, 
1864, from want and e.\posure in Danville prison, Va.; grave in 
Rural Cemetery. 
Weaver, Norbert V., 33d Regt., Co. D ; mortally wounded at Cold Harbor 

June 3, 1864 ; monument in Rural Cemetery. 
Welsh, Edmund G., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; killed at battle of Cedar Creek, 

Va.. Oct. 10, 1864. 
Welsh, William H., 3d Regt. H. Art, Co. D; died at Gallop's Island, 

Boston Hal bor, Sept. 15, 1865 ; grave in Catholic Cemetery. 
Whalon, Joseph, 18th Regt., Co. B; died May 6, 1862, at Yorktown, Va. 
Wbitehall, John D., 2d Kegt. Cav., Co. I; died at Gloucester Point, Va., 

March 31. 1803. 
Whitman, Onley A., 7tli It. I. Regt., Co. I ; died at Baltimore March 30, 

1863; grave in West Cemetery. 
Wilcox, Seth A., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at home May 30, 1864 ; 

grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
Wilcox, Willium S., 51h Batt.; died Nov. 28, 1802, at Falmouth, Va. 
Williams, Henry J., ISth Kegt., Co. A ; died at Shaipsburg, Md., Oct. 17, 

1802. 
Williams, William (quota of Belmont), 5oth Regt., Co, K ; died at regi- 

meutal hosiiital. Folly Island, ». C, Aug. 19, 1864. 
Willistou, William H., 21st Regt., Co. C; killed at Newberue, N. C, 

Mai eh 14, 1862. 
Wing, John A., 3M Regt., Co. D ; missing in action May 16, 1864. 
Winn, Hugh (of Fall River?), 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B ; died at Florence, 

S.C. 
Wood, Horatio, q.m. -sergt., Ist Regt. Cav.; died on board steamer " Er- 
icsson" June 25, 1862. 
Wordell, Charles P., 68th Itegt., Co. E; died in Douglas Hospital, Wash- 
ington, Aug. 27, 1H64, of wounds received at the assault upon Peters- 
burg July 30, 1864. 



Young, Angus W., 18th Kegt., Co. D ; killed at Frcderickshnrg Dec. l.t, 

1862. 
Young, Nathan L., 54th Regt, Co. C ; wounded at Fort Wagner July 18, 
1863; died at Beaufort, S. C, next day. 
S'^amen. 
Almy, Thomas, acting master's mate, steamer "'WachnBett ;" killed at 

City Point, Va., May 20. 1862. 
Andrews, Manuel, died in Marine Hospital, Chelsea, Sept. 11, 1861. 
Avila, Elisha N. (quota of Boston), steamer "Benton;" killed at Fort 

Donelson Feb. 14, 1862 
Bly, Horatio T., steamer "St. Louis;" died of wounds Oct. 17, 1862. 
Boakim, Emaiinel, steward ; killed Aug. 5, 1864. 
Cornell, John M., steamer " Mound City ;" died March 16, 1864. 
Coxen, Edward M., died of wounds July 24, 1863. 
Dandridge, Andrew, cook ; died of disease March 19, 1862. 
Francis, Isaac, Jr., acting ensign, schooner "Matthew Vassar;" died 

May 18, 1863. 
Frates, .\nlone, killed June 2, 1862. 

Fuller, James, frigate " Congress;" drowned in Hampton Roads. 
Giflbrd, Charles K., killed at Brooklyn Navy-Yard June 20, 1862. 
Gifford, David S., died of disease Feb. 14, 1862. 
Gould, John, steamer " Herald ;" killed Oct. 25, 1863. 
Handy, Joshua J., steamer " Augusta;" died 1862. 
Harrington, Jeremiah, steamer " Rattler ;" died of gunshot-wounds 

March 19, 1863. 
Howes, Alphonso S., gunboat " Sagamore ;" died of disease Sept. 22, 1865, 

at Marine Hospital, Baltimore. 
Hullahan, Thomas (quota of Chelsea), died of disease at New Orleans 

July 24, 1862. 
Jenney, James T., steamer " Twilight ;" died of disease March 20, 1863, 

at Beaufort, N. C; grave in West Cemetery. 
Kempton, Silas W., acting master's mate, steamer " Santiago de Cuba;" 

lost overboard in Chesapeake Bay March 23, IS65. 
Louis, John, died June 12, 1863. 
Lucius, Juan, died at Brooklyn May 19, 1865. 
McCarty, John, died of disease Dec. 8, 1862. 
Milan, Michael, frigate "Congress;" killed in Hampton Roads March 17, 

1862. 
Milliken, Cliarles B., first-class boy, killed in Mobile Bay Aug. 26, 1864. 
Mullany, Philip, died from casualty Jan. 26, 1864. 
Nugent, Robert N., died at Cliarleston,S. C, Dec. 6, 1863. 
O'Neil, Cornelius, lost in steamer " Cincinnati" March 27, 1863. 
Ottiwell, Nathaniel D, acting master's mate, steamer "Cambridge;" 
died off Cape Lookout Sept. 27, 1861; buried at sea; monument in 
Rural Cemetery. 
Parnell, James E,, steamer " Romeo ;" died Aug 13, 1863, on board hos- 
pital-ship " Red Rover." 
Peirce, John .\., perished on board the "Cumberland" in Hampton 

Roads, March 8, 1862; grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Phillips, Edward, died in Marine Hospital, Chelsea, Dec. 19, 1861. 
Rogers, Reulien G., died of disease Sept. 20, 1862. 
Scott, John, died of disease Nov. 20, 1861. 
StJindish, Willi. im D., steamer " Meteor," died Oct. 1, 1864. 
Taber, Daniel G., blown up in the "Tecumseh," in Mobile Bay, Aug. 6, 

1864. 
Taber, John C, first-class boy ship " Ohio ;" died of disease May 8, 1864 ; 

grave in Rural Cemetery. 
Thompson, William, died May '27, 1863. 
Warren, Alvern S., steamer "Santiago de Cuba;" died of wounds at 

Norfolk, Va., June 18, 1866. 
West, William A., died April 15, 1863. 
Wordell, Gardner R,, steamer " Soutlifield ;" drowned April 19, 1804. 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.— The monu- 
ment erected by the city of New Bedford in memory 
of lier citizens who perished in the Rebellion occupies 
a prominent situation upon the common. 

It is a beautiful and appropriate structure. Of the 
I many erections of this character that the gratitude of 
I the living has raised to commemorate the patriotism 
I of the dead, few can be found more tasteful and ap- 
propriate in design or more perfect in execution. 

The monument was designed and contracted for by 
George F. Meacham, of Boston. 





'^ ^^iYm^^-^^ 



NEW BEDFORD. 



1 



The inscriptions upon the base are as follows : 

North Side. 

" Navy." 

East Side. 

" Erected by the City of New Bedfonl, aa a tribute of gratitude to her 

sons who fell defending their Country in ita struggle with 

Shivery and Treason." 

South Side. 

*' Army." 

IVtist Side. 

" Dedicated July 4, 1866." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JOHN AVERY PAKKER. 

John Avery Parker was born in the town of Plymp- 
ton, Plymouth Co., Mass., Sept. 25, 1769, and died at 
his residence in New Bedford, Mass., Dec. 30, 1853. 
He was a lineal descendant in the sixth generation 
from William Parker, who came from England and 
was one of the first settlers of Scituate, Mass. In 
September, 1640, a grant was obtained for the settle- 
ment of Mattakeese, Mass., and in October of that 
year William Parker, in company with many others 
from Scituate, settled there. He finally located at 
Falmouth, Mass., where be continued to reside until 
his death. He married Mary, daughter of Humphrey 
Turner, Nov. 13, 1651, and left several sons, of whom 
Robert Parker was one, and one or more daughters. 

Robert Parker married Patience Cobb in 1667, and 
had children, viz. : (1) Thomas, born Aug. 24, 1669 ; 
Daniel, born April 18, 1670 ; Joseph, born 1671 (see 
biography of Ward M. Parker, of New Bedford); 
Benjamin, born Mi>rch 15, 1673-74; Hannah, born 
1676; Elisha, April, 1680; and Alice, Sept. 15, 1681. 

Daniel Parker, of Barnstable, married Mary Lom- 
bard, Dec. 11, 1689. Their children were Daniel, 
Nehemiah, Samuel, Jonathan, David, Temperance, 
Rebecca, and Mary. Daniel Parker was a prominent 
man in Barnstable, and was known as Judge Parker. 
He died Dec. 23, 1728. 

Rev. Jonathan Parker, fourth son of Judge Daniel 
Parker, was born in Barnstable in 1706, and died at 
Plympton, April 24, 1776. He was graduated from 
Cambridge College, and was ordained in the ministry 
Dec. 22, 1731. He continued to preach with great 
acceptance until his death. 

He was the second minister at Plympton, Mass., a 
man of more tlian ordinary ability, and was particu- 
larly gifted in prayer. He married Ruth, daughter 
of the Rev. John Avery, of Truro, Mass., in 1732-33. 

Mrs. Ruth Parker died in Plympton, May 17, 1745, 
aged thirty years. Of this union were born Ruth, 
Jonathan, John Avery, Elizabeth, and Avery. 

Rev. Jonathan Parker married for his second wife 
Lydia, daughter of Joseph Bartlett, of Plymouth. 
She was born Dec. 30, 1722. Their children were 
Daniel, Lydia, Joseph, Betty, Molly, Thaddeus, Jer- 



usha, and Harmony. Mrs. Lydia Parker died Aug. 
31, 1796. 
I Jonathan Parker, Jr., son of Rev. Jonathan and 
Ruth Parker, was born in Plympton, Mass., Aug. 16; 
1736. Married, Dec. 5, 1765, Abigail, daughter of 
Dr. Pollycarpus and Mary Loring. She was born 
Feb. 16, 1742-43. Their children were Oliver, Polly- 
carpus, John Avery (the immediate subject of this 
sketch), Ruth, Jonathan, Jacob, and Abigail. Mr. 
Parker, while playing with his brother Avery, had a 
knife accidentally thrust into one of his eyes when 
twelve years of age, and in due time lost the use of 
his other eye and was totally blind for many years 
before his death. 

He continued a resident of Plympton, Mass., where 
he died Sept. 1, 1822. He was a member of the 
church at Plympton, aud was universally respected. 
His wife, Abigail, died at Plympton, March 23, 1840, 
in the ninety-eighth year of Tier age. At the time of 
her death she was the oldest person in Plympton, and 
next to the oldest that ever lived there, Mrs. Abigail 
Bryant being older. 

John Avery Parker" (Jonathan, Jr.\ Jonathan*, 
DanieP, Robert^ William') had very limited advan- 
tages for an education, but what he had he improved, 
and by reading and reflection was well informed in 
the current events of his day. At an early age he 
showed signs of financial ability, and manifested a 
strong desire to engage in some active business, hence 
began merchandising. In 1795 he formed a copart- 
nership with Lemuel Milke, of Westport, Mass., who 
was engaged in building vessels for the merchant 
service. The firm was known as Milke & Parker. 
About 1803 they dissolved partnership, when Mr. 
Parker moved to New Bedford, and located on Middle 
or Bridge Streets, at the head of North Water, where 
he continued to reside until he built his own resi- 
dence, which was in 1841 refitted and enlarged for a 
hotel, and has since been known as the Parker 
House. In 1834 he built his palatial residence on 
County Street, where he passed the remainder of his 
life. While living in New Bedford Mr. Parker con- 
tinued to build merchant vessels at Hick's Bridge, 
some three or four miles from Westport, under the 
supervision of his brother-in-law, Levi Standish. 
Among the vessels built there were the " Phcenix " 
" W. L. Packet," and " Victory." At and near New- 
Bedford he built the " Young Phcenix," for his son- 
in-law, Joseph Dunbar ; the " Averick," " Parker," 
" Lalla Rookh," "Alexander Barclay," "Averick 
Heineken," and many others. These ships were used 
in the merchant service until they were fitted for the 
whaling business. About 1823 he purchased a half 
interest, with Messrs. Seth and Charles Russell, in the 
property now known as Parker's wharf, and subse- 
quently bought their interest. In 1833 he built his 
brick block, now known as Parker's block. Durino- 
the war of 1812-15 he organized a company for the 
defense of New Bedford, and was its captain. 



128 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Merchants' Bank, now the Merchants' National 
Bank, was established in 1825, and he was its first 
president, which position he held until his death. 
He owned and personally superintended a cotton- 
mill in his native town (Plympton), beside having 
an interest in other cotton-mills at home and abroad. 
Mr. Parker was president and owner of the Lionet 
Iron Mills at Warehani, Mass., which were subse- 
quently known as the " Parker Mills." 

In politics he was a Whig, and as such represented 
his senatorial district in the Legislature in 1826-27, 
and was instrumental in getting the county divided, 
and having a court-house and jail located here. He 
was a liberal supporter of the North Congregational 
Church of New Bedford. 

From the pen of another we quote the following, 
with a few changes : Mr. Parker accumulated a large 
fortune, which was variously invested, as there was 
hardly any branch of commerce or of manufacture in 
which he was not interested. As a shrewd and ener- 
getic business man, Mr. Parker had few equals, and 
was among the first merchants in New Bedford to set 
the wise example of engaging in other enterprises 
than the principal one of this city at that time. The 
large operations in which he engaged required excel- 
lent judgment and foresight, and that he possessed 
those qualities in no slight degree is proved by the 
almost uniform success which attended his transac- 
tions. 

At the time of his deatli he was president of the 
Merchants' Bank in this city, having served gratui- 
tously from the commencement of the corporation, a 
period of twenty-eight years. 

Posses.sed of such ample means, it was in the power 
of Mr. Parker very often to assist those who were 
just starting in business, or who had met with disap- 
pointment in their affairs. We believe it is within 
the personal knowledge of numy that this assistance 
was often and cheerfully rendered, and that too, some- 
times, when the relief thus extended was not, per- 
haps, strictly within the limits of an over-cautious 
prudence. 

'Mr. Parker was one of the earliest supporters of 
common schools, and, though under the district .sys- 
tem he was heavily taxed for their support, he 
always met the obligation thus imposed upon him 
with cheerfulness. Mr. Parker was one of the most 
prominent representatives of our wealth, and most 
intimately connected with the prosperity of the city. 
Samuel Rodman, Isaac and Gideon Howland, Wil- 
liam Rotch, Jr., George Howland, and John Avery 
Parker will long be remembered as men whose energy, 
enterprise, and success rendered them conspicuous in 
the commercial affairs of New Bedford, and whose 
industry and skill accumulated fortunes of no ordi- 
nary magnitude. 

John Avery Parker married Averick, daughter of 
Shadrach and Mary Standish, of Plympton, Feb. 28, 
1788. She was born May 2, 1772, and died May 11, 



1847. Their children were (1) Euth, who married 

William H. Allen, of New Bedford. She died Feb- 
ruary, 1837, and left children. (2) Avery, lost at sea 
January, 1815, left no children. (3) Mary, who mar- 
ried Francis Howland, of New Bedford. She died 
Aug. 18, 1856, and left children. (4) Sarah, who 
married Capt. .loseph Dunbar: She died Jan. 12, 
1847, and left children. (5) Jonathan, died July 18, 
1806, in his fourth year. (6) Betsey, married Timothy 
G. Coffin, died Nov. 24, 1858, and left children. 
(7) Frederick, married Abbie Coggeshall. He was 
accidentally poisoned, and died from its effects Oct. 
21, 1861, aged fifty-five years. (8) Averick Standish, 
married Christian A. Heineken, and now resides in 
Bremen, Germany, and has children. (9) Jane Stan- 
dish, married, first, Harrison G. O. Colby (deceased), 
by whom she had children. She married, second, 
Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, and had one son. (10) Ann 
Avery, married, first, Thomas C. Lothrop (deceased), 
by whom she had three children, two of whom are 
living. She married, second, William F. Dow, by 
whom she had one daughter (deceased). (11) John, 
who died Jan. 18, 1836. There were two other chil- 
dren who died young. 

Mrs. John Avery Parker was a direct descendant 
from the historic and ever to be remembered Miles 
Standish, who was born in Lancashire, England, in 
1584. He was of a family of note, among which were 
a number of knights and bishops, and, it is said, was 
an heir to a large estate, which he himself says "was 
surreptitiously detained from him." He served in 
the Low Countries as an officer in the armies of Queen 
Elizabeth when commanded by her favorite, the Earl 
of Leicester. What induced him to connect himself 
with the Pilgrims does not appear. He took up his 
residence among (hem at Leyden, but never joined 
their church. 

He arrived in the " Mayflower," and lost his wife 
soon after; he, however, married again in 1621. He 

j was elected the first military commander of the 
colony. He went out as agent of the colony (1625) 
to England, and resided in London at the very period 

j when the pride of the Queen of Cities was laid in the 
dust and naught was heard in the streets but wailing 
and lamentation, — it was at the time of the last and 
most deadly plague. Being an accurate surveyor, he 
was generally on the committees for laying out new 
towns. He was always the military commander, and 
always of the council of war, generally an assistant, 
sometimes first assistant or Deputy Governor and 
treasurer. 

Standish was a man of small stature, of a fiery and 
quick temper, and never did a human form inclose a 
more intrepid spirit. Dangers from which all other 
men would have shrunk were with him only an in- 
centive to enterprise. He asked only eight men to 
subdue all the Indians of Massachusetts. Alone he 
took from the trembling hand of the profligate and 

i turbulent Morton his loaded mu.sket, and compelled 



NEW BEDFORD. 



129 



him to yield when he was surrounded by his whole 
company, and had boasted that he never would be 
taken alive. He did not stand aside to command 
others to do the work of death, but engaged in deadly 
conflicts, the fate of which rested upon the powers of 
the contending individuals. 

Standish was the father and founder of Duxbury, 
which he named from the seat of his family in Lan- 
cashire, which, as late as 1707, was the residence of 
Sir Thomas Standish. 



HON. HENRY ROWLAND CRAPO. 

Prominent among the sons of this old common- 
wealth who without inherited aid have risen from 
the humble ranks of life to di-stinguisbed positions 
stands Henry Howland Crapo, Governor of Michigan 
from 1865 to 1869. He was born in Dartmouth, 
Mass., May 24, 1804, and was the eldest son of Jesse 
and Phffibe (Howland) Crapo. His father was of 
French descent, and was very poor, sustaining his 
family by the cultivation of a farm which yielded 
nothing beyond a mere livelihood. His early life 
was consequently one of toil, and devoid of advan- 
tages for intellectual culture, but his desire for an 
education seemed to know no bounds. The incessant 
toil for a mere subsistence upon a comparatively 
sterile farm had no charms for him, and longing for 
greater usefulness and better things, he looked for 
them in an education. His struggles to secure this 
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would ; 
have discouraged any but the most courageous and ! 
persevering. He became an ardent student and 
worker from boyhood, tliough the means of carrying ; 
on his studies was exceedingly limited. j 

He sorely felt the need of a dictionary, and neither | 
having money wherewith to purchase it nor being 
able to procure one in his neighborhood, he set to 
work to compile one for himself. In order to acquire 
a knowledge of the English language he copied into 
a book every word whose meaning he did not com- 
prehend, and upon meeting the same word again in 
the newspapers and books which came into his hands 
would study out its meaning from the context, and 
then record the definition. When unable otherwise 
to obtain the signification for a word in which he had 
become interested, he would walk from Dartmouth to 
New Bedford for that purpose alone, and after referring ' 
to the books at the library and satisfying thoroughly 
as to its definition, would walk back, a distance of 
about seven miles, the same night. This was no j 
unusual occurrence. 

Under such difficulties, and in this manner, he com- 
piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript. 
Ever in the pursuit of knowledge, he obtained a book 
upon surveying, and applying himself diligently to its 
study, became familiar with the theory of this art, 
which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The 
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was I 
9 



called upon, but had no compass and no money to 
purchase one. A compass, however, he must and 
would have, and going to a blacksmith's shop near 
at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he could 
find there, while the smith was at dinner, he con- 
structed the compass and commenced as a surveyor. 
Still continuing his studies, he fitted himself for teach- 
ing, and took charge of the village school at Dart- 
mouth. When, in the course of time, and under the 
pressure of law, a High School was to be opened, he 
passed a successful examination for its principalship 
and received the appointment. To do this was no 
small task ; the law required a rigid examination in 
various subjects, which necessitated days and nights 
of study. 

One evening, after concluding his day's labor of 
teaching, he traveled on foot to New Bedford, some 
seven or eight miles, called upon the preceptor of the 
Friends' Academy, and passed a severe examination. 
Receiving a certificate that he was well qualified, he 
walked back to his home the same night, highly elated 
at being possessed of the acquirements and require- 
ments of a master of the High School. In 1832, at 
the age of twenty-eight, he left his native town to 
reside in New Bedford, where he was a land surveyor, 
and sometimes acted as an auctioneer. Soon after his 
removal he was elected town clerk, treasurer, and 
collector of taxes of New Bedford, which positions 
he held about fifteen years, and until the form of the 
municipal government was changed, when under the 
new form he was elected treasurer and collector of 
taxes, which he held for two years. He was also 
police justice many years. He was elected alderman, 
was chairman of the Council Committee on Education, 
and as such prepared tlie report on which was based 
the order for the establishment of the Free Public 
Library of New Bedford. On its organization he was 
chosen a member of its first board of trustees. This 
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if 
not in the world ; the Boston Public Library being, 
however, soon after established. While a resident of 
this city he was much interested in horticulture, and 
to obtain the land necessary for carrying out his ideas 
he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and 
swampy land adjoining his garden. Having properly 
])repared the soil, he started a nursery, which he filled 
with almost every description of fruit and ornamental 
trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. He was very successful in 
their propagation and growth, and took much pride 
in the result of his experiment. At horticultural 
fairs in Boston and elsewhere he exhibited from his 
grounds one hundred and fifty varieties of pears of his 
own propagation, and one hundred and twenty varie- 
ties of roses. 

In this, as in everything he undertook, he always 
worked intelligently and for the best results, seeking 
the best methods and looking for information to the 
highest authorities. The interest he took in the sub- 
ject brought him into communication with the most 



130 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUiMTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



eminent horticulturists in the country, and the desire | 
to impart as well as to acquire knowledge soon led 
him to become a regular contributor to the New Eng- 
land Horticultural Journal, a position he filled as long 
as he lived in Massachusetts. After his removal to 
Michigan his love for horticulture and agriculture 
was still further stimulated. He had an especial 
fondness for landscape and ornamental gardening, 
and possessed a farm of eleven hundred acres, most 
of which he redeemed from swamps by a system of 
drainage which he planned, and which developed into 
one of the finest farms in the State. He became here 
a breeder and importer of fine breeds of cattle and 
sheep, and was elected in ISG^ president of the Gen- 
esee County Agricultural Society. During his last 
years he was a regular contributor on agricultural 
topics to the Country Gentleman. As an indication of 
the wide reputation he enjoyed in horticulture, it 
may be said that after his death an aflecting eulogy 
of him was pronounced by the president of the Na- 
tional Horticultural Society at its meeting in Phila- 
delphia in 1869. 

During his residence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo 
was also engaged in the whaling business, then the 
great specialty of local enterprise. A fine bark, 
built at Dartmouth, of which he was part owner, was 
named the " H. H. Crapo," in compliment to him. 
He also took an active interest in the State militia, 
and for several years held a commission as colonel of 
one of the regiments. In speaking of the intimate 
relations of Mr. Crapo with the interests of New Bed- 
ford, the Standard says, — 

" No man connected with our municipal concerns 
ever had to a greater extent than Mr. Crapo the con- 
fidence of the people. He was exact and methodical 
in all matters of record ; conscientious and labori- 
ously persistent in the discharge of every duty ; clear 
in his methods and statements in all that appertained 
to his official transactions. He left, at the end of his 
long period of service, all that belonged to his depart- 
ment as a financial or recording officer so lucid and 
complete that no error has ever been detected or any 
improvement made upon his plans." 

He was president of the Bristol County Mutual In- 
surance and secretary of the Bedford Commercial In- 
surance Companies of New Bedford, and while an 
officer of the municipal government he compiled and 
published, between the years of 1836 and 1845, five 
numbers of the New Bedford Directory, the first work 
of the kind ever issued there. Mr. Crapo removed to 
Michigan in 1856, haviiig been induced to do so by in- 
vestments, made principally in pine lands, and took up 
his residence in the city of Flint. He engaged largely 
in the manufacture of lumber, and became one of the 
largest and most successful business men of the State. 
He was mainly instrumental in constructing the Flint 
and Holly Railroad, and was president of its corpora- 
tion until its consolidation with the Flint and Pere 
Marquette Railroad Company. He showed a lively 



interest in the municipal affiiirs of Flint, gave his 
hearty support to the cause of popular education, 
and was elected mayor after residing in Flint only 
five or six years. 

In the early part of his life Mr. Crapo affiliated 
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active 
member of the Republican party on its organization. 

In 1862 he was elected State senator to represent 
Genesee County, and took rank with the leading men 
of the Michigan Senate. He was chairman of the 
Committee on Banks and Incorporations, and a mem- 
ber of the Committee on Bounties to Soldiers. He at 
once became conspicuous as a legislator, his pre- 
viously acquired experience and knowledge of State 
and municipal afl^airs admirably fitting him for legis- 
lative duties. In 1864 he received the Republican 
nomination for Governor of the State, and was elected 
by a large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding 
the office two terms, retiring in January, 1869. During 
the four years of this office he served the State with 
unflagging zeal, energy, and industry. The features 
which especially characterized his administration 
were his vetoing of railway aid legislation and his 
firm refusal to pardon convicts imprisoned in the 
penitentiary unless given the clearest proof of their 
innocence or of extreme sentence. Subsequent events 
and experience have proven conclusively that his 
action in vetoing railway aid bills was of great ben- 
efit to the State financially, and his judgment in the 
matter has been generally approved. While serving 
his last term as Governor he was attacked by the dis- 
ease which terminated his life within one year. 
During much of this time he was an intense sufferer, 
yet often while in great pain gave his attention to 
public matters. He died July 23, 1869. The Detroit 
Tribune closes an obituary notice with this tribute to 
his worth, — 

" In all the public positions he held Governor Crapo 
showed himself a capable, discreet, vigilant, and in- 
dustrious officer. He evinced wonderful vigor in 
mastering details, and always wrote and spoke intel- 
ligently on any subject to which he gave his atten- 
tion. Michigan never before had a Governor who 
devoted so much personal attention and painstaking 
labor to her public duties as he did. His industry 
was literally amazing. He was not a man of brilliant 
or showy qualities, but he posse.ssed sharp and re- 
markably well developed business talents, a clear and 
practical understanding, sound judgment, and unfail- 
ing integrity. In all the walks of life there was not 
a purer man in the State. So faithful, so laborious, 
so unselfish, so conscientious a man in official life is a 
blessing beyond compulation in the healthful influ- 
ence which he exerts in the midst of the too preva- 
lent corruptions that so lamentably abound in the 
public service. We have often thought that, in his 
plainness, his honesty, his fidelity to duty, and in his 
broad and sterling good sense. Governor Crapo closely 
resembled the lamented Lincoln. He was a man of 




<2?. 





.^::^ 



NEW BEDFORD. 



131 



the people, and most worthily represented them. His 
decease is an occasion for public mourning. The 
State has very fen- men like him, and can ill afford to 
spare such an eminently useful citizen. His death 
will be profoundly deplored throughout our common- 
wealth, and a general sympathy will be sincerely ex- 
tended to the bereaved family." 

Mr. Crapo was a member of the Christian (some- 
times called the Disciples') Church, and took great 
interest in its welfare and prosperity. He married 
June 9, 1825, Mary Ann Slocum, of Dartmouth. 
This was soon after he had attained his majority, and 
before his struggles for fortune had been rewarded by 
any great measure of success. His wife was a woman 
of great strength of character, and possessed courage, 
hopefulness, and devotion, qualities which sustained 
and encouraged her husband in the various pursuits 
of his early manhood. For several years after his 
marriage he was engaged in teaching, his wife living 
with her parents at the time, at whose house their 
two older children were born. While thus situated he 
was accustomed to walk liome on Saturdays to see 
his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready 
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a great 
part of the time was twenty miles each way, it is evi- 
dent that at this period of his life no common obsta- 
cles deterred him from the performance of what he 
regarded as a duty. His wife was none the less con- 
scientious in her sphere, and with added responsibili- 
ties and increasing requirements, she labored faith- 
fully in the performance of all her duties. They had 
ten children, one son and nine daughters. 



CAPT. CHARLES L. WOOD. 

Capt. Charles L. Wood, of New Bedford, was born 
in Dartmouth, March 17, 1813. He was educated in 
the public schools of that town aud at the academy 
in Sandwich. At an early age he went to sea, making 
his first voyage to New Orleans in a merchant-ship 
commanded by Capt. James Ryder. He then went 
as boat-steerer in the whale-ship " Braganza," of which 
his father, Capt. Daniel Wood, was master. His next 
voyage he took as mate with his brother, Capt. James 
B. Wood, master, in a whale-ship sailing from St. 
John, New Brunswick. At the age of twenty-four he 
took command of ship " Elizabeth," of Dartmouth, a 
whaler, the youngest niembe)' of the crew, and upon 
his return in 1842 abandoned the sea, formed a part- 
nership with his brother, under the style of J. B. Wood 
& Co., and became largely interested as an owner and 
agent of whale-ships. For more than thirty years 
they continued in active business, and no firm ever 
stood higher in the confidence of the business com- 
munity, or gave more unvarying and entire satisfac- 
tion to their co-owners, and few were more uniformly 
successful. He died in New Bedford, July 13, 1881. 

For many years Capt. Wood was a director in the 
insurance ofiices of the city, in the Bank of Com- 



merce, and in the Wamsutta Mills, one of the Board 

of Investment of the New Bedford Institution for Sav- 
ings, and for three terms was a director on the part of 
the State of the Boston and Albany Railroad. In all 
these positions he rendered efficient and valuable 
service. 

He was possessed of practical good sense, of cool, 
deliberate, and rarely erring judgment, and while 
cautious and prudent, was tenacious of a purpose 
thoughtfully formed. He was a wise and safe coun- 
selor, and many men greatly his seniors were glad 
to avail themselves of his judicious advice. That he 
filled no political positions was not due to any lack 
of the public's appreciation of his worth or of desire 
to honor him, but to his own modest estimate of his 
abilities and his utter aversion to anything like dis- 
play. No man was more respected and beloved, for 
he was one of nature's noblemen, — a man of large and 
tender heart, quick to sympathize, and as quick to aid. 
Frank, sincere, and true, he had troops of attached 
friends, and not a single enemy. 



THOMAS MANDELL.i 



Mr. Thojnas Mandell died at his residence in this 
city, at three o'clock yesterday morning, after a com- 
paratively brief illness. He was born in Fairhaven, 
then a part of the town of New Bedlbnl, Aug. 9, 
1792; was for a time a clerk in a store at the Head of 
the River, and before reaching his majority com- 
menced business here as partner with the late Caleb 
Congdon. Soon after he took the entire management 
of a mechanics' store, developing there the business 
traits which attracted the notice of the firm of Isaac 
Howland, Jr., & Co., and induced them to offer him 
an interest in their house. He became a member of 
that firm in 1819, and it is exact justice to say that to 
him more than to any other partner is due the high 
credit which the house for half a century maintained, 
and the colossal fortunes it built up. The late Edward 
Mott Robinson entered the firm about 1833, which 
soon after consisted of that gentleman, Mr. Mandell, 
and the late Sylvia Ann Howland. The new partner 
brought to the firm an eagerness and boldness in en- 
terprise which greatly extended its operations, but 
which never disregarded the sound judgment of Mr. 
Mandell ; and the two, although widely differing in 
almost everything else, perfectly agreed in their no- 
tions of mercantile integrity, and each entertained 
the highest regard for the honor of the other. Besides 
his responsibility as a partner, Mr. Mandell, for more 
than a quarter of a century, had the entire care and 
management of the estate of the late Sylvia Ann 
Howland, and her appointment of him as sole exec- 
utor of her will was a just recognition of his integrity, 
while her bequest to him of two hundred thousand 



1 From the Neui Bedford Daily Merciiri/ of Moiiiliiy, Feb. 14, 1870. 



13-2 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dollars was nothing more than a fair remuneration 
for the valuable service he had rendered. 

Mr. Mandell was many years ago one of the select- 
men of New Bedford, and was the first to com- 
mence the keeping of the records by the board, but 
with this exception lie held no public office.^ He 
sought no such honors ; but he was never without 
proofs of the confidence reposed in his probity and 
discretion, as the responsible positions he held in 
various corporations showed. He was not a great 
man ; but he was better than that, — a good man. A 
merchant of the old school, he knew no road to success 
but that of upright and honorable dealing. Modest 
and unobtrusive, no man was ever more tenacious of 
an opinion when satisfied of its correctness. His name 
here was the synonym of rectitude. 

He was a benevolent man. He was the almoner of 
his own bounty, a bounty which did not break out at 
long intervals in noisy and startling displays of be- 
neficence, but flowed quietly, steadily, refreshingly. 
We need not speak of the objects of his charity, or 
the extent of his benefiictions. He never spoke of 
them, and shrunk from any mention of them by 
others. He may be forgotten as the honorable and 
successful merchant, but his memory will live in the 
hearts of those who have been sustained and cheered 
by his unostentatious and gentle charities. 

S N N E T.l 

TiroMAS Makdell. 

Feb. 14, 1870. 

'' Few are the words which in the morn's gazette 
Tell us of thee, thon noble-hearted man, — 
The birth, the death, of life the general plan. 
Allegiance lifelong to the right; and yet 
There is close mingled with the deep regret 
That from our darkened, erring world has fled 
The light that never dazzled or misled. 
In which with winning potency there met 
A soul's stem feality to truth and God 

And manners gentle as the evening's close, 

Another phase of feeling, — death's repose 

Has hushed to them who nearest thee have trod 

Lile's pathway many a gentle utterance sweet. 

Fresh from the fount where song and music meet." 

At a meeting of the trustees of New Bedford Insti- 
tution for Savings, April 8, 1870, William H. Taylor, 
on behalf of a committee appointed at our last meet- 
ing to present resolutions expressive of the sense of 
the loss sustained by this institution in the removal 
of its late president, Thomas Mandell, now presented 
the following, which were read, and, on motion of 
Charles R. Tucker, were adopted, and the secretary 
was directed to place the same on our records and also 
to present a copy thereof to the family of the de- 
ceased : 



1 Mr. Mandell was a few years in public life as a representative to the 
General Court from the town of New Bedford, He was elected for seven 
consecutive years, from isao to 1830, inclusive. 

2 From the Nein Bedford Mercury, Saturday, Feb. 19, 1870. 



RESOLUTIONS. 

'* WHERF.A.S, In the providence of God, deAtb has again visited us, re- 
moving our esteemed associate Thomas Mandell fiuni our midst, who 
for forty years was actively engaged in the management of the affairs of 
this institution, and acceptably tilled the office of president for the last 
fourteen 3'ears, wo deem it proper to place upon our records a memorial 
of his active virtues and of the loss we have sustained by bis removal. 

" Resolved, That in his decease we recognize the loss of a valued 
friend, a faithful officer, a useful citizen, a Christian merchant and gen- 
tleman, whose deeds of charity and benevolence will embalm bis mem- 
ory and lead many to ' rise up and call him blessed." Identified with 
our institution almost from its origin, he has manifested an untiring de- 
votion to its interests, and in the management of its affairs his fiua,iicial 
skill, combined with bis uuconipromising integrity, have largely con- 
tributed to its success. 

" RemUed, That the secretary be requested to spread these proceeilings 
upon the record, and to transmit to the bereaved family of our departed 
friend a copy thereof, duly attested by his signature." 

The Memory of Thomas Mandell. — At the 
regular meeting of the directors of the Mechanics' 
National Bank, held at its banking-rooms, on Wed- 
nesday morning, February 16th, the death of their 
president, Thomas Mandell, was a])propriately re- 
ferred to by Jireh Swift, Jr., who presented the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

" Resole ed, That in the death of our beloved and honored president 
we mourn the loss of a faithful officer, whoso connection with this in- 
stitution from its inception to its maturity has been eminently charac- 
terized by discriminating judgment and ability, and the most scrupu- 
lous fidelity to the welfare and prosperity of this corporation. 

"Resolved, That we cherish bis memory as a frientl endeared to us by 
many fond recollections and pleasant associations, ever evincing as he 
did kindness and nobleness of heart and purity of purpose. The sti-eain 
of benevolence that flowed so silently from his good heart has warmed 
many hearthstones, and the recipients of his bounty will now rise up to 
call him blessed. 

*^ Resolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased friend (Uir 
heartfelt sympathies in their afllictiuu, and the assurance of our earnest 
hope that the Giver of all good may vouchsafe to them that consolation 
which alone reconciles humanity to sucli bereavements." 

William W. Crapo, in seconding the resolutions, 
said, "It is not necessary on this occasion, with us 
who have known Mr. Mandell intimately for years, 
and whose daily duties have brought us in close per- 
sonal contact with him, to give a sketch of liis life. 
The simple reading of the resolutions expresses the 
tribute of admiration and love which we pay to our 
departed associate and friend. 

" But he was possessed of personal traits of char- 
acter which it may be proper for us, who have been 
on terms of such familiar intercourse with him, to al- 
lude to and remember. It is to his sound, discrimi- 
nating judgment, his fearless and impartial diseliarge 
of ofiicial duty, acting as president or director during 
its history of nearly forty years, that this institution 
owes much of its prosperity and success. 

" He was a man of spotless integrity, of quick ap- 
prehension, of accuracy, method, and faitlifulness in 
business, and these qualities made him an acknowl- 
edged leader in the mercantile community. 

"He was gentle in manners, true in principle, earn- 
est in his convictions, steadfast in his opinions, char- 
itable, benevolent, and kindly without ostentation. 
He was beloved by liis fellow-citizens, for he took an 
active interest in whatever concerned the welfare of 





to^^e^n^ 



NEW BEDFORD. 



133 



the community, always doing liis part cheerfully and 
generously. His sympathies were genuine. His love 
for his neighbor joined so closely with sincerity and 
earnestness in the performance of duty that during 
his long life he was constantly doing good and making 
others happy. 

" The death of such a man is a public calamity, and 
to us, who have known hiin so intimately, it is a per- 
sonal affliction." 

The resolutions were adopted, aud votes passed in- 
structing the secretary of the board to forward a copy 
to the family of the deceased, and directing the whole 
proceedings to be placed upon the records of the board. 



ment of the West, and early turned his attention to 
Chicago, and continued his business interests there as 
long as he lived. Mr. Greene was a man of strong 
convictions, of great energy and unyielding will, and 
was, as such men often are, somewhat rngged in speech 
and brusque in action, but he had a kind heart and 
quick sympathies. He not only gave liberally to 
charitable objects when solicited, but sought oppor- 
tunities of giving, and of such acts he never spoke. 
His long life was one of commendable industry, 
■honorable labor, of enterprise, and of sturdy devo- 
tion to what he conceived to be right. If, as has been 
sometimes said, there is an immortality of good work, 
his influence will survive him. 



DAVID R. GREENE. 

David R. Greene was born in New Bedford in 
March, 1794, and lived there continuously to the 
time of his death in 1879. His father was Robert 
Greene, a native of Liverpool, England, and his 
mother was Deborah Russell, a native of New Bed- 
ford. His father, who was a master-mariner, died 
while on a foreign voyage, when his son was about 
three years old, leaving his widow in straitened 
circumstances. After receiving a limited common 
school education young Greene began to go to sea, 
and after a number of coasting voyages became su- 
percargo, an officer indispensable to the trading voy- 
ages of the period. Having formed a distaste for 
the sea, he left it and went into the grocery business, 
at first as clerk, but was admitted a partner before he 
reached his majority. In 1820 he began to fit vessels 
for whaling voyages, and he gradually increased his 
interest in the whale fishery until he became one of 
the largest ship-owners of New Bedford. For many 
years he was in partnership with the late Willard 
Nye and the late Dennis Wood, under the firm of ! 
D. R. Greene & Co., and was engaged in fitting ships 
and dealing in the products of the whale fishery. In 
1825 he was one of the projectors of the Merchants' 
Bank, now one of the principal banking corporations 
of New Bedford, and he continued a member of its 
board of directors for more than fifty years. He was 
an ardent Whig, and a firm believer in the protection ; 
of American industries, and was very active in found- 
ing the manufacturing enterprises which the protec- 
tive system lias fostered. In 18-17, he with others 
started the Wamsutta Mills, now one of the largest 
cotton-manufiictiiriug corporations of New England, 
and was for thirty years one of the directors. 

He took an active interest in the early develo])- 
ment of railroads, and was one of the builders of the 
railroad between New Bedford and Taunton, and one 
of its directors from the time of its incorporation 
until it was sold for the purposes of consolidation. 
He was at the time of his death one of the oldest 
stockholders in the Illinois Central Railroad, which 
now owns a continuous line from Chicago to New 
Orleans. He took a great interest in the develop- 



THE PARKER FAMILY. 

Ward M; Parker, of New Bedford, Mass., was a 
lineal descendant on his paternal side from William 
Parker, who came from England and settled with 
many others, among whom were the ancestors of 
Samuel J. Tilden, in the town of Scituate, Mass., at 
what date is not known, but probably at its earliest 
settlement. In September, 1640, a grant was ob- 
tained for a settlement at " Mattakese," situated be- 
tween Sandwich and Yarmouth, and in October of 
the same year a settlement was commenced from the 
town of Scituate, Mass., and among the many who 
settled at " Mattakese" was William Parker. From 
this grant Sandwich, Barnstable, and probably Yar- 
mouth became invested with the right of township, 
and these people commenced the settlement of Fal- 
mouth. 

William Parker finally settled in Falmouth, where 
he remained during life. He left several sons, of 
whom Robert Parker was one, and one or more 
daughters. We know but little about Robert Parker. 
He had several sons, among whom were Thomas, born 
Aug. 24, 1669; Daniel, April IS, 1G70, ancestor of 
John A. Parker; and Joseph, born 1671. 

Joseph Parker, son of Robert, was one of the 
original church members in Falmouth, Mass. He 
married Mercy Whiston, June 30, 1698, and died in 
1732. Their children were Joseph, born April 23, 
' 1699; John, born Sept. 11, 1700; Benjamin, born 
Feb. 16, 1702 ; Timothy, born Nov. 27, 1703 ; Seth, 
born Sept. 20, 170.5; Sylvanus, born Sept. 11, 1707; 
and Mercy, born May 21, 1709. She married Rev. 
Samuel Palmer. Joseph Parker was buried in the 
old burying-ground at F.almouth, and a stone resem- 
bling Connecticut red granite lies horizontally over 
his grave and marks his final resting-place. 

Sylvanus Parker, son of Joseph, married Martha 
Mayhew, of Chilmark, in 1748. They had two chil- 
dren,— Seth, born Oct. 12, 1750, and Lydia, who was 
twice married, first to Josiah Cotton, of Plymouth, 
and second to Dr. Thomas Sniitli. 

Seth Parker, only son of Sylvanus, married Sophia 
Cotton, of Plymouth, about 1775 or 1776. Their 



134 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



children were Sylvamis, born 1777, who died single 
in 1811 ; Rossiter C, born 1779, and died 1804; Seth, 
born 1781, and died 1811; Ward M., the immediate 
subject of our sketch ; Lydia, born 1787, died 1848 ; 
John C, born 1793, died July 2, 1881. Mr. Parker 
died in 1813, leaving a widow and two sons, Ward 
M. and John, and one daughter, Lydia. Mrs. Sophia 
(Cotton) Parker was a lineal descendant I'rom Rev. 
John Cotton, who w:rs an Episcopalian minister in 
Lincolnshire and London, England. 

There was but one family of Cottons originally in 
England, and they came from Normandy, in France, 
with William the Conqueror, in the year 1060, and 
from this ftimily descended the Rev. John Cotton, who 
was a popular preacher in and about London until 
he was suspected of favoring the Dissenters, who had 
the audacity to doubt the infallibility of the Episco- 
pal Church. Being advised by friends that he was in 
danger of being arrested, he very quietly arranged 
to come to America with his fiimily, in company 
with the Rev. Mr. Hooker, afterwards of Connecticut. 
They arrived in Boston in 1633, when Mr. Hooker 
went to Connecticut, and Mr. Cotton was settled as a 
minister in the King's Chapel, Boston, now called 
Stone Chapel, and there continued to preach with 
great acceptance till the close of his life, Dec. 23, 
1652, aged sixty-seven. His name may be seen in- 
scribed with others on a monument adjoining the 
chapel in Boston. Mr. Cotton left several children, 
and from them descended the Cottons of New Eng- 
land. One of his sons, John, educated at Cambridge, 
studied for the ministry, and settled at Charleston, 
S. C, where he died. One of his (Rev. John Cot- 
ton's) daughters married the Rev. Dr. Mather, presi- 
dent of Harvard College, and they had a sojj, the 
well-known Cotton Mather. There were other chil- 
dren of the Rev. John Cotton, but their names are 
not known to the writer. Some of them settled at 
Plymouth, and were influential citizens in their day. 
From Thaclier's " History of Plymouth" we find that 
the first Cotton he mentions is Josiah, a son of the 
Rev. John Cotton, and grandson of the original Rev. 
John Cotton, who was the first settled minister in 
Boston. Josiah Cotton was born 1679, graduated 
from Harvard College in 1698, taught school in sev- 
eral places, and finally settled in Plymouth, Mass. 
He was elected clerk of the court, register of deeds, 
etc. He wrote a supplement to the New England 
Memorial, now in the hands of the Massachusetts 
Historical Society. He died in 1756, aged seventy- 
six. He left a family of children, among whom was 
John Cotton, born in Plymouth in 1712, graduated 
from Cambridge College in 1730, and ordained in 
Halifax in 1736, but losing his voice by a severe fit of 
sickness, he was obliged to give up his chosen profes- 
sion, consequently he returned to his native town 
(Plymouth) and took his father's place as register 
of deeds, etc., which position he retained till his 
death, Nov. 4, 1789. John Cotton, the maternal i 



grandfiither of Ward M. Parker, married Hannah 
Sturtevant, and left eleven children, four sons and 
seven daughters, of whom Sophia, who married Seth 
Parker, was one, hence the line of descent has been 
Sophia^, Johu^ Josiah^, John-, and John\ The line 
of descent in the Parker family has been Ward M.^, 
Seth'j Sylvanus', Joseph^, Robert'-', William'. 

Ward M. Parker was born in Falmouth, Mass., 
June 18,1784, and died in New Bedford, Aug. 6, 1881. 
In early life he was engaged in the coasting trade, 
commanding a vessel running to Charleston, S. C. 
He secured the confidence of the leading merchants 
and business men at that port, and his operations were 
uniformly successful. The war of 1812, with the 
embai'go, broke up his coasting business at the South, 
but this did not dishearten him. For several years he 
was engaged in procuring live-oak timber in Florida 
under contracts with the government, and soon after 
embarked in the whaling business at Wood's Holl, 
where he built the ship "Bartholomew Gosnold." 
On the 12th of June, 1838, Mr. Parker removed to 
this city, though for a few years he continued his 
agency of the " Gosnold," which was fitted at Wood's 
Holl. He then retired from active business, devo- 
ting himself to the care of the handsome proi)erty 
which he had acquired, and which under his shrewd 
and judicious management grew to a large estate. 
For nearly forty years he was a director in the Marine 
(.now the First National) Bank, and for many years 
was in the direction of the New Bedford and Taun- 
ton Railroad, the Gas-Light Company (also its vice- 
president), the Commercial Insurance Company, the 
Taunton Copper Company, and its president for many 
years, and the Taunton Locomotive- Works. 

The architect of his own fortune, with full faith in 
" Poor Richard's" maxims, and with habits of rigid 
economy, he was not a close nor a hard man. No 
director of a bank was ever more liberal in affording 
accommodation to men of small means needing 
assistance, and many who failed of relief in tight 
times from the banks have been supplied from his 
private means. Cautious in his investments, he was 
not lacking in enterprise, and rarely hesitated to 
aid in starting manufacturing projects here which 
promised advantage to the city. Exact in all his 
transactions, he was always fair, honorable, and 
scrupulously just. He was genial, kind-hearted, and 
unostentatiously benevolent, — a man thoroughly re- 
spected and highly esteemed in all the relations of 
life. Up to the close of that life so long protracted, 
he exhibited remarkable physical vigor, remarkable 
brightness and clearness of intellect, and a lively 
interest in affairs. In politics he was a Whig and 
Republican, and was a representative to the General 
Assembly from 1834 to 1838. He was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. He was twice married, first to Hepzibah, 
daughter of Deacon John Davis, July 27, 1815. She 
was born Oct. 4, 1793, and died Feb. 26, 1833. Their 
children are Abby S. (deceased), Hannah C. (de- 




^%z^/?^^. /^ 



a i ^//y-^- /<^^^v /^ 





^>^???^^ 







NEW BEDFORD. 



135 



ceased), wife of J. A. Beauvais ; Abby S. (2d), wife of 
J. L. Ferguson, of New York City ; and Ward R., of 
New Yorl^ City. Mr. Parl^er married for his second 
wife Marcia F., daugliter of David W. and Cynthia 
Lewis, May 25, 1836. She was born in Falmouth, 
May 11, 1813, and belongs to an old and honorable 
family of that town. They have had ten children, 
five of whom are living, — Arabella, Lawrence H., 
Henry W., Da^-id L., and Lydia P., wife of C. W. 
Mitchell, of Baltimore, Md. 



JAMES BUNKER CONGDON. 

The death of James Bunker Congdon, which oc- 
curred on the 10th of June, 1880, demands more than 
a passing notice. Well may his name and worth 
have honorable mention in the archives of the Free 
Public Library, for to him perhaps more than to all 
others is it indebted not only for its existence, but 
for its continued prosperity, and for the measure of 
usefulness to which it has attained. 

Mr. Congdon prepared and headed the petition to 
the City Council which resulted in 1852 in the perma- 
nent establishment of the library, and to his energy 
and untiring devotion it is due that the few thousand 
volumes of the old Social Library became the founda- 
tion of an institution of great public benefit, and of 
which the city has so much reason to be proud. 

Elected a member of the first board of trustees, a 
position which he held, except during a brief interval, 
for more than twenty years, he watched with untiring 
zeal over its struggling infancy. As its hold on the 
community grew firmer and its usefulness broader, 
his watchful interest kept even pace with its benefi- 
cent development; he was constantly suggesting, and, 
when authority had been secured, instituting meas- 
ures for its progressive advantage. 

Secretary of the board of trustees from its organi- 
zation in 1852 until near the close of his life, the 
annual reports of the board to the city government, 
always scholarly and often ardent and glowing in 
their style, and which tended largely to invite and to 
hold the good will of the city government, and the 
public itself, were invariably from his pen. When 
the corner-stone of the beautiful library building was 
laid (which fully symbolized the permanence of the 
institution, while it opened the way to increased use- 
fulness) Mr. Congdon led in the ceremonies of the 
occasion, and delivered an address, in which he gave 
in detail the history of the enterprise, and foretold its 
success. He lived long enough to see its prosperity 
well assured, and to enjoy not only by himself, but 
through the public generally, its great and continually 
increasing benefits. He gave not only his services to 
the cause, but in 1876, having received from the city 
five hundred dollars for revising the charter and or- 
dinances, he gave it as a donation to the trust funds 
of the library. 



Thus did he prove his interest by deeds of unselfish 
devotion. Yet, though his life was one of varied 
usefulness, while, as has been truly said of him, "No 
one ever wrought more continuously, ungrudgingly, 
and unselfishly for the public weal," it is certain that 
no fruits of his labor were so grateful to himself as 
those richly garnered in connection with the Free 
Public Library. 

The history of his private life was not eventful, 
and is briefly told. He was born Dec. 19, 1802, and 
was the son of Caleb Congdon, a native of Rhode 
Island, who came here and was married to the 
daughter of Benjamin Taber. Mr. Taber was an 
early settler, whose house was burned by the British 
in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Congdon received 
his early education in our public schools. At the age 
of eighteen he became book-keeper for Messrs. Wil- 
liam H. and Gideon Allen, in whose employ he re- 
mained five years. When the Merchants' Bank was 
chartered and went into operation he became its 
cashier, which position he filled with superior ability, 
securing prosperity and credit for that institution, 
honor and confidence for himself, until 1858, a period 
of nearly thirty years, when severe illness caused by 
overwork compelled him to resign. 

On his- recovery, in the spring of the same year, he 
was elected city treasurer and collector of taxes. He 
was annually re-elected until, in 1879, advancing years 
warned him to relieve himself of the burden of his 
public responsibilities, when he resigned his post. He 
had been a signally faithful and competent officer. 
Throughout the civil war, when the labors of the 
city treasurer were greatly complicated and aug- 
mented, he proved himself equal to every emergency. 
To his other duties — from the time of the establish- 
ment of the Acushnet Water Board to his re-signa- 
tjon of bis oflice a few months before his death — he 
added those of registrar of the board. 

The public is. always ready to place responsibility 
on competent, trusted, and willing shoulders. Mr. 
Congdon did not know himself when he thought to 
favor his increasing infirmities, and pass the remain- 
ing years in repose. The post of member of the 
Board of Health, then newly created, was offered to 
him, and he accepted it. He was elected chairman of 
the board. He entered upon his duties with enthu- 
siastic appreciation of responsibility and opportunity, 
and that spirit of conscientious fidelity which char- 
acterized all his exertions through life, and labored 
in his new field with intense earnestness and corre- 
sponding efficiency. The elaborate report of the 
board at the close of its first year was from his pen. 
It was the last monument of his public service. 

These eflbrts were too tnuch for his enfeebled frame. 
He made them only by force of a will that triumphed 
over physical suffering. On March 24, 1880, he was 
compelled to resign, and on the 10th of June he died. 
He wrought diligently in his unselfish and benevolent 
work until the evening shadows fell and the night 



136 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHIJSETTS. 



came, when no man can work. It was fitting that at 
the funeral of such an officer the public offices should 
be closed, and the city government should attend the 
services in a body, and that highly complimentary 
resolutions, unanimously adopted, should have a per- 
manent place in the records of the City Council. 

Mr. Congdon's philanthropy was as conspicuous as 
his fidelity. The kindness of his heart was never ap- 
pealed to in vain. The leisure which most other men 
would have devoted to relaxation he crowded with 
beneficent labor. He was a warm friend to the New 
Bedford Lyceum, giving it at all times the support of 
his voice and pen. He was one of the most active 
and efficient members of the Port Society, which has 
accomplished admirable results in behalf of the sea- 
men sailing from this port. He was a trustee of the 
institution for deaf mutes in Northampton. For 
eleven years he was a member of the school commit- 
tee, and then and ever after a champion of the public 
schools, a zealous friend of all measures tending to 
their improvement, and to the cause of education. 
From 1834 to 1841, and from 1842 until the acceptance 
of the city charter in 1847, Mr. Congdon was one of 
the selectmen of the town, and for many years chair- 
man of the board. Indeed, there was no philan- 
thropic movement in the community during his life 
that he was not its pronounced and active supporter, 
and for him to support a cause was to mortgage to its' 
furtherance his time and his powers. He readily re- 
sponded to every demand made upon his facile pen. 
He wrote most of the annual reports, historical 
sketches, and other publications of the institutions 
with which he was permanently identified. His ad- 
dresses, essays, and reports would of themselves fill 
a volume. 

His ready pen was busy at times in other important 
work. He drew up the charter for the city govern- 
ment which was enacted by the Legislature in 1847. 
He wrote most of the ordinances which from time to 
time have been adopted by the City Council. The 
historical details in the appendix to the " Centennial 
History of New Bedford," which was published in 
1876, were edited by him. He was a frequent con- 
tributor to the press in both prose and poetry, and his 
productions were often admirable, always creditable. 
He was a dear lover of books, which he read with 
avidity, appropriating what was best in them with 
acute discrimination. It was the valuable service 
which books had rendered to him in the moulding of 
his thought and the enlargement of his culture which 
intensified his interest in the Free Public Library. 
It was the wish of his loving heart that every soul in 
the community should have, "without money and 
without price," the same intellectual advantages 
which he himself had received and so much enjoyed. 
His portrait, the gilt of grateful friends, hangs in 
the main hall of the library. It is in the most fitting 
place. He seems to be looking approvingly down (as 
if in realization of his fondest hopes) upon the library 



itself, so much the work of his hands, and the vol- 
umes so much the delight of his heart. As those 
who avail themselves of the advantages of an institu- 
tion which he did so much to establish and foster 
pass and repass that silent image may they sometimes 
remember his example, and be inspired to lead lives 
of faithful citizenship and disinterested philanthropy. 

G. H. D. 

JOSEPH KNOWLES. 

Joseph Kuowles, son of James H. and Ruth (Doane) 
Knowles, was born in Easlham, Mass., Sept. 23, 1819. 
He was a lineal descendant of Richard Knowles, the 
emigrant, who came from England prior to 1638, and 
who was stanch in defense of his convictions. Mr. 
Knowles received a liberal education and completed 
his studies at Phillips' Andover Academy, but choo.s- 
ing a mercantile life, he came to New Bedford, and 
engaged as clerk for his cousin, Thomas Knowles, 
when about seventeen years old. After five years' 
service he was admitted partner. The new firm 
was Thomas Knowles & Co., and its members were 
Thomas, John P., and Joseph Knowles. For thirty- 
four years, until his death, May 27, 1876, he was ac- 
tively engaged in trade, and was for a long time one 
of New Bedford's prominent merchants. He married, 
Nov. 14, 1844, Jedidah, daughter of Beriah and Eliz- 
abeth (Cole) Doane, of Orleans, Mass. Their chil- 
dren are Helen D. (Mrs. Charles D. Milliken), Eliza- 
beth, Joseph F., and Arthur. 

He was fully in accord with the principles of the 
Republican party, worked for its interests, and sup- 
ported its candidates. He was largely interested in 
all things tending towards the enlightenment and up- 
ward progress of society, and was active and promi- 
nent in connection with the New Bedford Public 
Library, of which he was a trustee. 

We give, as expressing the character of Mr. Knowles 
more completely than words of ours, the following 
from those who knew him intimately: 

" Mr. Knowles was a member of the board of 
aldermen for two years under the mayoralty of Hon. 
John N. Perry, and for the same period while Mr. 
Richmond was mayor, discharging the duties with 
rare good judgment and singular fidelity. He was 
repeatedly urged to accept a nomination for mayor, 
but he had no taste for municipal honors, though 
willing to give his full share of time and effort in the 
service of the city. He was devoted to his business, 
and had earned the reputation of sterling integrity 
and probity in his transactions. Quiet and unassum- 
ing in his manners, he was firm of principle and 
courageous in his convictions, and no man was held 
in higher respect or more fully enjoyed the confidence 
of his fellow-citizens.'" 

James B. Congdon, in the twenty-sixth annual re- 
jjort of the trustees of New Bedford Free Public 

1 From the Mercury of May 29, 1876. 




^^^// 



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yj.^ 




NEW BEDFORD. 



137 



Library, gives tiiis testimonial to his virtues : " Joseph 
Knowles claims a prominent place in our necrology 
of the year. As a merchant, he wa.s enlightened, en- 
terprising, and the soul of fidelity; as an alderman 
of the city, he was sagacious in council, faithful to 
every conviction of duty, firm and unmovable when 
not to be firm was to be false to the convictions of his 
understanding, kind and courteous to all who had 
claims upon his attention ; as a trustee of the library, 
he had clear apprehensions as to the methods to be 
pursued, and an abiding conscientiousness in the dis- 
charge of ever}' trust. Those who have known him 
as a leading merchant of our city, and those who were 
his associates in the City Council and upon the board 
of trustees of the library, all bear testimony to his 
gentlemanly bearing in his business and official inter- 
course, and all unite in assigning to him an elevated 
position among the active and public men of our city. 
In his daily walk and conversation he was an exam- 
ple of those virtues which are lovely and of good 
report. ' There was a daily beauty in his life' which 
won and retained the affection and respect of all with 
whom he came in contact. There was in his char- 
acter and conduct those evidences of fidelity to the 
right and an affectionate interest in the welfare of 
others which inspired confidence and esteem." 



OLIVER CROCKER. 



Mr. Oliver Crocker, whose death occurred May 23, 
1878, at his residence on William Street, in New Bed- 
ford, was born on the 3d day of August, 1788, in the 
pleasant little village of Cotuit, in the town of Barn- 
stable. He was educated at the then celebrated Sand- 
wich Academy, under the tuition of Rev. Jonathan 
Burr. At the age of sixteen he was put to apprentice 
in Boston, and served his term in a dry -goods store in 
that city. After reaching his majority he engaged in 
business in Boston, and in 1812 removed to this place, 
where he continuously resided till his death. Until 
1832 he was in the dry-goods and grocery trade, and in 
this year commenced the manufacture of oil and be- 
came interested in shipping. In 1837 he was associated 
in the oil manufacture with his son, George O. Crocker, 
and the late George T. Baker, and this firm continued 
till 1843, when it failed. Mr. Crocker and his son at 
once formed a new partnership, took the assets and 
assumed the liabilities of the old firm, and in a few 
years paid all its debts, principal and interest. In 
1852 he retired from active business, having secured 
an ample fortune. In 1835, Mr. Crocker was one of 
the nine members who represented New Bedford in 
the popular branch of the Legislature, an honor to 
which lie did not aspire a second time. 

No New Bedford merchant ever enjoyed a higher 
reputation for strict integity in all his dealings than 
Oliver Crocker, and none better deserved it. He was 
largely and systematically benevolent. He was keenly 



alive to the wants and necessities of the people, 
watchful of their interest, and ever ready to aid and 
assist them by any method or manner tending to 
promote their comfort and happiness, and highly ap- 
preciating the influence for good which intellectual 
culture exerts upon the habits and character of the 
people, with wise generosity gave liberally to the 
Free Public Library. Of every public charity he 
was a generous patron ; many were the regular pen- 
sioners upon his bounty ; no poor person was ever 
turned away empty from his door, and we know that 
in his old age he asked of not a few, in whose judg- 
ment he could confide, that they would bring to his 
notice any cases requiring aid. To the last he keenly 
enjoyed life, always looking upon its bright side, and 
retaining his interest in the current of events. 



GEORGE 0. CROCKER. 
George 0. Crocker, son of Oliver Crocker, born in 
New Bedford, Mass., Jan. 17, 1814. He received his 
education at the public schools of his native i)lace. 
In his sixteenth year he was clerk for his fatlier in 
the grocery and provision business, where he re- 
mained three years, and then was clerk two years in 
the counting-room ; after that went into partnership 
with his father, and for many years the firm-name 
was Oliver & George O. Crocker, manufacturers of 
sperm oil, and were large owners in the whaling busi- 
ness. Mr. Crocker has been a director in various 
corporations in his native city. 



IVORY HOVEY BARTLETT. 

Ivory Hovey Bartlett, son of Abner Bartlett, was 
born at South Plymouth (formerly called Manomet 
Ponds), Mass., Sept. 21, 1794. He was a descendant 
in the seventh generation from Robert Bartlett, who 
was born in England in 1606, and in 1637 came from 
London to America in the ship "Ann," the third 
ship which landed Pilgrims at Plymouth. After his 
arrival in America he was united in marriage with 
Mary Warren. The line of descent from Robert to 
Ivory H. has been as follows : Robert^, died 1676 ; 
Joseph", died in 1711 ; Joseph', died in 1750; Joseph*, 
died in 1756; Sylvanus*, died in 1811; Abner", died 
Oct. 28, 1813 ; and Ivory H.' Abner" Bartlett was a 
deacon of the Congregational Church at South Plym- 
outh, and held office in the town as one of the 
selectmen, justice of the peace, and as representative 
to the General Court. 

The maternal grandfather of Ivory H. Bartlett was 
Rev. Ivory Hovey. He was graduated from Harvard 
College in 1735, and became a settled minister at 
Rochester, Mass., where he preached for a period of 
more than thirty years, and afterwards at South Plym- 
outh until bis death in 1803, in his ninetieth year. 
He was a man of culture and wide influence in iiis 
denomination, a fine example of tlie honored and 



138 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



beloved pastors of the olden time. Three of Mr. 
Bartlett's uncles served in the Continental army at 
Boston and New Yorlc in 1776. 

Mr. Bartlett married, in 1814, Betsey, daughter of 
John Clark, of Soutli Plymouth, and with his family 
removed to New Bedford in 1819. During the first 
years of his life in New Bedford he was engaged in 
teaming, stabling, and staging, and for a time had 
charge of most of the principal stage routes leading 
from New Bedford, including contracts for carrying 
mails, which business often called him to Washing- 
ton. Later, he engaged in the grain and provision 
trade, and finally whaling and the commission busi- 
ness. He received his sons, Ivory Hovey Bartlett, 
Jr., and George Fearing Bartlett, into partnership in 
1847 and 1854, respectively, thus establishing the firm 
of I. H. Bartlett & Sons, which still continues. I. H. 
Bartlett, Jr., died Oct. 25, 1880, in his fifty-eighth [ 
year. His oldest son, Abner Bartlett, went to Boston ! 
in the employ of Chandler, Howard & Co., and then 
to New York in 1836, where he was several years 
with Grinnell, Minturn & Co. He still resides there, 
being connected with the " Astor estate;" and his 
younger sons, William Henry and Robert Warren 
Bartlett,' have always been connected with his firm. 

In 1861, Mr. Bartlett's firm, with the late Richard 
H. Chapell, of New London, Conn., entered into a 
contract with the United States government to fit the 
stone fleet of forty-five vessels with which the har- 
bors of Charleston and Savannah were blockaded, and 
twenty-four out of the forty-five vessels were fitted by 
his firm. 

Mr. Bartlett's life was thoroughly active and earnest, 
both in his business and in the line of benevolence. 
The only public office he ever held was that of alder- 
man, under Abraham H. Howland's administration. 
He came to this city with a heart of sympathy and 
kindness, nourished by the example of Christian and 
benevolent parents. During the first winter of his 
residence here he collected upwards of six hundred 
dollars for distribution among the poor, and from 
season to season, for more than forty years, or as long 
as his health permitted, he continued this w'ork. 
From a careful record kept by him we find that in 
1858 sixty-four persons contributed six hundred and 
fifty-three dollars, which he distributed among three 
hundred and sixty families in provisions, and in 1859 
seventy-four persons contributed seven hundred and 
thirty-five dollars, which he also distributed among 
five hundred and eighteen families in like manner. 

It is just to the business men of New Bedford to 
say that these subscription-lists are highly creditable 
to their liberality. While Mr. Bartlett gave liberally 
himself, it was the personal attention and time em- 
ployed in this business which cost him most, for it 
was his invariable rule, regardless of personal com- 



1 nobert Warren Bartlett was named after Roherl Bartlett and his 
wife, Mary Warreti. 



fort, to investigate every case where charity was ad- 
ministered by him. In the winter of 1856 he estab- 
lished a soup-house for the poor, which had his 
personal supervision in all its details. 

Nor did he simply feed the hungry, but he visited 
the sick and afflicted, and administered to their needs 
by many acts of kindness and sympathy. His in- 
terest in and sympathy for the homeless and friend- 
less were unbounded. He was identified from the 
first with the religious progress of the growing town 
of his adoption, having been active in the building of 
the Stone Church, and with no narrow sectarian 
spirit giving of his means and influence to promote 
the moral and spiritual good of the people. 

June 9, 1864, Mr. Bartlett celebrated his golden 
wedding, which was a very happy and memorable oc- 
casion. In the summer of 1861, with his characteris- 
tic kindness, he was on his way to the residence of 
his sick friend, James B. Congdon, to try to induce 
him to drive out with him to take the air, when by 
collision with a runaway team he was thrown to the 
pavement, an accident which at the time nearly cost 
him his life, and from which he never wholly re- 
covered. 

After ten years of weakness and yet continued use- 
fulness in his work of benevolence, he died peace- 
fully Feb. 6, 1871, lamented not alone by his kindred 
and friends, but by none more deeply than the poor 
of the city. 



CHARLES H. LEONARD. 

Charles: H. Leonard, son of George and Cynthia 
Leonard, was born in Middleborough, Plymouth Co., 
Mass., Sept. 23, 1814. When he was seven years of 
age his parents removed to the neighboring town of 
Rochester. After attending the public schools during 
the winters, he entered the academy at Middleborough, 
a school of excellent repute, the advantages of which 
he enjoyed and improved for three years. Like most 
New England boys, ambitious and self-reliant, he was 
eager to make his way in life, and took the usual step 
of engaging as a clerk in a country store. After a 
year's experience there he spent the three or four 
years following in the counting-room of Mr. Alfred 
Gibbs, a commission merchant in New Bedford, where 
his abilities had a better test and freer scope. 

At that time was developed what was not inaptly 
termed the " Western fever," an eager and impetuous 
rush of emigration to the great West as a new El 
Dorado. Young Leonard took the disease, but in so 
mild a form that a year's experience cured him, and 
left him all the better fitted for his life-work. Re- 
turning to New Bedford, his career as a merchant at 
once began. Intrusted by an uncle with a shipment 
of oil for sale in New York, he visited th.at city and 
addressed himself to the discharge of his commission. 
After a succession of disappointments and discourage- 
ments, and when he had concluded to give up his en- 




Enq ■'^AffBlK*^' 





pmWB^^ 



^^^n^.. Til 




^^r 



_. -c^^ 



NEW BEDFORD. 



139 



terprise as a failure, a fortunate tiini of events en- 
abled him to compass success. A cliange of wind, 
which for two days prevented the sailing of the vessel 
in which the oil was to be taken back to New Bed- 
ford, not only secured a prosperous issue of the ven- 
ture, but, as he was fond of saying in after-life, de- 
cided his fortune as a business man. 

What he had learned in that brief sojourn of New 
York and its business methods fixed his resolve to 
try his fortune in that city, and in 1838 he took a 
store on Front Street, near Roosevelt Street, and 
started in the oil trade. Two years later he took as 
partner Mr. Horatio Leonard, a cousin, removing to 
140 Front Street, and also establishing an oil manu- 
factory in Brooklyn. The manufactory was unsuc- 
cessful, and in three years the firm failed and was 
dissolved. Having effected a settlement with the 
creditors of the firm, Mr. Leonard soon embarked 
anew and alone at the old stand in the manufacture 
and sale of sperm and whale oil and candles, building 
up an extensive and prosperous business, and build- 
ing, too, what is rarer and better, a character of spot- 
less integrity. 

At this time he commenced the manufacture of oil 
and candles in New Bedford, where his purchases of 
crude oil were mostly made, having leased what were 
known as the old Marsh Works in that -city. There 
he continued the manufacture until 1853, when he 
removed to the works purchased by him of O. & 
G. O. Crocker, on the corner of South Second and 
South Streets. These he at once enlarged to, double 
their former, capacity, fitted them with new ^'nd im- 
proved machinery, made them superior in every re- 
spect to any other establishment of the kind, managed 
them to the close of his life, and made such wise pro- 
vision in regard to them in his will that their reputa- 
tion has since been fully maintained. 

Though Mr. Leonard never entirely withdrew from 
active business, the excellent assistants whom he had 
trained, and whose affectionate regard and devotion 
to his interests he had won by years of considerate 
kindness, relieved him of attention to details, and 
enabled him to spend most of his summers at the old 
homestead in Rochester. This he transformed into a 
most attractive country residence, making improve- 
ments in every direction, and by his lavish outlay of 
money giving needed employment to hundreds of his 
townsmen. It was there, in his pleasant home, sur- 
rounded by those who best knew and most loved him, 
in the midst of a people who idolized him as a bene- 
factor and a cherished friend, that on the 24th of 
October, 1868, he died. 

As a merchant, Mr. Leonard exhibited sagacity, 
breadth of view, a watchful regard to details, a deli- 
cate sense of honor in all his transactions, and un- 
swerving fidelity to every engagement. His word 
was as good as his bond, and that was equal to gold. 
Bold in his operations, he was at the same time cau- 
tious and conservative; and these operations were al- 



ways within the limits of his legitimate business. 
He yielded to no temptations of profits from outside 
ventures and speculations, but confined himself to 
the path in which he was winning fortune and repu- 
tation. He was exact, but not exacting, claiming his 
just dues to a penny, but always liberal and indulgent 
to an unfortunate debtor. He never ignored the sa- 
credness of pecuniary obligations, or rested in the easy 
faith that a compromise with a creditor or a discharge 
by a court of insolvency is tantamount to payment. 
When years of patient and prosperous endeavor 
brought him the means, he paid to his early credi- 
tors every mill that was due to them, principal and 
interest. 

In social life Mr. Leonard was a great favorite. 
Of fine person, winning manners, and pleasing ad- 
dress, equable in temperament and kindly in dispo- 
sition, unselfish and generous, he could not but make 
friends. He did good as he had opportunity, and he 
made the opportunity. It was not alone in the exer- 
cise of an enlightened public spirit, in aiding religious, 
educational, and charitable institutions, or in the be- 
stowment of alms that his benevolence showed itself. 
"The cause which he knew not he searched out;" 
he anticipated needs almost before their pressure was 
felt by the sutl'erer, and sweetened his gifts by a price- 
less sympathy. He was fortunate in his domestic rela- 
tions. Of his marriage one competent to judge says 
it was "a union which proved uncommonly felicitous, 
and to which, by reason of its sympathies, its happy 
influence, and encouragement, must be attributed no 
small part of the nobte results of his life." 

Religion added, to the native graces of the man. 
" His religious character," says Rev. George L. Pren- 
tiss, with whose church in New York he united, and 
who, both in New Bedford and New York, knew him 
intimately, "as it unfolded, was marked by the same 
attractive and solid traits which distinguished the 
man. His piety was not demonstrative, it was rather 
of a shrinking and reticent temper; but it gave 
ample proof of its sincerity and power by the benign 
and excellent fruits that adorned its path." 



HON. JOSEPH GRINNELL. 
Hon. Joseph Grinnell, our venerable citizen, pro- 
foundly respected in the community, brings to the 
discharge of his daily duties that clearness of mind 
and great practical judgment for which he has been 
so distinguished. He was born in New Bedford on 
the 17th of November, 1788. His father was Capt. 
Cornelius Grinnell, wdio had in the Revolution served 
his country on land and on the sea. After several 
years spent as commander in the merchant service he 
established himself in business in New Bedford, where 
he died in 18.50, in the ninety-third year of his age, 
honored and respected. His mother was Silvia How- 
land, to whose lovely character and steady discharge 
of duty her children were largely indebted for the 



140 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



success and honors to which they have arrived. She 
deceased Aug. 1, 1837, iu the seventy-second year of 
her age. 

Mr. Orinnell commenced his mercantile life as 
cleric to liis father and uncle on Central wharf in 
this city. At twenty years of age he was appointed 
deputy collector and surveyor of this port. In 1810 
he commenced business in New York, in company 
with his uncle John H. Rowland, under the firm of 
Howland & Grinnell. Their business was very suc- 
cessful until the war of 1812, when nearly all of their 
vessels were captured and condemned. In 1814 this 
firm was dissolved. 

In 1815 he formed a copartnership with his cousin, 
Capt. Preserved Fish. The firm-name was Fish & 
Grinnell. Capt. Fish continued as partner until 
1825. Upon his retiring Mr. Grinnell admitted his 
brothers, Henry and Moses H., as copartners under 
the style of Fish, Grinnell & Co. 

At the close of 1828, his health becoming impaired, 
he withdrew from the firm. 

Mr. Robert B. Minturn, a brother-in-law of Mr. 
Henry Grinnell, was admitted as a partner, under the 
style of Grinnell, Minturn & Co., now world-wide in ! 
reputation. 

Early in 1829, with his wife and adopted daughter, 
he sailed for Europe, and returned in the latter part 
of 1830, when he concluded to settle in his native 
town. He built the elegant mansion in which he 
resides in 1831-32. At the same time he contracted 
with Messrs. Benjamin Barstow & Sons, of Matta- 
poisett, to build the ship " Oneida," and with Messrs. 
Jethro & Zachariah Hillman to build the ship 
" George Washington." The former was employed 
in the China trade, and the latter in the New York 
and Liverpool line of packets, both vessels by their 
good qualities adding to the high reputation of the 
builders. 

In 1832 the Marine Bank, now the First National, 
was chartered, and unexpectedly to Mr. Grinnell he 
was elected president. Under his administration it 
proved very successful. He continued in office until 
1878, when he insisted upon being i-elieved. He still 
continues as a director, and is regular at the meetings 
of the board. 

In 1838 a movement was made towards building a 
railroad from this city to Taunton, to form a through 
connection to Boston and Providence, and a charter 
obtained. At the organization of the company, Mr. 
Grinnell was urged to accept the presidency, and 
finally accepted and continued at its head as long as 
it remained a separate corporation. The same year he 
was chosen a councilor of Massachusetts, and re-elected 
in 1839 and 1840, wlien he declined serving longer. 

In 1840 he was chosen one of the directors of the 
Boston and Providence Railroad, and in 1841 its 
president, in which office he continued until 1846, 
when he declined serving longer, but continued as 
director until 1863, when he retired from the board. 



In 1843, Mr. Grinnell was elected to Congress from 
this district to serve the unexpired term of Hon. 
Barker Burnell, who had deceased, and was re-elected 
for the three succeeding terms, making a service of 
eight years in the House of Representatives. He 
declined serving longer. 

It would fill too large a space to follow him in his 
Congressional career. His eminent practical ability 
and large knowledge of mercantile aflfivirs made his 
services very valuable. He was on the Committees 
of Post-Offices and Post Roads, Manufxctnres and 
Commerce. He had the respect of the whole House, 
and every bill introduced by him was passed, notwith- 
standing a strong opposition to some of the measures 
he advocated. 

To him we are indebted for the first reduction on 
postage to five cents upon a single letter to any place 
in the United States ; for the ventilation of ships, and 
hence the disappearance of ship fever; for the estab- 
lishment of life-boats at various stations upon the 
coast, and for various other matters of national bene- 
fit. During his service upon the Committee of Manu- 
factures his mind was strongly impressed of the neces- 
sity of some other business than that of the whale 
fisheries being introduced into his native town. He 
saw clearly that the time was fast approaching when 
that pursuit would become precarious and unprofit- 
able, and if there were no other calling oflTered, that 
the town would gradually decay and be deserted by 
the rising generation. 

He took occasion to refer to it in conversation with 
the leading merchants here, and in the course of a 
year or two a strong feeling grew up in favor of 
investing some of the surplus wealth in manufac- 
tures. 

A charter was obtained in 18.56 for a cotton-factory, 
but Mr. Grinnell at that time declined embarking in 
the enterprise on account of the high price of every- 
thing connected with the business. In 1848 a reaction 
took place, material and machinery became cheap, 
and he then came forward and urged the erection of 
a factory. A charter was obtained, and a capital of 
one hundred and sixty thousand dollars subscribed, 
with the understanding that he should be the presi- 
dent, although reluctant to accept the position, as he 
had no practical knowledge of the business. Having 
accepted, however, he gave his whole mind to the 
work. The kind and quality of goods to be manu- 
factured was mainly the decision of its president, and 
to that decision probably is owing the great success 
that has attended the enterprise. A more detailed 
description is given in the history of the Wamsutta 
Mills. He still remains president, and daily gives 
his attention to the general supervision of its aflairs. 

Mr. Grinnell has been twice married. His first 
wife was Sarah, the daughter of Mr. Abraham Rus- 
sell of this town, to whom he was married May 14, 
1812. For fifty years she was his helpmate, filling 
her place with a dignity and kindness that endeared 





.0 



dit^ 



NEW BEDFORD. 



141 



her to every one that approached her. She deceased 
July 27, 1862. 

His second wife was Mrs. Rebecca Kinsman, daugh- 
ter of Mr. Abijah Chace, of Salem, a lady of superior 
mental ability, greatly beloved by all her friends, and 
admired by a large circle of acquaintances. With 
her he again visited Europe in 1869, partly in the in- 
terests of the Wamsutta Mills, and partly to gratify 
the strong desire of his wife and himself to attend the 
yearly meeting of Friends in Dublin and London. 
They returned in the fall after a six months' absence. 

Mrs. Rebecca Grinnall deceased July 6, 1882. His 
great age sits lightly upon him. His long life is'al- 
most coeval with his native town, and he has seen it 
grow from a small village to its present proportions. 
Its industries, business and wealth have all been 
created within his knowledge, and many of its enter- 
prises have received his fostering care and assistance. 
He has mingled freely with the leading men of the 
nation, and is widely known and honored. 

Strict integrity, a prompt discharge of duty, a clear 
head, and strong common sense have made him our 
foremost citizen c/ariim et venerabile nomen. 



THE ROTCH F.-iMILY OF . NANTUCKEJ AND NEW 
BEDFORD. .J,,': ' _^.'. 

The ancestors of this family, which has. been so 
prominently connected with the' early hist9ry. of 
Nantucket and New Bedford, came from Salisbury, 
England, and settled first in Provincetown, Scituate, 
and other places in Eastern Massachusetts.. The first 
of the name who is mentioned among the gefiealogi- 
cal records of New England was William'Rotch, who 
was born in Salisbury in 1670, and came to America 
about the year 1700 or soon after, settling in Prov- 
incetown. The records show .that early in the 
eighteenth century he was a prominent citizen, and 
took an active part in town matters. His name often 
appears in subscriptions for valuable pflblications, 
and among the archives of Massachusetts is a petition 
presented in 1741 to the Legislature by citizens of 
Provincetown, in which William Rotch signs first. 

William Rotch, of Provincetown, had two sons, 
Joseph and Benjamin. The former lived in Brain- 
tree and Falmouth, and afterwards went to Nan- 
tucket, where he married Love Macy, a descendant 
of Thomas Macy, the first immigrant to Nantucket, 
in 1659. From Joseph Rotch and Love Macy are 
descended the Rotches of Nantucket and New Bed- 
ford, while Benjamin, the second son of William, 
was the ancestor of the Provincetown branch, whose 
descendants now live at Easton, Mass., Mount Ver- 
non, N. H., Martha's Vineyard, and other places. 

Joseph Rotch (1704-84) was an enterprising mer- 
chant of Nantucket, and was held in high estimation 
by his fellow-citizens. In 1765 he removed to New 
Bedford, whose beautiful harbor he selected as being 
especially eligible and advantageous for the prosecu- 



tion of the whale-fishery. " This event," as stated 
by one of the historians of New Bedford, "was of 
the utmost importance, and this acquisition of capi- 
tal, accompanied with the ripe e.xperience, clear- 
headed sagacity, and skilled methods of this accom- 
plished merchant, gave an impetus to the infant 
industry of New Bedford, which insured its perma- 
nence and success." New Bedford was originally a 
part of Dartmouth, but as a little village had already 
begun to appear, it was thought necessary to give it 
a particular designation from the rest of the old 
township; and upon a public occasion Joseph Rotch 
suggested that the name should be " Bedford," in 
honor of Josepli Russell, who bore the family name 
of the Duke of Bedford, which was readily adopted 
by the rest of the inhabitants. 

Mr. Rotch purchased from Joseph Russell, besides 
several smaller lots, ten .acres of land in one tract in 
the centre of ^what is npw the business portion of the 
city of New -Bedford, and was identified in many 
ways with the early history of the town. His house, 
situated on what was formerly known as Rotch's Hill, 
Water Street, was burned by the British troops during 
the Revolutionary war. 

His faniily consisted of three sons, William, Joseph, 
and Fcancis. . . 

William Rotch. (1734-1828) wa,s born in Nantucket, 
where he lived, until the close of the war. His com- 
parative wealth, integrity, and heroic devotion to 
what he believed was right, rendered him a conspicu- 
ous man in thfe conimunity, and enabled him to 
render important gie.rvioes to his fellow-citizens, 
whether he pleaded 'the cause of the helpless and 
destitute upon the quartgr-deck of a British man-of- 
war, or before the Provincial Council at Boston. 

In a sketch of his persoual recollections during the 
war he said, "From the year 1775 to the end of the 
war we were in continual embarrassments. Our ves- 
selswere captured- by the English, and we were some- 
times in danger of being starved. The exposed situ- 
.a.tion of the island made it extremely difficult to elude 
the numerous cruisers that were always in the vicinity, 
and months would frequently elapse before any sup- 
plies could be obtained from the main land." 

The troubles of Nantucket did not end with the 
war, the whale fishery being ruined by the heavy 
" alien duty" of eighteen pounds sterling per ton im- 
posed upon American oil for the protection of British 
subjects, Great Britain being then the " only market 
of any consequence for sperm oil." Sperm oil was 
sold at Nantucket after the peace at seventeen pounds 
per ton, which before the war was worth thirty pounds. 
Mr. Rotch estimates the losses he had sustained by 
captures during the Revolutionary war at sixty thou- 
sand dollars, and for two years after the war the 
business was continued at a certain loss. In this des- 
perate state of things Mr. Rotch saw no alternative 
for the prosecution of his business but to proceed to 
England and endeavor to establish the whale fishery 



142 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



there. He had several interviews with William Pitt, 
the chancellor of the Exchequer, and with Lord 
Hawksbury, but they would not consent to the intro- 
duction into England of any American-built ships. 
Mr. Rotch proceeded to France and laid his proposi- 
tions before the comptroller of finance, the minister 
of foreign affairs, and other oflBcials, who extended a 
cordial welcome, and the business was finally estab- 
lished at Dunkirk. 

" Full of most interesting incident is the story of 
William Rotch's residence in France. The striking 
and instructive aspect of his life while there is that 
perfect harmony and consistency of character main- 
tained by him in all the circumstances in which he 
was placed. The French revolution brought suffer- 
ing and danger to him and his family, but thiere was 
no wavering in the firmness with which he maintained 
the principles of his faith, — as true to him when the 
mob howled about his dwelling at Dunkirk as when 
he plead the cause of Christian liberty before the 
National Assembly at Paris, with Mirabeau as its 
president." 

True to his (Quaker principles, when he appeared 
before the National Assembly he refused to take off 
his hat or to wear one of the cockades which were 
considered necessary for every one in order to avert 
suspicion on the part of the lower classes. 

" In the course of the year 1792," he writes, "fresh 
trials awaited us. A great insurrection took place in 
Dunkirk, founded upon a rumor of the exportation 
of corn. Several houses were attacked, their furni- 
ture totally destroyed, and many of our friends but 
just escaped with their lives. Martial law was pro- 
claimed, and whenever five men were seen together in 
the evening or night orders were given to fire upon 
them. Upon the announcement of a victory of the 
French over the Austrians a general illumination 
was ordered, but as we could take no part in war, we 
refused to join in rejoicings for victory. ' Well,' 
said the mayor, ' keep to your principles. Your 
houses are your own, but the streets are ours, and we 
shall pursue such measures as we think proi>er for the 
peace of this town.' We retired, though not without 
some fear that they would send an armed force. How- 
ever, they took another method, and sent men to erect 
a frame before our house and hang a dozen lamps 
upon it. The mayor had also the great kindness to 
have a similar frame with lamps placed before his 
own house, in addition to the usual full illumin;ition, 
and he placed a man in front of our house to assure 
the people that we were not opposed to the govern- 
ment." 

In 1793, when war was imminent between England 
and France, it became necessary to leave Dunkirk to 
prevent the capture of the ships by the English. Mr. 
Rotch writes as follows: "Two of our ships were cap- 
tured full of oil and condemned, but we recovered 
both by my being in England, where I arrived two 
weeks before the war took place. 



" Louis XVI. was guillotined two days after I left 
France, an event solemnly anticipated and deeply 
deplored by many who dared not manifest what they 
felt." 

He finally left Europe, July 24, 1794, with his 
family in the ship " Barclay," and after a long passage 
of sixty-one days once more reached America. After 
a year's residence in Nantucket, he removed to New 
Bedford in 1795, where he remained till his death, in 
1828, in his ninety-fifth year. His residence was the 
"Mansion House," at the corner of LTnion and North 
Second Streets. . 

The author of "The History of New Bedford" 
speaks of him as follows: "His venerable and patri- 
archal appearance during the latter part of his life is 
well remembered by the writer. Tall and dignified 
in his person, his face expressive of benevolence, with 
his long silvery locks and the drab-colored suit of the 
style of the Society of Friends, combined with liis 
noble and philanthropic character, rendered him an 
object of profound respect to his fellow-citizens, as 
well as to his numerous friends among the distin- 
guished merchants and men in public life at home 
and abroad. He was a fine s])ccimen of a merchant, 
a man of the strictest integrity, frank, generous, high- 
minded in its truest sense, of broad and liberal views, 
a friend of the oppressed and down-trodden, in fine, a 
more perfect character it has never fallen to our lot to 
know, and is probably rarely to be met with in any 
community." 

William Rotch was the owner of the famous ship 
"Bedford," which first displayed the American flag 
in British waters, an event which is thus described in 
Barnard's " History of England :" 

"The ship 'Bedford,' Capt. Moores, belonging to 
the Massachusetts, arrived in the Downs on the 3d of 
February, 1783, and was reported at the custom-liouse 
on the 6th instant. She was not allowed regular en- 
try until some consultation had taken place between 
the commissioners of the customs and the Lords of 
Council, on account of the many acts of Parliament 
in force against the rebels of America. She was 
loaded with four hundred and eighty -seven butts of 
whale-oil, is American built, manned wholly by 
American seamen, and belongs to the island of Nan- 
tucket, in Massachusetts. This is the first vessel 
which has displayed the thirteen rebellious stripes of 
America in any British port." 

Francis Rotch (1750-1822), the younger brother of 
William, was also a successful merchant and the 
owner of several ships, among which was the " Dart- 
mouth," from which the tea was thrown overboard in 
Boston harbor Dec. 16, 1773. 

It is a remarkable coincidence that, by two occur- 
rences associated with the beginning and close of the 
war, the two ships, " Dartmouth" and " Bedford," 
owned by the two brothers, Francis and William 
Rotch, should have thus made memorable the names 
of the mother town and the inAmt village. 



NEW BEDFORD. 



143 



Nancy Eotch, the widow of Francis, lived during 
:he latter years of her life on the corner of Walnut 
ind Sixth Streets in New Bedford. 

William Botch, Jr. (1759-1850), was horn at Nan- 
;ucket, and moved to New Bedford soon after the 
Revolutionary war, where he spent the remainder of 
ais life. He is well remembered by many persons 
jow living as one of the prominent merchants of 
Sew Bedford during the first half of the present cen- 
ury. He was oue of the incorporators and the first 
jresident of the New Bedford Institution for Savings 
n 1825. He subscribed nearly half of the money 
•aised for the erection of the Friends' Academy, 
vhich was built in 1811, upon land given for the pur- 
lose by his father, and was the first treasurer of the 
)oard of trustees, his father being the first president. 

His residence for many years was the building now 
)ccupied by the Bethel Boarding-House, then situ- 
ited at the corner of William and Water Streets, 
learly opposite the Jlerchants' National Bank. He 
ived afterwards on County Street, his house and 
;rounds being purchased after his death by the late 
3dward C. Jones. 

One of his especial characteristics was his hospi- 
ality towards strangers coming to New Bedford, 
vhether rich or poor, whom he entertained with sim- 
ilicity and courtliness. 

He, as well as his father, was an earnest advocate 
if the anti-slavery cause, and assisted many a bond- 
nan to obtain his freedom. 

Benjamin Rotch, the second son of William Rotch, 
5r., was born at Nantucket, and accompanied his 
ather to England and France in 1780. After the 
lutbreak of the French revolution, when his father 
eturned to America, Benjamin went to England, and 
oon after to Milford Haven, where he established the 
vhale-fishery under the auspices of the British gov- 
rnment. He afterwards went to London, where he 
.ud his wife lived during the remainder of their 
ives. 

Two of the children of Benjamin — Francis and 
iliza — came to America, where they married and re- 
nained until their death. Francis married Ann 
riorgan, sister of Charles W. Morgan, of New Bed- 
iird, and Eliza married Professor John Farrar, a cele- 
irated mathematician of Cambridge. 

Mrs. Farrar (1792-1870) was an authoress of some 
lote. Among her earliest publications are " The 
Children's Robinson Crusoe," " Life of Lafayette," 
' Howard," and " Youth's Letter Writer." Her most 
lopular work, " Young Lady's Friend" (1837), passed 
hrough many editions in the LTnitcd States and Eng- 
:ind. Her " Recollections of Seventy Years," pub- 
ished in I860, contains many interesting anecdotes 
if the distinguished persons whom she met during 
ler eventful life, and she was considered one of the 
nost accomplished and refined women of her time. 

The second son of Benjamin Rotch, named also 
Jenjamin, was a barrister in London, a member of 



Parliament, and chairman for several years of the 
board of Middlesex magistrates in London. 

The youngest son, Tliomas Dickason, was brought 
up as a civil engineer, and was noted for his inven- 
tive ability. His son, William D., is a distinguished 
barrister, formerly of London, now of Liverpool, and 
is a great admirer of American institutions and re- 
publican principles. 

William Rotch, Jr. (1769-1850), married Elizabeth 
Rodman, of Newport, R. I., and had five children, — 
Sarah, who married James Arnold, of New Bedford; 
William R., who married Caroline Stockton, of 
Princeton, N. J. ; Joseph, who married Ann Smith, 
of Philadelphia; Thomas, who married Susan Ridge- 
way, of Philadelphia ; and Mary, who married Charles 
Fleming and afterwards George B. Emerson. Wil- 
liam R. Rotch had two children, Horatio and Mary 
(who married Capt. Charles Hunter, of Newport). 

Joseph Rotch (1790-1839) had five children,— 
Elizabeth (who married Joseph Angler), Benjamin 
S., William J., Rodman, and Joanna. 

Benjamin S. Rotch (1817-82) graduated at Har- 
vard in 1838, he and his brother William being the 
two marshals of the class which numbered among its 
members Lowell, Eustis, Devens, Story, and many 
other well-known men. In 1846 he married the eldest 
daughter of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, and accom- 
panied the latter to England when he was appointed 
our minister at the court of St. James. It was dur- 
ing this and subsequent visits to Europe that he had 
the opportunity to improve and cultivate that interest 
in the fine arts which rendered his influence in artis- 
tic matters most valuable. His careful study of for- 
eign collections, supplemented by practical work, 
made him a competent and fastidious critic, as well 
as a painter whose landscapes have shown to advan- 
tage in many local exhibitions. He was a trustee of 
the Boston Athemeum and of the Museum of Fine 
Arts, and chairman of its committee. He also filled 
most successfully many other public and private ofiices 
which were confided to him. 

He had seven children, — Edith, Arthur, Aimee 
(who married Winthrop Sargent), Catharine (de- 
ceased), Annie L., William (deceased), and Abbott 
Lawrence. 

Arthur Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1871. and 
then pursued a thorough course of architecture at the 
" Ecole des Beaux Arts" at Paris. On his return 
from abroad he settled in Boston, where he has been 
very successful in the practice of his profession, and 
has paid considerable attention to matters pertaining 
to art and music. 

Abbott Lawrence Rotch at an early age exhibited 
a decided taste for mechanical engineering, and is now 
a student in the Institute of Technology in Boston. 

William J. Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1838, in 
the same class with his brother Benjamin, with whom 
he was afterwards associated in many business enter- 
prises. Together witli L. A. Plummcr, of New Bed- 



Ui 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ford, they founded the New Bedford Cordage Com- 
pany, which has always been one of the most success- 
ful corporations of that city. In later years the two 
brothers were among the first to discover and develop 
the value of the McKay sewing-machine, which has 
since won a world-wide reputation. 

William J. Rotch has been prominently connected 
with nearly all the important business enterprises of 
New Bedford for many years, and has held numerous 
offices, both public and private, of honor and trust. 
In 1852, at the early age of thirty-three, he was elected 
mayor of the city. He has been treasurer of the 
board of trustees of the Friends' Academy since 1850, 
and has been a director in many manufacturing 
companies, railroad corporations, and banks in New 
Bedford and ]3oston. 

In 1842 he married Kmily Morgan, daughter of 
Charles W. Morgan, of New Bedford, who died in 
1861. They had eight children, Charles M. (de- 
ceased), William, Helen, Morgan, Isabel M. (who 
married Pierre Severance), Sarah R. (who married 
Frederick Swift), Emily M., and Anna S. In 18(56 he 
married Clara Morgan, and they had one daughter, 
Mary R. 

After 1876 Mr. Roteh lived in Boston during the 
winter, and in 1881 he went abroad with his wife and 
four daughters, returning in th« fall of 1882i _His 
residence on County Street, in New Bedford, sur- 
rounded by extensive lawns and gardens, which cover 
several acres near the centre of the city, has for many 
years been considered one of the finest in Southern 
Massacliusetts, and when occupied by its former 
owner, James Arnold, its spacious grounds and green- 
houses, filled with rare exotic plants, were among the 
principal objects of interest to all strangers who visited 
the city. 

William Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1865, and 
after a three-years' course at the " Ecole Impe- 
riale Centrale des Arts et Manufactures" at Paris, re- 
ceived the diploma of " Ingenieur civil" in 1869. In 
1871 he was appointed assistant engineer of the Fall 
River Water-Works, the construction of which was 
begun a few months later; and in 1874 he was ap- 
pointed chief engineer and superintendent, retaining 
the position until the completion of the works. He 
resigned this office in 1880, and removed to Boston, 
where he was appointed consulting engineer and pur- 
chasing agent of the Mexican Central Railway Com- 
pany. He has been consulting engineer and treasurer 
of several other railroad corporations during the last 
three years. 

In 1873 he married Mary Rotch Eliot, daughter of 
Hon. Thomas D. Eliot, M. C, and has had five chil- 
dren, — Edith Eliot, William, Jr., Charles Morgan, 
Mary Eliot (deceased), and Clara Morgan. 

Morgan Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1871, and 
has since been engaged in business in New Bedford 
as a cotton-broker. He has been a member of the 
Common Council, is a director of the National Bank of 



Commerce of New Bedford, and of several other cor- 
porations. In 1879 he married Josephine G., daugh- 
ter of Joseph G. Grinnell, of New Bedford, and has 
had two children, Arthur Grinnell and Emily Mor- 
gan. 

Rodman Rotch (1821-54) left New Bedford at an 
early age, and settled in Philadelphia, where he 
died at the age of thirty-three. He married Helen 
Morgan, daughter of Thomas W. Morgan, of Phila- 
delphia, and had two chililren, Anna S. and Thomas 
Morgan. 

Thomas Morgan Rotch graduated at Harvard in 
1870, and, after studying three years at the Harvard 
Medical School, and holding the position of house 
physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital for 
one year, took the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He 
next studied for two years in the hospitals of Ger- 
many and France, and then returned to Boston, 
where he began to practice in 1876. He was ap- 
pointed Instructor in Diseases of Children in the 
Harvard Medical School, and hassinceheld positions 
in the Boston Dispensary, the Boston City Hospital, 
and the Children's Hospital. In 1874 he married 
Helen, daughter of William J. Rotch, of New Bed- 
ford, and has one son, Thomas Morgan Rotch, Jr. 

Seven generations of this family have lived upon 
the soil of New Bedford from the time when Joseph 
Rotch purchased the " ten-acre lot" in 1765, and sug- 
gested the name of the town, and probably no one 
family has had a greater inftuence in developing its 
character and shaping its history. 



JONATHAN BOURNE. 
Jonathan Bourne, son of Jonathan and Hannah 
Tobey Bourne, was born in the village of Monument, 
town of Sandwich, Mass., March 25, 1811, and was 
the tenth of a family of eleven children. His father 
a man of inflexible will, strong good sense, and ster- 
ling integrity, was a farmer, and his sons were trained 
to habits of industry and learned the lessons of self- 
reliance. At the age of seventeen Mr. Bourne came 
to this city and entered the store of John B. Taylor, 
remaining there nine months, and then spent the win- 
ter months at home in attendance at the village school. 
The next spring he again came to New Bedford, where 
he attended for a few months the school of B. F. Fry, 
and after a brief visit to his home, found employment 
in the grocery-store of John Webster, under the Man- 
sion House, with whom, after a short time, he entered 
into partnership. Soon afterwards he purchased Mr. 
Webster's interest, and managed the business alone 
until 1838, when he sold out to the late George W. 
Howland, as his whaling investments wpre becoming 
important enough to demand his full attention. He 
retained, however, an office at his old stand, and being 
engaged largely both as owner and agent in the whale 
fishery, he carried on his business there until 1848, 
when he moved into the counting-room on Merrill's 



NEW BEDFORD. 



145 



wharf which he has since continuously occupied. 
Devoted to his business, he rapidly increased it, until 
he became at one time the owner, probably, of more 
whaling tonnage than any other man in the country, 
if not in the world. 

During the late civil war, when other owners, dis- 
heartened at the prospects of the fishery, were selling 
their vessels to the government to be sunk, stone- 
laden, at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Mr. Bourne 
kept his faith in the enterprise and purchased five 
ships, retaining the entire ownership of three of them, 
and prosecuted the business with redoubled vigor, and 
with results proving his sagacity. 

Always interested in politics, fir.st as a Whig and 
later as a Republican, Mr. Bourne has never held any 
political office, except that of alderman, which, during 
the early history of the city, he filled for five con- 
secutive years. Decided in his views upon all ques- 
tions that came before the board, and frank and fear- 
less in expressing them, he encountered persistent 
opposition at the polls, but never failed of an election. 

Mr. Bourne was three times chosen a delegate to 
the National Republican Convention, and at Chicago, 
in 18C0, was the first of the Massachusetts delegation 
to abandon Seward and cast a vote for Abraham 
Lincoln. For five terms, of two years each, he was 
elected by the Legislature a State director of the 
Western (now the Boston and Albany) Railroad. In 
politics, as in business, he has relied mainly upon his 
own judgment of men and measures, and always had 
the courage of his convictions. Upon the death of 
Hon. John Avery Parker, Mr. Bourne was chosen as 
his successor in the direction of the Merchants' Bank, 
and upon the death of Charles R. Tucker, in 1876, 
was unanimously chosen president of the bank, a 
position he now holds. He also succeeded the late 
W. H. Taylor, Esq., as president of the Bristol County 
Fire Insurance Company. 

Mr. Bourne's early educational advantages were 
limited to those aftbrded by the common schools in 
his youth, open for about two months each winter, 
and kept by men poorly paid and often as poorly 
fitted for their work, and by the brief term he at- 
tended Mr. Fry's school in New Bedford. But he 
made good use of them, and was well fitted for the 
larger school of practical affairs in which he has 
taken such conspicuous rank. An eminently suc- 
cessful business man, the secret of his success is an 
open one. It is due to his tireless industry, to his 
promptness that never failed to meet every financial 
obligation, however trivial or however large, to his 
remarkable personal attention to details, and to a 
probity and courage, tempered with caution, that 
have made him sagacious and successful beyond most 
men. Though quick in his insight into affairs, and 
sometimes almost passionate in tiie conduct of his 
business, he has been just in his decisions and thought- 
ful of those connected with him. 

Though in his seventy-third year, Mr. Bourne, by 
10 



his bodily vigor, energy in business, and spirited in- 
terest in affairs, most forcibly illustrates the value 
of active habits, possessing as he does, at his ad- 
vanced age, the physical and mental elasticity and 
strength generally associated with the prime of life. 



JOSEPH ARTHUR BEAUVAIS. 

Joseph Arthur Beauvais, son of Andrew and Pa- 
tience (Ricketson) Beauvais, was born in South Dart- 
mouth, Mass., Jan. 21, 1824. His mother was a 
daughter of Clark and Mary (Wood) Ricketson, 
of that town. His father was a native of Bordeaux, 
France. The family having been reduced by the 
French Revolution, and to avoid conscription into 
Napoleon's army, which was then taking boys of 
twelve years of age, he was sent while quite young 
by his widowed mother to this country, whither 
his sister, wife of Capt. James Rider, of Dartmouth, 
had preceded him. He commanded for many years 
packet-ships from New York in the New Orleans 
trade, and later in the South American trade, chiefly 
with Buenos Ayres. His uncle, James Rider, was 
also a successful shipmaster, sailing from New York 
in the New Orleans and European trade. In child- 
hood his father and uncle, with their families, re- 
moved to New York, and, afterwards to Astoria, Long 
Island, where his mother died. After her decease, 
Capt. Rider having retired from his seafaring life in 
1832, the families returned to South Dartmouth, and 
he became an inmate of his uncle's family. He was 
tenderly reared and educated by his uncle and aunt, 
to whose sterling characters, excellent precepts, and 
careful training he feels what success he has met with 
in life is largely due. Capt. Rider engaged quite ex- 
tensively in the whaling business in South Dartmouth, 
and subsequently in New Bedford, where he died, 
and where his wife now survives him. 

His early education was obtained in the public and 
private schools of Dartmouth. In 1840 he came to 
New Bedford and attended for a short time the Bush 
Street Grammar School, and was admitted to the 
High School, John F. Emerson, principal. After 
graduating in 1842, he entered the counting-room of 
Barton Ricketson, his uncle, then extensively engaged 
as managing owner of whaling and merchant vessels, 
and also of the New Bedford Iron-Foundry. In 1843 
he became his uncle's book-keeper and confidential 
clerk, where he remained until November, 1851, when 
he assumed a like position in the counting-room of 
J. B. Wood & Co., then largely engaged in the whal- 
ing business. Here he became interested with the 
firm as an owner in their ships, and was at times 
managing owner of several merchant and coasting 
vessels, and also did some business as a broker. 

In 1860 he was chosen treasui-er of the New Bed- 
ford Tannery Company, which built the tannery- 
works on Court Street. This enterprise not proving 
remunerative, after a few years the property changed 



146 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



hands and the corporation was dissolved. In 1867 he 
was chosen treasurer of the American Tack Com- 
pany, of Fairhaven, and subsequently its president, 
which positions he still retains. 

In Februnry, 1872, he severed a most pleasant and 
harmonious connection of more than twenty-one years 
with J. B. Wood & Co., and formed the firm of Beau- 
vais & Co. (T. B. Fuller, late book-keeper of tlie 
American Tack Company, as partner), and engaged 
in private banking. In 1874, assisted by H. A. Blood, 
of Fitchburg, Henry W. Phelps, of Springfield, and 
others, he organized the Fall Eiver Railroad Company, 
of which corporation he was president. This corpo- 
ration contracted with Mr. Phelps to build the rail- 
road from New Bedford to Fall River. It was opened 
for travel December, 1875. Within two years after 
the completion of the road he resigned the position of 
president, but is still a director in the corporation. 

In May, 1875, in connection with his partner and 
others, he organized the Citizens' National Bank, of 
which he was chosen president and Mr. Fuller cash- 
ier. To this bank the banking business of Beauvais 
& Co. was transferred. This bank was organized with 
a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, 
which has been increased to five hundred thousand 
dollars. He was one of the original corporators and 
for some time a trustee of the New Bedford Five 
Cents' Savings-Bank, which position he resigned after 
a few years. In 1878 he became interested in the 
organization of the New England Mutual Aid Society 
for life insurance upon the assessment plan. Of this 
society he was president until the removal of its 
office to Boston rendered the discharge of the duties 
incompatible with his other engagements. 

Mr. Beauvais was originally a Whig, and identified 
himself with the Republican party on its formation. 
In religion he is a Congregationalist. For some time 
he was clerk of the Trinitarian Church, and during 
eight years was superintendent of its Sabbath-school. 
At present he is a member of the North Congrega- 
tional Church. 

i\Ir. Beauvais has ever been an active business man, 
and at present is president and treasurer of the 
American Tack Company, president of the Citizens' 
National Bank, director in the Fall River Railroad, 
Grinnell Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, 
Fall River Bleachery, Sagamore Manufacturing 
Company, Border City Manufacturing Company, and 
Globe Street Railway (Company of Fall River. 

In May, 1848, he was united in marriage with Hannah 
Cotton Parker, daughter of Ward M. and Hepzabeth 
(Davis) Parker, and their family consisted of one 
child, Louise Cecile, who married Max Ritter von 
Schmaedel, an artist of Munich, and died, leaving a 
son, Harold Parker von Schmaedel. Mrs. Beauvais 
died in January, 1879, and in June, 1881, he married 
Mary Stetson Mendell, daughter of Ellis and Catha- 
rine (Allen) Mendell. 



CHARLES B. H. FESSENDEN. 

Charles B. H. Fessenden was born in Sandwich, 
Barnstable Co., July 17, 1813. He was educated at 
the Sandwich and Amherst Academies and at Am- 
herst College, graduating from that institution in the 
class of 1833. After completing his law studies at 
the Dane Law School and in law offices he went to 
Michigan in 1838, commencing practice in the village 
of Utica, Macomb Co. In 1839 he was a clerk in the 
Michigan Senate, and in 1842 was a member of its 
House. The latter year he returned to his native 
place, where he opened an office and continued his 
practice until 1853, when, having been appointed 
collector of the port of New Bedford, he removed to 
that city. He held that position until the close of 
Mr. Buchanan's administration. Soon after leaving 
the office of collector, in company with Mr. William 
G. Baker, he purchased the New Bedford Dailij Mer- 
cury, which was published and edited by them for 
many years. In 1862 he was elected sheritl' of Bris- 
tol County, and was re-elected in 1865 and 1868. In 
1869 he resigned the sheriffalty, having been ap- 
pointed United States assessor of internal revenue 
for the First Massachusetts District. This office he 
held until by statute its duties were merged in those 
of collector, when he was ap])ointed to the latter 
office and retained it until 1876, when the number ol 
revenue districts in the State was reduced to three. 
Since that time he has held the position of deputy 
collector in the Third District, his division being 
nearly coterminous with the boundaries of his old 
district. 

Mr. Fessenden is one of the trustees of the Swaim 
Free School, and senior warden of Grace Church. 

No one who for the last thirty years has been 
familiar with the business, political, and social life 
of New Bedford, can fail to have noticed the value 
which such a citizen as Col. Fessenden is to a com- 
munity. His activity in all good works, his genial, 
winning, and elegant manners, his culture, the keen- 
ness of his mind, and the brilliancy of his conversa- 
tion have all conspired to render him a positive force 
in tlie development of the city of his adoption. As 
collector of customs and internal revenue he has 
watched over the interests of the government with 
scrupulous care, while at the same time ho has won 
and preserved the respect and esteem of those with 
whom he has been called upon to deal. As editor, 
his varied culture and the brightness and elegance of 
his style and sparkling wit held his paper up to a 
standard which dignified the profession of journalism 
in the community, and exerted a powerful influence 
upon the manners and conduct of this community, 
while in his whole career as sheriff of the county, he 
maintained the ancient dignity of the office and gave 
to the courts an imi)ressiveness, the loss of which can 
only result in great injury to the orderly administra- 
tion of justice. Certainly no history of the bench 
and bar of Bristol would be complete which failed to 



NEW BEDFORD. 



147 



record and call to mind the days when Col. Fessenden, 
with his paraphernalia of office, graced the sheriff's 
seat, with the incomparahle crier opposite, whose 
" Hear ye ! Hear ye ! Hear ye !" was more truly a 
clarion blast than that blown on the trumpets by the 
heralds of old, while the "good men and true" of the 
genial clerk seemed to realize iu their tone and man- 
ner the ideal utterances of a court of justice. No one 
who was accustomed to practice in that court will ever 
forget the impression there received, and the tradition 
of them will be kept forever. 



J. GEORGE HARRIS. 

Mr. Harris, who is mentioned on page 96 as editor 
of a paper in New Bedford, became a journalist as 
soon as he was of age, beginning his career as associ- 
ate editor of the Political Observer at New London in 
1830 ; afterwards editor of the New Bedford Bally 
Gazette, and then acquiring celebrity at Boston as a 
political writer, he was invited in 1838 by distin- 
guished men of Washington City to go to Tennessee, 
where he established the Nashville Union, which re- 
flected the influential political opinions of Gen. An- 
drew Jackson, and represented the ri.sing fortunes 
of James K. Polk from Congressman to Governor and 
President. 

It is well said by a leading journal that in this 
connection it is not uninteresting to the people of 
New London County, Conn., to recall the fact that 
nearly half a century ago, when the two great politi- 
cal parties of the country were almost as equally di- 
vided as they are now, with Henry Clay, of Ken- 
tucky, in the lead of the Whigs, and Andrew Jackson, 
of Tennessee, in the lead of the Democrats, two 
young men, natives of New London County, were 
invited from the North to conduct the two leading 
journals of the West and shadow forth to the country 
the ruling opinions and policy of those two distin- 
guished leaders of men, as emanating from tliem in 
their retiracy at "Ashland" and the " Hermitage." 

George D. Prentice, of Jewett City, had been called 
to Louisville, Ky., to conduct the Journal as the voice 
of Mr. Clay, and J. George Harris, of Groton, was 
invited to Nashville, Tenn., as editor of the Union. 
It was at a time when Jackson and Clay were re- 
garded, in the language of the day, as "the embodi- 
ment of the principles of their parties" respectively, 
and the Journal and Union became perfectly oracular 
in politics. From their exposed position at the front 
when Kentucky and Tennessee were frontier States, 
where the people were to a great extent a law unto 
themselves, these New London boys had repeatedly 
to stand fire with the wild elements of Western poli- 
tics. Of course they were wide as the poles asunder 
as the representatives of their respective parties in 
the political arena, but their own personal relations, 
established here at an early day, were never dis- 
turbed, although, for tlie amusement of the public, 



they did a good deal of sharpshooting at each other 

between Louisville and Nashville with their quills, 
which had a tendency rather to strengthen than to 
weaken i'riendship. The early prestige of the Journal 
as the voice of Mr. Clay and of the Union as that of 
Gen. Jackson established their influence on a founda- 
tion so firm that it is still maintained by them in the 
Southwest, and in all public affairs they now have 
wider influence beyond the mountains than any other 
political newspapers. 

Mr. Harris was commissioned in 1843 by Daniel 
Webster, then Secretary of State, as a commercial 
agent for Europe, and went abroad in that capacity. 
If we may judge from his voluminous reports to the 
State Department, of which so large a number of 
extra copies were printed by the United States Senate, 
his services were highly appreciated. 

After Mr. Polk's election to the Presidency he in- 
vited Mr. Harris to conduct the official paper at 
Washington, which he declined, as he had before de- 
clined the editorship of the Madisonian, the official 
paper of Mr. Tyler's administration. Preferring a 
life service in the navy to temporary civil service, Mr. 
Harris accepted in 1845 a commission as disbursing 
officer of the navy, which commission, with promo- 
tions to the highest rank of his grade, he still holds 
on the list of officers retired for long and faithful 
services. 

The official and personal relations of Mr. Harris in 
the naval service have ever been exceedingly happy. 
In Hamersly's " Records of Living Naval Officers" 
it is stated that Pay Director J. George Harris was 
attached to the Gulf squadron in 1846-47, and during 
the Mexican war he was a member of Commodore M. 
G. Perry's staff on all his shore expeditions ; that he 
was at the capture of Tuxpan, Tabasco, and Vera 
Cruz, receiving from the commodore special letters of 
thanks for services rendered afloat and ashore; that 
from 1850 to 1854, inclusive, he was attached to the 
Asiatic fleet, and again with Commodore Perry when 
the empire of Japan was opened to the commerce of 
the world. 

In his introductory report of the Japan expedition 
Commodore Perry makes special mention of the aid 
he had received from Mr. Harris in preparing his 
volumes for the use of Congress. 

Mr. Harris spent two years on the coast of Africa, 
in the fleet appointed to suppress the slave trade, and 
his journals, made while on the shores of Liberia and 
Guinea, were copiously used by Mr. Gurley, the gov- 
ernment agent at Liberia, in his reports to Congress. 
For two years he was attached to the Mediterranean 
squadron. On that cruise lie sent home to public 
institutions some rare and curious antiquities, which 
are considered the very best specimens of their kind. 
During the civil war he held some of the most respon- 
sible positions of trust in the navy, both ashore and 
afloat, disbursing several millions of public money 
without the .slightest deficit or loss to the government. 



148 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



At the organization of the Groton Heights (Conn.) 
Centennial Committee, in 1879, he was elected presi- 
dent of the Centennial Commission, and his admin- 
istration of its aflairs, tliat resulted in sucli perfect 
success on the Cth and 7th of September, 1881, was 
characterized by good judgment and executive ability. 



CAPT. HEXRY TABER. 
Among those who took tlie " oath of fidelity" in the 
old township of Dartmouth in 1(J84 was Thomas Taber, 
and among the proprietors of Dartmouth in Novem- 
ber, 1694, we find Joseph Taber, Thomas Taber, and 
Thomas Taber, Jr. Among the early .settlers men- 
tioned in the old records we note eleven of the name, 
viz.: Jacob, Jacob, Jr., John, Jonathan, Joseph, 
Philip, Philip, Jr., Stephen, Thomas, Thomas, Jr., 
and William. Thus for two hundred years has this 
good family of Friends been resident in New Bedford 
and neighborhood, and connected with its growth and 
prosperity. 

Capt. Henry Taber, son of Benjamin^ and Rhobe 
(Aikin) Taber, was born in New Bedford, Mass., 
March 29, 1795. His great-grandfather, Benjamin 
Taber, and Susannah, his wife, bad thirteen children, 
— Elizabeth, Joseph, Benjamin-, John, Archelaus, 
Joshua, Mary, Jeduthan, Rebecca, Thomas, Jeremiah, 
Lewis, and Seth. Benjamin-, born Oct. 10, 1733, died 
Feb. 5, 1820, was twice married: (1) to Hannah, 
daughter of Barnabas and Mary Gardner, of Nan- 
tucket. She died Feb. 16, 1766. Their children were 
Barnalijis, Daniel. Benjamin^ (2) to Eunice, widow 
of Joseph Gardner, and daughter of Richard and 
Lydia Worth, of Nantucket. She was born in 1731, 
and died in 1814. Their children were Barnabas, Su- 
sannah, and Frances. He was the builder of the first 
whale-boat built in New Bedford. Benjamin Taber^ 
born Feb. 2, 1766, married Rhobe, daughter of Thomas 
Aikin, born Jan. 30, 1708, by whom he had eight 
children, — Hannah, Philip A., James, James-, Henry, 
Thomas, Shubael, and Rliobe. She died May 11, 1801, 
aged thirty-three. He then married Merab Coffin, 
by whom he had six children, — Benjamin C, Sarah C. 
and Ann F. (twins), Rhobe A., John W., and Avis F. 
He was a block-maker, and a very inventive genius. 
He received or owned a patent for boring logs for 
aqueducts, which business he followed so long as he 
remained in New Bedford. The last part of his life 
was passed in Victoria, 111., where he died, aged eighty 
years. He was a man of sterling integrity, and highly 
esteemed for his numerous good qualities. 

Thomas Aikin, father of Rhobe, came to New Bed- 
ford from Canada. He was a man of limited means, 
also of the Society of Friends, and a blacksmith by 
trade. He had three sons and three daughters, — 
Abial, Charles, Timothy, Rhobe, Abigail, and Luramy. 
Henry Taber remained with the home circle, receiving 
a limited school education and assisting his father until 
he was fourteen. At that age he went to sea as cabin- 



boy with his uncle, John Wood, master of the " George 
and Susan," a ship now owned b'y Aikin & Swift, and 
doing good service. (His mother died when he was 
but six years of age, and the care of his youth was 
given by his Aunt Luramy, wife of Capt. John Wood. 
She kept house for his father, and was almost a 
mother to the family.) This first voyage took him to 
Virginia, from whence they took a lading of tobacco 
to Liverpool. His second trip was to Port Glasgow. 
His third was to Hamburgh as second mate. His last 
voyage was in the brig " Nancy," Capt. Packard, alter 
the war of 1812, from New York to Dublin. He then 
for one year was chief mate under Capt. John Wood, 
on a packet running from New Bedford to New York. 
The fifteen subsequent years he was captain on the 
same line, and commanded four diflerent vessels, 
"Orbit," "Boston," "Experiment," and "Helen," 
owning a one-fourth iuterest in the last two. In 1832, 
Capt. Taber engaged in trade in New Bedford as a 
grocer and ship-chandler in company with D.ivid 
Sherman, as Taber & Sherman, on Centre Street, 
near the wharf. Mr. Sherman soon left for Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y., to look after whaling interests there. 
After' two or three years Capt. Taber formed a part- 
nership with his son, William G., and son-in-law, 
John Hunt, under firm-title of Henry Taber & Co. 
This firm continued in successful and prosperous ex- 
istence until March 1,1866, when Capt. Taber retired, 
and the firm-name changed to Taber, Gordon & Co. 

About 1834, Capt. Taber became quite largely in- 
terested in whaling, and amassed considerable wealth 
from this source. He is now largely interested in the 
various enterprises of New Bedford. He was presi- 
dent of the Mutual iMarine Insurance Company, now 
suspended, is a director in the National Bank of Com- 
merce, and is a stockholder in three diflerent banks. 
He has been twice married : (1 ) to Nabby, daughter of 
William and Nabby Gordon, Dec. 16, 1819. She was 
born in New Bedford, March 10, 1800, and died Nov. 
9, 1831. The children of this marriage were William 
G., born Aug. 20, 1821 ; Abby (Mrs. John Hunt), born 
Aug. 16, 1824 ; and Robert, born Get. 4, 1831. (2) to 
Sally, sister of first wife, Dec. 9, 1832. She was born 
July 20, 1802. They had one son, Henry A. (de- 
ceased). (William Gordon died June 26, 183.5, aged 
eighty years. His wife, Nabby Gordon, died Nov. 
16, 1831, aged seventy years.) 

In politics, Capt. Taber has ever been a Whig and 
a Republican. Believing in the principles of these 
parties he was strong in their support, and, with the 
exception of two years, served in the State Legisla- 
ture from 1838 to 1844. Many years Capt. Taber has 
been one of New Bedford's representative and most 
successful business men. He has been industrious, 
cautious, and conservative, showing great financial 
ability in the many diversified and complicated in- 
terests in which he has been engaged. Of strict in- 
tegrity and frank courtesy, his manly qualities and 
sterling worth have given him stanch friends all 





7 



NEW BEDFORD. 



149 



along the path of life, and never was a friend betrayed 
who trusted his interests in his hands. Those who 
have known him longest are to-day his warmest 
admirers. 

WILLIAM PHILLIP!?. 

The firm of Williiim Phillips & Son, for years one 
of the well-known commercial houses of New Bed- 
ford, is a copartnership consisting of William Phillips 
and George R. Phillips, father and son. The busi- 
ness of the firm is that of ship agents and commission- 
merchants, having had considerable interests in the 
whale fisheries and the buying and selling of its prod- 
ucts from the formation of the copartnership to the 
present time. 

The senior member of this house, Mr. William 
Phillips, who is the subject of this short sketch, was 
born at Westport, in the county of Bristol, Jan. 3, 
1801, and is, con.sequently, at the present time nearly 
eighty-two years of age. His father, Capt. Edward 
Phillips, was born in Dartmouth, in the same county, 
April 5, 1779, and died in Westport Jan. 28, 1831. 
He was married to a lady named Amy Tripp, and 
made his home in that part of Westport known as 
Tripp's wharf, being near Hix's bridge. William 
was the oldest son of a family which consisted of 
eight children, of whom but two sisters and himself 
are now living. 

The age of fourteen found him at work as clerk in 
a store at the head of Westport River. In this occu- 
pation he remained until January, 1820, when he 
came to New Bedford, where he was employed as 
clerk by Levi Standish, of that place. Since that 
time he has lived in New Bedford continuously up to 
the present time. For five years he was engaged in 
that or kindred occupations, and in 1825 entered the 
office of John Avery Parker, of New Bedford, as clerk 
and book-keeper. After remaining with him about 
three years he formed a copartnership with Mr. 
George Russell, and engaged in the business of a ship- 
chandlery and commission-house, under the firm- 
name of Phillips tt Russell. 

In 1832 this firm, together with John A. Parker, 
erected the brick building known as Parker's Block, 
at the foot of Middle Street. A few years later, in 
1836, lie again entered the office of Mr. Parker, at that 
time being a firm under the name of John A. Parker 
& Son, as book-keeper and confidential clerk. He re- 
mained in this position until the death of John A. 
Parker, in December, 1853, the firm liaving been dis- 
solved some time previous by the withdrawal of the 
son, Frederick Parker, in 1848. 

Mr. John A. Parker, upon his death, left a large 
estate to be administered upon, and by the terms of 
his will appointed Mr. Phillips accounting executor 
and trustee, with his son, Frederick Parker, and Hon. 
John H. Clifibrd, the two last of whom died before 
the final settlement of the estate. The final settle- 
ment of this estate was effected in 1880, that being the 



time when the last entries were made and the books 
of the trust closed, although the bulk of the estate 
had long before been distributed. 

The account-books of this trust cover a period of 
twenty-seven years, and being in the handwriting of 
Mr. Pliillips they are, among other things, interesting 
as showing the gradual change that years make, " the 
sensible yet imperceptible growth of age." It was 
after the death of Mr. Parker that the firm of William 
Phillips & Son was formed. In the business of the 
last thirty years Mr. Phillips has often been called 
upon to perform duties where integrity and a sound 
knowledge of business were necessary. The offices 
of executor, administrator, and trustee for various 
parties and estates, director in insurance, banking, 
and manufacturing concerns are among the many 
offices of trust and honor that he has been called to 
fill, and has filled acceptably in every instance. 

His life has been almost entirely one of private 
business, — a life whose lack of opportunity for dis- 
play has certainly not created in him any desire for 
it. He is to-day one of the sound practical business 
men, a class of people who are by no means the least 
efficient in helping along good deeds and good morals, 
and now, at the advanced age of eighty-two, he may 
justly feel proud of the reputation for honesty and 
integrity he enjoys, which is one of the results of his 
long life's work. Habits of industry formed and 
practiced through long years become second nature. 
Length of years may impair bodily vigor, but in this 
case there is no indication of any loss of mental 
vigor. 

Daily at his place of business, he presents the ex- 
ample — an example by no means of frequent occur- 
rence — of a man of great age who still has no idea of 
retiring from business. The life of a private business 
man whose promises are kept and whose credit is 
good is apt to be uneventful as far as the purposes of 
a biographical sketch are concerned. Such a life is so 
because good credit accompanies or follows correct 
business habits, and such habits mean the smooth 
running of affairs ; while affairs run smoothly, when 
each day, though it bring its work and obligations, 
leaves its obligations complied with and its labor 
performed. Such a life has been that of the subject 
of this sketch. 

But lives with no startling events, no notorious or 
famous acts, are the foundation and superstructure of 
society. The famous and eventful lives may well 
considered the architectural embellishments, but they 
must have the solid structure to form themselves 
upon. Half of the beauty of a picture is a suitable 
background. Trimming is a good thing in its place, 
but the most essential thing is to have something to 
trim. Life is not a dream is the assertion of more 
than one experience, and the lives of great events 
are rendered possible only by just such lives as the 
one in question. Existence to the mass is upright 
and downright business. The value of right living, 



150 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY", MASSACHUSETTS. 



straightforward conduct and integrity, is not easily 
measured. We are apt to be dazzled by the strong 
glare of wh.at are termed great achievements, and, in 
consequence, place their common value too high ; but 
to the people at large, to the common brotherhood of 
man, for the growth and stability of good solid char- 
acter and true worth, the example of a well-done 
life's work is of the highest kind of value. E. J. L. 



WILLIAM C. N. SWIFT. 

William Cole Nye Swift, son of Reuben and Jane 
(Nye) Swift, was born on the Nye farm in Fairhaven, 
Mass., April 27, 1815. (For ancestral history, see bi- 
ography of R. N. Swift, Acushnet.) When William 
was five years old his father removed to New Bedford, 
where he received the educational advantages of pri- 
vate and academic schools. He entered Brown Uni- 
versity in 1831, being in the class of 1835, but left 
towards the end of his sophomore year on account of 
his health. He returned to New Bedford, and began 
his long and successful business career by entering 
the counting-room of Benjamin Rodman as assistant 
book-keeper. He gave satisfaction, and was soon pro- 
moted to book-keeper, in which capacity he remained 
until 1835. His father, largely engaged in. the Jive-' 
oak trade, then offered him a partnership in the firm' 
of E. & R. Swift & Co. Accepting .the partnership, 
William at once entered into. active labor, going to 
Ossabaw Island, on the coast of Georgia, to..superin- 
tend the getting out of live-oak ship-timber.. From 
this time on, for many years, this was his business. 
He visited various parts of Florida and Louisiana 
examining lands and purchasing valuable live-oak 
lots. He was vigorous, and, although meeting many 
discomforts, privations, and' hardships, enjoyed the 
life. The above-mentioned firm existed until 1837, 
and from that time Mr. Swift continued in the live- 
oak business steadily i'or ten years, and has been en- 
gaged in it at intervals since that time. 

In June, 1838, he was a passenger on the ill-fated 
steamer " Pulaski" when she was blown up by the 
explosion of one of her boiler.s on a passage between 
Savannah and Baltimore. Mr. Swift escaped in one 
of the boats, and lie and another New Bedford man 
were the first to land through the surf. The land 
they reached was an uninhabited island in Stump 
Sound, on the coast of North Carolina. 

In 1843, Mr. Swift, who had before owned portions 
of whaling-vessels, bought the ship " Plowboy" and 
sent her on a voyage for s))erm whales. In 1845, he, 
with his brother Obed, bought the " Formosa." In 
December, 1845, he went to Europe, and during the 
next year contracted with the English government to 
furnish spars. He was in Europe nearly a year, a 
large part of the time in Paris, where he gave much 
time to the study of French. In June, 1847, he mar- 
ried, and in July of that year went again to Europe, 
accompanied by his wife. They remained there over 



a year, and were living in Paris at the time of the 
revolution of the 24th of February, 1848, and during 
the three terrible days in June, when the provisional 
government was overturned. In 1849 he again went 
to Europe for a short time on business, and again in 
1851, and was in Paris on the 2d of December, at the 
time of the coup d'etat of Louis Napoleon. (Mr. Swiit 
has ever since maintained an interest in European, 
and especially French, politics, which he has followed 
closely.) 

While he was in Europe Mr. Swift established what 
would probably have been an extensive and lucrative 
business, having made contracts with the governments 
of France and Holland, as well as with that of Eng- 
land ; but in 1849 Mr. Jireli Perry, Mrs. Swift's i'ather, 
died. He had an extensive business, and was the owner 
of several whale-ships, and Mr. Swift was induced to 
give up his European timber trade and attend per- 
sonally to managing the estate in connection with 
Mr. Eben Perry, the son of Mr. Perry. From that 
time Mr. Swift has extended his busine.ss in whaling. 
His agents, Aikin & Swift, liave now twelve vessels 
engaged in that pursuit. 

Mr. Swift married Eliza Nye Perry, daughter of 
Jireh and Nancy (Nye) Perry, of New Bedford. Her 
great-grandfather. Dr. Samuel Perry, was a well- 
known and honored physician, who practiced in and 
near New Bedford. Her grandfather, Dr. Ebenezer 
Perry, was also a successful physician of New Bed- 
ford. Her fiither, Jireh Perry, was connected witli 
thfe whaling business during his whole life, com- 
mencing as clerk foi' Charles & Seth Russell, and, 
growing up in the business, accumulated a large for- 
tune. 

'Mr. and Mrs. Swift have the following children : 
Henry. W., who graduated i'rom Harvard College in 
1871, and from the Harvard Law School in 1874. 
He is now jiracticing his profession in Boston. Fred- 
erick, who graduated at Harvard in 1874, and is now 
a member of the firm of Aikin & Swift, in New Bed- 
ford, agents and managing owners of whaling-vessels. 
WilUain N., who graduated at Harvard in 1874, and 
from Harvard Medical School in 1879, is now a phy- 
sician in New Bedford. Franklin, who is in the 
United States navy, having graduated at the Naval 
Academy at Annapolis in 1880. He was made passed 
midshipman in June, 1882. They also have a daugh- 
ter, Elise, who is the youngest of the family. 

j Mr. Swift is a man of fine appearance, courteous, 
hospitable, and affable. His cultivation and wide 
experience have given him a varied and thorough 
knowledge of men and events, and he has always 
been distinguished for sterling integrity of character, 

I and for energy, enterprise, and good judgment. These 
qualities have made him successful in business, and 
in earlier years, when he gave some attention to poli- 
tics, influential in his party in the State. He has for 
years been one of the prominent business men of New 
Bedford, and has, among other interests, been for a 




f 



9 




NEW BEDFORD. 



151 



long time connected with the Banlc of Commerce, of 

New Bedford, having been a director since 1849, and 
being its vice-president at the present time. 

In politics Mr. Swift ivas a Whig until 1856, and 
since then has been a Democrat. He at one time had 
great influence in Massachusetts politics, owing to his 
intimacy with President James Buchanan, but he 
never abused his power, either by recommending a 
friend for office or for '[lersonal advancement, and 
could never be prevailed upon to accept office him- 
self. 

Mr. Swift has a place on Orchard Street in New 
Bedford, where he and his family live during the 
winter months; but his residence is in South Dart- 
mouth, where he has a farm called " Rockland," of 
about a hundred and twenty-five acres, on the shore 
of Buzzard's Bay. This has been the home of the 
familv in summer since 1856. 



DR. EDWARD P. ARBE. 

Probably no country was ever settled by better 
citizens than by those Huguenots who came from 
France to New England in its early colonial days to 
find the liberty of religious thought denied them in 
their native land. Their firm religious belief brought 
persecution upon them with no other eifect tlian to 
drive them from France to the new world of freedom 
across the ocean. Thomas Abbe was one of a num- 
ber of this faith who came to Enfield, Conn., in 1638, 
and became a resident. He was a man of some im- 
portance, was one of the commissioners who laid out 
the town, and was selectman, etc. It is said tb.at the 
whole town was originally owned by three men, — Abbe, 
Terry, and Parsons. He was a farmer, married, in 
Enfield, Mary Pees ; so it is inferred that he was quite 
a young man when he left France. He had four 
children, — Thomas, Hannah, Sara, and Obadiah. 
Thomas Abbe inherited the land where he and his 
descendants lived and cultivated it, marrying, in 1692, 
Penelope Terry, by whom he had five children, — 
Thomas, Mary. Penelope, Sara, and John'. John' 
married Sara Root, and had eight children, — Sara, 
Obadiah, Hannah, Timothy D. (died young), Tim- 
othy, Daniel, Roxalana, and John-. John^ married 
Charity Simonds in 1764. Their children were John'. 
Sara, Asenath, Nancy, Roxalana, Charity, and Tim- 
othy. John', born Sept. 11, 1765, married, in 1790, 
Hannah, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Bradley) 
Billings, of Somers, Conn. (They were both descend- 
ants of the English Puritans.) The following 'chil- 
dren who attained maturity were born in Enfield : 
Hannah, Harriet, and Alanson. In 1804 he sold the 
lands which had been inherited in direct line from 
Thomas, the emigrant, and removed to Warehouse 
Point, in the town of East Windsor, Conn. Here 
were born five children, — John B., Loretta, Sophro- 
nia, James M., Ann A., and here Mr. Abbe died in 



1847, aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Abbe died in 1839, 
aged sixty-seven. 

Alanson Abbe, third child and oldest son of the 
above, was born in Enfield, Conn., June 17, 1795. 
He was graduated from Yale Medical School in 1821, 
! and settled in Litchfield, Conn., where he had a large 
' and lucrative practice, and became known for his suc- 
cess in orthopiedic surgery. He removed to Boston 
in 1839, where he practiced his ])rofession until a few 
years before his death. He married (1) Eliza Wood- 
ruif, daughter of Hon. Jonathan and Rachel (Steele) 
I Barnes, of Tolland, Conn. They had five children 
who lived to mature years, — Elizabeth F., Edward P., 
Frederick R., Burr R., and William A. (2) Hephzibah, 
I daughter of Benjamin Burgess, of Boston, Mass. 
! They had one child, Benjamin. (3) Margaret Liv- 
ingston D., of Albany, N. Y. Dr. Alanson Abbe died 
of paralysis in April, 1864, when almost seventy years 
of age. His first wife died Dec. 31, 1837, aged thirty- 
■ eight years. 

We give a condensed genealogy of Mrs. Abbe's 
(Eliza W, Barnes) ancestry as far as attainable : John' 
Steeleii first secretary of Connecticut colony, died 1664, 
leaving the following' children by his wife Rachel: 
! Johv?, Lydia, Mary, Sarah, Hannah, Samuel. John'^ 
married Mercy — — T,Jitid had Benoni, Henry, Daniel, 
Mary, John, and »Sa/HW^. Samuel and his wife Mercy 
had Thomas, Samuel, Jerusha, William, Abiel, Daniel, 
and Eliphald. Eliphalet married Catberine Marsh- 
field, and had Josiah, Catherine, Mercy, Tbeophilus, 
[ Eliphalet, Elijah, Rachel, Ruth, and Jerusha. Jo- 
j siah married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Benjamin 
Colton, first minister of West Hartford, Conn. They 
had Elizabeth, Amanda, Eliphalet, Josiah, Marsh- 
field, Rachel, Catherine, George, and Marshfield'. 
Stephen Barnes and his wife Mary, of Branford, 
I Conn., had children born in Branford, — Benjamin, 
' Stephen, Sarah, and Experience. Stephen married 
j Martha Wheadon, of Branford, and moved to South- 
i ingtou. Their children were Mary, Stephen, Jona- 
' than^, Martha,' William, Nathan, and Asa. Jona- 
than' married Elizabeth Woodruff, of Southington, 
Conn. Their children were Jonathan?, Elizabeth, 
Mary, Stephen, Sylvia, Lois, Levi, Joel, and Tru- 
man. Jonathan- (graduated from Yale College in 
1784) married Rachel Steele and had children, — Jon- 
athan^ Julius S., Edwin, Randolph, Eliza W., Wil- 
liam, and Josiah. All these sons of Judge Barnes 
were professional men. 

Edward Payson Abbe, son of Dr. Alanson and 
Eliza W. (Barnes) Abbe, was born in Litchfield, 
Conn., Nov. 28, 1827. He was fitted for college at 
Phillips' Andover Academy, and was graduated from 
Yale in 1848, and from Harvard Medical College in 
1852. The next year he settled in New Bedford, 
Mass., and began the practice of his profession, which 
has steadily increased, and which has been his life 
work. He married. May 2, 1854, Mary Hooper, 
daughter of William G. and Eunice (Hooper) Black- 



152 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNT V, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ler, of New Bedford. She came of an honorable 
lineage. On her father's side she was descended I'rom 
Thomas Gerry, Esq., born in Newton Abbot, Eng- 
land, in 1702, and from Madam Elizabeth (Green- 
field) Gerry, born in Boston, in 1716. These wore 
also the parents of Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Mas- 
sachusetts and fifth Vice-President of the United 
States. Her maternal grandfather was Hon. Na 
thaniel Hooper, lineal descendant of Bishop Hoojier, 
of England, and his family has been for several gen- 
erations prominent in the State. They have three 
children who are now living, — William, Edwacd, and 
Mary Hooper. Mrs. Abbe was a woman greatly, 
beloved. She had great energy of character and 
strong self-reliance, and was an earnest, active, and 
valued member of Grace (Episcopal) Church. She 
died Dec. 18, 1881. 

Dr. Abbe has quietly and without ostentation pur- 
sued his profession unweariedly for nearly thirty 
years, and has never found time nor inclination to 
engage in other pursuits. He has been successful in 
his chosen field, enjoying a large practice ajnong all 
classes of people. He stands to-day high in the 
esteem of the leading medical men of this section, 
and is consulting surgeon at St. Mary's Hospital, 
councilor of the Massachusetts Medic-al Society, and 
was president in 1879-80 of the South Bristol Med- 
ical Society. 

Republican in hi.s political affiliations, he has never 
cared for official preferment. He honorably served, 
however, as member of the school board five years, 
but has sought honors only in the line of his profes- 
sion. 



ANDREW MAGKIE,.M.».. 

Andrew Mackie, M.D., was born in Wareham, 
Mass.. Jan. 24, 1794, and died at his residence in 
New Bedford, May 2, 1871. He was son and grand- 
son of physicians, each successful. His father. Dr. 
Andrew Mackie, of Wareham, was a leading practi- 
tioner in Eastern Massachusetts. His grandfather, 
Dr. John Mackie, of Southampton, L. I. The son 
was fitted for college under the care of Rev. Noble 
Everett, of Wareham, graduated at Brown University 
in 1813, studied medicine with his father and elder 
brother. Dr. John Mackie, of Providence, R. I., and 
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New 
York, and commenced practice in Plymouth, Mass., 
in 1817, and there and New Bedford his professional 
life was passed ; that he stood well in respect to his 
associates is shown in the fact that he was twice vice- 
president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and 
gave by election its annual address in 1850. He kept 
up his reading of current medical literature to the 
last; but had doubtless seen so many glittering spe- 
cialties come and go that, thougli not rejecting, he 
was jealous of new novelties. 

At the annual meeting of the South Bristol Medi- 



cal Society, held in New Bedford, May 10, 1871, the 
following resolutions were adopted : 

" nt^^olved, Tliat by the death .of Dr. .Amiiew Blackie, of New Bedford, 
the members of this society lose an as-sociate of marlied professional ability 
and uprightness of character. 

" Resolved, That, one of the fwnnders of our society, he has claims to 
our gratitude for his unvaiying support of it, a support given from an 
often expre-*<sed conviction of tiie correctness of the principles under- 
lying its organization, that by measures promotive of professional good 
ttiat of our fellow-men will be promoted. 

" lie.wh'ed. That as individuals our gratitude is dtie him for the ex- 
ample of steadfast devotion to duty and high moral principle which has 
governed his course; that, as a man, a frieud, and a physician, his meni- 
' ory will ever be precious. 

" Itesolved, That we tender our sincere sympathy to his widow and his 
children in their bereavement." 

In early life he united with the Congregational 
Church, and was ever a faithful and consistent mem- 
ber. In 1834 he was chosen deacon of the North 
Congregational Church of New Bedford, and retained 
his official relation till his death. A man is valuable 
who is strictly conscientious. We have the memory 
of a man scrupulous to know the right and perfectly 
fearless to do it at any cost. In his life of seventy- 
seven years he left the testimony of an honest and 
conscientious man. A strong man, he was strong in 
his convictions. He reproduced the Puritan idea, 
modified only to less sternness. A massive strength, 
a solid faith, a fearless utterance, and though genial, 
and especially so in his family, where lie considered 
everybody's comfort before his own, yet a character 
which,' if aroiised to wrath, one would dread to en- 
counter. Such men are capable of great severit}'. 
He was satisfied with long life. He saw his family 
long settled, his sons in useful professions. He had 
the respect of his fellow-citizens as a just man and 
the regard of those in his own work, to some of whom 
he was a patriarch. 
! Fifty years of con.sistent Christian life are his tes- 
[ timony. Duty was his watchword ; duty fulfilled is 
i preparation. It does take years to make such a prep- 
aration. Fruit does not ripen in blossom-time. A 
great oak is many years from the acorn. A good life, 
stalwart, vigorous, true, it takes years to" build it up. 
Be patient, young men. Character is a plant of slow 
growth, but the reward of patient continuance is cer- 
tain. 

Dr. Mackie married, Dec. 4, 1821. at Plymouth, 
Mass., Hetty A., daughter of Capt. Lemuel Bradford, 
who was killed in the war of 1812, and a lineal de- 
scendant of Governor Bradford. 

Of their five children. Rev. Andrew was a dean of 
the Episcopal Church of Northern Indiana, died in 
the Spring of 1878, aged fifty-five; John H., M.D. ; 
George F. died at twenty-three, he was a captain in 
the merchant service; Elizabeth C, wife of George 
Hastings, of New Bedford ; and Amelia B., who died 
at five years. Mrs. Mackie died Aug. 80, 1880, aged 
seventy-seven. 




\(A^A^ V\o-A^iAii V\AC^c>P(Lu?_^ 





a^ u d 




NEW BEDFORD. 



153 



JOHN UOWELL MACKIE, A.M., M.D. 

John Howell Mackie, A.M., M.D., son of Dr. 
Andrew and Hetty Amelia (Bradford) Mackie, of New 
Bedford. His father was a son of Dr. Andrew Mackie, 
of Wareham (an eminent physician of that section 
of the State, and a surgeon in the United States army 
during the Revolution), and a grandson of Dr. John 
Mackie, of Southampton, L. I. His mother was a 
lineal descendant of Governor Bradford. He was 
born at Plymouth, Mass., Aug. 24, 1826. Educated 
at private schools and under private tutors, he puV- 
sued his professional studies at Harvard College (on 
whose roll of honor his name stands), and at the 
Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, where he 
graduated as M.D. March 9, 1850, and in the same 
year established himself in practice in New Bedford, 
where at this time, 1882, he is one of the leading sur- 
geons and physicians. His reputation as a surgeon 
is not confined to his city or county, but is recog- 
nized all through the United States, he having per- 
formed many of the most important and difficult 
operations in surgery, and being frequently called in 
consultation in various parts of his own as well as 
other States in New England. From the Massachu- 
setts Medical Society, of which he has been an hon- 
ored member since 1850, he has received many hon- 
ors, having been a councilor for many years, and been 
chosen to represent the State Society at the meetings of 
the Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and 
New York Medical Societies. He was also chosen a 
delegate from the Ma.ssachusetts Medical Society to 
the International Medical Congress of 1876, a con- 
gress composed of the most eminent men from all 
parts of the civilized world, and became a member of 
that congre.ss. In 1876 he was chosen anniversary 
chairman of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and 
presided at the annual dinner in Music Hall, Boston, 
where among more than one thousand members and 
guests was Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, and other 
distinguished strangers. 

In 1882 he was chosen vice-president of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society. He is a permanent mem- 
ber of the American Medical Society, also a member 
and in 1863 and 1864 was pre.sident of the Bristol 
South District Medical Society. He is now (1882) 
president of the New Bedford Society for Medical Im- 
provement. He wa-s appointed consulting physician 
and surgeon to St. Joseph's Hospital in 1875, and still 
retains the position. In the late war he was an acting 
surgeon in the United States navy from May 13, 1861, 
until March, 1862, when, his health being affected by 
his service in the Gulf of Mexico, he resigned his 
position, and was soon after appointed an acting as- 
sistant surgeon in the army, and during the rest of the 
war was in charge of hospitals at the North. Since 
1863 he has been a United States examining surgeon 
for the Pension Bureau. He is a member and in 1881 
was elected a trustee and member of the council of 
the Massachusetts Medical Benevolent Society. 



From 1868 to 1871, inclusive, he was a member of 
the New Bedford City Council. In 1879 he assisted 
in the arduous work of organizing the first Board of 
Health in the city of New Bedford, and in 1880 and 
1881 was its chairman. He also served as quarantine 
physician, and organized a system of quarantine 
which received the unqualified indorsement of the 
national authorities. Dr. Mackie has been largely 
called upon .is a medical and surgical expert before 
the sessions of all the courts in Bristol County. His 
well-known thorough knowledge of his profession and 
the perfect clearness and honesty of his testimony are 
thoroughly appreciated by juries in the county of 
Bristol. In politics he- was a Whig until the death 
of the party, when he became a Republican, and has 
since acted and voted with that party. When a young 
man he became an Episcopalian, but in later years 
has gone back to the faith of his fathers, and although 
not a member of the church, ia a constant attendant 
at the old North Congregatiobal Church, where for so 
many years his fatlier was an'^honored member and 
deacon. His character is formed very much upon 
his father's, having the same stern devotion to the 
calls of duty, whatever they may be, and the same 
uncompromising sen.se 'of honor and devotion to his 
professional duties. Charitable to the poor, equally 
ready to respond to the call of the humble and the 
lowly as Well as to the honored and wealthy, he is a 
worthy successor to an honored name and reputation. 
Jan. l,.1860i he married Alice Weston, daughter of 
Henry Tobey, of Fabnouth, Mass., formerly of George- 
town, S. C, by whom he had four children, one daugh- 
ter and three sons, of whom only one is now living. 



CHARLES ALMY. 

Charles Almy, son of Pardon and Mary (Cook) 
Almy, was born in Tiverton, R. I., June 8, 1819, of 
parents resident in Little Compton. He is a de- 
scendant in the seventh generation from William 
Almy, who came from England to New Jersey in 
very early colonial days, and afterwards permanently 
settled in Rhode Island, where he became a large 
land-owner. His son Job, born 1640, died at Ports- 
mouth, R. I., in 1684. The descendants of William 
Almy are numerous in Rhode Island and the con- 
tiguous parts of this State. The line of descent 
from William to Charles is William', Job-', Job^, 
John*, Sanford^ Pardon", Charles'. The laud first 
occupied by William lay at Little Compton and Tiv- 
erton, and Js largely held to-day by his descend- 
ants. San ford Almy, born 1759, died 1844, a large 
real-estate owner, having several farms, was an ac- 
tive Democratic politician, and all his life in public 
positions of trust and honor. He was State senator 
for many years. Ho married Lydia Gray, by whom 
he had fifteen children. He was a man of strong in- 
tellect and sterling wurlli, and, while quiet and Unas- 



154 



HISTOKY OP BKISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



suming, led public opinion and had the confidence of 
all. Both he and liis wife lived to advanced years. 

Pardon Almy, their eighth child, born 1792, died 
1864, derived such advantages of education from the 
common schools as to be competent to teach, but soon 
became a farmer on a portion of the paternal acres, 
and was an agriculturist during his life. He was a 
man of good judgment and business sagacity. He 
held a colonelcy in the militia and was a deacon of 
the Baptist Church. He was quite retiring in dispo- 
sition, never seeking office, and accepting it as a duty 
only when he was considered the best man for the ])0- 
sition. He was of uniformly even disposition, and 
was rarely provoked to anger. 

He and four brothers lived on separate places in 
close proximity to each other, and they were all of 
strong physique and commanding appearance. They 
prided themselves on the amount of labor they could 
accomplish, and the superior manner in which it was 
done. They were social and hospitable, and none of 
them addicted to any vices. They were all good 
types of the best element of our intelligent New Eng- 
land yeomanry, and valuable and valued citizens. 
Each held an otHce which gave him an appellation for 
life. George was " Esquire," Frederick was " Col- 
onel," Oliver H. was " Judge," John was " Major," 
and Pardon was " Deacon." 

Pardon married Mary Cook, a lineal descendant of 
Governor William Bradford. They had seven chil- 
dren attaining mature years, of whom Charles was 
oldest. 

Charles Almy was reared a farmer, and from early 
years was accustomed to labor. He had good common 
school and academic education, and commenced 
teaching school when but seventeen. He was a 
teacher for seven consecutive years, and gave good 
satisfaction. In 1843 he opened a country store at 
Tiverton, where he remained until Jan. 1, 1846, when 
he removed to New Bedford and engaged in dry-goods 
and tailoring business at " Old 4 Corners," corner 
Union and North Water Streets. He shortly after, 
in partnershi]^ with George A. Bourne, as Almy & 
Bourne, started the auction and commission business 
now conducted by George A. Bourne & Sons, and was 
connected therewith four or five years. 

He soon became interested in whaling, and devoted 
himself largely to that lucrative business, relinquish- 
ing the management of his store to his brother San- 
ford, who purchased it in 1861. Mr. Almy continued 
whaling until the breaking out of the civil war. In 
1854 he built a whaling ship (four hundred tons), 
the " Seconet," at Fairhaven, and afterwards a bark 
of three hundred and eighty tons for merchant ser- 
vice, which he named for his daughter " Helen W. 
Almy." This vessel is now running between San 
Francisco and the Sandwich Islands. For twenty-one 
years Mr. Almy's office was in the building where he 
first began his New Bedford business life. The com- 
niencenient of his present insurance business was in 



1864, when he was induced to take the agency of the 
National Travelers Accident Insurance Company, of 
New York. This proving to be profitable, he accepted 
agencies from life and fire insurance companies, and 
has built up a fine business. 

Like the stock from which he sprung, Mr. Almy 
has independent habits of thought and a strong sense 
of justice. He would be untrue to his ancestry if he 
supported wrong, even though countenanced by a 
powerful and wealthy majority. "There is a minor- 
ity nearer right than the majority," and with that 
minority Mr. Almy has willingly taken his place. 
Anti-slavery in the dark days when opposition to . 
that gigantic evil caused almost social ostracism, anti- 
rum from principle long before an organization of a 
Prohibition party, he has steadily adhered to those 
principles until slavery has ceased to be in our land, 
and the best elements of all classes are demanding 
the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, and use of 
intoxicating liquor as a beverage. He has given freely 
his time, his influence, and his money in advocacy of 
the right. 

Originally a Democrat, he became a Free-Soiler in 
1848, and supported Free-Soil and Republican candi- 
dates and measures until the organization of the Pro- 
hibition party, and since then has been one of its 
most active leaders. He has received the nomination 
of that party for member of Governor's Council, Sec- 
retary of State, and was its candidate for Governor 
in 1880, 1881, and 1882. He has the friendship and 
confidence of the best citizens of New Bedford, served 
on the school board of the city several years, and was 
its chairman for three years ; has been elected alder- 
man, representative to the Legislature, and has refused 
several nominations for the mayoralty, twice when 
the nomination was equivalent to an election. 

He was one of the original corporators of the New 
Bedford Five Cent Savings-Bank, organized in 1855, 
and has been connected with it continuously ever 
since as trustee and clerk. He has been a director in 
the New Bedford Gas-Light Company since its early 
organization. He was president of the Lyceum of 
the town of New Bedford for twelve consecutive years, 
from 1860, during the period of its greatest prosperity. 
He was one of the early trustees of the Free Public 
Library, and one of the building commissioners of 
the Free Public Library building. He joined the 
First Congregational Church (Liberal Unitarian) in 
1846, and has been one of the most constant attend- 
ants at its services. 

He married, Oct. fS, 1846, Mary A., daughter of 
Benjamin and Cynthia (Smith) Cummings, of Dart- 
mouth. They have four children, — Helen Wayne, 
Charles, Francis and Frederick (twins). Charles has 
taken the degrees of A.B. and LL.B. from Harvard 
University, and is now an Assistant United States At- 
torney in Boston. Francis has taken the degrees 
of A.B. and A.M. from Harvard, and is secretary and 
treasurer of the class of 1879. He is now in the em- 



NEW BEDFORD. 



155 



ploy of the Erie and Western Transportation Com- 
pany (Anchor Line) at Cliicago. Frederick graduated 
at Harvard in 1880, and is now a student in the law 
department of tlie same school. He is also secretary 
and treasurer of liis class. 



HON. WARREX LADD. 

Hon. Warren Ladd was born at Bradford (now 
Groveiand, Mass.), July 21, 1813. He married Lucy 
Washburn, daughter of Hon. Abel Kingman, of North 
Bridgewater (now Brockton), Is'ov. 22, 1842. They 
have five children, — Herbert Warren, Sarah Ella, 
Florence Kingman, Anna Winthrop, and George 
Milton. 

Nathaniel Ladd, Esq., the father of Warren, was 
born in Haverhill, Mass., Sept. 17, 178G. He removed 
to Bradford in 1810. For many years he was chair- 
man of the board of selectmen, a justice of the peace, 
secretary and treasurer of the Groveiand Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company, deacon of the Congregational 
Church, and for about .'?ixty years was one of its most 
active and influential members. He married Sally, 
daughter of Col. Zebulon Ingersoll, of Haverhill, 
July 14, 1811. Her father, born in Gloucester Sep- 
tember, 1757, was a merchant, a ship-buijder, and an 
active, energetic, and successful business man. Her 
mother was Ruth, daughter of Benjamin Moody,, of 
West Newberry, and her grandmother, Ann, the 
daughter of Dr. Moses Bradstreet, of Kittery, Me. 
Warren's ancestors run back tlirough Nathaniel (6), 
Nathaniel (5), Nathaniel (4), John (3), Samuel (2), 
to Daniel (1), who came from London in the ship 
'"Mary and John" in 1683-34. There is a tradition 
that Daniel was the son of Nathaniel, of Dartmouth, 
Kent County, England, and that the first Ladds came 
from France with William the Conqueror, and settled 
in Deal, Kent Co., where a portion of laud was grauted 
them. .1 . 

Warren Ladd was educated in the public schools, 
and at the Merrimack Academy. Coming to New 
Bedlbvd in July, 1840, he entered the employ of the 
New Bedford and Taunton Railroad Company as 
clerk in the freight office ; was soon promoted to 
freight agent, and then to general agent at New Bed- 
ford. In 1802 he was appointed superintendent of 
the road, which position he held until 1877. His con- 
nection with this road continued from its opening, in 
1840, to its consolidation with the Boston, Clinton 
and Fitchburg Railroad, a period of about thirty- 
seven years. This long term of service is the highest 
possible compliment to his integrity, ability, and 
faithfulness. Though actively engaged in arduous 
and responsible duties, he found time for intellectual 
culture, and by a judicious course of reading acquired 
a general knowledge of scientific, mechanical, and 
economical subjects. He took a deep interest in 
municipal affairs, and gave his influence and active 
eft'ort to the promotion of every measure which in 



his judgment iiromised to increase the growth and 
prosperity of the city. For this reason he was re- 
peatedly called to the service of the city: for five 
years as member of the Common Council and one 
year as its president; for five terms a member of the 
Board of Aldermen ; for several years one of the 
school committee, and a trustee of the Free Public 
Library. Of the latter he may rightly be called the 
father. At the laying of the corner-stone of the 
present library building. Mayor Howland, in his ad- 
dress referring to the origin of the library, said, — 

"On the Sth of seventh month (July) of the same 
year (1851), Warren Ladd, a member of the Common 
Countjil from Ward one, introduced an order into 
that branch of the city government 'for the raising 
of a committee to consider the expediency of estab- 
lishing in this city a Free Public Library.' This 
order was adopted in the Common Council but was 
non-concurred in by .tlie Board of Aldermen. This is 
believed to be the fii-st order ever introduced into any 
representative body fbr the establishment of such an 
institution, and to this gentleman must and does 
belong the honor of having taken the initiatory step 
toward the establishment of a library for the |)ublic 
by the people themselves." 

Mr. Laefd was an-ejtrlyand persistent advocate of 
the introduction of water, and oue of the three com- 
inissioners under -whose direction the water-works 
were built. As shqwing the breadth of his views and 
his terseness in stating tlrem, we quote from a report 
(written by him) of' a committee which had the 
matter under consideration : 

" Your committee are fully of the opinion that the 
introduction of an ajnple supply of pure water iuto 
the city is an imperative necessity, and one which 
should not be much longer delayed. It is part of 
wise statesmanship to look at the future, to anticipate 
its wants and guard against its casualties. Cities, like 
.men, flourish and prosper only by their own exertions, 
and it becomes those whom the people have placed 
in power to be equal to the present emergency. We 
have the interest and honor of tlie city in our hands. 
We know its wants and necessities, and can compre- 
hend the crisis in our artiiirs. Shall we grasp and 
control the crisis, turn it with a steady hand to our 
interest and prosperity? or allow it silently and 
timidly to pass by and float beyond our reach? Shall 
we legislate only for to-day, and shrink from looking 
the great future in the face ; or shall we, knowing the 
necessity and perceiving the remedy, fearlessly per- 
form our duty ?" 

He was upon the committee to which was referred 
the question of introducing gas; was an earnest ad- 
vocate of the construction of common sewers, and in- 
tnuluced into the Common Council the first order for 
the appointment of a committee to consider the ex- 
pediency of purchasing a steam fire-engine. The en- 
largement and improvement of the city common was 
in a great measure due to his influence and exertion. 



15t> 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In the late civil war he was a member of the Com- 
mittee on Enlistments, and took an active part, as its 
records sliov.', in every effort made by the city to aid 
the national government in putting down the rebel- 
lion. He has been connected as director with sev- 
eral corporations, and is now president of the New 
Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway Company, 
and a trustee of the Five Cent Savings-Bank. For 
thirty years he has held the commission of justice of 
the peace. 

Naturally conservative, Mr. Ladd has none of that 
blind reverence of the past which prevents one from 
keeping abreast with the spirit of the age, and adopt- 
ing any new devices and improvements that genius 
and enterprise may invent or discover. 

In jjolitics, originally an ardent Whig, he early 
became an equally earnest and active Republican; 
has been chairman of the Republican City Committee, 
and in 1876 was a Presidential elector from the First 
Congressional District. He has written largely for 
the press ; was for many years the New Bedford cor- 
respondent of the Haverhill Gazette over the signature 
of " Warren," and has contributed many able articles 
to the New Bedford papers over the nom de plume of 
" Julius." 



WILLIAM HATHAWAY, Jr. 

According to an account in an old English history, 
Thomas Hathaway (the earliest ancestor in America) 
sailed from England in the "Isabella," bound for 
Marblehead, previous to the year 1680. He mar- 
ried Mary Starbuck, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary 
Starbuck, about the year 1680. His son Thomas 
moved to New Bedford (then Dartmouth). His son 
Jonathan had two sons, Jonathan and Thomas, from 
whom descended the subject of our sketch, William 
Hathaway, Jr., also his wife. 

Jonathan Hathaway had three children, — William, 
Elisha, and Jabez. William had four children, and 
was the father of W^illiain Hathaway, Jr. Thomas 
Hathaway had four children, — Thomas, Gilbert, 
Elizabeth, and Mary. Thomas, Jr., was the father of 
Mary Hathaway, who married her cousin, William 
Hathaway, Jr. Their descendants are four, — Au- 
gustus, William, Mary, and Thomas. 

William Hathaway, Jr., was born in New Bedford, 
July 17, 1798. Having as a boy made two voyages to 
London with bis father, he acquired a taste for the 
sea, which led him later to pass twenty years in the 
merchant service. He made many voyages to ports 
in the Mediterranean, — Trieste, Palermo, Malaga, 
Cadiz, Seville, and Gibraltar,— also to France, Hol- 
land, Russia, England, Ireland, West Indies, and the 
Southern ports of the United States. 

These voyages were marked with pleasant occasions 
which filled his mind with delightful memories. A 
few years since, at his home, an officer in the navy, 
his guest at the time, recalled the pleasant inter- 



change of courtesies which they had enjoyed upon 
each other's ships in the Mediterranean forty years 
before, and it was the first time they had met since 
then. His favorite city was St. Petersburg, of which 
he always speaks with enthusiasm, and often enjoys 
relating an interesting incident which occurred in his 
presence in that city during the raising of a magnifi- 
cent and colossal monolith of red granite to the 
memory of Alexander I., when, by the plain common 
sense of a common sailor, by wetting the ropes and 
thus shrinking them, the great work was completed 
when science failed. 

Later, in company with Capt. Matthew Luce, he 
engaged in the whaling business, which copartnership 
continued for eighteen years, and until the decease of 
Capt. Luce. Mr. Hathaway continued the business 
until the time of the Rebellion, when he retired. 

Three of the vessels were sold to the government 
for the stone fleet to blockade Charleston Harbor. 
Two were destroyed by rebel privateers. The first, 
the "Virginia," was taken by the "Alabama," the 
second by the "Shenandoah." 

The bark "Virginia" was taken by the "Ala- 
bama" Sept. 17, 1862, and was the ninth vessel de- 
stroyed by Semmes. 

The following is an account, written from facts re- 
ceived from one of the sufierers. The " Virginia" 
sailed from New Bedford three weeks before she was 
taken. They had been recruiting at the Western 
Islands, and were only a short distance from there 
when captured by the " Alabama." There was no oil 
on board at the time. The captain, supposing the 
"Alabama" a friendly steamer, as she was sailing 
under English colors, ordered a boat lowered to go to 
her, thinking they might have letters ; but, just be- 
fore starting, seeing a boat from the steamer coming 
towards them, they drew theirs back to the deck. 
The boat from the steamer neared, and ten men, 
under Lieut. Waddell (afterwards commander of the 
privateer "Shenandoah") boarded the "Virginia." 
Great was their dismay when Lieut. Waddell, after 
saying "good-morning" to the captain, passed imme- 
diately by him and commenced pulling down the 
colors. Simultaneously the English flag on the 
"Alabama" was lowered and the Confederate flag 
hoisted in its place. As soon as the flag on the " Vir- 
ginia" was taken down, Lieut. Waddell threw it over 
his arm, and approaching the captain with a haughty 
air, said, "Capt. Tilton, you are a prize to the Con- 
federate steamer ' Alabama.' I will give you all two 
hours to leave the ship, and allow you two changes of 
clothing, which must be taken away in bags. You 
are then to be sent on board the 'Alabama,' as your 
ship is to be burned." 

There was great consternation on board, but no one 
dared to raise an objection. Before the last boat left 
they set fire to the " Virginia" in three places. As 
they stepped on the deck of the "Alabama" each was 
handcuHed, and remained in that condition through 




VyWi' ,/-/ /^ z^^^<^^^ 




NEW BEDFORD. 



157 



fifteen long days and nights. The disheartening 
siglit of the burning ship was before them for over 
twelve hours, from eleven in the morning till twelve 
at midnight. 

The fiiimes flashed forth at first witli all fury, as if 
battling with the raging winds, emblematic of Semmes' 
barbarity. As night drew around them the winds 
abated and the flames grew less and less, till the mid- 
night hour revealed only a spark, the last bright 
symbol of what their noble ship had been to them, 
now only a phantom in imagination. Oh, that day's 
experience, what a thought ! so weird, so terrible in 
their overwrought and excited brains. Even the 
large Newfoundland dog partook of the distracted 
feelings of the ship's company. He was enraged 
when the pirates came on board, and after coolly sur- 
veying them he rushed to the highest place in the 
stern and growled and barked fiercely. He seemed 
to know they were disturbing the peace. The ill- 
omened guests showed some consideration by allow- 
ing the poor creature to follow his friends. On the 
"Alabama" the dog seemed sorrowful and full of 
compassion for their ill fate. 

The men were confined on deck all the time, through 
sunshine and storm, weary with exposure and fatigue. 
Through the tedious days and nights the wind at 
times blew so heavily that in their awkward position, 
with hands confined, they were at its mercy, tossed 
about in their effort to steady themselves by holding 
on the rail as be-t they could, the handcuff's chafing 
their wrists, causing extreme pain, so increasing their 
intense physical suffering. During the fifteen days 
three other ships were captured, and two of them 
burned. The last one taken (the " Emily Farnham") 
they made use of to rid themselves of all the prisoners ; 
placed them, numbering eighty men (from the three 
burned vessels), on board, including the dog, and sent 
them to Liverpool, from which place most of them 
shipped for home. Capt. Tilton had deep scars upon 
his wrists, caused by the handcuffs, and died soon 
after reaching home, being completely broken down 
by the sad and painful experience. 

Mr. Hathaway has been a director of the Commer- 
cial Bank of New Bedford for more than forty years, 
and also held the same position in tiie New Bedford 
Institution for Savings. He has always been marked 
for his system and order. "Not one member of his 
family has ever been obliged to pick up the smallest 
thing belonging to him." He has a place for every- 
thing, and keeps everything in its place to a remark- 
able degree for one of his advanced age. Although 
eighty-five years of age, he has quite good health, has 
never used spectacles in the daytime, and sometimes 
reads in the evening without them. He is one of the 
most generous of fathers, and particularly thoughtful 
of the welfare of those about him. 

Thomas Hathaway, Sr., was born in New Bedford 
in 1732. Being the oldest son, he inherited the prin- 
cipal part of his father's estate, and in 1764 commenced 



the business of ship-building upon the Acushnet River, 
and carried it on with profit until the Revolution 
(1776). He erected the three-story dwelling on the 
southwest corner of South Water and School Streets, 
in New Bedford, and made it liis residence in 1772. 
It was an elegant private residence for those days, and 
a mark for the British soldiers in 1778, but not much 
injured. 

At the breaking out of the war Mr. Hathaway es- 
poused the Tory cause, being connected by marriage 
with the family of Col. Bradford Gilbert, of Nova 
Scotia. His wife was Miss Deborah Gilbert, a 
daughter of that gentleman. In January, 1777, 
owing to his Tory principles, Mr. Hathaway was 
obliged to leave the States. He went to Nova 
Scotia, and remained nearly six years in the family 
of Col. Gilbert, with the exception of thirteen 
months' service upon a British shipof-war. Before 
leaving home he placed his family for safety in his 
country residence, a short distance north of New Bed- 
ford, where his wife lived in retirement, devoting her- 
self to the instruction of her four children. 

Her son, Thomas Hathaway, Jr., often spoke of his 
mother as " a lady of great personal dignity and re- 
finement," qualifications borne in his character to a 
very great degree. He was a fine scholar in mathe- 
matics and an excellent penman, and often boasted 
that his instruction was entirely from his mother. 

He was their oldest child, and was born in 1768. 
Sept. .■■), 1778, the British under Gen. Grey landed to 
burn New Bedford, and hiding her plate and valua- 
bles, Mrs. Hathaway trusted to the loyalty of her 
husband to protect her ; but she was treated with vio- 
lence and given a shock from which she never recov- 
ered, but gradually failed, and died in 1783, soon after 
her husband's return. 

Soon after the Revolution the noted Jemima Wil- 
kinson came to New Bedford on a proselyting tour, 
and was there at three different times, once remaining 
nearly a year. She made two tours to Connecticut, 
preaching nearly every day, and gathered many fol- 
lowers. In these two journeys she was accompanied 
by Thomas Hathaway, who joined her society in 1784, 
and his son, Thomas Hathaway, Jr. In 1788 she left 
New Bedford, with a large band of followers, for 
Philadelphia, purposing to go to Western New York 
from there and establish a colony in that great wil- 
derness. Thomas Hathaway sold all his property, 
mucli of it at a sacrifice, and, with his four children, 
— Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth, and Gilbert, — accompa- 
nied her. He was the leader of an exploring party 
sent the next year to find a locality, but after going 
as far as Painted Post, on the Canisteo, they returned 
with an unfavorable report. Nothing daunted, she in 
1790, with her whole following, passed up the Su.sque- 
hanna to Newtown, now Elmira, under the guidance 
of Gen. Sullivan, who had fought the Indians in that 
section in 1779. There he left the party, and with 
great difficulty they made their way to the outlet of 



158 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Crooked (Keuka) Lake, which Thomas Hathaway 
was one of the three of the company to first discover. 
During the troublous times and discomforts of the 
establishment of this colony, Thomas Hathaway, Sr., 
and Thomas Hathaway, Jr., were of great aid by rea- 
son of their fertile ingenuity, good judgment, and 
strong, practical common sense. They were fitted 
well for this work, and much of the hardship rested 
upon them. Thomas, Jr., and Gilbert, his brother, 
built the first .sail-vessel on Seneca Lake, for the 
transportation of supplies from Geneva. 

Thomas Hathaway, Sr., in company with other 
gentlemen, bought large tracts of the' public lands. 
He was a stanch follower of the Friend to his 
death, and gave freely of his possessions to gratify 
her many whims. He died' in Jerusalem, N. Y., in 
1798, aged sixty-six years. His daughter Mary mar- 
ried Eliphalet Norris, and lived most of her life upon 
a plantation in ^[aryland. His daughter Elizabeth, 
a lady of rare brilliancy of mind and dignity of char- 
acter, married Judge Joshua Ferris, of Tioga County, 
N. Y., a gentleman of culture, and for many years 
the principal surveyor of public lands in the southern 
section of the State. He also held many offices of 
trust in the gift of the government, his commissions 
being from Presidents Washington, Adams, and Jef- 
ferson. Gilbert Hathaway was a large landholder in 
Yates County, N. Y., and lived to the age of eighty- 
one years. 

Thomas Hathaway, Jr., was for many year.^ a regu- 
lar Friend, and belonged to the society of Jemima 
Wilkinson until his marriage in 1793 to Mary, 
daughter of Elnathan Botsford, who was a follower 
of Jemima Wilkinson, from New Milford, Conn. 
The rules of the society forbade marriage, and both 
were excommunicated and forbidden to enter her 
meetings. Jemima endeavored to alienate his father 
against them that she might control his large prop- 
erty, but did not succeed. He purchased five hun- 
dred acres of land at one dollar per acre, for which 
his father had paid twenty-five cents per acre. This 
was sold in 1855 by his descendants for sixty-five 
dollars per acre. He was for many years one of the 
principal surveyors of Western New York, and was 
prominent in civil and military matters. He lived 
fifty-nine years on the farm in Milo, Yates Co., where 
he first settled, raised seven children, and died May 
23, 1853, aged eighty -Jour years. His wife was a more 
than ordinary woman in many ways, and died Nov. 
8, 1S6G, in her ninety-sixth year. They were buried 
in the first cemetery laid out in the county, and done 
by Mr. Hathaway himself 



SIMEON HAWES. 
Simeon Hawes was born on Tarkiln Hill, New 
Bedford, Mass., Aug. 14, 1818. His paternal grand- 
father, Levi Hawes, was a native of Stougbton, Mass., 
and a farmer by occupation. Levi died at the age of 



forty, from the effects of an injury he had received. 
He left a widow and several children, of whom Levi, 
Jr., was one, born May 2.'>, 1792, in Stoughton, Mas<. 
In early life he was a hatter by trade, but during a 
period of more than sixty years he was a farmer on 
Tarkiln Hill, in the town of New Bedford, Mass., 
where he settled previous to 1818. He was a worthy 
member of the Congregational Church, and for more 
than half a century was a deacon of the same. He 
was respected, and those who knew him best were his ,' 
warmest friends. He married, first, Harriet Peirce, ' 
in 1813. She was a relative of Mayor Peirce, of Bos- > 
ton, and was born June 16, 1796, and died Feb. 20, 
1820. They had four children, — Levi, Harriet, Simeon, 
and Jason L. Harriet (deceased) married Calvin 
Marshall, of Easton, and had children, — Levi and 
Jason L., died young. Simeon alone remains of tlii* 
family. Levi Hawes married for his second wife. 
July 16, 1820, Azubah, daughter of Lieut. Jonathan 
Capen, of Stoughton, Mass. His wife was a Miss 
Glover, a member of a very prominent family. 

Of this union there were Eleanor, Azubah (de- 
ceased), Levi (deceased), Jonathan C, Thomas R., 
Elisha, and David C. Mrs. Hawes died August, 
1879, aged eighty-eight years, and Mr. Hawes died 
April, 1880. Simeon Hawes, above referred to, spent 
his boyhood days upon his father's farm, receiving 
such advantages for an education as the district 
schools of that day aflbrded. At sixteen we find him 
working on the farm by the month for Capt. William 
Hathaway, and during the two following years he 
worked at ship-building for Wilson Barstow, of Matta- 
poisett. At nineteen he returned home, and con- 
tinued to reside with his father, working on the farm, 
until he was twenty- four. April 25, 1841, he married 
Maria E., daughter of .Joseph and Polly Brightman, 
of Westport, Mass. She was born June 2, 1818, and 
died May 26, 1880. Their children are John F., An- 
drew S. (dece.ised), Charles S. (deceased), Sylvanus 
T., Harriet E., Levi (deceased), George W., Cynthia 
A., Mary A., and Joseph B. Mr. Hawes settled on 
his present farm in his native town soon after his 
marriage, and has resided here ever since. For more 
than fourteen years he has been interested in the 
manufacture of lumber at Smith Mills and inAcush- 
net; for twenty-six years he has been engaged in the 
ice business, and owns a quarter-interest in the New 
Bedford Ice Company, which has proved remunera- 
tive, and for many years was the superintendent of 
" paving streets and roads." 

Mr. Hawes has met with some severe lo.sses by fire, 
first in 1877, when his interest at Smith Mills was 
destroyed, and second, June 7, 1882, when his house, 
his ice buildings, etc., were destroyed, causing a lo.ss 
of more than fifteen thousand dollars. In politics, he 
is a Republican. He was a member of the Common 
Council one year, but, as a rule, has not been an 
aspirant for political honors. Mrs. Hawes was a 
member of the Baptist Church, and he is a liberal 





^^^^^.^^:^^ '^^i^^^^-t^< 



..'•*■• 





c^^c^^ ^. ^ g<.^<.<y~<^ 



NEW BEDFORD. 



159 



supporter and attendant upon the Congregational 
Church. His sons John F. and Sylvanus T. are en- 
gaged with their father in tlie manufacture of lumber 
at Smith Mills, under the firm-name of Hawes & Sons. 



CAl'T. JONATHAN CAPEN HAWE.<. 

Capt. Jonathan Capen Hawes, son of Levi by his 
second wife, Azubah Capen, was born on the home 
farm, Tarkiln Hill, New Bedford, Ma.ss., May 8, 
1820. He remained at home assisting his father on 
the farm summers and attending the district school 
winters until he was some fourteen years of age, 
having in the meantime, however, lived with his uncle, 
Thomas Capen, in Stoughton, Mass., and attended 
school in that place some six months. 

At fourteen he left home to learn the sailmaker's 
trade of one William T. Cook, and after a short time 
returned home and went to school. 

At sixteen, in 1842, he commenced his whaling life 
as a common sailor in ship " Roman," Alex. E. 
Barker, master. They went to the Northwest coast 
via Good Hope, returning via the Horn, thus com- 
pleting his first trip around the world in about two 
years. His second trip was with the same captain 
and ship as a boat-steerer ; time, thirty months. 
During his third voyage, as third officer, he visited the 
eastern coast of the Eastern Continent, and was 
gone some four and one-half y.ears from home, if is 
next trip took him into Behring's Strait, — this time 
as first mate. They lost their ship at Fort Clarence, 
and Mr. Hawes returned home via California and the 
Isthmus. 

At twenty-eight years of age, in 1854, Mr. Hawes 
became master of the ship " Eliza Adams," Edward 
C. Jones, agent. They went into the North Pacific 
Ocean, were very successful, and returned after being 
absent thirty-one months. His second trip as master 
was in the ship " Emma C. Jones," visiting the coast 
of Western Africa and St. Helena. After a voyage 
of some twenty-four months he returned home and 
remained some time, when he again took command of 
a ship, this time the " Milo," and visited the North 
Pacific and Arctic Oceans. It was during this voyage 
that he was captured by Capt. Waddell, of the "Shen- 
andoah." He compromised with Capt. Waddell by 
giving bonds to the amount of forty-six thou- 
sand dollars, and he was permitted to proceed to 
San Francisco witli his ship and some two hundred 
men. 

He closed his career as a whaler in 18(59, and has 
since resided in his native town. Since his return he 
has been engaged in the lumber business with his 
brother Simeon in the Acushnet Saw-Mill. In poli- 
tics he has been a Republican. In 1874 he was mem- 
ber of the City Council, and in 1876 member of the 
board of aldermen. He has been three times married. 
First to Jerusha Blake, of Stoughton, June 19, 1854. 
They had two children, — Addie R. (deceased), who 



married John Leonard, of New Bedford, and has one 
son, John H. Frederick B. is a young man, and re- 
sides at home. Mrs. Hawes died at sea, in the North 
Pacific, Aug. 8, 18G8, and her remains were brought 
home and interred in the cemetery at Acushnet. Capt. 
Hawes married for his second wife, Nov. 20, 1869, 
Mrs. Sylvia R. Leonard, widow of John W. Leonard, 
and daughter of James and Phoebe Tucker, of Dart- 
mouth. They had one daughter, Alice T., who died 
at ten years. Mrs. Hawes died June 13, 1876, and 
the captain married for his third wife, April 10, 1877, 
Mary W., widow of Albert Collins, and daughter of 
Noah and Hannah Davis, of Fall River. Of this 
union there have been three children, viz., Jonathan 
C, Jr. (deceased), Mary A., and Grace W. 

Capt. Hawes and his brother Simeon are among the 
wide-awake business men of Acushnet Avenue. They 
make no pretensions to wealth or fame, but are living 
in a quiet way, surrounded with the comforts of happy 
homes, the legitimate result of industry and frugality. 
They enjoy the confidence of their townsmen, and are 
worthy representatives of one of the old families of 
New England. 

EDWARD HASKELL. 
Anything written of the mercantile history of New 
Bedford would be decidedly incomplete without some- 
thing more than a mere mention of Eihvard Haskell, 
one for so many years identified with its business in- 
terests. He was son of Deacon Calvin and Ann 
(Hersey) Haskell, and was born in Still River, Mass., 
about 1828, and passed his early life in school, but on 
account of the business reverses of his father was 
compelled to go to work early, and finally was in the 
employ of a Boston firm, for whom he came to New 
Bedford as a young man to dispose of a stock of goods, 
intending only to remain a short time; but meeting 
with success, his employers concluded to keep him in 
trade here, especially as he liked the place and found 
warm friends. In 1849 he began business for himself 
in a small way on the west side of Purchase Street, 
between William and Union Streets, as a dry-goods 
merchant. He was successful, full of energy, and 
very popular, and after a year or so passed there, 
moved across the street to the middle store of the 
number lately occupied by him. Here his busine.ss 
rapidly increased, and he showed remarkable business 
capacity in securing the class of goods most salable, 
aiid introduced many departments not strictly classed 
as dry goods. For more than thirty years Mf. Has- 
kell continued in trade on the same site, and was 
compelled to enlarge the capacity of his premises 
frequently, and finally, at the time of his death, Dec. 
11, 1882, the firm of Edward Haskell & Co. (formed 
in 1876) occupied four stores, consolidated into one 
large emporium of trade. In spite of competition of 
the closest kind, Mr. Haskell had a .steady advance 
in his business from his very first day of trade, and 
stood for years as the leading and representative mer- 



)«a 



uisixna" v>K iU5isrv>i. ovnNrv. MAssvrMi'sKrrs, 



V%tliu. v*l" l\»vv««ck*>«> K. I., by \vhvu»> ht* h««d v>u«i> 

N<>vv t«»sUo*\i. rh<^y h!»\l t\vv> v! M!»>v Or»H- 

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l\ u<l v%ur\>K v»f N*>w lWtvv»vl> »uv\ w** vMU^ 

gj ,^v-hivl, iu vvhivh he vvs* 

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wkW'jw.^v'ilf tv*»miw^*tiirtuaT>£, *tt<,l v»»hw k»ttvlr*vi 

VHf th^'AU. Uv" « 

tt><\$.-»l »\>r hW <v ' Xym^'h***"^' i*i its »•■ 

Vlv- ' ^ • iSM \UKU»^ the K>v<-rs auvloui- 

|i\ ..^ he tvH»k :♦ high mi>fc. Ho WAS ;» 

»u»u v>i ("vvsiuxe ^ 

wiwuitt^ »«!»««««» au^ t»«*t<i\i evwv ^me »i«J> th<f >tti>«i 
f^irtvvt v\H»i<e«y, He ^^ < ■ {HWtiwu tv^ any- 

«l»iu!« he vkvtt>e\l wr\v is sjrvHVS \« *vl- 

vv, 

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ttt ^' 

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b*i>i,l, att*l a t^lbie* w^- - • ■■•-s^xl, U' jK>ssibU\ «:v<fty 
wisis. Ho w»* a s.«i\ a v*iry vle*sa«ii aavt 

(: 

K c - r -■*'»• Ad - . - 

6t« «!«($. alwt^v* iw*v{y tv> r«t^»«vi xtlxott *sk<\{ U» *p«*k 

ft. • ■ • '- < - ■■■•■ ^ <.-'"-'^ 



his ivUejtiaie wu(^<> at Ivivwu's I'Miversity, Tin-v 
vl«?ttee. H, U, he entet^nl hi* father'* *>tUv>e, aiul iti , 
«hvurl Uuxe h<H\»«t*> a vv-(kartttev with hint, unvler tho 
firutMtawe of John A, IVrker v't Si»«, 

lu hvt*i(\«vv< ailUii^ he mv-istvis<\l iu h mavkiHl vU>jii 
the (H>\vef of vliseofnius the ahiliti<v» of wen. T' 
aeuteiuv-i* of jttdjjmeiu euahU^l hiiu to *elevt for »•■ 
j>loymeut »hv«r> of stteh eharaeter attvl ertieieitey 
le^i tv» a (vtuarkahle ttniR>v»nity of »u^^t'*s. He u 
luaiitev) it> bwsioess with his father tintil K^^Js when 
vu» hi> ' ' i\*ivletHyi to the eity of New Yoi % 

the vs' .;{v WHS diss\»lv(;>vl. 

The o<\-»iii v><' John Avery l^arker it) 18«V? rxvalU\i 
hiu» to New IVvUorvl to tV»lliU the vluiies iueumlvnt 
tt).HM\ hiw a* oa* of th* e-\eettto(* of his tether's v- 
tate, the Rnal settlement of whioh he divl not Uve 
se«^' K»\>m this time vtutil his Utvtth he ivsivlevl th^ 
■,\i uk tU«> s\»u>u\is*iou auvi whale-ftshery hu- 

tu l!»tHv on the r^vsijjoatiou of the Hon, Jame<s 
\ • "'M, he was eltvttnl a vl5rei'tv>r of the IWforvl Ooi>>- 
i! ^nk \«ow the Nal>o»>al Hank of t.\«nu»er\\ 

■er of one of the > 
c» oi New llevi<v>rv>, .\k,'«.'y t.\>jj}i:*^all, dauj;li 
\vvK»j» ^.\>^^'slh,-«^, ou FeK U, lS:*i>, n 
visitwl Ki»«^>l>* iu iJs^, ami a^iu in IS-H. rvniain: 
ovw a year e4i.*U time, Heerve{e>.i in IS^ «.>u Ae»i> 
net Avenue. New (WftwvU a hauvKxue re<»ivlei;. 
lew mouths when a sudvleu 

.\ir. I'strker t- . . hut he a\K>f>te<.t at 

««rly *jEo the v;.. js-..r of his wife's eK>.- 

V(\4her. who havl be*u his most iutttuato t>wuvl. 
her ami her svui Ke h«\nK'»the«.l his tl>rtuue, 

Mr INrker w,-is st^tkitis; in !if»iv.<rHn4V, beinvr ^ \ 
;hi, of \e«"y h.< - 
iiLe. He was .h - 
to huuv anvt was well kiH>wtt tvvr his s^uerv^us hoc^-^ 

t»U\v, Mis ^»^a•.v '•• '■"-' -■stimatkui ."' ■'- '-'• • .■ - 

hijEh. as the fo 'lu the A 

;h>< Wty. lifevi sK>«t 

> :i. parovluv«vl a >- . v 

Mrv PMrk«r K»» so lo»s *«*.W auvt »» which he ! 



Sv' >« lli 

h » - \ ;>1 vvtte 

<,>t' tter ke«tt«^ hvsiwoj^ >tt<M atM (Mc>t>i>s(>»rtt«4 ctti* 

3*ttS. 



vUv>WU 

»t, N. - ■■ He 

w»» b*)«t» di*rin^ the rvsisletiw of (ki* (xu^tits at \Ye*t- 
py>«, th* IJtfe ot" May. l^?**^ *^^ 'h* cvmtf^etKni ot' 



b* atfevtevl by it, A tttjut ot wiMiUiii. H»<.>aey w*s ■ 
fekis kk>l : tt was uot aa etnit with Ikkut but a me^ 
a«<.l he vUsf>«fu.se4 it with a liberal hauvi, Xhocie w 



htS Utt>«««*»Wii \i<#V\>**\>« iO 4itv>c>«f vt<'^><:-U(.i«<t« U(K>U inil- 




'9' 




ACUSHNET. 



161 



Conclusion. — We cannot more fittingly close our 

history of this grand old municipality than by quot- 
ing the language of one of her most illustrious and 
honored citizens, the Hon. William W. Crapo : 

" Beautiful, indeed, for situation is this city of 
New Bedford. Few places are there on this continent, 
or elsewhere, which so well unite the institutions, 
benefits, and advantages of the city with the fresh- 
ness and simplicity and comfort of rural life. Lying 
between green pastures on the one hand and the still 
waters of the river on the other, fronting upon this 
bay, which is as charming as the Bay of Naples, and 
rising with the elevation of conscious pride from its 
shores, its physical condition and position are delight- 
ful beyond exception. We rejoice to observe and re- 
member that those who have shaped its outward for- 
tunes have been studious to make it attractive and 
healthful as the home of a cultured and enlightened 
people. Its well-made and well-kept avenues and 
streets, shaded by long lines of trees, which our 
fathers have planted ; its complete and cleanly drain- 
age, which the incoming and outgoing tides make 
perfect and efficient ; its abundant and pure water, 
distributed and available for all the purposes of do- 
mestic, mechanical, and protecting use; its trained, 
alert, and electric fire department; its well-diffused 
system for gas-lighting; its schools, its churches and 
chapels, and bethel ; its hospital, its home for orphans, 
its man\' unions of hearts and hands for good works; 
its comfortable and pleasant homes, after the best 
methods of New England life, combine to make this 
municipality worthy of our best affections and of our 
constant effort for its prosperity and peace." 



CHAPTER XIJJ. 



ACCSIlNET.i 



AcusHNET is alphabetically the first, and chrono- 
logically the last town in Bristol ; the section of land 
ivhich bears this name being until recently parts of 
ither towns. It is a pleasant little township in the 
southerly and easterly part of the county. It is 
sounded northerly by Freetown, easterly by Roches- 
;er (in Plymouth County), southerly by Fairhaven, 
md westerly by New Bedford. It derives its name 
from the Indian name of this section of old Dart- 
mouth, which was variously spelled in the records of 
;he seventeenili centurj', — Cushenagg, Accusshaneck, 
A.cushena, Acquessent, Acusshua, Aquishnet, Aquset, 
ind Acushnet. 

From 1664 to 1787 nearly all of Acushnet that 
aow is was a part of old Dartmouth ; from 1787 to 
1812 it was a part of New Bedford ; and from 1812 



' By Capt. Franklyn Howland. 



11 



to 1860 it was included in Fairhaven. The subject 

of dividing the town of Fairliaven was agitated a 
long while before the act occurred. The people in 
the north part of the town felt that as that section 
^as sparsely populated they did not get their share 
of the appropriation, especially for schools. Then 
after the old Presbyterian meeting-house was torn 
down, the question came where to build a new one. 
The people in the village of Fairhaven wanted it 
nearer them, and finally succeeded in having it built 
on an acre-lot ju.st north of Woodside Cemetery, on the 
Fairhaven road. This building was subsequently 
burned by an incendiary fire. The meetings were 
then held down in Fairhaven village; this was the 
straw that broke the camel's back, and the " north- 
enders" renewed their purpose for a division. Among 
the zealous advocates of the division and one of the 
leaders of the movement was Rev. Israel Washburn, 
who owned the farm on which he resided, situated 
next north of the present Laura Keene farm in 
Acushnet. Mr. Washburn was a man of firmness, of 
a strong, positive nature, with a good intellect and 
readiness of speech, and was well calculated to be 
chosen as leader in such a movement. He was born 
in this town in 1796, in the last house on the north 
side of the road leading eastward from White's fac- 
tory. He was for many years in the Methodist min- 
istry, before and after his residence in Acushnet at 
the time of the division, a part of which time he was 
in the grocery business at Parting Ways, as I. Wash- 
burn & Son (William H. Washburn). His name 
heads a petition made to the General Court of the 
winter of 1858-59, praying for a division of the town. 
The petition was before the legislative committee, 
but no other action was taken than to refer the sub- 
ject to the next General Court. The petitioners at 
once set about procuring all that was necessary to aid 
them to success at the following se.ssion. 

In a warrant issued for a town-meeting in Fair- 
haven April 4, 1859, article eleven asked action on 
the petitions of Rev. Israel Washburn and others, 
" now referred to the next Legislature," with refer- 
ence to a division of the town, and it was voted that 
a committee of five be nominated by the chair to de- 
fine a line of division of the town and report. This 
committee as appointed and chosen consisted of Isaac 
Wood, Arthur Cox, Jonathan Cowen, Cyrus E. Clark, 
Charles H. Adams, and John Ellis. This committee 
reported at a meeting of June 2, 1859, and this same 
committee was requested to appear before the next 
Legislature and present all the facts in the case that 
could be procured by them. They did so, and not 
only that, but a petition in favor of the division was 
also presented, signed by a large number of the resi- 
dents of the south part of the town. A result of this 
was that the committee of the Legislature before 
which the matter was heard reported in favor of the 
division, and the report was adopted. 

The Legislature at once passed the following : 



162 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Act to Incorporate the Town of Acdshnet. 

"Section 1. All that part of the town of Fairhaven which lies 
northerly of the fuMuwing desciihed lines, viz.: Beginning at a stone 
monument at ' Tripp's Conier/in the division lines between the towns 
of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett ; thence from sandstone m(tnnnient in a 
south-westerly direction in a sti-aight line to the southeast corner of 
the ' Royal Hathaway furni,' so called ; thence in the south line of said | 
farm to the southwest corner hounds thereof; thence contniuing westeily I 
in the same direction to the centre of the channel of Acnshnet Rivei-, or 
division line between the towii of Fairhaven and the city of New Bed- 
ford, is hereby incorporated into a separate town by tlie name of Acush- 
net, and the said town of Acushnet is hereby vested uilli all the jiowers 
and privileges, rights and immunities, and shall be sid.ject to all the 
duties ami requisitions to which other towns are entitled and subjected 
by the Constitution and laws of the commonwealth. 

"Section 2 The inhabitants of said town of Acushnet shall be 
holden to pay to the collector of taxes of the town of Fairhaven all the 
arrearages of taxes legally assessed upon them before this act takes 
effect, and also their proportion of State and county taxes as may be 
assessed upon them before taking the next State valinition, said propor- 
tion to be ascertained and deternuned by the last valinition of the said 
town of Fairllaven ; and said town of .\cuslinet to pay four twenty-thirds 
of the debts due and owing from the town of Fairhaven at the lime of 
the passage of this act, and be entitled to receive four-twenty. thirds of 
all the real and personal property and assets owneil by or due to the 
said town of Fairhaven, and sliall be liable to refund to said town of 
Fairhaven four-twenty thirds of the 'surplus revenue' when the said 
is called for according to the jirovisions of law. 

"Section 3. The said towns of Fairhaven and Acnshnet shall be 
respectively liable for the support of all persons who now do and who 
may hereafter stand in need of relief as paupers whose settlement was 
gained by or derived within their respective limits. 

" Section 4. Tlie towns of Fairhaven and Acnshnet shall liobl the fol- 
lowing described propel ty, situated in their respective limits, as valued 
by their committee, appointed June twenty-fifth, in the year eighteen 
hundred and fifty-nine, 'for the purpose of presenting information to 
the Legislature to enable them to make a just and equitable apportion- 
ment of the public property, debts, and burdens between the towns,' 
viz.: The town of Fairhaven sliall exclusively hold the almshouse, farm, 
and property appertaining thereto; the High School house, lot, and fix- 
tures contained therein ; the engine-honse and lot in Oxford village, and 
the engine and fixtures contained ttierein; the engine-house and lot in 
the village of Fairhaven, and the engine and fixtures therein; two 
second- hand engines now in the village, the town-house lot, the watch- 
house and lot, L. S. Aiken's gravel lot, one safe in the town clerk's 
office, and so much of other property as will make nineteen-twenty- 
tliirds of the public property as valued by said committee. The town of 
Acnshnet shall exclusively hold the engine-house and lot, together with 
the engine and fixtures, in Acnshnet village ; the school-house and lot 
in school district number eighteen, two town pounds, the 'Freeman 
Hathaway' lot, the ' Samuel Stacy' lot, and so much of other property 
as will make four-tweiity-thirds of the public property as valued by 
said committee. All other property which may hereafter be found to 
belong to the town of Fairhaven, and not specified by the said commit- 
tee at the time of the passage of this act, shall be divided on the same 
basis, viz., ninetcen-lwenty-thirds to the town of Fairhaven and four- 
twenty-thirds to the town of Acushnet. 

"Section 5. The town of Acushnet shall remain a part of the same 
districts, representative, senatorial, councilor, and congressional, as the 
town of Fairhaven until said districts are altered by due authority of 
law.*' 

Section 6. This section provides the manner of calling the first 
town-meeting and preparing the first list of voters. 

The act of incorporation was approved Feb. 13, 1860. 
It was signed by N. P. Banks, Governor, and Oliver 
Warner, Secretary of State. Fairhaven, at the time 
of tlie "set off'," was in the Twelftli (Bristol) Repre- 
sentative District, together with Freetown and Berk- 
ley. The district was entitleii to two representatives. 

The first public meeting of the legal voters of the 
new town was held March 14, IStiO, in the "engine- 
house," which stands in the village on the north side 
of the road, nearly opposite the par.sonage house of the 



MethodLst Society. Jones Robinson, Esq., who re- 
sided on the Fairhaven road, a prominent man in 
public affairs, was chosen moderator. Jabez Wood 
was elected town clerk, collector, and treasurer. The 
other important offices were filled as follows: For se- 
lectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor, Cyrus 
E. Clark, Benjamin Wilson, and Benjamin White; 
for school committee, Jabez Wood for three years, 
Rev. Philip Crandon for two years, and George P. 
Morse for one year; and Philip A. Bradford was 
chosen constable, an office to which he has been re- 
elected every year since. On the 24th of the follow- 
ing month Mr. Crandon resigned the office of school 
committee, and Walter Spooner was chosen his suc- 
cessor. There have been but few changes in the offi- 
cers of the town, which speaks well for their fidelity. 

The office of town clerk, collector, and treasurer 
was filled from 1860-65, inclusive, by Jabez AVood ; 
from 1866-70, inclusive, by Benjamin White; 1871, 
by George P. Morse ; 1872, by George F. Glasse, who 
was partially disabled in the late war; from 1873-81, 
inclusive, George P. Morse; and in 1882 Caleb Slade 
was chosen. For selectmen, overseers of the poor, 
and assessors, Cyrus E. Clark served in 1860-65 ; Ben- 
jamin Wilson, in 1860-63; Benjamin White, in 1860- 
63, 1867-70, 1872-73 ; Capt. Pardon Taber, Jr., from 
1864-82, inclusive; Walter Spooner, from 1864-82, 
inclusive, excepting the year 1879; John Tuck, in 
1871 ; Joshua Morse, in 1875-78 ; Joshua Leonard, 
from 1878-82, inclusive. The following persons have 
served on the school committee : Jabez Wood, Rev. 
Philip Crandon, George P. Morse, Walter Spooner, 
Marcus Ashley, Amos H. Haswell, George T. Russell, 
Jr., Rev. Josephus W. Horton, Richard Davis, Jr., 
Frederick Wing, Walter A. Davis, Augustus White, 
Charles L. Russell, Leonard Keene, Jonathan Taber, 
George F. Glasse, Burrage Y. Warner, Capt. Edward 
R. Ashley, Thomas E. Bradley, Caleb Slade, Perez S. 
Doty. The longest term of service was that of George 
P. Morse, who was a member of the committee. 

Acushnet being in the district with other towns, it 
is entitled to a representation to the General Court but 
occasionally. It has sent four since its incorporation. 
The first representative was William H. Washburn, 
Esq. Mr. Washburn was a son of Rev. Israel Wash- 
burn, and for many years a resident of the town, 
being engaged in the grocery and wheelwright busi- 
ness. Always interested in the welfare of the town, 
he was especially so during the war, when he had 
charge of enlisting, drafting, and filling quotas, and 
served two years in the Legislature to the great satis- 
faction of his constituents. The next was Walter 
Spooner, Esq., who has faithfully served the town in 
many capacities. He was in the House two years. 
Mr. Spooner, who is the son of Dr. Rounsevel Spooner, 
is from " honorable" stock, his great-grandfather 
being Hon. Walter Spooner, and his grandfather was 
Hon. Alden Spooner, who was an uncle of the Hon. 
Nathaniel Spooner, all of this town. 



ACUSHNET. 



163 



The third representative was Benjamin White, Esq., 

a highly-esteemed citizen of the town, and who lias 
been honored by it with many offices of trust and re- 
sponsibility. In consequence of redistricting the 
State, Mr. White was in the Legislature but one year. 

The next one was Capt. Joseph Burt, Jr. He for- 
merly resided in New Bedford, did good service in the 
army, and since the war lias lived in this town, which 
he represented one year. Acushnet has furnished one 
senator to the General Court, Hon. Joshua Morse fill- 
ing the office. The above were all Republicans. 

Acushnet is fifty-five miles from Boston, and its 
only railroad facilities are the Old Colony, which 
passes along and about a mile west of its western 
boundary. The land is generally quite even, and the 
soil in some parts well adapted to agricultural pur- 
poses. Most of the land is liigh, dry, and admirably 
suited to residence. Perry Hill, though but a mile 
from the river, on the easterly side of the town, is 
nearly one hundred and fifty feet above the sea. A 
spot near this was selected as one of the stations of 
the State Trigonometrical Survey. In addition to 
the beautiful Acushnet River, which flows southerly 
through its centre, it has another attractive stream 
which flows out of its southeast angle and empties 
into the Mattapoisett River. 

The Acushnet water, which supplies the city of 
New Bedford, is from ponds located in the north part 
of the town, and from which flows the Acushnet 
River. The reservoir of nearly three hundred acres 
is located in a romantic spot. The dam which is 
built to form this impounding reservoir and to elevate 
the waters of the Acushnet to forty feet above mean 
tide is on the Wilson farm, about seven miles from 
New Bedford. The drainage above this dam com- 
prises between three and four thousand acres, and is 
exceedingly well adapted for the collection and stor- 
age of a large supply of pure water. The reservoir 
is two and a half miles long and from one-eighth to 
nearly one-half mile wide, giving a storage capacity 
of four hundred million gallons of water. 

In 1875 Acushnet had a total population of 1059, 
most of whom are engaged in general farming, mar- 
ket gardening, and producing milk. The number of 
farms is 142, covering 8041 acres, which, together 
with 4600 acres of woodland, is valued at $446,750. 
The geological formation is feldspathic gneiss and 
granite. It has seven saw-mills, which turn out 
large quantities of long lumber, shingles, box-boards, 
and bark, which are exported. 

The personal property of the town is valued at 
$122,500; total valuation, $569,250; rate of taxation, 
about 80 cents ])er $100. The products of manufac- 
ture are $51,356, and of agriculture $101,994; total, 
$153,344. 

Considerable business has been and is still carried 
on on the stream above the village. The first fulling- 
mill in this section was on this stream. The building 
is still standing and has beeu used as a saw-mill by 



the Acushnet Saw-Mill Company, consisting of Sim- 
eon and Jonathan Hawes and N. Hervey Wilbor. 
Since 1869 there is turned out here annually about 
six hundred thousand feet of box-boards, sixty-six 
thousand feet of long lumber, and forty thousand 
shingles. 

There was originally only a saw- and grist-mill 
here, afterwards a fulling-, dressing-, and carding- 
niill, at which time it was in possession of William 
Rotch. Subsequently for many years it was owned 
by Morgan & Lund, and used for the manufacture of 
paper. 

About a mile up the stream, on a cross-road, was 
originally another saw-mill. Tlie property came into 
the hands of Phineas White, who built a cotton-mill 
there in 1811. Mr. White had associated with him 
Capt. Joseph Whelden and Ansel White. Business 
prospered, and Capt. Whelden withdrew and built a 
stone cotton-factory on the stream a mile farther 
north, the walls of which are now standing. 

On a stream which enters the Acushnet near the 
Whelden Mill is situated another saw-mill, run by 
George P. and Edward Morse. Ansel White, brother 
of Phineas, withdrew from the lower factory and built 
a cotton-mill in connection with a saw-mill which 
stood on the stream to the westward of Long Plain. 
No cotton machinery has been run in town for many 
years. The Phineas White mill privilege was pur- 
chased by S. B. Haniblin, an extensive lumber mer- 
chant, who uses it exclusively for sawing. 

Another item of business worth noting is that of 
Ebenezer Leonard, who has carried on boat-building 
in town since the 1st of January, 1852. He has con- 
structed during the time nine hundred and twenty- 
seven whale-boats for the New Bedford shipping, car- 
rying them thence, a distance of six miles, on trucks. 
This gives an average of about thirty-one boats a 
year, and some years he has built one a week. 

Many of the inhabitants of Acushnet have been 
engaged in the whale fishery ; among the number the 
following with others were master-mariners: Jacob 
Taber, Cornelius Howland, Pardon Taber, Jr., God- 
frey Macomber, Andrew Wing, William Ashley, Ma- 
son Taber, Edward R. Ashley, Joseph Bennett, Obed. 
Nye, Henry Packard, David Corcoran, James R. 
Allen, Stephen Hathaway, Martin Boweu, Stephen 
Kempton, Marcus Taber, Stephen Braley, Francis 
Butts, Stejjhen Taber. 

Quite an extensive business has been carried on iu 
town in the manufacture of candle- and soap-boxes. 
The principal ones engaged in it now are John Lom- 
bard and Emory Cushman, on the Long Plain road. 
The fectory of the latter occupies the site of one of 
the oldest landmarks in the county. It is situated 
about three quarters of a mile to the north of Parting 
Ways and an eighth of a mile eastward of the road. 
There was a saw- and gristmill here in the early day 
of the settlement of this section, and subsequently a 
fulling-mill. Wool was carded, cloth fulled and 



164 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dressed, and buttons made here. Near the factory 
stood, till quite recently consumed by fire, one of the 
oldest houses in the county. It was exceedingly old- 
fashioned, the upper story projecting beyond the lower 
one several feet all around. A massive stone chim- 
ney was in the centre, and doors and windows were 
very antique. It was built by Jacob Taber, and was 
subsequently occupied by his son Amaziah. Thankful, 
daughter of Amaziah, became the wife of Gideon 
Wood, of Dartmouth, and the old farm came into the 
Wood family by will from Amaziah to Gideon's son 
Thomas, where it has remained till very lately. The 
last one of the Wood family that occupied it was 
Jabez, the son of Thomas ; he was the first town clerk 
of Acushnet. Henry T. Wood, of New Bedford, son 
of Thomas, has a painting by the artist William A 
Wall of the old house and an interesting scene near 
it. Amaziah Taber, who was a Friend, was on peace- 
ful and confidential terms with the Indians, who were 
numerous about here then. During the King Philip 
■war some scouts had been up in the Squavvbetty coun- 
try, to the eastward of the house, and had captured 
some of these Indians. As they were marching past 
the old house on their way to the camps of the white 
men they halted, and Amaziah had a conversation 
with them. This real incident is very faithfully rep- 
resented in the painting. 

Another old dwelling is the Tobey house, a gable- 
roofed building on the east side of Mill road, about 
one quarter of a mile above the bridge in the village. 
It was at one time occupied by Dr. Elislia Tobey, one 
of the earliest physicians of the locality. He was 
born in 1722, probably in this house. Capt. Lemuel 
S. Aiken, of Fairhaven, says that when the British 
marauders made their excursion through the village 
of Acushnet in 1778, a party left the main body 
where the Mill road begins near the bridge, and 
went up as far as this old house, the first one they 
came to. The good wife was baking pork and beans, 
and, attracted by the appetizing odor, they made a 
raid on the oven in the cellar, and soon put its con- 
tents out of sight. Capt. Aiken goes on to say, 
"They then robbed the house of what they wanted 
and endeavored to destroy the rest. But the British 
pilferers, in going down the cellar, left the door wide 
open, and that effectually prevented their seeing an- 
other door immediately be'hind it leading to a room 
where their most valuable clothing was deposited, and 
by that means was saved. Another instance of the 
same occurred at Bartholomew Tuber's (just northeast 
of the pi-esent village of Fairhaven). They burned 
several houses at the Head of the River, among them 
one belonging to Capt. Crandon, who, to revenge 
himself on the British marauders, would not suffer his 
new house to be placed over the old cellar, nor suffer 
the cellar to be filled up, until his son, having the 
management in some measure of his father's business, 
accomplished it. It was at Acushnet village that 
Lieut. Metcalf was mortally wounded. He was from 



Boston, and belonged to the Continental army. The 
first building they burned after leaving the Head of 
the River was a house a half-mile below Parting 
Ways, on the west side of the road, on the premises 
now owned by David Russell, then occupied by Col. 
Pope, of the Continental army. Eldad Tupper, a 
Tory, well acquainted in these parts, acted as their 
guide, and would inform them of all holding ofljce or 
commissions. As they proceeded south near by they 
came to Stephen and Thomas Hathaway's. The lat- 
ler was a man of handsome property for those days 
and without children, but he had a ward living with 
him (Jonathan Kempton), wlio eventually inherited 
it. At the time the fleet anchored he was at the lower 
end of Sconticut Neck, and he left immediately for 
home to remove the household furniture to a place of 
safety. 

"After packing up he took a small trunk, contain- 
ing quite a valuable quantity of silver. As he stepped 
out of the door he was met by their .ndvance-guard, 
who told him they would relieve him from any fur- 
ther care of the trunk. After taking what things 
they wanted from the house, they collected beds and 
bedding in a chamber and set fire to them, and very 
luckily shut the doors. They took Mr. Kempton a 
prisoner, and told hira they should take him to New 
York. He entreated them to set him at liberty. 
After carrying him to the end of a lane leading to the 
house they consented, after taking one of the two 
pairs of breeches that he had on. That he had two 
pair they knew from having robbed him of his watch, 
but they informed him that they must fire at him as 
a deserter, which they did, whether with the inten- 
tion of hitting him or not he never knew. The ball, 
however, hit a large cherry-tree, one of a number 
that lined the lane leading to his house. Mr. Kemp- 
ton returned to the house in time to extinguish the 
fire." 

This Stephen Hathaway house still stands on a 
rocky hill on the east side of the Fidrhaven road, a 
half-mile north of the Acushnet line. A quarter of a 
mile south of this house, on the same side of the road, 
and a few yards northeast of a well at present in the 
highway, stood a store belonging to either Obed or 
Micah Hathaway. This was also burned. No more 
damage was done by the excursionists until they 
reached the Fairhaven line, an eighth of a mile far- 
ther south. 

Good service was done by Acushnet men in the 
wars of 177(i, of 1812, and of 1861-6.5. The following 
is the roll of honor of the last war: 

Samuel Pierce, Artemas Morse, Leander Waeliburn, Lyuian N Caswell, 
Linus E. Caswell, George Pierce, Charles E. Robinson, Francis F. 
Bennett, Thomas W. Chapman, Clarence L. Burtinjjton, Daviil B. 
Pierce, Blason W. Page, George F. Gibhs, William Oesting, William 

F. Terrell, .John Stoner, John W. Collins, Jason S. Peckham, Aklen 
Spooner, Lyman Spooner, Andrew A. Cole, Arthur H. Biook, (Jeorge 
n. Bisbee, Francis Pittsley, William Pittsley, Levi Pittsley, Albert 

G. Bratey, Julius Valentine, James C. Johnson, Iletiry Smithson, 
Victor By Dcaco, George Ilealey, James T. Hall, Robert Lynch, Horace 
Webster, Daniel V. Smith, David P. Caswell, Clarence A. Bearse, 



ACUSHNET. 



165 



ZacclieuE H. Wright, A lexander 0. Pierce, Joseplt S. Spooner, Thomas 
S. Potter, William B. Cusliiiig, John Ellis, Georgo S. Fox, John V<\ 
Pierce. Tlieoilore A. Tuber, William Watt*, William Wasliliurn, 
Savery C. Braley, Jeptlia Simnjons, Samuel Pierce, Marlin V. Ham- 
mond, Robert E. Leavitt, George F. Braley, Capt. Isaac Braley, Wil- 
liam Gracey, Howland Taber. 

Tlie fdllowing persons served in the navy during 
the late war : 

Jonathan U. Butts, on the U. S. S. " Lodona ;" Waller A. Pierce, ou the 
U. S. S. " Fley," and on the " Congress" when she wa& sunk ; George 
D. Whiting, on the gunboat "Chucora;" Lemuel Dillingham, on 
the U. S. S. "Gemsbok," and on the " Vanderbilt-" George C. Tink- 
ham, Augustus H. Mendall, on the "Congress;" Francis Pittsley, 
Jr., ou the " Hartford." 

One of the oldest and most interesting landmarks 
hereabouts is the old burying-place on the hill just 
west of Acushnet village, near the Parting Ways. 
Some of the headstones of this old colonial cemetery, 
established in the reign of Queen Anne, have dates 
nearly back to the seventeenth century. There are 
nearly six hundred and fift)' tombstones with names 
and dates upon them, and more than one thousand 
unlettered ones. The latter mark the resting-places 
not only of some of the earliest settlers of Dart- 
mouth, but of Plymouth Colony. The land for this 
burying-ground was given by John Jenne (or Jenney, 
as the name is now spelled). He was doubtless a son 
of John Jenne, who came to Plymouth in the "James" 
in 1623, and who was one of the Governor's assistants 
at Plymouth in 1637-39. Since those days the name 
has been very numerous in this section. 

The deed of gift by which the ground was pre- 
sented to the Presbyterian parish is a curiously 
spelled old paper. It is recorded in the North Bris- 
tol registry of deeds office, and reads as follows: 

" To all Christian people to whome these Presents Shall Come, John 
Jenne, Sour., of the town of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol And 
Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Sendeth greeting. 

" Kno^v ye that I the s*" John Jenue hath for & in Consideration of 
the want of a Convenient Burying Place but more Esptially a Place 
whereon to Set or Build au house or Houses for the people of God Called 
Presbyterians orderly to essemble and meet in for the Carrying on of 
the true worship of God as also because In the S*i John Jenne Veryly 
Believes in his heart that the Presbyterians do worsiiip God after the 
due Order most agreeable to the order of the primitive Christians, by 
these Presents Given granted Enfe<iffeds aliened \' confirmed unto the 
S'^ Presbyterians fur tlie end and use aforesaid one acre of Land Lying 
and Being in thi- town ship of Dartmouth afores'^, wheie the meeting 
House Built by the S'' Presbyterians now st^inds. Butted and Bounded 
Westerly Northei ly Easterly by the Land of S"* John Jenne and south- 
erly ou or by tlie County Itoad, with all the Trees, Herbiage, Prive- 
ledgesand Apporleitances Liberties Profits and Benefits Belonging or in 
any ways appertJiining to Ihe same, to liave and to hold the above S*! 
acre of Land with ail and Sitiguler the Pi iveledges Ac. as before S'* 
unto the only prnper u.-,e benifit J: behoof of them the S*^ PresLiiterianB 
for evei-, and the S'' Juhn Jenne Doth by these Presents Covenant and 
Promise for him Self his liirs Executers and admiuistraters and assigns 
to and with the S^ Prispiterians that the B<i John Jenne is the true and 
Proper Onner of the above S** Bargained Priniisea Before and at the 
Ensealing vV Delivery of tlieae Presents, and hath of himself good Eight 
& LawTiill Authorit.v to give and Convey the same, and that it is free 
and clear and freely & Clearly acqiiited & Di-charged of and From all 
other former gifts, grants. Bargains Sales and all other acts or Incum- 
brance what so ever <t Ihe S"" Presliyteriaus Shall and may furever Here- 
after have buhl A quielly A Peaceably posess .V injoy the above given 
Primises In a gviod ami I'erlect Eatale of Inheritance in Ilee Simple with 
out any Lust Suit, hindrance, or Mulestaliun fruni the Sd John Jenne 
his hires Executers adiniuistiateis or assigns or any other Person or 



Persons what so ever, and will warrant & Defend the Same against the 
LawfuU Claims of an.v Person or Persons What so ever unto the Said 
Presbyterians For Ever, in witness where of the s** John Jenne hath 
heieunto Set his hand .\nd Seal this twenty-fifth day of March in the 
thirteenth year of her Magesties Keign Annoqe Domini one thousand 
Seven hundred and thirteen. 

His 
■' JOHN T JENKE. 
Mark 
" Signed, Sealed and Delivered In Presence of 

*' Samuel Hunt. 
"Jabkz Delano." 
" Dautmouth March the 25th a.d.. 1714, on this day the above Sd 
John Jenne Personally Appeared Before me one of liis Maj'ts Justices 
of the Peace for the County of Bristol & acknowledged the above writ- 
ten Instrument to be his own valletary act and deed. 

" Setu Pope. 
*' BnisTOL Ss. Brought to Be Recorded august 6, 1717, Jc Entred in the 
Eleventh Books follow 7th 

" By John Cary, liecordei;" 

When the old church stood on this lot there was no 
wall along its front, the land rising from the road 
gradually. Afterwards it was walled along its entire 
front. For many years previous to 18S1 the spot was 
sadly neglected. Headstones were thrown out of 
place by the frost, and some were lying upon the 
ground. There was a perfect tangle of underbrush 
and briers, shrubbery and trees, and these prophetic 
words on one of the tombstones — 

" The living know that they must die. 
But all the dead neglected lie" — 

had truly come to pass. During the year 1881 a 
party of philanthropic gentlemen residing in Acush- 
net undertook the renovation of this ancient city of 
the silent dead. They did their work faithfully, and 
received the public gratitude for it. Since its renova- 
tion it presents a far difterent appearance, and it is 
refreshing to see this old spot in a new dress. Al- 
though about one hundred trees were left, thirty- 
three cords of wood were cut out from the place, 
which can with double significance be called "God's 
acre," the unsightly briers and brambles removed, and 
the ground all turfed over, and the headstones re- 
erected. Mr. Humphrey Swift, whose ancestors of 
more than a century ago lie there, caused the en- 
largement of the old cemetery by generously pre- 
senting to an association formed for the purpose of 
caring for it several acres of land in the rear of it, to 
give room for more graves and for private lots. The 
first of tliese lots were taken by Mr. Swift, and by 
Capt. James R. Allen and Rodolphus Swift, who co- 
operated with him in bringing the place out of its 
wretched condition. A strip of land was purchased 
on the west for an avenue, which runs the whole 
length of the ground. On one .side of this is what 
W'as once the tomb of Ellis Jlendall family. It was 
brought from the Mendall homestead, which is some 
two and a half miles to the northeast of the village, 
and is now a public vault. On this acre was erected the 
first Congregational meeting-house in old Dartmouth. 
About the middle of the sei-enteenth century there 
were a number of persons at Plymouth who embraced 



166 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the faith of the religious Society of Friends, many- 
points of which were in conflict with the rigid re- 
■quirements of the Puritan government, and the arbi- 
trary and unyielding power of the civil administra- 
tion made it extremely unpleasant for them to remain 
in that locality, though they were closely connected 
with many of the family by ties of blood and by 
social and business relations. They being in a mi- 
nority in numbers and civil influence, many of them 
thought it best to withdraw from the Pilgrims' Mecca 
and take up their abode in localities where they could 
worship more in accordance with their personal views 
and with less molestation. Many of them became the 
earliestsettlersof old Acushnet, shrewdly selecting the 
lands along the sea-coast, and we find them living on 
their posse.ssions along the southerly boundaries of 
Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Westport. These en- 
terprising settlers probably established the first re- 
ligious meeting in the southern tier of towns of the 
present Bristol County, and they doubtless built the 
first public meeting-house in the section referred to. 
This meeting-house stood on the site of the present 
Apponeganset meeting-house, beyond the Head of 
Apponeganset River, and on the south side of the main 
road leading from New Bedford to Russell's Mills. It 
was built in 1699. Settlers of Puritanic faith soon fol- 
lowed the Friends in the erection of a house of wor- 
ship, which was built on the soil of the present town 
of Acushnet. This was w'ithout doubt the second 
public religious meeting-house erected in southern 
Bristol County. The society under whose auspices 
this church was built was called Presbyterians. There 
appears no record evidence of the date of the found- 
ing of this organization, but tradition places it as early 
as 1696. Neither does there appear any written evi- 
dence of the year in which the church was built, which 
incident occurred very soon subsequent to this date. 
The reason why this church was placed here rather 
than where New Bedford now stands is that there was 
but a small settlement there then, the village Head 
of the River being the centre of population of this 
vicinity ; then another reason may be assigned that 
the Presbyterians did not wish their place of worship 
to stand any nearer that of their Quaker " thorns in 
the flesh." 

The church building stood at " Old Acushnet Ceme- 
tery," situated on the north side of a road running 
east and west through the village, and some five hun- 
dred yards west of where the Fairhaven road enters 
it, a point anciently called Parting Ways. It was just 
back of the central entrance to the cemetery on the 
south, and just in the rear of where it stood is a row 
of Pope graves. It was built of timber cut from the 
forests which stood about it, and its timbers were hewed 
on the spot. Many came long distances to church, 
and in the days when the old church was standing 
ihoe-leather was scarce and expensive. Tho.se who 
were not fortunate enough to have a horse and had to 
walk came barefooted, carrying their shoes in their 



hands, and put them on just before reaching the 
meeting-house. One who practiced this says the 
favorite "shoeing-place" for those who came up from 
the Fairhaven neighborhood to this church was the 
ledge of rocks south of the church about a thousand 
yards, on the west side of the Fairhaven road. 

The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Hunt. All that 
is known of him is that he built the old parsonage 
house on the northwest corner of Acushnet Avenue, 
where the road that leads from the village westward 
over Tar Kiln Hill crosses it. Mr. Hunt died in 
Acushnet, in the forty-eighth year of his age, and 
was buried in the old graveyard by the meeting-house 
in which he labored. . On his headstone is chiseled 
the following : " Rev. Samuel Hunt, the first ordained 
minister of the Church of Christ in Dartmouth, died 
Jan. 21, 1729." Mr. Hunt's successor was the Rev. 
Richard Pierce, A.M. Of his life and labors, as of 
those of his predecessor, there is nothing known. He 
also lies in the old burying-ground. He died March 
23, 1749, at the age of forty-nine, and at the close of 
sixteen years in the work of the gospel ministry. 

The next minister was the Rev. Israel Cheever, 
A.M., who was born at Concord, Mass., Sept. 22, 1772; 
graduated at Harvard College, 1749; resigned the 
pastorship of the church in 1752, and died at Liver- 
pool, N. S., in June, 1812. Mr. Cheever was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. Samuel West, who was born at Yar- 
mouth, Cape Cod, in 1729; graduated at Harvard in 
1754, one of the first in his class, and was settled over 
this church in 1761. Under the ministry of Dr. West 
the society was very large, being the only house of 
worship, with the exception of that of the Friends, 
for an extensive district of country. Dr. West was 
not considered, in the popular sense of the word, an 
eloquent and pleasing speaker, but his sermons were 
characterized by sterling common sense and extensive 
research. His familiarity with the Bible was so great 
that he could preach from almost any text without 
premeditation, illustrating his suliject with the most 
apt and scriptural quotations and references. Dr. 
West took an active interest in the Revolutioti. He 
preached a sermon before the Provincial Convention 
at Watertown in 1776, and another, an anniversary 
discourse, on Forefathers' day, at Plymouth in 1777. 
After the battle of Bunker Hill he visited the camp 
of the American army, and encouraged the patriot 
soldiers to increased efforts. It was a favorite topic 
of conversation with him that the prophetic writings 
of Scripture were being realized in the stirring .scenes 
of the struggle for independence. In manner of life 
and character. Dr. West was eccentric and peculiar, 
as a few anecdotes of him, which we will give, se- 
lected from numerous others, will illustrate. His 
absent-mindedness was also very remarkable. In 
going to mill one day, he put the grist upon his own 
back and walked to the miller's, leading the horse by 
the bridle. He supposed the grist was on the horse 
until the mistake was pointed out by a neighbor. At 



ACUSHNET. 



167 



another time he started for church on horseback, 
supposing his wife on a pillion, the way of riding in 
those days, and did not learn to the contrary until he 
was questioned about Mrs. West by one of the good 
deacons. One day, while talking with a man in front 
of his house without his hat, the individual started, 
and the doctor accompanied him, still absorbed in 
conversation. Before he came to himself he had 
walked four miles. 

His remains lie in the old cemetery. On the sar- 
cophagus that mai'ks bis grave is the following: 

" Samuel West, D.D., *c., the son of Dr. Sliackflelil West, by liis wife, 
Ruth Jenkius, was born at Yarmouth, CO., March 3, 17".i0-30, 0. S., 
ordained in this place June 3,1761. Relinquished his pastoral charge 
June, 1803. Died at Tiverton, R. I., .Sept. 24, 1807." 

From 1803 to 1829 the society seems to have fallen 
into decay, and had become reduced by death and re- 
moval to only three members, — Jonathan Swift, Mary 
Worth, and Susannah Pope. Up to 1811 the Metho- 
dists, which had an organized society in the neigh- 
borhood, occupied the old meeting-house. At this 
time tlie Congregational people made an eflbrt to re- 
vive the old church, and undertook to supply the pul- 
pit with a mini.'<ter of their own denomination. They 
did not succeed, however, and the church was closed 
until 1828. About this time a successful endeavor 
was made to resuscitate it, members were added and 
services regularly held. 

Rev. Sylvester Holmes ofBciated as a supernumerary 
pastor, and at this time probably the church changed 
from a Presbyterian to a Congregational system of 
government. Joel Packard, Mary Russel, and Rufus 
Holmes were the first who were admitted to member- 
ship in the church, and were received by letter. The 
first received on a profession of faith were Mrs. T. 
Mayhew, Mrs. James Taber, Mrs. David Perry, Mrs. 
Freeman Taber, Branch Harlow, Caroline Augusta 
Waggoner, and Jabez Hathaway and wife. In 1830, 
Rev. Pardon T. Seabury was settled over the church, 
and that year the society built a house on the west 
side of the river. The old bouse was torn down in 
1837.' 

The next meeting-house built in Acushnet was that 
of the Friends, which stood where the present one 
does, just to the east of Parting Ways. The deed of 
the lot on which it stood conveyed the land from 
Stephen West, Jr., of Dartmouth, to Nicholas Davis, 
of Rochester, Joseph Russell, Abram Mott, and John 
Tasker, of Dartmouth, in trust for the Friends' So- 
ciety, and bears date 9th of lltb mo., 1727. 

The original meeting-house was built in 1727, 
though meetings of the society had been held in the 
neighborhood for two years or more previous to this 
date. During the Revolutionary war an addition to the 
east side smaller in dimensions than the original was 
made, and between these were shutters for dividing the 
house. The old house being in poor condition, it was 
replaced by a new one. This is a commodious house, 
painted inside and out, with carpeted aisles and cush- 



ioned seats. In an ante-room is hung a door of the 
old house, on which is the date of its erection, 1727. 
The building and repairs about the grounds have 
been in charge of Edward Dillingham, a minister of 
the society and a resident of Acushnet. 

Christian Church, Long Plain.— The religious 
society that comes next in order of date is that of 
the Christian at Long Plain, a village at the north 
end of the town, so named from the extensive plateau 
on which it stands. Elder Daniel Hix, who was pas- 
tor of a flourishing church of this denomination at 
Hixville, in the northwest part of Dartmouth, was 
invited to hold meetings here. This resulted in a 
successful movement to build a church. The first 
meeting in relation to building was held Oct. 8, 1795, 
when Elder Hix and Silas Simmons were appointed a 
committee to select a lot of land and place a church 
thereon. This was very near the site of the present 
church. The first bill contracted on the church is 
dated July 30, 1796, and was for lumber and other 
materials to the amount of one hundred and twenty- 
eight dollars. Among the "other materials" was 
seven f/a/lons of West. India rum, an indispensable 
article in building a church in those primitive times. 
Another interesting reminiscence is that when the 
edifice was completed the congregation (such of them 
as had .already purchased) were invited to build their 
pews on the spots owned by them. Aug. 29, 1805, 
Elder Hix accepted an invitation to preach two Sun- 
days a month. The distance from his residence was 
nine miles, and for the year's service he received 
fifty dollars. In 1804 his salary was increased to 
fifty-five dollars, and on this he continued with them 
several years. Subsequently Rev. John Leland 
preached in the old house. This is the man who in 
1812 got up a mammoth cheese, weighing over a 
ton, which was pressed in a cider-mill, drawn to 
W^ashington by four horses, and presented to Presi- 
dent Madison. 

The church did not prosper in a marked degree, 
and was much of the time without a settled pastor, — 
from 1825 to 1837. In April, 1837, Elder Samuel 
Wilde, who had resided elsewhere for a long time, 
returned and preached for them a year. There had 
been no Sunday-school since 1823, but Mr. Wilde, 
with the assistance of Miss Elizabeth Ashley, daugh- 
ter of Capt. William Ashley, organized a school, and 
it was continued through the year. Mr. Wilde writes, 
"My salary this year was one load of good oak chips, 
presented by Thomas Davis." This church was finan- 
cially embarrassed, and was obliged to give up. 

There were a number of persons of the Baptist 
denomination in the vicinity, and they concluded to 
i organize a society, which they did in 1838. 

On the 16th of October of that year a council, 

composed of representatives from New Bedford, Fall 

River. Middleborough, and Long Plain, met at the lat- 

I ter place and ordained Ira Leland. The same day 

the following-named persons, in response to their re- 



168 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



quest, were recognized a Baptist Society of the Taun- 
ton Association: Rev. Ira Leland, William Ashley, 
Delana Ashley, Abiel P. Kobinson, Chloe Robinson, 
Love M. Sears, Freelove Hathaway, Silas F. Sears, 
Mary R. Davis, and Ann H. Davis. 

Mr. Leland remained with the church about two 
years, when he went to the Second Baptist Church at 
Barnstable. He returned to the pastorate of this 
church, however, on the 1st of April, 1844, much to 
the pleasure of his former parishioners. Under his 
ministration the church continued to prosper, result- 
ing in the building of a new church, which was dedi- 
cated on the 28th of April, 1847, the society having 
occupied the old Christian Church. 

A month after the dedication of the new church 
Mr. Lelaud accepted a call to Lexington, Mass., and 
the society was again without a pastor. No settled 
minister was with the church till 1848. 

During this time the pulpit was supplied by Rev. 
Messrs. Ryder, Alden, Roberts, and J. S. Whitte- 
more. 

In August, 1848, Mr. Whittemore was settled here, 
and remained till 1856. In 1851, Mrs. Ruth Davis 
united with the church by baptism, being then sixty 
years of age. At the present date she is living, at 
the age of ninety-two, her faculties wonderfully 
preserved. She is the oldest person in town. She, 
with her two sons, are active members of this church. 

In 185G considerable religious interest was mani- 
fested in the village, and many were converted. 
There were those who wanted a church house, but, 
not being in full sympathy with the Baptists nor 
Friends, the only denominations in the place, a 
"Union Society" was organized, which this cliurch 
joined. This plan not proving successful, the Bap- 
tists called Rev. W. W. Meech, of Connecticut, to be 
their pastor. 

In the spring of 1860, Mr. Meech closed his labors 
with the church, much to the regret of the people. Rev. 
Silas Hall, of Raynham, supplied for a few months, 
and others till 1864, when Rev. J. W. Horton became 
the settled pastor, and remained till 1868. The same 
, year Rev. Mr. Holt, of Boston, became the minister, 
continuing till Feb. 26, 1871. He was succeeded by 
Rev. W. H. Learned, who filled the pastoral relation 
till his health compelled him to resign in 1872. Rev. 
S. P. Lewy served from 1872 to December, 1873. In 
November, 1874, a unanimous call was extended to 
Rev. E. M. Wilson, of Somerville, Mass., who accepted, 
and has continued an acceptable and highly-respected 
pastor, which relation he holds at the present time. 

About eighty persons have been members of this 
church since its institution in 1838. The church has 
had but two clerks, Gen. Abiel P. Robinson serving 
till incapacitated by age in 1874 ; since then the office 
has been filled by Walter A. Davis. 

The first Sunday-school at Long Plain was held in 
the summer of 1822. Susan, wife of Dr. Rounsevel 
Spooner, a member of the Unitarian Church, and Al- 



lathea, daughter of Nicholas Davis, a Friend, called 
the children together in a school-house which stood 
just at the back of the carriage-sheds in the Friends' 
yard, where they tauglit them the old Westminster 
Catechism and Scripture texts and furnished them 
with tracts. It was held again the following summer, 
but was not continued longer on account of the sneers 
of parents and their disrelish of the innovation. 

The Friends' Society at Long Plain is the next 
in clironological order. The land on which the pres- 
ent house stands was deeded by Nathan Davis, of 
Dartmouth, to John and Nehemiah Sherman, Daniel 

[ Wing, Nicholas Davis, and Russell Brailey, of Roch- 

I ester, in trust for the society, 10th 9 mo., 1759. The 
house was built about this time. In 1855 it was 

j overhauled and thoroughly repaired. This meeting, 

i together with the ones at Parting Ways, Fairhaven, 
and Mattapoisett, constitute the Long Plain Prepar- 

i atory Meeting, to which Abner Pease, of Fairhaven, 

! willed a large property. 

I The Methodist Church at Acushnet Village 
had its beginning in the early days of the present 

I century. It was the original Methodist Society in 
old Dartmouth. The original members of the Elm 
Street Methodist Episcopal Society of New Bedford, 
the first in the city, were all members of this church. 
The origin of this church may be ascribed to Capt. 
John Hawes, who was one of the earliest and most 
zealous Methodists in this section of the country. 
The first worship of this sect at the Head of the River 
is said to have been held at the house of Mr. Ellis 
Mendall, about two and a half miles east of the pres- 
ent church. Rev. Daniel Webb and others occasion- 
ally preached there. This was in 1800 or 1801. 
About the same time, or shortly after. Rev. Mr. Hall 
and other Methodist ministers held services in a 
school-house which stood a little east of the residence 
of Capt. Daniel B. Greene, later of Rudolphus Swift. 
Their number continued to slowly increase, and in 
1806 Conference appointed Rev. Epaphras Kibbe to 
take charge of them. In the course of the following 
year he succeeded in forming a class of eight persons, 
of which Capt. John Hawes was leader. At this 
time they were worshiping in the church of the Con- 
gregational Society, which was in a very prostrated 
condition, and since the retirement of Dr. West had 
been without a pastor. Aug. 2, 1807, Mr. Kibbe pro- 
posed that they should either unite with the Congre- 
gationalists or organize a separate society of their 
own. They chose the latter, and accordingly the 
new church was formed at the above date. 

The original founders of the church as thus consti- 
tuted were eight in number, — John Hawes, Benjamin 
Dillingham, Freelove Nye, Daniel Summerton, Han- 
nah Summerton, Jedediah Haskell, Meriab Spooner, 
Nancy Dan forth. The first stewards were Capt. John 
Hawes and Jonathan Danforth. Mr. Kibbe remained 
till 1809, and when he left the church numbered 
fifty-nine members. He was succeeded by Rev. Ne- 



ACUSHNET. 



109 



hemiah Cove, who was Followed by the Rev. Levi 
Walker, on the expiration of whose term Mr. Coye 
was again appointed. This was in 1811. 

During all this time they had continued to worship 
in the Congregational Church. At this date, how- 
ever, the members of that society undertook to sup- 
ply the pulpit with a minister of their own denomi- 
nation. Accordingly, the Methodists vacated the 
building and took an upper room in an old house 
which is still standing, — the one nearest the bridge on 
the south side of the street. They soon collected the 
sum of five hundred dollars and built a house of wor- 
ship, although their funds were inadequate to pay for 
it and a considerable debt remained upon the church. 
It was dedicated in 1811, Rev. Nehemiah Coye preach- 
ing the sermon on the occasion. At the time of its 
dedication it was a rough structure, in quite an unfin- 
ished state, being neither painted nor plastered. 

Mr. Coye located at Acushnet, and remained until 
1817. He was followed by Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt, 
who acted as schoolmaster also. Then came the fol- 
lowing clergy in the order named: Shipley W. Wil- 
son, Solomon Sius, Edward T. Taylor, afterwards of 
the Boston Seamen's Bethel, Erastus Otis, Leroy Sun- 
derland, Leonard B. Griffin, Robert Easterbrooks, 
Elias C. Scott, James Porter, Samuel Drake, William 
Ba.xter, O. Sperry, Thomas Ely, D. H. Banister, 
Franklin Fish, Onesiphorus Robbins, Lemuel Har- 
low, Otis Wilder, Joseph McReading, George Win- 
chester, William Cone, Hebron Vincent, Daniel 
Webb, Randall Mitchell, George W. Wooding, James 
B. Weeks, Richard Doukersley. The present Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church was built on the site of the 
old one in 1853-54, the last year of Mr. Donkersley's 
pastorate, and was dedicated March 9, 1854. Mr. 
Doukersley was followed by Q. A. M. Chapman, E. 
Franklin Hinks, Philip Grandon, Elanson Latham, 
Benjamin L. Sayre, William T. Worth, Samuel Fox, 
Israel Washburn, Thomas Ely, Edward H. Hatfield, 
George W. Wooding, Benjamin H. Bosworth, Edward 
A. Lyon, Charles E. Walker, Edward H. Hatfield, 
Josei)h E. Seai-s, Charles L. Goodell, George M. 
Handin, and N. Willis Jordan. 

The original Methodist class in the city of New 
Bedford was organized in 1817. All its members, 
with one exception, were members of the Acushnet 
Church. This class was the origin of the Elm Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church, which was then a legit- 
imate (ill'spring of the society at Acushnet. The 
other New Bedford Methodist Episcopal Churches 
are outgrowths of ihe Elm Street. 

The next society organized was the Methodist at 
Long Plain. Its origin commenced in 1856 in the 
" Union Society," referred to in the sketch of the 
Baptist Society here. A young man of the Baptist 
denomination, Elanson Latham, preached for them 
with great acceptance, resulting in quite a revival. 
In the spring of 1857, Mr. Latham attended the Meth- 
odist Conference, and while there joined it. On his 



return some of the recently converted ones desired 

a Methodist Society, which was organized, and the 
others joined the Baptist. 

This band of Methodists were strengthened by the 
remnant of a Methodist Society at North Rochester 
which united with them in the new organization. 
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Philip CVan- 
don, who was born in the adjoining town of Roches- 
ter ; he remained two years, the limit at that time, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Allen, whose successor 
was Rev. Mr. Smith. Then came Rev. S. Y. Wallace, 
which brings the church down to 1862. Their meet- 
ing-house up to this date was a little chapel built for 
the purpose, and which is now the society's parsonage. 

The people soon desired a larger and more attrac- 
tive place of worship, and in 1862 the enterprise of 
building a new house commenced, tlie members of the 
Christian denomination who were worshiping with 
them aiding in the work. The leading gentlemen in 
this enterf)rise of church building were Elder Samuel 
Wilde, whose children were members of the church, 
and Jlr. David R. Pierce, a prominent Methodist and 
former resident of New Bedford. The edifice was 
erected during the year. The following paper, solicit- 
ing a building fund, was circulated : 

" We, the subscribers, agree to pay the sum set 
against our names for the purpose of assisting the 
Metliodist Church at Long Plain to build a house of 
worship and a parsonage, said house to be settled 
upon trustees appointed by the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in that place, with the understanding that 
the brethren of the Christian connection residing in 
the vicinity shall have equal privileges of seats, wor- 
ship, and ordinances with the Methodist brethren, and 
all peaceably disposed people are invited to come in 
and worship in the house, and the seats to be without 
charge or expense." 

This paper bears date May, 1862, and Elder Wilde, 
who made great efforts in procuring subscriptions, 
gave the following list of collections: From Boston, 
$1067; Providence, $212; Taunton, $99; New Bed- 
ford, $275.67 ; Fall River, $66; Long Plain, $393.20; 
Pawtucket, $24.50, — making a total of $2137.37. 

Mr. Wallace was followed by the following-named 
pastors: Moses Chase, George H. Winchester, Samuel 
J. Carroll, S. T. Patterson, C. S. Sanford, Francis A. 
Loomis, George H. Butler, E. W. Goodier, John 
Thomson, R. J. Mooney, and A. C. Jones, the present 
pastor. 

There are two other public places of worship in 
town, — the church at Perry Hill and Whelden Chapel, 
in the neighborhood near where Capt. Joseph Whel- 
den's mill stood. The former was built in 1844 by 
representatives of the Christian denomination. It 
has not been a success. The latter was built in 1854 
as a place of worship for members of the Second 
Advent denomination. 

The town is well sup]ilicd with educational facili- 
ties. There are acconiniodutions Ibr seven schools. 



170 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Since the division of Fairhaven the town has been 
redistricted, three fine school-houses have been built, 
and the balance of them repaired to be as good as 
new. There was formerly a private school at Long 
Plain, in the old Methodist chapel, the next house 
south being used as a boarding-house connected with 
it. Another similar enterprise was conducted for 
some time by Obediah Davis, of Acushnet, on the 
Fairhaven road, opposite the Laura Keene place, 
which at that time was the home of William Brad- 
ford, Bristol County's brilliant artist. This was a 
boarding-school for young ladies. The building was 
two stories, forty by sixty feet square. It did not 
prove a success. The place is now in the possession 
of and occupied by Capt. Franklyn Rowland as a 
private residence. 

The town-meetings of original New Bedford were 
held in Acushnet, the old town-house standing just 
east of Parting Ways, near the site of the present 
school-house. The building was sold to private par- 
ties and moved to the city. After this they were 
held in the old Presbyterian meeting-house. Fair- 
haven also held its meeting there till it was torn 
down, when a house was built — the one on Fairhaven 
road — a couple of miles below. The old Bedford 
town-meeting days were gala occasions. They were 
general holidays, and everybody came. The pastimes 
outside the house were usually foot and bat ball, 
shooting matches, and with many a filling up with 
New England rum. Plenty of the latter could be 
easily obtained at the half-dozen places within a mile 
where it was sold. In those days of public travel by 
coaches the routes over which they traveled were 
lined with places of entertainment for man and 
beast, — the " tavern." The route from New Bedford 
to Boston passed through the village and up the 
Long Plain road. On this line, within the town of 
Acushnet, there were five taverns, and liquor sold at 
them all. Commencing at the bridge, in the village, 
the third house east, now owned by .lohn R. Davis, 
was run by Capt. Seth Pope; the second, east of that, 
now owned by Cyrus E. Clark, postmaster, was kept 
by Worth Pope ; two miles farther on, the same side 
of the road, the next house, north of the end of the 
Whites' Factory road, was one kept by Jabez Taber, 
now owned by Capt. Eldridge ; a mile above, on the 
west side of the road, at Mason Taber's corner, was 
Salisbury Blackmer's ; and a quarter of a mile be- 
yond, where Willis Brownell now lives, was Isaac 
Vincent's. Now it is not publicly known that any 
liquor is sold in the town. At the town-meeting of 
1881 the vote on licensing the sale of liquors stood 
four " Yes" to fifty-four " No." In 1882 none " Yes" 
to seventy-seven " No." 

The only post-office in town for many years was at 
Jabez Taber's tavern, his brother. Squire James, 
being the postmaster. In 1828 one was established 
at Long Plain, being kept in Thatcher's store, and 
afterwards in the store of Mr. Wilde, now occupied 



by Richard Davis, who has been postmaster nearly 
thirty years, and is at the present time. Another 
oflice was provided for in Acushnet village, being 
kept in the first house, second building, on the north 
side of the street west of the bridge. Gustavus Gil- 
bert, who was studying law with Judge Spooner, was 
the recognized postmaster for a couple of years, but 
the acting officer was Cyrus E. Clark, Esq., in whose 
store it was kept, and who in 18.30 became post- 
master, and has occupied the position till the present 
time. In 1842 it was moved into the building whicli 
was the " Worth" tavern. This was subsequently 
burned, and Mr. Clark built on the same spot. 

The village of Acushnet took the lead of Bedford 
village for many years. Ships were built on the west 
side of the river, and it was a stirring place. Here 
was the first, last, and only whipping-post in the old 
town. It stood on the west side of the river, just a 
few yards below the bridge, in a spot afterwards occu- 
pied by a blacksmith-shop, which was burned in 
1882. The last act of official whipping was on the 
back of a notorious character named John Black, 
about 1780. In the village lived the first judge of 
the Police Court in New Bedford, Hon. Nathaniel 
Spooner, and Capt. John Hawes, who was collector 
of customs during many of the first years of the 
present century. Elsewhere in the town were the 
homes of the original members of the families of 
Hathaway, Hawes, Jenny, Kempton, Nye, Pope, 
Taber, Tobey, Spooner, and Swift, many of whom 
were prominent in the early history of old Dart- 
mouth, and others have occupied positions of trust and 
responsibility at home and abroad. 

For some time previous to 1875 the people resid- 
ing along the western border of the town felt that 
it would be more for their interest, especially in 
regard to schools, if a narrow portion of Acushnet 
along that boundary was annexed to New Bedford. 
Both towns agreeing in the matter there was passed 
by the General Court, April 9, 1875,-^ 

" An Act to annex <{ part of the town of Acushnet to the city of iVeir Bedford, 
"Sec. 1. All that part of the town of Acushnet, with all the inhab- 
itants and estates therein, lying westerly of the following line, to wit; 
Beginning at the stone post numbered twenty-nine at Davis' Coi'ner, so 
called; thence running north three degrees west to a stone post five rods 
easterly of tlie house of Benjamin Peckliani, an<l from thence northerly i 

in a straight line to the stone post that marks the boundary line be- ' 

tween New Bedford, Freetown, and Acushnet, is hereby set otTfrom the 
town of Acushnet, and annexed to the city of New Bedford, and shall 
constitute a part of the First Ward of the city of New Bedford until a 
new division of wards is made in said city." 

Sections 2, 3, and 4 refer to ta.xes, paupers, repre- 
sentatives, etc. This leaves the infant town as it is 
March 31, 1883. 

Acushnet has a flourishing Union Sunday-school 
Association, organized in 1882. The officers are 
Franklyn Howland, president; Dennis Mason, sec- 
retary ; T. J. Robinson, treasurer. 




iAH/ytTi J- dfl f-tr^-^^'-7- 



ACUSHNET. 



171 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. NATHANIEL S. Si'OONER. 

The first American ancestor of the now somewhat 
numerous Spooner family was named William. Of 
the place of his nativity or the precise date of his 
birth nothing definite can be learned. The Spooner 
name in England is an ancient and honorable one, 
and it is highly probable that from this family was 
descended this William Spooner. The first that is 
positively known of him, however, is the assignment 
of articles (found in Plymouth Colony records) "in- 
denturing" him to one John Coombs. This bears 
date 16.37, and from the tenor of the document it is 
to be inferred that he had then reached his majority. 
He married Elizabeth Partridge, who died April 28, 
1648. He then married Hannah Pratt, March 18, 
1652. About 1660 he moved to the new settlement 
at Acushnet, where the remainder of his life was 
spent. He died 1684. It appears he was a man of 
prominence in the new colony, and held office both 
there and in Plymouth when resident in the respec- 
tive towns. His son Samuel was born 165.5, married 
Experience Wing, by whom he had eleven children! 
By occupation he was a weaver and agriculturist. 
He died 1739. His son Seth was born Jan. 31, 1695. 
He njarried, July 16, 1719, Rose Clark, of Sandwich, 
by whom he had three children, — Walter, Elizabeth, 
and Rebecca. His second wife was Abigail Hatha- 
way. He learned the weaver's trade, but was chiefly 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a very en- 
terprising man, and was frequently chosen to town 
oflices. He died March 28, 1787. His son Walter 
was born in 1720. He was thrice married, first to 
Alathea Spragiie. To this union there were six chil- 
dren. Second, to Mrs. Mary Peck (Hammond), no 
issue. Third, Mrs. Margaret Davis (Taber), no issue. 

Walter Spooner was an ardent and distinguished 
patriot during the war of the Revolution, and was in 
public life from 1759 till his death. He was nine 
years a representative to the General Court, and was 
a member of the Council of the Province seventeen 
years. He was a member of the convention which 
framed the Constitution of Massachusetts, 1779, and 
in 1781 was appointed by Governor Hancock chief 
justice of the Court of Common Pleas for his native 
county. He was a delegate to the Massachusetts State 
Convention which ratified the Constitution of the 
United States, and was Presidential elector for George 
Washington both terms. A full list of the various 
public trusts to w-hich he was chosen would transcend 
the limits of this sketch, suBice it to say, in the lan- 
guage of one familiar witli his record, "No man of 
old Dartmouth ever held more prominently the con- 
fidence of the people, or by his official and private 
life more thoroughly justified that confidence." He 
died Oct. 26, 1803. His son Seth was born 1752; 
married Patience Pierce, by whom he had four chil- 



dren, — Noah, Paul, Nathaniel S., and Dolly. His 
early life was spent as a farmer in Acushnet. Later 
in life lie removed to Fairhaven and engaged in 
trade. He died 1815. 

Nathaniel Sprague Spooner was born May 6, 1790. 
After graduating at Brown University he became, in 
company with Charles J. Holmes and Judge Nym- 
phas Marston, a law student, under the tutelage of 
Abraham Holmes, of Rochester. After qualifying 
himself for the law, his first practice was in his native 
town of Fairhaven (now Acushnet), but his practice 
soon extended to the courts of New Bedford. About 
1817 he removed to New Bedford, but resided there 
only about a year, when he returned to Acushnet and 
settled upon the spot where he spent the remainder 
of his life. He was thrice married, first to Sophia 
Howard, daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Willis) 
Howard, of West Bridgewater, Nov. 25, 1812. They 
had two children, — Martha Howard and Mary 
Sprague, the latter of whom died at the age of twenty- 
one. His second wife was Lois A. Tompkins, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Isaac and Mary Tompkins, of Haverhill, 
Mass. His third wife w.as Hannah Crocker, daughter 
of Alvin and Pha?be Crocker, of Barnstable. 

Judge Spooner was an able and prominent lawyer, 
but more particularly noted as a counselor than as 
an advocate, on account of his judgment being more 
than ordinarily good. He shrank from all notoriety, 
and avoided so far as possible all official position, 
accepting only such public trusts as he deemed im- 
peratively his duty to assume as a citizen of the com- 
munity. He was, in fact, one of the most unassuming 
of men. Yet, notwithstanding his native modesty, 
he never shrank from what he considered his duty. 
He was justice of the peace nearly all his life after 
his majority, and held at various times the different 
town oflSces. He was police judge in New Bedford 
many years, and was a member of the State Legisla- 
ture. He was a man of strong integrity, and noted 
for his frankness and candor; a man of active tem- 
perament, earnest, impulsive, sometimes impetuous, 
but always sincere. As a business man he was suc- 
cessful, and as a member of society he was respected 
and beloved. He was a man of marked generosity 
and liberality of character. One of his life-long as- 
sociates remarks of him that "his charity was spon- 
taneous and boundless, and he was never known to 
refuse a worthy or needy appeal." He bore in his 
veins some of the best blood of New England ; on 
the maternal side he was a descendant in the seventh 
generation from John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, 
and numbers among his ancestors such families as the 
Carpenters, Southworths, Bassetts, and Arnolds. He 
was a member of the Congregational Society, and in 
politics a Federalist and Whig. He died Jan. 20, 
1860. 



172 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



R. N. SWIFT. 

For centuries the Swift family has been a promi- 
nent one in England. The celebrated Dean Swift 
was one of the most noted of the name. William 
Swift came from Booking, County Suffolk, England, 
to Watertown, Mass., prior to 1634. He removed 
to Sandwich about 16.37, and died there not far from 
1640. "The Swifts descended from him are like 
the stars for multitude." His son William''^ was 
born in England, and came with his father to Amer- 
ica. We can tell but little of him. His will, dated 
15th December, 1705, was probated Jan. 29, 1706. 
Baylies gives him as representative in 1673, '74, 
'77, '78. He was a man of consequence and sub- 
stance, and had numerous children. His son Wil- 
liam^ bad several children, and died about five years 
before his father. His will was dated 17th June, 
1700. William*, his son, removed to Falmouth, where 
lie was an honored citizen, influential in community. 
Among his children was William'', who was a tailor in 
his younger days, but afterwards a farmer in his native 
town of Falmouth. Like his ancestors, he was an in- 
fluential member of society, law-abiding, prosperous, 
esteemed and respected for his thrift and good quali- 
ties. He had several sons, all men of force and char- 
acter; broad and liberal in all views, they were yet 
positive in their nature, pushing and successful in 
business, and public-spirited in every enterprise tend- 
ing to advance their town. William^ was a Whig in 
politics and a Freemason. He lived to a great age. 
Among his children were Elijah, Thomas, John, 
Beuben E., William", and Ezekiel. The " History of 
Cape Cod" has the following concerning Elijah : 

"Elijah Swift, son of William and grandson of 
William, was representative twelve years, justice of 
the peace from 1831, quorum unus from 1840, of Gov- 
ernor's council two years, and a gentleman of much 
sagacity and enterprise. By mechanical profession a 
carpenter, he contracted for aud built many houses 
prior to 1820 in Beaufort, S. C, and until 1818 had a 
store in that place. His contracts with the United 
States government (for live-oak .ship-timber furnished 
to the government navy yards), faithfully performed, 
laid the foundation of a large fortune, which he em- 
ployed with laudal.)le regard to the best interests of 
his town. He took the first contract in 1816. This 
was to furnish an entire frame, gotten out to the 
moulds for a seventy-four gun ship of the line. This 
timber was procured from the sea islands of South 
Carolina. He followed ship-liuilding twenty years, 
and was the first to establish this enterprise and whal- 
ing at Wood's Holl." 

Not less identified with live-oak business, though 
of not quite so early a date, and no less conspicuous 
as a man of enterprise and public spirit, was his 
brother, Reuben E. He was born in Falmouth, but 
came early in life to Fairhaven (Acushnet), where he 
was a cabinet-maker until 1820, when he removed to 
New Bedford and established a furniture warehouse 



and manufactory. He became connected with Elijah 

in the live-oak trade soon after its establishment, and 
followed it successfully for years, spending much of 
his time in South Carolina, Florida, and other live- 
oak sections. He built a cabinet-shop on Union 
Street in New Bedford in 1821, but relinquished it to 
the care of his brother William. He was a man of 
hardy and vigorous constitution and of social n.ature, 
with ardent friendships. During the war of 1812 he 
was captain of a light infantry company in the United 
States service, and for some time was stationed with 
his company on Clarke's Point to watch the British 
vessels cruising in Buzzard's Bay and prevent their 
landing. He married (1) Jane, daughter of Obed 
Nye, of Fairhaven, March 24, 1803. Their children 
were Obed N. (deceased), Franklin K. (deceased), 
Betsey P. (deceased), Elwdolplms N., William C. N., 
and Reuben E. (deceased). Mrs. Swift died Nov. 9, 
1839. Mr. Swift married (2) Lucy L. Robinson, of 
Falmouth, May 5, 1841, and soon removed to Fal- 
mouth, where he met an untimely death Dec. 6, 1843, 
by a fall from a hay-mow. His widow is still living 
in Falmouth. 

Rhodolphus N. Swift was born at Acushnet, Nov. 
29, 1810, and passed two years of his boyhood in the 
South with his father. He embraced a sailor's life 
when seventeen, embarking on a whaler ("Canton"). 
In this he passed sixteen years, eight of these as 
master of the " Lancaster," in which he made two 
successful voyages to the North Pacific and Japan 
coast in pursuit of sperm whales. After relinquishing 
his seafaring he engaged with his brothers in the live- 
oak trade, following in the same course as his father. 
Their work was chiefly done in Florida, where they 
bought large tracts of live-oak land, from which they 
cut the timber for the government. The work being 
lionestly and promptly done, they were generally 
successful in securing the contracts from the govern- 
ment; but even when lower bidders secured them the 
government had very frequently to annul the contracts 
and procure the timber from the Swifts. This con- 
tract business was kept up at intervals until 1875, 
with a few years' intermission during the war. The 
firm was first C. N. Swift & Co., afterwards Swift 
Brothers. In company with his brother William, Mr. 
Swift was for many years interested in whaling. 
Positive in his nature, he is always outspoken and 
fearless in advocacy of whatever he deems right, but 
at the same time is uno.stentatious, and he has steadily 
refused public place and position. His financial suc- 
cess has enabled him to devote mucli of his time to 
travel. His residence at Acushnet is pleasant and its 
surroundings attractive. His children have been 
liberally educated, and reflect credit upon their name 
and the care bestowed upon them. He married, June 
18, 1838, Sylvia H., daughter of Gideon and Sylvia 
(Hathaway) Nye, of Acushnet. Their children were 
Rhodolphus (died in infancy), Rupert G. N., Clement 
N., Annie D., Clara G. (deceased), and Edward T. 




i' .A 



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(^C^)^.£^^ 




/j^^:/CyV( 



/ 




» 



CJi^ i-u^ 



-^^/- -^^ 



ACUSHNET. 



173 



Mr. Swift is recognized as one of the most promi- 
nent citizens of liis town. He lias a large circle of 
friends. We could write much of him, but we forbear, 
for such is his modesty that we might inflict a wound 
when we mean simply to do justice. 

Clement N. had great natural talent as an artist. 
He has passed fourteen years in Paris and Brittany, 
France, as an art student. He is still devoted to art, 
and his works are highly spoken of. Both he and his 
sister reside with their parents at Acushnet. 



BEEN LEONARD. 

Eben Leonard, son of Ebenezer and Mary (Phillips) 
Leonard, was born at Taunton, Mass., April 10, 1814. 
His father was born at Raynham, and removed to 
Taunton at sixteen ; was by occupation a farmer. 
He married Mary Phillips, by whom he had twelve 
children, of which Eben was the eldest. He died Dec. 
27, 1847, and Mrs. Leonard May 8, 1874. 

When eighteen Eben left Taunton for New Bedford, 
and learned boat-building with William E. Carver. 
He then engaged with Jethro Coffin for twenty-eight 
months, and then with Daniel Wadsworth as a jour- 
neyman, and labored faithfully and honestly for thir- 
teen years. After this he removed to Acushnet, where 
he now resides, and in connection with his two sons 
is engaged quite largely in whale-boat building, which 
they make a specialty in manufacturing. He married, 
Nov. 29, 1835, Mary J., daughter of James and Mary 
P. Henley, born in Barnstable, Oct. 26, 1817, where 
the family has been a valued one for several genera- 
tions. They have had six children, — Thomas W. 
(born July 3, 1839, enlisted in Company D, Forty- 
seventh Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers, and died 
July 14, 1863, in service at New Orleans, La.), Daniel 
(died in infancy), Eben F. (born July 25, 1845, mar- 
ried Adeline D., daugliter of James and Phebe Gracie. 
They have one child, Ida F.], Charles F. (born April 
19, 1848, married, first, Calista M. Pierce, who died 
Sept. 30, 1879; second, Susan Haswell,May 19,1881), 
Adelaide G. (born Nov. 4, 1850, married, first, Benja- 
min T. Peckham, of Fairhaven. They had one child, 
Fannie H. Second, married William F. Tirrill, Aug. 
2, 1871. She died Sept. 25, 1880), Mary E. (born Oct. 
22, 1856. She died Aug. 27, 1876). 

Mr. Leonard has ever been esteemed one of the 
best citizens of Acushnet, has many warm friends, 
and none can say aught against his integrity, honesty, 
or sterling worth. He has been member of the pru- 
dential school committee, and for the last four years a 
selectman of his town, overseer of the jioor, and as- 
sessor. He has ever been a consistent Democrat. 
Mrs. Leonard is a member and Mr. Leonard a regular 
attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch, al- 
though Mr. Leonard is a believer in universal salva- 
tion. 



CYRUS E. CLARK. 

Cyrus E. Clark was born in Rochester, Plymouth 
Co., Mass., Nov. 7, 1796. He was the son of Nathan 
Clark, a farmer, who was a native of Rochester, and 
a son of Willard Clark, of the same town. Cyrus re- 
ceived a common-school education, and in his twenty- 
sixth year, July 27, 1822, married Sophronia, daughter 
of Capt. James Wood, of Middleborough, and settled 
at the " Head of the River," in Fairhaven, now Acush- 
net, and commenced trade as a grocer, which business 
he continued ten years. He has been a land surveyor 
for many years, engaging in that shortly after coming 
to Acushnet. His services in this capacity were 
satisfactory, and up to the present time he continues 
to occasionall}' perform some labor in this line. He 
was appointed postmaster at North Fairhaven (after- 
wards changed to Acushnet) April 1, 1828, and dur- 
ing all the various changes of administration he has 
uninterruptedly held that position. He was for many 
years in the State Legislature : elected to serve in the 
Lower House in 1832, 1837, 1840, 1842, and in the 
Senate in 1843. This was on the Democratic ticket, 
to which party he has steadily adhered, and for which 
he has labored all his active life. He was chosen 
selectman in 1832, and held the position without 
intermission till 1864. He has done a large amount 
of probate business, and settled many estates. This 
work has extended over many years, reaching from 
1830 to the present time. He has been justice of the 
peace ever since the same year. For seven years he 
was notary public, refusing to serve longer. 

In his eighteenth year he enlisted as a private in a 
company of troopers in the State militia. He had a 
great interest in this service, and passed through all 
the grades of office to first lieutenant, when, very 
much to his surprise, he was chosen and commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel, in which capacity he served with 
acceptation until the disbanding of the regiment 
some two or three years. When the Rebellion broke 
out in 1861 he tried hard to enlist as a soldier, but he 
was not accepted on account of liis advanced years. 
He was at that time chairman of tlie board of select- 
men, and discharged all the difficult and onerous duties 
of that position during the war, with the heartiest 
approval, and to the satisfaction of his constitu- 
ents. 

Mr. Clark has had four children, Lucy Maria, 
Cyrus Earle, Jr., Avery Cushman, and Frederick 
Williams, all of whom are dead. Mrs. Clark died 
Sept. 28, 1846. Cyrus E., Jr., born Feb. 5, 1826, 
married Sophia Parker, and died June 3, 1858, leav- 
ing one son, Cyrus Henry Clark, now a photographer 
on Cape Cod. 

Mr. Clark has been a man of positive character, 
yet unobtrusive and unostentatious. Perhaps no man 
in the town has been identified longer with its interests 
or more earnestly devoted to its welfare than he, and 
surely none holds a higher jilace in the regard of its 
people. 



174 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BERKLEY.! 

" Westward the course of empire takes its way ; 
Tlie first four acts already past, 
A fifth shall close the drama with the day ; 
Time's noblest otfspriiig is the last," 

These prophetic words were uttered by Lord 
Berkeley, under the enthusiasm excited by the pros- 
pect of his emigrating to the New World, for the pur- 
pose of converting the American savages to Chris- 
tianity, and the founding of a university in the 
Bermudas. 

From this celebrated man, preacher, writer, scholar, 
philanthropist, and metaphysician the town of Berk- 
ley undoubtedly derived its name, for tradition says, 
"In 1735, when certain inhabitants, living in the 
southerly part of Taunton and the northerly part of 
the South Precinct, or Purchase, then Dighton, asked 
the Great and General Court, for reasons set forth in 
their petition, for an act of incorporation as a new 
township," the name of Berkeley was suggested by 
some one who had probablj' formed an acquaintance 
with George Berkeley, then late Bishop of Cloyne, 
who just before that time had resided at Newport, R. I. 

The suggestion and adoption of the name of so 
distinguished a Christian philosopher and poet re- 
flects great credit upon the taste and liberality of 
religious sentiments of all parties interested, for it 
will be remembered that Episcopalians were seldom 
complimented in such manner, even in the "Old 
Colony," whose fame was never shadowed by religious 
persecution. 

Bishop Berkeley was a remarkable man for that or 
any other age, remarkable for his broad Christianity, 
benevolence, and original philosophical ideas, which, 
like other new ideas, are always an easy subject of 
ridicule and misrepresentation. 

Thus Byron said, — 

" When Bishop Berkeley and there is no matter, 
And proved it, 'twas no matter what he said." 

And Dr. Johnson said to an advocate and defender 
of Berkeley's theories, with whom he had held a con- 
versation, when the latter rose to depart, " Pray, sir, 
do not leave us : we may perhaps forget you, and then 
you will cease to exist." 

While his premises and conclusions have not been 
fully accepted by the philosophy of the present day, 
they very considerably modified former views upon 
various subjects relative to metaphysics. 

Bishop Berkeley presented to Harvard and Yale 
Colleges his large and valuable library, and to the 
latter some valuable real estate on Rhode Island, 
from the proceeds of which to found a scholarship, 
which has become immensely valuable. More than 
two hundred students have availed themselves of this 

1 By Hon. Walter D. Nichols. 



privilege, of whom about one hundred have become 
clergymen, — a creditable showing for the legacy of 
one individual. 

He also sent to the town named in honor of him 
'a present of a church organ, to be used iu public 
worship. The services of an organist were not avail- 
able in those days, and this, added to the fact that 
there was an unmistakable prejudice among those 
primitive worshipers against instrumental music in 
church, resulted in a neglect of the courtesy, and the 
organ was left in Newport, and, it is said, yet re- 
mains there to this day in Trinity Church, in a state 
of complete preservation and in constant use. As an 
example of the sentiment that prevailed then against 
instrumental music in church, it is related that forty 
years after the present of the organ the feeling was 
so far compromised as to allow the use of a bass-viol 
at the closing singing, when the congregation joined. 
A venerable man would rise and go out, slamming 
his pew-door in evident ill humor. Upon being re- 
monstrated with for his discourteous behavior, he re- 
plied that " he would not stay and hear that bull 
roar." 

But in this respect, and iu others as well, there has 
been an entire change in the feelings and practices 
of religious worship and modifications of religious 
belief, and no one could be found who would now say 
that instrumental music in church was " an inven- 
tion of the devil to catch men's souls." 

The change in the spelling of the word Berkley 
was probably due to the carelessness of the engrossing 
clerk of the General Court, an error that has been 
perpetuated, and can be accounted for in no other 
manner. This is a matter of regret, as certainly the 
name of the town should have conformed to the 
original orthography. 

The following is the act of incorporation of the 
town of Berkley : 

"An Act /or dintUmj loivns of Tamtton and Dighton, erecting a itetv totvn 
there hy the nmne of Berkley. 

"Enacted in the eighth year of the reign of King George II. 

"Whereas, The southerly part of Tannton and the northerly part of 
Dighton, tin the east side of the Great River, is competently filled with 
inhabitants, who labor under difficulties by reason of the remoteue-ss 
from the jilaces of public meetings iu the said towns, and have there- 
upon made ajiplication to this court that they may be set ofl" a difi^erent 
and separate parish, and be vested with all tlie powers and privileges 
that other towns in this province are vesteii with. 

*' Be it therefore enacted hy His Ej-cellency the Governor, Council, and 
U'presentatives in General Court aseendded, nnd hy tlie authority of the same. 
That the southerly part of Taunton and northerly part of Dighton, on 
the east side of the Great Kiver, as hereafter bounded, be and hereby are 
set olT, constituted, and erected into a separate and distinct township by 
the name of Berkley, the bounds of the township being as followeth, 
viz. : Beginning at the Great Rivfr, at a forked white-oak tree, at the 
landing-place between the land of Abraham Tisdale and Micah Piatt; 
from thence to extend in a straight line to a dam known by the name 
of Little Meadow Dam ; from thence to a tree with a heap of stones 
aroxind it in the said little meadow; from thence to extend in a 
straight line until it intersected the line of the precinct, which includes 
a part of Taunton and a part of Middlebarough, opposite the dwelling- 
house of John ^^'iIliams; from thence to extend on said precinct line to 
the maple-tree which is the corner bounds of Middleborough, Freetown, 
Digliton, and Taunton; and fi-om thence hounded by Fieetown until it 
comes to a little knoll or hillock of upland, being the bounds between 



BERKLEY. 



175 



Digliton,Freotown, and Assonet Neck ; and tltence bounded by the land 
of Mr. Edward Sbove till it comes to Taunton River; and then bounded 
by said river till it comes to tlie first mentioned bounds. 

"And that the inliabitauts thereof be and hereby are vested and en- 
dowed witli equal privileges and powers and imniunilies that the inhab- 
itants of any of the towns within this province are or by law ought to be 
vested with. 

"Only it is be understood that John Spurn, Nicholas Stephens, John 
Tisdale, Abraham Tisdale, Isaac Tisdale, and Ebenezer Pitts, and tlieir 
families and estates, are not to be included in said township, but are to 
beloTig to the towns of Taunton or Dighton, as formerly. 

"And the inhabitants of the town of Berkley are hereby requested, 
within the space of two years from the publication of this act, to procure 
aud settle a learned Orthodox minister of good conversation, and make 
provision for his comfortable and honorable support, and also to erect 
and finish a suitable and convenient house for the public worship of 
God in said town. 

" Provided, also. That the inhabitants included within this township 
that heretofore belonged to Taunton shall, from time to time, pay 
towards the repairs of Weir bridge in proportion to the remaitiing part 
of Taunton, according to their assessment in the last province ta.\, and 
also their proportion of the rates and taxes already made in Taunton. 

" And that part of the new township which belonged tu Dighton pay 
their proportion with the said town of Pighton of the arrears of their 
outstanding rales already made, and of the debts due from the said town 
of Dighton, and also their proportion of the charge for the maintenance 
of the present poor of the town of Dighton. 

"April, the 18th day, 1735. This bill having been read three several 
times in the House of Representatives, passed to be enacted. 

" J. QuiNcy, Speaker. 

" April, the ISth dny, 17:55. This bill having been read three several 
times in Council, passed to be enacted. 

" T. Mason, Dep. Sec. 

" April, tlie 18th day, 1735. 
"By his Excellency tlie Governor: 
"I consent to the enacting of this Bill. 

" J. Belcbee. 

" A true copy from the original on file in the secretary's office. 

" Attest; John Avery, Jr., Secretary. 

"Recorded on the town of Berkley's records by Stephen Burt, town 
clerk." 

Organization of the Town. — At a legal town-meet- 
ing, warned acenrding to the General Court's order, 
and held May 12, 1735, at the house of Elkanah Bab- 
bitt, with Ger.shom Crane moderator, and Abel Burt 
town clerk, Nathaniel Gilbert, John Burt, and Ger- 
shom Crane were chosen selectmen, and Joseph Burt, 
John Paull, and Benaiah Babbitt for assessors. These 
officers, it was voted, should all serve without compen- 
sation for their labors. 

The second legal town-meeting was held Oct. 6, 
1735. 

" Voted, To hire a scholar to preach in the town for 
the space of a quarter of a year. 

" Voted, To assess or raise the sum of fifty pounds 
for the use of {he town, part to be paid to the scholar 
which shall be hired to preach to us, the other part 
for the same use if wanted, or otherwise, as the town 
shall apply it." 

" Voted, to hire no schoolmaster." 

An adjourned meeting was held Oct. 20, 1735. 

" Voted, That the three selectmen go and hire Mr. 
Tobey, if they can agree with him, to preach in our 
town of Berkley one-quarter of a year." 

" Voted, That Mr. John Burt take the contribution 
money that shall be given in the said tiiree months 



towards supporting the scholar that shall preach to 
us, and be accountable to the town for it." 

" Voted, To build a meeting-house in our said town 
of Berkley, forty feet long, thirty-four feet broad, and 
eighteen feet stud." 

" Voted, That John Burt give the dimensions, and 
appraise and approve of all timber for our said meet- 
ing-house when good." 

'■ Voted. Tiiat Gershom Crane, John Paull, Joseph 
Burt, and John Burt, under John Burt, procure the 
timber, divide the work, and proportion it among the 
inhabitants equally [equitably], and that each man 
who labors on said meeting-house shall be allowed 
four shillings per day, and lads or boys proportion- 
ally, as the committee shall see fit." 

The town-meetings relating to the settlement of 
Mr. Tobey as pastor and the completion of the meet- 
ing-house were held as follows, viz. : 

" March 8, f736. Voted, To pay Mr. Samuel Tobey 
forty pounds for serving in the ministry one-half year, 
he finding his own board." 

" Aug. 3, 1786. Voted, To give Mr. Samuel Tobey 
one hundred pounds in bills of credit, such as passeth 
between man and man, or silver at twenty-six shillings 
per ounce, annually, so long as he, the said Tobey, 
continueth in the work of the ministry in our town." 

" Sept. 27, 1736. Voted, That the assessors of our 
town of Berkley forthwith assess or make a tax of 
three hundred pounds for Mr. Tobey, — two hundred 
pounds for his settlement, and one hundred pounds 
for his salary this present year." 

" Voted, That Elkanah Babbitt, Gershom Crane, 
John Paull, Abiel Atwood, and Abel Burt be a com- 
mittee to let out our meeting-house as cheaply as they 
can to finish after a decent and comely fashion or 
manner." 

"Voted, To raise six hundred pounds on our said 
town, to enable the committee which was chosen to 
finish said meeting-house." 

Rev. Samuel Tobey. — Berkley became a distinct 
town in 1735, as has been already stated, and two 
years subsequentlj' a church was organized with Rev. 
Samuel Tobey as the pastor. Mr. Tobey was a native 
of Sandwich, Mass., and a graduate of Harvard Col- 
lege, of the class of 1733. He was ordained Nov. 23, 
1737, he being but twenty-five years old. His ministry 
continued until the time of his death, Feb. 13, 1781, 
a period of nearly forty-four years. Notwithstanding 
Mr. Tobey kept the church records with the greatest 
fidelity, there are none of his manuscripts that have 
been preserved, nor is it known that he ever pub- 
lished any of his writings. 

The year following his ordination Mr. Tobey was 
married to Bathsheba Crocker, a daughter of Timothy 
Crocker, of Barnstable. Twelve children were the 
result of this union, of whom the two youngest, Paul 
and Sihis, were twins. 

A local historian. Rev. Enoch Sanford, at the pres- 
ent writing a nonogenarian, who had seen several 



176 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



persons who had sat under Mr. Tobey's preaching, 
wrote of him thus, — 

" As a preacher, he was not brilliant, but grave and 
honest in declaring what he believed true and essen- 
tial. As a ' master of assemblies,' he was firm and 
impartial. He was of a full countenance, and un- 
commonly engaging in his person and manners. All 
revered him as a man of eminent abilities and of 
great common sense and unaffected appearance. The 
children not only revered but loved him, especially 
when he came into the schools and talked to them 
as a father. He seemed to regard all the people not 
only as his flock, but as his children. 

" ' Even cliildren followed with endearing wile. 

And plucked hi.s gown to share the good man's smile.' 

" The structure of his sermons was formal, according 
to the manner of ministers of that time, who made 
many divisions of their subjects. His style was open, 
and so plain that the unlearned could understand and 
remember the truths uttered. In his devotional ex- 
ercises in the pulpit he was somewhat formal, using 
nearly the same expressions in many of his prayers. 
That he was edifying and attractive to the common 
people is evident from the fact that he was highly 
esteemed in his deportment and public services for 
nearly three generations." 

Rev. Thomas Andros. — After an interim of six 
years, during which the pulpit was variously sup- 
plied. Rev. Thomas Andros, of Norwich, Conn., was 
ordained in 1788, March 19th, and for forty-seven 
years occupied the pulpit, at the end of which time, 
admonished by waning strength and the existence of 
difterences that time had developed in the church 
and society, he asked for and received a formal dis- 
missal from his pastoral charge, and retired, not to a 
life of idleness, but, on the contrary, to the end of his 
days was an active worker in all the great reforma- 
tory movements of the day. His early life having 
been passed amid hardships and privations, he fully 
appreciated and estimated the value of those advan- 
tages he failed to possess or enjoy, and he worked 
faithfully to increase an interest in popular educa- 
tion in the town, and gave an impetus to-it whose in- 
fluence was undoubtedly permanent and lasting. The 
Taunton Association of Ministers, on the occasion of 
his death, said of him, " Mr. Andros was an eminent 
example of self-taught men, a warm patron of edu- 
cation, and a deeply-interested friend of the rising 
generation. As a preacher, beheld high rank; as a 
pastor, he was affectionate, laborious, and untiring in 
interest, both for the spiritual and temporal welfare 
of his people, to whom he ministered for more than 
forty years." 

The early life of Mr. Andros was an eventful one. 
He lost his father in his childhood, and consequently 
upon his mother devolved the care and responsiljility 
of rearing and educating four children in compara- 
tively straitened circumstances. They removed to 



Plainfield, Conn., in the vicinity of which her rela- 
tives resided. There being few or no public schools 
in that day, and means being limited, it may readily 
be inferred that the advantages of mental culture 
enjoyed by Mr. Andros were small indeed. To a son 
of Mr. Andros is the writer indebted for the narration 
of the following thrilling events of his personal his- 
tory : 

"At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war in 
1775, though but a youth of sixteen years, he was the 
first to enroll himself as a soldier in the Continental 
service, and shortly after joined the American army, 
then encamped at Cambridge. After the evacuation 
of Boston, he was engaged in the battles of Long 
Island and White Plains, and under Gen. Sullivan 
was engaged in the conflict at Butt's Hill. In 1781 
he enlisted on board a private armed vessel, but his 
cruise was destined to be a short one, for they were 
captured by an English frigate and condemned to the 
' old Jersey prison-ship' in New York Harbor. In 
a manner singularly providential he succeeded in 
effecting his escape, and after sufl'ering incredible 
hardships and innumerable perils, finally reached the 
home of his mother. 

" A severe illness prostrated him for many months 
after his self-restoration to liberty and home, his 
recovery from which was well-nigh miraculous. It 
was probably this near approach to death, by whicli 
the doors of the future world were, as it were, opened 
wide before hiin, that fixed his subsequent career, and 
led him to dedicate the remainder of his life to tlie 
work of his Redeemer." 

After recovering his health he devoted himself for 
several years to a careful preparation for the ministry 
under the Rev. Joel l^nedict, of Plainfield, Conn., 
and received his first call to fill the pulpit at Berkley 
made vacant by the death of Rev. Samuel Tobey. 
To give a lengthy dissertation upon the meritsof Mr. 
Andros would far exceed the limit and object of this 
work, the design of which is general rather than per- 
sonal history, but a few words more may not be amiss 
to illustrate as far as may be the superior ability of 
this man, who for half a century was a leading spirit 
in the locality under consideration. 

Mr. Andros, though in the main adhering to the 
views inculcated by the most eminent New England 
divines of that period, was notwithstanding an inde- 
pendent thinker. Quoting from Mr. Sanford again, 
" He never preached that Christ made atonement by 
his death for the elect only, and not for all mankind ; 
or that justifying faith consists in one's believing that 
his .sins are forgiven, and that he is one of the saved ; 
or that man, in regeneration, is as passive as a child 
in being born into the world : or that man is unable 
to repent; or that no mere man, since the fall, is able 
perfectly to keep the divine commands. He is remem- 
bered never to have believed or preached that the sin of 
the first man is imputed to all his posterity, and that 
in him all sinned, and that each brings sin enough 



BERKLEY. 



177 



nto the world to subject him to the loss of heaven. 
■Neither did lie preach that Christ's righteousness is 
nade over or transferred to believers, but rather that 
le teaches us how we may acquire the righteousness 
vhich is acceptable by faith and good works. He 
trenuously enforced that men have the power of 
;hoice, are responsible for their moral acts ; that no 
livine agency operates in men to harden or tempt 
hem to sin, but rather to restrain them from it." 

As a patriot and politician, he never hesitated to be 
)ronounced in his opinions, and it was questioned by 
lis friends whether his strong partisanship was not 
00 strong for cue who occupied so pulilic a position, 
ind whether the judicious use of some finesse on his 
lart would not have proven " the better part of wis- 
lom." His Thanksgiving and Fast-day sermons 
vere usually political ones, and especially attractive 

those who agreed with him, as well as to those 
vho held opposite views. In one of that ilk he took 
iccasion to speak of Mr. Jefierson in the following 
lenunciatory language : " He is the object of my 
oul's most implacable abhorrence." It is but just, 
lowever, to say that in after-life he acknowledged his 
nisconception of Mr. Jefferson's religious and poli- 
ical views, and actually joined the party of which the 
luthor of the Declaration of Independence was the 
bunder and acknowledged exponent. Too favorable 

1 notice cannot be made of the influence he exerted 
ipon the cause of education, both with reference to the 
:ommon schools, of which he was an avowed friend 
md defender, and also to the higher branches, in 
vhich he had many private classes and pupils. In his 
laily walks of life he exerted a strong influence upon 
be generations already risen to adult age, he fully 
ndorsing the aptness of Pope's memorable epigram, — 

" alen must be taught as though you tauglit them not, 
.\nd tilings unknown proposed as things forgot." 

He also examined teachers for public schools, and 
Irew about him a corps of teachers whose acquire- 
nents and ability to impart knowledge were un- 
>qualed in those days and rarely surpassed in these. 

During Mr. Andros' ministry a circumstance oc- 
;urrcd which will illustrate his native shrewdness. 
\ master-mariner living near the line of Berkley, 
n Taunton, who had come from a trip to Albany, 
' beat" up to Grassy Island, then meeting a " head 
ade," anchored his vessel, went on shore, intending 
;o walk home, a distance of two miles. Passing by 
I clump of bushes, a hen fluttered out, announcing 
,n unmistakable language the presence of her nest. 
Examination of the spot disclosed a newly-laid egg, 
jpon which the sailor transcribed " Woe to the in- 
liabitants of Barkly." The writer of this minatory 
prophecy had procured in Albany a graphite pencil, 
a, thing almost unknown in those days. The egg was 
w.arm and moist, the plumbago united chemically 
with the shell, and so intimately as to be apparently 
a. part of it. The owner of the hen, a pious lady, 
12 



was horrified when, upon gathering up her eggs at 
night, she found the one already alluded to, and in 
perfect consternation took it to Mr. Andros, hoping 
he might explain the calamity it appeared to portend. 
The minister shut his eyes closely, as was his wont, 
and said, " It was not the Lord's doings, for He would 
have known how to spell Berkley." This ready an- 
swer quieted her fears. 

Mr. Andros represented his town twice in the Leg- 
islature after he retired from active ministerial service. 
His last sermon was preached tlie 5th of October, 1845, 
and the following December .30th he died from the re- 
sult of a succession of apoplectic attacks. 

He was twice married, first to Miss Abigail Cutler, 
and after her death to Miss Sophia Sanford. The 
former had nine children and the latter eight. Five 
of his sons were master-mariners, and made many 
foreign voyages. Another son, the late R. S. S. An- 
dros, was a well-known New England writer and 
poet. Another son, Milton Andros, is at present a 
distinguished attorney-at-!aw in the State of Califor- 
nia. Descendants of other members of his family 
still attest to the wide-spread influence of this man, 
whom the writer deems /he one of all others whose 
life gave a coloring to the affairs of this town of Berk- 
ley, both educational and spiritual, and without whose 
brief personal history a methodical record of the im- 
portant events which concern this town could not be 
written. 

The next settled minister was the Rev. Ebenezer 
Poor, of Danvers, Mass. His pastorate was about two 
years in duration. He was esteemed an interesting 
preacher. He was succeeded by Rev. J. IT. Parsons, 
who was installed in 1838 and dismissed in 1840. He 
was the author of a series of school readers and some 
religious works. In 1842, Rev. Charles Chamberlain, 
formerly tutor in Brown University, was ordained as 
the successor of Mr. Parsons, and resigned his charge 
in 1844. Since that time the pulpit has successively 
been supplied by Rev. Messrs. Eastman, Gould, Gay, 
Richardson, Craig, Smith, Lothrop, Davis, Babcock, 
Bessom, Barney, Chamberlain, and Parker. 

This society — the Congregational — now occupies 
the third meeting-house, all of which houses have 
occupied the same and to many a sacred spot. It is a 
large and well-arranged house and in good condition. 
Adjacent to the meeting-house is a neat and attrac- 
tive parsonage, having a desirable location. This .so- 
ciety is in a very healthy condition financially, the 
annual rent of the pews and the income of the "min- 
isterial fund" placing the society above pecuniary 
anxiety. 

In 1848 a division in the Congregational Church 
and Society occurred from causes which it would be 
unprofitable to lift the veil of oblivion from now. 
Some twenty members of the church and a number 
of the society withdrew and organized the "Trini- 
tarian Congregational Society in Berkley," March 
1, 1848, and built a comfortable house called the 



178 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Chapel." Rev. L. E. Eastman was the first pastor, 
commenciug his pastorate the first Sabbath in April, 
1848, and left iu March, 1856, being a pastorate of 
■eight years. 

Rev. James A. Roberts having been invited to fill 
the pulpit made vacant by the resignation of Mr. 
Eastman, he entered upon his ministry the first Sab- 
bath in April, 1856, continuing his pastorate until 
the last Sabbath in September, 1872, a period of more 
than sixteen years. He retired then, as he said, " to 
rest," thinking perhaps that he might be able to re- 
enter the puljiit again. But he never rallied, and in 
the following November, in the eighty-fourtli year of 
his age, he " rested" from his labor. 

Mr. Roberts was born iu Trowbridge, England ; 
preached in a Dissenting Church in London and else- 
where three thousand nine hundred and forty-two 
times ; came to America and was settled as pastor of 
the South Congregational Society in New Bedford, 
where he remained several years ; went back to Eng- 
land, and returned to New Bedford again. He 
preached four thousand seven hundred and seventy- 
seven times in America before his pastorate in Berk- 
ley, and in Berkley he preached fifteen hundred and 
fifty-five times. He resigned his pastorate in New 
Bedford and retired to his farm in Lakeville. Soon 
after he entered upon the ministry in Berkley he re- 
moved thither, bought a house and lands, where he 
lived ever after and where he died. 

Mr. Roberts was a man beloved by all who knew 
him well for bis geniality, good practical sense, and 
for his benevolence. He was loved [)articuhirly by 
the children and youth with whom he became ac- 
quainted, and there are those who remember his 
kindly and wise suggestions and admonitions and 
have treasured them up. As a preacher, he was gen- 
erally interesting, his sermons short, but generally 
well considered; his manner of delivery animated, 
and sometimes highly expressive ; his prayers re- 
markably comprehensive, earnest, and sympathetic. 
He was free from that arrogance peculiar to his 
nationality; his adopted country was Ms country, 
and few " to the manner born" were more patriotic. 
His love of the cultivation of fruits and flowers was 
almost unbounded, and to this work he devoted much 
attention and displayed much taste. His love for his 
parishioners, the heathen world, and for the whole 
human family was demonstrated whenever he could 
do them good by word or by deed. His remains lie 
buried in the cemetery with the Rev. Samuel Tobey 
and with the Rev. Thomas Andros, a worthy com- 
panionship of noble men. 

In 1873, March 1st, the First Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Berkley was organized, a large part of 
Mr. Roberts' church and society joining with the 
Methodists and occupying the " Chapel," where they 
worshiped until 1875, when the Methodist Society 
built a very pleasant, neat, and commodious building 
at an expense of seven thousand five hundred dollars, 



and it is understood that this building is paid for. 
This church and society has prospered, and although 
some of the members have made great exertions to 
put this society upon a firm foundation, they have 
done it willingly, cheerfully, — "The Lord loveth a 
cheerful giver," — and having "cast their bread upon 
the waters," it is confidently hoped that " they shall 
find it after many days." The clergymen of the First 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Berkley have been 
Rev. Mr. Wright, one year; Rev. Mr. Ewer, three 
years; Rev. Mr. Nutter, one year; Rev. Mr. Hum- 
phrey, two years ; Rev. Mr. Burn, three years. 

There is a Methodist Episcopal Church also near 
the pleasant village of Myrickville, in the eastern 
part of the town, which was formerly a part of the 
city of Taunton, but was annexed to Berkley in 
1878. The congregation though small, the numbers 
are increasing and the prospectsof the church bright- 
ening. It seems to have a location which required 
some house of public worship established, as there 
was none for miles around. 

John Crane is the first person named as a school- 
teacher, there being a small sum voted to pay him 
for keeping school. Jonathan Crane likewise was 
paid for the same purpose. Both of tliese schools 
were of short duration. Then the town employed 
Rowland Gavin, an Englishman of good attainments. 
He taught in different parts of the town some two 
months in a place, in such buildings as could be .se- 
cured for the purpose. His penmanship was exceed- 
ingly good. Eacli scholar had a blank-book prepared 
by sewing a number of sheets of paper together. The 
" master" would write the arithmetical examples into 
each scholar's book, and the scholar would write the 
solution, the " master" having the only arithmetic in 
the school. Reading- and spelling-books also were 
scarce and expensive, and the pecuniary meansof the 
parents small. Grammars and geographies were not 
used in school in those early days. But, notwith- 
standing the many disadvantages under which those 
scholars labored, a knowledge of reading, writing, 
spelling, and arithmetic was attained almost incredible 
when compared with the proficiency of the scholars 
of the present day, measured by the difl'erence in 
length of school, convenience of studying, abundance 
of text-books upon all desirable subjects, and teachers 
who have in turn had ample means of qualifying 
themselves for their important duties, important not 
only in developing the mental faculty in the direction 
of science, but important also in the shaping of the 
moral character of those committed to their charge. 
But then the parents and children prized their slender 
opportunities and made good use of them. Their 
few books were used at home at odd hours in the 
daytime, in the evening by fire-light, it may be, and 
it sometimes was so. The bodily exercise, from whicli 
none escaped, the absence of heated rooms, which 
none enjoyed, gave to their minds a clearness and 
vigor not attainable perhaps in any other manner. 



BERKLEY. 



179 



rhe diflSculties which had to be surmounted also 
idded force to their characters. Here, then, is an 
instance of the resulting beneficence of the law of 
compensation that permeates all of the works of God, 
ivho so kindly tempers the storm to the shorn lamb. 

But soon after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Tobey, 
jnd during his pastorate, the condition of the schools 
improved quite evidently and continually. In 1763 
the town began to build school-houses, which were 
aiore comfortable and more conveniently located than 
;he extemporized school-rooms that had heretofore 
aeen available. Some young men had measurably 
jualified themselves, under Master Gavin's teaching 
md at home, for the position of elementary teachers, 
ind the winter schools and winter evenings were util- 
ized to a creditable degree. Thus the soil was being 
gradually prepared for the future harvest. Soon after 
;he settlement of Mr. Andros in 1787, a new impetus 
ivas given to education, largely through his instru- 
uentality, which is stated elsewhere, but aided by 
)ther causes also. The war of the Revolution had 
exhausted the pecuniary resources of the whole 
jountry. But the advent of peace, the formation "of 
I more perfect Union" by the adoption of the Con- 
ititution, the confidence in the administration of 
Wasliington, the unparalleled success of the financial 
jolicy of iHamilton began to recuperate the palsied 
land of industry, and better times dawned in the 
lorizon. Its influence was felt all over the country, 
[n 1793 the town was divided into four school dis- 
;ricts, alterwards into five, then into six, and after the 
iccession of Assonet Neck the number of school dis- 
;ricts in town in 1799 was seven. In 1794 the town 
coted one hundred and twenty pounds to the four 
ichool districts to build their school-houses, which 
noney had been raised for the enlargement of the 
neeting-house. In 1800 the scholars belonging to 
;he several school districts between the ages of four 
ind sixteen were over four hundred, and the popula- 
;ion one thousand and thirty-four. In 1865 the popu- 
ation was eight hundred and eighty-eight. In 1880 
;he population was nearly one hundred less than 
;islity years before, and the children between five 
ind fifteen years of age only one hundred and sixty- 
Iiree, and notwithstanding the town had had three 
iccessions of inhabitants and territory from Taunton 
n the mean time, particularly that of Myrickville, 
;ogetlierwith the adjacent and surrounding neighbor- 
inod, it being an important and very desirable acqui- 
sition to the town. Although the schools have been 
becoming small and smaller for the last forty years 
intil the scliolars are less than one-half in number 
;han there was then, yet the town's annual appropria- 
;ion has increased from three hundred dollars to 
"ourteen hundred dollars for support of public 
ichools. 

Some of the pupils of Master Gavin had under difii- 
;ulties acquired a taste for study, which increased as 
;hey advanced in science until they in turn were well 



able to teach what they had been taught by their 
master and were advancing to a higher plane. Capt. 
Joseph Sanford, Rev. Levi French, Col. Adoniram 
Crane, and Capt. Giles G. Chace were among the first 
and most able teachers which the town has ever had, 
and their services were sought in many of the sur- 
rounding towns, and each of them taught for more 
than thirty winters. Then there arose a succession 
of juniors, some of whom taught many years in the 
common schools and in higher branches of learning 
and in academies ; such were James, John, Enoch, 
Alpheu.s, and Baalis Sanford, brothers, and sons of 
Capt. Joseph Sanford, and Silas A. Benjamin, who 
taught during most of his life; Daniel and Abrathar 
Crane, brothers, and sons of Benjamin Crane ; Ebene- 
zer Hervey, who taught here, in Taunton, and else- 
where in New Bedford for more than thirty years, 
and taught in all more than a half-century. William 
M. and B. L. Cornell, brothers; David French, Darius 
Phillips, Daniel S. Briggs, Enoch Boyce, Thomas C. 
Dean, Dr. S. Hathaway, Walter D. Nichols, P. Ches- 
ter Porter, Thomas P. Paull, etc. 

Since their time of teaching females have been 
most generally employed, and their success has been 
quite satisfactory, and they, as a class, have in that 
department an enviable record. It has been said in 
the past, and not without reason, that this town fur- 
nished more common school teachers according to its 
population than any other town in the commonwealth. 
And in this respect there has been perhaps as little 
decadence as in any other; for while we have but 
comparatively few male teachers in active service, 
our young ladies with commendable ambition have 
come to the rescue, have prepared and are now pre- 
paring themselves thoroughly for the discharge of 
their duties in this most important field of labor; 
for the public school, with its mental and physical 
discipline, its inculcation of noble thoughts and pre- 
cepts, reinforced by good and patriotic instruction at 
home by the fireside, is the bulwark of an enlightened 
liberty, of freedom and equality under the law. They 
also shape the law itself. The school-houses and 
their surroundings generally are such as reflect great 
credit upon and are an honor to the town. The im- 
provement in this respect came gradually and rather 
tardily, but it has come nevertheless at last. 

The inhabitants of Berkley during the war of the 
Revolution were, with a few exceptions, in favor of 
the war and of the declaration of independence. 
There was a little "Tory" feeling manifested. Some 
of the anti-Whigs fled to the provinces of Nova Scotia 
or New Brunswick, some others were arrested and 
imprisoned, but enlisted out into the colonial forces. 
Considering the population and the means of the 
town, it furnished its full proportion of men. 

In 1774 the town voted that the resolves of the 
Continental Congress be strictly observed in every 
parlicii/ar, and a committee was chosen to see that the 
vote of the town was regarded by the people. 



180 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In 1775 the town directed that the militia train one- 
half a day in each week, and receive one shilling 
therefor; and each minute-man when called into 
active service receive five dollars as a bounty. 

1776, voted seventy-five pounds ten shillings as an 
additional bounty to the soldiers ordered to New York, 
and all soldiers be exempt from paying any part 
thereof Voted to assess two hundred and thirty-four 
pounds wherewith to pay soldiers' bounty. 

1777, voted to give each man required to fill our 
quota in the Continental army ten pounds in addition 
to what is given by the General Court. The term of 
enlistment was for three years. 

How many enlisted in the Continental army or 
were drafted into it I am unable to ascertain, but, 
judging from the number of pensioners, their number 
must have been considerable. Capt. Joseph Sanlord, 
Josiah Macomber, Samuel PauU, William Evans, 
Ezra Chace, and Paull Briggs were pensioners. 

In 1778 voted six hundred and twenty pounds to 
pay soldiers in the Continental army ; voted one hun- 
dred and filty-four pounds twelve shillings to pay 
soldiers; also voted thirteen hundred and twenty 
pounds and nineteen shillings to pay soldiers hired 
by the town ; also to sixty-four soldiers who had been 
employed in the defense of the coast, from three to 
ten pounds each. 

Col. John Hathaway commanded a regiment in the 
war. It is said of him that he was a very sanguine 
patriot, never even in the darkest times doubted for a 
moment the ultimate success of the colonies under 
Washington. In the absence of his chaplain he 
ofliciated himself in a voice which was widely heard. 
After the close of the war a militia system was 
inaugurated which required all able-bodied men 
between the ages of eighteen and forty-five to report 
themselves at a given time and place, "armed and 
equipped as the law directs," with gun, bayonet, knap- 
sack, cartridge-box, priming wire and brush, and two 
spare flints; sometimes in May called " May training," 
and also in the fall a regimental or brigade muster. 
These were great events for children and youth, and 
for children of an older growth as well. The stirring 
drum and the shrill and inspiring fife, and then the 
brigade band, with its bugles and other horns, trom- 
bones and bassoons, would cause the smouldering 
military and patriotic fires to blaze forth in the breasts 
of the old crippled veterans till they, too, felt like 
shouldering their crutches and keeping "step to the 
music of the Union." Under this system Abner 
Burt, Jr., was adjutant, Adoniram Crane was colonel. 
Among the captains were Samuel French, Sr., Joseph 
Sanford, Christoplier Paull, Freeman Briggs, Giles G. 
Chace, Giles Leach, Nathaniel Townsend, John Dean. 
Capt. Giles G. Chace, in the war of 1812-15, was 
ordered to New Bedford to repel an expected invasion 
of the British, but the enemy, thinking probably that 
" discretion is the better part of valor," sailed away, 
and the campaign was a bloodless one. 



But after a number of years the militia system fell 
into disrepute. Election of company oflicers was a 
mere farce, electing such as would not or could not 
serve, and then adjourn the meeting without day, — 

" But p.ist is all its fame." 

In 18(54, near the close of the Rebellion, there was 
an attempt made to revive it, and an "act" of one 
hundred and eighty sections was passed by General 
Court, but the system was too dead to be revived, and 
" it rests." 

When Fort Sumter was fired upon, April 12, 1861, 
by the deluded rebels of the Montgomery govern- 
ment, called the " Confederacy," and a call was 
made by President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand 
volunteers to defend the flag of the Union, a meeting 
of the town was called, at which it was resolved 
unanimously to respond promptly to the call, and 
that every effort should be made to encourage enlist- 
ments. A committee was appointed to take charge 
of the matter. Bounties were successively oflered to 
volunteers, — first one hundred dollars, then one luin- 
dred and fifty dollars, and finally two hundred dollars 
bounty, in addition to the bounties offered by the 
State and by the general government, and also in ad- 
dition to the State aid extended to all volunteers' 
parents if dependent upon the volunteers for sup- 
port, and extended to the wife and minor children of 
the volunteers. The town's quota was filled promptly 
at every " call," and some of our enlisted men went 
to the credit of other towns which were "short." 
But our brave men did not volunteer because they 
liked the pomp and circumstance of war, nor because 
liberal inducements were offered (though those that 
had families dependent upon the avails of their in- 
dustry would not have been as likely to enlist, not 
knowing how their families would fare in their ab- 
sence) ; but they periled their own health and lives 
that a nation might live. Theirs is the roll of honor, 
and, in common with all soldiers of the Union army, 
are entitled to a nation's gratitude. 

These are the names of volunteers: William H. 
Fletcher, Elisha Burt,' T. Preston Burt,^ E. B. Hath- 
eway, Timothy French, William Smith, B. F. Dean, 
James T. Dean,^ Ephraim F. Norcut,' Enoch Ma- 
comber,' James H. Macomber, Cromwell T. Fades, 
' Samuel AV. Phillips, John Q. Chase, Philip F. Chase, 
Lewis Green, Hercules Dean, James Arnold,' John 
Boyce, Bradford G. Hatheway, Charles Riccord, John 
Q. Dillingham (by substitute), Benjamin F. Luther, 

Michael Burns, H. L. Babbitt (by substitute), ■ 

Reynolds,' Joshua Pittsley,^ John Q. Adams, John 
E. Adams, John Cameron, Alonzo French, Thomas 
J. Brooks,' Daniel Hatheway, Ezra Dickerman,' Seth 
Briggs, Henry Williams, Bildad Williams. 

Of the sons of Berkley living in other States who 
, entered the Union army mention may be made of 



1 Dead. 



2 Severely wounded and loss of leg below the knee. 



BERKLEY. 



181 



Alexander B. Crane, colonel of an Indiana regiment; 
S. N. Crane, captain of a Colorado company ; S. V. 
Dean, captain of a Pennsylvania company. Col. 
Crane and Capt. Dean were both made prisoners. 
Rev. James Nichols, chaplain of One Hundred and 
Eighth New York Regiment, who by great exertions 
in behalf of the wounded at Autietam, Chancellors- 
ville, and Fredericksburg, impaired his health, came 
liome to Rochester, N. Y., and died February, 1864. 

Assonet Neck. — Assonet Neck was peculiarly the 
camping-ground of the Wampanoag Indians. They 
retained possession of it longer than of any of the 
surrounding country, on account of the convenience 
of the oyster, clam, and other fisheries. 

At the close of King Philip's war it was taken pos- 
session of by the Plymouth Colony, who sold it to 
Taunton in 1678 for the sum of one hundred and 
fifty pounds. 

Subsequently it was bought by six proprietors, 
namely, George Shove, Walter Dean, James Walker, 
James Tisdale, William Harvey, and Richard Wil- 
liams. It became a part of Dighton at its organiza- 
tion in 1712, and the town of Berkley in 1752 voted 
" to grant the request of a number of the inhabitants 
of Assonet Neck to be inhabitants of the town of 
Berkley," but it does not appear that any legislative 
sanction was applied for at that time. In 1798 the 
following petition was presented to the town of Berk- 
ley, and the request granted : 

'• Gentlemen, Selectmen of the town of Berklev ; 

"Tlie subscribers, intiabitaots of that part of Dighton called Assonet 
Neck, being desirous to be annexed to the said town of Berliley, with 
equal privileges of tlie town of Berkley, therefore request that a meet- 
ing may be called jis soon .is convenient, to see if the town will grant 
our request, and you will oblige your friends, 

" James Dean, Joseph Dean, David Deau, Benjamin Dean, Aaron 
Dean, Walter Dean, Ezra Dean, David Dean, Jr., James Dean, 
Jr., George Shove, Asa Shove, John Boyce, Enoch Boyce.Daniel 
Lew, Henry Lew, Samuel Shove. Ebenezer Pierce, Jr., Ebenezer 
Phillips, Darius Phillips, William Cotton, John Lew (2d), 
John Jones, Jonathan Bryant, William Shove, inhabitants of 
Dighton." 

Assonet Neck was annexed to the town of Berkley 
in 1799. 

This peninsula embraces nearly two square miles of 
land, being about two miles in length and of an aver- 
age width of less than a mile. It lies between the 
Taunton River and its Assonet branch, and in some 
respects seems to be of a different geological forma- 
tion from the mainland with which it is joined, being 
less sandy, and having a more rolling, uneven sur- 
face. 

The celebrated Written Rock, called " Dighton 
Rock," is situated in the northwestern part of this 
neck, on the eastern shore of Taunton River. There 
has been much curiosity and interest manifested con- 
cerning the inscriptions found thereon, thousands of 
persons, some from a great distance, having viewed 
them. There are many theories about their origin, 
and there will be probably many more until the fig- 
ures and lines are entirely effaced. For an exhaustive 



account of this famous rock see history of Dighton 
in this work, by G. A. Shove, Esq. 

Many of the leading and most numerous family 
names mentioned at the organization and in the early 
history of the town have become obsolete in this town 
entirely, or live mostly in some few remote descend- 
ants, such as Gilbert, Paull, Burt, Crane, Babbitt, 
Nichols, Andros, Tobey, French, Tubbs, Dean, San- 
ford, Hathaway, Axtell, Briggs, Chace, Shove, New- 
hall, and Peirce. But these families are by no means 
extinct. Their descendants are to be found in the 
business centres in this and almost every other State 
and Territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific, dis- 
tinguishing themselves in the various professions, 
judiciary, agricultural, mechanical, and manufac- 
turing pursuits, and in trade. In short, Berkley, like 
other purely agricultural towns in New England, is 
steadily being drained of its youthful and enterprising 
population, who are attracted to more remunerative 
fields and pursuits. Although Berkley is almost ex- 
clusively a farming town, its soil can be called good 
or in a high state of cultivation only in exceptional 
cases and localities. The soil is generally sandy, 
with unmistakable evidence in the far distant past of 
the deposit of immense icebergs or bowlders of ice 
upon the surface, which with the continual and in- 
cessant surging of the water acted upon by the wind 
caused them to settle deeply, and when the atmosphere 
was warm enough to melt them there was a consid- 
erable cavity or " hollow," "Timothy's Hollow" being 
the most considerable. These " hollows" seem to 
correspqnd in shape to the stria- in this vicinity, 
which seem to have been nearly south, or ten degrees 
east of south, invariably. In some parts of the town 
it is rocky and almost covered with bowlders piled up 
promiscuously in profusion and in disorder, pointing 
back to an antiquity which geology itself cannot de- 
termine with certainty. The eastern and northeastern 
part is plentifully covered and interspersed with 
bowlders of rocks ; there are also Bryant's and Skunk 
Hills, which are notable hills, which with Apes' Hill 
constitute the most considerable chills in the town. 
The original houses and barns were quite rude, as 
they were generally in the Old Colony, and in these 
days could not be considered comfortable, but from 
time to time, according to the pecuniary means or 
taste, or perhaps both, the owners have improved 
their dwellings, not in the direction of elegance, but 
in that of coziness and comfortableness. The houses 
are well built and finished, painted, and surrounded 
by some evidences of taste and a desire to improve 
what has come down from the former generation, 
which is true progress. The ladies cultivate flowers 
in summer and winter, which is elevating and enno- 
bling, for who that cultivates and loves a vegetable 
flower cannot neglect the more beautiful human flower 
that needs even more careful and assiduous cultiva- 
j tion, and will so much more appreciate it as the dawn- 
1 ing mind is developed into the intelligence of youth 



182 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and the affections of manhood and womanhood. 
" These are my jewels," pointing to her children, said 
one who scorned the thought of counting rubies or dia- 
monds in comparison with those precious immortals. 
The barns in town are in a very good and comfortable 
condition, many having cellars under them, for the 
man who is merciful is mercilul to his beasts. At the 
centre or common are two churches, a chapel, and a 
school-house, which will be mentioned elsewhere. 
There were two hundred and thirty-five dwelling- 
houses in town in 1881. The common, "Half- Way 
Plain," will undoubtedly some time be comjiletely 
ornamented with trees again, and it may be inclosed, 
but it is hoped that no vandalism will exist to again 
destroy the young saplings as heretofore. The pub- 
lic cemeteries have had much attention of late, com- 
pared with that which was formerly bestowed. 

There are many neat monuments and, it may be 
humbler, but equally affectionate tributes to the an- 
cestors or the loved and the lost. " Whenever I visit 
a strange place and desire to know the degree of civ- 
ilization which veneration and Christianity has 
wrought I visit their churchyard, — not to see their 
splendid and costly monuments, but to see the un- 
pretending but unmistakable tokens of an abiding 
affection for those whom they have succeeded. It 
shows that their predecessors are not forgotten." 
This was said by the greatest of novelists, and per- 
haps the greatest delineator of character since Shake- 
speare. There are two public burying-grounds, one 
at the centre and one in the south part of the town. 
In both cases a nucleus was bequeathed to the public 
for that purpose, and in both cases more territory has 
been purchased to enlarge it, and both are properly 
inclosed, and many family inclosures are tastefully 
arranged. There is also another burying-ground in 
Assonet Neck, known as the Deane burial-ground, 
where most of that name have been buried, together 
with some of their relatives of different name. This 
ground also is well inclosed. 

There is but little wealth and less poverty in this 
town. If there is not luxurious living, neither is 
there scarcely any suffering for the want of the ma- 
terial comforts of life. Berkley was once largely 
engaged in ship- or vessel-building, and owning and 
sailing them. Vessels are not built here now, and 
while the town furnishes many master-mariners, the 
vessels which they command are mostly owned else- 
where and hail from other ports. 

In' 1868, D. S. Briggs, Esq., communicated to the 
Bristol Cou7iUj Republivan the following statistics of 
the commencement and aims of vessel-building in 
Berkley : 

The Hon. Samuel Tobey, about the year 1790, then 
full of euteri)rise, and possessing a large share of am- 
bition, commenced tiie work of ship-building in this 
town. He built six ships for the European trade, 
and four smaller craft for the West India trade. El- 
kanah Hatheway, about 1804, built three schooners 



and two sloops. Ebenezer Crane, in the year 1808, 
built two sloops of thirty-five tons each, nearly one 
mile distant from the Taunton River, near the South 
Cemetery. These vessels, when completed, had trucks 
placed under them, jirepared for the purpose, and 
were drawn to the river with the united strength of 
forty yoke of oxen and some one hundred men who 
led the way, hauling by a rope. It is said one barrel 
of West India rum was provided for the occasion. 

Darius Newhall, from 1804 to 1816, built two brigs, 
three schooners, and five sloops. Nehemiah Newhall, 
from 181.3 to 1826, built two ships, five brigs, three 
schooners, and three sloops. About 1815, three ves- 
sels were built near the northerly part of the town 
by Edmund Burt and others. In 1827, at the town 
landing, near Jedediah Briggs' wharf, a steamboat 
and a schooner were built. Earlier two other vessels 
had been built at the .same place. 

Ephraim French built, from 1809 to 1833, six 
schooners and three sloops. 

From 1820 to 1866 twenty-six schooners, eight 
brigs, one bark, and five sloops were built by Henry 
Crane, George Crane, Simeon Briggs, Edward Bab- 
bitt, and others. Thus during a period of three- 
fourths of a century some hundred vessels were built, 
varying in size from thirty-five tons to five hundred 
tons measurement. 

Hon. Samuel Tobey, son of the Rev. Mr. Tol)ey, 
deserves more than a passing notice here. He — Judge 
Tobey, as he was called — was justice of the peace, 
representative to the General Court, State senator, 
and judge of the Court of Common Pleas. His per- 
.sonal appearance was commanding ; he was for half 
a century the most influential man in this town, and 
his influence was exerted for what he considered the 
best interest of the town. He was patriotic and public- 
spirited, kind to those who were in affliction, or who 
were by any means destitute ; he was esteemed a man 
of learning and of a remarkably sound judgment. 
No other man in town was so looked up to and ven- 
erated as was Judge Tobey. Possessed of an indom- 
itable will and perseverance, whatever he desired to 
do he did with all his might. His political partisan 
conviction and friendships were strong, and he was 
conciliating towards the opinions of those whose opin- 
ions were adverse to his. The firm of Samuel Tobey 
Si Son (Apollos) were engaged in trading in dry -goods 
and groceries for about fifty years, also in ship-build- 
ing, in navigation, in farjning, and other enterprises 
which constitute the business era in the history of 
the town. Judge Tobey was the master-spirit con- 
cerned in the building of the second meeting-house 
in 1797 and 1798. But the firm meeting with losses 
at sea, and other losses, became embarrassed finan- 
cially, closed up their business, made an assignment, 
and their property was sold, tiie creditors making 
provision for them and their fiimilies' comfortable 
support. 
Judge Tobey died in 1825. Taking him all in all. 



BERKLEY. 



183 



we shall rarely see his like again. Apollos, his son, 
removed to New Bedford, where he lived a number 
of years and where he died. 

Other justices of the peace have been Apollos 
Tobey, Samuel French, Levi French, Barzillai Crane, 
Adonirara Crane, Jabez Fox, John Dillingham, Wil- 
liam S. Crane, Ephraim French, Jr., A. B. Crane, 
Nathaniel Townsend, Walter D. Nichols, William 
Babbitt, Giles L. Leach, Daniel S. Briggs, Ebenezer 
Williams, and Charles Bissell. The duties required 
of a justice of the peace in this town are almost 
wholly ministerial, there having been no criminal 
business to attend to, and all civil suits are tried in 
higher courts. This town could well dispense with 
jails, houses of correction, juvenile reformatory in- 
stitutions, and State's prisons. Although it pays its 
proportion annually towards supporting these penal 
institutions, I do not remember the committal of 
any citizen of this town upon any criminal charge 
whatever. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

During the Colonial Period. 

Toien Clerks. — Abel Burt, Ebenezer Phillips, George Cftawell, John 

Briggs, Samuel French, Ebenezer Wiiislow, and Abel Crane. 
Selectmen. — Nathaniel Gilbert, John Burt, Gershoni Crane, John Panll, 

William Nichols, Samuel Gilbert, John Crane, Samuel Tubbs. 
Reiiresentalives to General Court. — None, the town having to bear the ex- 
pense. 

DCRINC. THE ReVOLI'TIONARY PERIOD. 

Town Cleric. — Samuel Tobey, Jr. 

Selectmen. — John Paull, James Nichols, Je<lediah Briggs, Jacob French, 
Stephen Webster, Ebenezer Myrick, Levi French, John Babbitt, 
Ebenezer Paull (2d), Samuel Tubbs, and Israel French. 

Eeiiresentativee to General Cour/.— Samuel Tobey, Jr., and James Nichols. 

Under the State Constitution. 

Town ClerUs. — Samuel Tobey, Jr., Samuel French, Stephen Burt, Jolin 
Crane, Joseph Sanford, Apollos Tobey, Adoniram Crane, Asahel 
Hathaway, Sitmuel French, Jr., Abiel B. Crane, Ephraim French, 
Jr., Daniel S. Briggs, William S. Crane, N. C. Townsend, George 
Crane, W. D. Nichols, Daniel C. Burt, T. Preston Burt, and John A. 
Read. 

Selectmen. — John Paull, James Nichols, Jedediah Briggs, John Babbitt, 
Samuel Tubbs, Jr., Levi Frencli, Simeon Burt, Ebenezer Winslow, 
Ebenezer Paull (2d), John Crane, Abner Burt, Nathaniel Tobey, 
Samuel Tobey, Apollos Tobey, Ebenezer Crane, \he\ Babbitt, Samuel 
French, Jr., Shadrach Burt, Ezra Dean, Adoniram Crane, Jabez Fo.\, 
Henry Crane, Enoch Babbitt, Dean Burt, David Sliove, Nathaniel 
Townsend, Joseph D. Halheway, Tamerlane Burt, Walter D. Nichols, 
John C. Crane, Benjamin Luther, William Babbitt, ThouKos C. 
Dean, Daniel .S. Briggs, Giles L. Leach, Peter L. Cliace, Simeon 
Briggs, Albert E. Allen, Herbert A. Dean, Benjamin F. Chacc, 
Thomas A. Briggs, Benjamin Crane, Ebenezer Williams, Benjamin 
F. Coombs. 

Hepresintatires to Gener'd Couit. — John Babbitt, S.imuel Tobey, Apollos 
Tobey, Ailoiiirani Crane, John I»illinghani, Samuel French, Rev. 
Thomas .\ndi-os, Tamerlane Burt, Nathaniel Townsend, Leander 
Andros, Samuel Newhall, Ephraim French, Enoch Babbitt, Abiel B. 
Crane, William S. Crane, William Babbitt, Walter D. Nichols, Giles 
L. Leach, Enoch Boyce, Herbert A. Dean. 

Slate Senators. — Samuel Tobey, Samuel French, Walter D. Nichols. 

A list of names of those who received a liberal 
education or its equivalent : 

Silas Tobey, Brown University. 
Rev. Alvin Tobey, Brown University. 
Rev. James Barnaby, Brown University. 
Rev. James Sanford, Brown Universitv. 



Rev. John Sanford, Brown University. 

Rev. Enoch Sanford, Brown University. 

Rev. Baalis Sanford, Brown University. 

Eliphalet Hevey, M.D., Brown University. 

Rev. Silas A. Crane, D.D., Brown University. 

Benjamin Crane, Brown University. 

Daniel Crane, Brown University and Union Col- 
lege. 

George Hatheway, Brown University. 

Rev. Wm. M. Cornell, LL.D., Brown University. 

Rev. Daniel C. Burt, Brown University. 

Rev. Thomas T. Richmond. 

Rev. James Nichols, Union College. 

Hon. Charles 6. W. French, Brown University. 

Richard S. S. Andros, Esq. 

Rev. Levi French. 

Milton Andros, Esq. 

Russell L. Hathaway, Esq. 

Col. Alexander B. Crane, Amherst. 

Edward Crane, M.D., Amherst. 

P. Chester Porter, M.D., Amherst. 

Shadrach Hatheway, M.D. 

Rev. Lucius R. Eastman, Jr., .\mherst. 

Rev. Jabez Fox. 

Rev. Gardner Dean. 

There are few towns in this commonwealth which 
can show so large percentage of educated men during 
the first half of the nineteenth century. Many of 
these scholars obtained their education under diffi- 
culties, but they overcame them all. They have all 
made their mark in their professions. Of those who 
attended the ministrations of Mr. Andros alone, 
thirteen were ordained ministers, eight of whom 
graduated at Brown University and one at Union 
College, — nine Congregationalists, one Episcopalian, 
one " New Church," one Presbyterian, and one Bap- 
tist,—" a greater number than in any other church in 
the county." 

Some of these scholars deserve particular notice. 
The Sanford brothers were a remarkable family. 
They educated themselves largely by their own in- 
dustry. They were all clergymen, remarkable for 
sound judgment, and held in high esteem by their 
parisTiioners, lived long and useful lives, and when 
age admonished them to retire from the ministry they 
retired. Rev. Enoch, the survivor, nearly ninety 
years of age, is still quite strong in body and mind. 
He is the author of several local histories and 
sketches, etc. The Crane brothers likewise were a 
distinguished family. They, too, obtained an educa- 
tion largely through their own exertions. Silas A. 
Crane, D.D., after graduation became tutor in Brown 
University, took orders in the Episcopal Church, and 
discharged his clerical duties to the close of his life. 
For a long time he was at East Greenwich, R. I., — a 
most excellent man. Benjamin, after leaving college, 
taught an academy, then entered into business as a 
trader, but returned to teaching again, in which em- 
ployment he spent most of his life. He was an able 



184 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and faithful teacher, as many now living can testify, 
a friend to education, a good citizen, and a conscien- 
tious and useful man. 

Daniel attended Brown Ujiiversity and Union Col- 
lege, was teacher in New England and at the South, 
was well versed in Latin, Greek, and other languages, 
in poetry and in history, lives in Ohio, and is a man 
of literary tastes and pursuits. 

Wm. M. Cornell, LL.D., a teacher, clergyman, a 
doctor of medicine, and an author,^-a distinguished 
man still in active life. 

Jabez Fox, a clergyman of the " New Church" per- 
suasion, editor of a paper, at present in the Treasury 
Department, Washington, D. C. 

A man of culture, Gardner Dean, an evangelist, well 
known in almost every State from New England to 
Illinois, somewhat eccentric, but had many admirers. 

James Nichols, Assistant Professor of Languages, 
Union College; clergyman, Presbyterian. On ac- 
count of his voice he left the ministry and became 
principal of the Geneseo Academy, Livingston County, 
N. Y., continued there many years, removed to Roch- 
ester, N. Y., bought the " Female Academy," made 
it a success, and since his death it has been success- 
fully continued by his widow, a well-known teacher, 
and their daughters. 

Levi French, clergyman and teacher, of good merit, 
taught North and South. He was a man of acute in- 
tellect and of large general knowledge. He was an 
accurate surveyor of land, a good mathematician, and 
a safe counselor. 

Charles G. W. French, lawyer in Sacramento, Cal. 
He was appointed United States chief justice of Ari- 
zona Territory, which position he has honorably filled 
for many years. 

Milton Andros, a lawyer of distinction, San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. 

Col. Alexander B. Crane, a successful lawyer. New 
York City. 

Edward Crane, physician, and editor of a paper 
printed in English, Paris, France. 

P. Chester Porter, physician and a distinguished 
teacher. 

Lucas R. Eastman, Jr., a clergyman of good repu- 
tation and of large promise. 

Thomes Tobey, Richmond, a life-long clergyman, 
whose long and useful life is still well preserved. He 
has lately retired from the ministry in Taunton (West- 
ville), where his pastorate had endeared him to his 
parishioners for more than twenty years. His whole 
ministry of fifty years. 

Daniel C. Burt, clergyman, formerly of Acushnet. 

Eliphalet W. Hervey, physician at Wareham, of 
great promise, but died young. 

Shadrach Hatheway, a practicing physician for a 
great number of years in his native town. His 
knowledge and judgment in his profession is highly 
prized by the members of his profession, and he is 
considered careful and skillful by his patients. 



Russel L. Hatheway was a successful lawyer in 
Terre Haute, Ind. 

Richard S, Andros, editor, poet, custom-house officer 
in Boston, president of an insurance company, etc., a 
man of fine literary taste. 

Berkley has a suitable town hall, in which town- 
meetings, elections, etc., are held, and in which other 
town business is transacted, and the standard weights 
and measures and the books and documents — some 
of which are very valuable — are kept. It is con- 
spicuously located upon the park or " common." 

This town also has an almshouse, connected with a 
good farm of about one hundred acres, consisting of 
mowing, tillage, pasture, and woodland, costing, with 
the stock, etc., thereon, about five thousand dollars. 
There were but three inmates in it in March, 1882, 
ages ranging from seventy-nine to fifty-six years of 
age; cost of supporting them, not reckoning the natu- 
ral decay of buildings, in 1881 and 1882, was less than 
one hundred dollars. But the outside pauper ex- 
penses at the insane hospital and private families and 
partial support amounted to seven hundred dollars. 
The superintendent of the almshouse has from one 
hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars salary an- 
nually, together with the board of his family. The 
town is entirely free from debt. Its roads and bridges, 
considering the sparseness of the inhabitants and the 
number of miles of road to be maintained, some of 
them difficult to repair, are above the average condi- 
tion of the roads in similarly situated towns. 

In 1798, money being scarce, Mr. Andros asked the 
town in writing to pay his salary of two hundred and 
fifty dollars in the following manner, which was 
done: 52 bushels corn (ft), 3/6; 16 bushels rye (M 4/; 
2 barrels flour ("• 33/ ; 12 pounds tea (fi\ 2/5 ; 60 pounds 
sugar (w /9; 18 gallons molasses (7i]. 2/ ; 15 cords wood 
@ 8/; 5 tons E. hay (-(S 4/8 ; 3 bushels salt (gj 3/; 400 
pounds beef @ /SJ ; 500 pounds pork (ii) /4 ; 100 pounds 
flax @ /8 ; 40 sheep's wool @ 1/6 ; 6 pairs men's shoes 
@ 8/ ; 5 barrels cider @ 6/ ; 200 pounds cheese @, /6 ; 
100 pounds butter (eh /8 ; cash, $16.17. 

1815. Mr. Andros' salary was increased fifty dollars 
and was then fixed at four hundred and fifty dollars 
annually, and so remained to the end of his minis- 
try. 

In 1798 there was a subscription paper started and 
completed with $259.50 volunteered for the " pur- 
chase of a bell for the new meeting-house in Berkley." 
A meeting of the subscribers was then held, and they 
voted to purchase a bell of six hundred pounds weight, 
chose Samuel Tobey, Simeon Burt, and' Luther Crane 
a committee to purchase a bell in Boston, and the 
aforesaid committee purchased a bell of Paul Revere 
of 635 pounds weight (fi< 2/7 per pound, amounting to 
$273.37 ; carting home, $2.75 ; total, $276.12. 

Some actions of the town : 1740. Voted to pay 
Rev. Mr. Tobey £3 10s. to make good the depreciation 
in the currency the present year. 

1748. Voted to the Rev. S. Tobey for his salary 



BERKLEY. 



185 



the ensuing year £250 old tenor, to enable him to 
carry on the ministry in our town of Berkley. 

1751. Rev. S. Tobey's salary was voted to be paid 
as follows : Rye, 4s. per bushel ; Indian corn (as 3«. 
4d. per bushel ; beef, 2W. per pound ; pork (n; 4(1. 
per pound; flax @ 9Jrf. per pound; oak cord-wood 
(a) 9«. 4id. per cord. 

17G1. Voted £60 lawful money as the salary of 
Rev. S. Tobey the ensuing year. 

Voted to pay Abel Burt for going to Boston to have 
Taunton remain the shire town of our county. 

1701. Voted to pay Rowland Gavin £4, by reason 
of his having to leave teaching and move out of his 
house on account of the smallpox. 

May 22, 1775. Samuel Tobey, Jr., was sent to 
represent the town in the Provincial Congress at Cam- 
bridge. 

Persons moving into the town without its consent, 
and in the opinion of the town likely to become 
chargeable, were warned according to the law to leave 
the town within a specified number of days or they 
■would be proceeded against. There are frequent 
warnings of this kind on record. 

In the early history of this town vocal music re- 
ceived great attention. Singing-schools in winter 
evenings were frequent, and most pleasant reunions of 
the young and older people, who were scattered in 
their homes over a considerable territory. The sing- 
ing-schools were mostly taught by some of the best 
singers in town. Later Deacon G. Sanford taught sing- 
ing-schools for many winters. Col. Adoniram Crane 
was also teacher of public schools and singing-schools 
in this and other towns, both in Plymouth County and 
in Dukes County. 

He was a man of dignified and commanding per- 
sonal appearance, an excellent town officer, and as a 
singer he was well known in this and the neighboring 
towns as well for the great compass of his voice, his 
fine musical taste, and the correctness of his ear. To 
appreciate his singing in church he must have been 
heard. He was chorister in the First Church some 
forty years (when present), and in the Second Church 
from its organization to the close of his life. He was 
president of the Beethoven Society, composed of the 
best singers in the neighboring towns. After his 
death, A. B. Crane, a good singer and musical com- 
poser, became chorister in his stead. 

The mechanics of the present generation belonging 
originally to this town have emigrated mostly to other 
places, where better opportunities for employment 
offer. In fact, Berkley seems to have been and now 
is a good town to emigrate //■<>»;. In the past, every- 
thing considered, there w'ere a goodly number in the 
various trades. Carpenters and builders, Ebenezer 
Pierce and two sons, Simeon Chace and two sons, 
Reuben Phillips and three sons, Samuel Phillips, and 
Ebenezer Dean. At present there are Benjamin F. 
Coombs, J. D. Dillingham, Frank Phillips, Dean 
P. Westgate, Timothy E. French, William Boyce, 



Henry Hatheway. Wheelwrights and carriage- 
makers, Enoch S. Hatheway, Ellery Strange. The- 
ophilus Shove was cabinet-maker and undertaker for 
a period of more than a half-century. There were 
in the past a great number of ship-carpenters, who 
worked at home and in many other places, also Wil- 
liam K. Evans, machinist and inventor. Blacksmiths 
in the past, John Perkins, Tisdale Porter, John Clark, 
William S. Crane, Thomas Strange; present, James 
Wade, William H. S. Crane, James Maguire, George 
Macomber. Carriage manufivcturer, S. W. Luther. 
Masons in the past, Joseph Sanford, John Briggs, 
Amos Briggs ; at present, Nathaniel Case, David 
Hoxie, Jr., Arza Harmon. Shoemakers (they used 
to go from house to house and make the family shoes ; 
they were not kept for sale in country stores), George 
Sanford, Enoch Babbitt, George Briggs, Thomas Burt, 
Adoniram Cummings, and many others. Now this 
business is confined almost exclusively to repairing. 
Of stores there were those of Samuel Tobey & Son, 
Simeon Burt, Levi S. Crane, Jabez Fuller, Abiel B. 
Crane, Ephraim French. There is a variety store at 
Myrickville, Mr. Macomber's. which has a run of busi- 
ness, and is the only store in town. 

The records of the town of Berkley are remarkably 
legible and well written, and have been well preserved. 
Some of the records are remarkable specimens of good 
penmanship. They are such records as citizens of the 
town may well greatly prize, and proudly hand them 
down to posterity for their imitation. 

The First Congregational Church had during the 
eighteenth century ruling elders as the first ofl5cers of 
the church. They were Daniel Axtell, Jacob French, 
John Paull, Ebenezer Crane. The deacons, Gershom 
Crane, Daniel Axtell, Jacob French, John Paull, 
Samuel Tubbs, Ebenezer Crane, George Sanford, Eb- 
enezer Winslow, Samuel Tobey, Luther Crane, Tisdale 
Briggs, Barzillai Crane, James Hathaway, Thomas C. 
Dean, Isaac Babbitt. 

Deacons of Second or Trinitarian Congregational 
Church were William S. Crane, William Babbitt, 
Daniel S. Briggs. 

Around and near the common or centre of the 
town there are a number of fine, commodious, and 
tastefully-arranged dwellings, among the best in 
town, very pleasantly located. It is a very pleasant 
locality for country residences. The Berkley post- 
office is near by. It was established about 1818, and 
has ^ daily mail. The postmasters have been Asahel 
Hatheway, Abiel B. Crane, Joseph D. Hatheway, 
and Daniel S. Briggs. 

There is also another post-office at Myrickville, at 
the junction of the New Bedford and Boston and the 
Newport and Boston Old Colony Railroads, which 
also has a daily mail. William Simms, postmaster. 

At the Bridge village, called also West Berkley, 
there are a number of neat and comfortable dwell- 
ings, occupied by shipmasters, mechanics, farmers, 
etc. Here is the Berkley and Dighton bridge across 



186 



HISTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the Taunton River, which gives name to the village. 
The first bridge was built in 1806, and was a toll- 
bridge. Liberty was given by the Legislature to re- 
move it, thfe draw being too narrow, it was claimed, 
for the larger class of vessels which were required 
to transact the increased and increasing business of 
Taunton higher up on the river. Accordingly it was 
removed, after standing about forty-five years. In 
1872 a bridge, to be built by the county, was char- 
tered and soon after built under the charge and to the 
acceptance of the county commissioners, and it is a 
great public convenience. In the first half of the 
present century this was a busy village, largely en- 
gaged in vessel-building and other business, most of 
which has been discontinued. In 1800, Berkley had 
11.5 dwelling-houses. In 1880 it had 23-5 dwelling- 
houses, 9686 acres taxed, about $400,000 taxable prop- 
erty, 276 polls taxed, and rate of taxation S9 per $1000. 
In 1675, near the commencement of King Philip's 

war, Mr. Babbitt was going along the river path 

from one settlement to another to get a cheese-hoop. 
He had with him a small dog, whose restlessness prob- 
ably gave warning of some strange person near. The 
man took the hint and ascended a large pine-tree, 
hoping to be concealed among the thick branches ; 
but his dog, true to his instinct, remained at the tree. 
The Indian attempted to drive him away, but finding 
that the dog was unwilling to leave his suspicion was 
aroused. He examined the tree, but at first discov- 
ered nothing, and endeavored to call the dog away, 
but to no purpose. In making another examination 
he saw something which caused him to shoot at it, 
when down came Babbitt dead. The Indian related 
his exploit to some other Indians, and they in turn to 
the settlers, who found and buried him. There is a 
stone erected to commemorate the event and the place. 
The inscription reads," Babbitt Killed by In- 
dians 1675." Tradition also has different versions, 
but there always is a man, a dog, an Indian, and a 
cheese-hoop ; in each that the man was killed. 

Berkley, as has been noticed elsewhere, is almost 
exclusively an agricultural town. It has no valuable 
water-power, and, as has already been said, the soil in 
some parts of the town is sandy and other parts rocky 
and hard, with some exceptions. The most valuable 
crop is hay. The salt marshes of Assonet Neck have 
considerable value. Indian corn was an important crop 
and should be still. Potatoes, turnips, etc., are raised 
for market. Horticulture has some attention. One 
of the best horticultural gardens in the county, G. 
F. Wilbur's, is in the north part of the town. There 
is some fruit-raising also. Some parts of the town 
are well adapted to the raising of apples, pears, and 
small fruit. There is also some woodland, which in 
the past has furnished timber for vessels that were 
built here. But in these days of the general use of 
coal for fuel, wood is of less importance than for- 
merly. But the early settlers were an industrious and 
brave people. They were as noble, pious, prudent. 



and sensible people as settled any part of the Old 
Colony. There have been many large families reared 
and educated, who have in turn founded and educated 
families in other localities which considered and 
prized them as among their most valued citizens. 
Having been reared to habits of industry, prudence, 
and integrity, they have distinguished themselves 
among distinguished men and women wherever they 
are found. There was formerly a considerable and 
a prosperous business in the preparing and market- 
ing of shingles, mostly cedar from North Carolina 
swamps. A gang of men would be hired and carried 
to the swamps, a " cabin" built in the swamps, the 
trees felled, sawed into blocks of the proper length, 
then split into the required thickness, shaved, bound 
in bundles, shipped northward and sold. Those 
shingles were valuable for their durability. At pres- 
ent that business is discontinued here. Annual in- 
come of the oyster fisheries of Assonet Neck, and of 
the shad and alewive fishing privileges belonging to 
the town, amounts to about the sum annually raised 
by taxation for the support of the public schools, or 
about fourteen hundred and fifty dollars. 

The following facts concerning the town of Berkley 
are gleaned from the tenth United States census of 
1880: 

Population : 

Males 472 

Fewales 455 

Total 927 

Place of birth : 

Massachusetts 812 

Maine 12 

New Hampshire 9 

Vermont 6 

Rhoiie Island 40 

Connecticut •') 

New York 3 

New .Jersey 6 

Canada 4 

Prince Edward's Island 1 

England 8 

Ireland IH 

Scotlnnd 1 

Sweden 3 

Parent nativity ; 

Both parents native 857 

" " foreisn ._. 45 

Mother native and father foreign 13 

Father native and motlier foreign 2 

Foreign parents' nativity: 

United States and Great Britain 1 

" " British America 1 

" " Ireland 2 

Ireland S 

Occnpations; 

Government and professional, male, 6; female, 5; 

total 11 

Domestic and personal, female 8 

Trade and transportation, male, 41 ; female, I ; total 42 
Agriculture, native born, 77 ; Irish, 3 ; English, 1 ; 

Canadian, 1 ; tot^il, male 82 

Fisheries, male 8 

Manufactures and mechanical industries, male, 

1(16; fennile,2; total 108 

Apprentices, laborers, and indelinite 104 

Boot and shoemakers 3 

Builders 42 

Carria^je-makers 4 

KngnKed in making clothing, female, 1 ; cotton 

goods, male, 2; total 3 

In tanning leather- i 

In sawing Innd>er 6 

Stone-cutters, male 3 

Ship-carpenters 13 

Biisket -makers 2 

Illiteracy : 

Persons over ten who cannot read, fi; write, 7 ; total 13 

Number of farms 42 

Number of gallons of milk sold 43,607 

Number of pounds of butter made 5,280 

Eggs, dozens 10,605 




/oL-^t^-V-'^y^y^C^ 



I 



II 




■ ^ 



^ ^^ i^ 



BERKLEY. 



187 



Potatoes, acres 26 

" liuahels 3,440 

Indian corn, acres 47 

" " bushels 1,201 

Hay, tons 532 

Ages of the inhahitants of the town of Berkley from under one year 
to over one hundred : 



Age. 

Under 1 year 10 

1 " 11 

2 years 12 



Age. 
35 years 10 



10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
16 
10 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 



1' 

14 
7 
9 

13 
9 
7 
6 

19 
7 

15 

13 
14 
15 
12 
13 

8 
13 
12 
10 
10 

7 

13 

17 

61 to 66 years 39 



36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 
50 
61 
62 
63 
64 

br> 

66 
67 
68 
69 



'60 to 70 
71 to 75 
76 to 80 
81 to. 85 
86 to 90 
91 to 95 
96 to 100 ' 



101 and over 1 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM BABBITT. 

" Edward Bol)it," the ancestor of the Babbitt family 
in New England, was "subject to do military duty" 
in Taunton in 1643, as shown by the records of the 
General Court. He married Sarah Fame, daughter 
of Miles Fame, of Boston, 7th month 7th, 1664. He 
was a land-owner in North Purchase in 1668, and 
was one of the " committee to view damages done to 
the Indians in 1671." He and Sarah, his wife, had 
children, — 

1. Edward, born July 15, 1655. 

2. Sarah, born March 20, 1657 ; married Samuel 
Pete, March, 1680. 

3. Hannah, born March 9, 1660. 

4. Damaris, born Sept. 15, 1663. 

5. Elkana, bom Dec. 15, 1665 ; married Elizabeth 
Briggs, June 25, 1690. 

6. Dorcas, born Jan. 20, 1666 ; died April 9, 1676. 

7. Esther, born April 15, 1669. 

8. Ruth, born Aug. 7, 1671. 

9. Deliverance, boru Dec. 15, 1673. 

Second Generation. 
Edward Babbitt, son of the first Edward, married 
Abigail Tisdale, Feb. 1, 1683. She was probably a 
daughter of John Tisdale, Jr., and born July 15, 
1667. Their son Edward was born Feb. 14, 1686, and 
married for his second wife Elizabeth Thyre, Dec. 22, 



1698. He gave five acres of land towards purchasing 
a house for Rev. Mr. Danforth in 1688. He was one 
of the proprietors in 1689, and was of Dighton, May 
26, 1720. His will is dated Feb. 5, 1727, in which he 
mentions his wife Elizabeth, sons Benajah, Erasmus, 
Seth, Nathan, Edward, Nathaniel, and George, and 
daughters Sarah Thyre, Abigail Burt, Ruth, Han- 
nah, and Waitstill. His wife Elizabeth and son Be- 
najah were his executors. His will was proved 
March 20, 1732-33. 

John Babbitt, the son of Benajah, was the grand- 
father of William Babbitt, the subject of this sketch. 
He married for his second wife Lydia Myrick, and 
resided at "the Farms" in Berkley. William Babbitt 
is the son of Peter and Martha (Briggs) Babbitt. He 
was born at " the Farms" in Berkley, March 22, 1817. 
He received his early education at the district schools, 
and resided at Berkley Common from the age of 
twelve to that of twenty-six, when he was united in 
marriage with Mary Dean Burt, the marriage occur- 
ring Aug. 23, 1842. 

In 1844, Mr. Babbitt settled on the place where he 
now resides. He has followed the lumbering busi- 
ness, chieiiy in North Carolina, shipping his hniiber 
to Rhode Island and other parts of New England. 
Although starting empty-handed, with no resources 
but his energy and industry, he has achieved a fair 
degree of prosperity and gained an honorable stand- 
ing among his fellow-citizens. He is highly esteemed 
as one of the self-made men of his period. 

A Whig originally in politics, he has been since the 
dissolution of that party a Republican, and has served 
his town in the capacity of selectman for many years, 
being always elected when he would allow himself to 
run for tlie office. In 1861 he served in the Legisla- 
ture, and also in 1872, on several important commit- 
tees, among others the Committee on Claims. He 
was for several years deacon of the Second Congrega- 
tional Church of Berkley, and is highly esteemed as 
a worthy and public-spirited citizen and an honor- 
able representative of one of the oldest families of 
the town. 



PHILIP H. FLETCHER. 
Philip H. Fletcher is the son of William and Jane 
Fletcher, and was born in Prince Edward Island, 
Sept. 12, 1813. His p.arents were poor, and at that 
day there was no provision made in the county of his 
nativity for the free education of the children of the 
poorer classes. Consequently, about the only means 
available to young Fletcher to obtain even the rudi- 
ments of an education was the Sabbath-school in his 
native place. At the age of seven he went to live 
with his maternal grandfather, John Lane, with whom 
he remained till about fifteen, his time being spent 
on the farm. He then returned to his father's home, 
and five years later emigrated to the States, stopping 
first in New Jersey, where he remained about a year, 
when he became engaged in the railroads of that State, 



188 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, in which business 
the next eight years of his life was spent. 

His health failing, he located his family in the town 
of Berkley, Mass., and engaged in peddling general 
merchandise through the surrounding country. This 
occupation he followed twenty-eight years, during 
which time, however, he undertook a number of con- 
tracts on different railroads, in the carrying through 
of which he manifested much pluck, enterprise, and 
energy, and met with good financial success. He 
then sold out to his sons his interest in the peddling 
business, and gave his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits, to which his chief energies have since been di- 
rected. 

Mr. Fletcher has always been a temperate man 
both in theoi-y and practice. He is a nuiu of sincere 
conviction and earnest purpose, strong willed and 
determined when once he is convinced of the correct- 
ness of his course. These qualities have not unfre- 
quently made him enemies among the class not 
holding such views as himself, and on more than one 
occasion he has suffered pecuniary loss through in- 
cendiarism and other means at the hands of those of 
the vicious class whose enmity he had incurred. 

Mr. Fletcher has been many years selectman and 
collector in his town. In church matters he has 
always been liberal and earnest. A few years since, 
when the movement to build a new Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Berkley was inaugurated, Mr. 
Fletcher was not only one of the largest contributors, 
but one of the most active workers to achieve the 
success of the enterprise. He was one of the build- 
ing committee under whose supervision the structure 
was erected, and he furnished the larger part of the 
funds necessary to its construction, waiting for reim- 
bursement until the various sums subscribed should 
be paid in. Though he is not now a member of this 
church, yet he does not regret his donation or his 
labors in its behalf. 

It had long been one of the cherished aims and 
objects of Mr. Fletcher's life to visit the Old World 
and see face to fiice its numerous places of interest; 
to view the scenes where have been enacted so many 
of the events which have shaped the destinies of 
nations, and particularly to visit Palestine, the cradle 
of our civilization, and tlie place made holy and 
sacred by the birth, residence, and crucifixion of our 
Saviour. Early in December, 1871, he set sail from 
Boston for Liverpool, where, after a pleasaut voyage, 
he arrived December 14th. He then visited most of 
the principal places of interest on the European conti- 
nent, em bracing London, Paris, Turin, Florence, Rome, 
Naples, the volcano of Vesuvius, and Pompeii; thence 
across the Mediterranean to Alexandria, Cairo, the 
pyramids, etc.; through the Suez Canal to Port Said ; 
thence to Joppa and Jerusalem, and to all the places 
of historic interest in the holy land, among which 
may be mentioned Mount Carmel, Mount Tabor, Naz- 
areth, the Sea of Galilee, Damascus, Baalbec, Beyrout, 



Smyrna, and Ephesus. He then proceeded to Athens 
and Constantinople, where he crossed the Black Sea 
to Odessa, Russia; thence through Poland and Hun- 
gary to Vienna, Austria, from which point he returned 
through Germany to Paris, and via London to Edin- 
burgh and Glasgow, Scotland, and to Belfast, Ireland, 
visiting the famous Giant's Causeway; thence to 
Dublin, Queenstown, and home, where he arrived 
April 14, 1872, four months and a half, into which 
was ci'owded more of pleasure, instruction, and bene- 
fit than in any other like period in the whole of the 
seventy years of his life. 

Mr. Fletcher married. May 14, 1835, Cynthia A. 
Greene, daughter of Waterman Greene, of Rhode 
Island, granddaughter of Nathan Greene, and mo.st 
probably a descendant of Gen. Greene, of Revolu- 
tionary fame. She was born Sept. 22, 1814. To them 
were born nine children, only three of whom are now 
living, — Sarah J. (deceased), born July 19, 1837; 
Permelia F. (deceased), born Feb. 5, 1840; William 
H., born Aug. 27, 1841 ; Violetta F. (deceased), born 
June 24, 1843; Mary E. (deceased), born Feb. 14, 
184.') ; John E. (deceased), born Jan. 8, 1847 ; George 
F., born Nov. 26, 1848 ; Eliza A. (deceased), born 
Jan. 2, 1851 ; and Louis P., horn Aug. 26, 1855. Of 
those now living, William H. is married and has six 
children; he resides in Trenton, N. J. George F. is 
married, has three children, and lives in Raynham. 
Louis P., now a widower, has one child, and resides 
with his father in Berkley. 



ATALTER DEAN NICHOLS. 

Walter Dean Nichols, son of Abiel and Delia 
(Briggs) Nichols, was born in Berkley, Mass., on 
April 28, 1814. Not much is known of the life of 
William Nichols, the ancestor of the Nichols family 
in Bristol County. He was born in Scotland in 1689, 
came to this country, settled in Berkley, and married 
Joanna Paull, daughter of John Paull, of Berkley, 
previous to 1721. He died in 1754. He probably 
practiced medicine, as he was called doctor. The 
union by marriage with the Paull family doubtless 
was a source of strength. His son, James Nichols, 
was one of the most prominent men of Berkley at 
his time, and was honored by the town with numer- 
ous offices of trust. He was a man of large executive 
ability and was engaged in numerous real-estate op- 
erations of magnitude in various parts of the county, 
as county records show. He was born in 1732, mar- 
ried Esther Dean, of Berkley, about 1764, and died 
1792. He was grandfiither of Walter D. Nichols, and 
also of Dr. Thomas G. Nidhols, recently deceased. 

Walter D. Nichols is a self-made man, having re- 
ceived the limited educatiou which he obtained in 
early life previous to the age of sixteen, at which 
period he was apprenticed to the trade of a painter, 
and served his time in Fall River and New Bedford. 
In 1834, at the age of nineteen, he began school- 



II 




II 



am:S. 



''O'^^^JUC^ 



BERKLEY. 



189 



teaching in the town of Richmond, Ontario Co., 
N. Y., where he taught five niontlis, and in the 
spring of 1835 went to Albany, N. Y., and wor]i:ed at 
liis trade as a painter. He removed thence to Red 
Hook, on the Hudson, in Dutchess County, N. Y., 
where he remained several years, and in 1836 was 
united in marriage to Lucinda Hervey, daughter of 
James Hervey, of Berkley, Mass. 

After his marriage Mr. Nichols settled at Red 
Hook. In the autumn of 1836 he removed to To- 
ledo, Ohio, where he remained two years, at the ex- 
piration of which he removed with his family to his 
native town of Berkley, where he has since resided. 
Mrs. Nichols died Oct. 20, 1845, and in 1846 he mar- 
ried for his second wife Nancy H. Dean, daughter of 
Samuel Dean, of Berkley. The children by the first 
marriage were Fidelia L. (deceased), Fanny A. (de- 
ceased), Mary A. J., and Jesse G. ; by the second 
marriage, Mary N., Walter D., Caroline M., Emma 
C, Sarah E., James H., James M. D., and Frank H. 

Mr. Nichols was one of the " Argonauts of '49" ; 
he visited California via Cape Horn, and was six 
months on the voyage, and after a varied experience 
of four months in the newly-discovered " Ophir," he 
returned home by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. 
His life has been somewhat varied, he having fol- 
lowed his trade as a painter, and also fishing and 
farming, besides devoting a considerable share of his 
time to teaching. He has taught in all about thirty 
winters. 

In local politics he has taken au active part, first as 
a Whig, during the existence of that party, and since 
as a Republican, and has held every office in the gift 
of his townsmen, serving as selectman for a number 
of years. In 1855 he was a member of the House of 
Representatives, and in 1864-66 he was a member of 
the State Senate, and the last year served on the Com- 
mittee on Valuation. He has taken an active interest 
in all public affairs in his town, particularly in mat- 
ters of education, and is the author of the history of 
Berkley in this work. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, born at the 
old homestead, are widely scattered. The only sur- 
viving daughter by the first wife is Mrs. Charles H. 
Clarke, formerly of Cambridge, Mass., now a resident 
of Milwaukee. Nancy N. Street, eldest child by the 
second marriage, is a practicing physician (honifeo- 
pathist) in Cincinnati ; Walter D. is a farmer in Kan- 
sas ; Nancy D., wife of Dr. W. W. Freeman, resides 
in Anoka, Minn.; Caroline M. (now Mrs. Alden) 
and Emma C. are proprietors and teachers of the 
Kindergarten in Providence, R. I. ; Sarah E. (Mrs. 
George E. Royce) resides in Berkley, Mass.; James 
M. D. is a resident of Colorado, and Frank H. lives 
with his brother in Kansas. 



ABIEL BRIGGS CRANE. 

The name Crane is variously spelled Grain, 
Crayne, etc., but all were originally one family. 
Jasi)er Crayne was one of the first settlers of the 
New Haven Colony, and one of its leading and most 
influential members. He was one of the signers of 
the first or "fundamental" agreement, June 4, 1639. 
His son, Jasper, Jr., was born in New Haven, April 
2, 1651, and was one of those who attempted a settle- 
ment of lands on the Delaware, and were repulsed by 
the Dutch, natives, Swedes, and Finns. Like his father 
he was a man of influence and ability, and held va- 
rious offices and positions of public and private trust. 
The family of Cranes have always been people of the 
highest respectability in New Jersey and Connecticut, 
and wherever their descendants are to be found they 
exhibit the same spirit and characteristics that dis- 
tinguished their pioneer ancestors. Four of this name 
graduated, at Brown University prior to 1829, eight 
at Amherst prior to 1855, eight at Yale prior to 1851, 
six at Harvard, and four at Dartmouth prior to 1850. 
Henry Crane, who was probably the ancestor of the 
Crane family in Bristol County, was a native of Guil- 
ford, Conn. He was representative from Kennelworth, 
and at another period of his life was a prominent man 
at Killingworth. 

Beruiee Crane was one of the early settlers of Berk- 
ley, Mass. His wife lived to be a centenarian. His 
son Benjamin married Alinda Briggs, July 29, 1798. 
They had ten children, two of whom, however, died 
in infancy. All the others lived to maturity. Ben- 
jamin died Oct. 10, 1855, Mrs. Crane having preceded 
him one year. The eldest son, Silas A., graduated 
at Providence College, in which institution he after- 
wards became tutor. Later he studied clivinity, and be- 
came pastor of an Episcop.alian Church in Vermont. 

He afterwards went to St. Louis, Mo., and became 
president of a college. A few years later he returned 
to New England, established himself as a minister at 
East Greenwich, R. I., and spent the remaining thirty 
years of his life there. He died July 16, 1872. Ben- 
jamin, another brother, was also educated at Provi- 
dence College, taught school a number of years, finally 
settled as a farmer in his native town, and died there 
Nov. 11, 1861. Daniel, another son, also received a 
collegiate education, was a farmer and school-teacher, 
and a great bookworm. He was noted for the extent 
and diversity of his knowledge. Of the daughters 
of Benjamin, Caroline became the accomplished wife 
of Hon. George P. Marsh, who was four years minis- 
ter to Constantinople, and twenty-one years minister 
to Rome, dating from 1861 to the time of his death, 
July, 1882. Mr. Marsh was an author of merit, as 
his many well-known works will testify. Mrs. Marsh, 
who survives him, is also a writer of distinction. In 
addition to other literary work, she has translated a 
number of poems from the German. Lucy, the other 
daughter, married a celebrated German physician, 
resident in St. Louis, Mo. 



lUO 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



A. B. Crane, the fifth son of Benjamin, did not re- 
ceive the advantage of a college training. At a very 
early age he developed a marked taste and talent for 
music. And while the general tenor of his life's work 
has been in a widely difterent field, yet, like the mag- 
net to the pole, his heart has ever turned in his leisure 
moments to the "harmony of sweet sounds," and he 
has at different periods of his life contributed to the 
standard musical publications and collections of the 
day. And even now, in the autumn of his life, since 
the period of his business career has closed, he amuses 
himself and whiles away the hours in the composition 
of sacred music. While he has never made music a 
profession, yet it has been the study of his life, and 
from it he has derived much pleasure and happiness, 
and he has produced many prized and popular pieces. 

Pie began his business life at the age of seventeen 
as clerk in a store at Newberne, N. C. He filled this 
position two winters, returning North during the 
summer months. He then became partner in the 
business, which was continued but a year longer. He 
then returned home and established himself as a 
merchant in his native town of Berkley. Most of 
his business life has been spent in mercantile pur- 
suits, having at different periods been engaged in 
merchandising in Florida, North Carolina, Rhode 
Island, Boston, Taunton, Weir Junction, and Berk- 
ley. During the years of 1852-54 he was in the 
pork trade in Indiana. From 1865 to 1872 he was 
engaged quite extensively in shingle manufacturing 
in North Carolina. His life has been an active and 
diversified one, and in the main a successful one. 

Mr. Crane has always persistently refused acting 
in any ofi\cial capacity when he could consistently 
avoid it, partly because he shrank from anything sa- 
voring of publicity or notoriety, and partly because 
his business pursuits called him so frequently and so 
long away from home. He has, however, been more 
than once honored by his fellow-citizens with the 
cloak of office. He has been town clerk, and during 
the war he, upon the urgent solicitation of his towns- 
men, acted for several years as town treasurer. In 
1851 he was elected representative from Berkley, and 
again in 1865 he represented the district embracing 
Berkley, Freetown, Fairhaven, and Aeushnet. 

He united with the Congi-egational Church in 1832. 
In 1848 the Trinitarian Congregational Church was 
organized and the chapel built. In 1872 the church 
was reorganized as a Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and both Mr. and Mrs. Crane are members. He has 
always been a very liberal and earnest supporter of 
the church and one of its most devoted members. 

In 1875 there wa-s erected in Berkley a very hand- 
some and commodious church building. Towards 
this building Mr. Crane was a liberal contributor, 
and this structure is now their place of worship, and 
will long stand as a monument to the religious zeal 
and public spirit of the citizens of Berkley. 

On Sept. 21, 1829, A. B. Crane married Emma T. 



Porter, of Berkley. Their children are Emma P., 
born July 20, 1830, now the wife of Charles Bissett, 
of Berkley ; Alexander B., born April 23, 1833, now 
a prominent lawyer in New York City ; Samuel N., 
born Oct. 6, 1835, now a collecting agent in New York 
City; Asahel P., born Feb. 18, 1838, died Oct. 29, 
1856; Helen H., born Feb. 9, 1842, now a teacher of 
French and music in Providence, R. I. ; Rebecca P. 
N., born March 14, 1844, now the wife of Rev. Lu- 
cius R. Eastman, Jr., of Framingham, Mass. 



DANIEL SUMNER BRIGGS. 

D. S. Briggs was born April 19, 1813, in the town 
of Vassalbo rough. Me. He is the son of George and 
Eunice (French) Briggs, and grandson of William 
Briggs, who about the year 1800 went from Dighton, 
Mass., to Minot (now Auburn), Me. This William 
Briggs was by occupation a ship-carpenter. George, 
his son, was born in Dighton, Mass., 1781, and at the 
age of eighteen apprenticed himself to Levi French 
to learn the trades of tanner and shoemaker, the 
latter of which he followed through life. After com- 
pleting the term of his apprenticeship he married 
Eunice, daughter of Levi French, and soon alter 
emigrated, in company with his father, to Maine, 
where he resided till 1819, when he returned to Mas- 
sachusetts and located in Berkley, where he passed 
the remainder of his life. Mr. Briggs was a man 
much respected in the community, and in the quiet 
walk in which his life was spent did his part well. 
He was chosen selectman of Berkley, and served in 
that capacity a number of years. He was a member 
of the Congregational Society, and in political faith 
was a Whig. He died in 18.53. 

Daniel S. Briggs, whose portrait we publish, is one 
of that class of men whose life-work will give tinge 
and coloring to the career of myriads yet unborn. 
Not that he was instrumental in inaugurating or 
directing any great revolution or reform, but he has 
been a worthy soldier in the great army of educators. 
The teacher who instructs, improves, develops, and 
properly directs the mental powers of a child into 
that channel which, as the years go by, shall make 
him or her an intelligent, useful member of society, 
gives coloring and shape not only to the life of that 
particular man or woman, but through them to that 
of their progeny. 

Mr. Briggs received in his youth only such educa- 
tional advantages as the schools of his town aflbrded, 
but being of a literary turn of mind he gave his 
leisure moments to study, and at the early age of 
eighteen he began teaching school, and from that 
time until he was sixty years of age he employed 
from three to seven months of almost every year in 
instructing the youth of his neighborhood. During 
this time he has taught a number of terms in every 
district in Berkley, and also several years in adjacent 
towns. Tims for more than forty years w.as he en- 




^g.^ 



'/^^: 




DARTMOUTH. 



191 



gaged in sowing the seeds of knowledge in the fruitful 
soil of youthful minds. 

Aug. 1, 1855, he received an appointment as post- 
master at Berkley (Commons), and has continued to 
hold the office to the present writing. He was chosen 
selectman during the war of tlie Rebellion, and held 
the office four consecutive years. He was re-elected 
to the same office in 1882. He has also been town 
clerk of Berkley, and has been a member of the 
school committee many years. In political affinity 
he is a Republican, and in church relation both he 
and his wife are Methodists. 

He married, Nov. 12, 1837, Sarah, daughter of 
Abiatha and Sarah Crane, of Berkley, by whom he 
had two children, — Rowena, born Nov. 18, 1838, mar- 
ried Reuben Stone, of Newton Centre, Mass., and 
Caleb Sumner Crane, born Nov. 16, 1840, married 
Jerusha Luther, is a farmer, and resides in Berkley. 
Mrs. Briggs died Nov. 21, 1840. Mr. Briggs married 
as his second wife Permillia H., daughter of Rollin 
Eaton, of Berkley, Oct. G, 1841. 

To this latter marriage there is no issue. Mr. 
Briggs enjoys a serene and healthful old age, and is 
much beloved and respected by the entire community 
in which he resides. 



REV. THOMAS ANDROS. 
Berkley, which was originally a part of Taunton, 
was incorporated in 1735. It is worthy of note for the 
many distinguished men who have been born within 
its borders. Rev. Samuel Tobey was the first minister, 
being settled in 1737, and continuing until liis death 
in 1781, liolding a pastorate of forty-four years, exert- 
ing a most benign influence, leaving the impress of 
his deep piety and manly character upon its inhab- 
itants. The second minister was Rev. Thomas An- 
dros, a native of Plainfield, Conn. He was a sol- 
dier in the war of the Revolution, and one who saw 
much of the horrors of that war, being a prisoner on 
board the old Jersey prison ship. Surviving the 
perils of such captivity, he entered the ministry and 
settled in this town, where for about forty years he 
exerted a most salutary influence, not only for the 
cause of religion, but in awakening a love of sound 
learning. His home was a seminary where the young 
men of his parish were fitted for college, and the in- 
fluence of his beneficent labors was transmitted to 
the generations that succeeded him. Eminent as a 
theologian, accomplished as a scholar, his life stands 
forth as a signal example of the highest type of New 
England character. Among those who have been 
distinguished as men of eminence that have been 
born here and educated under the tutelage of Father 
Andros were Silas Axtel Crane, D.D., Rev. W. M. 
Cornell, M.D., D.D., LL.D., Rev. Jabez Fox, Rev. 
John Sanford, Rev. Baalis Sanford, Rev. Enoch San- 
ford, Rev. James Sanford, Rev. Daniel C. Burt, Hon. 
Daniel French, Rev. Julius C. Anthony, Hon. R. L. 



Hathaway, Benjamin Crane, A.M., Hon. Charles G. 
W. French. This is but a partial list of those who 
received their early training and inspiration from the 
eminent pastor and teacher. Though nearly forty 
years have elapsed since Father Andros passed from 
the scenes of his earthly labors, the town still holds his 
name with reverence, and will treasure his memory 
as worthy of the most prominent place in its history. 
Mr. Andros had a large family that grew up, but his 
posterity bearing his name is not numerous. Milton, 
his youngest son, born in 1823, is an eminent lawyer 
of San Francisco, Cal. 



CHAPTER XV. 

DARTMOUTH.' 

Geograpliical — Bartliolomew Gosnold — His Visit to tliese Sliores iu 1602 
— Tlie GriiDt of Diirtmouth — Original Bounds— Origin of tlie Name — 
Ecclesiastical Trouliles — Ke8i6tingTa.\ation— Court Orders — Stringent 
Laws — TIieTown Indicted — Imprisonment of Selectmen of Dartmoutli 
and Tiverton — Perition to tlie King— Tiie Taxes Remitted anil Pris- 
oners Released — History of Karly Settlers and Proprietors. 

Dartmouth is located in the southern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows: on the north by 
Fall River and Freetown, on the east by New Bed- 
ford and Buzzard's Bay, on the south by Buzzard's 
Bay, and on the west by Westport. 

In the summer of 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, 
while fortifying his settlement upon the little islet 
within the island of Cuttyhunk, had crossed the bay 
— described by Gabriel Archer, the chronicler of the 
expedition, as a "stately sound" — and had trod upon 
the shores of Dartmouth. The Indians from the 
mainland had visited him and his band of adven- 
turers in their island home, and Gosnold had returned 
their visits. He landed somewhere in the vicinity of 
the Round Hills, called by him Hap's Hill, and fol- 
lowed the coast westward to Gooseberry Neck. The 
locality is described as possessing " stately groves, 
flowery meadows, and running brooks," and the ad- 
venturers were delighted with the climate, the beauty 
of the country, and the fertility of the soil. 

Gosnold's idea of planting a colony in this vicinity 
failed, and the territory was uninhabited by the white 
man until after the landing of the Pilgrims at Ply- 
mouth. Looking back over this long period of time, 
we can hardly fail to discern why the settlement at 
Cuttyhunk was a failure and the settlement at Ply- 
mouth a success. Gosnold and Gilbert and Archer 
and Rosier and Brierton were gentlemen adventurers, 
in quest of novelty and the excitement of a bold, 
daring enterprise, with a hope of gain ; and when 

' The editor acknowledges his indehtedness for this chapter to the 
Hon. William W. Crapo, being a portion of an address delivered liy liim 
in 1864. Mr. Crapo has ever manifested a praiseworthy interest Id 
historical matters, and has added many valuable contributions to the 
historic literature of the State. 



192 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



they had unfolded this fair land and had collected a 
sufficient quantity of sassafras-root and cedar and 
furs to load their little bark, the only bond which 
then united them was the cargo they had collected, 
and each one was ambitious to return with it to Eng- 
land to profit by its sale, and tell the marvelous 
stories of their adventures. We do not wonder, then, 
that although they found the red-and-white straw- 
berry " as sweet and much bigger than in England," 
with "great store of deer and other beasts," and 
feasted and grew fat upon the young sea-fowl which 
they found in their nests, they did not build up a 
permanent settlement. 

On the other hand. Carver and Bradford and Wins- 
low and Brewster and Standish, the men of the " May- 
flower," came from far diflerent motives, — not from 
gain, adventure, or novelty, but to plant a colony 
which should be permanent and enduring; to carry 
out, heedless of privations and suiferings, heedless of 
the scorn and oppression behind and the uncertain- 
ties and dangers before, their ideas of a government 
founded upon equality, justice, and religion. The col- 
ony at Plymouth, conquering all obstacles, achieved 
permanency and growth, and from thence came the 
early founders of Dartmouth. We are proud of our 
ancestry, proud that the men of Dartmouth were 
Puritans. Those " stout-hearted and God-fearing 
men" were our fathers. Never can they be mentioned 
but with honor, for none ever did more or suffered 
more for the human race. Oppression did not intimi- 
date nor privations turn them. They were stern and 
unyielding in their convictions of the right, and thor- 
oughly fixed and resolute in their purpose to ibund a 
Christian commonwealth. Inspired with the one 
grand idea of a government resting upon liberty and 
religion, they thought not of policy, expediency, or 
compromise, but listened only to the dictates of con- 
science and duty. Under their sturdy and uncon- 
querable wills the wilderness yielded, and the New 
World was open to a nation of freemen. 

In the history of New England not enough prom- 
inence has been given to the pioneer colony of Ply- 
mouth. The settlement of the Massachusetts Colony 
seems to have overshadowed in history the import- 
ance of this first civil body politic. The Plymouth 
Colony led the van, and in the years in which they 
were alone rested the whole problem. Encouraged 
by the success of the Plymouth settlement, the Mas- 
sachusetts colonists were emboldened, under the pro- 
tection and guidance of the former, to apply for a 
royal charter. We would not detract from the merit 
of Winthrop, Dudley, Saltonstall, and their associ- 
ates, "gentlemen of figure and estate," for they were 
men of faith and fortitude, men of uncommon wisdom 
and heroism ; but let us not be forgetful of those 
earlier men who smoothed the way and opened to the 
men of Massachusetts Bay and Boston, even though 
for a short distance and in a rude manner, the path 
which led to civil and religious liberty. 



On the 29th day of November, 1652, the Indian 
chief Wesamequan (better known as Massasoit) and 
his sou Wamsutta (who was sometimes called Alex- 
ander by the English) conveyed by deed to Wil- 
liam Bradford, Capt. Standish, Thomas Southworth, 
John Winslow, John Cooke, and their associates all 
the tract or tracts of land lying three miles eastward 
from a river called Cushenegg to a certain harbor 
called Acoaksett to a flat rock on the westward side 
of the said harbor. In this conveyance was included 
all the land within these boundaries, " with all the 
rivers, creeks, meadows, necks, and islands that lie in 
and before the same, and from the sea upward to go 
so high that the English may not be annoyed by the 
hunting of the Indians in any sort of their cattle." 

The metes and bounds of this grant do not appear 
to be very definitely or clearly stated. More attention 
seems to have been given by the conveyancer to the 
consideration which the Indian chieftains were to re- 
ceive. The price paid was thirty yards of cloth, eight 
moose-skins, fifteen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pair of 
breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, two 
pounds in wampan, eight pair stockings, eight pair 
shoes, one iron pot, and ten shillings in other com- 
modities. Even in those early days, when the forests 
and meadows and streams apparently were not valued 
very highly, dissensions and disputes arose concern- 
ing the title. A younger son of Wesamequan, Philip, 
sagamore of Pokannockett, afterwards known as one 
of the most bloody and remorseless of all the Indian 
warriors under the name of King Philip, had not been 
consulted or had not given his written assent to the 
original conveyance. He soon began to annoy the 
settlers by frequent acts of trespass, and to question 
the correctness of the boundary lines. We find by 
the records that agents (referees) were appointed "to 
set out and mark the bounds," and in ll3G5 Philip 
gave a quit-claim which quieted the title. 

This large tract of land, comprising the limits of 
old Dartmouth, was divided into thirty-four parts or 
shares. Two of these were sub-divided, so that the 
original proprietors numbered thirty-six persons, of 
wliom three were women, — Sarah Brewster, Miss Jen- 
nings, and Sarah Warren. 

Not all of the thirty-six original pi'oprietors settled 
here. Some undoubtedly bought the land as a specu- 
lation or investment rather than for a home, but an 
inspection of the names convinces us that many of 
them located permanently within our borders. We 
find in the list the names of Howland, Morton, Ma- 
nasses Kempton, Dunham, Shaw, Soule, Faunce, 
Sampson, Delano, Bartlett, Palmer, Doty, Hicks, 
Brown, and Bumpass, names familiar to us even in 
this day, and constantly recurring in the history of 
the town. 

It has always been stated that the old township of 
Dartmouth included and comprised the present town- 
ships of Dartmouth, Westport, New Bedford, Fair- 
haven, and Acushnet. The grant of land from the 



DARTMOUTH. 



193 



Indians embraces these towns. But the records of 
the colony of Rhode Island show that a part of the 
present towns of Tiverton and of Little Comptou 
were, prior to 1746, a part of Dartmouth.^ 

The origin of the name of this town is a matter of 
conjecture, yet the inference is an easy and natural one. 
The " Mayflower" and " Speedwell," the latter having 
taken on lioard her priceless freight at Leyden, in 
Holland, sailed from Plymouth, in Old England, and 
that name was given to the spot wliere they landed 
in New England. After the vessels left Plymouth, 
England, a disaster occurred to the " Speedwell" which 
compelled both vessels to put back, and they made a 
harbor in the seaport town of Dartmouth, in the 
British Channel. Many of the original purchasers 
and some of the early settlers of the town came in 
the "Mayflower," and the name of Dartmouth was 
so associated in their minds with the home left behind 
that it may naturally be presumed it furnished them 
with the name for their new home. There is a fur- 
ther coincidence connected with the name. The little 
vessel, the "Concord," which brought Bartholomew 
Gosnold to our shores in 1602 belonged to Dartmouth, 
in England. There can be no doubt but that we de- 
rive our name from this fishing town on the river 
Dart in the English Channel. How wonderful the 
change since then ! While the present old Dart- 
mouth has an aggregate population of thirty-seven 
thousand, with a commerce known over the whole 
globe, the old town in England, with a population of 
less than five thousand, is as little known to-day as 
it was two hundred years ago. 

The inquiry naturally suggests itself. What were 
the prominent causes which led to this settlement? 
It might have been due in part to the spirit of emi- 
gration and change of locality which displayed itself 
even in those days as a trait in the New England 
character; it might have been the rich and fertile 
soil in the valleys of our rivers, fertile certainly when 
compared with the sand-hills around Plymouth, en- 
ticing to agricultural labors; it might have been the 
accessible and capacious harborsof the Acushnet and 
Apponegansett, and the safe and sheltered anchorage 
they afforded, giving promise of future commercial 
importance ; and attractions, perhaps, were found in 
the W'inding beauties of the Paskamansett and Acoak- 
sett. However much these and kindred influences 
may have contributed to the early settlement of Dart- 
mouth, there is, in my opinion, a cause beyond them 
all, and which a careful reading of the records of the 
colony and the town forces me to adopt as the chief 
reason for the removal from Plymouth to Dartmouth. 
I have said our fathers were Puritans. They were 
more than that, — they were the Protestants of the Pu- 
ritans. They were in sympathy with the established 
government at Plymouth in everything except the 



1 " Records of Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plautatione/ 
vol. V. p. 204. 
13 



one matter of compulsory taxation for religious pur- 
poses. Fully believing in freedom of conscience, they 
had early conceived a strong aversion to the arbitrary 
imposition of taxes by the civil power for the support 
of a ministry with which they were not in unison, 
and over which they had no control. The early rec- 
ords of the town, imperfect and fragmentary as they 
are, in connection with the history of the colony, 
plainly tell us how earnestly and even bitterly this 
controversy was waged, and how for many years it 
was the source of discord and of persecution. The 
Plymouth Colony court annually apportioned to the 
town a tax for the support of ministers in addition to 
the province tax, but the Baptists and Quakers of 
Dartmouth were inflexible in their resistance to it, 
and while the province rates were faithfully met, those 
for the maintenance of ministers were refused. It 
also troubled our good rulers at Plymouth that our 
fathers were so negligent in providing stated preach- 
ing according to the established Puritan faith. 
We find this order of the court, passed in 1671, — 

" In reference unto the town uf Dartmouth it is ordered by court, that 
whereas a neglect the last year of the gathering in of the Bum of fifteen 
pounds according to order of court to be kept in stock towards the sup- 
port of such as may dispense the word of God unto them, it is again or- 
dered by the court that the sum of fifteen pounds be this year levied to 
be as a stock for the use aforesaid, to be delivered unto Arthur Hatha- 
way and Sergeant Shaw, to be by them improved as opportunity may 
present for the euds aforesaid." 

But this order, like others, seems to have been of 
no avail, for three years afterwards, when the inhab- 
itants of Dartmouth had met together for the settling 
of the bounds of the town, the occasion was seized 
upon for haranguing the people, " at which time the 
Governor, Mr. Hinckley, the treasurer, Mr. Walley, 
Lieut. Morton, and John Tomson did engage to give 
meeting with others to propose and endeavor that 
some provison may be made for the preaching of the 
word of God amongst them." 

Even the calamity which came among them at this 
time from the violence and cruelty of the Indians, in 
the destruction of their homes and the loss of their 
property, did not soften the displeasure of the gov- 
ernment at Plymouth, but rather served as an oppor- 
tunity for renewed complaint and upbraiding. This 
appears by the order of court, passed in October of 
the following year: 

"This court taking into their serious consideration the tremendous 
dispensation of God towards the people of Dartmouth in suffering the 
barbarous heathen to spoil and destroy most of their habitations, the 
enemy being greatly .idvantaged thereunto by their scattered way of 
living, do, therefore, order that in the rebuilding and resettling thereof 
that they so order it as to live compact together, at least in each village, 
as they may be in a capacity both to defend themselves from theassault 
of an enemy, and the better to attend the public worship of God, and 
ministry of tlie word of God, whose carelessness to obtain and attend 
unto we fear may have been a provocation of God thus to chastise their 
contempt of His gospel, which we earnestly desire the people of that 
place may seriously consider of, Lay to heart, and be humbled for, wiHl 
a solicitous endeavor after a reformation thereof, by a vigorous putting 
forth to obtain an able, faithful dispenser of the word of God amongst 
them, and to encourage them therein ; the neglect whereof this court, as 
they must and God willing, they will not permit for the future." 



19i 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



However earnestly the Plymouth court were deter- 
mined to subdue the rebellious and heretical spirit of 
the early settlers, it does not appear that much suc- 
cess attended the effort. The Quakers and Baptists 
of Dartmouth were from the same stern, unyielding 
stock, and they were animated by a sense of religious 
duty as sincere and exacting as that which influenced 
the rulers at Plymouth. 

Stringent laws were from time to time enacted, but 
mucli of tiie legislation was inoperative, as the people 
of the town, while comi'.lying with the letter of the law, 
would give no heed to its spirit. Laws were passed 
in 1692 and 1695 requiring the towns to provide able, 
learned, and orthodox ministers to dispense the word 
of God. Dartmouth did elect a minister, but the 
question of orthodoxy then arose. In 1704 the town 
was indicted for non-compliance with the law. At the 
town meeting held Jan. 4, 1705, this indignant reply 
was sent back to the court: 

" To the quarter sessions to be holden at Bristol 
the 8th day of January, 1705, we understand that 
our town is presented for want of a minister according 
to law, to which we answer that we have one qualified 
as the law directs, an honest man, fearing God, con- 
scientious, and a learned, orthodox minister, able to 
dispense the word and gospel to us." 

The name of this minister does not appear upon the 
records of the town. 

In order to meet this question of orthodoxy the 
Assembly passed a law in 1715, in which the preven- 
tion of the growth of atheism, irreligion, and pro- 
faneness is suggested as a reason of its enactment, in 
which it was provided that the determination of who 
should be ministers should rest ultimately with the 
General Court or Assembly. Dartmouth still refused 
obedience, and claimed the selection of her own min- 
ister. At the March town-meeting, 1723, in defiance 
of an act of that year, Nathaniel Howland was chosen 
minister, receiving fifty-five votes, while Samuel 
Hunt, a Presbyterian or Independent, and the first 
preacher of that sect in our town, received twelve 
votes. 

The struggle culminated in 1724. In the year 1722 
the Assembly of Massachusetts passed an act to raise 
one hundred pounds in the town of Dartmouth and 
seventy-two pounds eleven shillings in the town of 
Tiverton (then a part of Massachusetts) for the sup- 
port of ministers, whose selection was subject to the 
approval of the General Court. These two towns 
were the only ones in the Province that had not re- 
ceived any Presbyterian ministers. To blind the eyes 
of the people this sum was put with the province tax, 
and was afterwards to be drawn out of the treasury. 
The spirit with which this was met by the inhabitants 
of Dartmouth can best be seen by quoting the record 
of the town-meeting held Nov. 26, 1722. The record 
says,— 

" It beiup put to vote whetlier the whole rate of one hundred aud 
eighty-one pounds twelve shillinga, called Dartmoutli's proportion of our 



province tax, he made hy the selectmen, it passed in the negative. And 
it was put to vote whether eighty-one pounds twelve sliillinys, being as 
we are informed hy our representative to lie our just proportion of our 
province tax, he forthwith made hy the selectmen of said nartrnouth. 
Voted that it shall he made. Thirdly, Voted that the charges arising or 
set on the selectmen of said Dartmouth, either hy execution on their 
liodies or estates or in apjjealiiig to His Majesty for relief, be raised hy 
town rates. Fourthly, Voted that seveTi hundred pounds he raised on 
the inhabitants of said Dartmouth by a town rate, for securing the 
selectmen for not making the rate of one hundred pounds, and also for 
all exjienses arising in our sending to England to His Majesty in the 
above premises. Fifthly, Voted that the selectmen are to be allowed — 
shillings, each of them, a day for every day they lie in jail on the town 
account." 

The town was thoroughly in earnest. Only five 
tax-payers protested against this appropriation of the 
seven hundred pounds. This sum, large for those 
days, was to be met by the tax of that year, and was 
not bequeathed to posterity in the form of a town 
debt. Prior to this, in 1696, the town had instructed 
the selectmen not to make the rates sent for by the 
general treasurer for this purpose, and in the same 
year it was voted that Recompence Kirby and Mark 
Jenne should have fifty shillings apiece, part of the 
money they paid to Capt. Pope, upon the account of 
their being " pressed ;" and it was also voted that 
there should be a rate made of twenty-four pounds 
for a town fund. 

The bold and defiant attitude taken by the town 
could not be overlooked by the province rulers. Tlie 
refusal of the selectmen to assess the tax was followed 
by their imprisonment in Bristol jail, where they re- 
mained about eighteen months. The persons who 
were imprisoned were Philip Taber and John Akin, 
selectmen of Dartmouth, and Joseph Anthony and 
John Sisson, selectmen of Tiverton, a part of whom 
were Baptists and a ])art Quakers. An embassy was 
sent to England. Thomas Richardson and Richard 
Partridge, who were Quakers, interceded in their be- 
half. Their petition, addressed to the King in Council, 
was an able document, and nobly did it jilead for 
freedom of conscience and security of religion, civil 
liberty, and property. The ijetition was considered 
at the court of St. James on the 2d day of June, 
1724, when were present the King's most Excellent 
Majesty and all the lords of the Privy Council, and 
it was ordered that the obnoxious taxes be remitted, 
and that Philip Taber and liis fellow-sufferers be im- 
mediately released from their imprisonment, and the 
Governor and all other officers of the province of 
Massachusetts Bay were notified to yield obedience 
to these orders.' 

This brief but brilliant record of the sacrifices and 
sufferings, the persistent fidelity and the triumphant 
success of the humble fathers of the old town of 
Dartmouth in the great struggle for the rights of con- 
science, which is still going on throughout the Chris- 
tian world, entitles them to a high place in the ven- 
eration and gratitude of their posterity. They share, 

^Cough's History of the Quakers, vol. iv. p.2I9. Beuedict's Baptists, 
vol. i. pp. .503-4. 



DARTMOUTH. 



195 



with Roger Williams, the exalted honor of declaring 
to their rulers and to the world that, having fled from 
ecclesiastical oppression in the Old World, they would 
resolutely maintain their resistance to it iu the New; 
and that through the confiscation of their goods, the 
incarceration of tlieir persons, amidst all the hardships 
of a new settlement in the wilderness, and under all 
the horrors of savage warfare, they would uever falter 
in the assertion and maintenance of the great prin- 
ciple of " perfect liberty in all matters of religious 
concernment." 

The larger portion of the early settlers were Friends, 
and we find them recognized as a religious body in 
the town as early as 1683. Their first meeting-house 
was built in 1699, and was located upon the spot now 
occupied by them at Apponegansett. Their influence 
as a .sect can be plainly seen and felt even now, and 
much of the high-toned morality, generous and prac- 
tical philanthropy, and pure-minded Christianity 
which have blessed and developed our people is 
owing to their religious teachings. 

Next to the Friends in numbers and influence 
stood the Baptists. John Cooke, whose name we 
meet with on the first and on nearly every page of 
the early records of the town as a deputy and a se- 
lectman, filling various offices of trust and honor, was 
a Baptist minister for many years. But this same 
town official, Oct. 29, 1670, was fined ten shillings 
" for breaking the Sabbath by unnecessary traveling 
thereon." If the record of the case had been pre- 
served it would have appeared, we think, that Elder 
John Cooke was not a Sabbath-breaker, but traveling 
upon his circuit as a Baptist preacher. 

Nowhere upon the face of the globe has the prin- 
ciple of self-government, the capacity and right of 
men to make laws for themselves and regulate their 
municipal aftairs, been so fully illustrated as in the 
early history of New England. The most perfect 
democracies that mankind has ever known are found 
in the early New England towns. Their town-meet- 
ings were the places where the whole body of the 
citizens met, and where were discussed with equal 
freedom by every one all topics of importance, 
whether local or national, moral or political. Here 
they learned to understand their rights and privileges 
as citizens, and acquired moral and intellectual 
strength to defend them. In those days there was no 
centralization of official duties and responsibilities 
as now, the government did not rest upon a few, but 
every man was compelled to give his time and judg- 
ment to the administration of the town affairs. In 
order to secure that full and prompt attendance upon 
the deliberations of the town which the business re- 
quired, Dartmouth voted, in July, 1674, ten years 
♦ter its organization, " that all town-meetings shall 

gin at ten o'clock and continue until the modera- 

or duly release the town, not exceeding four o'clock. 

Also that all such persons as do neglect for a year all 

the town-meetings shall forfeit to the town sixpence 



apiece, and for coming to the meeting too late, three 
pence an hour." 

No wonder that with such rules our early munic- 
ipal affairs were ably administered. True, some of 
the legislation of the town may seem to us trivial, 
for example, that every householder shall kill twelve 
blackbirds between the months of January and May 
or pay a penalty for the neglect, and that a crow 
should count for three blackbirds, but yet every in- 
habitant became most thoroughly a part of the town 
and identified in its prosperity and well-being. 

This close attention to public business, as might be 
supposed, was at times annoying and irksome, and 
eflTorts were sometimes made by individuals to avoid 
these duties. In 1751 this article was inserted in the 
warrant of the annual meeting: "Whereas the East- 
erly and Westerly villages in said town, experience 
teaches, have often neglected and omitted their duty 
in coming to said meetings to help carry on and man- 
age the affairs of said town, especially in the difficult 
seasons of the year and foul weather (and not in dan- 
ger of being chosen to troublesome offices), and so 
have at such times trusted and almost entirely re- 
lied and depended on the Middle village, of which 
the body of the people therein inhabiting live remote 
from said house, to do all the business of said town, 
which said Middle village is obliged to do though a 
hardship, otherwise said town would have incurred 
many a fine for neglect of duty, the want of grand 
and petit jurymen, and other ways suffered." 

In order to meet this difficulty it was voted to move 
the town-house. But the removal of the town-house 
did not remedy the evils complained of, or, if this 
end was attained, new evils arose, for the next year 
the selectmen inserted an article in the warrant, " To 
see if the persons who caiTied away the town-house 
will bring it back again and set it up in the same 
place where they took it from, in as good repair as it 
was when they took it away, and for the town to act 
on the affair as they should think proper." 

This town-house I infer was the one voted in 1739 
to be built, the dimensions of which were to be " nine 
feet between joints and twenty-two feet wide and 
thirty-six feet long, with a chimney at one end, with 
a suitable roof and windows at the same." 

The mode of conducting the town business was 
similar to that now adopted, but the style of some of 
the warrants would not be tolerated in these days. 
It was customary for the selectmen in calling a town- 
meeting not only to state the business to be consid- 
ered, but also very elaborately to discuss the several 
subjects, thereby furnishing to the people not only 
the question but the arguments in favor of or against 
it. It might have been that this full presentation of 
the merits of the case and the reasons for action 
elicited more attention, and, in the language of the 
old town clerks, was productive of " large debate." 
As an illustration of this peculiar and amusing fea- 
ture, let me quote from the records. 



196 



HISTORY ^OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The sixth article in the selectmen's warrant for the 
March meeting, 1741, reads thus, — 

" That whereas such course dues niucli abound witliin said town, many 
running about from house to honae to supply their own present want, 
miserably neglecting their families at home, which is the only cause of 
many's suffering who are not capable of hibor, whicli practice is to the 
great detriment of that part of the inhabitants that are industrious and 
laborious, which pernicious practice, together with spending idly what 
they have or earn, is a great if not the only cause of Bcurcity of bread iu 
said town, now to pass a vote at said meeting for the building a work- 
house in said town foi- the setting and keeping to work all such persons 
who misspend their time as above stated, which said vote is thought by 
all those that request the same cannot be spoken against, except by 
those which are in danger of Vireaking into said lionse themselves." 

Another example of this presentation of reasons in 
the warrant of the selectmen occurs in 174G, when an 
effort was made to divide the county or create a new 
county-seat. This question both before and after this 
date engaged the attention of the people of Dart- 
mouth for many years. At one time it was proposed 
to divide the county and join Tiverton and Little 
Compton with us as a new county. At another time 
it was proposed to change the county-seat to Assonet 
as more central than Taunton. The question was 
finally settled in 1828, after an agitation of over one 
hundred years, by making New Bedford a half-shire 
town. The article in the warrant for the town-meet- 
ing held in 1746 is as follows : 

"To consult and vote something with respect to petitioning the Gen- 
eral Court that wo may have a county taken off or made on this side of 
Assonet Kiver, otherwise we must unavoidably lie expressed to go and 
our children after us, for what we know, to Taunton, which will be up- 
wards of thirty-five miles distance for many of said inhabitants, which 
will be in the journey extremely tedious and expensive, it being too far 
to set out from our homes to get there before the court setts, as likewise 
the largeness of the county aggravates the case by reason that one case 
must wait for another, and is at times the occasion of adjournment. 
In the whole, it will be tedious and expensive to plaintiff, defendant, 
jurymen, and evidences, but more especially to poor widows, who are oft- 
times obliged to go several times before an estate can be settled with the 
judge of probate." 

It was certainly very convenient for the people to 
have the arguments all arranged for them before they 
were called upon to vote. That our fiithers took no 
offense at this course is evident from its constant re- 
currence. 

Early Settlers. — The following is a list of early 
settlers and proprietors : 



Abraham Akin. 
Jacob Akin. 
John AUin. 
Jonathan Akin. 
Joseph Akin. 
Abraham Allen. 
Benjamin Allen. 
Ebenezer Allen. 
George Allen. 
Increase Allen. 
John Allen. 
Joseph Allen. 
Josiah Allen. 
Noah Allen. 
Noel Allen. 
Philip Allen. 
"William Allen. 
Zachariah Allen. 
William Almy. 



Caleb Anthony. 
Abraham Ashley. 
Jethro Ashley. 
Nathaniel Babbitt. 
Benjamin Babcock. 
George Babcock. 
Benjamin Baker. 
Ebenezer Baker. 
Jabez Biirker. 
Joseph Barker. 
Stephen Barker. 
William Barker. 
Richard Bcden. 
Sampson Beden. 
Jeremiah Bonnet. 
John Bennett. 
Stoten Booth. 
Benjamin Borden. 
Edward Borden. 



John Borden. 
Joseph Borden. 
William Borden. 
John Briggs. 
Thomas Briggs. 
Henry Brightman. 
Thomas Brightman. 
Ezekiel Bi-ownell. 
George Brnwnell. 
Mehitable BurrUl. 
Jonathan Butts. 
George Cad man. 
George Cadman. 
William Cadman. 
Abraham Chace. 
Benjamin Chace. 
David Chace. 
Jacob Chace. 
Jonathan Clark. 
Thomas Coleman. 
Hannah Cornell. 
John Cornell. 
Samuel Cornell. 
Thomas Cornell. 
Samuel Cornish. 
Benjamin Cory. 
Caleb Cory's heirs. 
Thomas Crandon, 
Consider Crapo. 
Peter Crapo. 
Abishai Delano. 
Jethro Delano. 
Jonatlian Delano. 
Nathan Delano. 
Nathaniel Delano. 
Seth Delano. 
Thomas Delano. 
Charmont Demoranville. 
Josiali Demoranville. 
Louis Demoranville. 
Nehemiah Demoranville. 
John Dennis. 
Jeremiah Devoll. 
Mary Devoll. 
William Devoll. 
Akin Durfee. "" 
Be?ijamin Durfee. 
Briggs Durfee. 
John Earl. 
Ralph Earl. - 
William Earl. 
William Earl's heirs. 
John Fish. 
Thomiw Fitch. 
Edmund Freeman. 
Thomas Getchell. 
Henry Gidley. 
Benjamin Clifford. 
Christopher Gifford. 
Eoos Gifford. 
Jeremiah Gifford. 
Joseph Gifford. 
Levi Gifford. 
Robert Gifford. 
William Gifford. 
Beriah (inddaid. 
John Hammond. 
\Villiam Hart. 
Benjamin Hathaway. 
Elisha Hathaway. 
James Hathaway. 
Jethro Hathaway. 
John Hathaway. 
Jonathan Hathaway. 
Weltiah Hathaway. 
Seth Hathaway. 
Sylvanus Hathaway. 



Thomas Hathaway. 
Thomas Hathaway (2d). 
Jonathan Head. 
Gabriel Hix. 
Joseph Hix. 
Mary Hix. 
Samuel Hix. 
Experience Holmes. 
Abner Howard. 
William Howard. 
Benjamin Howlaud. 
Gideon Howlaud. 
Giles Rowland. 
Henry Howlaud. 
Nathaniel Howland. 
Nicolas Howland. 
Zoeth Howland. 
Samuel Hunt. 
Valentine Huttlestone. ' 
Job Jenne. 
John Jenue. 
John Jeime, Jr. 
Lettice Jenne's heirs. 
Luther Jenne. 
Mark Jenne. 
Samuel Jenne. 
Seth Jenne. 
Samuel Joy. 
James Kempton. 
Manasseh Kempton. 
Jacob Kenny. 
John Kirby. 
Nathaniel Kirby. 
Robert Kirby. 
Isaac Lake. 
Joseph Lake. 
Nathaniel Lake. 
John Lapham. 
Nicholas Lapham. 
George Lawton. 
Abial Macomber. 
Ephraim Macomber. 
John Macomber. 
Samuel Macomber. 
Thomas Macomber. 
William Macomber. 
Edmund Maxfield. 
John Maxfield. 
Timothy Maxfield. 
Zadock Maxfield. 
Samuel Mendall. 
Jonah TMerrihew. 
Joseph Merrihew. 
Peter Merrihew. 
Job Milk. 
Lemuel Milk. 
Seth Morton. 
Abner Mosher. 
Benjamin Mosher. 
Constant Mosher. 
Daniel Mosher. 
Hugh Mosher. 
John Blosher. 
Jonathan Mosher. 
Joseph Mosher. 
Maxson Mosher. 
Nicholas Mosher. 
Samuel Mott. 
Nathan Nye. 
Micah Parker. 
Joseph Peckham. 
Stephen Peckham. 
Samuel Perry. 
David Petty. 
Edmund Pope. 
Isaac Pope. 
Seth Pope. 



ve, 



DARTMOUTH. 



197 



Icbabud Potter. 
John Potter. 
NatliaDiel Potter. 
Stophen Potter. 
Stokes Putter. 
Eleazer Pratt. 
Jonatliaii Ricltetson. 
Timothy llicketson. 
William Ricketson. 
Saniuel Rider. 
William Rider. 
Daniel Rogers. 
Philip Rogers. 
George Rowse. 
John Russell. 
John Russell, Jr. 
Jouathaii Russell. 
Joseph Russell. 
Joseph Russell, Jr. 
Thomas Russell. 
Henry Sampson. 
James Sampson. 
James Sampson, Jr. 
Joseph Sampson. 
Stephen Sampson. 
Daniel Shearman.' 
Edmund Shearman. 
Job Shearman. 
John Shearman. 
Joshua Shearman. 
Peleg Siinarman. 
Philip Shearman. 
Samuel Shearman. 
William Shearman. 
Daniel Shepherd. 
John Shepherd. 
James Sisson. 
Eleazer Slocum. 
Giles Slocum. 
Mary Slocum. 
Peleg Slocum. 
Benjamin Smith. 
Deliverance Smith. 

Eleazer Smith. 

Eliashap Smith. 

Gershom Smith. 

Henry Smith. 

Hepsibah Smith. 

Uezekiah Smith. 

Humphrey Smith. 

lucrt^asB Smith. 

Judah Smith. 

Mary Smith. 

Peleg Smith. 

Amos Snell. 

Benjamin Sowh'. 

George Sowle. 

Jacob Sowle. 

John Sowle. 

Jonathan Sowle. 

Nathauiel Sowle. 

Timothy Sowle. 

William Sowle. 

Benjamin Spooner. 

Isaac Spooner. 

John Spooner. 

John Spooner, Jr. 

Micah Spooner. 

Kathaniel Spooner, Jr. 

Samuel Spooner. 

Seth Spooner. 



Walter Spooner, 
William Spooner. 
Joseph Stafford. 
John Summere. 
Jacob Taher. 
Jacob Taber, Jr. 
John Taber. 
Jonathan Taber. 
Joseph Taber. 
Philip Taber. 
Philip Taber, Jr. 
Stephen Taher. 
Thomas Taber. 
Thomas Taber, Jr. 
William Taber. 
Jonathan Tallman. 
Ebeuezer Tiukham. 
John Tiukham. 
Peter Tinkham. 
ElishaTobey. 
Elnathan Tobey. 
Jonathan Tobey. 
William Tobey. 
ZaccheuB Tobey. 
John Tompson. 
Abial Tripp. 
Benjamin Tripp. 
Ebenezer Tripp. 
James Tripp. 
John Tripji. 
Joseph Tripp. 
Peleg Tripp. 
Richard Tiipp. 
Timothy Tripp. 
Abraham Tucker. 
Henry Tucker. 
John Tucker. 
Joseph Tucker and sons. 
Christopher Turner. 
Benjamin Wait. 
Reuben Wait. 
Thomas Walt. 
Richard Ward. 
Thomas Ward. 
Moses Washburn, 
Peter Washburn. 
Eli Waste. 
Nathan Waste. 
Joseph Weaver. 
Bartholomew West. 
Samuel West. 
Stephen West. 
Joseph Whalen. 
George White. 
Johu White. 
Rogers White. 
Samuel White. 
William White. 
Scipio Wilbour. 
Stephen Wilcox. 
Daniel W'ilcox. 
Jeremiah Wilcox. 
Samuel Wilcox. 
Samuel Willis. 
Joseph Wing. 
Matthew Wiug. 
Daniel Wood. 
George Wood. 
George Wood, Jr. 
William Wood. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

DARTMOUTH.— { Continued.) 

DOCUMENTAJIY HISTORY. 

At the June term of the Plymouth Colony Court, 
in the year 1664, it was ordered that " all that tract 
of land commonly called and known by the name of 
Acushena, Ponagansett, and Coaksett, is allowed by 
tjie courts to be a township, and the inhabitants 
thereof have liberty to make such orders as may con- 
duce to their common good in town concernments, 
and that the said town be henceforth called and 
known by the name of Dartmouth," 

Territorial Limits of Dartmouth.— Dartmouth 
was thus described in the original grant : " A tract 
or tracts of land known by the name of Accushena, 
alias Aquset, entering in at the western end of Nakata, 
and to the river Cookset, alias Ackees, and places 
adjacent, the bounds of which tract fully extend 
three miles to the eastward of the most easterly part 
of the river or bay Accushenah aforesaid, and so along 
the sea-side to the river called Cooksett, lying on the 
west side of Point Pirril, and to the westermost side 
of any branch of the aforesaid river, and extending 
eight miles into the woods with all marshes, meadows, 
rivers, waters, woods, appurtenances thereto belong- 
ing."^ 

1634. Samuel Cornell was chosen representative. 

May 29, 1685. Jonathan Deline and Joseph Tripp 
are chosen debitys ; Seth Pope, Jonathan Russell, 
and Thomas Taber, selectmen. 

It was further agreed at the said Town Meeting 
the 29'*' May 1685 that for the repairing of the high- 
ways the village of Conset shall extend so far as 
Peleg Slocums and ponagansett village from thence 
to Hezekiah Smiths and that Cokset village shall 
repare the rodways from the westermost sid of this 
township to the east sid of Nocachak river and pon- 
agansett from thence into the east std of the next 
swamp to the east of the next swamp which is about 
the midway between the mill and Cushnet and acush- 
net village to repare from thence to the east side of 
this township, it is further ordered at the town 
meeting the 29'^ May 1685 that whereas it doth ap- 
pear that indian Kobben living at Saconet did kill a 
wolf some time this last year witliin the township of 
Dartmouth that he shall have six shillings paid unto 
him out of the town rate by the constable at some 
convenient time after the making of this year's rate 
and that any indian or Indians that ^hall kill any 
wolves or bares hereafter within this township and 
bring the heads of said wolf or bare to the consta^ble 
shall have six shillings paid unto him or them for 
etch wolf or bare so killed. Also ordered that the 
English shall have teen shillings for the killing of a 
wolf or a bare within this township paid out of the 
town rate by the constable. 

1 -Baylies' New Plymouth, Part II. p. 231. 



198 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Feb. 4, 168-i. At a town meeting held in Dart- 
mouth 4'" of Feb. 1685 John Cook, Seth Pope 
and Joseph Tripp are rfiosen A jants to apear at 
month Court Next to be halden at New plymot and 
there to male answer to said Court in the Town's be- 
half for the Towns not making of a Eate of twenty 
pounds this year for the incorregment of a minister 
to preach the words of God amongst them. 

May 24, 1686. At a town meeting the 24 May, 
1686, John Cook chose Debity Joseph Seth Pope 
and four others, Deline, Selectmen, James Sisson 
Constable Recompense Grand jury men. John 
Spooner, John Shearman and George Cadman sur- 
veyors of the highways. It is also ordered that all our 
Town n)eetings shall be held at or near the mill in 
Dartmouth until the town sees cause to order it 
otherwise. 

May 22, 1674. At a town meeting the 22'"' of May 
in the year 1674 John Cook was chosen debity Arthur 
Hathaway Grandjuryman William cad Constable 
John Russell iams Shaw'and William Palmer select- 
men. Daniel Willcox, Peleg Sharman and Samuel 
Cudbard surveyors and James Shaw Clerk. 

July 22, 1674. At a town meeting 22'"' July 1674 
it is ordered that all our town meetings doe beginne 
at ten of ye clocke and to continue untill ye moder- 
ator doly release the town not exceeding four of ye 
clock. 

It is all so ordered that all such persons as doe 
necklectt to a yeer all the town meetings shall for- 
fitt to the town 1 shilling and six pence a pcce and 
for coming to meeting to Catt three pence an hour. 

It is also ordered that the town clarke shall gather 
up all a for said flnnes and shall have ye on hullfe of 
them for his pains and in ceace any doe refuse to pay 
them returne the neame to ye town. 

It is ordered by the towne by vote that there shall 
be no alternative in the rulle of for this following 
year. 

Henry Tucker Joseph Tripp and Jeames Shaw are 
chosen reatters for this following year. 

May 24, 1686. A list of the names of the Towns- 
men of Dartmouth who have taken the oath of fidelity 
or freemen's oath. 



Stephen Peckham 
William Macomber 
Samuel Willcock's 
James Franklin 
Samuel Spooner 
William Wood 
Anthony Savory. 



John Cook 
John Russell : Sq. 
John Smith 
Samuel Jene : Sener 
Arthur Hathaway 
William Woods 
James Sampson 
John Shearman 
Seth Pope 
Joseph Tripp 
Jonathan Russell 
Jonathan Delano 
Thomas Taber 
Samuel Cornwell 



James Sisson 
John Spooner 
Nathaniel Soule 
John Terry 
Eleazer Smith 
Return Babcock 
William Spooner 
Lettice Jeney 
George Cadman 
James Triple 
Samuel Jeney, Jr. 
John Hathaway 
Josiah Smith 
Joseph Russell 



Hezekiah Smith 
Deliverance Smith 

Shearman 

Howland 

John Earl 
Ralph Earl, Jun. 
Ralph Earl, son of Wm. 
Earl 

July 20, 1709. Henry Howland was agreed with 
to make a pair of stocks and whipping post. 

June 7, 1728. David Shej^herd to have " ten pounds 
for the year's service to be p^ 50' a quarter." Persons 
that " improve the respective that are provided by the 
general court shall pay them their wages, and all the 
others are hereby exempted." Christopher Faunce 
was presented for a '"grammar schoolmaster" and 
accepted. 

Dec. 16, 1746. Town petitioned "the Great and 
General Court" that a "New County may be taken 
off or made on this side of Assonet River." 

(That part of the warrant for the meeting Dec. 16, 
1746, that has reference to the county matter is as 
follows.) To consult and vote something with respect 
to petitioning the General Court q' we may have a 
County Taken off or Made on thisside Assonet River, 
otherwise we must unavoidably be obliged to go and 
our children after us for what we know to Taunton 
which will be upwards of thirty-five miles distant 
for many of said Inhabitants, which will be in the 
extreme tedious and expensive, it being too 
far to set out from our Homes to get there before the 
Court setts, as likewise the of the County agra- 

vates the case by reason that one case must wait for 
another and is at times the occasion of adjourn- 
ments. 

In the whole it will be tedious and expensive to 
Plat, defend Jurymen and Evidences. But more es- 
pecially to poor widows who are oft times obliged to 
go several times before an estate can be settled with 
the judge of probate. 

1732, February the ninth day 1731 or 1732, then 
rec'd of Robert Kirby, of Dartmouth, in New Eng- 
land the sum of five hundred and fifty pounds of cur- 
rent money of New England, or bills of credit from 
him, due to me and in full payment and being in full 
for a bond of five hundred and fifty pounds in money, 
baring date February in the year of our Lord 1731 
from R. Kirby to me the s'' Wate, in witness whereof 
I the s'' Wate have hereunto set my hand and seal 
this ninth day of February in the year one thousand 
seven hundred and thirty-one or thirty-two & the 
fifth year of the reign of George the Second King of 
Great Britain &c. signed, sealed and delivered in 
presence of 

Nathaniel Soule. 

Johnathan Gilford. Benjamin Wate. 

Bristol vs. To the constable or constables of Dart- 
mouth or either of them greeting these are in his 



DARTMOUTH. 



199 



majesties name to require you to notify all the free- 
holders and other inhabitants of the town afores'' that 
are qnalified as the law directs to vote in town meet- 
ings that they meet together all the town house in 
So. Dartmouth on Tuesday the second of July then 
and there to act on the following particular. First to 
agree with the town treasurer what he shall have for 
his service this ensuing year. Secondly to call the 
committee to an account that was chosen to make up 
accounts with the trustees & town treasurer and former 
selectmen. Thirdly to conclude wether or not to re- 
turn Stephen Peckham's fine for not serving. 

The foregoing report of the committee was ac- 
cepted by a unanimous vote of one hundred and fifty 
persons present. 

The Rev. Samuel Wat and the Honorable Walter 
Spooner, Esq., are unanimously chosen delegates for 
the town of Dartmouth to represent them in conven- 
tion convened to meet at Boston the first Wednes- 
day in June next. The foregoing Report of the com- 
mittee was accepted by a unanimous vote of one hun- 
dred and fifty-two persons present. 

March 23 1734 Ye 2.3" of ye month called March 
173} voted, that such vilage shall have free toleration 
to elect a school master for each vilage, to be paid by 
a rate upon each vilage if the said vilages see cause 
to elect one, & that vilage which shall clear the town 
of being fined for want of a grammar school master, by 
procuring a lawfuU one, shall receive ten pounds to 
be paid by the whole town in general & that every 
person or persons in each of s'' vilages shall have free 
access or liberty to send their children to s"* master 
for benifitt of the lattin tongue but no other: at an 
annual meeting in March 1738, voted — That William 
Lake as grammar school master at forty five pounds 
pr annum : Voted, — That all people who receive 
benifitt of ye s* schoolmaster, by sending their chil- 
dren, shall frankly give s'' master their proportionable 
part of his dqet, washing & lodging — also he shall be 
removed by order of the selectmen. 

William Palmer is accepted off by a vote of the 
town as a school master at fifty pounds a year in the 
old tenor and the town shall find him and he to have 
liberty to teach the art of navigation. 

Slavery.— Dec. 24 1735 July 9 1770 Wheras Elna- 
than Sampson of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol, 
& Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, 
Blacksmith did on the Eighth Day of November A.D. 
1869, at public auction purchase, buy and become 
possessed of a negro man, slave named Venter aged 
about forty five years as may appear by a Bill of 
Sale of said negro, given to the said Elnathan Samp- 
son, by Job Williams a Debuty Sheriff, in said County 
of Bristol, who was tlien taken and sold by virtue of a 
Writ of E.xecution wherein one Daniel Russell was 
creditor and one .Teremiah Child debtor, as the proper 
Estate of the said Jeremiah Cliilds, before the said 
sale — and the said Elnathan Sampson did afterwards 



convey one half of the said negro to John Chaffee of 
said Dartmouth := Spermacetti Manufacturer — 

These are therefore to certify whomsoever it may 
concern, that be the said Elnathan Sampson & John 
Chaflee for and in consideration of the sum of twenty 
one pounds — six shillings & five pence, lawful! money 
of s"" Province to us in hand paid by the said negro 
man Venture, the receipt whereof we hereby acknowl- 
edge, have acquitted & renounced all Right, Title or 
Interest, whatever in and to said negro, & do hereby 
set him at full liberty to act his own will from the 
rate hereof forever. In ■ whereof we have here- 
unto set our hand and seal this 170| 22 day of Janu- 
ary — Daniel Shepherd was agreed with to be one 
town school master for the year following and to 
have £18, and his did for his services for the year. 

It is also ordered at said meeting that every house- 
holder being a planter, shall kill 12 black bird, be- 
tween the first day of January and the middle of May 
yearly on pain of forfeiting three half pence for every 
bird they shall neglect killing of s*" number, s'' for- 
feitures to be added to such persons town rate yearly, 
to be paid into the town stock, and further it is 
ordered, that every black bird that sliall be killed 
within the town, within the times limited over the 
number of 12 to each planter as above, shall be paid 
1 peny out of the town stock, or be abated out of the 
rate in the next town rate. It is also ordered that 
each crow that shall be killed within said time yearly, 
shall be scorred for three black birds. It is also 
ordered that Joseph Tripp, Matthew Wing, Nath. 
Howland, John Russell, and Isaac Spooner be the 
persons to take account of what birds are killed in 
the town and give an account yearly to the Select- 
men so that the penaltie may be paid on such as are 
negligent and money may be raised to pay them that 
kill more than their number. 

It is ordered that there shall be a law book bought 
for the town's use and be paid for out of the town rate 
assessed. 

Ninth day of July in the Tenth of his Majesty's 
Reign Anno Domini 1770, signed and sealed in pres- 
ence of 

Edward Pope Elisha Tobey 

Francis Rotch Elnathan Sampson 
John Chaffee 
I July 9"" 1770 Personally appeared Elnathan Samp- 
son and John Chaffee & acknowledged this Instru- 
; ment to be there act and deed before me, Elisha 
\ Tobey Just, of the Peace. 

Recorded by me this 18* day of July 1770 

Ben.tamix Aikin, Town Clerk. 
August 9"", 1780. — Warrant for voting for Gov. & 
L't-Gov. & Councillors & Senators. This is the first 
warrant under the new constitution. 

Sep't. 4, 1780.— Votes. Jn" Hancock Gov' 79. 
Th" bushing .54. L't Gov. Walter Spooner & The 
Durfee, sen & coun. 66 votes. George Leonard 62. 
There was of Coun. no opposition ticket. 



200 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



December y' — ■ day 1788. — For the choice of Rep- 
resentatives for to go to Congress : Plianual Bishop 
eight votes. George Leonard had six votes, also at 
said meeting choose Electors (viz.) Holder Slocum 
had nine. Phanual Bishop nine votes. David Cobb 
had three votes. Walter Spooner had 3 votes. Wil- 
liam I I had 2 votes. 

Recorded by Benjamin Akin, 

'Town Clerk. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

DARTMOUTH.— (('<.«(/"«et/.) 

W.-VR OF THE EEVOLUTION.i 

Firet Action of the Town— Tlio Town-Meeting of 1774— Tlie Besolves— 
Patriotic Women — Tliey Resolvo to Discontinue the Use of Tea — Inter- 
esting Incident — Revolntiunary Soldiers — Extracts from Town Rec- 
ords. 

Dartmouth was in no respect behind her sister 
towns of Massachusetts in devotion and sacrifice to 
the cause of liberty. She contributed freely in men 
and money, and although we find in the military an- 
nals of the period no names of distinction belonging 
to the town, yet we know that her people were thor- 
oughly in sympathy with the Revolution. On the 
nineteenth day of September, 1768, Walter Spooner 
was appointed by the town to represent it in Faneuil 
Hall, Boston, to consider what wise and prudent 
measures should be adopted to prevent the distress 
and misery which were likely to come upon them by 
reason of the number of regular troops to be quar- 
tered in Massachusetts. In 1774 a town-meeting was 
called " to take into the most mature and serious con- 
sideration the melancholy and distressing situation of 
public aflairs of this province, and to adopt and pur- 
sue all those rational and justifiable methods which, 
by the blessings of heaven attending our endeavors, 
will have the greatest tendency to remove from us 
and our fellow-sufferers those troubles we feel and 
fear under the present frowns of the British admin- 
istration." 

The town-meeting was held July 18, 1774. Hon. 
Walter Spooner, Benjamin Akin, Esq., William Davis, 
William Tallman, Maj. Ebeuezer Willis, Jireh Willis, 
Seth Pope, Seth Hathaway, and Hannaniah Cornish 
were appointed a committee to prepare and draw up 
what they should deem most proper as expressing the 
sense of the meeting, and report in the afternoon for 
the town's consideration. The report of these gentle- 
men was accepted. It was voted, " That we are 
grieved at being necessitated to act a part which at 
first view appears unfriendly with respect to our 
manufacturing brethren and friends in Great Britain 



1 For history of the bui iiinir of Bedford village and Oen. Grey's raid, 
see Chapter VIII. iu History of New Bedford. 



and Ireland ; but we trust we shall readily be excused 
by them when they consider that this part of our 
conduct is wholly designed, and in our judgment will 
have the greatest tendency of anything in our power, 
to save both them and us from bondage and slavery, 
for upon mature consideration we judge the several 
late unconstitutional acts of the British Parliament 
have a direct tendency to destroy the harmony which 
has subsisted among all the British subjects, and to 
entirely abolish the English Constitution and form of 
government ; and therefore, as the most probable 
means to prevent those destructive purposes, we unite 
with our American brethren, and 

" Bcsoli'e, That we will not purchase any goods 
manufactured in Great Britain and Ireland which 
shall be imported from thence after this day ; that we 
will not purchase any English goods of any hawker or 
peddler; that we will not purchase any foreign teas 
whatever; that we will not export any flax-seed to 
any foreign market; that we do acquiesce iu the na- 
ture and necessity of raising our proportion of money 
to pay the Congress and to raise the same by sub- 
scription, and that these resolves do remain in force 
so long as the present grievous acts of the British 
Parliament remain unrepealed." 

At this meeting a committeeof correspondence was 
chosen to act with other committees in America. 
And also a resolve was passed advancing " the town's 
proportion of the money to pay the committee of 
Congress." 

In the county congress, held at Taunton, the same 
year, " to devise and act on such measures as the exi- 
gencies of the times require," the town was ably and 
patriotically represented. 

Not the men alone, but the women of Dartmouth 
fully entered into the resolutions of non-intercourse 
with Great Britain. They had their League Society, 
which was more exacting in the observance of its 
principles than the Ladies' League Associations of 
the present day. In January, 1774, fifty-seven ladies 
of Bedford village had a meeting at which they en- 
tered into an agreement not to use any more India 
tea; and having heard that a gentleman there had 
lately bought some, they requested he would imme- 
diately return it. This request he complied with, 
whereupon the ladies treated him with a glass of 
" this country wine" and dismissed him, highly pleased 
with his exemplary conduct. A number of gentle- 
men present gave him three cheers in approbation of 
his noble behavior. 

This occurred six months prior to tlie action of the 
town-meeting, and doubtless contributed much in 
forming the public sentiment of the town. 

Revolutionary Soldiers.— The following list of 
soldiers, etc., is taken from Daniel Ricketson's excel- 
lent " History of Xew Bedford," published in 1858. 
These lists were furnished Mr. Ricketson by Thomas 
Kempton. 

The following is "a muster-roll of the company 



DARTMOUTH. 



201 



under the command of Capt. Thomas Kerapton, in 
Col. Danielson's regiment, to the 1st of August, 1775 :" 
Thomas Kempton, captain ; AmasaSoper, first lieu- 
tenant; John Chadwick, second lieutenant; .John 
Swift, George Brovvuell, Thomas West, John Snilings, 
sergeants; James Spooner, Robert Crosman, Elijah 
Allen, Paul Weston, corporals ; Obed Cushman, fifer ; 
Simeon Fuller, drummer; Benjamin Adams, Eleazer 
Allen, Joshua Austin, David Babcock, Noah Ball, 
Jabez Bennet, Thomas Bennet, Jonathan Bradshaw, 
Prince Brownell, Gamaliel Bryant, Jessey Burt, John 
Coggeshall, William Counts, Kobert Crosman, Jr., 
Louis De Moranville, Thomas Eskridge, John Gam- 
mons, Phineas Hammond, Roger Hammond, George 
Haskins, David Hathaway, John Hathaway, Lemuel 
Hathaway, David Kentch, Silas Kirby, Robert 
Knowlton, David Lewis, Humphrey Macomber, Pre- 
served Merrihew, Jonathan Mosher, Jacob Mott, 
Isaac Noble, John Ormsby, Silas Perry, Peter Phil- 
lips, Peter Sands, Daniel Sherman, John Sherman, 
Lemuel Sherman, John Solomon (Indian), John 
Spooner, Giles Tallman, Joseph Trafford, Lettice 
Washburn, Nathan Waste, privates; amounting to 
fifty-eight, all from Dartmouth, with the exception 
of three, — Louis De Moranville, Freetown ; Phineas 
Hammond, Rochester; and David Lewis, Rhode Is- 
land. The time of enlistment was in the month of 
May, 1775. The time of service, with a few excep- 
tions, was three months ; the shortest, one month and 
twelve days. Their headquarters was Roxbury ; the 
allowance, one penny per mile for travel ; greatest 
distance of travel, sixty-nine miles ; least, fifty-seven. 
The amount the captain received for this campaign 
was £18 10.0. IW. ; the first lieutenant, £12 16s. id.; 
the second lieutenant, £10 18s. 9rf. ; the four sergeants, 
£1 15s. 7<l., £5 9s., £5, 15s. Id., £5 2s. Lid. ; the four 
corporals, £4 VIx. 2d., £2 18s. 8'/., £5 3s., £3 Is.; the 
fifer, £4 10s. lOrf. ; the drummer, £5 3s. These were 
the amounts paid after deducting what had been 
charged for supplies. The difference in the amounts 
paid to the officers, as well as the privates, was mainly 
owing to the greater or less supplied them. This 
old muster-roll contains twenty-tliree columns under 
the following heads, viz.: "Men's names," "Towns 
whence they came," " Rank," " Time of enlistment," 
" Travell," "Amount at IcZ. a mile," "Time of ser- 
vice," " Whole amount," " Guns," " By whom sup- 
plyed," " Price," " Bayonets," " Of whom received," 
" Price," " Cartridge-boxes," " Of whom received," 
"Price," " Cloathing," "Of whom received," 
"Amount," "Advance Wages," " Blankets received 
more than entitled to by enlistment," " Amount of 
deduction," " Balance." The amount paid for travel, 
£14 OS. lOd. The whole amount allowed each private 
before discount ranged from a little more than £4 lo 
£6 lOs. The number of guns supplied was twenty- 
six, — amount for same, £41 10.s. ; four bayonets, with 
sheaths and belts, supplied by Jireh Swift, amounting 
to 8s. 2d. ; thirty cartridge-boxes, supplied by Jireh 



Swift, amounting to £6 7s. 6rf. ; twenty-seven pairs of 
shoes and one cap, supplied by .Jireh Swift and Com- 
missary Blaney, the shoes at 6s. and the cap 2s., 
amounting to £8 4s. ; the amount paid for advance 
wages £2 each, excepting the captain and two lieu- 
tenants, — £108 : the whole expense amounting to £389 
lis. 9Ul. ; the balance, £227 2s. LVd. 

Capt. Kempton was a descendant from Manasseh 
Kempton, one of the early proprietors of Dartmouth, 
and the father of Thomas Kempton. Previously to 
this period (1775) Capt. Kempton had been master of 
a whaling-vessel from this port, and a large portion 
of those who enlisted in his company had been his 
sailors. Capt. Kempton had previously received a 
commission as ensign of the militia from Governor 
Hutchinson, bearing date May 13, 1773. Subsequent 
to his command of the Dartmouth company at Rox- 
bury, he received the commission of lieutenant-colo- 
nel, hut owing to a failure of health he left service at 
the evacuation of Boston by the British troops. He 
was born April 20, 1740, and died Jan. 27, 1806, in 
his sixty-sixth year. Of the two other companies 
from Dartmouth that joined the Revolutionary army, 
one was commanded by Capt. Egery, of Fairhaven, 
and the other by Capt. Benjamin Dillingham, of 
Acushnet: 



Benjamin .^bel (Indian), X775. 

Benjamin Adams, 1775, m. m.i 

Kleazer Allen, 1775, m. in. 

Elijah Allen, 1775, m. m. 

Noah Allen, 1781. 

Prince Almey (African), 1781. 

Amesbrey, 1778. 

John Aniey, 1779. 

John Anstin, 1779, 

Joshua Austin, 177G, ni. m. 

BenJ. Babcock, Jr., 1775, 1778, 1780. 

David Badcock, 1775, m. m. 

Benjamin Baker, 1778, m.m., 1779. 

Noah Ball, 1775, m.m. 

Worth Bates, 1778-81. 

Weston Bedon, 1778, 1780. 

Jabez Bennet, 1775, m. m, 

Jos. Bennet, 1775, m. m., 1779-80, 

Thomas Bennet, 1775, m, m. 

Thomas Berry, 1775, m, m, 

Sloughton Biiutli, 1778, 

Thomas Booth, 1778, 

Jonathan Bradshaw, 1775, m. m, 

George Brownell, 1775, m, m. 

Prince Brownell, 1775, m. m. 

Robert Brownell, 1779-80. 

Gamaliel Bryant, ensign, 1775, in, 
m, 

Jesse Bush, 1775, m, m, 

John Ciiudwick, ensign, 1775, ni. m. 
I James Chandler, 1778, 1880. 
I Ebeuezer Chase, 1780-81. 

Ch .s. Church, lieut., 1778,1780-81. 
l^Geo, Cla-horn, capt,, 1778, 1780-81, 

John CoggHshall, 1775, m, in., 1778- 
I 80. 

Josejih Cook, 1780. 

Ilichard i::ook, 1778, 1780.. 

Thomas Cook, 1780, 

Thonuis Crundun, capt,, 1778-79. 



Robert Grossman, 1775, ui, m. 

Edward Crowell, 1778, 

David Cushman, 1781, 

Jabeu Daniel, 1775, m. ni , 1778, 

1780, 
John Dayton, 177S. 
Calvin Delano, capt., 177S-82, 
Henry Delano, 1780, 
Thomas Delano, 1780, 
John Deverson, 1778, 
David Devol, 1780, 
Josepli Devol. 1779, 1782, 
Solomon Dick (African), 1782, 
Beiij, Dillingham, capt., 1776, m, m. 
Jidin Dophson, 1775, m. in. 
Boinijah Dniiham, 1775, m.m,, 1775, 

1780-81, 
Beiijaiiiin Ellis, 1775, m. ni, 
Thomas Eskredge, 1775, m, m, 
Jeremiah Exceeii, 1778-79. 
Josepli Francis, 1780-81. 
Simeon Fuller, 1775, m, m. 
John Gelat, 1778, 1780. 
George Gitford, 177G. 
Levi Gift'oid, 1779. 
Lewis Gifford, 1779,1781. 
Jeremiah Greene, 1779. 
Thomas Greenway, 1780-81. 
Cornelius Gnniiell. 1780. 
David Hammond, 1780. 
Jabez Hammond, 1780, 
Phinehas Hammond, 1775, m. m, 
Roger Hammond, 1775, m, m, 
David Handy, 1780, 
George Haskins, 1775, ut, lu, 
Shurach Haskins, 1778. 
Arthur Hathaway, 1780. 
David Hathaway, 1775, m. in, 
Eleazer Ilathawa.v, 1777, 
'. Gideon Hathaway, 1778, 



1 Miimte.raan. 



202 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



/ 



Isaac Hnlhiiway, 1778, 1780-81. , 

Jabez Hathaway, 1778. 

Jacob Hatliawa.v, 1780. 

Jolin Hathaway, 177.n, m. m. 

Leimiel Hathaway, 1775, m. m. 

Sylvanus Hathaway, 1779. 

George Hitch, 1780. 

Samuel Howlaml, 1775, m. in. 

John Humphrey. 177fi. 

Nathaniel Iligrahum, 1780. 

Paul liigiaham, 1778, 1780. 

Thomas Iiigrahain, 1775, m. m. 

■W'illiani Japes, 1778. 

EInathari Jenne, 1775, m. m. 

John Jenne. 

Prince Jenne, 1779-80. 

Setli Jenne, 17811. 

Timothy Jenne, 1778-79. 

Manasseh Kempton, col., 1778. 

Obed Kempton, 177S, 1780. 

Thos. Kempton, capt., 1775 ; lieut.- 

col,, 1776. 
William Kempton, 1782. 
Daviil Kenleth, 1776, m. m. 
Robert Knowlton, 1775, m. m. 
Jonatlian Lawton, 1778-79. 
David Lews.?, 1775, m. m. 
Jabez Lumbar, 1778. 
Taber Lumbar, 1778. 
Humphrey Macomber, 1775, in. in. 
Preserved Merriliew, 1775. 
Elkaniiah Mitcliell, 1779. 
Louis lie Moraiivillf, 1775, m. m. 
Michael Mosher, 1779. 
Samuel Nash, 1780. 
Isaac Nol)Ie, 1775, m. m. 
Robert Nolteii, des., 1775, in. m. 
Gideon Nye, 1781. 
Benjamin Oliadiali (Indian), 1779. 
John Omey, 1778-79. 
Daniel OrniBhy, I77S. 
Jolin Oinisby, 1775, m. ni. 
Avery Parlier, cajit., 177S. 
John Parkes, 1778-79. 
William Pease, 1780. 
Pompey Peckham (African), 1780- 

81. 
Henry Perkins, 1780. 
Paul Perry, 1778-70. 
Silas Perry, 1775, ni. ni. 
Peter Pliillips, 1775, ni. in., 1778, 

1880. 
Peter Pon (Indian), 1780-Sl. 
David Pope, 1770, 1778. 
Stephen Potter, 1778, 1780. 
Thurston Potter, 1780-81. 
James Pratt, 1778. 
Eiiene/.er Primas (African), 1781. 
Elias Primas, 1781. 
William Robinson, 1780. 
Gideon Kodgtrs, 1780. 
William Rodgers, 1780. 
William Ross, 1780. 
James Rouse, 1778. 
Mkauiiah Ryder, 1778. 
Ezekiel Ryder, 1779. 
liaines Sammons, 1779. 
Peter Sands, 1775, m. m. 
Martin Seekins, 1778. 
Daniel Shearman, 1775, m. m. 
John Shearman, 1755, in. m. 

The following note.s, etc., concerning the period of 
the Revolution are taken from the old town records : 

1776.— Benj. (a Akin Esq to be paid 42 = 17 : 8" j 
for his Services and Attendance heretofore given as a 



Lemuel Shearman, 1775, m. m. 
Joseph Shockly, 1780-81. 
Amos .Simmons, lieutenant, 1779. 
John Skiff, fifer, 1776, m. m., 1779, 

1781. 
Elisha Smith, 177(1, 1780, m. m. 
Jonathan Smith, 1776, m, m., 1780- 

81. 
Josiah Smith, 1781. 
Thomas Smith, 1778, 1780. 
John Solomon (Indian), 1775, m. m. 
Amasa Soper, lieutenant, 1775, m. 

m. 
Benjamin Spooner, drummer, 1775, 

m. m. 
Cornelius Spooner, 1779. 
David Spooner, 1778, 1780. 
James Spooner, 1775, m. m. 
Jeduthan Spooner, 1775, m. m. 
John Spooner, 1775, m. m. 
Simpson .Spooner, 1775, m. m. 
Charles Stetson, 1780. 
Jacob Strange, 1780. 
John SuUiugs, 1775, ra. m. 
John Swift, 1775, ni. m. 
Jeduthan Taber, 1781. 
Jethro Taber, 1778, 1781. 
Jolin Taber, 1780. 
Philip Taber, 1779. 
Thomas Taber, 1780. 
Ezekiel Tallman, 1781. 
Giles Tallman, 1775, m. in., des. 
Tliomas Thompson, 1776-78. 
Job Tobey, 1780, 1781. 
Prince Tobey, 1778. 
Thomas Tobey, 1780-81. 
Zoeth Tobey, 1780-81. 
Isaac Tompkins, 1780. 
Joseph TralTord, 1775, m. m. 
Ishmael Tripp, 1770 (Dillingham's 

company). 
Job Tripp, 1780. 
Samuel Tripp, 1775, m. m. 
Thomas Tripp, 177G (Dillingham's 

company). 
Samuel Tupper, 1779. 
Burnell Uphain, 1778. 
Lettice Washburn, 1775, m. m. 
Tliomas Waslibnrn, 1776, m. m. 
Nathan Waste, 1775, 1780. 
Thomas West, 1775, m. m. 
Thomas Westcot, 1775, m. m., 1778- 

80. 
Benjamin Weston, 1775, m. m., 

177.S-79. 
Eliphas Weston, 1780-81. 
John Weston. 
Paul Weston, 1775, m. m. 
Stephen Weston, 1782. 
Thomas Weston, 1779. 
George Whippey, 1778. 
Joseph Whitflekl, 1778. 
Preserved Wilcox, 1778. 
Benjamin Willis, 1778. 
Samuel Willis, 1782. 
William Willis, 1770. 
Gideon Woodmanse, 1779-80. 
Gideon Worden, 1778. 
Henry Writhiiigton, 1778. 
Robert Writhington, 1775, m. m. 



member of several congresses heretofore held for the 
public safety, he being chosen for and authorized by 
said town for that purpose. 

May 20, 1776.— Gen'l Churcli, Seth Pope, Abraham 
Shearman, Philip Shearman, James Soul, Nathaniel 
Richmond, Philip Taber, Pardon Brownell, and Wil- 
liam Wood was chosen a Committee of Correspond- 
ence and safety. 

Emission for paying their proportion of Beef re- 
quired of them by a late resolve of the Gen. Court, 
for paying their County tax agreed on in January 
last. 

Price of Commodities, Labor, etc. — Dartmouth, 
Feb. 22d, 1777. Recorded by Benj. Akin, Town 
Clerk; William Davis, William Tallman, Jabez Bar- 
ker, Jr., Selectmen of Dartmouth. 

Signed by order of the Committee, Fortunatus 
Shearman, Chairman. 

Annexed to the articles hereafter mentioned is the 
price in the room of that affixed to those of tlie same 
denomination in the above Statement. 

Meat : ShoemaMng. — Fresh pork /5 per lb. Men's 
best shoes made of neat leather at Bedford, Fair Haven, 
and Oxford 9/ other parts of the Town 8/ — Men's best 
calf-skin shoes at Bedford, Fair Haven, and Oxford 
12/ — all other parts of the Town at 10/ — Women's 
shoes 6/, making men's shoes at the shops of the 
workmen at Bedford, Fair Haven, and Oxford 4/ — all 
other parts of the town 3/ — and at the house of the 
imployer shoes of a full size 2/ — women's cloth shoes 
8/ — smaller shoes in proportion to men's & women's 
shoes & all other shoemaking in the usual proportion 
for mending. 

West India Rum. — Good full proof West India rum 
by the h'h 8/ per gallon including the h'h 8/2 per gal- 
lon by the barrel exclusive of the barrel & 9/ by the 
single gallon, smaller quantities in proportion. 

New England rum good full proof 4/2 pr. gallon by 
the hogshead and barrel exclusive of 13/4 for hogs- 
head, & 4/4 for the barrel & 4/10 single gallon for 
distilling New England Rum /6 a gallon. 

Molasses of the quality 3/8 pr gallon by the h.h. 
including the Hogshead 4/ by barrell 4/4 by the sin- 
gle gallon. Best Muscorado sugar 66/ pr Cvvt. by the 
H.H. 72/ by the single cwt. & /lO single lb. Choco 
best quality £7 pr cwt. Chocolate 2/2 pr lb. Good 
cotton wool 3/6 pr lb by the bag and 4/ pr. single lb. 
Good coffee 1/4 pr. lb. by wholesale & 1/8 pr. lb. by 
retail. West India and Cherry rum /6 pr. gill flip & 
Toddy 1/2 pr. mug or bowl. Flour from the southern 
states 36/ pr. cwt. Rice by the single hundred 36/. 
Good refined bar iron 60/ pr. cwt. Nail rods & nails 
not stated. Horse shoeing in Bedford and Fair Haven 
5/6 other parts of the town 4/9 hoes of the best quality 
stealed up the corners 5/ grand coork 1/ pr lb. Making 
ahalf trimed coat at Bedford & Fair Haven 13/ jackets 
5/6 britche.-i Qld and other tuyloriiig in proportion, and 
other parts of the Town half trimed coats 11/ Jacoats, 
5/6 britches 5/6 approved man Taylor at the house of 



DARTMOUTH. 



203 



the imployers 3/ pr day and found as usual. Mowing 
and reaping 4/ pr. day, common labor in summer sea- 
son 3/ pr. day. All women's work & combing not 
stated. Work men's best hunting saddles witli hous- 
ing 80/ saddle bags best sort 24/ well made pillians [ 
12/, good bridles with bits 8/ without bits 5/4. House | 
carpenter's work 4/ pr. day. Masons work 4/6 and 
found as usual. Bedtick /9 pr. y" for toe-cloth and 
plain flannel /6 pr. y'', and all other wearing in the 
like proportion. This done by the selectmen & com- 
mittee of safe. 

A True Coppy attest Fortunatus Shearman 

Sub. Committee. 

And recorded by Benjamin Aikin. 

Town Clerk. 

May 18, 1779. — At a town meeting lield at the town- 
house in Dartmouth on Tuesday, the 18th day of May, 
1779, Benj. Aikin, Esq., chosen moderator the Town 
voted on the first article in the warrant for calling 
the meeting that this town at this time don't choose 
to have a New Constitution or Form of Government, 
the number of voters present was seventy, and all 
voted in the affirmative. Voted on the Third Article 
in the Warrant for calling this meeting; that all the 
men in this Town who shall be called for the defence 
of this State or any of the United States for the pres- 
ent year, shall be raised at the expense or charge of 
said town, that shall be raised in consequence of order 
or orders from the General Court or Council of this 
State, and Robert Earl, Elihu Gilford, and John 
Chaffee are chosen a Committee, when any men are 
sent for or required to be raised as afores'd they are 
empowered to procure said men at the expense of said 
Town in the cert, way and manner they can; and said 
committee are to be reasonably paid for their services. 

Oct. 14, 1780. Voted that 10o7 pounds and 16/ 
silver money be raised by way of tax on the inhab- 
itants of said town. . . . for purchasing the towne 
proportion of beef sent for by the General Court to 
supply the Continental Army. 

Dec. 22, 1780. Warrant. What is necessary rela- 
tive to choosing a Town Clerk. 

Relative to raising 76 men to serve in the Con' 
Army for three years or during the war. 

Jan. 1, 1781. Benj. Russell, Jr., T. C. in the absence 
of Benj. Aikin. 

Several Capt. of Militia to call companies together 
and make inquires who will enlist and how many. 
£16,500 to be raised by way of tax. 

Jan. 12, 1781. Augt. Voted that each soldier that 
shall enlist for 3 yrs shall have a Bounty of 200 
silver dollars — 50 of s ° dollars to be paid at his 
passing muster, the remainder to be at interest until 
paid. 

Voted that Capt. Henry Jenne Capt. George Clay- 
house, Capt. Benj. Wilson, Capt. William Hicks, 
Elihu Giftbrd, &. John Aikin be elected a committee 
to enlist the soldiers and to pay down said money, & 
to give their securities to said soldiers or procure 



some person or persons to give security as s"" soldiers 
shall like & s'' committees are also empo^vered to hire 
the whole of said money on the credit of s'' Town & 
s'^ Town are accountable to the a^ Court for all the 
money they shall pay or hire. 

1781. 3'' Monday of Feb. Voted to raise by way 
of tax the sum of 2650 pound in money of the new. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

DARTMOUTH.— (Cr,»(/),»erf.) 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.i 

Apponegansett Meeting — First Cliriatian Church — Congregational 
Church — Tlie Soutli I)iirtmoulli Baptist Cliurcli— The Second Chris- 
tian Chuicli — Methodist Episcopal Church— Smitli Mills Ciiristiau 
Church — Christian Church iu Balterville. 

Apponegansett Meeting. — There is reason to be- 
lieve that among the first settlers of Dartmouth many 
were Friends, or made a profession of belief in their 
principles. The names of Slocum, Allen, Smith, 
Lapham, Howland, Russell, Tucker, Mott, and others, 
are found in the early records of the society, and we 
know from other sources that they were among the 
first settlers in the town. They came from Rhode 
Island and other places where meetings of the society 
had been established, and it would naturally be ex- 
pected they would soon organize meetings for worship 
and discipline. The oldest record of a monthly 
meeting of Friends in this town bears date 26th of 
4th month, 1699. Meetings for worship had no 
doubt been held some years previous to this date. 
The first meeting-house was built upon the lot where 
the present Apponegansett meeting-house stands. 
This lot was purchased of Peleg Slocum for the sura 
of one pound sixteen shillings, and the deed bears 
date of 6th month 2d day, 1706. Previous to 1699 
meetings were held in dwellings. The following 
is a copy of a portion of the records of the monthly 
meeting, dated 6th day of 11th month, 1691: "At 
the house of John Lapham we, underwritten, Peleg 
Slocum, Jacob Mott, Abraham Tucker, and John 
Tucker, undertake to build a meeting-house for the 
people of God, in scorn called Quakers, thirty-five 
foot long, thirty foot wide, and fourteen foot studds, 
to worship and serve the true and Living God in, 
according as they are persuaded in conscience they 
ought to do, and for no other interest or purpose but 
as aforesaid, which said house shall be completely 
finished at or before the 10th day of the 8th month 
next, insuring the date hereof. And further, we, of 
the said society of people, towards the building of 
said house of our free will, contribute as followeth: 
John Tucker, £10; Peleg Slocum, £15; John Lap- 
ham, £5; Nathaniel Howland, £5; Abraham Tucker, 

1 By Rev. S. M. Anilrtws. 



204 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



£10; Increase Allen, £3; Ebenezer Allen, £5; 
Eleazer Sloijuni, £3; Jacob Mott, £3; Benjamin 
Howland, £2 ; Richard Evens, £1 ; Judah Smith, 
£1." 

The Yearly Meeting was held in this house this 
year (1699). The journals of traveling Friends and 
otliers show that it became a large and influential 
society. At one meeting in 1766 it was supposed two 
thousand people were present. 

Prior to 1788 this Monthly Meeting was a part of 
the Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting; since that date 
it has been connected with the Sandwich Quarterly 
Meeting. Other meeting-houses were built from time 
to time as the needs and convenience of members be- 
came apparent, — at Smith Mills, Smith's Neck, and 
Allen's Neck, — the last named before 1822, the others 
still earlier. These societies form one Monthly Meet- 
ing. In 1845 a separation took place in the meeting, 
which resulted in two organizations, each claiming to 
be the original society. The smaller of these two 
bodies have but one meeting-house in the town, the 
larger have four, one of which is temporarily closed. 
The larger body (Gurneyite) numbers at this date one 
hundred and four, the smaller from forty to fifty. 
While these societies contain some of our most re- 
spectable citizens, there has been a decrease of mem- 
bership within the last half-century. 

First Christian Church. — The first Baptist Church 
in Dartmouth was organized May 21, 1780, as a branch 
of Elder Jacob Hix's Church, in Rehoboth, Mass., 
and was acknowledged by him and others as a sister 
church June 2, 1781, with a membership of sixty- 
three. Oct. 10, 1781, the installation of Elder Daniel 
Hix, brother of Jacob, took place, from which time 
the church increased rapidly in numbers and in- 
fluence. In 1808 the report to Conference for the 
year (from June, 1807, to June, 1808) gave two hun- 
dred and sixty-two additions to the church ; whole 
number, six hundred and ninety-nine. This included 
the branch churches of New Bedford, Fairhaven, 
Rochester, Long Plain, Berkley, and Freetown. In 
June, 1807, the church voted to abandon all church 
creeds and take the Bible alone as their rule of faith 
and practice, which position it has since maintained, 
thus identifying it with the Christian denomination. 
Elder Daniel Hix remained pastor until ill health 
compelled his resignation in 1834, when the associate 
pastor, Elder Howard Tripp, assumed full pastoral 
charge. Elder Daniel Hix died March 22, 1838, aged 
eighty-two years, three months, and twenty-two days. 
In 1842 and 1843 the "Advent" excitement injured 
the church, from which it has never fully recovered, 
though it has been blessed with a number of revivals. 
Elder Howard Tripp resigned in 1857, and was 
succeeded by Elder William Faunce. The pastors 
since 1864 have been F. P. Snow, G. W. Tripp, E. 
Hawes, W. S. Emery, E. Burroughs, and S. M. An- 
drews. Present clerk, Jonathan Peirce ; chairman 
of church committee, H. A. Shockley. 



Congregational Church. — This church was formed 
in the spring of 1807, by the Rev. Curtis Coe, the 
Rev. Mace Sheperd, and the Rev. Isaiah Weston, 
with the following members: David Thatcher, Joel 
Parker, Laban Thatcher, Harmony Packard, Betsey 
Howes, Phebe Nickerson, and Mehitabel Kelley. 
Other members soon joined, and in October the Rev. 
Daniel Emerson was ordained the first pastor, which 
office he filled until his death, in about a year. From 
this time until 1816 the church was without a settled 
pastor, and the meetings were held in the school-house 
or dwellings. April 24, 1816, the Rev. Peter Crocker 
was settled as pastor, and dismissed July 23, 1821. 
During his pastorate there was a large accession to 
the membership and the present church edifice was 
built. The next pastor was the Rev. Jonathan Wing, 
who was ordained March 24, 1823, and remained sev- 
eral years, during which time the people were spirit- 
ually refreshed. 

The following-named pastors have labored with 
this church : The Rev. Francis Horton was installed 
Dec. 2, 1829, and dismissed Oct. 31, 1831. Rev. 
Thomas J. Richmond was settled July 18, 1832, and 
continued until April 25, 1837. From May 20, 1838, 
to June, 1840, the Rev. Charles S. Adams supplied 
the pulpit. Rev. Andrew Bigelow was installed Aug. 
25, 1841, and closed his useful ministry June 16, 1846. 
July 6, 1846, Rev. William Mandell began preaching, 
was installed in November, and dismissed Nov. 16, 
1854. The Rev. Melancthon G. Wheeler was settled 
in November, 1855, and was dismissed May 19, 1859. 
The Rev. Martin Howard was the next pastor, from 
the last date to Nov. 25, 1864. Next year the Rev. 
John Lord supplied the pulpit, and he was succeeded 
by Rev. John G. Wilson, who closed his labors Jan. 
11, 1863. The Rev. Edward Leonard was settled in 
July, 1859, and resigned in November, 1875. The 
Rev. Salter F. Calhoun acted as i)astor from October, 
1876, and closed his labors July 1, 1880. 

The pulpit was supplied from May, 1881, to July, 
1882, by the Rev. P. C. Headley and the Rev. F. V. 
D. Garretson, whose labors resulted in much good. 
In the summer of 1882, Rev. Ira P. Smith occupied 
the pulpit, was ordained Sept. 27, 1882, and has since 
labored with much zeal and success as pastor of the 
church. Deacons of the church : Sylvanus C. Tall- 
man, Thomas Bailey ; Clerk, Edmund G. Eldridge. 

The South Dartmouth Baptist Church was 
formed as a branch of the New Bedford Baptist 
Church in May, 1831. The pastors' names have been 

Benson, Rev. John A. Dill (two years). Rev. E. 

G. Perry, Rev. William H. Taylor, Rev. Reuben 
Lentell (one year), Rev. G. F. Danforth, Rev. James 
Brown, Rev. J. J. Bronson. In January, 1861, Rev. 
S. J. Carr was settled as pastor, and remained five 
years, and was succeeded by the Rev. George Mat- 
thews, who supplied the pulpit for some years. The 
meeting-house is now closed. 

The Second Christian Church in Dartmouth was 



DARTMOUTH. 



205 



organized Feb. 2, 1836. The original members were 
Marlborough Wood, Sambo Slociim, Oliver Reed, 
Abraham Butts, Oliver Reed (2d), Pardon Howland, 
Daniel Macomber, Joseph Howland, Cynthia Ma- 
comber, Hannah C. Slocum, Maria Macomber, Lydia 
Ricketson, and Sarah Reed. Other members soon 
joined, and for several years the church flourislied. The 
pastors of this church have been Charles S. Man- 
chester, John Phillips, Joshua Goodwin, Charles C. 
Smith, and N. S. Chadwick, besides a few others for 
short periods of time. Deacons have been elected at 
different times as follows: Daniel Macomber, Abra- 
ham Butts, Holder W. Brownell, and Willard W. 
Slocum. W. W. Slocum is also clerk. This church 
has suffered from internal dissensions, and but few 
members now remain. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at the head of 
Ajiponegansett River is now a class or branch of the 
Allen Street (New Bedford) Methodist Episcopal 
Church. A class was formed here Nov. 10, 1837, by 
the Rev. James D. Butler, now chaplain of the New 
Bedford Port Society. The churcli was organized 
July 5, 1838, and Rev. J. D. Butler was the first pas- 
tor. The society sustains preaching part of the time, 
though it has declined in membership from one hun- 
dred and twenty, in 1851, to a very few at the present 
time. Trustees, Elihu Sherman and John Sherman. 

Smith Mills Christian Church. — This church was 
formed Dec. 22, 1S3S, of the following-named mem- 
bers : Asa Nichols, John Weaver, John Cummings, 
Jeremiah Jones, Seth Hathaway, Samuel Wilde, 
Abby Wilde, Hannah Weaver, Tabitha Crowell. 
The house was built before the church was organized. 
The pastors have been Samuel Wilde, E. E. Edmunds, 
John Peckham, David A. Russell, Cummings Bray, 
Gould Anthony, Benjamin F. Mosher, and S. M. 
Andrews, besides some others who have supplied the 
pulpit. Whole number of members, forty-seven. 
Holder W. Porter is deacon of the church, and Mrs. 
Abby A. Tucker, clerk. 

The Christian Church ia Bakerville, Dartmouth, 
was organized April 20, 1865. The members were 
Ephraim Ellis, Thomas K. Ellis, Alvin Sherman, 
Delia Ellis, Lovey G. Brownell, Sarah Johnson, Fi- 
delia Wing, Jane C. Ellis, Mary C. Briggs, Bethia 
Sherman, Caroline Crapo, Emily J. Baker, Olive 
Beard, Sally Crapo, Phebe A. Crapo. The church 
edifice was erected the year before the church was 
formed. The pastors have been James L. Peirce, S. 
M. Andrews, M. M. Cleverly, E. E. Edmunds, and 
others who have supplied the pulpit for short periods. 
The present pastor is O. F.Waltze; clerk of the church, 
Joseph Crapo; deacon, Ephraim Ellis. 

Representatives from 1674 to 1883.'-— The fol- 
lowing is a list of the representatives chosen by the 
town of Dartmouth, taken from the town records and 
other sources. While under the Plymouth Colonial 

1 Compiled V'y Job S. Gidley, Esq. 



government they were called deputies, but after the 
union of the Boston and Plymouth governments they 
were called representatives. During the eighteenth 
century they appear to have been occasionally chosen, 
but it is not probable that existing town records show 
the names of all who served the town in that capacity. 



1674-75. John Cook, deputy. 
1679-8t. John Cook, deputy. 

1682. John Ru»fsell, deputy. 

1683. John Cook, deputy. 

1685. .Jonathan Delano, deputy. 
Joseph Tripp, deputy. 

1686. John Cook, deputy. 

1689. Seth Pope, deputy. 
Jonatlian Delano, deputy. 

1690. Seth Pope. 

1693. Thomas Taber, representa- 

tive. 

1694. Hugh Mosher, representa- 

tive. 
1697. Joseph Allen, representative. 
1699. James Samson. 
1707. John Akin. 
1708-9. Joseph Tripp. 

1710. John Spooner. 

1711. James Samson, representa- 

tive. 

1712. Jonathan Delano. 
1717. Philip Taber. 

1720. John Akin. 

1721. Philp Taber. 

1722. Daniel Wood. 
1724. William Whit. 
1726. John Akin. 
1728-29. John Akin. 

1730. Christopher Turner. 

1731. Nathaniel Delano. 

1732. Henry Samson. 

1733. John Akin. 
1734-36. Samuel Connell. 
1740. William Hix. 
1746. James Allen. 

1763. Capt. Nathaniel Soule. 
1771. Elisha Tobey. 
1803-1. Holden Slocum. 
1806-7. Holden Slocum. 

1808. Joel Packard. 

1809. Joel Packard. 
Caleb Slocum. 

1810. Joel Packard. 
Ephraim Tripp. 
Henry Tucker. 

1811. Joel Packard. 
Ephraim Tripp. 
Henry Tucker. 

1812. Ephraim Tripp. 
Steplien Barker. 
David Thacher. 
MadoL-k Maxfield. 

1813. Ephraim Tripp. 
David Tliacher. 
Henry Tucker. 
Thomas Almy. 

1814. Ephraim Tripp. 
David Thacher. 
Thoma.<! Aluiy. 
Clark Ricketson. 

1815. Thomas Almy. 
Ephraim Tripp. 
George Morton. ■ 



1816. Thomas Almy. 
Ephraim Tripp. 
Zoheth Shearman. 

1817. Thcnias Almy. 
Ephraim Tripp. 
Joseph GifFord. 

1818. Caleb Anthony. 

1819. Joseph Gifford. 

1820. Joseph Giflcnd. 
Holder Slocum. 
Thomas Almy. 

1621-22. Caleb .\uthony. 
1823-24. Thomas Almy. 

1825. Thomas Almy. 
Holder Slocum. 
Wanton Howland. 

1826. Holder Slocum. 

1827. Cornelius Grinnell. 

1828. Bradford Howland. 

1829. Bradford Howland. 
Elihu Slocum. 
Nathaniel Howland. 
Jesse W. Nickels. 

1830. Joseph Gilford. 

1831. Joseph Gifford. 
Bradford Howland. 

1832. William Tucker. 
Wanton Howlaud. 

1833. Joscpli Gifford. 
James T. Slocum. 
Heury S. Packard. 
George Kirby. 

1834. Joseph Gifford. 
George Kirby. 
Elihu Slocum. 
Henry S. Packard. 

1835. Joseph Gifford. 
George Kirby. 
Ricketson Slocum. 
William Anthony. 

1836. Joseph Gifford. 
Ricketson Slocum. 

1837. Thomas K, Wilbur. 
Wanton Howland. 
Simon P. \VinsIow. 

1838. Joseph Gifford. 
George Kirby. 

1 1839-40. Thomas K. Wilbur. 

Henry S. Packard. 
1841-42. Wanton Howland. 

Thomas K. Wilbur. 
1843-46. James Rider. 

George Kirby. 

1846. Joseph Gifford. 

I Benjamin M. Buffington. 

1847. James Rider. 
Abner R. Tucker. 

1848-49. Lemuel Barker. 
Francis W. Mason. 
1 1860. Francis D. Banlett. 
i 1851. Jireh Shearman. 
1852. None chosen. 
1863. James B. Allen.i 

Leonard Miller, Rep.s 



1 Chosen delegate to Constitutional Convention. 

2 The towns of Dartmouth and Westport were now united, forming 
the Representative District No. 7 of Bristol County. 



206 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



I 1875-7G. George R. Reed, of Dart- 
mouth. 

I 1877-78. William P. Macomber, of 

I West port. 

, 1879-80. Heury A. Slociim, of 
Dartmouth. 
1881-82. John W. Gifford, of West- 
port. 



1854-58. NHthaniel Potter, Jr. 
1S59-UI. Francis W. Mason. 
1862-65. Calvin K. Turner. 
18C6. George F. Huwluud. 

1867. William Barker, Jr. 

1868. George F. Ilowlaiid. 
1869-70. William Barker, Jr. 
1871-72. Benjamin F. Wing. 
1873-7-4. Abraham H. Smith. 

Town Clerks from 1674 to 1883.^— The following 
is a list of town clerks of the town of Dartmouth, 
found recorded in the town records. The records of 
some of the earlier meetings appear to be lost, and 
no account of the choice of town clerks is found in 
some of the earlier records of meetings in which 
other town officers were chosen : 

James Shaw, 1674. ' Benjamin Russell (:id), 1773. 
Thouias Taber, 1679, 1695, 17o7-8, \ Benjamin Russell, Jr , 1774. 

1711. Benjamin Russt-ll, 1775. 

Jonathan Delano, 1602-93. ! John Smith, 1789-1800. 

John Akin, 1696-99, l704-6. ' Elihu Slocnm, 1801-8. 
John Taber, 1709-10. Kphraim Tripp, 1809-24. 

Jabez Delano, 1711-12. ' James Tripp, 1825.2 

Nathan SouIp, 1713-14. Joseph Gifford, 1826-41, 1843-44, 

John Tripp. 1716-17, 1719-23. ^ 1847-50. 

James Howlan<i, 172;j. . Henry S. Packard, 1842. 
Benjamin AiUin, 1745-46, 1754-70, George Kirby, 1845-46. 

1776-80. , William Barker, Jr., 1851-67. 

Bartholomew Taber, 1751-55. I John W. Howland, 1868-70. 

Benjamin Russell (4th), 1771. i George F. Howland, 1871-79. 

Benjamin Russell, Km]., 1772. ] Job S. Gidley, 1880-83. 

Military Record, 1861-65.— Names of volunteer 
soldiers in the late war on the quota of Dartmouth : 

Compuntj F, Third HeyUneni (nine months).— A Ivah M. Chase, Henry E. 
Claik, Sohimon Cornell, George A. Bessey, Charles W. Gammons, 
Thomas Gibbons, Joseph B. Holmes, Levi K. GifFord, Richard D. 
Kiiy, Joseph M. Lawton, Alden T. McComber, Lyman A. McCom- 
ber, William B. Peck, John B. Peckham, John H. Ricketson, David 
Rider, William H. Steveny, James H. Williams, Andrew L. Wordell, 
William I. Wady, George H. Wood. 

Company (?, Third Regiment (nine months).— William Davidson Cray, 
Reuben A. Garlick, George F. Packard, John Frazer. 

Forty-seventh Regiment (nine months). —William Blake, Oliver S. Brock, 
Chandler H. Calkins, William R.Chase, John O'Connell, William 
Carter, Charles W. Drody, John Dougherty, Abraham F. Green, 
William Hunt, William H. Knox. Michael Miskill, William H. 
3Iacomber, Gideon Ri*ed, Robert H. Ricketson, William R. Samp- 
son, Cliarles G. Sanford, James Summers, Calvin Thomas, Jr., 
George W. Tripp, John Ward, Peter C. Reynolds, David Fisb, 
Savory C. Braley, Martin V. B. Hammond. 

Othet- Nine Months' ilfeit.— William M. Tillinghast, Jonathan Soule; Levi 
A. Baker, Russell Eaton, Isaiah B. Leonard, 45th Regt. ; Timothy 
Ryan, J. R. Parks, Tliomas French, George W. Peabody, Henry G. 
Kenner, Daniel Harrington, William G. Hall, Thomas Lynch, Daniel 
0. Fuster, Micliael Karrel ; Charles Brand, Michael Blorrison, John 
Doyle, Joseph Grant, William Sheiidan, John Sullivan, Charles h. 
Sullivan, Co. C, 4th Regt. 

Company D, Tivenlythird Regiment (three years). — Albert W. Ashley. 

Thirty-third Regiment (three yearsj. — Thomas S. Howland, William II. 
Deming. 

Thirty-eighth Regiment (three years). — Tliomas E. Bliflins, Peter C. 
Brooks, Samuel E. Dean, Shubael Eldridge, Jr., Patrick Honan, 
Benjamin .lenks.OrrJn D. Perry, Nathan J.Pierce, George W. Pierce, 
Joshua Rotch, Luther P. Williams. 

Eighteenth Regiment (three years).— Joseph Head, George R. Reed, Fred- 
erick A. Smilb. 

Fifth Massachusetts Battery (three years).— James T. Rose. Albert J. Win- 
ters, Henry M. Gifford. 

1 Compiled by Job S. Gidley, Esq. 

" Chosen to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of bis father at the 
annual election. 



Fifty-eighth Regiment. — Lewis Storm or Strom, George A. Brown, Juhn 
Ramsay, Edwin C. Tripp, James J. Crouin, Albert F. Snow, Alex- 
ander Oliver, Bradford Little, Thomas J. Duwns, William Kelley, 
Stephen Griffith, Joseph Sterace, John Thompsnn, John Lynch, 
Jlichael Donald, Geurge Brown, Peter M. W. Baldwin, George F. 
Reed, John Gurham, Timothy E. Long, Edwin Tripp. 

Tiuenfieth Regiment. — William Squires, 

Third Cavalry.— Jiimes Lee, David McCarty. 

Three Years' Men, Regiment Unknown. — John Hayes, William Hart, Wil- 
liam H. Edwards, Lyman B. Morey, Frederick Mowbray. 

Others^ Term of Enlistment not ArHOiyji.— Charles A. Nute, Thomas Telen, 
Robert H. Dunham, Charles Kreppel, James Sullivan, Charles E. 
Ryder, Jeremiah Moynehan. 

Navy Credits. — James Taylor, Joseph B. Barker, William H. Potter, with 
others whose name's do not appear upon the town records. 

Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. — John McCall. 

Fifteenth Massachusetts Battery.— J o\\n R. Pollock, IVIatther Woods. 

Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry. — Manuel Erera, Thomas Williams. 

Fourth Massachusetts Battery. — Charles Talbot, James Aster. 

Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Regiment^ Co. 7— Solomon L. Winters. 

Second Masnarhnsetts Cavalry. — Augustus Roberts, David Marsh. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM ALMY. 

William Almy, the subject of our sketch, was a 
lineal descendant from William Almy (or Almond, 
as the name was sometimes spelled), who was born in 
England in 1601, married Andrey — ^, who was born 
in 1603. William' Almy, the emigrant, was at Lynn, 
Mass., as early as 1631, went back to England, and 
returned with his wife in the ship "Abigail" in 
1635. 

They had a daughter Annie, aged eight, and a 
son Christopher, aged three, who came with them. 
The family was in Sandwich probably in 1637, and 
certainly he was a freeman in Portsmouth, R. I., in 
1655. His will names his children Christopher, John, 
Job, Ann or Annie (wife of John Green), and Cathe- 
rine (wife of a Mr. West). 

Christopher^ Almy, son of William, was born in 
England about 1627, came to America in ship "Abi- 
gail" with his parents in 1635, and lived where they 
died at Lynn and at Sandwich, Mass., and finally at 
Portsmouth, R. I. He was an assistant there iu 
1690. Job^ Almy, son of William', was born in 
either Lynn or Sandwich, Mass., resided with his 
parents, and finally settled in Portsmouth, R. I. He 
married Mary, daughter of Christopher Unthank, 
of Warwick, and had children William and Chris- 
topher (twins), Susannah, Andrey, Deborah, Cathe- 
rine, and Mary, all perhaps minors when he died in 
1684. 

John Almy was probably the John referred to in 
William's' will. He was at Plymouth in 1643, but 
finally settled at Portsmouth, R. I. He married 
Mary, daughter of James Cole. He was a captain 
in King Philip's war in 1675, but died in 1676. 

It will be observed that the only grandsons men- 
tioned in the above account are William and Chris- 
topher (twins), sons of Job, William'' being named 




^^/^^^^-/^^-^-f 




^y<^i>^i--i^ {?-oi> t^7^i^?-T>^ 



DARTMOUTH. 



207 



for his grandfather, William' Almy, and Christopher' 
named for his maternal grandfather, Christopher Un- 
thank. From all the information the writer can gather 
he thinks the line of descent from William the emi- 
grant to William', the subject of our notice, is through 
Christopher' Almy. The line is as follows: William', 
Job^, Christopher', Job*, Christopher*, Thomas'^, and 
William'. Job* Almy died July 27, 1877, aged 
eighty-one. His wife, Lydia. died Dec. 30, 1774, aged 
seventy-four. They are both buried on the farm of 
the late William Almy. Christopher^ Almy was born 
in 1735, and died in 1812, aged seventy-seven years. 
His wife, Naomi, died in May, 1817, aged seventy- 
nine year.s. Their son, Thomas", was born in Dart- 
mouth, Mass., April 22, 1775, and died Nov. 23, 1868, 
in his ninety-fourth year. He married Sarah, daugh- 
ter of William and Patience GiBbrd.' Sarah (Giftbrd) 
Almy was born in Dartmouth, June 10, 1779, and 
died June 13, 1848. Their children were William 
Silence, born Oct. 9, 1801, and died Nov. 10, 1872; 
Frederick^ and Henry, who died at eight. Tiiomas" 
Almy was one of the most remarkable men physically 
that ever lived in old Dartmouth. In his youth he 
was a carpenter by trade, subsequently a merchant at 
Russell's Mills, but finally a farmer, and the farm he 
owned, and where his children were born, is now 
owned by his grandsons, John P. and William F. 
Almy, of Boston. 

Mr. Almy was a man possessed of good common 
sense, sound judgment, keen foresight, and withal, a 
happy disposition. He had much to do with town 
ati'airs, and took great pride in the annual gatherings 
and drills of the State militia. He took pride in a 
good horse, and was always seen on horseback, which 
recreation he continued till within a short time of 
his death. He was a birthright member of the So- 
ciety of Friends, and lived and died in that faith. 
He retained his faculties till within a short time of 
his death, and his name is still held in grateful re- 
membrance not only by the grandchildren, but by 
those wlio knew him in New Bedford and Dart- 
mouth. 

William' Almy, son of Thomas and Sarah (Gif- 
ford) Almy, was born on the old Almy farm in Dart- 
mouth, Mass., Oct. 10, 1798, and died in Boston, 
Dec. 25, 1881. His youth was spent on his father's 
farm, and he received such advantages for an educa- 
tion as the district schools of his time afforded. From 
the New Bedford Mercui-ij, of Dec. 28, 1881, we clip 
the following notice : 

" He early determined to become a merchant, and 
at the age of thirteen he walked from his home near 
Horse Neck, carrying his shoes in his hand as a mat- 
ter of economy, to Russell's Mills, where he began his 
career in the store of the late Abraham Barker. In 
a few years he removed to this city, and was employed 



i See ancestnil history of the Giflfonis in Westport. 
* See his biography. 



as book-keeper in the store of William H. Allen and 
the late Gideon Allen, and in the counting-room of 
the late John Avery Parker. Graduating there, he 
went to Boston, and found employment in the best 
school possible for a merchant, the counting-room of 
the late A. & A. Lawrence. Soon after attaining his 
majority, and doubtless under the kind auspices of 
his employers, he formed a partnership with a fellow 
clerk, named Dexter, establishing the business (im- 
porting and jobbing of white-goods), which under the 
firm-names of Dexter & Almy, Almy, Blake & Co., 
Almy, Patterson & Co., Almy, Hobart & Co., and 
Almy & Co., he successfully pursued for nearly fifty 
years. Cool, clear-headed, and sagacious, no man 
stood higher in the confidence and esteem of his fel- 
lows than William Almy. He achieved a handsome 
fortune for his time, but secured something far better, 
a reputation for spotless integrity and unblemished 
honor." 

For many years he was a director in the Eagle 
Bank, Boston, and for a number of years his firm was 
selling agents for various cotton and woolen-mills, 
among which we mention that of the well-known 
Wamsutta Mills of New Bedford. Politically, he 
was a Whig and Republican. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Robert and Deborah Brayton, of Nan- 
tucket, in Novenber, 1828. She was born June 19, 
1803, and died May 11, 1879. 

Of their ten children — 

(1) Sarah, died in infancy. 

(2) Robert B. 

(3) Sarah H., born Dec. 16, 1832, died Feb. 26, 1869. 

(4) Matilda H., died in infancy. 

(5) Henry, born Aug. 22, 1836, and died April 6, 
1879. He was associated with his father and others 
in business. 

(6) Catherine G., died young. 

(7) and (8) John P. and William F. (twins), now 
doing business in Boston. 

(9) Alice B., born April 14, 1843, who died Jan. 5, 
1871. She was wife of Frederick Grinnell, of New- 
Bedford, and had one daughter, — Alice A. 

(10) Thomas R., a clerk in New Bedford. 

About 1830, Mr. Almy purchased a part of the old 
Almy farm, near Horse Neck, in Dartmouth, a de- 
lightful summer residence, which he greatly improved 
and beautified. But soon a gradual failure of sight 
obliged him to give up in a measure his business care, 
and in company with one of his daughters he went to 
Europe to seek the cure of his threatened blindness. 
He, however, received no benefit from the advice and 
treatment of the most eminent foreign oculists, and in 
a short time (1858) he became totally blind,— a ter- 
rible affliction for a man so self-reliant and independ- 
ent as he had been, so full of activity and so fond of 
social life. In 1868 he retired from business. He 
bore his trouble with something better than a stoic's 
resignation, and keeping up his interest in aflTairs, 
sought to minister as well as be ministered unto. 



208 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dying at a good old age, he left an honored name 
and the memory of an active and useful life. 



WILLIAM BARKER, Ju. 

William Barker, Jr., son of William and Susannah 
(Potter) Barker, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., Dec. 
25, 1820. He comes of a family long settled in the 
old town of Dartmouth. Lemuel was son of Jabez, 
married Maria Tripp, was a farmer and lumberman, 
and died in 1818, aged fifty-five years. His father, 
William Barker, was son of Lemuel, and one of a 
family of six children, and was born in 1794. He 
was twice married, first to Susannah, daughter of Ab- 
ner and Sarah (Wood) Potter. By her he had five 
children, — Abner (died an infant), William, Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. Charles W. Potter), Abner P., and Charles 
O. He next married Rebecca Potter, .sister of his 
first wife. Their children were Susan (Mrs. David 
Sisson), Sarah (Mrs. Henry C. Baker), Ann M. (Mrs. 
Lemuel M. Potter), Abby E. (Mrs. Edward Hides), 
George F. (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. H. Damon), 
Henry H.,Emma F., Avis H. (Mrs. Fenner Brownell), 
and Warren S. He lived between Russell's Mills and 
Smith's Mills ; was a member of the Friends' Society. 
He was a man of integrity and justice, was univer- 
sally esteemed, served his town as selectman and 
assessor several year.s, and brought up his large family 
of children well. He died in 1863. 

William Barker, Jr., was educated at the Friends' 
School at Providence, R. I., where he remained four 
years. When fifteen years old he was put to learn 
the trade of tanner and currier with his uncle, Lutham 
Potter. He spent four years in acquiring his trade, 
and. after eighteen months' work at his trade for his 
uncle after his trade was learned, he established him- 
self in business at Smith's Mills, and continued in 
this for ten years. From about this time Mr. Barker 
commenced attending to public business, and such 
was the satisfaction he gave that his services were so 
occupied as to cause him to relinquish private busi- 
ness and attend altogether to that coming to him from 
outside. In 1851 he was chosen clerk, treasurer, and 
collector of taxes of Dartmouth, and held those posi- 
tions for sixteen consecutive years. From about 1852 
he held the office of deputy sherift', with only one 
year's interruption till 1876. He was about the same 
time commissioned justice of the peace, and still holds 
that office. He represented Dartmouth in the Lower 
House of the vState Legislature in 1868, 1870, 1871. 
He was elected State senator in 1881. He is Repub- 
lican in politics. In all the varied and multitudinous 
duties of his years of office Mr. Barker has been 
quick, accurate, and courteous. He has been called 
to administer on many estates, and in all capacities 
has well discharged his trusts. Plain and unpretend- 
ing in personal appearance, he accomplishes business 
with a conciseness and brevity of detail which shows 



how completely he is at home in its transaction, and 
has a large following of personal friends. 

He married Mary Slade, daughter of Caleb and 
Hannah (Davis) Slade, of Dartmouth, Sept. 22, 1842. 
They have only one child, Mary Elizabeth. 



WILLIAM A. GORDON. M.D. 

Among the leading successful and representative 
physicians of Bristol County who began active prac- 
tice more than half a century ago, and to-day are liv- 
ing in unimpaired vigor of mind and comfortable 
physical health, must be mentioned Dr. William A. 
Gordon. Coming of vigorous Scotch ancestry, he in- 
herited much of the vitality of that hardy Caledonian 
race. He was son of Dr. William Gordon and Helen 
Gilchrist, his wife, and is a lineal descendant of Alex- 
ander Gordon, a scion of the loyal Gordon family in 
the Highlands of Scotland. This young Alexander 
(first generation) was a soldier in the Royalist army 
of Charles II. when but eighteen. He was captured 
by Cromwell, confined for a time in Tuthill Fields, 
London, and sent to America in 1651 as a prisoner of 
war. He was held at Watertown, Mass., until 1654, 
when he was released. He afterwards went to Exeter, 
N. H., where, in 1663, he married the daughter of Nich- 
olas Lysson. The next year the town voted him a 
grant of twenty acres of land, and he became a per- 
manent resident. The locality where he settled still 
retains the name of " Gordon's Hill." He had eight 
children, of whom Thomas (second generation), born 
1678, married Elizabeth Harriman, settled in Haver- 
hill, Mass., was father of eleven children, and died in 
1762. His son Timothy (third generation) had a son 
Timothy (fourth generation), who was grandfather to 
Dr. William A. Gordon. This last-mentioned Tim- 
othy was a farmer and a Revolutionary soldier of 
bravery in the battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington, 
Saratoga, etc. He married Lydia Whitmore, lived in 
Newbury, Mass., and had a family of eight children, 
of whom William (fifth generation) was oldest. 
William, born about 1783, was educated at Phillips' 
Exeter Academy, studied medicine with Dr. Kitt- 
ridge, in Andover, Mass., and began practice as a 
physician in Schoodic, Me., afterwards settling in 
Hingham, Mass., where he lived manj' years, and 
finally settled in Taunton (taking his son's practice 
after he went to New Bedford), and was in practice 
there at the time of his death, .Tune 17, 1851. His 
wife Helen was daughter of Gordon and Mary (Good- 
will) Gilchrist, who were natives of Sutherlandshire, 
Scotland, and residents of St. Andrews, New Bruns- 
wick, where she was born about 1786. She died, 
aged eighty -six, in 1872. This worthy couple had 
seven children, William Alexander, Charles (de- 
ceased), Helen (widow of George A. Crocker, of 
Taunton), Joseph R., Edwin, Ann B. (wife of Adolph 
Kielbock, of Boston), and Timothy. 




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DARTMOUTH. 



209 



Dr. William A. Gordon (sixth generation) was born 
in Newburyport, Mass., March 17, 1808. His parents 
moved to Hingham when he was but two months 
old. He was prepared for College at Derby Academy, 
in Hingham, and was graduated at Harvard, class of 
182(5, when but eighteen years old. He at once com- 
menced the study of medicine with his father, and 
was graduated at Harvard Medical School in 1829. 
Being in poor health, he went with his father to the 
home of his grandfather, in St. Andrews, and by the 
solicitation of friends began practice in Robbinstovvn, 
Me., where he remained four months. Going then to 
St. Stephens, he stayed there four months, and then 
settled permanently in Taunton, Mass., July, 1830. 
From that time he has been identified with, and taken 
a high stand among, the best and most successful 
physicians of this county. He remained in Taunton 
eight years and a half, when, yielding his practice to 
his father, who was worked too hard at Hingham, he,- 
in December, 1839, moved to New Bedford, where he 
was in active practice until 1877, when he removed 
to his pleasant seaside home in Dartmouth, and has 
since resided there. 

He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical So- 
ciety, in which he has held llie ofBce of counselor ; 
is also a member of South Bristol Medical Society,, 
has been its president aad for years its treasurer. 
By request of this society a communication, prepared 
by him and read before the society., on "Puerperal 
Tetanus," was published in the American Journal of 
the Medical Sciences. Republican in politics, he has 
not sought political honors, but, soon after moving to 
New Bedford, was elected oterseer of the poor, which, 
position he held for seventeen consecutive years. He 
is liberal in religious belief, and an attendant of the 
Unitarian Church. He married, iii October, 1S33, 
Maria, daughter of Hon. John M. Williams, of Taun- 
ton. She died July 11, 1875, aged sixty-one. They 
had eight children. Their second daughter, Anne 
M., married Henry Johnson, M.D., of New Bedford. 
She had three children who survived her, — Holma'n 
Gordon, Theodora, and Elizabeth Gordon. Their 
four surviving children are Elizabeth, William Gil- 
christ (now in charge of a private school in Burling- 
ton, Iowa. He has three children, — Mabel, Helen, 
and William Alexander), Helen, and Emily, wife of 
Professor Thomas E. Pope, of State Agricultural Col- 
lege, Iowa. (She has two children, — Mary R. and 
Ethel.) 

AVILLIAM R. SLOCUM. 
The family of Slocum has been from its settlement 
prominently connected with the town of Dartmouth. 
The history of the town will show the name among 
the first proprietors and settlers. Holder Slocum was 
of the stock of the original settlers, and from him, in 
the fifth generation, is William R. Slocum, now a 
resident of Dartmouth. Peleg Slocum, his son, born 
in Dartmouth, was twice married, his second wife 
14 



being a sister of John and James Howland, of New 
Bedford. He had four sons, Peleg, Holder, Chris- 
topher, and Cook, and two daughters, Alice and 
Amy. He, like his immediate ancestors, was of the 
Society of Friends, a quiet person of influence in the 
community, and a large land-owner, and he attained 
the patriarchal age of ninety years. His son Peleg, 
born 1763, was a farmer, succeeding to a generous 
share of the paternal acres. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of .John Ricketson, and had children, — 
Ricketson, Otis, William, Amy, Rebecca, Eliza. He 
lived to be ninety-three. He was an energetic man, 
of positive nature, a representative farmer, standing 
high in the esteem of the community, and successful 
in business. He was much interested in politics, and 
was prominent in the councils of the Whig party. 
He died in 1856. His memory reached back distinctly 
to the events of the Revolution. His son Ricketson, 
born April, 1790, succeeded to one of his father's 
farms on Slocum's Neck, of about two or three hun- 
dred acres. He married Jemima, daughter of John 
and Mercy Wing (see biography of B. F. Wing), 
when but a young m;in. He Was an energetic man, 
taught school in his youth, and in various ways im- 
pressed himself upon his generation. He was two 
years selectman, was representative to the General 
Court, and was highly esteemed as a good citizen and 
a man of excellent judgment and worth. He died 
July 11, 1854, aged sixty-four years and two months. 
Mrs. Slocum was an energetic, robust woman, with a 
strong •' will of her own," and a fit mate for her hus- 
band. She was a kind mother, bringing up a large 
family to honor her memory. Many of her children 
died in infancy. The following attained maturity : 
WiUiani R. ; Frederick (deceased); Charles; Almy, 
married Howland Holder ; Lydia, married Israel 
Brightman; Joseph W. ; Frederick (2d), deceased; 
Mary A., married Giles J\ Allen ; Elizabeth, married 
W. W. Allen. 

. William Ricketson Slocum, eldest son of Ricketson 
and Jemima (Wing) Slocum, was born in Dartmouth, 
Mass., June 14, 1811. From very early life he has 
led the laborious life of a practical New England 
farmer, following the teachings of Poor Ricliard's 
maxim, " Whoever by the plow would thrive, himself 
must either hold or drive." With limited common 
school advantages, he acquired sufficient education to 
successfully teach nine consecutive winter terms of 
school, beginning at his nineteenth year. These were 
all taught in his native town, and five in his home 
district. In this avocation he acquired quite a repu- 
tation as a disciplinarian. He received little property 
from inheritance, and marrying. May 22, 1834, Eliz- 
abeth, daughter of Pardon and Lydia Cornell (who 
was born May 29, 1811, in Dartmouth), commenced 
housekeeping on Naushon I.-iland, and lived there 
nine years, the first three as a hired man on a farm. 
In 1843, in company with his brother-in-law, E. 
Browning, he purchased a farm, on which they gave 



210 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



a mortgage for three thousand dollars, the purchase 
money, for six years. Hard work and economy were 
faithfully persisted in, and a satisfactory evidence 
given that agriculture on a New England farm can 
be made a very remunerative business. Every pay- 
ment was made promptl3'on time, the mortgage lifted 
wlien due, and after nine years had passed Mr. Slocum 
sold his half-interest for five thousand dollars, and the 
partners then had in addition eleven hundred dollars 
in cash, and eleven hundred dollars in land that 
they had bought. 

Mr. Slocum then (1852) purchased the farm of 
about two hundred acres where lie now resides. By 
the continuation of the same industry and thrift he 
has attained to the po.ssession of a handsome prop- 
erty, and stands high in financial as well as social 
circles. Republican in politics, he has served his 
town acceptably three times as selectman. He is a 
stockholder of the "yarn-mill" of New Bedford, and 
of Boston and Albany and other railroads. He has 
one daughter, Cornelia R., born June 12,1842. She 
married John W. Howland, June 12, 1868, and has 
five children,— William R., born July 14, 1869; 
Rodolphus W., born Nov, ?,, 1870; Elizabeth T.,born 
May 10, 1872; Margaret E., born Dec. 20, 1873; 
Alma S., born April 5, 1879. Pardon Cornel! was a 
farmer in Dartmouth, had eight children, — Phebe P., 
Godfrey, Joseph W., Mercy A., Elizabeth, Lydia W., 
Gideon, and Alfred. He died in his eighty-fourth 
year, June 1, 1859. Lydia, his wife, died April 9, 
1803, aged eighty-two. They were Friends. The 
father of Pardon Cornell was Gideon, who was son 
of William. Gideon was a farmer, married a Dilly 
Giftbrd, who lived to be very old, and is remembered 
by Mrs. Slocum. Gideon also died at an advanced 
age. 

CAPT. BENJAMIN F. WING. 
John Wing was the original progenitor of nearly 
all who bear the name in America, so far as they are 
known to the writer. Nothing is known of him before 
his arrival at Boston in June, 1630, and his residence 
at Sangus (Lynn), Mass., except that lie had married 
Deborah, the second daughter of Rev. Stephen Bach- 
iler, the first minister to Lynn, as early as 1632. (For 
an extended history of the Rev. Stephen Bachiler, 
we would refer the reader to our history of Hampton, 
Rockingham Co., N. H.) It ai>pears from the records 
that Mr. Wing was a man of limited circumstances, 
hence left Lynn, Mass., for cheaper lands, and was 
probably one of Rev. Mr. Bachiier's party, who made a 
journey in the dead of winter from Lynn, or Ipswich, 
to " Mattucheese," about 1634 or 1635, and though 
that enterprise failed, he then perhaps became ac- 
(piainted with the region afterwards known as the 
peninsula of Cape Cod. As early as April, 1637, the 
General Court at Plymouth gave to Edward Free- 
man and nine others the right to form a plantation, 
and they in turn had the right to receive as many 



others as they .saw fit, but in regular order. Some 
fifty persons called " Associates" joined them, and 
the name of John Wing appears as the forty-fifth in 
said list. Nearly all had families, and in order to 
become a freeman their characters must be acceptable 
to the Governor. Church membership and a regular 
attendance upon and a proper support of public wor- 
ship at authorized places were indispensable requi- 
sites to becoming a freeman. The town was incor- 
porated as early as 1639, and the Indian name of 
"Shawnee" was exchanged for that of Sandwich. 
The old traditional home of John Wing was situated 
about one mile from the present village of Sandwich, 
near a stream of water between two beautiful ponds, 
and on a highland overlooking the lower sheet of 
water and the town. Mr. Wing appears to have been 
a plain man, of ordinary intelligence, never aspiring 
to political distinctions, and only ambitious to culti- 
vate his land and decently to rear his children. In a 
few instances, however, his name occurs on the records 
of the General Court as one well qualified for public 
business. All reliable accounts mention only three 
sons, — Daniel, John, and Stephen, — who came with 
him in the same vessel and accompanied !iim until 
his settlement in Sandwich. The date of the death 
of John Wing and his wife Deborah are not known, 
as the early records are so imperfect and some are 
lost. 

Daniel Wing, the eldest son of John and Deborah 
(Bachiler) Wing, of Sandwich, Mass., came with his 
father from England, and accompanied him until he 
settled at Sandwich. They resided near each other. 
June 28, 1640, Andrew Hallett conveyed certain landed 
property to Daniel Wing, the instrument being wit- 
nessed by John Wing and Edward Dillingham. In 
1643, Daniel Wing was enrolled with his brotliers 
among those who were at that time between the ages 
of sixteen and sixty, and therefore liable to liear 
arms. In 1652 we find his name among those ap- 
pointed to take charge of the fishing interests of the 
place. 

In 1654 a mill for the accommodation of the in- 
habitants, costing twenty pounds, was paid for by 
Daniel Wing and twenty-one other inhabitants. In 
1655 the name of Daniel Wing and a number of tlie 
prominent citizens of Sandwich are first mentioned 
in connection with a serious religious dissension in 
the town. In 1657 the people called Quakers made 
their iirst appearance in Sandwich, and Mr. Wing 
early became an adherent to that faith. In March, 
1658, he was fined twenty shillings for entertaining 
Quakers at his home. Mr. Wing refused to take the 
" oath of fidelity" because this particular oath pledged 
him to assist in the execution of an intolerant enact- 
ment. He was therefore fined twenty pounds. 

In December, 1658, he was excluded from the num- 
ber of freemen. He married Hannali, a daughter of 
John Swift, of an old and honorable family in the 
western part of the town, Sept. 5, 1641. 




^. ^^.''^m^ 





^--xr 



7 



DARTMOUTH. 



211 



She died Dec. 1, 1664, soon after the birth of her 
youngest child, and he died tlie same year. 

Tliey had eleven children, of whom Daniel was the 
youngest, born Nov. 28, 1664. The descendants of 
Daniel Wing have nearly all been connected with tlie 
Society of Friends. Daniel, Jr.^ (Daniel-, John'), 
' was entered as townsman of Sandwich in 1691, and 
married, in 1686, Deborah, a daughter of Henry Dill- 
ingham, "in Friends' way." His residence was near 
his father's. He appears to have been the owner of 
a considerable amount of property. " On the 13th of 
May, 1717, he deeded half of his undivided interest 
in some lands which he owned in Dartmouth, Bristol 
Co., Mass., to his son Edward. In the deed Daniel 
speaks of himself as a cooper and of Edward as a 
husbandman. They had seven children, the eldest of 
whom was Edward, born July 10, 1687, in Sandwich, 
where be resided until he removed to Dartmouth and 
followed the occupation of a farmer. He was mar- 
ried three times; first to Desire Smith, of Dartmouth, 
November, 1713; second, to Sarah (daughter of Abra- 
ham and Hannah) Tucker, June 1, 1714; and third, 
to Patience Ellis, October, 1728. By his second mar- 
riage he had Edward, born in Sandwich in 1720; 
Abraham, born at Dartmouth, Aug. 4, 1721 ; Jeremiah, 
and perhaps Jedediah. 

Joseph, a son of Edward and Sarah (Tucker) Wing, 

married Catharine . Among their children were 

Matthew, • Daniel, and John. John married Je- 
mima Shepherd at the Friends' meeting-house in 
Dartmouth Oct. 5, 1753. At an early period he be- 
came a resident, with Abraham, Edward, and Jede- 
diah Wing, of Dutchess County, N. Y. Jemima died 
Nov. 28, 1816. They had three children,— Catharine, 
Dorcas, and John, who was born May 4, 1756 ; mar- 
ried Mercy Almy in Dartmouth May 4, 1780 ; died 
Jan. 1, 1832. His wife was born March 5, 1755, and 
died Jan. 5, 1850. They had nine children, viz., 
Lydia, Joseph, Catharine, Pardon, Patience, Abigail, 
Jemima, John, and Almy. 

Pardon, son of John and Mercy (Almy) Wing, was 
born March 22, 1788, and died October, 1860. He 
married, about 1808, Almy, daughter of Peleg and 
Elizabeth (Ricketson) Slocum, of Dartmouth. Their 
children are Joseph, Catharine, Peleg S., Eliza, Ben- 
jamin F., Caroline, William E., and .John. 

Benjamin Franklin Wing, son of Pardon and Almy 
(Slocum) Wing, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., Oct. 
22, 1822. He was reared in the quiet industry of a 
farmer's home, and was early imbued with those 
qualities of economy, diligence, sobriety, and per- 
severance that are always the stepping-stones to 
success. His advantages for education were the 
meagre ones of the country schools of the period. In 
1840 he commenced a maritime life on whale ships, 
and continued it for ten voyages, six of which he was 
master. His seafaring was fortunate and successful. 
Captain Wing has erected a beautiful residence, and 
made by its surroundings a pleasant home on the 



farm in Dartmouth, which he purchased in 1855, at 
the head of the Apponegansett River, and where he 
now resides. He married March 20, 1851, Emily, 
daughter of John and Charity Gilford, of an old New 
England family. She was born in Westport, Mass., 
April 9, 1825. Their children are Laura A., married 
Abraham Tucker, and has one child ; Joseph F. ; 
John Franklin, graduated at Amherst, June, 1882, 
now a student of mineralogy and chemistry at Got- 
tingen, Germany ; Herbert, attending commercial 
college at Providence, R. I. 

Capt. Wing has several times had important trusts 
confided to him by his fellow-citizens. He has been 
selectman seven successive terms, six times being 
chairman. Republican in politics, he represented 
Dartmouth in the Legislatures of 1872-73, and his 
senatorial district in 1876. His duties were discharged 
with ability in the interests of his constituents. He 
is in harmony with the better elements of society, and 
is one of the substantial men of Dartjuouth. 



ABNER H. DAVIS. 
Abner Hicks Davis, son of Philip and Clarissa 
(Macomber) Davis, was born in Dartmouth, Sept. 20, 
1819. His father, being of intemperate habits, did 
not properly provide for his family, and his earliest 
years were passed in poverty, relieved only by the en- 
ergy and industry of a faithful mother, — a woman of 
undaunted courage and sterling worth. When young 
Abner was but ten years old the prospect of a cheer- 
less and unprovided-for winter made it an act of ne- 
cessity for both mother and son to leave their so- 
called home and earn their own living. Abner went 
to Newport, R. I., to work on a farm for George Arm- 
strong. His father did not know his whereabouts 
for a month, when he discovered where he was and 
came to see him. The young lad was fearful he 
would be carried back to the poverty from which he 
was escaping, but his father gave him his choice of 
staying or returning. Mr. Armstrong told him if he 
remained with him he must be indentured as an ap- 
prentice for seven years, and he would like to have 
him stay. Much depended on the boy's decision, but 
even at that youthful period he had the good sense to 
go into the apprenticeship. He was to receive his 
board and clothes and three months' schooling each 
year. Faithfully and well he served his master, and 
at the conclusion of his time, in the winter of 1836, 
went to New Bedford and attended school three 
months, " doing chores'' for his board for Nehemiah 
Leonard, and for his tuition sawing the school-house 
wood and sweeping the room. We may easily con- 
ceive that the advantages thus secured were appre- 
ciated and diligently improved. The next summer 
was spent as farm-hand for the son of Mr. Armstrong 
at Newport. Realizing the importance of education 
in the struggle of life, he attended school in New 
Bedford during 1838-39, boarding with Cajit. Daniel 



212 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Wood. Here he made friends, and in the spring of 
1840 secured a clerkship in the employ of Ivory H. 
Bartlett, with a salary of two hundred and seventy- 
five dollars per year, hoarding himself. Here he re- 
mained two years, the second year receiving fifty 
dollars advance. 

In the spring of 1842 he engaged with Charles E. 
Tucker in same capacity, — three hundred and seventy- 
five dollars salary. After one year he entered the em- 
ploy of the well-known house of Isaac Howland, Jr., 
& Co., the largest whaling shippers in the country, 
as outside clerk or overseer. Such was the faithful 
service given, and such was the appreciation thereof, 
that for twenty-two years he remained with this house, 
receiving at various periods from three hundred and 
seventy-five dollars to one thousand dollars, which 
for .several years was paid him. His economy and 
thrift had during this period accumulated some 
money, which in a small way he adventured in va- 
rious vessels, the first being one-eighth interest in^ 
mereliant brig "Osceola," which he helped to build. 
This investment proved remunerative, and he after- 
ward had interests in the merchant vessels schooner 
" Boxer," sloop " New York," schooners " Naiad 
Queen," ".Tames H. Ashmead," "Henry Gibbs," 
" Eveline," barkentine " Jane A. Falkenburgh," 
ships " Otseonta," "Hibernia," and "John Coggs- 
well," and the whalers "John Dawson," " Elizur F. 
Mason," "Mary," "Charles W. Morgan," "Triton," 
"Kathleen," "Sunbeam," etc. In 1881, Edward M. 
Robinson withdrew from the firm of Isaac Howland, 
Jr., & Co., and joined that of William T. Coleman & 
Co., of New Y'ork City, becoming the capitalist of 
the firm. This house did an immense busine.ss, and 
was the largest Californian shipping house in the 
city. In 1862, Mr. Davis followed Mr. Robinson and 
became outside superintendent of the firm, with a 
salary first of fifteen hundred dollars, then of two 
thousand five hundred dollars. He remained here 
three years, and in 1865, at the death of Mr. Rob- 
inson, with Henry A. Barling, a fellow-employg, 
as partner, commenced business for himself under 
firm-name of Barling & Davis, as commission mer- 
chants, at 163 Pearl Street, New York City. This 
partnership continued for thirteen years, with satis- 
iiictory success and the most friendly feelings, Mr. 
Barling being a gentleman of superior business abil- 
ity and highest integrity, as well as valuable and 
pleasant social qualities. Whatever Mr. Davis has 
acquired in business matters he ascribes to the valu- 
able experience secured under Mr. Robinson, a busi- 
ness man of the highest qualities and tireless indu.stry. 
The steady application to business and the intensity 
of the life'of the city steadily wore upon Mr. Davis' 
constitution until, on account of failing health, in 
1868, he withdrew from the partnership, and for two 
years devoted himself to the recuperation of his pros- 
trated nature. This he succeeded in accomplishing. 
In 1879 he removed to the farm in Dartmouth which 



he had purchased in 1867, and has since devoted him- 
self to its improvement and the out-door exercise 
connected therewith. From an ordinary farm of 
fifty-four acres, under his administration it has in- 
creased to one hundred and eighty acres, and wonder- 
fully changed its appearance. No expense nor labor 
has been spared to make it both beautiful and pro- 
ductive, and with an unsurpassed natural location, in 
full view of the city of New Bedford, it presents a 
series of fertile fields, artistically laid out, and each 
surrounded by a beautiful stone wall. This has grown 
up under Mr. Davis' own eye, and from his own de- 
signs. 

The writer has traveled in many of the United 
States, and has never seen so nice a combination of 
nature and art in developing a farm, nor so really 
convenient farm buildings ,as those constructed by 
Mr. Davis. The view from the back of the house to 
the east is especially noticeable. In doing this great 
labor' Mr. Davis employs many persons, and may be 
considered truly a benefactor, and is also a pattern 
and bright example to the thoughtful young .agri- 
culturists of the period. Mr. Davis married Eunice 
T., daughter of John and Jane (Finkham) Shurtled', 
Aug. 13, 1844. She was born in Rochester, Mass., 
Feb. 4, 1821. She claims descent from the old and 
honored English Carver family, so noted in the annals 
of Plymouth Colony. Their family consists of Sarah 
C, born Feb. 2, 1850, and Clarissa H., born Sept. 4, 
1869. Sarah married Joseph K. Upham, of New 
Y''ork City, and has two children, Eunice and Leroy. 

Mr. Diivis is a self-made man in the highest sense, a 
courteous and amiable Christian gentleman. Of great 
energy and perseverance, he has risen by his own in- 
dustry and good habits to an independent and grati- 
fying position, and is respected by all the better portion 
of community. He has been Whig and Republican 
in politics ; as such was a member of the Common 
Council of New Bedford in 1862. Both himself and 
wife are members of the North Christian Church of 
New Bedford, and are liberal to all deserving causes. 
The lesson of his life may well be studied, and with 
advantage by every poor and friendless boy struggling 
toward a higher life. 



.JOSEPH TUCKER. 
The family of Tuckers now living within the 
original limits of the township of Dartmouth trace 
their ancestry to Henry Tucker, who, according to 
tradition, came from the County of Kent, England. 
He first settled in the town of Milton, in this State, 
probably as early as 1650. It is related that he not 
approving of the proceedings of tlie colonial govern- 
ment at Boston respecting the severe laws passed and 
judgments enforced against the Quakers, left Milton 
and finally settled in Dartmouth, within the limits of 
the Plymouth Colony. This was a short time-subse- 
quently to 1660. The following was copied from an 





ay 







DARTMOUTH. 



213 



inscription on a tree near the residence of Benjamin 
Tucker in Dartmouth, 5tii mo. 5, 1S44 : 

"First Settled 
By Henry Tucker 1660 

who died 1C94 
succeeded by sod John 
who died 1751, aged 95 
Slice* by son Joseph 
who died 1790 aged 94 
Bucc** by son Jolin wlio 
died 1S20, aged 88." 

The house he built and lived in stood in the same 
yard, and within a few feet of the one now owned 
and occupied by J. S. Gidley. 

In 1669 he bought of William Allen, of Sandwich, 
one-third of the original shares into which the town- 
ship as then held was divided. In 1679 he made 
another purchase of James Sampson, of Portsmouth, 
R. I., of a limited number of acres in the undivided 
.lands of the town. By these, and perhaps other 
acquired rights, when the town was afterwards sur- 
veyed and divided among the proprietors in severalty, 
his two sons, Abraham and John (their father being 
then deceased), became entitled to and received sev- 
eral hundred acres of land adjoining their respective 
homesteads. This land mostly remained in the pos- 
session of their descendants until within some fifty 
or sixty years. It has now, however, all passed out 
of the name, excejit the homestead and some out-lots 
belonging to J. and S^ Tucker, which form part of 
the original tract settled by Henry, and laid out to 
his son John. 

These first settlers and their descendants down to a 
late period were mostly farmers, and worthy and ex- 
emplary members of the Society of Friends. Living 
on their paternal farms, they pursued the even tenor 
of their ways in quietness and peace. Having the 
respect and confidence of their neighbors and the 
community, they were called occasionally by their 
townspeople to places of trust in town affairs, and 
more often by the society of which they were mem- 
bers to fill important stations and perform various 
duties therein. The impression left upon the minds 
of their living descendants is that they were earn- 
estly engaged to live a life " void of offense towards 
God and towards men." 

Joseph Tucker resides in the central part of the 
town, and is the oldest living representative of the 
Tucker family. The farm which he occupies was the 
homestead of his father and grandfather, and though 
not included in the original survey made to the sons 
of Henry, has, however, been in the family of Jo- 
seph and his ancestors over a century. 

He is an example of a sagacious and successful 
farmer, and is much respected by his friends and ac- 
quaintances. He is the fifth in descent from Henry, 
as the following list of his ancestors' names will 
show : His father, Edward, died 1832, aged sixty-seven 
years. His father, Joseph, Jr., died 1827, aged eighty- 
seven years. His father, Joseph, died 1790, aged 



ninety-three years, eight months. His father, John, 
died 1751, aged ninety-five years. His father, Henry, 
died lt)94, aged sixty-seven years. 

Since the commencement of the present century 
several of the descendants have engaged in other 
pursuits, in which they have been in some cases more 
than ordinarily successful. Among these we may 
mention William Tucker and Charles R. Tucker. 

Joseph Tucker, son of Edward and Anna (Giftbrd) 
Tucker, was born on the farm where he now resides 
in Dartmouth, Dec. 12, 1806. His educational ad- 
vantages were limited to three months each winter 
until he was some fifteen years of age. His time has 
been entirely devoted to agriculture, and he now owns 
some three hundred acres of well-improved land, por- 
tions of which, especially the home farm, have been 
in the family for more than a century. He is a Whig 
and Republican in politics, but has never been an 
aspirant for political honors. He married Phebe, 
daughter of Allen and Hannah Howland, May 17, 
1831. She was born Dec. 2, 1811, in Dartmouth. 
She had one brother. Holder Howland. Their chil- 
dren are Edward Tucker, born Jan. 2, 1836 ; Abram 
R. Tucker, born Nov. 18, 1841. 

Edward Tucker married Abby Potter, and has one 
daughter, Nellie, who married William P. Macom- 
ber, and they have a son, Edward S. 

Abram R. Tucker married Laura A., daughter of 
Capt. B. F. Wing (see B. F. Wing's biography), and 
has one son, Joseph F. Allen Howland, son of 
Joshua, and grandson of Timothy, married for his 
second wife Bhoda, daughter of Lilly Strafford, and 
had five children,— Elihu, Hannah, Lucy (deceased), 
Sarah (deceased), and John R. (deceased). 



THE TRAFFORD FAMILY. 

The TraiTord family in this country are descended 
from a prominent Protestant family of England, 
which, under the popish persecutions, suffered much 
in person and estate. The first Trafford who started 
for America was a wealthy gentleman living near 
London. He was selected as a victim for death 
during the last Catholic persecution in England, 
and was warned when the officers coming to arrest 
him were approaching his house, and not having 
time to escape he hastily put on his groom's 
clothes and engaged in labor in the stables. The 
officers came, found no one but the grooms, and de- 
parted. Trafford then left the place, and chartered a 
vessel to remove himself and family to America. 
Here he passes from our knowledge. Whether he 
was captured and was executed, or died while at sea, 
are equally unknown to us. The vessel, however, 
came to America, and landed at Dartmouth, Mass., 
about 1690, bringing his two sons, one of whom was 
Thomas. The English estates were confiscated, and 
reverted to the crown. Thomas settled in Dartmouth, 



214 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



married, aud had children. From the landing at 
Dartmouth the Trafford family has been connected 
with the history of Bristol County. The oldest son 
of Thomas and the only child attaining maturity was 
Philip. He had a son Joseph, who was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier under Washington. Tradition says 
that once, while he was standing guard, Washington 
endeavored to make the rounds without giving the 
countersign. He succeeded in passing two of the 
guards, but Trafford refused to let him pass until he 
had given the proper countersign. From that time 
Joseph Trafford was the one chosen for duties of 
great trust and especial responsibilities, and he was 
rapidly promoted, becoming one of the best officers 
in his division. He lived and died in Dartmouth, 
leaving seven children,— Samuel, Joseph, William 
BradfordS Philip, Phebe, Ruth, and Naomi. We 
find in family records that Joseph had a brother 
Elihu, who with two others ran a vessel from New 
Bedford to New York and up the Connecticut River. 
While the vessel was moored at New Bedford, Elihu 
and two others started on foot to visit their friends in 
Dartmouth. When but a short distance out they ob- 
served British soldiers following them, when they 
shot at them, and the soldiers returning their fire 
instantly killed all three. (For further history of the 
Traflbrd family, see page 381.) 



FREDERICK ALMY. 1 

Frederick Almy, third son of Thomas and Sarah 
Almy, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., April 30, 1811, ; 
where' he lived until 1837, when he settled in business 
in Boston, Mass., and lived there or in the vicinity till 
the time of his death. ^ | 

In 1828 he commenced business at Russell's mills, i 
Dartmouth, Mass., keeping a small country store, and 
continued there till 1837, tlie time of his removal to 
Boston. He then, with his elder brother, William j 
Almy, Joseph W. Patterson, and Jarvis Slade, formed | 
the firm of Almy, Patterson & Co. Mr. Slade retired 
in 1846, and Mr. Patterson in 1865, when the firm 
became Almy, Hobart & Co.; this firm lasted two 
years, and was succeeded by Almy & Co. Jan. 1, 1868, 
Frederick Almy being the senior, Henry Almy (Wil- 
liam Almy's son), Francis N. Foster, and George P. 
Slade (Jarvis Slade's son), being associated with him. 
This firm was dissolved December, 1872, on account 
of Mr. Frederick Almy's ill-health, and so ended the 
succession of firms which had been as land-marks in 
the dry-goods business for so many years. 

His life was entirely devoted to business, and, with 
the exception of a directorship in the National Eagle 
Bank of Boston, he held no public office. 

He died Aug. 6, 1875. In 1847 was married to 
Susan H. Niles, daughter of Thomas Niles, of Boston ; 
there were four children,— Elizabeth B. Almy, Fred- 
erick Almv, Edward P. Almy, Henry N. Almy. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

DICHTON.i 
" There is properly no history, only biography."— Emerson. 

It is probable that, in common with several other 
towns, the territory now the town of Dighton was 
first visited by white men on that memorable occasion 
in July, 162l', when Winslow and Hopkins, with the 
friendly Squanto as guide and interpreter, journeyed 
from Plymouth to Pokanoket, on the shores of Narra- 
gansett Bay, to visit the sachem Massasoit. 

Yet their discovery of this region may have been 
forestalled in the eleventh century by the Norsemen, 
in their visits to the uncertain region they had named 
Vinland, or possibly by the Florentine, Verazzano, 
who, as every school-boy ought to know, sailed up 
Narragansett Bay in 1524 and lay at anchor for a 
fortnight in the sheltered haven that is now Newport 
Harbor, from whence he may have sent exploring par- 
ties up the Cohannet, or Taunton River; but in the 
absence of any record of previous discovery, Dighton 
Rock being nearly given up as a relic of the Norse 
rovers, the Plymouth worthies must be considered as 
i the discoverers of our township. 

As we read the quaint narrative of their journey 
into the unknown wilderness, it is not difficult to im- 
, agine what must have been the aspect of the country 
through which they passed, where vast silent stretches 
1 of forest were occasionally broken by sparkling ponds 
I and streams, or by deserted Indian plantations, trom 
' which the inhabitants had beeft swept by the great 
plague of 1617.'' Whether this terrible sickrtess was 
th'e° yellow fever, as some suppose, or some other 
equally fatal disea.se, will never be known, but what- 
ever it was it devastated the country from the Penob- 
j scot to Narragansett Bay, sparing only the Nausets 
on Cape Cod. " As we passed along," says the his- 
torian of the journey, " we observed that there were 
few places bv the river that had not been inhabited 
by reason whereof much ground was cleared, save of 
weeds which grew higher than our heads." 

The two sturdy explorers, tramping on after their 
taciturn guide, must have had even their unpoetic 
minds touched by the solemn grandeur of the prim- 
eval forests, with its dim religious light and its awe-in- 
spiring stillness, broken by scarcely a sound save their 
own footfalls. At times, perhaps, the spell would be 
broken by the chatter of a chipmunk overhead, or the 
howl of .some beast of prey in the dim recesses of the 
woods. But silence and solitude were the chief char- 
acteristics of the land. 

The difference between the magnificent forest scen- 
ery of that day and the sapling woods, choked with 
briers and underbrush, of the present time is shown 
by the statement that "though the country is wilde 



1 By George A. Shove, Esq. 

2 The old historians did not agree as to the exact time when tb^^f^^t 
Indian pestilence took place, son.e placing the date as early as Ifil-. 



DIGHTON. 



215 



and overgrown with woods, yet the trees stand not 
thicke, but a man may well ride a horse among them." 
This park-like character of the forest was due to the 
Indian custom of regularly burning the leaves under 
the trees in the spring, thus preventing the growtli of 
underbrush, with no injury to the trees. Only the 
wettest swamps escaped these annual fires. Journey- 
ing through the woods in the days of the Pilgrims 
could be performed as easily and quickly as over 
cleared land. There was a well-beaten path from 
Plymouth to Pokanoket, remains of which are sup- 
posed to still exist in this town in the rows of Hat 
stepping-stones that are found at swampy places, 
where no path made by white men would be likely to 
be encountered. 

Although Dighton was settled at a later date than 
many other towns in the State, yet its settlement is 
mostly veiled in obscurity, and only a few traditions, 
perhaps not wholly reliable, have been handed down 
concerning the first settlers and the time previous to 
Philip's war. One of these traditions, related to a 
friend of the writer of these pages by a soldier of the 
Revolutionary army named Snell,' then an old man 
of eighty, is to the efi'ect that when the first white 
men settled in this township, the only cleared land 
they found, excepting the salt marshes and perhaps a 
few plantations by the river, was a level tract lying 
mostly to the north and west of what is now the 
Lower Four Corners. This tract, perhaps a mile in 
length from east to west, was several hundred acres 
in extent, and was used by the natives for their plan- 
tations on account of its level surface and its some- 
what light, sandy soil. The squaws, who did most of 
the labor, found it easy to plant and to cultivate with 
their clam-shell or moose shoulder-blade hoes. 

The eastern limit of this aboriginal clearing was 
east of the old stage-road that runs northerly from 
the Four Corners, while at its western end it took in 
the tracts that are now the farms of C. W. Turner, F. 
A. Whitmarsli, and Isaac Pierce. At its southeast- 
ern corner it included the site of the village at the 
Four Corners, and also the cemetery of the Unita- 
rian Society. A portion of this large tract has long 
been known as the Old Field, and formerly belonged 
to Capt. Rufus Whitraarsh, and afterwards to Dr. 
Alfred Wood, who established the Dighton Nursery 
on its eastern end. It is now owned by a number of 
persons. Nearly in the centre of this great clear space, 
which was surrounded on all sides by the primeval 
forest, was a large white-oak tree, which is still stand- 
ing, and which bids fair, unless some thoughtless 
vandal shall cut it down for timber or firewood, or, 
as was done with Shakespeare's mulberry, to make 



1 Anthony Snell, the old Revolutionary soldier referred to, snw a 
good deal of fighting in Rhode Island and elsewhere. He was finally 
taken prisoner and carried to England, where he was kept niitil the 
end of the war. He lived in tlle house on the Broad Cove road now 
owned hy the lieirs of Jonathan Hathaway. Anthony Snell's hrother ! 
John was also a Revolutionaiy soldier. 



into relics, to stand for centuries to come. The 
growth of this oak has been very slow in that light 
soil, and it may have been a good-sized tree when 
Columbus landed at Guanahani. It is not the largest 
white-oak in the town, but it is a stately and hand- 
some tree, whose 'sturdy branches have stood the 
onset of a thousand gales. Close to its trunk runs the 
private lane or avenue through the Old Field. If the 
leaves of this ancient tree had the gift of speech, like 
those of the talking oak in the fable, they could un- 
doubtedly tell strange stories of the transactions which 
have taken place under its spreading foliage, for here, 
according to tradition, was a noted and favorite ren- 
dezvous of the natives, a sort of alfresco hotel, where 
they were accustomed to stop all night when out 
hunting or on the war-path, where powwows were 
held and, very likely, captives tortured. The sachem 
Philip and sagamores, it is said, used frequently to 
visit this tree. Yet the sagacious and wily Metacom 
did not consider even this isolated spot a safe trysting- 
place for himself and liis braves when they were con- 
spiring against the whites, but paddled his canoe to 
the barren little island at the mouth of Assonet River, 
known to this day as Conspiracy Island. 

Its isolated position, remote from other large trees, 
the traditions connected with it, and its great age 
make this oak the most interesting tree in this vicinity. 
Some distance to the north of this tree, but within the 
limits of the clearing, was an Indian village and ceme- 
tery. A house was built not far from their sites in the 
last century by one Simeon Perry. It was afterwards 
known as the Rooney house, and is no longer stand- 
ing. 

One-third of the great tract or farm that has been 
described was planted in rotation by the natives each 
year, which left two-thirds of the ground fallow, giv- 
ing the soil a chance to recuperate for two years after 
each crop. Their method of planting was laborious. 
It consisted in scooping out holes about four feet apart, 
and nearly a foot deep, into each of which was placed 
one or more herrings. The holes were then partially 
filled with earth, and the seeds planted and covered. 
Besides corn, they raised beans, squashes, and a sort 
of sunflower with an edible root, resembling the arti- 
choke. With the savory succotash and the toothsome 
parched or roasted corn ; with nuts of various kinds 
to be had for the gathering ; with fish, clams, and 
oysters; with venison and other game meat, the 
Indian, gastronomically considered, would not have 
been badly otf if he had not been so constitutionally 
lazy and improvident. 

The natives who inhabited the village mentioned 
and cultivated the adjacent plantations were un- 
doubtedly the Pocas.sets ; this tribe also inhabited the 
territory that is now covered by the towns of Tiverton, 
Somerset, Swansea, and a part of Rehoboth. Like 
the Wampanoags, the Namaskets, and the Nansets, 
they were under the authority of Massasoit, and after 
him, of his sons, Alexander and Philip. 



216 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The traditions which have thus far been followed 
place the first white settlement in the teiTitory now 
Dighton around the great Indian farm above de- 
scribed. The earliest settlers were undoubtedly squat- 
ters, but whether they were hunters or lumbermen, or 
farmers or trappers, or a little of feach is not related ; 
neither do we know who they were, nor where they 
came from. Their houses were at first probably log 
huts for temporary shelter. One of them stood, it is 
said, west of what is now called the Pine Swamp, and 
not far from the site of the Rooney or Perry house 
referred to. Another was built on the southern edge 
of the clearing, on the land now owned by Isaac Pierce, 
while a third was on the eastern edge of the cleared 
land, not far from the grape-house on the estate of the 
late Dr. Gardner Peck. These spots were-selected as 
the sites of their homes by the pioneer settlers on ac- 
count of their natural advantages, being on the edge 
of the deserted plantation, and with ])lenty of wood 
and excellent water close at hand ; at each of these 
places there was a fine spring, which saved the trouble 
and expense of digging a well. These springs were 
fully appreciated by the natives, who would not wil- 
lingly drink out of a stream or a pond, but would go 
long distances to slake their thirst at a spring. This 
was one of their whims, or perhaps a superstition. 

Many Indian relics have been picked up on the 
clearing under consideration, such as arrow-heads of 
quartz and sandstone, fragments of tomahawks, stone 
pestles, and other implements used in hunting or for 
domestic purposes. Tliese relics are especially nu- 
merous in the vicinity of the site of the aboriginal 
village and cemetery previously mentioned. No 
traces of the Indian graves are now to be found, as 
they had neither mounds of earth nor tombstones to 
mark their sites. 

The squatters, whom the tradition states had their 
domiciles on the edge of the great plain, very prob-' 
ably removed elsewhere before the outbreak of the 
Indian war of 1675. There is another tradition that 
when hostilities commenced by the slaughter of the 
Swansea people only one family of white per.sons was 
living on the South Purchase, now Dighton, which 
was that of Capt. Jared Talbot. It is related that he 
and his family were hastily removed to Taunton in 
boats in the night. At Taunton there was quite a 
settlement, and there was a block-house for refuge and 
defense in case of an attack by the savages. The 
block- or garrison-house stood on or near the present 
site of Music Hall. Jared Talbot's name occurs fre- 
quently in the old records, as will be seen farther on 
in this sketch. Before Philip went to war with the 
English he had sold most of the territory that had 
belonged to Massasoit, including the land in this 
township; of the latter transaction the following is a 
brief account. 

Dighton, as is well known, was once a part of 
Taunton. It was called the Taunton South Purchase, 
and was bought by a company of Taunton men of the 



Sachem Philip for one hundred and ninety pounds, 
lawful money. The land was bought in two sections 
and at two different times. The first section was 
stated to be three miles broad on the river, and ex- 
tended back into the woods four miles. The deed of 
the first section was dated the 28th day of September, 
1672, and the consideration mentioned was one hun- 
dred and forty-three pounds. The land was conveyed 
to a committee of the associates, consisting of Wil 
liam Brenton, Esq., William Harvey, James Walker 
Richard Williams, Walter Deane, George Macy, 
and John Richmond, who transferred the deed, ex- 
cepting their own rights, to the Rev. George Shove, 
third minister of Taunton, and seventy-six associ- 
ates, or proprietors of the land. 

The second section purchased was on the south side 
of the first section, and was one mile wide on the 
river and four miles in length. The price paid for it 
was forty -seven pounds, and the deed was dated Oct. 
1, 1672. It was ostensibly bought by Constant South- 
worth, treasurer of the Plymouth Colony, who im- 
mediately transferred the deed to the committee of 
the associates mentioned. It will thus be seen that, 
according to the value of unimproved land in those 
days and the much greater value of money then than 
now, the purchasers paid Philip a reasonable price for 
the tract, but in some unexplained way they managed 
to get excellent measure, the town being over five 
miles in length on the river. Soon after the acquisi- 
tion of the South Purchase, the proprietors sold a 
tract of it a mile wide from east to west, and two 
miles in length, lying in the southwest corner, to the 
town of Swansea. The date of the transaction and 
the price paid for the land I have not been able to 
find a record of The tract has since been known as 
the Two-Mile Purchase. 

Previously to the deeds given to the proprietors by 
Philip, the only mention of the tract comprising the 
South Purchase is in a pajjer given by Philip in 1663 
to the colonists, confirming certain grants of his 
father, Ossamequin, or Massasoit. The latter had at 
an early period granted to the Plymouth people the 
privilege of establishing a trading-house at Store- 
House Point, now in the town of Somerset. Philip, 
in the document mentioned, confirmed the privilege, 
and included the use, but not the fee, of certain other 
lands. He refers to " the meadows upon the great 
river downwards so far as Store-House Point so 
called, with all the meadows of Assonet and Broad 
Cove, with a small tract of land bought of Ishben, 
lying betwixt the marked tree at the pond and the 
mouth of Nistoquahannock, or Three-Mile River." 
It would be interesting to know where the pond and 
the marked tree mentioned in the grant were situ- 
ated. 

Soon after the Indian war was over the South Pur- 
chase began to be settled by immigrants from Taun- 

^ See Appendix for Walker family. 



;l 



DIGHTON. 



217 



ton proper and from other towns, but neither written 
documents nor traditions tell us much in regard to 
their names or their doings until the early part of 
the eighteenth century. The earliest record of a 
marriage to be found in the town books is as follows : 
" Jared Talbut and Rebecca Hathway were marryed 
in ye year one thousand six hundred and eighty and 
seven, ye fourth day of May." 

Then follows an entry of the birth of a son, the 
name obliterated : " , the son of Jared Tal- 
but by Rebecca, was born March 26 Anno Domini, 
168S, died ye eleventh day of ye same month." But 
this loss was made good the next year by the birth of 
another son, — " Jared Talbut, ye son of Jared Talbut 
by Rebecca, his wife, was born April ye fourth day, 
1680." In 1691 another son was born, who was named 
Josiah, and in 1692 twin girls made their appearance, 
but both died in a few days. In 1693 another pair of 
girls were introduced upon the scene, but, like their 
predecessors, their lives were cut short before the 
month was out. Thereafter, in quick succession, came 
other children, — Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Seth, Re- 
becca, Ebenezer, Benjamin, — fourteen children in all, 
but not more than half of them surviving the perils 
of infancy. 

Besides Jared Talbot, only three other heads of 
families are mentioned in the brief records of the 
births, deaths, and marriages in the South Purchase 
in the last part of the seventeenth century. These 
are Ephraim Hathaway, the first birth in whose family 
of eleven was in 1690; Nicholas Stephens, the first 
of whose nine children was born in 1696; and Ed- 
ward Babbitt, who had nine children, the first being 
born in 1695. The names that occur in the records 
of the early part of the eighteenth century, prior to 
1712, when the town was incorporated, are as follows, 
only heads of families being mentioned: David Walker, 
Edward Shove, Ebenezer Pitts, Samuel Talbut, Natlian 
Walker, John Burt, and Abraham Hathaway. The 
records were very imperfectly kept in those days and 
for many years afterwards, and many of the births, 
deaths, and marriages that occurred were, probably, 
not recorded at all. This imperfection of the old 
record books is more noticeable in the marriages and 
deaths than in the births. 

It will be seen from the foregoing extracts that 
Jared Talbot, one of the first authentic settlers of 
the South Purchase, was not married until ten years 
after the close of Philip's war, so that the tradition 
in regard to his family's removal to Taunton on the 
breaking out of hostilities is apparently incorrect.' 
The house that he built has long since been torn 
down. It stood near the town burying-ground on 
the hill, on the east side of the old Bristol and 
Taunton road, and not far from where Dexter Pierce's 



1 Rebecca Huthawfty may have been Jared Talbot's second wife, in 
which case there would be no iucousistency between the tradition and 
the records. 



house now stands. The Rebecca Hathaway that he 
married was probably the daughter of John Hatha- 
way, one of the original proprietors of tlie South 
Purchase. Talbot appears to have been a man of 
considerable influence in the settlement on the South 
Purchase, active in church matters, as well as in secu- 
lar affairs. In the records he is sometimes called Capt. 
Jared Talbot and sometimes Jared Talbot, Esq. He 
died Jan. 21, 1733. His wife survived him nine years. 
He was the second clerk of the town, the first having 
been Joseph Deane. He also served the town as one 
of the assessors, and was a representative to the Gen- 
eral Court in 1722. He also took an active part in 
securing an act of the Legislature incorporating the 
town. His influence in the community is shown in 
the following agreement, drawn up in 1708, between 
the inhabitants on the west side of Taunton River 
and those on the east side : 

" To alt Chrislitm people to whom these pre^enta shall come: Know ye, 
that, whereas, we, ye snbscriliers, inhabitants of Taunton Joint Pur- 
cliase, together with some of ye inhatiitants of aM Taunton on ye east 
side of Taunton great river, have preper'd a petition to ye General Court 
to be drawn otf from sM Taunton and to he a Township or a precinct by 
ourselves, our heirs and successors voluntarily apree to and with ye in- 
habitants on ye east side of s'd river, viz., all and every of them that 
are contained within ye bounds set in s'd petition, to all and every of ye 
following articles, and we do by these presents, bind and oblige ourselves, 
ours, and every of our heirs and successors, to fulHU and perform all and 
every of ye following articles : 

"First. We, ye inhabitants of s'd Taunton South Purchase do cov- 
enant, promise, and engage, to and with ye inhabitants on ye east side 
of s'd Taunton great river, viz., all those that are contained within ye 
bounds or limits of our petition, that at, or any time after ye expiration 
or end of fifteen years alter ye date of these presents, if s'd inhabitants 
on ye east side of said river, with the rest of their neighbol-s living con- 
venient, doe judge themselves capabh- and doe goe about to obtain a 
part out, or township, in order to settle ye gospel among themselves, 
that we, ye said inhabitants of ye South Purchase, will not molest, de- 
tain, or hinder them, but tliat they shall be free from all ye obligations 
to us, and we putting them to no charge on any account. 

'* 2iidly. We, ye inhabitants of s'd South Purchase, do covenant, prom- 
ise, and engage to and unto ye inhabitants on ye east side of ye s'd river, 
tliat we will, on our own cost and charge, build and completely finish a 
convenient Meeting House, of convenient bigness for all our inhabitants 
contained within ye confines of our said s'd precinct, and s'd Meeting" 
House to be completely finished, within and without, within ye space of 
one year's time after s'd petition is granted, if granted at all. — Further, 
s'd inhabitants of s'd South Purchase doe engage, as above, that they, 
at their charge and cost, will provide a snfRcient settlement, both of 
housing and lands, for s'd minister, from all of which charges aforesaid 
ye s'd inhabitants of s'd South Purchase doe engage to free s'd inhabi- 
tants on ye east side of s'd river; and, further, that when s'd meeting- 
house is so finished, then our neighbors on ye east side of s'd river shall 
have as good right in it as though they had carried on their parts in 
building it, according to ye proportion of rates they doe pay. Nextly, 
we, ye inhabitants of ye east side of s'd river, doe covenant and promise 
as aforesaid, that we will be at equal charges with them of s'd South 
Purchase in procuring and maintjiining a minister so long as we con- 
tinue to meet together and no longer. 

"3d. Jared Talbot, for himself and his successors, doth covenant as 
above, to and with ye inhabitants on s'd east side of s'd river, and tlieir 
successors, that both himself and they shall and will allow and find a 
convenient way to s'd meeting-house from ye great river to ye country 
road on ye west side of s'd Talbot's land, for s'd inhabitants to go to s'd 
meeting-house, s'd way to be just above Legreganset river mouth, and 
80 to go along on ye south side of ye new dwelling-house of s'd Talbot, 
BO long as they meet together and no longer. 

"4thly. We, ye inhabitants of s'd inirchase do promise, a.s aforesaid, 
that we will be at equal cost and charge with ye s'd inhabitants of east 
side of s'd river, in building anil nnuntaining a ferry-boat sufficient for 



218 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



J 



passing over to meeting, and so long us they continue to meet together 
and no longer. 

"Stilly. It is mutnally agreed hy both parties aforea'd and as above s'd, 
that ye meeting-house shall be set on ye hill, on ye west side of ye way, 
over against Talbot's new dwelling-house, and adjoining s'd way. 

"6thly. It is mutually agreed by both parties aforos'd, that when wo 
have a school kept, it shall be kept sometimes on one side of s'd river, 
and sometimes on yo other side of s'd river, according to ye proportion 
of rates they do pay, 

" Lastly. It is mutually agreed by both parties that ye above written 
articles continue so long as we meet together and no longer. 

"In witness whereof we, ye s'd inhabitants on ye west side of s'd river, 
ami ye inhabitants on ye east side of ye river, have interchangeably set 
our hands to these presents, this twenty-fifth day of February, Anno 
Domini, 1708. 

"Benj. Briggs. Thos. Briggs. 

"Thos. Jones. Amos Briggs. 

" Eph. Hathawat. Joseph Pool, 
"Isaac Pool. Jaueh Talbot. 

"Matthew Briggs. Kichard Hopkins. 
"John Wood. Hezekiah Hoar. 

"Ebesezer Pitts. Samuel Talbot. 
" Peter Pitts " 

Tlii.s agreement certainly sliow.s a very liberal spirit 
on the part of the people of the South Purchase. At 
that time Assouet Neck, on the east side of the river, 
was a part of Taunton.' It had been annexed to the 
colony in 1677 as part of the domain forfeited by 
Philip when he took up arms against the colonists, 
and it was purchased from the government by six 
Taunton men, Eev. George Shovc,''^ James Walker, 
James Tisdale, Walter Deane, William Harvey, and 
Richard Williams. In .luly, 1682, it was annexed to 
Taunton. May 30, 1712, the town of Dighton was 
incorporated, and Assonet Neck was joined to the 
South Purchase as a part of the town. The name of 
Dighton, it is well known, was bestowed upon the 
new township out of respect for the wife of Richard 
Williams, one of the original proprietors of the South 
Purchase, and who has been called the father of 
Taunton. His wife's maiden name was Frances 
Dighton. She was a very estimable woman, and was 
a sister of the wife of Governor Thomas Dudley. 
Until within a few years there was only one Dighton 
in the United States, which was a great advantage in 
preventing the miscarriage of mail matter addressed 
to the post-offices here, but the name is no longer 
unique, there is a young Dighton in the thriving 
State of Kansas. 

It is much to be regretted that the early records of 
this town were so imperfectly kept. The proprietor's 
book gives some interesting documents, copies of the 
deeds of the South Purchase, with facsimiles of the 
marks of Philip and his sagamores, and a few other 

1 In 1799 Assonet Neck was detached from Dighton and annexed to 
Berkley. 

- Rev. George Shove, third minister of Taunton, and one of the original 
proprietors of the South Purchase, as well as of the North Purchase and 
of Assouet Neck, was l)i'obably born in Dorchester, in this State, was or- 
dained Nov. 19, 1665, and <iied in .\pril, 1(J87. He was the progenitor of 
all the shoves in Bristol County. The name was originally Shovel, hav- 
ing lost an I by elision after crossing the Atlantic. An eminent member 
of the name in England was Sir Clondesly Shovel, admiral and naval 
hero of the last half of the seventeenth century. The name is said to 
have been deiived from the French cheval, a horse. 



documents that are read over with interest, but very 
much is omitted that we would like to know about, 
nor was the record much better kept for many years 
after the town was incorporated. The earliest record- 
book of town affairs was kept with very little regard 
for sequence of dates in the entries, the clerks appa- 
rently making use of whatever part of the book they 
happened to open upon first, and sometimes, it would 
seem, forgetting to open it at all. This makes it a mat- 
ter of great difficulty, if not an impossibility, to give 
anything like a connected history of town affairs as 
far as the first half of the eighteenth century is con- 
cerned. The record of births, deaths, and marriages, 
was quite as imperfectly and carelessly kept as the 
record of town affairs. For instance, the " intentions 
of marriage," in the oldest book, outnumber the 
marriages by several hundreds, from which a person 
having no knowledge of the slackness of town clerks 
in those days might infer that people then were wiser 
than now, and that instead of the post-nuptial re- 
pentance, which now loads with libels the dockets of 
the divorce courts, they repented before the fatal 
knot was tied. 

Among the earliest entries is the following, dated 
Dec. 19, 1709: 

"At a legal meeting of the South Precinct in Taunton, voted that 
Capt. Jared Tanlbut, Joseph Deane, Eichard Hopkins, Ebenezer Pitts, 
and John Crane shall be a committee to treat Avith and make a full 
agreement with Mr. Nathaniel Fisher in behalf of the precinct to be 
our minister during his life time." 

This was a very important step in the young com- 
munity on the South Purchase. Hitherto the scat- 
tered farmers and their families, which comprised the 
settlement, had been obliged to attend meeting at 
Taunton ; they had no riding carriages, but some 
probably rode in the rude farm-wagons, while others 
rode on horse-back or on ox-back, for ox-saddles were 
not unknown to that generation, the women and chil- 
dren riding behind the men on pillions, while many 
no doubt walked the five to eight miles distance and 
return, most of the way being through the woods and 
over a rough road but little better than a cart-path. 
The year before a meeting-house had been built. It 
stood on the hill where the old town burying-ground 
now is. It was probably a small and rude affair, but 
it was better than none, and answered the purpose for 
which it was built. The hill upon which it stood is 
a bare, bleak, gravelly knoll, such as formed the 
favorite sites of our ancestors for the meeting-house 
and school-house; partly, perhaps, because in such 
places nothing would grow but brambles and huckle- 
berry bushes. The first mention of the new meeting- 
house in the records is as follows,, tlie date being 
(obliterated) 1710: 

" It was also voted by us of the South Purchase to 
allow Joseph Pool, Thomas Jones, and Matthew ' 
Briggs sixteen pounds and ten shillings for seting 
(seating) at the meeting-house." 

One would like to have a photograph of that meet- 



DIGHTON. 



>A9 



ing-house, as well as photographs of the preacher and 
his flock. Yet, while their dress was somewhat dif- 
ferent, the farmers and their families of that day 
probably looked very much like the people we see 
around us. In looking at old portraits and statues 
the same types of features are recognized that are 
seen ever\' day in the streets, and one is reminded of 
Hawthorn's remark that the heads of the old Roman 
emperors look like those of Yankee politicians. 
Even in the oldest antiques, like the Cesnola statues 
from Cyprus in the New York Metropolitan Museum 
of Art, we see faces that recall those of people we 
have known, although these portrait-statues ante- 
date by hundreds of years the Christian era. The 
constancy of human nature to itself throughout the 
ages is one of the marvels of existence. 

Not much is known of Nathaniel Fisher, whom the 
people of the South Purchase called to be their first 
spiritual shepherd, but from the meagre information 
we have he appears to have been, if not a brilliant 
preacher, at least a worthy and conscientious man 
and a faithful minister. He w'as born about the year 
1686, where is not certainly known, but probably in 
one of the towns of Norfolk County. He graduated 
at Harvard College in 1706; was ordained in 1710, 
when he commenced preaching in the Taunton South 
Purchase, and he continued in office until his death, 
which occurred Aug. 30, 1777, at the age of ninety- 
one. He had four children, — Elizabeth, Abigail, 
Jeremiah, and Nathaniel. His wife, Elizabeth, died 
Sept. 23, 1765, in her seventieth year. 

A story has been handed down concerning his 
d.aughter Elizabeth, which is as follows. It seems 
that she had an admirer named Pitts, who dropped 
in frequently to spend the evening, and sometimes 
stayed till a late hour. It is probable that his visits 
were not altogether unacceptable to the presumably 
fair Betty, as she was called; but having a fun-loving 
disposition, she played him a practical joke that put 
an end to his attentions to herself and caused a good 
deal of gossip in the neighborhood. The lovers were 
sitting up together one Sunday evening in the front 
room, alter the family had retired, and as the court- 
ship was pretty well along, Betty was sitting in her 
admirer's lap. While in this interesting situation, 
young Pitts was ungallant enough to fall asleep. 
Whether he was naturally of a somnolent habit, or 
whether he was fatigued by the labors of the week, 
can only be conjectured. At all events he fell into a 
deep slumber, which Elizabeth perceiving, she gently 
disengaged herself from. her sleeping beau's arms and 
very carefully put a churn, which stood in the room, 
in the place she had vacated. Then she softly went 
up-stairs to her little bed and awaited the result of 
her practical joke. She did not have to wait long, 
for soon there was a surprising racket in the room 
below as the heavy churn fell from the astonished 
sleeper's arms and rolled over the floor. Her rev- 
erend father hastily got up and, in scanty raiiiieiit, ' 



came out to see what all the noise was about. Pitts 
made such explanation as his naturally bewildered 
condition permitted, and with scant ceremony left 
the house never to enter it again. 

This story of the beau and the churn was published 
in a local newspaper many years ago, but the scene 
was laid in another locality and with different dra- 
matis personce. As the writer had the story from one 
of Mr. Fisher's great-grandchildren, who vouched for 
its truth, there is no doubt that the aftair happened 
in this town, and in the house of the Rev. Nathaniel 
Fisher, and that his daughter Betty was the chief 
actor in the little comedy. Whether she found the 
result of her practical joking as amusing in the end, 
when her lover did not come back, is questionable.' 

The following report of the committee chosen to 
make an agreement with Mr. Fisher in I'egard to the 
amount of his salary, will show the manner of paying 
the ministers in colonial days : 

"T.VUNTOX-, South PiTcinct, June 28, 1710. 
" Wee, whose names are underwritten, being a comniiuy cliosen by 
tl»e inliabitants of tlie Taunton South Plecinct, to treat with and make 
projiosals to Mr. Nathaniel Fislier, for his encouragement to settle 
amongst us in ye sacred employ of ye ministry, have held a treaty with 
him, and have made the following proposals to him (viz.) that wee wiU 
give him for the first three years forty-five pounds, and then to raise to 
fifty pounds, and to continue it three years, and then to raise it to sixty 
pounds, and to continue three years, and after that as heads and estates 
increase to rise till it comes to seventy pounds, and then stop, which 
proposals BIr. Fisher will take up withal. 

*' jARBt) Tai.bot. 

" KicHARD Hopkins. 

"JosBPH Deane. 

*' Joh.v Crane. 

" Ebenezrr Pitts." 

The salary arranged for the future by the rules' of 
arithmetical progression, according to the probable 
increase of heads and estates, was paid one-third in 
money and two-thirds in "merchantable pay, equiva- 
lent to money." A part of this merchantable pay 
consisted of rum and lumber. Mr. Fisher having 
with his growing family more use for provisions than 
for rum and lumber, succeeded finally in getting pro- 
visions substituted therefor. 



J As a sequel to this little romance the following entry in the town- 
record of marriages may be interesting, at least, to the lady readers of 
this sketch: 

"September ye 20tli. 1743, Jobe W'inslow and Klizabetli Fisher were 
nnuTied by Rev. Natlianiel Fi-sher." The Job Winslow that married 
Elizabeth was afterwards lieutenant-colonel in the Second Regiment, 
Second Brigade of the Bristol County militia. He had i)reviously been 
In active service as a captain, and also as a major in the Flench and In- 
dian war. They had four chibiren. Their son Job was a colonel in the 
militia. 

Elizabeth Fisher's first lover,George Pitts, the hero of the churn, also 
married and had chibiren. He was afterwards one of the selectmen of 
the town, and helil other offices. He appears to have been a capable, 
worthy man. 

On the theatrical stage, tragedy is sometimes followed by a comedy 
or a farce, but on the stage of life the order is usuall.v reversed, and the 
tragic lags not far behind the comic. Capt. George Pitts died of small- 
pox. Dec. 10, 1763, in his forty-ninth year. His wife, Elizabeth, died 
(luring the following March, of the same dreadful disease, as did also an 
infant daughter. They were all buried in an out-of-the-way spot, on the 
western border of the pine swamp. Within a few years the old slate 
stones marking their graves have been removed to the burying-ground 
ol the UiHl:ii*ian Society. 



220 



HISTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hiring a minister for life, as was the custom in 
those days, was a very serious business, and the people 
of the South Precinct no doubt gave the matter a 
great deal of consideration. It was almost like 
choosing a king to rule over them. The ministers 
then were the most influential men in their precincts. 
They were not only arbiters in things spiritual and 
ecclesiastical, but they were frequently men of affairs, 
engaged in large business transactions, like the Rev. 
Hugh Peters, of Salem, in commerce, and the Rev. 
George Shove, of Taunton, in real estate; they were, 
besides, sometimes the only physicians, lawyers, and 
teachers in their precincts, so that each local town 
government in the colonies might well be termed a 
hierocracy, tempered by the town-meeting. With the 
lapse of years and the mental emancipation they 
have brought the hierocracy has, in secular matters 
at least, taken a back seat, and the town-meeting, as 
the embodiment of the common sense of each com- 
munity, is the chief arbiter under the law of local 
affairs outside of the cities. 

Nathaniel Fisher was the sole minister of the town 
for more than half a century, and in his declining 
years was furnished with an assistant. His name will 
occur hereafter in the course of this sketch. 

The town in 1713 was fairly started upon its corpo- 
rate history. At that time it was divided into two 
parts by Taunton River, which was a great incon- 
venience in many ways, for as yet a bridge was hardly 
thought of. On the east side of the river the town 
included the whole of Assonet Neck, and extended 
northerly as far as the present site of the old meet- 
ing-house on Berkley Common. It having become 
necessary to make provision for the impounding of 
stray cattle and for the punishment of offenders 
against the laws, the following vote was passed at a 
town-meeting held Dec. 21, 1713 : 

" Voted to make two pounds ; that on the west side 
of the river Capt. Talbot gives the land to set it on, 
joyning to the road, near the meeting-house ; the one 
on the east side of the river, Edward Paull gives the 
land to set it on. Voted also that the Selectmen 
should exact [i.e., survey) the lines of the township, 
set up stocks and whipping-post, and make the 
pounds." 

There has been an advance in the methods of pun- 
ishing criminals since that vote was passed. If stocks 
and whipping-post were to be set up now in front of 
the town hall, they would not probably remain there 
very long. There was a public ferry at that time be- 
tween the two sections of the town. It was located 
about half a mile below the present site of Berkley 
and Dighton bridge. In 1715 it was voted to put the 
ferry-boat into the hands of Capt. Jared Talbot and 
Deacon Abraham Hathaway for three years, " the 
boat to be free for the use of the inhabitants on all 
public days, the said Talbot and Hathaway agreeing 
to keep said ferry-boat in good repair all said time at 
their own cost." Afterwards another ferry was es- 



tablished about a mile farther down the river, at a 
narrow ])lace opposite the lower wharves in Dighton. 
Tlie point of land on the Berkley side is still known 
as the Ferry Point, and is a part of the fishing-ground 
of Shove & Nichols. 

The tax-rate was probably of more general interest 
among the necessarily frugal people of the colonial 
period than at present, when wealth and the means 
of getting wealth have .so largely increased, and the 
following bill of charges for the first year after the 
town's incorporation was undoubtedly closely scru- 
tinized by the tax-payers in town-meeting assembled : 



" Bill of CHARfits for 1712. 

f 8. d. 

Mr. Fisher's salary this present year 50 

Capt. Talbot, obtaining precinct uiul township 17 18 7 

Edward Panll, dieting schoolnnistpr for 1711 ? 

Thomas Jones, dieting sclioolnnister same year 2 10 

Constant Pitts, dieting sclioolniaster same year 2 10 

Edward Sliove, mailing rate lor 1711 7 

Samnel Waldron, maliingrate for same year 6 

Joseph Wood, mailing rate for same year 6 

Constant Pitts, making rate for same year 4 

Constable Matthew Bi-iggs, gathering Mr. Fisher's rates.... 3 7 G 

Samuel Wliitniarsh, making rate same year 2 

For bnildiiig the ferry-boat 5 

Richard Hoskins, making rate same year 1 4 

The whole amounting to £S7 12 5" 



The cost of living could no.t have been high at that 
time, when ten pounds would board the school luaster 
for a year. The salary of a schoolmaster was from 
twenty to thirty pounds a year. Some of the school- 
masters were men of good education, and could teach 
Latin and Greek if occasion required, and most of 
them had firm faith in the truth of the Solomonic 
dictum that to spare the rod was to spoil the child. 
If the master gave satisfaction — and the people were 
easily satisfied — he was almost as much of a fixture 
in the community as was the minister, teaching in 
the same little school-house year after year. The 
curriculum of the common schools was made up of 
much fewer studies than at present. To be able to 
read, write, cipher, and spell in a passable manner, 
and to know a little about the countries of the globe, 
was about all that was expected of a boy when he 
left olf going to school and began his battle with the 
material forces of nature, whether on the land or on 
the sea. There are those who think that the schools 
of that time turned out young men and women having 
more force, earnestness, and probity of character than 
is shown by the young men and women of the ju-eseut 
day when they leave school, although they may have 
obtained a smattering of many studies that their 
great-great-grandfathers and_ mothers knew nothing 
of, — -physiology, drawing, book-keeping, algebra, 
music, and the like. But schools, although an im- 
portant factor, are not wholly responsible for the 
formation of the characters of young men and women. 
The mode of life and the example and teaching of 
the parents have quite as much influence in the 
formation of the characters of children as the school 
they attend. The people of the colonies were a 



DIGHTON. 



221 



serious, industrious, earnest people, thoroughly im- 
pressed, through their religious teachings, that this 
life is hut the prelude to either endless joy or endless 
torment; hence even the children had much of the 
earnestness and staidness of their elders. 

Whether the people enjoyed life as much then as peo- 
ple do now is a question that has been often discussed. 
It isargued thatcultivated perceptions of the beautiful 
in nature and art are one of the chief aids to rational 
enjoyment of life, and that such cultivated percep- 
tions being lacking in colonial times, the people then 
were deprived of a great source of enjoyment; and, 
furthermore, that, having few books, and those chiefly 
dreary homilies or tedious disquisitions on the doc- 
trinal points of their gloomy religion, while news- 
papers and magazines were almost unknown, they 
knew but little of the enjoyment to be derived from 
a healthy love of reading. 

On the other hand, it may be said that, living a 
simpler and more physically active life, those who 
survived the perils of infancy had better health than 
the majority of people have now. They knew but i 
little of nervous disorders or of dyspepsia, which 
make life a torinent to so many people nowadays, and 
if having plenty of work to do is a chief source of 
happiness, as Carlyle and other philosophers have 
taught, they found labor enough to do at hand in 
clearing the wilderness and finding food and cloth- 
ing for themselves and their large families. On 
the whole, it is to be doubted whether existence is 
more enjoyable to their descendants than it was to 
them. 

Most of the dwellings of that period have disap- 
peared long ago, and the few that remain have, with 
rare exceptions, been altered and modernized until 
it is difficult to tell how they originally looked. 

The most striking feature of the architecture of 
one of these old houses is the huge chimney, around 
wliich the house was apparently built. The kitchen 
fireplace was usually an enormous chasm, in wdiich 
cord-wood was burnt without sawing, and in which 
one could sit and look up the sooty cavern to the sky. 
On cold winter evenings the huge high-backed settle 
was drawn up in front of the fire to keep off draughts. 
The mug of cider was brought up from the cellar, and 
perhaps a dish of apples or nuts passed around, or 
oysters were roasted on the coals. While the fire 
blazed up brightly there was little need of the tallow 
candles which flared and sputtered and sent minia- 
ture eruptions of melted grease down the caudle- 
sticks. Punctually at nine o'clock the family retired 
to their four-post bedsteads and feather-beds, to be up 
in the morning at break of day or earlier. 

In one aspect of their lives the colonists were in- 
tensely practical and seemingly devoted to materi-.d 
interests, but when we think how their religious be- 
lief dominated over their lives, and what sacrifices 
they were ready to make for the support of the 
church, we perceive that they led dual lives ; with 



most of them the spiritual life was of far greater 
importance than the life of the senses.' 

The town officers chosen for 1712, the first year of 
the town government, were as follows : Town Clerk, 
Joseph Deane ; Col. Ebenezer Pitts, Edward Paull, 
and James Tisdale were chosen selectmen; John Burt 
and David Walker, constables; Samuel Waldron, 
Daniel Axtel, and Abraham Shaw, assessors ; Ensign 
John Crane, town treasurer ; John Wood and Isaac 
Hathaway, tithingmen ; Abraham Hatliaway and 
John Wood, surveyors for ways; Thomas Burt and 
Isaac Pool, fence-viewers; John White and Richard 
Wood, field-drivers ; Joseph Maxfield, flax-culler. 

The pay for doing the town's business was very 
moderate, as were the prices for other kinds of work. 
The town clerk and the selectmen charged at the rate 
of three shillings a day, and land surveyors had the 
same .pay. Town-meetings were held in the meeting- 
bouse. This saved the expense of a town hall, and 
was appropriate enough, as much of the town busi- 
ness related to church matters. It was the town that 
built the meeting-house, hired the minister, and col- 
lected his rates. 

The records of town-meetings for many years after 
the town was incorporated contain but little that 
would interest the general reader. They are mostly 
brief entries, poorly written and worse spelled, of the 
election of town officers and representatives to the 
General Court, varied by transcripts of bills paid by 
the treasurer. Some of the town offices that were an- 
nually filled then have long since been abolished. 
Such were the cullers of flax, clerk of the market, 
tithing men, and hog-reeves. What were tbe duties 
of clerk of the market in a farming community, such 
as Dighton was then, I have not been able to find out. 
The tithingman was required by law to be selected 
from the " most prudent and discreet inhabitants," 
and he was a sort of inspector-general of the town- 
ship. He was required "to inspect all licensed or 
unlicensed houses where they shall have notice or 
have grounds to suspect that any person or persons 
doe spend their tyme or estates by night or day in 
tippling, gaming, or otherwise unprofitably, or doe 
sell or retayle strong drink, wine, cider, rumm, 
brandey, jerry, or methylin without a license." 
They were also required " to inspect the manners of 
all disorderly persons, and to present to the magis- 
trate the names of all single persons who live from 
under family government, stubborn and disorderly 
children and servants, niglit-walkers, tipplers, and 
Sabbath-breakers, by night or day, and such as ab- 
sent themselves from the worship of God on the 
Lord's dayes." The tithingman was required to be 
]irovided, at the expense of the town, with "a black 
staff, two feet long, tipt at one end with brass about 



1 Emerson somewhere hyperboHcnUy reinaiks that the Puritans and 
their inimt-diate di-scendants were so rigliteuus tlmt tliey liad to liold on 
to tlie huckleberry bushes to prevent being translated. 



222 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



three inches." It has been handed down that these 
black batons were sometimes tipped at the other end 
with a rabbit's foot or a turkey's tail feather, where- 
with to tickle the eyes or noses of the sleeping saints 
in the congregation, while sinners who wandered in 
the land of Nod during the services were smartly 
rapped on the head with the brass end of the staff. 
Such were the important duties of the tithingmen, 
and it is needless to say that they were regarded 
with a wholesome fear by evil-disposed persons.' 

The duties of the hog-reeve, as might be inferred 
from his title, were of a very different nature. It was 
customary to allow hogs to run in the streets, and the 
hog-reeve was required to provide them with yokes 
around their necks to keep them out of fenced in- 
closures, and to put rings into their noses to prevent 
their rooting. The hog-reeve was paid for his ser- 
vices by the owner of the animals. 

In 1783 the following vote was passed (it is given 
verbatim et literaium) : 

"In Dighton, at the Annuel Town meeting in 
march ye 20, anno 1733, the Inhabitanes of said 
Town did uannmosley vote that thare Reprasanta- 
tive, Mr Edward Shove, should Exhibit a pettion to 
the great and genral court for so much un propriated 
Lands as thay in thare great Wisdom shall think fit 
to be for the supporting the scool in said Dighton." 

There was certainly need of a liberal grant of land 
by the Great and General Court for the support of a 
"scool" in this town, if the orthography of the town 
clerk is to be taken as a sample of the literary quali- 
fications of the people. 

It was customary then to establish by a vote of the 
town the prices at which farm produce and other 
merchandise should be sold at. The following are 
some of the prices fixed by vote in 1727 : Winter 
wheat, six shillings and sixpence per bushel ; Indian 
corn, two shillings and sixpence; oats, one shilling 
and five pence; bayberry (this was vegetable wax, 
tried from the berries of the bayberry, or wax-myrtle), 
fourteen pence per pound ; butter, ten pence per 
pound; bar-iron, two pounds three shillings per hun- 
dred ; tobacco, three pence per pound. (Think of 
that, ye slaves of the weed, and sigh for the good old 
times!) 

In 1728 a town-meeting was called " to consider 
what to do, and send such instructions to our repre- 
sentative, Mr. Edward Shove, as the inhabitants of 
the said town of Dighton shall think fit under our 
difficult circumstances, by reason of His Excellency 
the Governor, his long and vehemently insisting on a 
fixed and stated salary, which we humbly conceive, if 
it should be granted that a (iovernor sliould have a 
fixed or stated salary granted him in tliis province, 
contrary to the former custom and practice of this 



1 Tli6 lust titliingmen choeen in this town were Anthony Keed, 
Josepli Hriggs, and Thomas Porter, who were elected at the iinunal 
meeting in 1834. 



our General Court in granting allowances to our for- 
mer worthy Governors in time past, it would greatly 
infringe on the privileges and freedoms granted to us 
by their Majesties' royal charter." The town there- 
upon instructed its representative to oppose this dan- 
gerous innovation and infringement of the people's 
rights, not .seeming to consider that the Governor had 
any rights in the matter of his own salary. The Ed- 
ward Shove who represented the town at that time 
was a son of the Rev. George Shove, of Taunton. 
He lived on the east side of the river, and was a 
prominent man in town afi'airs. The Rev. George 
Shove was much opposed to the Quakers, and it is a 
little singular that most of his descendants belonged 
to the broad-brimmed fraternity. 

It was the custom in those days for the selectmen 
to warn out of town any new-comers whom they 
thought might become a charge to the town ; their 
warrants to the constable to this effect frequently 
occur in the records. The following is a sample of 
one of these warrants : 

" BnisTor, «.«. Dighton, Ootober the 2d. 
"You are in His Majesty's name forthwith required to warn tlie fol- 
lowing pel-sous out of town as the law directs, they heing not lawful 
iuhal)itants of said town. The names of said persons is (as) foUoweth : 
The man's name is Stephen Ilnchinson, and his wife's Abigail Huchin- 
son, and seven children, whose names are Daniel, Stephen, Richard, 
Joseph, Lemuel, Abigail, and Lydia, who are now in tlie bouse of 
Thomas .Jo8lin,as we are informed, in Dighton. Fail not, and make 
return of your doings to us, or one of us, quick as may he. 
"To Ebenezer Pool, Constable of Dighton. 

" Elnathan Walker, 
"Attest: Nath.^n Walker, ," George Pitts, 

" Town Cleik. "Selectmen.'* 

Here is another entry, which shows a laudable zeal 
in the cause of education : 

" At the above said meeting (in 1734) the town vote that the selectmen 
should hier a scoolmaster to teach children to Reed and Wright and 
sifer." • 

In 1751 the population had increased to such an 
extent that it was voted to build three school-houses, 
one near Mr. Jonathan Burt's house, one near Col. 
Richmond's, to be under the care of Josiah Talbot, 
Esq., and one near the house of Robert Vickery, to 
be under the care of Mr. George Gooding. Two of 
these houses were sixteen feet square, and one was 
twenty feet. They were probably painted red, as 
that was the favorite color for the district school- 
house. At almost every town-meeting the bills for 
boarding the schoolmaster were voted to be paid, but 
only once was there mention of that functionary's 
name ; in 1756 one John Richmond is mentioned as 
the schoolmaster. 

Another singular omission of the records is that no 
.mention is made of either of the wars between Great 
Britain and France, although in Ciueen Anne's war, 
as it is called, which lasted more than a dozen years, 
in the early part of tlie eighteenth century, men from 
this town must have served ; while in George the 
Second's war, towards the middle of the century, a 
number of men from Dighton were enlisted. The 



DIGHTON. 



223 



Bristol County regiment which went with the expe- 
dition that captured the fortress of Louisburg, on 
Cape Breton Island, in 174r), was commanded by a 
Dighton man, Col. Sylvester Richmond, who was born 
in 1698, so that he was forty-seven years old when lie 
went on the expedition mentioned.' How he acquitted 
himself as colonel we do not know, but his military 
conduct might have surpassed that of his associate 
officers or of his commander and yet not have been 
worthy of special commendation. There was no lack 
of bravery, but there was very little judgment shown 
in the conduct of the siege, and not mucli discipline 
among the troops. Only the mutinous condition of 
the garrison in the fortress made its capture possible. 
The siege was conducted in a most unsoldier-like 
manner, the rear of the besieging army being a scene 
of disgraceful confusion, the men being chiefly en- 
gaged in the unmilitary occupation of skyhirking, 
running races, pitching quoits, wrestling, shooting 
birds, or chasing the balls shot from the fort, a bounty 
being paid for each one brought into camp. A well- 
conducted sortie from the fortress would have de- 
stroyed the undisci|ilined besiegers. On the 17th of 
June, however, the Dunkirk of America, as Louisburg 
was sometimes called, surrendered to the New Eng- 
land troops. " If any one circumstance," says a his- 
torian of that time, " had taken a wrong turn on our 
side, and if any one circumstance had not taken a 
wroug turn on the French side, the expedition must 
have miscarried." 

Before undertaking the expedition Col. Pepperell, 
the amiable merchant who was placed in command, 
had consulted the celebrated preacher Whitefield, who 
gave his approval, and, after manner of the crusades, 
furnished a motto for the flag : " Nil despcrandum 
Christo diif-e." The grand battery was captured with- 
out bloodshed in a singular manner. The warehouses 
in the northeast part of the town having been set on 
fire in the night, a strong wind drove the dense smoke 
into the battery, and caused such a panic among the 
French that they hastily abandoned the battery and 
fled into the city. In the morning, as a young lieu- 
tenant named Vaughan was reconnoitering with thir- 
teen men, he observed that there was no smoke issuing 
from the chimneys of the barracks, and that the flag- 
staff was without a flag. He thereupon bribed an 
Indian to climb in through an embrasure and open 
the gate. He thus found himself in possession of the 
works, and immediately sent the following report to 
the general in command : " May it please your Honor 
to be informed that, by the grace of God and the 
courage of thirteen men, I entered the Royal Battery 
about nine o'clock, and am waiting for a reinforce- 
ment and a flag." Before reinforcements could arrive 
the French had sent a hundred men in boats to retake 
the battery, but Vaughan and his baker's dozen of 
New Englanders gave them so warm a reception that 

1 Lieut.-Col. Ebenezer Pitta, of Dighton, aleo was in the expedition to 
Louisburg, where he lost his life. 



they were prevented from landing. Europe was as- 
tonished at this victory, and in England it was sought 
to claim all the glory for the navy at the expense of 
the provincial army. 

After his return from the French war, Col. Rich- 
mond took a prominent part in town affairs, and was 
I soon appointed high sheriff of Bristol County, hold- 
ing the office for many years. His father's name was 
Sylvester, and he had a son and grandson of that 
name. His wife's name was Elizabeth, and they had 
eight children. He was a justice of the peace, and 
married many couples in this town. Marriage was 
considered only a civil contract in those days, and 
justices enjoyed almost a monopoly of tlie splicing 
business. There is no record of any marriages by 
' Rev. Nathaniel Fisher for many j^ears after he was 
settled in Dighton. Col. Sylvester Richmond died in 
1783, aged eighty-four years. His wife died in 1772, 
: at the age of seventy-two. 

Col. Richmond's house and farm were on the north 
slope of Richmond Hill, to which his ownership gave 
the name. Only a part of one of the chimneys of the 
house is now standing to mark its site. It was a pic- 
turesque, gambrel roofed old mansion a generatiou 
ago, with an immense fireplace in the kitchen, where, 
I it was said, the colonel's slaves were wont to gather in 
! cold weather. For many years it was inhabited by 
I two old maiden ladies, granddaughters of Col. Syl- 
vester, who made some pretence of carrying on farm- 
ing. The cart-path from the road to the rear of the 
house was a thoroughfare for the school children 
while going to and from the huckleberry pastures 
during the summer vacations, and they could not 
always resist the temptation to pocket some of the 
red-cheeked lady-apples and luscious sugar-pears that 
often strewed the path, for which iiilferings they were 
generallj' roundly scolded by the watchful guardians 
of the premises, whose names were Sally and Nancy. 
In return for these jobations, one of the older boys, 
who had a reprehensible propensity for punning, was 
wont to speak of the scolding Sally as " Sally-rate-us," 
while an admonition from her sister was termed the 
" Edict of Nance," an allusion, probably, to the his- 
torical Edict of Nantes. The house had the reputa- 
tion in its later years of being haunted ; stories of 
strange sights and sounds seen and heard by some of 
its tenants are still current in the neighborhood. One 
of these stories, related to the writer by an Irishman 
who is known by the mbi-iquet of "Sleepy Bill," and 
vouched for as true by his wife, was to the following 
ell'ect. Let it be premised that the house stood six or 
seven rods from the nearly disused road that leads 
over the hill, and was approached by the cart-path 
already mentioned, whicli was closed at the road by 
bars. This cart-path ran along within a foot or two 
of the south side of the house, on the lower floor of 
which was the bedroom occupied by the Irishman and 
his wife Kate, the head of whose bed was against the 
south wall. 



224 



HISTOlli: OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The somnolent William said that one night about 
one o'clock he and his " old woman" were awakened 
by what seemed to be a long procession of carriages 
that appeared to come up the cart-path from the road, 
and go past the house down into the swamp at the 
rear. Having previously heard unaccountable sounds 
in and about the house, they were too much frightened 
to get up and see what was going on, while the twenty 
or more carriages rumbled and jolted along over the 
frozen ground close to their heads. They appeared 
to move slowly, like carriages in a funeral procession. 
Another niglit they were awakened by a terrible crash 
in the front hall, as if the whole staircase had fiillen 
and been broken into fragments, but no assignable 
cause for the racket could be found in the morning. 
A boarder of theirs related that, coming home rather 
late one moonlight evening, he was astonished and 
very much frightened to see several people, dressed in 
the costume of long ago, dancing what he termed a 
" breakdown" in the front door-yard. He did not 
tarry to make the acquaintance of these ancient dis- 
ciples of Terpsichore, but beat a retreat in double- 
quick time, and found a lodging elsewhere. 

The uncanny reputation given to the old house by 
these stories and others of a similar nature, together 
with its dilapidated condition, made it difficult to ob- 
tain tenants who would stay in it long, and it rapidly 
went to ruin. While it was tenantlesa the cellar was 
dug over more than once in the night-time by parties 
acting under the direction of clairvoyants, who pro- 
fessed to see large sums of money buried there. 
Whether any pot of doubloons or of Spanish dol- 
lars ever rewarded the diggers is not known, but, 
judging from the ill success that has attended the 
long-continued search for Oapt. Kidd's buried treas- 
ure, it is probable that the search in the old Richmond 
cellar was unsuccessful. 

In 1767 the meeting-house on the hill was destroyed 
by fire, the work of an incendiary. The building of 
a new meeting-house had been agitated for some time. 
The old house was found too small for the increasing 
congregation, but there was a division of opinion as 
to the proper location for the new one. Some thought 
the old place the best situation that could be found ; 
others preferred Buck Plain, as that would be nearer 
to their own homes, while a few were in iiivor of en- 
larging the old house. One dark night there was a 
blaze upon Meeting-House Hill, and the question of 
repairing and enlarging the primitive structure that 
stood on its summit was decided beyond reconsidera- 
tion in the negative. After the fire the dispute about 
the site for the new house still continued to agitate 
the community, and there being no prospect of agree- 
ment, it was found necessary to call in referees from 
another town to settle the vexed question. The names 
of five men were drawn from the juror-box in Attle- 
borough, and the referees thus called upon, after a 
careful hearing of all parties in the dispute, decided 
to stick up a stake on Buck Plain as the spot where. 



in their opinion, the new house should be built. The 
place chosen was about a mile westerly from where 
the first house stood. There were but few houses in 
the immediate vicinity. Nature has not been lavish 
in her gifts to that level portion of the town known 
as Buck Plain. The land is not remarkable for fer- 
tility, and the plain is chiefly covered with a low 
growth of scrub-oaks, and such was undoubtedly the 
case in the early settlement of the locality. 

The origin of the name is said to have been as 
follows: In former times there were three distinct 
families bearing the name of Briggs in the town, and 
to distinguish them they were called respectively the 
" Stout Briggses," the " Buckhorns," and the " Whip- 
poorwills." What was the signification of the latter 
appellation is not, perhaps, known at the present day. 
Possibly some members of the family lived in the 
woods, and were nocturnal in their ways. The 
" Buckhorns" w'ere so called from certain curious 
protuberances like budding deers' horns that ap- 
peared on the heads of many of that branch of the 
name, even down to a late period. The "Stout 
Briggses" were distinguished for great bodily strength, 
the word stout being here used in its original sense 
of strong, and not in the later sense of corpulent as 
Washington Irving used it in his sketch of the " Stout 
Gentleman." According to the story which has been 
handed down, one Samuel Briggs, of the Buckhorn 
branch, lived not far from the locality that is now 
called Buck Plain ; how long ago the tradition does 
not state, but it was some time, probably, in the first 
half of the last century. Samuel was crossing the 
plain one day when he came upon a large buck lying 
under a rock among the scrub-oaks fast asleep. 
Being an active young man he determined, as he had 
no gun to shoot the animal with, to attempt to cap- 
ture it alive. He therefore crept cautiously up to 
the sleeping deer, and sprang upon' its back, seizing 
one of its horns in each hand. The astonished and 
frightened buck leaped to its feet, and made off at a 
headlong pace in the direction of the river, which 
was more than a mile distant, Briggs clinging to his 
back as best he could. On they tore through bushes, 
briers, and scrub-oaks, and reaching the river at last, 
the panic-stricken animal plunged in with its rider, 
who managed to drown and capture it. According 
to the tale, when Briggs reached the river he was 
very nearly in purls naturalibus, all of his clothing 
having been torn of!" excepting his shirt collar and 
wristbands. Mazeppa's famous bareback ride was a 
tame affair compared to Samuel Briggs' ride on the 
buck. Although the Cossack hetman's condition as 
to clothing was much the same throughout his invol- 
untary ride as Briggs' condition was at the end of his, 
yet, unlike the latter, his clothes were not torn from 
him piecemeal by cruel thorns, nor was he in danger 
of falling off, being securely tied to his horse's back. 
While Mazeppa's ride has been the theme of poets 
like Lord Byron, of novelists like Bulgarin, and of 



DIGHTON. 



225 



painters like Horace Vernet, Samuel Briggs' exploit 
has been celebrated neither in poesy, fiction, nor art." 

The meeting-house that was built on the plain was 
much more capacious than the one that was burnt. 
It was fifty-five feet long by forty-five wide, and with 
twenty-four-feet studs. The sum of five hundred 
pounds was appropriated in town-meeting for build- 
ing expenses. While it was building meetings were 
held at the house of Samuel Whitmarsh, nearly oppo- 
site. In after-years this Buclc Plain meeting-house 
was cut down to one tier of windows, and used ex- 
clusively for a town hall. When the present town- 
house was built a few years ago the old house on the 
plain was sold at auction, and torn down by the pur- 
chaser. 

Among the names that are prominent in the records 
of vital statistics of the period before tlie Revolution- 
ary war are those of Shove, Wallier, Talbot, Gooding, 
Hathaway, Pitts, Stephens, Atwood, Deane, Ware, 
Briggs, Pool, Whitmarsli, Waldron, Jones, Andrews, 
Fisher, Paull, Williams, Westcoat, Austin, Bobbitt, 
afterwards Babbitt, Goff, Wide, afterwards Ide, Burt, 
Nichols, Crane, Hoar, afterwardsHoard, Smith, Perry, 
Baker, Simmons, Phillips, Pierce, Shaw, Luther, 
Cleveland,- Tuels, afterwards Tew, Vickery, Link- 
horn, afterwards Lincoln, Peck, and Francis. The 
number of children to a family at that time would 
probably average more than twice the number of the 
average family of to-day, twelve to fourteen being 
not uncommon in the days of our great-grandfathers.' 



* It ia no more tlian just to state that there are some re.asons for 
doubting whether the honor of this exploit belongs to Samuel Briggs 
or to one Matthew Gooding, it having been claimed by some that the 
latter w.is the hero of the affair. The writer does nut pretend, in the 
absence of authentic data, to decide to which party the credit belongs, 
but when tlie above account was written he had not heard the Gooding 
side of the story. It is evident, however, that there would scarcely be 
two claimants to an apocryphal exploit, so it may be set down as toler- 
ably certain that either Samuel or Matthew performed the feat above 
related. Perhaps aa much controversy will be excited in the future 
over the question, " Who rode the buck?" as has been caused in the 
past by such unsettled problems as wlio the " man in tlie iron mask'' 
was, who wrote the "Junius" letters, who killed Tecumseh, and who wai 
the author of " Beautiful Snow." 

- The name of Cleveland lias been brought before the public lately by 
the election in New York of a Governor of tliat name. Moses Cleveland 
came to America from Ipswich, England, about 1635, and settled in 
Woburu, in this State. He had a family of seven sons and four daughters. 
He died in 1701. From him are descended all the Clevelauds in this 
country who are of New England origin. The city of Cleveland, Ohio, 
was named after one of his descendants and a relative of the Digliton 
Clevelands. Winman, in his " Puritan Settlers," states that the family 
derived the name from Cleveland, in the county of Dvirham, England. 
Early in the thirteenth century, Sir Guy de Cleveland was present at 
the siege of Boulogne, in France, afterwards at the battle of Poictiers, 
where he commanded the spearmen. The name is a corruption of 
ClitTeland. 

Coat of Arms. — Per chevron, sable and ermine, a chevron engrailed, 
counterchanged. 

Motto. — " Pro Deo et Patria." 

3 Children were so numerous in those days that it is probable they were 
individually less thought of by their parents than are the individual 
boys and girls of one of the small families of the present day. Thus it 
is stated in the records df tlie Walker family that Capt. Elijah Walker, 
born in 173(1, and who married Hannah Pigsley, had fourteen children, 
«f whom '■ two or three were drowned by falling at different times 
15 



The Revolutionary Period. — The town records of 
the Revolutionary period are, as usual, provokingly 
meagre and unsatisfying, being generally only brief 
entries of certain expenditures for war purposes, and 
mentioning only a few of the names of tliose who 
served in the army. 

The first^ndication of the coming contest with the 
mother-country is found in the record of a town- 
meeting held Dec. 12, 1767. A town-meeting had 
just been held in Boston, at which resolutions to 
abstain from certain " foreign superfluities" had 
been passed, and copies of tliese resolutions had 
been sent by the selectmen of Boston to the select- 
men of Dighton, and probably to the selectmen of 
most of the towns in New England. The foreign su- 
perfluities mentioned were glass, paper, printers' col- 
ors, and tea, on which articles the British Parliament 
had recently fixed an import duty when brought 
into the colonies, thereby causing great indignation 
throughout the country. 

At the Dighton town-meeting Joseph Atwood was 
chosen moderator, and it was voted to refer the matter 
to a committee of three, consisting of Ezra Richmond, 
Esq., Abiezer Phillips, town clerk at that time, and 
Capt. Stephen Beal.* The meeting was then ad- 
journed. What action the committee took is not 
mentioned. It is probable that the people of this 
town were somewhat conservative at that time and 
not quite ready to follow the lead of the fiery radicals 
in Boston, and that nothing came of the resolutions 
that were sent to Dighton. 

In 1771 a vote was passed to release " the Quakers 
and Anabaptists from all the charge relating to the 
meeting-house," and from all taxes to support the 
minister. This vote shows the advance in liberal 
ideas since the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Fisher, 
when Quakers and Baptists were obliged to con- 
tribute to his support. 

In 1774 the town had lost some of its conservatism, 
and at a town-meeting, held July 18th, the following 
votes were passed : 

" Voted, unanimously, that it is highly necessary at this time for this 
town to enter into an agreement not to consume any British manufac- 
tures which shall be imported from Great Britain after the 3l8t day of 
August, 1774." 

" Voted, to choose five men to take into consideration and draw a cov- 
enant, or something similar to the Boston covenant, which sliould he 
proper for ye inhabitants to agree together in and sign, and the com- 
pany chosen was Doct. William Baylies, Capt. Elkanah Andrews, Syl- 
vester Richmond (3d), Deacon George Codding, David Walker." . — 

into the well in the back-yard, the well having been left for years with- 
out a curb." In a family uf fourteen children two or three down in the 
well would hardly be missed. Elijah Walker»\-as captain of the Ninth 
Company, of forty-six men, of the Second Regiment of Bristol County 
militia in the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer, and was one of the 
selectmen in 17SU. His children may have been drowned while he waa 
away soldiering, and so unable to attend to having the well curbed. 

* Steithen Beal was made captain of the First Company of the Dighton 
niilitia in 1762. He lived on Richmond Hill, where the cellar uf his 
house is still to be seen. He was pound-keeper for many years, the old 
pound being only a few rods from his house. It waa owing to his own- 
ership that the picturesque piles of rock that crown the hill were 
named Beal's Rocks. 



226 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The above instructions were read in town-meeting, 
and were voted without dissent. On the 26th of De- 
cember following another meeting was held, as the 
warrant set forth, " To elect and depute as many mem- 
bers as the town should deem necessary to represent 
them in a Provincial Congress, to be holden at Cam- 
bridge on the first day of February next ... to con- 
sult upon such further measures as under God shall 
be effectual to save this people from impending ruin, 
and to secure those inestimable privileges derived 
from our ancestors, and which it is our duty to pre- 
serve for posterity." 

At the meeting it was voted to choose a committee 
" to carry into execution the resolves of the Conti- 
nental Congress," and the following-named persons 
were chosen : Sylvester Richmond (3d), Rufus Whit- 
marsh, Peter Pitts, Joseph Gooding, Dr. William Bay- 



The following October another important town- 
meeting was held, of which the record is as fol- 
lows : 

" At a Town-Meeting hold at Dightou on MonJay, the thii-d day of 
October, Voted to choose Col. Elnathan Walker and Dr. William Baylies 
to represent the said Town of Dightou in the General Court, to be em- 
powered and directed to act at the Provincial Congress to be holden at 
Concord on ye second Tuesday of October, provided the fiusiness of the 
Gener.ll Court will admit of their attendance.'' i 

It was then voted that the two representatives should 
draw the pay of only one, and they were instructed 
in their duties as follows : 

" Gentlemen, — Wo have chosen you to represent us in the Great and 
General Court to be holden at Salem, on Wednesday, the fifth of October 
next ensuing. I 

" We do hereby instruct you that in all your doings as Members of I 
the Ilouse of Representatives you adhere firmly to the Charter of this \ 
Province, granted by tlieir Majesties, King William and Queen Mary, 
and that 3"ou do no act wliich can pttssibly be construoil into an ac- I 
knowledgment of the validity of the act of the Britisli Parliament for i 
fettering the government of Massachusetts Bay, more especially that | 
you acknowledge tlic Hon. Board of Councillors elected by the General , 
Court at their session in May last, as the only rightful Constitutional 
council of this Province; and we Iiave re.ison to believe that a consci- 
entious diseliaige of your duty will i)roduce your distinction as an 
House of Representatives, we do empower and instruct you to join with 
members who may be sent from other Towns in the Proviuce, and to 
meet with them at a time to be agreed upon in a general Provincial 
Congress, to act upon such matters as nniy come before you, in such 
manner as may be most conducive to the true interests of this Town 
and Province, and most likely to preserve the liberties of all Amer- 
ica." 



t Klniitlian Walker was lieutenant-colonel of the Second Regiment in 
the Second Brigade from aliout 1760 to 17G2. Ho was the son of Lieut. 
James Walker, of Taunton, the third of that name. Col. Walker's farm 
was in the northwest corner of Dightou. He had three wives, viz., 
Hannah Grossman, daugliter of Robert, of Taunton; Betliia Tisdale, 
daughter of Joseph, and i/lra. Phebe King, daughter of Deacon Samuel 
Leonard, of Kaynham. Col. Walker's will was probated in 1775. Tlie 
inventory amounted to four hundred and tliirty-seven pounds. He had 
ten children. He was deacon of the First Congregational Church, and 
gave more towards the building of Buck Plain meeting-house tlian any 
other person. The building committee consisted of himself, David 
Walker, and Dr. George Ware. He was one of the selectmen for sev- 
eral years, and was several times representative to the General Court. 
He was a justice of the peace, and was often chosen moderator of the 
town-meetings. His influence in town affairs was large, and he was a 
wortliy and respected citizeu. 



lies, William Brown,' Abiezer Phillips,' George Cod- 
ding, David Walker, Samuel Phillips, William Good- 
ing, James Dean, John Richmond, John Simmons. 

It was then voted that five of this committee should 
constitute a quoruiB, and that it should be continued 
and supported by the town. 

In March, 1775, a vote was passed to raise minute- 
men, who were to train two half-days per week, and 
were allowed one shilling each for every half-day em- 
ployed in training. The town also assumed the cost 
of an instructor in militarj' tactics. In May of the 
.same year it was voted to hire one hundred and thirty- 
five pounds, lawful money, to be paid into the hands 
of Henry Gardener, of Stow, for the use of the 
province. At another meeting in May it was voted 
that the selectmen should purchase " twenty small 
arms for the use of the town," and a committee was 
chosen to see that the militia was provided with arms 
and ammunition. At that time the qualifications 
necessary to be a voter included the owning " of au 
estate of freehold in land of forty shillings per annum 
at ye least, or other estate to ye value of forty pounds 
sterling." 

In October, 1775, a meeting was held " to choose a 
field oflScer," and Sylvester Richmond'' (3d) was 
chosen. In this year the sum of thirty-five pounds 
was raised for school purposes. 

At a meeting held May 20, 177(5, it was voted " that 
if ye Honorable Congress should for the .safety of the 
united colonies declare them independent of the King 
of Great Britain, they, the said inhabitants, will sol- 
emnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support 
them in the measure." This vote, it will be perceived, 
was some six weeks before independence was declared. 
The town was now as radical as even Boston could 
desire. On the 22d of July it was voted " to give, as 
a bounty to each soldier who has enlisted, or shall 
enlist, to go to New York, ye sum of five pounds, ex- 
clusive of the province bounty." These men were 
enlisted for two months. At that time the prices of 

- William Brown was a merchant and vessel-owner. His store was 
at the Four Corners, and he owned the house now belonging to the es- 
tate of the late Dr. Charles Talbot. 

^ Abiezer I'hillips held tlu. office of town clerk for thirty-five years. 
He was a deacon of the church, was representative to the General Court 
for several years, and was several times chosen selectman. He was 
twice married, and had twelve children. 

4 Silvester Richmond (3d) was son of Col. Silvester, who was at the 
taking of Lonisburg. He was born Nov. 20, 1729. Silvester (3d) was 
major in the Second Regiment in tlie Second Brigade from Feb. 7, 1776, 
to June £1, 1778. Tie was then promoted to be lieutenant-colonel, holding 
the office till 1781. In August, 1778, he served under Gen. Sullivan 
on Rhode Island, having about one imndred and fifty men and company 
officers under his command. About nine hundred men from the Bristol 
County brigade were wifh Sullivan's expedilion. After his return from 
the war, Lieut.-Col. Richmond was made a justice of the peace, and took 
a somewhat active part in town affairs until his death, wliich occurred 
near the close of the last century. Before his death he gave a large 
tract of woodland to the Second Congregational Society, which had re- 
cently built a meetitig-honso at the Four Cornei-s, for the support of a 
minister. He lived at the old homestead on the north slope of the hill. 
His wife was Abigail Nightingale, of Providence, and they had seven 
children, including Sally and Nancy, the two old maids previously men- 
tioned, and a son named Silvester. 



DIGHTON. 



227 



most commodities were regulated by law. In 1776, 
the price of a day's labor was fixed at three shillings. 
" The best of grass-fed beef three pence a pound ; po- 
tatoes one shilling a bushel ; flour one pound and 
five shillings a barrel ; cord-wood thirteen shillings a 
cord ; ' rum by ye gill and good flip by ye mugg one 
shilling, and toddy ye same;' a dinner boiled and 
roast one shilling two pence ; only boiled one shilling; 
board per week eight shillings, and most other things 
were proportionally cheap. 

In those stirring times town-meetings were held 
every few weeks, but at only a few of them were the 
proceedings of interest at the present day. In August, 
1777, the selectmen were instructed to hire eight hun- 
dred and fift\- pounds " to raise Continental soldiers 
with." A committee was also chosen to carry out the 
provisions of the act of the general court, " to prevent 
monopoly and oppression." Speculators were getting 
control of the markets for provisions, clothing, etc., 
and prices were raised faster than would naturally 
happen from the depreciation of paper money. Salt 
had become so scarce and dear tliat a small lot, secured 
by the town authorities, was by a vote of the town dis- 
tributed by the selectmen according to the number of 
persons in each family, and a quantity of molasses 
was divided in the same manner. The smallpox was 
making ravages in this and neighboring towns, and 
an article was inserted in the warrant " to see if this 
town will set up anoco/afion for the smallpox" (that 
was before the discovery of vaccination by Jenner), 
but the article was voted down. Soon afterwards, 
however, an inoculating hospital was provided by 
the town, and many persons were there inoculated 
with the smallpox virus, and had the malady in a 
mild form, while a few died after being inoculated. 
Ammunition was exceedingly dear at that date, pow- 
der being eighteen shillings a pound, and lead four 
shillings. Flints were sixpence apiece. 

In 1778 the subject of preventing the spread of the 
smallpox was again before the town. Probably in- 
oculation had not worked well, for a vote was passed 
"to prosecute all offenders who shall inoculate for 
the smallpox within this town, contrary to the laws 
of this State." At the end of this year paper money 
had depreciated to such a degree that it was " voted 
to each man that enlisted to go to Rliode Island seven 
dollars per day" for the seven days they were gone. 
Slaves were still held in Dighton at that date, and 
some of them were serving as soldiers in the army, 
lighting to keep their masters from becoming slaves; 
there were also a few Indians in the town, one family 
of which, named Simon, being supported out of the 
poor rates. 

In August, 1779, a committee of twenty-three per- 
sons was chosen to regulate prices of labor and mer- 
chandise. The names of the committee are as follows : 
Dr. William Baylies, Thomas Church, Esq.,' Capt. 



' 1 Obi. Thomas Ghurch was a lineal descendant of Capt. Benjamin 
Clmi-ch, the Indian figliter and capturer of Annawan. Ue represented 



Elijah Walker, Isaac Jones, Sylvester Richmond (3d), 
John Simmons, Jabez Pierce, Deacon George Cod- 
ding, Henry Yew, Abiezer Phillips, Elkanah Andrews, 
William Francis, Seth Austin, William Walker, 
Samuel Talbot, David Dean, William Hathaway, 
Ezra Richmond, Esq., Abram Allen, Caleb King, 
Joseph Perry, Eliakim Briggs, Simeon Williams. 

Regulating the prices when the currency was so 
rapidly depreciating was a Sisyphean labor; prices 
would not stay regulated. In 1780 the price of board 
had risen to nine pounds a week, and probably there 
were few luxuries in the bill of fare at that price. 
In this year the town raised the sum of twenty-two 
thousand seven hundred pounds. In 1781 it took 
sixty dollars in paper money to be equal to a silver 
dollar. On the first day of March in this year the 
town issued an emancipation proclamation, as far as 
the negroes serving in the army were concerned, 
which indicates that the iniquity of slavery was be- 
coming apparent to the people of New England.- As 
will be seen, the term servant was euphemistically 
used in the place of the word slave, as it was formerly 
at the South. 

" Voted, tliat. whereas, the following Blaclte, viz., Peter, ye servant of 
Joh Winslow, Renben, ye servant of ye Widow Prudence White, of 
Taunton, Ciesar, ye servant of Col, Thomas Chureli, Neoy, ye servant of 
Capt. Elkanah Andrews, Prince, ye servant of John Pierce, Tliomas, ye 
servant of David Dean, and Benoni, ye servant of Jouatlian Williams, 

the town at tlie General Court in 179.5. He was born in Seaconnet, now 
Little Comptou, R. I,, in 1727, and died June 8, 1797, He was a man of 
considerable influence in the community. He was interested in vessels 
and ship-building, as was also liis son Gamaliel, who represented the 
town of Wellington at the General Court in 1S17. The Church farm is 
now owned by A, W, Paul, Esq., one of the most successful farmers in 
Bristol County, The Church wharf and former place of business is sit- 
uated just above Rocky Nook, formerly one of the most dangerous places 
to navigate on the river, Gamaliel Church removed to Westport from 
Dighton, 

-A story that has been handed down about one of these slaves shows that 
they could make themselves very useful upon occasion, and also proves 
that for some purposes the African head is superior to the Caucasian, 
Among the quota of twelve men who went in the expedition to Rhode 
Island at the time the British General Prescott was captured was a 
slave named Prince, belonging to Capt, John Pierce, a sturdy, buU- 
tiecked negro of pure African bluod, Some dilliculty w:js encountered 
l»y the soldiers in breaking open the door of the house in wliich the 
British general had been surprised. At this juncture Prince came to 
the front, " Golly ! massa," said he, "jess yon stand little one side and 
gib dis nigger chance at datdoah," Retreating a few steps in order to get 
a better impetus, he rushed at the door, head foremost, like an animated 
battering-ram, and knocking hinges and bolts from their fastenings, so 
that the soldiers entered without further difficulty. 

Prince was a somewhat noted violin player, and once, while serving 
under Gen, Washington, his fiddle-bow became scant of hairs, and he 
pulled a qtiantity out of the fine long tail of the gem-rars charger to 
replenish it with, Washington happened to appear on the scene while 
he was in the very act, and gave him two or three smart cuts with his 
whip. Prince used in after-years to boast %f this interview with the 
Pater Patriae. 

On the occasion of the capture of Prescott, a Dighton man named 
Paull, a stalwart son of Anak, whose feet required at least number four- 
teen shoes, was among the party. Gen, Prescott was a small uian, and 
had remarkably small feet, lie had not had time to put on his shoes 
before he was hurried off by his captors, and on the way complained 
that the stones hurt his naked feet. Thereupon Paull gravely took off 
his liuge foot-coverings and offered them to the captive. It is needless 
to say that the offer was not accepted, as the shoos would not have re- 
mained on the general's feet an iustant while walking. 



228 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



have enlisted into ye army of the United States for three years as part 
of the quota of the Town of Eighton, by the consent of their masters, 
■who have made over all their right in said Blacks to the Town of Digh- 
ton ; the said Town does in consequence thereof declare the aforesaid 
Peter, Reuben, Cxsar, Neos, Prince, Thotnas, and Benoni Fkeemkn." 

The town further agreed to supjjort any of these 
men that might become disabled or incapable of sup- 
porting themselves. The Dighton Emancipation 
Proclamation was issued nearly eighty-two years be- 
fore the more famous one of President Lincoln. At 
the election of Governor in April, 1781, only fifty-six 
votes were ca.st, all of them for John Hancock. This 
small vote indicates the extent to which the town had 
been depopulated of voting citizens by the war, and 
the call for money was quite as urgent as that for men. 
The sum of nine hundred pounds in silver money was 
voted for war purposes in June of this year. The 
early part of this year was one of the most gloomy 
periods of the Revolution for the American cause. 
Treason and revolts in the army, and reverses in the 
field, had brought many patriotic men to doubt the 
final success of the Continental armies. But it was 
the darkne-ss that precedes the dawn, for soon the sur- 
render of Cornwallis heralded the final triumph of 
the Americans, and the loyal people of Dighton re- 
joiced with their compatriots in the other towns of 
the State, and of the other States. In 1784, the year 
after peace was declared, one hundred and two votes 
were cast. The people had settled down to the peace- 
ful vocations of life. 

After the war ship-building, which, after farming, 
was the chief business carried on, received an im- 
petus which lasted until the famous Embargo Act, 
just before the second war with Great Britain.' 

The population of the town received large acces- 
sions from other towns, and the newcomers were duly 
warned to remove out of town within fifteen days, 
under the penalties prescribed by law for not doing 
so. This warning people out of town was a mere 
technical formality gone through with by the select- 
men, so that if any of the new population came to 
want, the expense of their support would not fall 
upon the town. The persons who were warned were 
not expected nor desired to depart unless they chose 
to do so. In 1791 more than two hundred persons 
were warned to leave the town. They were people 
of various occupations, hatters, carpenters, cordwain- 
ers, and " spinsters." 

In 1789 the commercial and ship-building interests 
had increased to such an extent that Dighton was 
made a port of entry, and Maj. Thodijah Baylies was 
appointed collector of customs, holding the oflBce 
until 1809. 

Ship-building had been carried on here at an early 
period. In 1693, Thomas Coram came over from 
England to Boston in the interest of several London 



1 American ship-owners, whose vessels were rotting at the wharves 
while the embargo lasted, probably considered the act an infamous 
rather than a famous one. 



merchants to build ships. In 1699 he bought a piece 
of land on Taunton River, in the South Purchase, of 
one John Reed, and set up a ship-yard near what is 
now known as Zebulon's Landing, and not far from 
the wharf of the Old Colony Iron Company. Coram 
stayed in this country about ten years; he became in- 
volved in lawsuits and took a strong dislike to some 
of the people, although he was finally victorious in 
his controversies before the courts. In 1700 his land 
and house in the South Purchase, together with two 
new ships, one of them rigged and ready for sea, 
were attached by one Stephen Burt, who resided in 
what is now the town of Berkley, in the house lately 
occupied by Thomas J. Burt ; this property Coram 
afterwards recovered.- 

Thomas Coram was a notable man in his day. As 
one of the early residents of Dighton, and perhaps 
the first man to carry on ship-building here, a brief 
sketch of his career will not be out of place. He 
was born in 1668, at Lyme Regis, in England, his 
father being the captain of a fishing vessel. Having 
been apprenticed to a shipwright, and having thor- 
oughly mastered the art of building vessels, Thomas, 
at the age of twenty-five years, came to New England, 
where timber was more plentiful than at home, to put 
his ability as a master ship-builder to a practical test. 
While residing here he married a Boston girl nauied 
Eunice Wait. After his return to England he en- 
gaged in various schemes and entei^irises connected 
with the development of the American provinces, 
particularly in a persistent endeavor to further the 
settlement of Nova Scotia. His unwearied efforts 
were eventually crowned with success, and in 1749 a 
colony was sent over, which founded the town of 
Halifax. Carlyle says of the founding of this city, 
" Thanks to you, Capt. Coram, though the ungrateful 
generations (except dimly in Coram Street, near your 
hospital) have lost all memory of you, as their wont. 
Blockheads, never mind them." 

Coram's philanthropic sympathies led him to join 
Gen. Oglethorpe's enterprise to colonize Georgia with 
the thousands of poor debtors released from the Eng- 
lish prisons, through Oglethorpe's humane eftbrts. 
He also exerted himself in behalf of the Mohegan 
Indians, who had petitioned to the British govern- 
ment for redress for the encroachments of the people 
of Connecticut upon their lands. But the great work 
of his life was the Loudon Foundling Hospital, in 
the chapel of which he was buried, and where this 
inscription commemorates his name: 

''captain THOMAS CORAM, 

"Wliose name will never want a monument so long as this hospital 
shall subsist, 

" Was born in tlie year IG6S. 

" A man eminent in the most eminent virtue of the love of mankind, 
little attentive to his private fortune, and refusing many opportunities 
of increasing it, his time and thoughts were continually employed in 

2 For several of the facts in this sketch relating to Thomas Coram the 
writer is indebted to a paper read by C. A. Reed, Esq , before the Old 
Colony Historical Society in 1879, and published by the Society. 



DIGHTON. 



229 



endeavors to promote the public happiness both in this kingdom and 
elsewhere, particuljirly in the colonies of North America, and his en- 
deavors were many times crowned with success. His unwearied solici- 
tation for above seventeen years together (wliich would have baffled the 
patience and industry of any man less zealous in doing good), and his 
application to persons of distinction, obtained at length the charter of 
incorporation .... for the maintenance and education of exposed and 
deserted young children, by which many thousands of lives may be pre- 
served t(» the public, and employed in a frugal and honest course of in- 
dustry. 

" He tiled the 'i9tli of March, 1751, in the eighty-fourth year of bis 
age, poor in worldly estate, rich in good works, and was buried at 
his own request in the vault underneath this chapel, .... many of the 
Governors and 6ther gentlemen attending the funeral to do honor to 
bis memory. 

"reader, 

"Thy actions will show whether thou art sincere in the praises thou 
mayest bestow on him, and if thou hast virtue enough to commend his 
virtues, forget not to add also the imitation of them." 

Coram's unremitting perseverance enlisted art, as 
well as rank and wealth, in aid of his hospital. 
Handel in music, and Hogarth in painting, lent their 
best efforts in furtherance of the project. As an 
illustration of the way this establishment strikes an 
American of cultivated and poetic mind, the follow- 
ing extract from a letter from London to the New 
York Tribune may not be out of place. It was written 
by William Winter, the accomplished poet and the 
dramatic critic of that journal : 

"How looks to-night the interior of the chapel of 
the Foundling Hospital? Dark and lonesome, no 
doubt, with its heavy galleries and sombre pews, and 
the great organ, — Handel's gift, — standing there, mute 
and grim, between the ascending tiers of empty seats. 
But never, in my I'emembrance, will it cease to pre- 
sent a picture more impressive aud touching than 
words can say. At least three hundred children, 
rescued from shame.and penury by this noble benevo- 
lence, were ranged around that organ when I saw it, 
and, in their artless, frail little voices, singing a hymn 
of praise and worship. Well nigh one hundred and 
fifty years have passed since this grand institution of i 
charity, — the sacred work and blessed legacy of Capt. ' 
Tliomas Coram, — was established in this place. What 
a divine good it has accomplished and continues to 
accomplish, and what a pure glory hallows its 
founder's name. . . . No man ever did a better deed 
than he, and the darkest night that ever was cannot 
darken his fame."' 

And so we take our leave for the present of that 
whilom, worthy resident of the South Purchase, Capt. 
Thomas Coram. In him was seen a large develop- 
ment of what Herbert Spencer terms altruism, the 
opposite of egoism, and the motto he adopted was 



I Those familiar with the stories of Charles Pickens will recall in 
"Little Dorritt" the warm-tempered and equally warm-hearted Tatty- 
coraui. taken from the foundling hospital by Mr. Meagles, as a maid for 
his little daugliter, and the description as to how the name originated. 
" The name of Beadle being out of the question," said Mr. Meagles, "and 
the originator of the institution for these poor foundlings having been 
a blessed creature named Coram, we gave that name to Pet's little maid. 
At one time she was Tatty, and at one time slie was Coram, until we got 
into a way of mixing the two names together, and now she is always 
Tatty coram." 



characteristic of the man," non sibi, sed aliis" (" not for 
himself, but for others"), was thedaily ruleof his life. 

Capt. Coram was probably the first builder of large 
vessels in this vicinity ; probably the business was 
carried on here after he returned to England, but 
there is no record or tradition that such was the case. 
There was an abundance of excellent oak to be had 
here, and it was the common material for the frames 
of houses and other buildings. About the middle of 
the last century one John Reed, perhaps a descendant 
of- the John previously mentioned, carried on the 
building of vessels in what is called Muddy Cove. 
That was before the road was laid out and the bridge 
built over the mouth of the cove, which must have 
been deeper then than it is now, though it is probable 
that the vessels that Reed built were small." This 
ship-yard was, it is supposed, on or near the site of 
Mr. H. M. Simmon's lumber-yard. John Reed owned 
and lived in the old Andrews house, near the cove. 

During the period from 1785 to the commencement 
of the war of 1812, several firms carried on the ship- 
building business here. Most of the vessels built 
were small coasting sloops, ranging from twenty to 
seventy tons ; but some were larger craft, ships and 
brigs, intended for the European or the West Indian 
trade, or it may be for the liringing of slaves from 
Africa, although it is not known that any ship-owners 
of this town were engaged in the last-named business. 
Among those engaged in building vessels during the 
period mentioned were the firms of Bowen & Hath- 
away, and Smith & Wardwell.^ Their yards were just 

2 The bridge across Muddy Cove was built by Capt. Elkanah Andrews 
about the year 1772. John Reed was the contractor, and lost all of his 
property in the job, Capt. Andrews becoming tlie owner of his house 
and land north of the cove. The road was laid out at the same time 
fi'om the Widow Stetson's bouse (for many years long afterwaids the 
residence of .John P. Perry) to Capt. John Pieice's house, at what is now 
called Luther's Corner. Capt. Andrews lived in the house on the south 
side of the cove, afterwards owned by James Spoouer.aud remodeled in 
later yeare in the Grecian style of arcldtecture by his son, Joshua 
Spooner. Capt. Andrews did a large business in sliiiiping hay, fish, and 
other commodities to Southern ports. His store and wharf were in front 
of his bouse. He died in 1787. 

Mr. Joiin C. Perry, mentioned above, was for some years town clerk. 
He taught school for many years in the little red school-house thatstood 
north of the John Iteed house. Mr. Perry was, in most respects, an ex- 
cellent teacher. 

3 Smith & Wardwell's yard was on the north side of the whai-f now 
known as Wliitniarsh's wharf, and Bowen & Hathaway's yard was on 
the south side. l>avid Bowen, one of the latter firm, was horn in Digh- 
ton, and was one of twin brothers, the other being named Jonathan. 
David was an active businessman. He died suddenly of hemorrhage at the 
early age of thirty-six, having acquired, during the few years he was in 
business, property to the amount of eight or nine thousand dollars, a re-, 
spectable sum in those days. John Hathaway, his Jiartner, was also 
born in Dighton, and was an influential citizen. He represented the 
town at the General Court for a number of years in the early part of the 
century. II is son, John Hathaway, Jr., was tnwn clerk for several years. 
He removed to Boston, became a thriving merclumt in that city, and ac- 
quired a handsome property. His daughter, Frances, is the wife of Hon. 
Moses Kimball, of Boston, and his daugliter, Margaret, is the wife of Mr. 
Frank. Kendall, manufacturer, of Watertown. 

Josiah Wardwell came from Bristol, R. I. He marrieil a daughter of 
his partner, James Smith. The bouse stood on the siti; of tl.e residence 
of the late Capt. William Cobb. It was burnt nearly fifty .years ago, 
during a heavy snow-storm. His partner's house was on the opposite 
corner, aud is yet standing. 



230 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



below the town-landing, known as Zebulon's Landing, 
from one Zebulon Reed, who used to occupy it. One 
of our townsmen can remember seeing on the stocks 
in these yards at one time two ships and two brigs. 
There were six grog-shops in the south part of the 
town at that time, rum being nearly as common a 
beverage then as water is now ; on special occasions, 
sncli as a house-raising or vessel-launching, it was 
furnished to the crowd witliout money or price. 

AViLLiAM Ellery. — Among the residents of Digh- 
ton during the Revolutionary war was William El- 
lery, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 
member of Congress. When the British took posses- 
sion of Newport in 1776, Ellery found a refuge at the 
house of Capt. Rufus Whitmarsh, near the Lower 
Four Corners, in this town. Here he resided for sev- 
eral years when not at his post as a member of Con- 
gress. During his absence from Newport, his house 
in that town was burned by the British, and his prop- 
erty otherwise greatly damaged. The house he lived 
in while here is still standing, as was mentioned in 
the first part of this sketch. Of Ellery's life while 
residing here not much is known. He was away so 
much of the time that probably the Dighton people 
saw but little of him.' The following is a portion of 
a letter written by him, while in this town, to his 
friend. Gen. Whipple: 

" DuillTON, Aug. 26, 1778. 

" Okau Sir, — Befure you will receive this 3't>ur huise will be at Joshua 
Sandfords, the very next farm to the ferry farm in Bristol. My sou, 
who takes tlie hoise to Sandfords, will leave this with him to be trans- 
mitted to you by the tirst opportunity. . . . 

*' Notwithstanding the French Heet hath deserted you, yet still I hope 
to eat tautauog with you at Newport. The island must not be reliu- 
quished. If it should, how inglorious to our arms, how destructive to 
the State of Ilhode Island. Hut I will not harbor so disgraceful an idea. 
In full confidence that such an assault will be made upon the enemy's 
lines as will convince the world that the infant States of Ameiica are 
able to go alone, and Count d'Estaing that we can do without liim, I 
continue to be, with great esteem, etc., 

" William Elltuy." 

The assault on the British lines that Ellery was 
hoping for was not m.ade, the enemy having been so 
strengthened by reinforcements as to render them 
superior in numbers to the Americans. Gen. Sulli- 
van was therefore obliged to retreat, which he did in 
a masterly manner, in good order. The retreat to the 
main land was well timed, for the next day Sir Henry 
Clinton arrived, after which it would have been im- 
practicable to cross with the arm)' to the main shore. 

Ellery's death, which occui'red on the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, 1820, when he was ninety-two years old, was 
like the falling into a peaceful sleep. " His end," 
says his biographer, "was indeed that of a philoso- 
pher. In truth, death in its common form never came 
near him. His strength wasted gradually for tlie last 
year, until he had not enough left to draw in his 
breath, and so he ceased to breathe. The day on 

1 In Scribwr^s Magazine, a few yeaijs ago, was published a diary or 
journal, written by Ellery, and describing his horseback journeys from 
this town to the seat of government. 



which he died he got up and dressed himself, took 
his old flag-bottomed chair without arms, on which 
he had set for more than half a century, and was 
reading Tully's oflBces in the Latin, without glasses, 
though the print was as fine as that of the smallest 
pocket-bible. The physician stopped in on his way 
to the hospital, as he usually did, and perceiving 
that the old gentleman could scarcely raise his eye- 
lids to look at him, took his hand and found that his 
pulse was gone. After drinking a little wine and 
water, his physician told him his pulse beat more 
strongly. ' Oh, yes, doctor, I have a charming pulse, 
but,' lie continued, 'it is idle to talk to me in this 
way. I am going off the stage of life, and it is a 
great blessing that I go free from sickness, pain, and 
sorrow.' He was then placed in bed, and sat upright, 
continuing to read Cicero very quietly for some time. 
Presently they looked at him and found him dead, 
sitting with the book under his chin, as a man who 
becomes drowsy and goes to sleep. 

*' ' of uo distemper, of no blast he died, 

But fell like autumn fruit that mellowed long." 

" Ellery was fond of profound study and elegant 
literature, reading to the end of his life the works of 
distinguished writers in theolog}', intellectual philos- 
ophy, and political economy. His mind and aflec- 
tions never seemed to grow old, but only to ripen with 
age. His conversation never lost its humor, richness, 
and variety, its freedom and temperate earnestness. 
In stature he was of moderate height, his person 
neither spare nor corpulent, but indicating perfect 
health and an easy mind. His head and features 
were large and impressive. Only three weeks before 
his death he wrote a long letter containing remarks 
on Latin prosody, and on the faults of public speakers, 
written, too, in a .strong, close hand, that might be 
expected from one in middle life." 

What a cliarraing picture of a serene old age and 
a painless euthanasia do these extracts disclose, and 
what an argument for the immortality of the soul 
does this old man of ninety-two with his mental pow- 
ers untouched by age present! Titian, dying of the 
plague at the age of ninety-nine, and painting almost 
to the last, and Ellery, at ninety-two writing in a 
firm hand criticisms on the orators of the day and on 
Latin prosody, go far to prove the truth of the French 
savant Flourens' theory that the natural life of man 
is at least one hundred years. 

William Ellery was born at Newport, R. I., Dec. 
22, 1727; after graduating at Harvard, he commenced 
his career as a trader at Newport, then practiced law, 
and in 1776 was elected to the Continental Congress, 
of which body he soon became one of the leading 
members. He was in Congress eight years, and was 
afterwards collector of customs at Newport until his 
death. The signatures of Ellery and of his colleague, 
Stephen Hopkins, to the Declaration of Independence 
display a striking contrast, Ellery's being firm and 



DIGHTON. 



231 



bold, and that of Hopkins tremulous and uncertain, 
from the palsy that afflicted him. "I was deter- 
mined," Ellery used to say in after-years, " to see how 
they all looked as they signed what might be their 
death warrant. I placed myself beside the secretary, 
Charles Thomson, and eyed each closely as he affixed 
his name to the document. Undaunted resolution 
was displayed in every countenance." 

Commodore Talbot. — Commodore Sil.is Talbot 
was a native of this town. He distinguished himself 
in the Revolutionary war on both the ocean and the 
land. His parents were Benjamin and Zipporah 
Talbot. The house they lived in, and in which 
Silas, the ninth of their fourteen children, was born, 
has long since been torn down. It stood in the lots, 
with only a cart-path as a way of approach, between 
the road leading from the Lower Four Corners to 
Pitts' Corner and Hunter's Hill, and southerly of 
the house now owned by Isaac Pierce. Benjamin 
and Zipporah were buried in the family cemetery 
near by, with several of their children. Tliey were 
poor, hard-working people, unable to do much in the 
way of education for their children, and Silas was 
early in his boyhood placed on board a vessel as 
cabin-boy, perhaps as good a school as he could have 
had for the work he had to do in after-life. He was 
born Jan. 21, 1751. When he was twelve years old 
his father died, and as liis mother had other children 
younger and weaker than he to support, he was neces- 
sarily thrown upon his own resources for the future. 
He learned the stone-mason's trade, then considered 
a very lucrative one, and removed to Providence, 
R. I. In 1822 he married a young lady named Rich- 
mond, and went to housekeeping in Providence, then 
a small town. He engaged occasionally in mercan- 
tile speculations, " iu which," says H. T. Tuckerman, 
who wrote his biography, " he exhibited more than 
ordinary boldness and sagacity. An instance is re- 
lated of his sailing down the river when lumber had 
unexpectedly risen to a high price, intercepting a ves- 
sel thus loaded, purchasing the cargo, and making 
sales in town at an enormous advance." 

When the Revolutionary war broke out Talbot and 
a number of other young men hired an old Scotch 
drum-major who had deserted from the British army 
to drill them in military tactics in the loft of a sugar- 
house. In June, 1775, he was commissioned as a 
captain in one of the three newly-raised Rhode Island 
regiments, and went to Boston with the regiment to 
take part in tlie siege of that town. He next went 
with the army to New York, at which port was a fleet 
of British men-of-war. Here he was placed, at his 
own request, in command of a fire-ship, in which he 
sailed up the Hudson River some fifteen miles, an- 
choring a short distance above Fort Washington. 
Soon after he had cast anchor three of the enemy's 
war vessels sailed up the river and anchored a few 
miles below where he lay. A night attack was imme- 
diately resolved upon. " At two o'clock in the morn- 



ing," says the biographer, " they weighed anchor and 
dropped slowly down with the tide. The nearest of 
the ships was the 'Asia,' of sixty-four guns, whose 
tall spars and towering hull no sooner loomed upon 
the gaze of Talbot's hardy band than they steered 
directly for her broadside. Unsuspicious of any 
danger, it was but a moment before her little adver- 
sary had flung her grappling-irons that the 'Asia' 
fired, and then a scene ensued that baffles description. 
... In an instant the darkness of a cloudy night gave 
place to a red, flashing glare that revealed the fort, 
the waters, and the fields with the distinctness of 
noonday, and brought into vivid relief the huge ves- 
sels of war, now alive with their startled crews, who 
hastened to the relief of the ' Asia,' some pouring water 
on the rising flames, others disengaging the fire-ship 
from her side." 

The attack was unsuccessful, at least in destroying 
any of the enemy's ships, but it served the purpose of 
driving them from their position into the lower bay, 
and it likewise had an encouraging eflect on the 
American cause. Congress passed a vote of thanks 
to Capt. Talbot, and he was at once promoted to the 
rank of major. He had remained too long on the 
fire-ship, being the last to escape, and he was severely 
burned. It was some weeks before he recovered from 
his injuries. 

We next hear of Maj. Talbot in the defense of Mud 
Island, iu the Delaware River, and here he displayed 
his accustomed daring. His arm was broken by a 
musket-ball, and he received a wound in the thigh. 
He returned home to recover from his wounds, and 
as soon as his condition permitted joined the Conti 
nental army under Gen. Sullivan's command, on the 
mainland of Rhode Island, where he rendered essen- 
tial service in superintending the building of eighty- 
six flat-bottomed boats, intended to carry one hundred 
men each, for the transportation of, the army to the 
island. These boats were calked by candle-light, 
and Talbot, wearied by his unceasing ettbrts to for- 
ward the work, was accustomed to sleep under the 
boats, while the din of the calking-mallets was ring- 
ing over his head. An incident of the campaign will 
illustrate the cool daring of this born leader of men. 
The crossing from the mainland was commenced on 
Sunday, the 9th of August, and the light corps, to 
which Maj. Talbot was attached, marched down the 
road towards Newport until within a cannon-shot of 
the enemy's lines. Talbot was then sent forward 
alone by Col. Laurens, who was in command of the 
corps, to reconnoitre. He had neared the enemy's 
outposts, when he saw three British artillerymen in a 
garden, foraging for vegetables. Without hesitating 
an instant he jumped his horse over the wall and 
" threatened them with immediate death if they stirred. 
Thinking that he was one of their own officers, they 
made some apology for being absent from their posts, 
and gave up their hangers. He then drove them 
before liim to the American lines as prisoners of war. 



232 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Count d'Estaing's departure with the French fleet 
to Boston rendered tlie retreat of the American army 
from the island a necessity, and in the retreat and 
the fight which preceded it Maj. Talbot's aid was 
very efficient, and was commended in the dispatches 
of the commanding officer to Congress. His next ex- 
ploit was the capture of one of the enemy's armed 
vessels. The British, in order to close the east 
passage, had anchored a vessel of some two hundred 
tons in the passage, off a point of land called Fog- 
land. This vessel had formerly been in the naval 
service, but had been cut down to one deck, and was 
armed with twelve eight-pounders and ten swivels. 
She had a crew of forty-five men, and her deck was 
protected from boarding-parties by strong netting. 
She was named the " Pigot," and was commanded by 
a lieutenant named Duulap. This armed galley ef- 
fectually prevented any American vessels from pass- 
ing up or down Seconnet River, to the great annoy- 
ance of the people of Rhode Island and Southern 
Massachusetts. 

Maj. Talbot resolved to capture or destroy the 
" Pigot," but his project was for some time coldly re- 
'ceived by Gen. Sullivan, who deemed it imprac- 
ticable, but at length consented to furnish a draft of 
men for the purpose. The major immediately se- 
lected a sloop in Providence named the " Hawk," 
and armed her with two three-pounders and sixty 
men. Before he could get at the " Pigot" he would 
have to pass one of the enemy's forts at Bristol Ferry 
and another at Fogland's Ferry, in Seconnet River, 
and both forts were safely passed in the night. 

After reaching the upper end of the island, the 
" Hawk" drifted silently down the Seconnet River, 
with a kedge lashed to the jib-boom to tear the net- 
tings of the enemy. The Fogland fort was passed 
without alarming the sentinel, although he could be 
seen pacing back and forth before the barrack lights. 
Fearing that he should miss the object of his search 
in the darkness, the major cast anchor just below the 
fort, and sent a boat forward with muffled oars to 
reconnoitre. The men in the boat reported the 
" Pigot's" situation, and the anchor was again hove 
up, while the strong ebb tide swept the " Hawk" 
down upon her prey. They were soon hailed by the 
watch on the deck of the " Pigot," but making no 
answer a volley of musketry was fired at them, but 
before the " Pigot's" guns could be brought to bear 
the kedge on the " Hawk's" jib-boom had torn away 
the netting and was caught iu the shrouds, while her 
crew leaped on the " Pigot's" deck and drove every 
man below excepting her commander, who fought 
gallantly in his night-clothes, but was soon captured. 
Not a man was killed on either side. The prize was 
carried into Stonington. For this daring exploit 
Maj. Talbot again received the thanks of Congress, 
and was promoted to be a lieutenant-colonel in the 
army, while the Assembly of Rhode Island presented 
him with a sword. The next year he was made a 



captain in the navy, although there was no man-of- 
war for him to command. He was, however, author- 
ized to arm a naval force to protect the coast from 
the cruisers of the enemy. Lack of money and lack 
of vessels made the task a difficult one, but the cap- 
tured "Pigot" and a clumsy sloep called the " Argo" 
were finally equipped and manned, the" Argo" being 
the flag-ship. Her armament consisted of twelve 
small guns and her crew of sixty men. 

In May, 1779, Capt. Talbot sailed from Providence, 
and soon captured the " Lively," of twelve guns, and 
two privateer brigs from the West Indies. The 
prizes were carried into Boston amid great rejoicing. 
Talbot then cruised about in search of a Tory pri- 
vateer named the " King George." She was com- 
manded by a Capt. Hazard, a Rhode Islander. She 
carried fourteen guns and eighty men. One fine day, 
when about forty leagues from Long Island, the 
" King George" was seen, and the " Argo" bore 
down upon her, giving her a broadside when near 
enough, and then ranging alongside, Talbot and his 
men leaped on board, and the " King George" was 
surrendered without the loss of a man on either 
vessel. 

Not long afterwards the " Argo" fell in with a large 
armed ship, and a desperate fight, lasting four hours, 
took place, the vessels being all the time within pis- 
tol-shot of each other. Nearly every man on the 
quarter-deck of the "Argo" was killed or wounded. 
Capt. Talbot had the skirts of his coat shot ofl", and 
his speaking-trumpet was pierced in two places by 
bullets. At length the mainmast of the ship fell and 
she surrendered. 

After this fight the owners of the " Argo" reclaimed 
her. Capt. Talbot then took command of a privateer 
called the " George Washington." But now his good 
fortune deserted him. He fell in with a fleet of Brit- 
ish men-of-war, two of which gave chase and captured 
the "Washington" before night. Her commander 
and crew were carried to New York, and thrust into 
the hold of the Jersey prison-ship,' The horrors 
which they endured while in captivity were almost 
too much for their endurance, nor was their condition 
improved when they were transferred to another hulk 
called the "Yarmouth," in which a deadly fever soon 
broke out. Only Talbot's strong constitution and 
iron will enabled him to survive through the dread- 
ful imprisonment. He was finally carried to Eng- 
land, and exchanged for a British officer. When he 
arrived home he had been absent two years. Not long 
afterwards he married his second wife, a Miss Morris, 
of Philadelphia, and buying the forfeited estate of Sir 
William Johnson, in New York State, he removed 
there with his family and engaged in farming. In 
1793-94 he was again before the public, now as a 



1 Capt. James Briggs, of Uiis town, Wiis also for a time immured iu that 
floating hell, the Jersey prison-ship, as was also Rev. Thomas Aiidros, of 
Berkley, who wrote au account of his impiisoument. 



DIGHTON. 



233 



member of Congress, and he was soon appointed to 
the command of one of the six ships that Congress 
had decided to add to our little navy. When hostili- 
ties commenced with France in 1799, he was placed 
in command of the frigate "Constitution," and was 
on the West Indian station.' In 1801 he resigned his 
command, thinking himself unjustly treated by the 
Secretary of the Navy, who had given precedence to 
Commodore Truxton. His decision was evidently 
unjust, as Commodore Talbot was the senior officer, 
and had performed greater services for the country 
than Truxton. But republics are proverbially un- 
grateful. The remainder of his life was passed in 
New York City, where he built a handsome house, 
and where he married his third wife. 

" In person," says his biographer, " Capt. Talbot 
was tall and graceful, in features determined but at- 
tractive. A portrait of him, painted by Benjamin 
West, is in possession of his descendants in Kentucky. 
. . . He was an accomplished gentleman, with a dig- 
nity of manners that stamped him for a leader, and 
yet with a frank urbanity of spirit that endeared him 
as a companion. He was thirteen times wounded, 
and carried five bullets in his body. In private life, 
the elegant hospitality he exercised, the ardor of his 
personal attachments, the winning grace and self-re- 
spect of his manners, his acquaintance with life in all 
its phases, and a certain generous nobility of feeling 
rendered him in his prime one of the best specimens 
of a self-made American officer the country has pro- 
duced. He died in the city of New York on the 30th 
of June, 1813, and was buried under Trinity Church. 
No monument has been erected to his memory, but 
his gallant deeds are inscribed on the immortal 
records of the war of independence, and his name is 
enrolled among the patriot heroes of America." 

Such is the picture that has been handed down to 
us of Commodore Silas Talbot. Brought up in pov- 
erty, with little of the education to be derived from 
schools, and cast upon his own resources at an early 
age, he showed himself equal to any station to which 
his energy, sagacity, and bravery caused him to be 
promoted; he possessed in no small degree "that 
strong divinity of soul that conquers chance and 
fate." 

HoDijAH Baylies. — Although not born in Digh- 
ton, Maj. Hodijah Baylies, aide-de-camp to Gen. 
Washington, was a citizen of this town for many 
years. IMaj. Baylies was born in Uxbridge, Mass., 
Sept. 15, 1756. His father's name was Nicholas, and 
his mother before her marriage was Elizabeth Parks. 
His ancestors were Quakers, and resided in ihe parish 
of Alvechurch, county of Worcester, England. His 
grandfather, who was named Thomas, came over from 
England with his son Nicholas and a daughter named 
Esther in June, 1737. He returned to Eugland the 



1 Commodore Talbot superintended the building of the "Constitu- 
tion," or "OUi Ironsides," iis she wits afterwards called. 



next year, but came back under a contract with one 
Richard Clarke, of Boston, as a clerk in an iron- 
works, bringing his wife and two daughters with him. 
Another son, Thomas, came over later, and for some 
years kept a store in Taunton, and was interested in 
the manufacture of iron. Nicholas, Maj. Baylies' 
father, settled in Uxbridge, but after the death of his 
brother Thomas, Jr., which occurred in 1756, he 
moved to Taunton, and was a large land-owner and 
manufacturer of iron in that place. 

Hodijah Baylies was the youngest of eight children. 
Two of his brothers, William and Thomas S., were 
residents of Dighton, and were prominent men in the 
town. They will be more particularly mentioned 
hereafter. Hodijah graduated at Harvard College in 
1777, and almost immediately entered the army as a 
lieutenant, his first service being on the Hudson 
River. When Gen. Lincoln was appointed to the 
command of the Southern Department, Lieut. Bay- 
lies was selected by him as one of his aids. In the 
campaigns that followed he took part iu much hard 
fighting at Savannah, Charleston, and elsew'here, ac- 
quitting himself creditably in whatever situation he 
was placed. He was in the city of Charleston during 
the memorable siege by the British, and when Lincoln 
finally surrendered to Clinton on the 12th of May, 
1780, he was included among the prisoners of war. 
He rejoined the army as soon as his exchange was 
effected ; was present at the surrender of Cornwallis 
at Yorktown, and having been selected by Washing- 
ton as one of his aids, remained in this position until 
the end of the war. He stayed for some time with 
Washington at Mount Vernon after peace was con- 
cluded, receiving a brevet as major in the army. He 
returned to the North in 1784, and married Elizabeth 
Lincoln, daughter of Gen. Lincoln, who resided in 
Hingham, in this State. After residing for a time in 
Hingham he removed to Taunton, and engaged in 
business as a manufacturer of iron, the works being 
at Westville. The anchors for the frigate "Constitu- 
tion" were made at the Baylies Forge. 

As soon as the Constitution of the United States 
had been ratified in 1789, Maj. Baylies was appointed 
collector of customs at Dighton, and at once removed 
to this town with his family. His father had died in 
Taunton two years before, iu his ninetieth year. Maj. 
Baylies held the office of collector of customs until 
1809.^ In 1810 he was appointed judge of probate 
for the county of Bristol by Governor Gore, holding 
the office until 1834, when, at the age of seventy-eight, 
but in the full vigor of Ids mental faculties, he re- 

s The following are the names of the collectors who held the office 
after Maj. Baylies ; Nathaniel Williams, from 1809 until his death in 
1S23; Hercules Cushman, frum 18a3 to lf>25; Seth Williams, Esq., son 
of Natlianiel, from 1825 to 1829; Dr. William Wood, from 1829 to 183.!; 
and Horatio Pratt, from 1833 to 1834. In the latter year Dr. P. W. Le- 
laud was appointed, and the office was removed to Fall River. While 
Dighton was the port of entry the custom-house was not, aa at present, 
in a building costing half a million of dollars, but the books were kept 
at the residences of the collectors. 



234 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



signed. During his later years he was known as 
Judge Baylies, his military title being seldom used in 
connection with his name. He owned a fine farm in 
Dighton, of some two hundred acres in extent, in- 
cluding the woodland, some of which was heavily 
timbered.' The house that he bought was a tavern 
during the Revolution, and was remodeled and en- 
larged by him. He had four children, — •William G. 
(who lived in Boston, and died in 1848), Edmund, 
Amelia, and Benjamin L. Edmund was born in 1787, 
at Hingham, engaged in commerce in Boston early in 
life, and made several voyages to Russia, acquiring a 
handsome fortune. He married a Miss Eliza Payson, 
and bought a residence in Taunton, not far from the 
Neck-of-Land Bridge.' Amelia married Dr. Alfred 
Wood, formerly of this town, but now residing in 
Taunton. Benjamin L. never married ; he lived at 
the homestead until his death, a few years since. 
Judge Baylies died April 26, 1843, in tlie eighty- 
seventh year of his age. His wife had died twenty 
years before, at the age of sixty-three. She is said to 
have had an excellent judgment and a kind heart, 
gifts that were inherited by her daughter Amelia. 

Maj. Baylies was said to have been one of the 
handsomest men in the army. His deportment, 
while showing his military training, was yet easy 
and graceful, and his manners were polished and 
engaging. While he was in the army, Robert Treat 
Paine, the jurist and statesman, who knew him well. 



1 A large tract of this woodland was termed tlie Pine Swamp, and is 
still known by that name, although the timber was cut oft' a few years 
ago. It was probably the only laige tract of the primeval foi-est in the 
town, and was an interesting: spot to visit. The trees were of various 
sorts, chestnut, hemlock, and pine predominating. The swamp is evi- 
dently tile bed of a filled-up lake. In some places a fifteen-feet pole 
can be thrust down without reacliing hard pan. On the south side is a 
steep liill or ridge of gravel that was formerly covered wilh large chest- 
nut- and hemlock-trees, under which there was always a twilight gloom 
even at midday. This ridge of giavel is probably a terminal nn)ialne, 
piled up by the action of ice in the glacial period. Another smaller bit 
of the primeval woods is found on the Baylies farm, near the river, 
and is now called Simmons' Grove, from Mi-. V. N. Simmons, the present 
owner of the farm. This grove is noted for the clam-bakes that are an- 
nually held there by the Methodist and Baptist Societies. The trees are 
chiclly white-oaks, and the grove gives one a good idea on a small scale 
of the appearance of the forest at the time wlieu Winslow and Hopkins 
made their journey from Plymouth to Pokanoket, and found the trees 
" stjindiug not thiike hut a man may well ride a horse among tliem." 

It was on the northerly slope of the steel) Pino Swamp Hill, however, 
that the solemn grandeur of the i>rimeval forest impressed itself most 
strongly on tiie lover of nature. As in the land of tlie Lotus-Eaters, it 
seemed there to be always in the afternoon, and on dark cloudy days to 
be very late in the afternoon, "'(wixt the gloaming and the murk." It 
vva^ in srjme such bit of wild woodland scenery, no donbt, that Long- 
fellow wrote these lines, — 

"This is the forest primeval : the murmuring pines and the hemlocks. 
Bearded with moss and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight 
Stand, like Druids of ohl. with voices sad and prophetic. 
Stand like harpei's boai', with beards that rest on their bosoms." 

'- Edmund Baylies bad three children,— Elizabeth, Euth, and Edmund 
Lincoln. The latter, who was commonly called Lincoln Baylies, was 
born in 1829. He married Nathalie E. Kay, of New York. In 1869 he 
went to Europe, being much out of health. Tlie chango did not prove 
as beneficial as was ho|n-d, luid lie died at Geneva. Switzeiland, Nov. 28, 
1869. He possessed in a marked degree the good sense and probity char- 
acteristic of most of the Baylies family. He left four children. 



said to his mother, " Your son, madame, has all the 
elegance of the British officers, without any of their 
vices." The vigor of his mental faculties was sus- 
tained to the last. " His perceptions," says a writer 
in an obituary notice in a New Bedford paper, " were 
clear and acute. His conversation, marked by strong 
sense, abounding with anecdotes and interesting rem- 
iniscences of the Revolution, exhibited, almost to the 
last days of his life, the liveliness of youth, without 
any of the garrulity of age, always tasteful, animated, 
and correct." 

Judge Baylies' father. Deacon Nicholas, was a man 
of more than ordinary intelligence and force of char- 
acter, of excellent judgment, and of sterling integ- 
rity, respected by all who knew him. It was remark- 
able that in those days of dram-drinking he was a 
practical teetotaler, not tasting of ardent spirits, it is 
said, for more than sixty years. He left eight chil- 
dren, sixty-five grandchildren, and thirty-five great- 
grandchildren. 

De. William Baylie.s. — William Baylies, brother 
of Hodijah, wiis born in Uxbridge, Nov. 24, 1743, and 
graduated at Harvard in 1760. He was a man of 
fine mental endowments, and held many positions 
requiring high intelligence and a sound judgment. 
He was a member of the Provincial Congress which 
convened in 1775. During the Revolution he was 
often in the councils of the State. In 1784, while in 
the State Senate, he was appointed by Governor 
Hancock register of probate for Bristol County and 
a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was a 
member of the State Convention which ratified the 
Constitution, and in 1800 was an elector of President 
and Vice-President. He also represented his district 
in Congre.ss for four years. He was an original mem- 
ber of the medical, historical, agricultural, and hu- 
mane societies of this State, and was an early mem- 
ber of the Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was, 
besides, a skillful physician, and practiced medicine 
in Dighton for many years. He died in 1826. His son, 
Hon. William Baylies, LL.D., statesman and lawyer, 
was born in Dighton, Sept. 15, 1776. He practiced 
law for many years in West Bridgewater, and there 
the poet, William Cullen Bryant, studied law under 
his tuition. He died in Taunton, Sept. 27, 1865, and 
was buried in the old cemetery on the hill in Digh- 
ton. On the reverse of this monument is the follow- 
ing eulogium, far more deserved than are many of the 
flattering words of praise to be found on tombstones : 

"This stone commemorates the virtues of one pure alike in public 
and in private life, and honored and beloved in both. .\n upright states- 
man, a persuasive lawyer, a prudent and faithful counselor, sincere in 
word and purpose, calm and kind in tempei-, eipiitable in judgment, wise 
in action, who never lent his great talents to the aid of injustice, and 
abhorred the gain that is acquired in making the worse appear the better 
cause. He lived a long, useful, and spotless life, and left a noble ex- 
ample to the generation which comes after him." 

William Baylies, and his fatlier, the doctor, before 
him, owned the farm now belonging to the heirs of 
the late Silas P. Briggs. The house was formerly 



DIGHTON. 



235 



owned and occupied by Eev. Nathaniel Fisher. An- 
other of Dr. William Baylies' sons who was buried 
on the hill burying-ground was Samuel White Bay- 
lies, counselor-at-law, who was born June 22, 1774, 
and died Sept. 13, 1824. He practiced his profession 
in this town. Dr. Baylies' other distinguished son, 
Hon. Francis Baylies, of Taunton, author, statesman, 
and diplomatist, was born in Dighton, hut was buried 
in Taunton. Dr. Baylies' daughter Elizabeth mar- 
ried Hon. Samuel Crocker, of Taunton. His wife was 
Bathsheba White, daughter of Hon. Samuel White, 
eminent as a lawyer. 

Not far from the Baylies monuments on the hill 
are those erected to the memory of Capt. John Clous- 
ton and his wife Hannah, who was a daughter of 
Capt. George Bowers. Capt. Clouston died in 1782, 
in his forty-second year. In the Revolutionary war 
he commanded the armed vessel " Freedom," and 
was almost a second Paul Jones, being very success- 
ful in taking prizes in the British Channel, and thus, 
like Jones, bearding tlie English lion in his den. 
Capt. Clouston was a native of Scotland, and perhaps 
had inherited from his remote ancestors some of that 
animosity towards the English that prevailed among 
the Scottish clans in the olden time. 

Thomas S. Baylies. — Thomas Sargeant Baylies, 
son of Nicholas and brother to Hodijah and Dr. Wil- 
liam Baylies, was born Oct. 18, 1748. He lived at 
North Dighton for some years and was a farmer. He 
had besides some connection witli the iron-works es- 
tablished by his father on the Three-Mile River, in 
Westville, Taunton. He married Bethia Godfrey, of 
Taunton, for his first wife. His second wife was Deb- 
orah Barnum. He had fourteen children, and he 
died Oct. 30, 1835. He was a man of considerable 
influence in town affairs, was representative in the 
General Court for three years, and was one of the 
selectmen for a number of years. George Baylies, 
son of Thomas S., was a merchant in Boston. Hora- 
tio married Rhoda Pratt, of Dighton. Henry mar- 
ried Deborah Walker, of this town. Charles married 
Keziah Round; he was a carpenter and resided at 
North Dighton. Alfred married Rebecca D. Sproat; 
he .settled in Taunton and was a well-known physi- 
cian there. Nicholas married Susan Stone and 
moved to Baltimore; he had fourteen children. 
John, son of Thomas S., married Mary Shaw ; he 
resided in New Bedford. John's daughter Charlotte 
married Charles T. Congdon, Esq., one of the edito- 
rial staff of the JVot York Tribune. Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Thomas S., married George B. Atwood, Esq., 
of Taunton. Hannah married John N. Washburn, 
and Elina A. married James Sproat, Esq., formerly 
clerk of the courts. 

For some of the foregoing details in regard to the 
Baylies family I am indebted to Henry Baylies, Esq., 
counselor-at-law, of Boston. He is the son of Fred- 
erick Baylies, of Edgartown, and has for many years 
been collecting information, genealogical and histori- 



cal, relating to the family. He informs me that when 
in England in 1860, he visited Alvechurch, tlie home 
of Nicholas, father of Thomas Baylies, previously 
mentioned as the first of the name to come over to 
America, and searched the parish records, making 
extracts of such portions as related to the family in 
old times. After he had made a large number of 
extracts he was accosted by the curate and informed 
that he must pay half a crown for each extract he 
had made, the whole amounting to between twenty 
and thirty dollars. After a somewhat warm contro- 
versy in regard to the iniquity of such a charge, a 
compromise was efiected and he was permitted to 
take away the extracts he had made at a somewhat 
reduced rate, although the amount that he had to 
pay was a large sum, when it is considered that he 
did the copying himself. Such is the mode of doing 
business in some parts of the "tight little island." 
I Alvechurch is about a dozen miles from Birmingham. 
Dr. William Baylies was one of the original pro- 
prietors of the old Dighton and Berkley Bridge, and 
was active in securing the incorporation of the com- 
pany of which he was a member. The act of incor- 
poration commences as follows: "Feb. 24, 1801, 
Samuel Tobey, William Baylies, Thomas B. Rich- 
mond, George Ware, Benjamin Crane, Luther Crane, 
and Thomas Carpenter (2d), with such other persons 
as are now associated, or shall hereafter become asso- 
ciated, are incorporated in the Dighton and Berkley 
Bridge Company." The building of the bridge was 
strenuously opposed by those interested in the coast- 
ing business in Taunton and other towns on the river, 
as the following paper drawn up at the time to lay 
before the Legislature will show. The paper is in- 
teresting as showing the extent of the trade and man- 
ufactures of Taunton at that time. 

" Objections to \ Bridge Being Built Across Taunton Great 
River Bklow the Weir Bridge. 

*• First. Tliere are sixteen coasting vessels owned and enijiluyed above 
the place where the said bridge is intended to be liuilt, drawing from 
six to seven and a half feet of water, ten of wliicti pass and repass to 
Providence, Bedford, etc., twenty-five times each a year, at least; tlie 
other six pass and repass to and from New York, Philadelphia, Connec- 
ticut, New Jersey, etc., at least eiglit times eacli a year, freighted wliolly 
with the manufactures of Taunton and the ueigliboring towns out, and 
generally bringing bacli raw materials and grain, making in the whole 
live hundred and ninety-six times the siiid vessels will have to pass said 
bridge in a year, being a damage to the voyages of tlie smaller vessels 
of at least twelve shillings, and of the larger vessels of at least twenty- 
four shillings each time they have to piiss said bridge, amounting to 
four liundred and five pounds four shillings a year. 

"Secondly. ."Vs there are lliree difficult, rocky, and dangerous places 
to pass above and below Ihe [jlace said bridge is to stand, unlest at slack 
water, by reason of the rapidity of the current . . . from five to lifteen 
minutes detention would render it unsafe attempting to pass said places, 
by which detention tliey would frequently lose a fair wind, and be de- 
tained several days ; besides, the .«aid vessels now pass up and down at 
all times of night, which they could not do if said bridge is built, to 
their great damage. There are also frequently vessels passing up and 
down that are not owned in the river. 

"Thirdly. That there are at least three millions of bricks made in 
Taunton a year, nearly all of them transported down said river, which 
business gives employment to a large number of men and teams, and 
w hirh must be stopi)ed if there is any additional expense in getting the 
bricks to Tuirket. 



2M 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Fourthly. Tl.ut there are manufactured in Taunton and vicinity j 
eight hundred tons of iron-ware, at least, the furnaces at winch .t is , 
made depending in a great measure upon ore frelKhted up Taun on , 
Biver, and that there are seven hundred tons of ba.-ii-on silt and rolled 
in Taunton, and made into nails, shovels, etc., giving employment to a 
large number of men, the greater part of said manufactures being car- ; 
ried down said river, the vessels engaged in the business bringing back 
corn and provisions to supply the worUmel, employed, and we believe 
that if there is any further obstruction to the navigation of sa.d river 
the said business will eventually be destroyed. 

" Fifthly We believe that a bridge across said river will be of no con- 
si.lerable advantage to the public, as there is no considerable place of 
business on the river below Taunton, and but very few people cross the 
ferries at one of which, not a mile below where it is intended to build 
said bridge, does not bring into the ferryman more than 8i.x or seven 
pounds a vear.au.l the other ferry, about two miles below where the 
said bridge is intended to be built, does not more than pay the e-xpense 
of boat and tender." ^ 

Notwithstanding the weighty arguments advanced 
against a bridge in the foregoing paper, the commerce 
of Taunton was not destroyed by its being built, and it 
has since survived the building of two more bridges 
across the river. But, whatever effect they may have 
had on Taunton, the railroad bridges have cut off to 
a large extent the maritime commerce of Dighton 
to the great benefit of Somerset." 

Mary Baylies, a sister of Nicholas Baylies, father 
of William Hodijah and Thomas S., married Col. 
Ezra Richmond, of Dighton, who served in the British 
army in the old French and Indian war, but where I 
am unable to state. He was a justice of the peace, 
and filled several responsible civil offices. He was a 
man of considerable influence in his day. He lived 
in the house built by Jared Talbot, opposite the old 
meeting-house on the hill, and he died Sept. 15, 1800, 
aged eighty-two years. His son, Thomas B. Rich- 
mond, Esq., was also a justice of the peace, and filled 
the town offices of town clerk, selectman, and assessor. 
He married Elizabeth Fales, and lived on the old 
homestead. They had seven children. Their son 
Charles married Sarah Crocker, of Taunton, and was 
one of the noted manufacturing firm of Crocker & 
Kichmond, of that town. Thomas B. Richmond's 
daughter, Elizabeth F., married Rev. Samuel Tobey, 
of Berkley, and his daughter Harriet married Job 
Gardner, who formerly carried on the business of 



I The old Dighton and Berkley bridge was torn down in 1853, and re- 
built in 187:1. „■ , . V. 

= Besides the injury done to the commercial interests of Dighton by 
the railroad bridges, they have, by practically converting the river into 
a canal, deprived us of an importatit source of ajstlietio gratification. 
Formerly the river, for nine or ten mouths in tlie year, was enlivened 
by the white sails of various sorts of eiaft, but all that has been changed ; 
ugly and noisy little tugs, with uglier barges in tow, or stnngs of 
schooners under bare poles, have taken the place of the white wings of 
the coasters. A vessel under sail is one of the most beautiful and In- 
spiring objects that man has created, especially when beating against a 
8tron"°wind ; a river without vessels or boats under sail is deprived of 
half Us beauty. It is easv for one who has always lived within sight of 
a navigable river to sympathiy.e with John Ruskiu, when he says in the 
"Stones or Venice," "that without any manner of doubt a ship is one 
of the loveliest things man ever made, and one of the noblest; nor do I 
know any lines out of divine work, so lovely as those of the head of a ] 
ship or even as the sweep of the timbers of a small boat." And this 
beauty of line can only be seen to its greatest advantage when the ves- 
sel is careening under sail. 



globe-making, in a building that stood near Andrews' 
wharf, in Dighton, and was afterwards used as a ship- 
carpenter's shop by Col. Darius Perry, a ship-builder 

of this place. 

Another sister of Nicholas Baylies, named Esther, 
married Capt. Robert Holmes, of Dighton. They 
came over from England together and fell in love on 
the voyage. They had a son named Robert, who was 
also a s^t-captain. He came home from a voyage 
sick with the smallpo.x, and died at the early age of 
twenty-two. Their daughter Mary married Abiel 
Whitmarsh, of this town. Capt. Robert Holmes, Sr., 
was cast away and lost on Cohasset Rocks during a 
terrible storm. Before leaving home he had men- 
I tioned to his wife Esther, that if she had a son born 
' during his absence, he should probably never return 
alive from the voyage, as in his family for many gen- 
erations the father had died without seeing the son. 
A boy was born during the absence of the father. 
Such superstitions were more common at that day 
than at present. 

I have devoted considerable space to the Baylies 
family, but they were a prolific race, and not a few of 
them were prominent in public affairs, acting then- 
parts creditably. The blood must have been of a 
good strain to produce so many worthy and capable 
men and women, notwithstanding the saying that 
has been handed down in the family that they were 
all descended from Old Nick, in allusion to the an- 
cestral Nicholas of Alvechurch. 

Period of the War of I812.-Judging from the 
town records, the military history of Dighton during 
the war of 1812 might be as brief as the famous 
chapter on the snakes in Iceland, in the old history : 
" There are no snakes in Iceland." So there is no 
military history of the town during the last war 
with Great Britain to be found in the records. 
Many of the able-bodied citizens must have served 
in the array and the navy, but no statement is 
made of their number, nor are any of the names 
of the soldiers given. No doubt the people here, 
as elsewhere, had thought and talked a great deal 
about the long series of insults and aggressions we 
had endured from the mother-country, and which 
bade reparation on her part the only alternative ot 
war. The Federalists, with whom the war was not 
popular, were in a minority here. 

On the 19th of June, 1812, President Madison, 
! urged on by the fiery zeal of his political advisers, 
' issued his proclamation of war. On August 31st a 
' town-meeting was held, at which it was voted to sup- 
1 port the government of the United States in the war, 
i and to pay each man drafted into the service five dol- 
lars a month, in addition to the government pay. At 
another meeting the men who went in defense of New 
Bedford, when that port was threatened with an at- 
tack from the enemv, were voted a like sum in addi- 
tion to their pay from the State. This is all the in- 
formation to be got from the town record, in regard 



DIGHTON. 



237 



to the war of 1812. Nor are the names of the men 
who served in the war to be found among the archives 
at the State House. Inquiring at the adjutant-gen- 
eral's office, I was told that the old record books con- 
cerning the war of 1812 had been sent to Washington 
upon demand of the general government some years 
ago, and that the State authorities had never been 
able to get them back, although they had endeavored 
to do so. Dighton was represented in the roster of 
the Fourth Regiment, Second Brigade, at that time, 
by Senior-Maj. Abraham Briggs, who held the office 
until the disbandment of the regiment. Dighton then 
had three companies of militia, Ezekiel Francis being 
captain of the first company, Simeon Talbot of the 
second, and Hezekiah Anthony of the third. These 
companies were a part of the Fourth Regiment of the 
Second Brigade, Joseph E. Reed, of Troy (now Fall 
River), being the lieutenant-colonel commanding the 
regiment. 

At the conclusion of peace between the United 
States and Great Britain, the people of this town, 
Democrats as well as Federalists, no doubt rejoiced 
as heartily as the people of any part of the country, 
for the chief industry of the town after farming, the 
building of vessels, had been at a standstill while 
hostilities had lasted. Immediately after peace was 
declared the desertec^ ship-yards resounded with the 
ring of the carpenter's axe and the calker's mallet. 
Vessels were in great demand to fill the places of the 
nearly seventeen hundred destroyed or captured by 
the British cruisers during the war. 

During the progress of the war disputes and di- 
visions between the north and south parts of the town 
had culminated in the secession of the north part, 
and its incorporation on the 8th of June, 1814, as 
the town of Wellington, named after the Iron Duke. 
The exact causes of the separation are not well known 
at the present time, but it is jirobable that matters 
relating to the ministry and the meeting-houses had 
some connection with the difficulties that led to the 
secession of the north part, and, possibly, political 
differences and disappointed politicians may have 
been among the causes. Two cotton-manufactories 
had recently been built at North Dighton, which had 
increased considerably the population and taxable 
property of that part of the town, and it was esti- 
mated that more than three-fifths of the population 
and property were on the Wellington side of the line. 
The men in the north part who engineered the bill 
for the new township through the Legislature, seem 
to have been shrewder in looking out for their own 
interests than their neighbors of the south part. The 
dividing line, after leaving the Segreganset River, a 
short distance above its mouth, followed the east and 
west roads most of the way to the Rehoboth line. 
In the act of incorporation the north side of the road 
is the dividing line, throwing the whole cost of keep- 
ing these roads in repair upon the town of Dighton. 
Then the paupers, of whom there were twenty, were 



divided equally between the two towns, which was 
unjust to Dighton, Wellington having more popula- 
i tion and more property. The people of Dighton 
afterwards petitioned the Legislature to rectify these 
matters, but nothing came of the petition. The Buck 
I Plain meeting-house, which had been used as a town- 
! house, was in Wellington, and the town-meetings of 
I Dighton were now held in the school-house that 
stood a short distance east of the Lower Four Corners, 
and which was much too small for the purpose.' 
At the first town-meeting in Wellington, Gamaliel 
, Church was chosen moderator; Joseph Gooding, town 
( clerk ; Thomas B. Richmond, Nathaniel Wheeler, and 
Nathaniel Pierce, selectmen ; David Williams, Heze- 
j kiah Anthony, Matthew Briggs {2d), Ephraim Good- 
ing, and Thomas Pierce, assessors; and Ephraim 
j Gooding, town treasurer. Ninety-three votes were 
I cast. By the division Dighton was left with only one 
selectman. Dr. William Wood.- At a town-meeting 
held soon after, Capt. Rufus Whitmarsh and Sala- 
thiel Jones was chosen to fill the vacancies. Ninety- 
four votes were cast in the Dighton meeting. The 
people of Wellington did not find that their condi- 
tion and prospects were improved by being set ott' as 
a separate township. On the contrary, their taxes 
were increased, for they had now a set of town officers 
whose services must be paid for by themselves with- 
out the help of the people of Dighton. After about 
a dozen years' separation they were glad to give up 
their autonomy as a separate township and to resume 
business under the old name. The town was reunited 
to Dighton Feb. 22, 1826. The following is the peti- 
tion of the Wellington people to the General Court 
to be again united with Dighton : 

" To the Honorable, the Seriate and Hojtse of Representntives of the Com^ 
inonweallh of MasunchusilU in General Conrl assembled : 
" The undersigneil pelitioners, being Inhabitants of tlie town of Wel- 
lington, humbly showeth : That in the year 1814 the town of Welling- 
ton was set off from the town of Digliton ; that great inconveniences 
have arisen from this measure, anil that it wouM be foithe mntual bene- 
fit of the inhabitants of both tuwns to have the same again united into 
one town by the name of Dighton. 
"First, Becau-e there is a town-bouse which both towns own, and 



1 This school-bouse was afterwards sold by the town ; it was purchased 
by Ebeuezer Stetson, who moved it over opposite the Congiegational 
meeting-house, and made a dwelling-house of it. Stetson had lost one 
of his legs in the Revolutionary war. He was a tailor by ti-ade, and 
added to tliat occupation the dutie.s of sexton. There are many who 
will recall bis familiar appearance a^ he rang the meeting-house bell on 
Sundays, standing with the stump of his leg on the back of an old chair 
for support, and pulling away lustily at the bell-rope while he talked 
with the people who loitered in the porch before the services commenced. 
His stern features and sterner voice had an awe-inspiring effect on mis- 
chief-loving boys, though he was iu reality a kind-hearted man. 

2 Dr. William Wood was a native of Swansey. He practiced medicine 
in Dighton for many years. His name has been mentioned in the list 
of collectors of customs for the port of Dighton. He died Jan. 17, 18.3;j 
in the sixtieth year of his age. His first wife was Mary Mosier, of Dart- 
mouth; his second was Mai-y Ware, widow of Dr. George Ware, and his 
third wife was Bridget Briggs. Dr. Alfred Wood, his son by his first wife, 
also practiced medicine here for many years, and was also interested in 
the nursery business. His daughter, Adeline, by his sfecond wife, mar- 
ried Dr. Charles Talbot, of this town, lately deceaaed. By bis last wife 
he had two sons, — William and Daniel. 



238 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



which W'ellingtou only uses, and which is situated nearly in the terri- 
torial centre of the two towns, but which both towns decline to repair. 

''Secondly, Because controversies have arisen as to the maintenance 
of paupers, which would be done away with by such union. 

"Thirdly, Because the population of the two towns is of a convenient 
number for one town only. 

"Fourthly, Because town expenses would be diminished. 

"Fifthly, Because the proposed union would make a town of con- 
Tenient territorial extent, viz., about four miles square. 

" Sixthly, Because there is a large majority of the inhabitants of both 
towns who desire this union. And, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 
" JosiAH Reed, and ninety-eight others. 

" WemiXOTON, May 30, 1825." 

A similar petition, signifying tliat Barkis was 
" willin'," was sent from Dighton, signed by Hodijali 
Baylies and fifty-four others. Among the town officers 
of Wellington during its brief existence were Joseph 
Gooding,' Jonathan Jones, and Harvey Harnden, town 
clerks ; Thomas B. Richmond, Nathaniel Wheeler, 
Gamaliel Church, Thomas S. Baylies, Nathaniel 
Pierce, Epbraim Gooding, George Walker, Peleg 
Francis, John Walker, Barnabas Crane, Matthew 
Briggs, Nehemiah Walker, Benjamin Trafton, and 
David Perry, selectmen. The representatives sent to 
the General Court were Nathaniel Wheeler, in 1816, 



t The Goodings of this town can trace their ancestry back to the be- 
ginning of the seventeenth century. George Gooding, third son of 
Matthew and Joannna, was born in 1633, at Huntworthy, parisli of 
North Petherton, in Somersetshire, England. While he was yet a 
voung man be came to America, and settled first in Taunton and after- 
wards on the South Purchase, of which he was one of the earliest set- 
tlers, and was the clerk of the proprietors. He married, in 1686, Debo- 
rah Walker, daughter of James Walker, of Taunton. Their only son, 
Matthew, wjis horn June 12, 1695; in 1723 he married Abigail Riciimoud, 
of Middleboniugh. Joseph Gooding, son of the last couple, was born in 
Dighton July 1, 1729. He married Rebecca Macomber, of Taunton. 
Joseph Gooding, Jr., the driest son of the last couple, was born March 6, 
1773, in Dighton; he was the town clerk of Wellington, referieil to 
above, and was a watchmaker by trade. He married Betsey Austin, of 
Dighton. They had six children,— Abigail, Albert, Jos<-ph, William, 
Betsey, and Charles Henry. The latter now owns and occupies the 
family Inimcstead near the Dighton and Berkley bridge. He married 
Maiy A. Talbot, iice Briggs. His brother Albert married Abigail B. 
Williams, daughter of Nathaniel. Betsey married Samuel Thaxter, of 
Fall River. Rebecca married Dr. Lyman Bartlett, of New Bed ton!. The 
old family Bible, two hundred years or more old, is still extant, though 
sadly dilapidated through the hard usage of colonial days, when Bibles 
were read more than they are at the present day. The (:;enrge (Juoding, 
first above mentioned, was one of the proprietors uf the South Purchase, 
and there is a deed extant, written on parchment, dated Feb. 24, 1689, 
in which is conveyed to him for a consideration of ten pounds one share 
of hind in the South Purchase by Nathaniel Shove, son of Rev. George 
Shove, of Taunton. At tlie bottom of the deed is the following memo- 
randum by the purchaser : 

" This is to declare that my father-in-law, James Walker, gave nie the 
money that bought the land mentioned in tlio deed, for which I humbly 
thank him." 

Another branch of the Gooding family, of which George E. Gooding, 
Esq., is a representative, is descended from George Gooding, born in 
1723. He was the son of Matthew, and brother to the first mentioned 
Joseph. George had a son named Epbraim, born in 17G1, and Ephraim 
a son named Ebcnezer, born in 1794, who was the father of Deacon G. 
E. Gooding, above mentioned. 

Another old family homestead near the Dighton and Berkley bridge 
is that of the Statulish family, lineal descendants of the doughty old 
Ijilgrim, Miles Standish, whose courtship Longfellow made the theme of 
one of his puems. The l»resent representatives of the family in this 
town are Thomas D. Standish, his son James C, and a daughter. David 
Standish, brother of Thomas D., died some years ago. The brothers were 
ship-carpenters by trade. 



and again in 1826; Gamaliel Church in 1817, and 
Thomas S. Baylies in 1819. 

The Great September Gale of 1815.— The great 
cyclone and tidal wave of Sept. 23, 1815, are still 
vividly remembered by some of our townspeople, 
while younger generations have heard them so fre- 
quently talked about that they seem to many almost 
as if occurring within their own remembrance. It 
was probably the most destructive gale that has 
visited New England since its settlement by white 
men. The storm commenced on Friday, the 22d, 
with a high northeast gale and heavy rain, which 
continued until the next morning, when the wind 
veered to the east ; between eight and nine o'clock it 
shifted to the southeast, blowing almost a hurricane, 
and sending a tidal wave up the bays and rivers along 
the coast twelve feet higher than the highest spring- 
tides. Had the wind continued to blow in the same 
direction the tide would probably have risen much 
higher, but at half-past eleven A.M. the wind sud- 
denly changed to the west, and the tidal wave sub- 
sided as rapidly as it had arisen. 

If less damage was done in Dighton by this fearful 
gale than in Providence, Newport, and other large 
towns, it was only because there was less property to 
be destroyed. A large brig broke from her moorings 
and went ashore above the towij landing. When the 
tide fell she was so far inland that she could not be 
launched, and was sold at auction for less than the 
old iron was worth. A new ship, just completed, 
also went ashore near the town landing. Ways were 
laid, and repeated efforts to launch her were made. 
Her owners had nearly given up the idea of getting 
her off, when one day, while the workmen were at 
dinner, the ship suddenly started and .slid gracefully 
down the ways and into the river, to the great aston- 
ishment of the laborers on their return from dinner. 
In some of the houses near the river the water rose 
nearly to the chamber floors, and they would have 
been swept away by the heavy waves that dashed 
against them had it not been for the huge, old-fasli- 
ioned chimneys which held them in their places. 
Fortunately no lives were lost, although one old bed- 
ridden lady, named Bourne, had a narrow escape. 
When the tide entered the house she was placed by 
her friends on the top of a chest of drawers, while 
the family were driven up stairs by the rapidly-rising 
tide. Soon the old lady's retreat was overflowed, and 
she would have been drowned had not one of the 
floor-boards overhead been loosely fastened, so that 
those in the attic could take it up, when a hole was 
broken in the lath-and-plaster ceiling of the room 
below, through which the old lady was pulled up. 
That was in the old Cartwright house, that stood on 
the corner, near the town-landing ; it was afterwards 
moved off and used as a carpenter's shop. Nearly all 
the fences and walls for some distance from the river 
were destroyed, trees were uprooted, the wells were 
I filled with salt water, the outhouses demolished, and 



DIGHTON. 



239 



many fowls and domestic animals drowned. When 
the waters subsided people went searching among the 
wreckage that strewed the line of high-water mark 
for their missing goods and chattels. 

An aged lady, who lived on Richmond Hill at the 
time, tells me that she could see the great waves dash- 
ing over the houses that stood near the river, which 
seemed like a raging sea, while large oak-trees, in a 
grove near b}% were snapping off like pipe-stems ,is the 
fiercer gusts of the cyclone struck them. Windows 
for many miles inland were covered on the outside 
with a film of salt deposited by the briny scud lifted 
from the waves and borne along by the gale. In 
Providence several hundred buildings were destroyed, 
and the damage was estimated at a million and a 
half of dollars. The coast was strewn with wrecks, 
and sever.i! men from this town were lost by ship- 
wreck. There have been many heavy September 
gales since, but that of 1815 is still known as the Sep- 
tember gale. Long may it retain that honor. 

First Congregational Society. — The founding 
of the First Congregational Society of this town, 
with Rev. Nathaniel Fisher as its minister, has al- 
ready been sketched as far as the few existing docu- 
ments relating thereto will permit. Mr. Fisher ap- 
pears to have been a worthy man and a faithful 
minister. When agQ and infirmities overtook him 
tlie society procured him an assistant. Rev. John 
Smith, at an annual salary of twenty pounds. To- 
wards the last of his life Mr. Fisher found great 
difficulty in collecting his salary, and in 1871 he was 
compelled to bring a suit against the town for the 
non-payment of his rates, and recovered fifty-three 
pounds for the deficiency of two years. It is prob- 
able that the more mercenary of those who were 
thus obliged to pay for some years the preacher's 
salary, when he was no longer able to preach, may 
have had misgivings as to the wisdom of the custom 
of hiring a minister for better or for worse as long 
as he should live, and would have been able to sym- 
jiathize with the old farmer whose property had been 
mostly swallowed up by the doctor's bills for his 
wife's protracted sickness, when he expressed the 
wish that Betsey might get well or — something. Mr. 
Fisher was buried on the Will burying-ground, but 
there is no inscribed stone to mark the spot, nor a 
tablet anywhere to record that such a man ever 
lived and preached in this town. Towards the last 
of his ministry the Quakers and Baptists were re- 
leased from paying their rates to support the min- 
ister, which added to the burthen of those belong- 
ing to the society. In 1768 the following-named 
Quakers were thus released by a vote of the town : 
Edward Shove, Asa Shove, George Shove, Theophilus 
Shove, Edward Southwick, Michael Smith, Samuel 
Baker, William Boyce, and Ephraim Chubb. These 
all live on the east side of the river. 

Mr. Fisher was succeeded in the ministry by Eev. 
John Smith, who had been his assistant. Mr. Smith 



came from Plainfield, Conn. He graduated at Prince- 
ton College. Mr. Smith was generally liked by the 
society, but how long he continued to preach does not 
appear; he was still the minister of the society near 
the close of the century; he was finally dismissed in 
good standing.^ When he left Dighton he went as 
a missionary to Canandaigua, in New York State, and 
was instrumental in the purchase and clearing of six 
hundred acres of land in that town, and the founding 
thereon of a seminary of learning. He thence re- 
moved to Kentucky, where he died about the year 
1820, at the age of seventy-five years, leaving four 
sons. One of his grandsons was Prof W. B. Smith, 
of Union Theological Seminary. 

The successor of Mr. Smith was Rev. William War- 
ren, of New Ipswich, N. H. He graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in the year 1800, and was ordained in 
1802. He married Clarissa Davis, of this town. He 
commenced to preach under favorable circumstances. 
He was very popular in his society for some time, but 
after eight or nine 3-ears he became inattentive to his 
ministerial duties, and devoted a part of his time to 
the practice of medicine. He gave up his salary, ex- 
cepting what individuals were pleased to give him, be-' 
came intemperate in his habits, and was dismissed in 
1815. When he left Dighton he either carried with 
him all the records of the church or destroyed them, as 
they were not to be found afterwards. He removed to 
Salem, where he practiced medicine with considera- 
ble success, but his morals did not improve, and in 
1820 he was excommunicated. For a number of years 
after he left here there was no regular preaching in 
the First Church, which declined greatly in the num- 
ber of its members until only a few were left. In 
1826, Rev. William Torrey preached here for a short 
time. 

In 1827, Rev. Preston Cummings was engaged, and 
was installed December 26th. He preached till 1835, 
when he was honorably dismissed. He was followed 
by Rev. Jonathan King, who stayed for a year, and 
was dismissed in 1837. In 1838, Rev. John Shaw was 
installed as pastor. He was dismissed in 1843. Mr. 
Shaw was followed in 1844 by Rev. Joseph H. Bailey. 
Mr. Bailey died the same year, much lamented by 
the church and society. In this year the church re- 
ceived two donations of money, the interest on which 
was to be devoted to the support of the ministry. 
The donations were from Deacon Samuel Walker and 
Samuel Walker, Jr., and the amount was about seven 
hundred dollars. As the church could not hold prop- 
erty, even in trust, the donations were transferred to 



1 Attlie timelVIr. Smith was settled there \vasa warm, though friendly, 
contest between those of tlie society who were in favor of having him 
lor the minister and those who were in favor of a Mr. Stnples, who liad 
been preacliing on probation. The question as to wliich of tlieni sliould 
be settled over the society was put to vote in the Buck Plain meeting- 
house, those in favor of Mr. Smith being directed by the modenitor to 
go on the women's side of the house (the sexes were kept apart in the 
meeting-bouse in those days), while those in favor of Btr. Staples went 
on tlie men's side. The former was found to be the larger party. 



240 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the society. After Mr. Bailey's death Rev. Malachi 
Billiard, of Medway, preached three months, and Rev. 
E. B. Claggit filled the pulpit for a short time. Rev. 
William Walker, of Dighton, a licentiate preacher of 
the Baptist order, also preached occasionally. In 
1845, Rev. George Brown, from Maine, filled the 
pulpit, but left at the end of a year. In 1852, Rev. 
E. Newhall stayed for about two months. In 1853, 
Rev. Ezra Newton was called. Mr. Newton stayed 
till August, 1855. He was followed in 1856 by Rev. 
E. Sanford, of Raynham, who remained until May, 
1860. Mr. Sanford's successor was Rev. E. Dawes, who ' 
preached until 1879, when he received a call to the I 
pastorate of a church in Lakeville. Mr. Dawes was ; 
followed by Rev. E. J. Moore, and he by the present 
pastor. Rev. William B. Green. 

The brick meeting-house, the place of worship of 
the Central Church and Society, which formerly met 
in the Buck Plain meeting-house, was built in tlie 
year 1826. It was dedicated on the 1st day of May, 
1827. 

Second Congregational Society. — When the 
referees from Attleborough had stuck up the stake 
•on Buck Plain in 1768, as the proper place to build a 
meeting-house to replace the one burnt on the hill, 
there was much dissatisfaction among the people 
living in the east and south parts of the town. The 
stake on the plain might be in the exact geographical 1 
centre of the township, but it was by no means in the 
centre of population. The business and wealth of \ 
the town were chiefly along the lower streets, nearer 
the river, where were also to be found the best farms 
and more than half of the population. Nevertheless, 
the meeting-house was built on the plain, and the 
people in the eastern and southern sections of the 
town paid their proportion of the cost, and went regu- 
larly up among the scrub-oaks on Sundays for many 
years, facing many a bitter northwester on the way 
to meeting. Meanwhile they had resolved to have a 
meeting-house nearer their homes, and their efforts 
in this direction resulted in the raising and covering 
of the Second Congregational meeting-house, now 
occupied by the Unitarian Society, near the Lower 
Four Corners. So much had been accomplished by 
the new society just before the Revolution. During 
the war the resources of the people were too heavily 
taxed in meeting the calls of the government for men 
and money for them to raise the amount required to 
complete the new meeting-house, which was conse- 
quently left in an unfini-shed state, without windows 
or doors. While in this condition the building was 
for .some time used as a sheep-pen by Capt. Rufus 
Whitmarsh, who owned the adjoining farm. After 
the war two tracts of land were given by Col. Syl- 
vester Richmond and Joseph Atwood for a minis- 
terial fund for the use of the Pedo Baptist Congre- 
gational Church and Society at the Four Corners. 
In February, 1797, it was voted by the society that 
the trustees of this property should immediately sell 



the wood and timber on the land, and that six hun- 
dred dollars of the money arising from the sale should 
be devoted to repairing the meeting-house, the re- 
mainder to be put at interest, and the interest to be 
used in the support of a minister. The house was 
accordingly rejiaired,' and in 1798 the Rev. Jolin 
Smith undertook to heal the breach in the two socie- 
ties by preaching alternate Sundays at Buck Plain 
and at the Four Corners, but this arrangement did 
not last long, and when Mr. Smith left Dighton a 
permanent seiiaratiou between the two societies took 
place. The Rev. Mr. Allen preached for a short time 
after Mr. Smith's departure, as did also Rev. George 
Barstow, and both were invited by the society to settle 
with them, but probably the salary oflfered (four hun- 
dred dollars) was not a sufficient inducement to these 
gentlemen, as both declined. 

In June, 1803, the society met, and voted "that 
Mr. Abraham Gushes be and is hereby invited to 
take upon him the pastoral charge of the society by 
settling with them in the ministry of the gospel." 
It was then voted to pay him four hundred dollars a 
year as long as he should remain with them, in case 
he accepted the offer, and Thonj.is B. Richmond, 
James Briggs, and Josiah Wardwell were chosen a 
committee to notify him of the society'.? proposals. 
Mr. Gushee accepted the call, and was ordained 
Sept. 23, 1803, eleven churches being invited to at- 
tend the ordination by their pastors or by delegates. 
Mr. Gushee was the pastor of the society for more 
than half a century. He was born in Raynham, Sept. 
19, 1775, and graduated at Brown University in 1798. 
His ancestors were French. After the revocation of 
the Edict of Nantes in 1685, about one hundred and 
fifty French Huguenots came over to Massachusetts, 
where large numbers of their posterity are still to be 
found. Among these refugees were two brothers, 
Henri and David Gachet, who came from Rochelle, 
France. Their name ha-s since been Anglicized into 
two distinct names, the descendants of the older 
brother, Henri, writing it Gassett, and those of 

1 The steeple of the meeting-hoUBe was not added untU a generation 
after the house was fiiiislied as alcove stated. The four timbers forming 
the corners of the square tower were long, heavy sticks, and as to get- 
ting them upright was beyond tiie engineering resources of the carpen. 
ters wlio were to build the steeple, tliey called upon Capt. Anthony 
Shove to superintend the job. Capt. Slmve procured ship's tackles, and 
with the aid of sliears and a windlass, readily hoisted the sticks into 
their places. After the square tower was finished the spire was built 
inside of it, and Capt. Shore also superintended the hoisting of that 
into position. 

Capt. Anthony Shove, fatlier of the writer of this sketch, was horn in 
Freetown, March 21, 1787. His parents, Joseph and Lois, were Quakers. 
He was a descendant of Rev. George Shove, of Taunton, one of the origi- 
nal proprietors of the Taunton South Purchase. Cai)t. Shove married 
Abby Buwen, danghterof David Buvven, ship-builderof this town. They 
had five children, two daughters and ttuee sons, — Joseph, David B., and 
George A. Capt. Siiove in early life wjis a shipmaster, making voyages 
to £ngla[id and up the Mediterranean. He was chairman of the board 
of selectmen for several years, and was four times chosen to represent 
the town in the Legislature, viz , in 1840, 1841, 1846, and 1852. He was 
also postmaster for a number of years. He died suddenly Jan. 2, 1858. 
His widow survived him fourteen years. 



DIGHTON, 



241 



David converting it into Gushee. Wlien tlie division 
between the Orthodox or Evangelical Congrcgational- 
ists and the Unitarians took place, Mr. Gushee joined 
the latter, and ever afterwards preached the Unitarian 
doctrines. Mr. Gushee died Oct. 25, 1861, at the age 
of eighty-sis years. In person he was tall and some- 
what spare of flesh, and he was erect and dignified in 
his bearing. In his best days his sermons were well- 
written, able discourses. Mr. Gushee's first wife was 
Bathsheba Tobey, daughter of Samuel Tobey, of 
Berkley, by whom he had seven children, — Maria, 
Almond, Frederick A., Horace, Silas T., Julia A., and 
Bathsheba. His oldest son. Almond, practiced medi- 
cine in Warren, R. I. He married Elizabeth Williams, 
daughter of Nathaniel Williams, Esq., of Dighton. 

In 1861 the Unitarian meeting-house was remod- 
eled and repaired at an expense of nearly two thou- 
sand dollars, the old galleries, pulpit, and pews were 
taken out, the two tiers of small windows were 
changed into one tier of long ones, and other im- 
provements were made, including the purchase of an 
organ. Rev. Francis Le Baron received a call from 
the society, staying with them one year. Mr. Le 
Baron, like Mr. Gushee, was of Huguenot descent. 
He was a man of fine presence, of an enthusiastic and 
poetic temperament, which characteristics were dis- 
played in his discourses, and, while he was genial 
and companionable, he was, perhaps, not altogether 
without a consciousness of possessing culture and in- 
tellectual gifts superior to most of those with whom 
he associated. After leaving Dighton he gave up 
preaching, and removing to the West, engaged in the 
manufacture of barrels by machinery, in company 
with Rev. William Chamberlain, formerly a Univer- 
salist preacher in this town. 

Mr. Le Baron was succeeded in 1863 by Rev. Fiske 
Barrett, who resigned in 1S66, and was followed by 
Rev. J. L. Hatch, who stayed one year. In 1868, 
Rev. Mr. Kelso supplied the pulpit. Mr. Kelso was 
a Spiritualist, in thebestsense of this unpopular term. 
Mr. Kelso's successor was Rev. F. E. Kittredge, who 
stayed until 1874, when, owing to domestic troubles, he 
resigned and went West, where he procured a divorce 
from his wife and married a Western lady. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. John Wills, an Englishman, who re- 
signed in 1876, and was followed by W. H. Reeby, 
now of Norton, and he by the present pastor. Rev. 
Obed Eldridge. 

The ministerial fund is now between five and six 
thousand dollars. After the sale, in 1797, of the 
wood and timber from the land donated to the society, 
about one thousand dollars remained as a permanent 
fund when the bills for repairing the house were 
paid. The trustees named in the act of incorporation, 
which was approved by the Governor June 25, 1798, 
were William Baylies, Silvester Richmond, John 
Hathaway, Hodijah Baylies, Joseph Atwood, Silves- 
ter Atwood, Jr., David Andrews, George Ware, and 
Thomas B. Richmond. They were authorized to hold 
IG 



funds to the amount of eight thousand five hundred 
dollars. 

The George Ware mentioned as one of the trustees 
was Dr. George Ware, who died Jan. 7, 1805, aged 
forty-four years. His fether had practiced medicine 
before him in Dighton, and was also named George. 
He died Feb. 16, 1771, aged thirty-seven. They were 
both considered skillful physicians, as was also Dr. 
William Ware, brother of the first George, who prac- 
ticed medicine for many years in this town. He died 
about the year 1764, leaving a widow and several 
children. His widow, who was a daughter of Eliakim 
Walker, afterwards married Col. Thomas Church. 
Dr. William Ware lived on the Broad Cove road. He 
owned the farm now belonging to Weston Earle. The 
old farm-house was torn down some years ago. Dr. 
George Ware and his son George lived on a farm 
about a third of a mile east of Pitt's Corner. It is 
still known as the Ware farm, and contains the family 
burying-ground. A story has been handed down con- 
cerning the first Dr. George and the selection of a site 
for the family burying-ground, which is to the follow- 
ing efl^ect: The doctor had searched his farm over in 
vain for a suitable place for the family cemetery ; 
where the land was not wet and swampy it was cov- 
ered with rocks. In this dilemma he offered a friend 
who was making him a visit five dollars if he would 
find a suitable spot on the farm for a burying-place. 
After considerable search the gentleman announced 
that he had found the right place, which was where 
the family burial-lot was afterwards walled in. Dr. 
Ware assured his friend that the spot was altogether 
too wet for the purpose, and that whoever was laid 
there would have the rheumatism in their bones. 
" Well, it may be as you say, doctor, but it is the only 
place that is at all suitable on your farm, and, con- 
sidering how you will be situated hereafter, the wet- 
ness of the soil ought to be a recommendation." Dr. 
Ware was too fond of bantering others to be offended 
when the tables were sometimes turned upon himself. 
His friend's decision was accepted without further 
demur, but whether the five dollars were paid over or 
not tradition does not state. George Ware, Sr., mar- 
ried Mary Winslow. 

Dr. George Ware the younger married, in 1785, 
Polly Andrews, daughter of Capt. Elkanah Andrews. 
They had eight children. Their oldest daughter, 
Polly, was the second wife of Capt. Seth Talbot, of 
this town. Capt. Talbot represented the town in the 
Legislature in 1829. He was father of the late Dr. 
Charles Talbot, who had a large practice as a physi- 
cian for many years in this and neighboring towns. 
Dr. Talbot was formerly postmaster, and in 1874 
represented the Tenth Bristol District in the Legis- 
lature. He was a man of large influence in town 
affairs, and was a leading member of the Unitarian 
Society. He was born in Dighton, March 30, 1811, 
and died June 6, 1880. He graduated from the Har- 
vard Medical School in 1835. 



242 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Capt. Seth Talbot's brother, Capt. Eben Talbot, was 
captain of the second company of Dighton militia 
from 1814 to 1817, and held the offices of selectman 
and assessor for several years. 

The Baptist Church,— In the year 1771 there was 
a general revival among the Baptists in Relioboth and 
in the adjoining towns. Sixty members were added 
to Elder Wick's church in Eehoboth. Quite a num- 
ber of these new converts were Dighton people, to 
whom it was a great inconvenience to attend meeting 
at such a distance. Enoch Gotf and other members 
were therefore allowed to hold meetings in this town. 
Mr. GofT was in favor of communion with those who 
had not been immersed. Being a man of considera- 
ble force of character, other members were led through 
his influence to adopt similar views, and the result 
was that a church was organized in the west part of 
Dighton in 1772. Mr. Gofi' was chosen pastor of the 
church, and as they had no meeting-house he was or- 
dained in the barn of a Mr. Briggs. The sermon on the 
occasion was preached by Elder Lyon, of Canterbury, 
and Elder Jacob Hicks gave the hand of fellowship. 

Not much is known of Elder Goff's early life. He 
was born in Dighton, Nov. 3, 1740, was baptized in 
1771, and began to preach the same year. During 
the Revolution he served for a short time as a private 
in the army. In person he was short in stature, but 
strongly built. Though intensely earnest and zealous 
in his religious belief, he was yet cheerful and social 
in his intercourse with his friends and neighbors, and 
was liked by all who knew him. The members of 
his church were to him as his children. When in- 
vited to the pastorate of a church in Providence, he 
answered, " I cannot leave my family." The reply 
was that he was expected to bring his family with 
him. " But my family is very large ; there are two 
hundred and fifty members in it." He was a shoe- 
maker by trade, and supported his family by making 
and mending shoes, as he never had a salary. He was 
an illiterate man, having attended .school but very 
little. He had a stentorian voice, which in summer- 
time, when the meeting-house windows were open, 
could be heard for a long distance. In 1781, David 
Simmons (or Seamans) was ordained as his colleague. 
In 1780 the church completed the meeting-house, 
which had been commenced some time before, the 
site being near the Rehoboth line. It was a small 
structure, had rough benches instead of pews, and 
had neither stove nor fireplace. The circumstances 
attending its dedication were in the highest degree im- 
pressive, for it was dedicated on the " dark day," May 
19, 1780, a day of intensified gloom, which must have 
strangely affected the congregation of farmers and 
their families, many of them, no doubt, illiterate and 
superstitious, who had assembled at the dedication. 
The sermon on the occasion was preached by Elder 
Knapp. In 1796 a larger and better finished house was 
built, about one mile north of the first one, and which 
has been known ever since as Elder Goff's meeting- 



house, although it is not now in possession of the de- 
nomination to which he belonged. Elder Goff's con- 
gregation came from other towns besides Dighton and 
Relioboth, and there were members of his church in 
Freetown, Berkley, Somei'set, and Taunton. At one 
period his churcli consisted of more than three hun- 
dred members. He continued to preach regularly 
until 1806, when, his health failing, Elder Epliraim 
Sawyer was called to tlie pastorate, although Mr. 
Goff still preached occasionally. The oldest records 
belonging to the church commence in 1807, when 1 
there were one hundred and ninety-one members. ' 
In 1808 there was a revival, and fifty-seven were 
added to the church. The next year there was a 
schism among the members, and the trouble con- 
tinued for two years, when thirty members were 
excluded for having embraced what the majority 
considered erroneous doctrines. 

From November, 1807, to October, 1813, two hun- 
dred and sixty-two members were received into the 
church. But while so many were received, the strict- 
ness of the discipline caused many to be excluded 
after having been members for a short time,' while 
deaths and removals further diminished the number, 
so that in 1826 there were ojily one hundred and 
thirty-nine belonging to the church. 

Elder Goff died March 17, 1810. His widow, Deb- 
orah, died in 1816. They had two children, Deborah 
and Shubael. In 1813, Mr. Silas Hall, of Raynham, 
came to labor in the church, and was ordained the 
same year. He remained only one year. In 1816, 
Mr. Bartlett Pease, of New Bedford, was ordained 
pastor. In 1820 sixty-five members were added to 
the church. Mr. Pease left in 1821. During his stay 
there was quite a large party in the church in sym- 
pathy with those who wei'e excluded in 1811 for 
having become infected with what was termed the 
" heresy of Unitarianism." In 1821 a Mr. Lovejoy 
was called to preach. Lovejoy seems to have accepted 
too literally the apostolic saying about beingall things 
to all men. His sermons in the church were of the 
orthodox, Trinitarian pattern, but when he met 
with the factions that had been excluded he ex- 
pressed views that were radically Unitarian. Mr. 
Lovejoy was dismissed at the end of a year, and his 
dismissal was so unacceptable to many that the party 
who were in his favor withdrew from the church and 
held separate meetings. Thirty members were ex- 
cluded soon afterwards, including two of the deacons. 
The Unitarian faction finally obtained possession of 
the meeting-house, which, under the name of the 
Christian Baptist Society, they retain at the present 
time, the Rev. Otis W. Bates being now the pastor. 



1 The following entry in the church records of 1826 shown that at that 
date there were sporadic cases of a disorder that has since hecoliie almost 
an eiiidf-niic. At a church meeting " Brother Green reported, in rela- 
tion to Sister Lewis, thai he liad found her gilty of an incutalile eavle, 
havitig divorced hir husband and married again, contra to the laws of 
God." 



DIGIITON. 



243 



From 1822 to 1827 the church had no settled pas- 
tor ; in the latter year Mr. Caleb Greene, of New 
Bedford, was ordained. At this time tlie church 
numbered only one hundred members. Mr. Greene 
remained until 1831. In 1832, Kev. John Reed was 
called, and stayed till 1836. He was followed by Mr. 
J. L. Wittemore, who was ordained in May, 1837, 
and remained until 1840. The next year the church 
was without a pastor, and had but forty-one members. 
They were accustomed to meet in the school-house at 
the Lower Four Corners, and sometimes at private 
houses. In 1842 the church voted "to make an effort 
to build a meeting-house at the Four Corners, and 
that the church be located there." The house was 
completed in 1845 at a cost of about sixteen hundred 
dollars, the whole amount having been raised and 
paid before the dedication. 

During the period they had been without a meet- 
ing-house they had been supplied with preachers for 
most' of the time. Mr. John B. Parris, a licentiate, 
was with them for about a year and a half. Caleb 
Blood and Charles F. Colver, then students at Brown 
University, also preached for a time, as did also 
Alexander W. and Samuel Carr. After the dedication 
of the new house, Mr. James Andern was ordained 
pastor Nov. 13, 1845. The sermon on the occasion 
was by W. H. Shailer, D.D. Mr. Andern remained 
about a year, and was succeeded in 1847 by Rev. 
Edwin Stillman, who stayed until 1851. While he 
was here there was a revival, and seventeen persons 
were baptized. 

During the ten years that followed Mr. Stillraan's 
departure the church was without a resident pastor, 
excepting for six months, when Rev. S. A. Thomas 
preached. They were generally supplied with preach- 
ing, however, and there were some additions to the 
church. At that time it was classed as one of the 
" feeble churches," and received aid from the Taun- 
ton Baptist Association, to which it belongs. In 
1861, Rev. L. Kinney commenced to preach. Mr. 
Kinney's successors have been Rev. Mr. Latham, 
Rev. Mr. Horton, Rev. J. C. Boomer, and the present 
pastor. Rev. A. W. Carr, who has been with the church 
since 1874. Within a few years a handsome parson- 
age has been built near the church by the society, 
and an organ purchased. There are eighty-four 
members in the church at the present time. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church.— Not much 
is known in regard to the early days of the Meth- [ 
odist Church at North Dighton. If records were 
kept of the proceedings in the church and society at 
that period, they are not now to be found. 

In the year 1814, Israel Anthony moved to North 
Dighton from Somerset, and through his influence 
there was occasionally Methodist preaching in that 
village, by Rev. John Tinkham, from Easton, and by 
others whose names are unknown. In 1815, or early 
in 1816, Rev. Orlan<lo Hinds was on the circuit, and 
a revival commenced, resulting in a large number of 



conversions ; many were baptized and received on 
trial. After the revival had subsided a reaction set 
in, and the record states that the conduct of some of 
the leading members was such as to greatly militate 
against the prosperity of the infant society. There 
is no record of the formation of the church, and 
probably no one living knows when it was formed. 
From 1815 to 1823 the following preachers were sta- 
tioned here: Rev. Orlando Hinds, who died in 1820; 
Rev. Elisha Streeter, Rev. Isaac Bonney, and Rev. 
Jason Walker. As there was no meeting-house they 
preached sometimes in the school-house, sometimes 
in the Long House on the island, and occasionally in 
the loft over the store. A Quarterly Meeting was 
held at the Long House at one time at which so 
many attended that the house was full to overflowing, 
and sails had to be procured to make a temporary 
shelter for the crowd outside. The first authentic 
record extant is a class paper, dated Wellington, July 
31, 1823. Abiathar White, leader; Rev. Hermon 
Perry and Rev. A. Tummins, circuit preachers; Rev. 
J. A. Merril, presiding elder. In 1831, Revs. F. Dane 
and H. Waldron were stationed at Somerset and 
North Dighton. One hundred and fifty-seven dollars 
was raised at the latter place to pay the preachers. 
In 1832, Rev. W. Emerson and Rev. J. D. Baldwin 
were stationed on the circuit, and the sum of two 
hundred and eighty-six dollars was collected from 
Digliton, Taunton, Rehoboth, and Somerset. In 
1833, Rev. F. Dane was stationed at North Dighton. 
A meeting-house had been commenced in 1830, and 
was finished in 1831. Rev. L. Bates, of Bristol, 
preached the dedication sermon. In 1834, Rev. 
Thomas Gile was stationed there ; the preachers suc- 
ceeding him up to the time of building tlie present 
meeting-house were as follows: in 1835, Rev. Elias 
Scott; 1836, C. Howard; 1837, John Bailey, B. 0th- 
man, presiding elder ; 1888, D. Culver; 1839, Ephraim 
Capen; 1840-41, Byron Morse; 1842, G. H. Win- 
chester (fifty members in the church); 1843, Charles 
Carter; 1844, E. A. Lyon; 1845, A. Gardner; 1846, 
Richard Donkersly ; 1847, William Cone, and also in 
1848; 1849, Franklin Garett; 1850, W. H. Richards; 
1851, A. N. Bodfish, also in 1852 (this year a reed 
organ was purchased, taking the place of the bugle, 
clarionets, and trumpets, which had hitherto furnished 
the instrumental music in the church) ; 1853, P. Cady ; 
1854-55, C. Banning; 1856, Charles H. Titus (presid- 
ing elder ; church members, one hundred and five ; 
on probation, twenty; five hundred and fifty dollars 
paid the preacher) ; 1858, H. H. Smith, also in 1859 ; 
1860, John N. Coolidge ; 1861-62, Lewis B. Bates; 
1863, Erastus B. Benton, also in 1864 ; 1865, Asa Bod- 
fish (members, one hundred and seventy-four; nine 
hundred dollars paid for preaching). 

In 1865 a new meeting-house was commenced. 
The trustees engaged in seeing to its building were 
Allen Talbot, James H. Codding, George F. Gavitt 
William L. Hathaway, J. R. Talbot, F. A. Horr A. 



244 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Chace, Eliakim Briggs, and J. W. Hathaway. A 
church was formed at South Dighton this year, and 
fourteen members were transferred to it by letter. 
In 1866, Rev. A. N. Bodfish preached. The new 
church was finislied this year, the whole cost being 
about twenty thousand dollars. It was dedicated 
Oct. 11, 18G6, Kev. Marlv Trapton, of Providence, 
preaching the dedication sermon. The centenary 
collection of the church this year amounted to six 
thousand five hundred dollars, all, excepting five 
hundred dollars of the amount, being given by the 
North Dighton Furnace Company. The whole sum 
was appropriated towards paying for tlie new cluirch. 
Eight thousand four hundred and three dollars was 
raised in all by the society this year. In 1867, Rev. 
A. N. Bodfish was continued at North Dighton, at a 
salary of one thousand dollars ; in 1868, T. S. Thomas 
(one liundred and seventy-seven members in the 
church) ; in 1869, W. H. Stetson, also in 1870 ; 1871, 
E. T. Jones ; 1872, G. W. Ballou (salary, eleven hun- 
dred dollars; members, one hundred and eighty-five; 
probationers, forty-one; Sunday-school membership, 
three hundred and seventeen) ; in 1874,0. W. Ballou 
was continued, and also in 1875; 1876, Rev. George 
H. Bates, also in 1877; in 1879-80, G. W. Wright. 
The present jjastor is George H. Bates. 

Second Methodist Episcopal Church.— In March, 
1866, an energetic effort was made to establish a Meth- 
odist Church at Dighton Four Corners. Various local 
preachers had before this time been preaching, though 
without much regularity, at the Broad Cove school- 
house. At the time referred to James A. Dean was 
engaged to preach, and the building that had been 
known as the Dighton Academy was purchased by a 
joint-stock company for a meeting-house. The upper 
part of this building had formerly been used as a 
Universalist meeting-house or chapel.asit was called. 
It had been raised up, and a story built underneath. 
The first meeting of the Methodists at their new house 
was held April 8, 1866, with a congregation of about 
fifty persons. Before the end of May congregations 
of one hundred and upwards were obtained. 

The church was organized on the 13th of May, with 
a membership of twenty-tliree. A strawberry festi- 
val, held in June of that year, netted one hundred 
and fifty-six dollars, and tlie proceeds were used to 
purchase a cabinet organ. In the following Septem- 
ber a (-lam-b.ake, given by the society in Baylies' 
Grove, added somewhat to the resources of the young 
society. 

In 1867 a revival commenced, lasting about two 
months, meetings being held almost every evening. 
About forty converts were made. At the close of the 
year the church was in a very prosperous condition. 
In 1868, Mr. Dean, finding that his salary would not 
meet his expenses, left for the pastorate of a church 
in Providence. He was succeeded by Rev. H. H. 
Smith, and he, in 1872, by Rev. A. E. Hall. In 1874, 
Mr. Hall was appointed to St. Paul's Church in Prov- 



idence, and Rev. V. W. Mattoon was appointed in his 
place. Mr. Mattoon was succeeded by Rev. Dennison 
L. Brown, and he, in 1877, by Rev. John Lindsey, an 
Englishman by birth. Mr. Lindsey's successor was 
Rev. L. P. Causey, who was followed by Rev. S. E. 
Evans, and he in turn by the present pastor. Rev. F. 
D. Sargent. The church is now in a prosperous con- 
dition. Annual clam-bakes and strawberry festivals 
are an established custom with the society, and are a 
material aid to its finances, as they are to the sister 
society at North Dighton, and to the Baptist Society 
at the Four Corners. 

The Universalist Society. — Nearly forty years ago 
a society of Universalists was formed at South Digh- 
ton, and a neat chapel, of the Greek temple or Par- 
thenon style of architecture, albeit the material was 
wood, was built a short distance east of the Four Cor- 
ners, on a pleasant and commanding site. At that 
time, and for some years liefore and afterwards, there 
was a remarkable intellectual activity in New Eng- 
land. Old creeds and theological dogmas were over- 
hauled and criticised, without regard to their age or 
the weight of authority that supported them. It was 
an epoch when men's minds were uncommonly recep- 
tive of new ideas. Emerson, Alcott, Thoreau, Mar- 
garet Fuller, and other gifted and earnest men and 
women were searching in German philosophy and in 
the theological literature of India and other Asiatic 
lands, for answers to questions that constantly recur 
to thoughtful minds as to the meaning of this visible 
universe and the destiny of the human race. Nor was 
this mental activity and questioning confined to what 
are termed the cultivated classes. The carpenter at 
his bench, the blacksmith at his forge, the shoemaker 
over his lapstone, and even the butcher and the tin- 
peddler from their wagons, were wont, according to 
their various gifts, to become argumentative, like 
Milton's angels, "on fate, free-will, foreknowledge 
absolute," or on subjects quite as abstruse, and, like 
the angels, "found no end in wandering mazes lost." 
That was a flourishing period for isms of various sorts, 
some of them based on error and otliers founded on 
truths of the greatest moment to the human race. 
The Universalist Society in Dighton was the out- 
growth of this intellectual ferment, although the doc- 
trines believed in by the sect had long been familiar 
to many, through the published sermons of John 
Murra)' and other able preachers in this denomina- 
tion. Since the time of Origen and others of the 
early church Fathers, the doctrine of eternal torment 
of the wicked after death has been repulsive to many 
intelligent minds, driving some into deism, and even 
into atheism, while others have become agnostics, or 
have taken refuge in Socinianism, Unitarianism, or 
Universalism. 

For several years the society at the Corners was in 
a flourishing condition, the congregation meeting in 
the chapel being larger in numbers than the one that 
listened to Mr. Gyshee's sermons in the old meeting- 



DIGHTON. 



245 



house. But after some years of prosperity various 
causes led to the decline of the society, and the meet- 
ings were no longer kept up. The chapel was sold 
and was converted into a school-house, called the 
Dighton Academy.' The columns in front were taken 
ofl', the building was raised up, and a story or base- 
ment was built underneath. In 1S6G, after the fail- 
ure of the academy project, the building was bought 
by the Methodist Episcopal society for a meeting- 
house. 

The names of the Universalist ministers who 
preached at the chapel were Hewitt, Hodston, Cham- 
berlain, and Arnold. Of these, Mr. S. C. Hewitt was 
probably the most talented preacher, but was appar- 
ently lacking in tiiie conservative elements of charac- 
ter that enter into the composition of a weil-balanced 
mind, this deficiency leading him to engage with a 
zeal untempered with a sufficiency of knowledge or 
wisdom iu a pseudo science like phrenology, and into 
the wildest vagaries while investigating what are 
termed the phenomena of spiritualism, a class of 
phenomeua needing for its investigation the most 
level-headed common sense and a thorough scientific 
training. When to these qualifications is united a 
fearless pursuit of truth, we have results such as have 
been given to the world by the distinguished English 
scientists. Professor William Crooks and Professor 
Alfred K. Wallace, and by the equally distinguished 
German investigator, the late Professor ZoUner. 

In those days the odium theologicum was much more 
bitter than at present, when the advance of liberal 
ideas gives promise of soon breaking down the walls of 
sectarian bigotry and prejudice, and no doubt to many 
of other denominations, Universalism and infidelity 
were almost synonymous terms. It may have been 
some narrow-minded member of one of the so-called 
orthodox societies who raked out of the limbo of 
things forgotten, a quartrain of old Daniel Defoe's, 
and inscribed it with a jieucil on one of the columns 
of the chapel, when the society was in its most 
flourishing condition, or it may have been some outf- 
sider, with a turn for jesting, who had no objection to 
stirring up the Universalists by a little quotation from 
an unfamiliar source. Probability, however, favors 
the latter supposition. The lines were as follows : 

"Whenever saints erect a house of prayer, 
The devil always bnilds a chapel there ; 
And 'twill be found, upon examination. 
The latter baa the largest congregation." 



1 It has been called an American peculiarity to magnify tlie actual by 
frequently using terms of larger meaning than the facts will warrant. 
But the pretension of terniing an ordinary private school, without en- 
dowment, or library, or apparatus, and without a corps of teachers, an 
"academy," is not peculiar to this country nor to the nineteenth cen- 
tury. When some one inquired of BoswelTs father, the old Laird of 
Auchinleck, how James was prospering, the reply, in broad Scotch, was 
as lollows; " There's Due hope for Jamie. Jamie has gaen clean adaft. 
What do yon think, mon ? lie's done wi' Paoli — he's ofl' wi' the land- 
louping scoundrel of a Corsican. And whose tail do you think he has 
pinned himself to now, mon? A dominie, mon — an ould dominie; he 
keepit a schiile, and cjin'd it an acaademy." 



Such sallies as this were but little regarded by the 
Universalists,' who were wont to retaliate by repeat- 
ing with gusto anecdotes showing up their orthodox 
friends in ridicule, such as the story of the old dea- 
con's exhortation at a church meeting: "Brethren, 
there is, I am sorry to say, a new doctrine going about 
the world ; we are told that all men are to be saved, 
but, brethren, let us ho|ie for better things." 

The Christian Baptist Societies. — Besides the 
religious organizations of which sketches have been 
given there are in Dighton two Christian Baptist 
Churches, in regard to the founding of which, or the 
names of the pastors that have been settled over them, 
I have not been able to obtain any information. The 
first of these is in the west part of the town, the meet- 
ing-house being the one in which Elder Goft' used to 
preach and still called by his name, and the second 
is at North Dighton. The meeting-house owned by 
the latter society was probably built about the same 
time as the old Methodist meeting-house. 

Besides the religious societies mentioned there are 
two Christian Baptist societies in this town, of the 
history of which I have been unable to obtain any 
definite information. The one at West Dighton is 
now under the pastoral charge of Rev. Otis H. Bates, 
and the one at North Dighton is under the charge of 
Rev. Mr. Bacheler. 

Manufactures. — There are many people now liv- 
ing who can remember the days when the spinning- 
wheel, the hand-loom, and the dye-tub were to be 
found in use in almost every farmer's family, and 
when homespun cloth of wool and of flax was used 
almost exclusively for the dress /)f men and women, 
as well as for bed and table coverings. How the 
women of that time managed to do all the spinning, 
weaving, and dyeing needful to be done in their house- 
holds, and bring up tlieir large families besides, is a 
mystery to their novel-reading granddaughters of to- 
day, who " toil not, neither do they spin," — at least, 
nothing more substantial than the yarns of gossip. 

There was, no doubt, as much done in this town in 
early times in the way of such domestic manufac- 
tures as have been mentioned as in other country 
towns of its .size. In one industry, however, Dighton 
probably forestalled all the other towns in the State. 
This was the business of raising silk-worms and the 
reeling and manufacture of silk from the cocoons, 
which was introduced into this town by Mrs. Sarah 
Hart more than half a century ago. Mrs. Hart not 
only raised and manufactured the silk, but she taught 
the mysteries of the business to others, so that at one 



^ Among the prominent momhers of the society were Anthony Bead, 
Joseph Pitts, Capt. William Cobb, and his two brothers, Capts. George 
and Benjamin, Maj. Charles Whitniarsh and W. B. Whitmarsh, and 
Bradford Pratt. Mr. Reed was a lumber-dealer, trader, and master-car- 
penter; Mi\ Pitts was a shoemaker by trade, was justice of the peace, 
and represented the town in the Letiislatnre in l84"2-44 ; Maj. Whit- 
marsh was a trader and ship-builder; Capt. W. B. Whitmarsh was post- 
master for many years; Bradford Pratt was a surveyor, scliool-teacher, 
and justice of the peace ; he was a member of the Legislature in 1848-49. 



246 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



time there was quite a nuuiber of people interested 
in the occupation in a small way. That was about 
the time of the Morits iu'd/icaiilis mania, which was 
started by Prince, the Flushing, L. I., nurseryman, 
who had these, as he described them, wonderful mul- 
berry-trees for sale, quite a number of which wei^e 
set out in this town, and some of them have grown 
into large trees. Further mention of the silk-culture 
and manufacture in Dighton will be found in the ap- 
pendix. Now that the manufacture of silk goods has 
attained to such dimensions in the United States, 
there being in 1880 three hundred and eighty-three 
factories, producing silk goods valued at over thirty- 
four million dollars,' it is interesting to know that 
this town was the pioneer in the business in this 
State, and that here were grown the first specimens of 
the larvae of the Bombtj.v inori (or silk-worm moth) 
ever seen in Massachusetts. 

The manufacture of textile fabrics by machinery 
was commenced in this town in the year ISO!', when 
a small cotton-factory was built on the Tliree-Mile 
River at North Dighton.- This was called Wheeler's 
factory, from the agent, Nathaniel Wheeler. This old 
building, which had been leased by various parties, 
was burned in February, 1881, at the time of the 
paper-mill fire. 

In 1810 another and larger cotton-mill was built on 
the Three-Mile River, about a fourth of a mile above 
Wheeler's mill. The new factory was for some years 
known as the Bristol mill, some of the owners living 
in that town. It is now known as the Mount Hope 
mill. The building was raised on the Fourth of July, 
a large crowd being collected at the raising, and a 
barrel of rum being required to moisten the throats 
of those who worked, and of tliose who assisted, in 
the French sense of the term, by looking on. Thomas 
S. Baylies, who was one of the owners, sold the com- 
pany the land for the mill-site, and also the water- 
power privilege, being an inheritance from his father, 
Nicholas Baylies. The property has had a number of 
owners and lessees, among the latter being Theophi" 
lus, Azariah, and Jervis Shove, deceased, who carried 
on the manufacture of cotton goods for some years. 
The original building has been enlarged by ad- 
ditions. 

The present proprietors of the Mount Hope mill 
are Stafford & Company, John W. Chadwick being 

1 Tlie value of the silk goods imported in 1880 was thirty-two million 
eight hundred and ninety-nine thousand five hundred dollai-s, so that 
we manufacture more th.in half of the silk fabrics that we require. 

2 According to information received since the above wjis written, the 
old White-Birch factory was built in 1808, which would give it pre- 
cedence, in point of time, over Wheeler's factory. None of the cotton- 
mills in Fall River had been built at that date. 

The non-intercourse and embargo acts that preceded the second war 
with Great Biitain, while tliey were disastrous to American shipping 
interests, had all the stimulating etfect of a liigli protective tariff upon 
our infant manufactures, and thus helped materially towards our com- 
plete independence of the mother-country. Without the aid of these 
retaliatory acts of CfUigress the Dighton factories would not iiove been i 
built. i 



the superintendent. Six thousand four hundred spin- 
dles are run. About a hundred hands are employed, 
turning out fifty-four thousand |>ounds of hosiery yarn 
per month. 

The other principal manufacturing establishment 
at North Dighton is the paper-mill of L. Lincoln & 
Co., which employs some twenty-five hands, and turns 
out daily about six thousand pounds of manilla and 
and other paper. The junior members of the firm 
are Edward and James M. Lincoln. The mill was 
established in 1850 by Caleb M. and Lorenzo Lincoln. 
On the death of the first-named, a few years after- 
wards, the firm-name was changed to that of L. Lin- 
coln & Co. The firm has been burnt out twice, the 
last time in 1881. The new buildiag is a substantial 
brick structure, and the mill is probably one of the 
best appointed in the State. The property is owned 
by the Dighton Manufacturing Company, a firm that 
was incorporated in 1822 for the manufacture of cot- 
ton goods, in what was called Wheeler's factory. At 
that time the company consisted of Israel Brayton, 
Oliver Chace, Eliab B. Dean, Elisha Lincoln, Nahum 
Mitchell, James Maxwell, Clark Shove, Nicholas 
Stevens, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Nathan Williams. 
The company is not now engaged in manufacturing, 
but leases all its property. It owns real estate on the 
Taunton side of the river, as well as in Dighton, in- 
cluding the " pipe-shop" on the east side. This build- 
ing was formerly occupied by George F. Gavitt, in 
company with others, for the manufacture of gas- 
pipes. It has lately been converted into a wool- 
washing establishment, under the firm-name of Scott 
& Talbot. The water-power privilege is owned by 
the Dighton Manufacturing Company. This com- 
pany formerly had a small cupola furnace on the 
"island," where castings of various kinds were made. 
Nearly two centuries ago there was an iron-furnace 
on the island, owned by members of the Walker 
family, of Taunton, who also owned several hundred 
acres of land in the vicinity. The Walkers manufac- 
tured iron from bog-ore dug on their own land. 
Further reference to this iron-works will be found in 
the appendix, in the genealogical history of the 
Walkers, and also a brief mention of Nicholas Ste- 
ven.s' saw- and grist-mill that stood near the iron- 
works. 

Another manufacturing establishment at North 
Dighton is the Waldron bakery, established more 
than thirty years ago by Francis Waldron. 

Although situated in Taunton, yet the Dighton 
Furnace Company's works are so near the boundary 
line as to make the name seem not inapproi)riate. 
Besides, the works employ numbers of Dighton men, 
and the treasurer, Mr. James H. Codding, is a resi- 
dent of this town. Not far from one hundred and 
fifty men are employed in this establishment, which 
is a great aid to the jirosperity of North Dighton 
village. If the boundary line between Dighton and 
Taunton had been established as was at first contem- 



DIGHTON. 



247 



plated when this town was laid out, the Dighton 
Furnace Works, the wool-washing establishment, 
Rose's nickel-plating shop, the North Dighton Rail- 
road depot, with twenty or thirty dwelling-houses 
and several hundred acres of land, which are now 
within the limits of Taunton, would belong to this 
town. The division line between Dighton and Taun- 
ton, starting from near the northwest corner of this 
town, runs in a straight line in a southeasterly course 
until it reaches the pond just above the Mount Hope 
mill ; thence it follows the sinuous course of Three- 
Mile River down to its junction with Taunton River. 
When Dighton was laid out it was proposed that the 
northern boundary line, instead of following down 
the Three-Mile Rirer, should continue straight on in 
the southeasterly course to Taunton River, and across 
the latter stream to the Freetown line. This would 
have brought the irregularly triangular tract between 
the Three-Mile River and Taunton River into this 
town, where it naturally belongs. 

There are many good reasons for having this pro- 
posed boundary line established now, and the triangu- 
lar strip of territory mentioned annexed to Dighton. 
This would do away with the mistakes and confusion 
arising from the fact that the North Dighton Rail- 
road depot and the Dighton Furnace are now in 
Taunton. Besides, to use the language of diplomacy, 
it would " rectify our frontier," and would unite under 
one town government the village that has grown up 
on both sides of Three-Mile River, and which now is 
inconvenienced by being partly under town and 
partly under municipal government. It is believed, 
besides, that annexation to this town would be no 
detriment, but an advantage to those dwelling on the 
territory in question, or owning real estate there, 
through the much lower rate of taxation prevailing 
in this town than in Taunton. The question of an- 
nexation, however, is one in which the people on the 
territory described must take the initiative. 

Water-Power of the Segreganset— The Segre- 
ganset River runs its course almost wholly within the 
limits of this town. Excepting near its mouth, where 
it joins the Taunton, it is little more than a brook. 
One branch of it rises in the west part of the town, 
near Goft's Hill, and another takes its rise in the ex- 
treme northwest corner; these branches unite at the 
pond, just above the saw-mill and grist-mill of J. T. 
W. Reed. At this point, on the east side of the road, 
there was formerly a small cotton-mill, called the 
White-Birch factory, which was burnt more than 
forty years ago, while it was being run by David 
Westcoat, now of Taunton. Just above the site of 
the White-Birch mill one Simeon Williams had a 
saw-mill in the last century, and near by was, at a 
later date, the lap-mill of Joshua Williams, the build- 
ing having been previously used for the making of 
plugs for ship-carpenters' use by Isaac Babbitt. 
About a quarter of a mile west of the brick meeting- 
house is the pond that gives power ibr the forge and 



gri.st-mill of Albert Briggs, son of Joseph Briggs, 
who carried on business here for many years. The 
property has been in the family for a long period. 
About one hundred and eighty years ago one Matthew 
Briggs came over from England, and brought the 
machinery for a forge and grist-mill, which was set 
up at this place. Mr. Briggs was one of the deacons 
of the Congregational Church. A part of his busi- 
ness was the making of pod-augers for carpenters' 
use, that being in the "good old pod-auger days," 
before the screw-auger was invented. 

Just below the Briggs Forge, and not far from 
Leonard Horton's house, there was many years ago 
a fulling-mill, all traces of which, as well as its his- 
tory, have long ago disappeared. A short distance 
below the east and west road that leads to the Upper 
Four Corners is a stone building which was built in 
1822, by Capt. David Perry, for a machine-shop. On 
his failure in business the property was sold, and the 
building was afterwards occupied as a tack-mill by 
various parties. About a quarter of a mile below the 
stone building there was, many years ago, a flasseed-oil 
mill, but by whom it was owned or when it was built 
are not now known. It was an unfortunate concern, 
and the machinery was said to have been bewitched 
by an old woman who had a spite against the owner. 
No sooner was it started to running than some part 
of it would break down. The iron spindle of the mill- 
stone seemed to be the particular object of the old lady's 
evil spells, for it would melt down almost as soon as 
the mill started, although its bearings were liberally 
supplied with tallow and other lubricants. That was 
long after the time of that zealous divine and witch- 
hunter. Cotton Mather, and none of the women of 
the neighborhood were hung or tortured on suspicion 
of having bewitched the oil-mill. The building was 
afterwards used as a tub- and pail-factory by a Mr. 
Willard, the lower part being used by Mr. Cummings 
as a blacksmith-shop. The witch spell seemed to 
cling to it to the end, for it took fire from friction one 
night, and was destroyed. A plank had been run 
through the spokes of the water-wheel to prevent its 
turning, but a freshet coming on, the pressure of the 
water broke the plank, and the machinery started 
into rapid motion. As there was not enough oil on 
the bearings to prevent friction, the building was in 
flames before morning. Afterwards a saw-mill was 
built on the site by Joseph Briggs. About half a 
mile below the site of the oil-mill was the tack-factory 
of Nathaniel Leonard & Son, built about the year 
1845, and which ran twenty-two machines until within 
a few years, when the concern was sold out to the 
combination of tack manufacturers, and has since 
been idle. 

Mr. Leonard was a skillful mechanic, and for some 
years was the only manufacturer in the county of the 
plated rolls used by jewelers. He was also the 
inventor of a tack-machine identical with what is 
calle<l the Blanchard machine, but was forestalled in 



248 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



getting a patent by Blanchard. Some distance below 
the Leonard' factory, on the road that was formerly 
one of the boundaries between Dighton and Welling- 
ton, was the grist-mill known as Simmons' mill, which 
has not been running for many years. 

Of all the many manufacturing enterprises that 
have been started on the Segreganset River only two 
are in operation at the present time, Mr. Reed's saw- 
mill and Mr. Briggs' forge and grist-mill. Elderly 
and middle-aged people, who have been familiar with 
the stream from boyhood, say that the amount of 
water it carries down is much less than was the case 
when they were young. This is probably true of the 
other streams in this town. They have apparently 
shrunk within the last thirty or forty years. The 
reason for this shrinkage is no doubt to be found in 
the cutting off of the woods in the north and west 
part of the town. 

Sally Richmond's Brook. — This stream, named 
for one of the old maiden ladies before mentioned, 
takes its rise in the swamps northwest of Hunter's 
Hill, runs at first a northeasterly course, crossing the 
road leading to Pitts' Corner from the Four Corners 
twice, then turns southeasterly, skirting the base of 
Richmond Hill, and loses itself in the oozy fiats of 
Muddy Cove, near the color-works of J. C. Jessop 
&Co." 

There were formerly in operation on this small 
stream a shingle-mill and a forge, botli on the west 
road. The first, owned by Gen. William Peck, who 
used to saw cedar shingles in the winter, there not 
generally being water enough in the summer for the 
purpo.se. Gen. William Peck, who owned the farm 
that formerly belonged to the father of Commodore 
Talbot, was born in Swansea, April 12, 1795. His 
father's name was Thomas, who married Elizabeth 
Mason, of Swansea. William Peck was colonel of 
the First llegiment, Second Brigade of the county 
militia from Aug. 27, 1828, to Sept, 11, 1830, when lie 
was promoted brigadier-general of the Second Brigade, 
consisting of five regiments and a battalion of artil- 
lery. He was also president of the court-martial 
which met in Boston for the trial of Lieut.-Col. G. S. 
Winthrop for failing to properly do escort duty with 
his command on election-day in 1832. His unflinch- 
ing firmness on this occasion and his somewhat stern 
expression of features won him, in the newspaper re- 
ports of the affair, the sobriquet of Gen. Pluck. He 
married Lemira Mason, daughter of Job Mason, of 
Swansea. They had four daughters, whom he used to 
term his bushel of girls. His death occurred in Octo- 
ber, 1851, his wife surviving him three years. 

The forge and blacksmith-sliop of Matthew Briggs 
stood about a quarter of a mile below Gen. Peck's 



1 The Leonards cnme from Wales, and have always been noted in the 

working and manufacture of iron ever since the two brotliers, James 
and Henry Lt'uuard, came over in 1652, and, in company with Italph 
BuBSel, set up in Taunton (now Raynham) the first iron-works luiilt in 
this country. 



shingle-mill. There was a small pond in the rear, 
from which a flume led to the undershot-wheel that 
carried the tilt-hammer. Mr. Briggs was a man of 
Falstaflian proportions, and almost of Falstaflian 
humor. He was quick at repartee, his eyes would 
twinkle under his round spectacles, and his rotund 
form would shake with laughter at anything that 
tickled his fimcy. He was, withal, a skillful smith, 
and could make almost anything in his line from a 
hor.se-nail to a monkey-wrench. His forge being near 
the school-house, the boys used to find it a fascinating 
place of resort during recess, especially when the 
trip-hammer was in motion, sending horizontal show- 
ers of sparks from the white mass of metal it was 
beating into shape. Mr. Briggs was captain of the 
Second Company of Dighton militia from 1818 to 
1822. His father's name was Matthew, and he was a 
seventh son; he also had seven sons, the youngest of 
whom ought, according to the old superstition about 
seventh son of seventh son, to he endowed with the 
gift of curing by touch the king's evil. Matthew 
Briggs' forge has long been torn down, the dam leveled, 
and the pond converted into a meadow. 

The only manufacturing establishment now in op- 
eration on Sally Richmond's Brook is the color- 
grinding works of J. C. Jessop & Co., already men- 
tioned, steam being the motive power, and the water 
of the little pond, formed by a dam across the stream, 
being only used for manufacturing purposes. From 
twenty to twenty-five hands are employed, and the 
colors produced are chiefly intended for the printing 
of wall-papers. The building was erected in 18G1 for 
the manufacture of woolen cloths. A com])any was 
formed consisting of Capt. William Cobb, of this 
town, George G. Crocker, of Taunton, Dr. Samuel 
West, of Tiverton, R. I., Thomas Whitridge, of Bal- 
timore, and others. The capital stock was at first 
forty thousand dollars, afterwards increased to fifty 
thousand dollars, and then to seventy-five thousand 
dollars. In 1864 the company held property, accord- 
ing to a sworn statement of the directors, valued at 
one hundred and twenty-nine thousand dollars, with 
a debt of eighty-one thousand dollars. George G. 
Crocker was the first president of the company, and 
Capt. Cobb, treasurer. The business was not con- 
ducted so as to be financially profitable, and after the 
establishment was burned, in 1867, an upper story of 
wood was built on to the brick walls, which remained 
standing, and the manufacture of furniture was com- 
menced by a new company, with a capital stock of 
si.xty thousand dollars. Of the six hundred shares, 
Capt. Cobb held two hundred and ninety. The other 
principal shareholders were Gordon Bartlett, of Salem, 
Stephen Bartlett, of Charlestown, and Edward Gordon, 
of Boston, the latter being president of the company. 
The manufacture of furniture did not prove profitable, 
and the business was soon abandond, and the com- 
pany dissolved. The building was next used for the 
manufacture of white-lead, and was known as the 



DIGHTON. 



249 



Albion Lead- Works. Capt. Cobb was a large stock- 
holder, as were several prominent Taunton men. The 
business was conducted at a loss for some years. May 
2, 1878, early in the morning, the building was burned 
for the second time. It has since been partially re- 
built by the color-works company. 

C-\PT. William Cobb, previously mentioned as 
prominently connected with the woolen-mill, the fur- 
niture factory, and the lead-works, was also concerned 
in manufacturing enterprises in the buildings near 
the town-landing, now owned and occupied by the 
Digliton Stove-Lining Company. The first manufac- 
turing establishment on this site was a steam saw-mill 
erected more than a generation ago, and used for the 
manufacture of shingles from southern cedar, nail- 
kegs, sashes, blinds, and doors. This building was 
burnt while it was occupied by Shove and Stur- 
tevant, sasli, door, and blind manufacturers. It was 
rebuilt by a joint-stock company, of which Capt. 
Cobb, Anthony Eeed, and others were members, Mr. 
Reed being the agent. The busine.«s was not con- 
ducted so as to be profitable, and the establishment 
was soon turned into a tack manufactory under other 
managers, and styled the Union Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of which Capt. Cobb was the president. The 
capital stock of this company in 1857 was sixteen 
thousand dollars. Stephen Rhodes was the treasurer^ 
and in 1861 was president of the company. In 1865 
a new company was formed under the name of the 
Dighton Tack Company, in which several Boston men 
were interested, Jeremiah Abbott of that city being 
the president. The capital stock of tliis company in 
1866 was eighty thousand dollars, and tlie amount of 
property belonging to it was estimated in the sworn 
certificate of tlie directors to be one hundred and 
forty-three thousand dollars, with liabilities amount- 
ing to fifty-four thousand dollars. After other changes 
in the ownership the tack manufactory was bought by 
the combination of tack manufacturers, and the busi- 
ness was abandoned in Dighton. The premises have 
since been u.sed for the manufacture of stove-linings 
and fire-brick. 

In 1866 a builing was erected just north of the 
tack factory for an iron-works, and a company was 
formed under the name of the Dighton Rolling-mill 
Company, of which Enoch Robinson, Jr., was presi- 
dent, and Capt. Cobb treasurer. The capital stock 
was forty-four thousand dollars. In 1868 the capital 
stock was incretwed to eighty thousand dollars. In 
the great gale of September, 1869, the building was 
partially wrecked, and soon afterwards it was burnt 
to the ground by an incendiary fire. The business 
had not proved a profitable one as it had been man- 
aged, and the works were not rebuilt. 

William Cobb was born in Taunton in 1811. He 
was the son of Charles and Rhoda, nee Dean. He 
was connected, though not by direct descent, with 
Gen. David Cobb, of the Revolutionary period, who 
afterwards, during Shay's rebellion, when the court- 



house in Taunton was threatened by an angry mob, 
emphatically informed the turbulent crowd that he 
would " either sit as a judge, or die as a general." 

Capt. Cobb came to Dighton to reside about the 
year 1837, and was followed by his brothers George 
and Benjamin, who were also sea-captains. He bought 
the farm that was formerly the Bragg farm. In 1840, 
in connection with other parties, he built the bark 
" Elizabeth Hall." In 1849 he went to California in 
command of the bark " Ann," carrying a company of 
gold-hunters. After his return he gave up the sea, and 
entered into business pursuits on the land. He built 
a large wharf and store now owned by the Old Colony 
Iron Company, and was for many years the agent of 
that company in transporting their coal and iron to 
East Taunton. He also built a number of vessels at 
his wharf, the last of which, built in 1874, was a 
barkentine, named for himself. In 1857 the Rhode 
Island coal-mine was bought by a company consisting 
of himself, Samuel L., and George A. Crocker. He was 
one of the originators of the Dighton and Somerset 
Railroad Company, and was president of the com- 
pany when the charter was sold to the Old Colony 
Company. He also contracted to build the bridge 
across the river at Somerset, one of the longest bridges 
in New England, and took the contract to cut through 
the " Pinnacle" ledge in Stoughton, after other con- 
tractors had abandoned the work. He was also in- 
fluential in getting the new carriage-road built from 
Dighton to Somerset, across Broad Cove, and also the 
one starting from near his house, and running north 
across Segreganset River, to join the old stage-road.' 
Capt. Cobb was also interested in the brick business at 
Medford, in this State, and at Haverstraw, on the Hud- 
son River. He died suddenly, of heart-disease, in his 
state-room, on board of one of the Fall River and 
New York steamboats, while on his way home from 
the latter city, July 31, 1875. Capt. Cobb was twice 
married. His first wife was a Peckham, by whom he 
had two children. His second wife was Miss Emma 
Lubec, of this town, by whom he had three sons and 
two daughters. 

Whatever judgment may be passed upon Capt. 
Cobb's business methods, and some of them have 
been severely criticised, no one who knew him will 
deny that he was a man of energetic and enterprising 
character, of large personal magnetism, enabling him 
to secure the co-operation of others in any project 
or undertaking in which he was interested, or that 
he was kind and genial in his relations to his family 
and his friends. 

Various Topics. — Dighton has been represented 
in mathematics by John D. Williams, son of Jared 
and Martha, who was born in the year 1800. He 
was early in life quite noted as a mathematician, and 

1 Capt. Cobb and Cbarles W. Briggs took the contrnct to build Broad 
Cove bridge, which was built in 185.5. Tiie new road and bridge over 
the Sf;;regJin8et were built the game year. These improvements were 
much iiorttcd. and have been a great convenience to the traveling public. 



250 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



published a little text-book on algebra, which has 
long been out of print. The author was not remark- 
able for intelligence in matters outside of the domain 
of figures or their algebraic symbols, thus adding an- 
other to the many similar illustrations of the psycho- 
logic fact that the matliematical faculty is frequently 
largely developed in people of otherwise very ordi- 
nary intellectual gifts. 

Mr. Williams was a mason by trade. He took the 
contract to build the city hall in Fall River, but the 
city authorities, after he had worked for some time, 
perceiving that the work was not being properly done, 
annulled the contract and gave the job to anotlier per- 
son. Mr. Williams led a somewhat irregular life, and, 
having laid by nothing for a rainy daj', his closing 
years were spent in the almshouse. His father, Jared 
Williams, was a very peculiar and eccentric man, 
especially in his speech. 

In art this town has furnished a worthy represen- 
tative in Jesse Talbot, son of Josiah and Lydia, 
who resided on a farm in the northwest part of the | 
town. 

Jesse was born April 1, 1805, and was the youngest 
of eight children. Before he had reached the age of 
manhood he went to Dedham, in this State, and was 
employed as a clerk in the store of Dr. Wheaton. 
From Dedham he removed to New York City, where 
he was appointed secretary of the American Tract 
Society and married the daughter of a clergyman. 
Having shown considerable talent in drawing and 
painting in his youth, he was induced by the persua- 
sions of his friends, as well as by his own inclina- 
tion, to adopt the profession of a landscape painter. 
Thenceforward he devoted his life to the practice of 
his art, and with considerable success, his pictures 
finding a ready sale, and many of them being en- 
graved on steel for the magazines and annuals of 
that period. His pictures of views on the Hudson 
River and Rockland Lake were especially admired. 

Probably many worldly-wise people would have 
considered Jesse Talbot's adoption of the profession 
of landscape painter, at a time when there was not 
nearly the taste for art in the United States that there 
is at present, and when artistic work was compara- 
tively poorly remunerated, as having some connection 
with his having been born on " All-Fools' day." Yet, 
if he did not amass a fortune by his art, as Bierstadt, 
Church, and a few other American artists have done 
in later years, he at least secured a moderate compe 
tence ; and probably with him, as with many others 
the practice of his art was its own exceeding great 
reward, and pecuniary considerations were of second 
ary importance. | 

Dighton Rock. — Any sketch, however fragment- ! 
ary, of the history of this town that made no mention 
of Dighton Rock would be, to use the hackneyed • 
.simile, like the play of Hamlet with the part of the 
Prince of Denmark left out, or, to use a fresher and 
more apposite comparison, it would be like a descrip- 



tion of Newport with no mention of the old Stone 
Mill. 

In considering the diverse theories that have been 
advanced as to the genesis of the sculptured charac- 
ters on this famous rock, and the dilficulty, if not the 
impossibility, of proving or disproving either of them, 
it would seem as if the genius of mystery were brood- 
ing over the spot, hiding with an impenetrable cur- 
tain the meaning of the semi-obliterated characters, 
and one recalls the inscription before the mysterious 
temple of Isis, " Yesterday, to-day, forever, and no 
mortal hath lifted my veil." 

That the controversy over this rock is not yet en- 
tirely settled to the satisfaction of everybody is in 
part owing to the wearing efi'ect of ice and waves for 
hundreds of years on the sculptured face of this 
bowlder of gneiss, making it a matter of great ditfi- 
culty to trace some of the shallow lines of the figures 
among the natural seams and crevices of the stone, 
and to this difficulty of following the lines, as they 
were originally chiseled into the rock, is to be attrib- 
uted the fact that no two drawings of the characters 
by different people that were ever made would agree 
in all respects when compared together. This di- 
versity or disagreement in the drawings that have 
been made of the rock is strikingly shown in the 
" Antiquitates Americana*," a tri-lingual, quarto work, 
published nearly half a century ago by the Royal 
Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen. 
In this work there are nine drawings of the rock, 
taken by different people, at different times, no two 
of which are alike. The first of these attempted 
representations of the characters on the rock was by 
Dr. Danforth, in 1680. The second has been attrib- 
uted to Cotton Mather, in 1712. It bears not the 
slightest resemblance to the sculptured characters, 
but appears as if executed by a person having the 
St. Vitus' dance or the deliriiiiii tremens. Then follow 
other drawings, of more or less accuracy, one of the 
best being by Dr. William Baylies, of this town. The 
best drawing in the series was furnished by the Rhode 
Island Historical Society, and was the one chiefly 
relied upon by the Danish savants in studying the 
character of the inscription, which, it is well known, 
they decided to he the work of the roving Northmen 
in the eleventh century. If they did not succeed in 
proving beyond doubt that Dighton Rock is a Scan- 
dinavian relic, they at least succeeded, by the publi- 
cation in the "Antiquitates AmericanaV of the old 
Icelandic sagas or histories, in proving beyond a 
reasonable doubt that the Norse freebooters discov- 
ered this continent, and made some attempts to col- 
onize it, centuries before Christopher Columbus was 
born, and that the site of the ancient Vinland, men- 
tioned in these sagas, was probably in the southeastern 
part of what is now New England. 

The party of Norsemen, wliom the Danish antiqua- 
ries supposed to have made the characters on Dighton 
Rock, came over to Vinland (so called from the 




Di^Kton Rock. 




^,,^_ 

t,-^:. 








iirmlMi'fillii'tmiiiiii 

Etchings on Rocks in New-Mexico. 




Runic Inscripiion m Greenland. 



DIGHTON. 



251 



abundance of grapes that grew wild there) in the 
year 1007. The leader's name was Thorfinn Karlsefue, 
or Thorfinn the Hopeful. He left Greenland with 
three vessels and one hundred and sixty-one men, 
but the men in one vessel mutinied, and turned back 
to Greenland. Other parties of Norsemen had pre- 
viously visited Vinland, which Professor Rafu and his 
co-laborers supposed to be tlie region of country bor- 
dering Narragansett Bay and Taunton River. Most 
of the characters in the drawings of the rock they 
could make nothing of, but there was a group near 
the centre of the inscription which they deciphered 
to be the Runic characters standing for the name of 
Thorfinn, above which were the Roman numerals 
CXXXI, followed by a character which they decided 
to be an anaglyph, standing for the word men. Since 
that time the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries 
has been supplied with a photograph of the rock, and 
it is said they now think that they were in error in 
claiming Dighton rock as a Scandinavian relic, so 
that those who think the inscription merely an ex- 
ample of the rude pictographs of the Indians, of 
which specimens of the same general character are 
to be found in other parts of the country, now meet 
with little opposition to their views. Such was the 
opinion of Professor Schoolcraft, who visited the rock 
twice, some thirty or forty years ago. On his first 
visit he was inclined to think that the inscription was 
of a mixed character, part Indian and part Runic, or 
Scandinavian, but on his last visit he decided that it 
was wholly the work of the aborigines. Professor 
Schoolcraft, though not a runologist, was well versed 
in all that pertains to the manners, customs, and art 
of the Indians, as is evidenced in his great work, pub- 
lished by the government, on the Indian tribes. 

On another page are representations in outline of 
the characters on Dighton Rock, and also of a genuine 
Runic inscription from Greenland, the undoubted 
work of the Northmen, together with a fac-simile of 
an Indian pictographic inscription on a rock in New 
Mexico. The latter is copied from a wood-cut in the 
government report of the Southern Pacific Railroad 
survey. A glance at the three inscriptions will show 
the reader the great general resemblance between the 
characters on Dighton Rock and those on the New 
Mexican rock. They were evidently executed by 
people of the same state of artistic development, or 
the lack of it, while the Runic inscription, which has 
been translated, is arranged in a systematic and read- 
able way, and is composed of well-formed letters or 
characters. It does not seem probable that the North- 
men, who executed the Greenland Runes, could have 
descended so far as to scratch out the puerile hotch- 
potch of characters on Dighton Rock, which bear 
intrinsic evidence of being the work of a savage race. 

Yet notwithstanding that the weight of evidence 
is against the supposition that this rock is a relic of 
the Norsemen, as it is also in the case of the Newport 
round-tower, there is little doubt that the accounts of 



the Scandinavian discovery and attempted coloniza- 
tion of this continent in the eleventh century, as given 
in the " Antiquitates Americana'," are substantially 
true, and that to Leif Ericsson belongs the honor of 
being the first European to land on the shores of 
" that new world which is the old." 

A Dighton Sampson. — The extraordinary exploit 
of Samuel Briggs in capturing a buck has been related 
in another part of this sketch. Samuel displayed in 
that affair uncommon pluck, endurance, and tenacity 
of purpose, but his renown was eclipsed in the first 
half of this century by the great strength, courage, 
and prowess of another Briggs, who was known in 
this and neighboring towns as Stout George. As one 
of the celebrities of Dighton and the product of a 
state of society that has disappeared forever, he merits 
some little mention. 

George Washington Briggs was born June 27, 1776, 
in the stirring times just preceding the Declaration 
of Independence. He was the son of James and 
Hannah, and was the fifth of ten children, six boys 
and four girls. Several others of the family were en- 
dowed with great physical strength and activity, par- 
ticularly the oldest son, James, who is said to have 
nearly equaled George in these respects. These virile 
family gifts were shared, though of course in a less 
degree, by the girls. The oldest daughter, Nancy, 
became insane early in life. She is represented as 
having been a very handsome woman, tall, finely 
formed, with a queenly dignity of bearing and un- 
common muscular strength, which she sometimes 
used in overmastering those who had charge of her. 

George in his early days was a seafaring man. 
Many stories of his adventures on sea and land have 
been handed down, of which the following are given 
as specimens. While yet a young man he was on one 
occasion mate of the ship "Pomona," of which Capt. 
John Pierce, of this town, was master. They were 
bound for Valparaiso with a cargo of lumber, which 
was part dry and part green, the dry having been put 
in the hold and the green, heavy lumber on deck. 
This made the ship very crank and top-heavy. Capt. 
Pierce was overfond of ardent spirits, his indulgence 
in which often unfitted him for the management of 
the vessel. When nearing the end of the voyage 
heavy weather was experienced, and the ship was put 
under close-reefed topsails. While it was yet blowing 
a stiff" gale, the captain, in his usual semi-inebriated 
condition, and as obstinate as the proverbial mule, 
came upon deck and ordered the reefs to be shaken 
out of the topsails. " Captain Pierce," said George, 
" the ship has as much sail now as she can carry. If 
the reefs are shaken out she will capsize." This re- 
monstrance had no effect upon the muddled intellect 
of the captain.' The men were ordered aloft and the 
reefs were shaken out, but scarcely were the topsails 

1 Capt. Pierce fell a victim to liis haliits of inebriation. His death was 
cansed by his jumping outofa cli amber window durinj; a fit of delirium 
ti-emeus and breaking his neck. 



252 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sheeted home and the yards braced to the wind when 
a fierce squall struck the ship abeam, and over she 
went. The deck-load of lumber was instantly swept 
off, but still the vessel remained on her side, the offi- 
cers and crew clinging for dear life to the rigging or 
belaying-pins to prevent being washed overboard by 
the seas that swept over the ship. 

Briggs was now virtually in command, and deter- 
mined to make an effort to right the ship. Tying a 
line to his waist, he crept along forward, clinging with 
vise-like grip to the weather bulwarks, over which 
the waves were sweeping, and cut the lanyards of 
each topmast-shroud in succession. The topmasts, 
unable to bear the additional strain, snapped off at 
the caps, and the ship suddenly righted, with all 
her top-hamper gone, and rolling like a log in the 
trough of the sea. They drifted in this condition for 
some days, having scarcely any sail set, when they 
fell in with a mass of wreckage, which, singularly 
enough, proved to be tlie ship's top-hamper, which 
had been cut adrift when she capsized. The floating 
spars and sails were secured, and the ship, partially 
rigged again, proceeded on her voyage, and arrived in 
a few days at Valparaiso. 

On their arrival in port new perils awaited the crew. 
There was a British man-of-war in the harbor, one of 
the most dreaded of objects to the crews of merchant 
vessels, for at that time the crews in the British armed 
vessels were recruited l)y means of press-gangs, the 
brutal commanders of which were not at all particu- 
lar whether the men they seized in their raids were 
British subjects or not. Soon after the arrival of the 
" Pomona" in port, Briggs and three of the crew were 
on shore, when they met a press-gang of nine men 
from the British vessel. These men were armed with 
muskets, with fi.xed bayonets, though, as afterwards 
appeared, the guns were not loaded. 

The commanding officer of the press-gang accosted 
one of the crew of the " Pomona" and demanded to 
see his protection. The man handed over the docu- 
ment, which was such as every American seaman was 
obliged to carry with him, when the officer imme- 
diately tore up the paper and directed his men to 
arrest the man. Another of the "Pomona's" men 
met with similar treatment, his certificate of Ameri- 
can citizenship being torn up and the man being 
placed under arrest. The only man at liberty now, 
besides Briggs, was an Englishman named Owen, who 
of course had no protection, and who did not relish 
the idea of being impressed on board of a man-of- 
war. Owen was an active, powerful man, though 
less herculean in strength than Briggs. While the 
press-gang were arresting the others these two had 
determined not to be captured without a struggle 
for liberty. Briggs carried a heavy club, some two 
inches thick at the large end, on which was an ugly 
knob.' Owen had also managed to secure a club. 



^ This cane or club,whicli did BUch fearful execution on that occasion, 
is now in the possession of a relative of George Briggs. 



The captain of the gang now stepped up to Briggs, 
and in an insolent tone demanded his protection. 
" There is my protection !" said Briggs, as he dealt 
the officer a blow over the head that felled him 
in his tracks. The two determined men now rushed 
at the press-gang, dealing death with almost every 
blow of their clubs. Five of the men were killed on 
the spot, and the others were placed liors de coiiihat. 
Owen, or "Johnny Bull," as he was called by his | 
shipmates, received a bayonet-thrust through the leg, 
which in the excitement of the milee he did not feel, 
but when the fight was over found his shoe full of 
blood. Briggs and Owen thought it best to keep out 
of the way after their encounter with the press-gang, 
until the " Pomona" was ready to sail, as the captain 
of the British vessel had sworn to kill or capture 
them, and had a force of men detailed for the pur- 
pose. In after-years Briggs was loth to speak of this 
adventure, and could never do so without tears in his 
eyes. It was such rough work, he said, that he did • 
not like to think of it. 

On the return voyage Owen became ugly and mu- 
tinous, and Capt. Pierce requested Briggs to chastise 
him, which he effectually did by a single blow of his 
fist, sending the rebellious Englishman reeling back- 
wards over the windlass. When he finally picked 
himself up all the ugliness appeared to have been 
knocked out of him, and he gave no further trouble 
during the voyage. 

Briggs afterwards went to Liverpool in the " Po- 
mona," and while the ship was unloading at that 
port he displayed several feats of strength that drew 
attention to him from the sailors and wharf-laborers 
in the vicinity. Among the classes mentioned it was 
deemed that the honor of the city required that a 
man should be found who could beat this young 
Yankee athlete in feats of strength. Among the 
stalwart porters, stevedores, and coal-heavers of 
Liverpool are always to be found a few men of 
remarkable physical strength, and generally there » 
is one who so far surpasses the rest in muscular 
force as to be considered a sort of champion, to be 
called upon at any time to maintain the city's 
prestige for men of muscle. 

At the time referred to the champion strong man 
was an Irish jjorter named O'Brien, a heavily-built, 
brawny-limbed man of some fifteen stone weight. 
In company with a number of his companions he 
went on board of the " Pomona" to challenge Briggs 
to a trial of strength. " The top of the morning till 
yez, captain," said he, accosting Capt. Price. "Be- 
dad, it's mesglf, Johnny O'Brien, that wants to see 
the broth of a bye they're afther tellin' yez have 
on board." 

Surmising what the man's errand was, Capt. Pierce 
called Briggs up from below, and introduced him to 
his visitor, who at once proceeded to business, and 
proposed a trial of strength in lifting one of the heavy 
ship's anchors that lay on the wharf. Briggs readily 



DIGHTON. 



253 



iccepted the proposal, and requested O'Brien to show 

lis strength first. The Irisliman accordingly placed 
lis hands under the shank of one of the huge anchors, 
ind with great effort succeeeded in raising it so that 
;he lower fluke just cleared the ground, a feat that 
irohably no other man in the city could have per- 
"orTned. It was now Briggs' turn ; he stooped over 
md grasped the shank of the anchor, and then re- 
[uested O'Brien to got up on his back and sit on his 
houlders while he lifted. The Irishman demurred 
it such a proceeding at first, but was finally pursuaded 
;o comply with Briggs' request, when the latter 
itraightened himself up under the combined weight 
)f the anchor and the Irishman's two hundred pounds 
ivoirdupois.' 

George Briggs was about five feet ten inches in 
leight, massively built, broad-shouldered, deep- 
Iiested, large-limbed. In the keen steel-gray eyes 
hat looked out from under his bushy eyebrows there 
vere indications that this was not the sort of man to 
)lay tricks with or to impose upon with impunity. 
Lfter he had left off' his roving, seafaring life, and 
lad settled down upon his farm near the Upper Four 
Corners, the fame of his exploits became noised 
ibroad, and he had many visitors from the neighbor- 
ng towns, who came to satisfy their curiosity with a 
ight of " Stout George," not unfrequently interfering, 
o his annoyance, with his work. It is related that 
in one occasion, while he was at work on the upper 
lart of his farm, which was quite a distance from the 
lOuse, a stranger dismounted at the gate, hitched his 
addle-horse, and inquired of Mrs. Briggs for her 
Lusband. She told the man where he was at work, 
hat he was very busy, and did not want to be called 
rom his work upon any trivial pretense. As the 
tranger persisted in his desire to see Mr. Briggs, she, 
upposing he liad some business of importance, put 
n her bonnet and went for her husband. The latter, 
lot in a very amiable mood from being interfered 
cith in the work, which he was hurrying to finisli 
icfore night, came down to the house, where he found 
lis visitor leaning against the wall by the road. The 
after introduced himself, and said that, happening 
long that way, he could not go past until he had 
een the man about whom he liad heard such remark- 
ble stories. While he was talking, if he had known 
he indications, he would undoubtedly have seen 
danger signals" flying in Briggs' eyes. 
"Well, my friend," said George, "now you have 
een me, you may as well trot along about your busi- 
less, and I will help you over the wall." As he spoke 
le seized his astonished visitor by the coat-collar and 
he slack part of his trowsers and tossed him over the 
i^all, so that he landed near the middle of the road. 

1 When Briggs had shown the Irish champion what he couid do in 
ae way of lifting he suggested a square fight to see which was the hest 
lan with the fists, hut the Hibernian, altliougti a noted bruiser, excused 
iniself from entering the lists with so formidable an antagonist, and 
ae tight did not come off. 



This story in course of time became exaggerated, as 
stories are apt to become, and it was seriously related 
that the horse had been thrown over the wall as well 
as its rider. 

Briggs' remarkable constitution would probably 
have carried him well on towards his hundredth year 
if he had taken ordinary care of himself. He worked 
on Rowland's Ferry bridge while it was building, and 
was accustomed to dive down in deep water and ad- 
just the heavy stones for the foundations of the piers. 
Such work as that must have shortened his life many 
years. Towards the close of his life only the wreck 
of his splendid physique remained, and he could only 
hobble about with a crutch or sit at his front window 
and watch the passers-by, many of whom would stop 
to talk with him. But even in his decrepitude he 
had the strength of two or three ordinary men. His 
son-in-law, Mr. Ashley, relates that once, having a 
large stone, much heavier at one end than the other, 

j to place on top of a wall, and not knowing how to get 
it there, the old man hobbled out and told him and 
another man who was with him that if they would 
lift the small end of the stone he would lift the heavy 
end, w^hich he accordingly did with apparent ease. 
While he was in his prime he built, unaided, save by 

, some slight assistance from his wife, a Cyclopean wall, 
bordering the road, which has attracted the attention 
of thousands of travelers by its massive cap-stones. 
It is to be hoped that this wall will be permitted to 
stand for many years, as the fitting monument of one 
of the strongest and most active men that this country 
has ever produced. 

' Richmond Hill. — The most considerable eminence 
in this township is Richmond Hill, in the southeast 
part. Compared with Tom, or Holyoke, or Wachu- 
sett, or even with the Blue Hills of Milton, its eleva- 

i tion is very moderate, being but little more than two 
hundred feet, but it is nevertheless an interesting spot 
to visit to the student of physical science, as well as 
to the lover of natural scenery. The view from its 
rocky summit takes in the Blue Hills on the north, 
Mount Hope on the south, and the Cumberland Hills, 
in Ehode Island, on the west. Portions of the cities 
of Taunton, Fall River, and Providence are visible, 
as well as the towns of Somerset, Freetown, Berkley, 
Attleborough, Norton, Raynham, and Rchoboth. 
More than forty church spires can be counted with 
the aid of a glass on a clear day in winter. The 
windings of Taunton River can be traced foF several 
miles. 

The singular gorge through the rocks on the top of 
the hill seems made on purpose to accommodate the 
road that runs through it. It is evidently one of the 
furrows left by the great ice-plow that tore its way 
over the hill from the northward in the last glacial 
jieriod, and which must have reduced the height of 
the hill very materially. The marks of glacial action 
are very distinct here. The rock in place, a gray- 
wacke conglomerate, or pudding-stone, has been 



254 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ground down, polished, and grooved by the stones 
imbedded in the ancient glacier, which, according to 
Agassiz and other scientists, once covered the north- 
ern portion of this continent to the depth of hundreds 
effect, and slowly moved, with irresistible force, in a 
southerly direction. Huge masses of rock were torn 
from this hill and shoved along to the south, in some 
cases, for several miles. The large bowlder in Somer- 
set known as the Hanging, or Toad Rock, and which 
weighs probably more than a hundred tons, was origi- 
nally a part of this hill. 

The conglomerate which underlies this town, as well 
as a large portion of the rest of Bristol County, is 
composed of rounded fragments of a much older rock, 
which were broken from the parent ledges perhaps 
hundreds of thousands of years ago, then rolled upon 
the shores of the primeval sea for a long period of 
time, until they become rounded and polished, after 
which, owing to an increase of the temperature of the 
earth's crust at this point, the clayey mud that filled 
their interstices became hardened into stone by heat. 
Then the rock was gradually raised by forces in the 
interior of the globe to its present height above the 
ocean. Scarcely any fossils are to be found in this 
rock. Some of the nodules or pebbles when broken 
show the blackened cast*, of a small, bivalve shell-fish, 
a species of lingula, an ancient, diminutive represen- 
tative of the modern clam. The late Professor Wil- 
liam B. Rogers visited the hill some years ago on pur- 
pose to get specimens of these fossil shell-fish. In a 
pasture on the southern slope of the hill is a curiosity 
of the vegetable kingdom. This is a prostrate juni- 
per, Juniperus communis. It is nowhere more than two 
feet in height, while its branches extend outward from 
the centre to the distance of a dozen feet on all sides, 
making the tree resemble a large green mat. Smaller 
specimens of this tree are not uncommon, but it rarely 
grows to so large a size as the one on Richmond Hill. 

Hunter's Hill. — About three-fourths of a mile 
west of Seal's Rocks, on Richmond Hill, is Hunter's 
Hill, an elevation somewhat less in height than the 
former and without its rocky features. The hill was 
a noted resort for hunters in the early years of the 
town's settlement, hence the name, which it retains 
to the present day. From its summit they could see 
all over the large clearing, or Indian plantation, that 
has been described, and whether any deer had come 
out of the forest, as they frequently did, to browse on 
the vegetation of the clearing. Then the hunters 
would hasten down the hill and through the woods 
to get within range, taking care to keep to leeward 
of the keen-scented animals. At that time, the date 
of which is uncertain, although it must have been 
nearly two hundred years ago, there was probably a 
log house or hunter's lodge on the hill. The first 
frame house that was built there was put up by one 
Elijah King, who owned the hill about one hundred 
and fifty years ago. This old house was torn down 
in 1838 by Rescome Hart, the then owner of the 



farm, who built a stone cottage in its place, the only 
stone dwelling-house in the town.' 

One of the owners of Hunter's Hill after King was 
Capt. Samuel Talbot, brother to the commodore. He 
married Capt. Stephen Real's widow, and had two sons. 
After his death, which was towards the close of the 
last century, his widow and one son emigrated to 
Kentucky. At that period there was a Kentucky 
fever raging in this town, and about twenty men, 
with a number of women and children, left for that 
far-away land at one time. At Johnston, N. Y., the 
party was increased by the addition of all of Com- 
modore Talbot's children, who were living in that 
town. The journey from Dighton to Kentucky occu- 
pied several months' time, much of the way being 
through an unbroken wilderness. All of the emi- 
grants, so far as is known, liked their new home and 
prospered in their worldly affairs. Capt. Samuel 
Talbot's widow wrote to her friends here when she 
was eighty-three that she had taken a long horseback 
ride that day, and enjoyed life as much as when she 
was a girl. This remarkable rejuvenescence was, no 
doubt, due to plenty of exercise in the open air. 

In old times there were many more houses and in- 
habitants in the vicinity of Hunter's Hill than at 
present. There are the sites of some half-dozen de- 
molished dwellings to the north, west, and south of 
the hill, and there are four old cellars on Richmond 
Hill. The old King house, on Hunter's Hill, which 
was torn down by Mr. Hart, was once used by the 
town as an inoculating hospital for the smallpox. 
Upwards of one hundred persons were inoculated 
with the disorder there, and on their recovery were 
thoroughly fumigated in a smoke-house that stood 
near the house. Old people, forty or more years ago, 
used frequently to tell of the fun they had when they 
were in the smallpox hospital. 

Besides Richmond and Hunter's Hills there are 
two rounded crests of land in the western part of the 
town, known as Davis' Hill and Gofl''s Hill, the lat- 
ter, named from Elder Goff", being near the Rehoboth 
line, and the former, running northerly from Pitt's 
Corner, also known as Flat Rock, from a large, 
smooth ledge of graywacke that crops out there, and 
furnishes further interesting evidence of glacial ac- 
tiou in a long-past geological epoch. Ledges of gray- 
wacke also crop out in other parts of the town, and 
even in the river, where it forms two rocky islets. 
The most southerly of these islets is known to mari- 
ners as the Whale Rock, it being at some stages of 
the tide, to use the words of Polonius, "very like a 
whale." The other islet lies just above the Old Col- 
ony Iron Company's wharf, and has long been known 

1 Mr. ITart came to this tuwn in 182G from Bristol, R. I., and bought 
tlie taim on llnntei's Hill. He w-is a man of intelligence ami with a 
taste for reading. He was the father of Henry W. Hart, of North 
Dighton, and of William T. Hart, a wealthy resident of Boston, and 
for many years president of the New York and New England Railroad. 
Rescome Hart died Nov. 4, 1855, set seventy-nine. His wife, Sarah, 
died July 5, ISGG, ait. eighty-three years. 



DIGHTON. 



255 



as Reuben's Island. The latter does not resemble a 
whale, but there is, nevertheless, a tale to it, or about 
it, which is as follows : 

The True Story of Reuben's Island. — As the 
exact dale of the incident about to be related is not 
known, it might perhaps be allowable to comn\,ence : 
with the old formula of the nursery tales, " Once upon 
a time," but it is possible to be a little more definite 
than that. 

Near the beginning of the present century there 
lived in the town of Berkley, across the river from ■ 
Dighton, a young man, a farmer's son, named Reuben 
Phillips. This youth had a sweetheart named Nancy 
Simmons on the Dighton side of the stream, whom 
he was accustomed to visit on Sunday evenings, and 
perhaps at other times. It would appear that he did 
not own a boat, but was in the habit of borrowing 
one with or without the leave of the owners. One 
sultry evening in summer he started from home just 
at dusk, appareled in his Sunday suit, and came 
dowu to the crossing-place, where he found a skiff, 
which he Jumped into and rowed, as he thought, 
across the river. Then he got out of the boat and 
gave it a push out into the stream, knowing that the 
wind would carry it back near the place from whence 
he had taken it. He probably thought that tiie 
owner would miss the boat and discover who had 
taken it; his plan was to go home by the way of the 
bridge. 

After pushing off the boat and watching it till it 
disappeared in the darkness he turned to make his 
customary short-cut across lots to the dwelling where, 
he was pleased to think, somebody was anxiously 
awaiting his coming. He had scarcely taken three 
steps when, to his astonishment and dismay, he per- 
ceived that he was surrounded by water, and was, in 
fact, on an island. This was a fine predicament for 
an ardent swain to be in : alone on a rocky islet 
scarcely three rods in length, and with the light in 
the front parlor of his lady-love's dwelling twinkling 
in the distance, as if in derision of his mishap. One 
can imagine how poor Reuben must have felt when 
he realized that he was a prisoner for the night on 
that forlorn little island; how he halloed in vain for 
help, and how any desire to swim ashore, if, indeed, 
he was able to swim, was effectually checked by the 
fact that his Sunday suit of clothes would be ruined 
in the muddy water of the flats. What made the 
situation worse was the fact that a thunder-storm was 
probable before morning, judging from a dark curtain 
of cloud in the western sky, and the occasional flaslies 
of lightning that lit up its murky depths. Probably 
philosophy came to his aid after a while, — that resig- 
nation to the inevitable which is expressed in the 
homely proverb that " What can't be cured must be 
endured," and he, perhaps, sat down on a rock and 
watched the play of the lightning in the advancing 
cloud, listening the while to the distant thunder, to 
the swirl of the tide over the rocks, or to the sibilant 



sound of the night-wind, rustling the clumps of 
coarse beach-grass that grew in the crevices of the 
rocks. Perhaps he had read " Robinson Crusoe," and 
compared his condition to that of Crusoe on his 
island, being monarch of all he surveyed. Yet, 
before morning, he must have considered his condi- 
tion much worse than that of De Foe's hero, for the 
tempest, which had been gathering its forces during 
the early part of the night, burst upon his unsheltered 
head. The next morning a limp, soaked, and shiver- 
ing young man was taken from the island to the 
Berkley shore, where anxious friends were awaiting 
him. 

It is a pleasure to be able to state that after the 
above related misadventure Reuben prospered in 
his wooing, as the following entry in the town 
records of Dighton will conclusively show : 

".Married, Oct. 5, 1805, by Rev. Enoch Goff, Reu- 
ben Phillips, of Barkley, and Nancy Simmons, of 
Dighton." 

In the old record-book of the proprietors of the 
South Purchase Reuben's island is called Cedar 
Island. In a document, dated 1699, mention is made 
of the "landing-place at the point below Cedar 
Island." This name would seem to indicate what 
is very probable that the island then was larger 
and had more soil on it than at present, and that 
it was covered with a growth of savins or red cedars. 
The white cedar, Cupressus thi/oides, would hardly grow 
on such a spot. 

Dighton has natural advantages that ought to have 
made it much more thriving and populous than it is. 
It has many fertile farms, is situated on the banks 
of a navigable river, and is agreeably diversified 
by hills and lowlands, woods and meadows. There 
is probably no healthier township in the State. Yet 
emigration has depleted it at various times of large 
numbers of its young men. There has been an exo- 
dus of its population ever since the Revolutionary 
war, sometimes to the Genesee country, sometimes to 
Kentucky, then to Illinois, to Minnesota, to Kansas, 
or to the mining regions of the great West. 

Then many of the young men and women of this 
town, as of most other agricultural towns in New 
England, have been drawn into the cities, which 
thrive at the expense of the country. There has, of 
course, been a counter-flow of population into the 
town to fill to some extent the vacancies left by those 
who have gone, but the new comers have mostly been 
of a very different class, — Irish, Western Islanders, 
French Canadians, and others of alien birth. These 
accessions have hardly kept the population of the 
township from retrograding. In New England a 
town that is devoted chiefly to agriculture cannot 
hope to keep pace in population and wealth with 
towns that are largely devoted to manufacturing; it 
is obvious, therefore, that our citizens who have the 
means should invest a portion of their capital in 



256 



HISTORY OF BEISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



starting new manufacturing enterprises here, in such 
kinds of business as are sure to pay fair returns if 
well managed, and will employ a good class of oper- 
atives. Every such establishment raises the value of 
real estate, and furnishes a market near at home for 
the produce raised by our farmers. 

For many years the farmers of this town have made 
a specialty of raising strawberries for market, and the 
town is ahead of every other town in New England in 
the acreage devoted to this berry, and the number of 
quarts sent to market reaching in favorable seasons to 
nearly or quite one million. The crop is an exhaust- 
ing one, and requires large quantities of commercial 
and other fertilizers to produce the best results. 
Those who were early in the business found it a 
profitable one, but of late years increased production 
in this and other towns has reduced the price of 
berries and the margin of profit. 

In educational advantages Dighton is up to the 
average of towns of equal population and wealth, al- 
though there is still plenty of room for improvement, 
the first necessity of which is a larger appropriation 
of money for school purposes. The best teachers now 
command large salaries, and when teachers of excep- 
tional ability and qualifications are secured in our 
schools they usually stay but a short time, being 
drawn away by ofters of larger pay elsewhere. 
Within a few years the district system has been 
abolished, two of the largest of the ten schools have 
been graded, the number of the school board has 
been increased from three to six, and the board has 
been required to appoint a superintendent of schools. 
All of these changes, it is believed, have been bene- 
ficial in their effects. For some years past many of 
our teachers have been graduates from the normal 
schools. New methods of teaching have been intro- 
duced, which have mostly given good results, al- 
though, notwithstanding the so-called improved sys- 
tems of teaching, there are some who doubt whether 
the schools of the present day turn out young men 
and wom.en better fitted for the battle of life than did 
the schools which their fathers and mothers attended. 
Reference has been made in the course of this 
sketch to the great value and interest a series of pho- 
tographs of the people of the colonial period, or even 
of a much more recent date, would have at the pres- 
ent time, if it were possible to obtain sun-pictures of 
our ancestors, and the thought occurs that people of 
future generations will be quite as much interested in 
the likenesses of the men and women of to-day. 

In view of this fact, and considering the liability 
of photographs in private hands to be destroyed or 
lost, would it not be well to have collections of pho- 
tographic portraits under the charge of each town or 
city, which would of course furnish a secure place in 
which to keep them ? An act of the Legislature would 
be required to legalize the plan, and the act should 
be so worded as to make it obligatory upon towns and 
cities to provide a sufficient number of large pho- 



tograph albums, each capable of containing two or 
three hundred portraits, and bound in the most sub- 
stantia! manner; the act should further make it com- 
pulsory for all town or city oflicers, for all clergy- 
men, physicians, lawyers, officers of the militia, or 
masters of vessels to have their photographs inserted 
in the albums of the town or city to which they 
belonged, while all other adult persons of either 
sex should have full permission, after a residence of 
five years, to have their likenesses placed in the al- 
bums. The albums would be in charge of the town 
and city clerks, and would be kept in iron safes. Be- 
tween the sheets of portraits would be a suflScient 
number of pages of linen paper to record the names 
of the owners of the likenesses, the date of their 
births and of the insertion of their portraits, their 
parents' names, and any other facts concerning them 
that it might be deemed advisable to have recorded. 
There is little doubt that people generally avail them- 
selves of such a means of haviiig their likenesses pre- 
served for future generations to contemplate, and the 
value and interest of the collections would increase 
with the lapse of years. 

The foregoing suggestions are respectfully sub- 
mitted to the readers of this sketch, among whom 
may possibly be some of the Solons who will be 
chosen to the next or future Legislatures, and who 
will, perhaps, see the utility of the plan and make an 
effort towards its realization when the proper time 
arrives. 



CHAPTER XX. 

DIGHTON.— (Co«<i//Herf.) 

"First Deed of Philip, Chief S.ichem of Pokanoket, to William 
Brenton and others of land in the South Purchase, being the 

rPPER THREE MILES. 

" To ;i]l Christian people to whom these presents shall come : — I, Philip, 
alias Metacum, Chief Sachem of Folvauoliet, in the colony of New Ply- 
mouth, in New England, for and in consideration of one hnndred aind 
forty-three pounds in cnrrent pay, to my content, to me in hand paid 
before the sealing and delivery hereof by William Brenton, Esq., James 
Walker, William Harvey, Walter Deane, liicliard Williams, and John 
Richmond, all of the town of Taunton, in the colony aliovesaid, where- 
with I, the said Philip, uiias Metacum, do acknowledge myself fully 
satisfied, contented, and paid, and thereof, and of every part and parcel 
thereof, do herel-y exonerate, acquit, discharge, and release ihe said 
William Brenton, James W'alker, William Harvey, Walter Beane, Rich- 
ard Williams, and John Richmond, their heirs, executors, administrators, 
and assigns forever; have given, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed, 
aliened, and confirmed, and do by these presents fully, freely, and abso- 
lutely give, grant, bargain, sell, enfeoff, alien, make over, and confirm 
unto the said grantees, to them and their associates, and to tiieiraud 
every of their heirs, executioners, administrators, and assigns forever a 
certain tract of land situate, lying, and being southwardly from the 
town of Taunton aforesaid, containing three English miles one way and 
four English miles the other way, beginning at tiie Three-Mile River 
(so called), alias Nomesticomok, and is from the said river to range 
three miles south and by west, and from the extent of the three miles 
to range four miles west and by mu-th from the Great River (so called) 
into the woods, and from the extent of that four miles to range north 
and by cast until it meet with the ancient bounds of Taunton aforesaid, 
and bounded eastwardly with the aforesaid Great River, with all limber 
and wood, meadow, creeks, coves, springs, ponds, mines, minerals, and 



DIGHTON. 



257 



all and singular tlie privileges, easenienta, commodities, appurtenances, 
and immunities of what kind soever thereunto ljph)nging or in any way 
appertaining, and, in particular, the privilege of the said Great Kiver 
for the navigation of any sort of vessels, bigger or lesser, and all other 
the privileges thereof. 

"To liave and to hold the said tract of land and all and every the 
privileges and appurtenances as is before expressed, and all the right, 
title, and interest which he, the paid Philip, a/ms Metacnui, now hath, 
or can or may hereafter have, eitlier by himself or his heii^tJ, executoi-s, 
administrators, assigns, or successors unto them, the said grantees, and 
their associates, and to their and any of their heirs, executors, adminis- 
trators, and assigns, and unto the proper use and behoof of tliem forever, 
to he holden according to the tenor of Kjist Greenwich, in His Majesty's 
county of Kent, in free socage, and not in capita, nor by knight's ser- 
vice ; and the said Philip doth fur himself, his heirs, executors, admin- 
istrators, successoi-s, and assigns liereby utterly disclium and renounce 
all former right, title, interest, or demand in or unto the said tract or 
any part or parcel thereof, or to anything thereunto belonging,and 
doth, by these presents, acknowledge the above bargained premises to 
be the tnie and proper estate of the said grantees and their associiites, 
their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns; and the said Philip, 
alias Metac'.im, doth further for himself, his heire, executoi-s, adminis- 
trators, successors, and assigns promise and engage with and unto the 
said grantees and their associates and to their and every of their heirs, 
executors, administratoi-s, and assigns that he, the said Philip, alius Met- 
acum, is the true, sole, and proper owner of the said tract of laud and 
of every part thereof, and of all and every of the easements, privileges, 
and commodities thereunto belonging, immediately before the sealing 
and delivery hereof, and hath in himself good right and lawful authority 
to alienate and sell the same, and that the said land, with the privileges 
and appurtenances aforesaid, is fair and clear, and fairly and clearly 
acquitted and discharged from all former gifts, grants, bargains, sales, 
forfeitures, attachments, judgments, executions, mortgages, and incum- 
brances whatsoever, from tlie beginning of the world to this day, and 
the said bargained premises to w:irraut and ilefend from or against any 
person or persons claiming, or that shall or may hereafter claim, any 
right, title, or interest in or unto the same, or any part or parcel thereof, 
from, by, or under him, the said Philip, alias Metacum, or his heiirs, 
executors, administrators, successors, or assignees, whereby the grantees 
and tlieir associates, or either of them, or either of their heirs, execu- 
tors, administrators, and assigns shall or may be ejected or evicted out 
of the same, or any part thereof, or molested in the quiet and peaceable 
possession and enjoyment thereof; and further, the said Philip, alias 
Metacum, doth for himself, his heirs, executors, administrators, succes- 
sors, and assigns covenant and promise to, and with the said grantees 
and their associates and their and every of their heirs, executors, ad- 
ministrators, and assigns that he, the said Philip, alias Bletacum, upon 
reasonable and lawful demand shall and will do and perform, or cause 
to be done and performed, any and all such further act or acts, whether 
by acknowledging this deed of sale or any other kind whatsoever that 
shall or may be for the more fully completing and confirming the afore- 
bargained premises unto the said grantees and their associates and to 
their and every of their heir^, executors, administrators, and assigns 
according to the true intent hereof and the colony aforesaid. 

" In witness whereof, I, the said Philip, alias Metacum, to. these pres- 
ents have put my hand and seal, the twenty-eighth day of September, 
anno domini one thousand six hundred and seventy-two, and in the 
twenty-fourth year of uur Sovereign, Charles the Second, King of Great 
Britain, France, and Ireland. 

"Signed, sealed, and delivered The mark of the 

in presence of *' Philip, P a/i'as Metatum. [Seal.] 

" Joseph Wilboue, abovesaid Philip, 

"John Wiscuecombe. ^^^"^ Metacum. 

" Thomas Patcanitt. The mark of 

The mark of "Captain j^ Annawax. 

"Thomas, T Indian, alias Sank- j],g njai-jj ^j- 

®^'^'^' "Unkanyahoonet. T 

"MUNASHUSI P NiMROD, 

" Chosnangson. a 

" This deed was acknowledged by Philip, alim Metacum, this 1st day 
of October, 1672, before me. 

" Constant Sotithworth, Assist. 
"This deed is recorded according to order of Nathaniel Morton, sec- 
retary to the court for the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, for the great 
book of records, enrolled folio 227." 
17 



The foregoing was copied from the records in the 
old Proprietors' Book, now in the town clerk's office 
at Dighton. 

The deed of the other strip of land, one mile wide 
and four miles in length from east to west, lying below 
and adjoining the first tract, was signed by Philip, Oct. 
1, 1672. The consideration was forty-seven pounds, 
' and the land was conveyed to Constant Southworth, 
treasurer of Plymouth Colony, who immediately trans- 
j ferred all his right to the committee of the associates 
I already mentioned. It will be noticed that the British 
monarchs still kept up their unfounded claim to do- 
minion over France. Charles II. is designated in 
I the deed king of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, 
I about as preposterous a claim as it would be for Queen 
I Victoria to style herself queen of Great Britain, the 
I United States, and Ireland. 

I The old record-book of the proprietors of the South 
I Purchase, from which these documents are copied, is 
I an ancient-looking affair, bound in untanned hog- 
I skin, and having leather strings to tie the covers to- 
gether. Some of the writing in it is very clear and 
legible, and some is written in a cramped hand, diffi- 
cult to decipher. The ink used was excellent in 
quality, and is as black as jet after the lapse of more 
than two hundred years. The making of good black 
ink appears to be a lost art. 

Here follows the assignment of the deeds by the 
committee to their associates : 

" The Committee's Declaration of, or deed, to their Associates. — This pres- 
ent writing declareth to all to whom it may concern, that whereas, the 
honoured Court of Ply mouth, in New England, granted to .lames "Walker, 
Senior, and John Richmond, of Taunton, in the colony of Plymouth 
aforesaid, in order to purchase a tract of land of the Indians for the free 
inhabitants of the Township of Taunton aforesaid, as by the records of 
the said Court it may more fully appear, the above said tract of land is 
lying and being on the west side of Taunton Great Kiver, so-called, and 
for the better managing of the said purchase, the free inhabitants of 
Taunton aforesaid James Walker and John Richmond, William Bren- 
ton, Ksquire, Lieut. George Macey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, 
and William Harvey, all of them inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid, as a 
committee to act for and in the behalf of the free inhabitants of Taun- 
ton aforesaid, that whatsoever this above-named committee or the major 
part of them should do in or respecting the premises, should stand firm 
and good as by the records of the town may at large appear, the above- 
named committee obtaining deeds for the above-said tract of land, under 
the hands and seals of the right proprietors thereof to be to the above- 
said committee and their associates, and to their heirs, executoi-s, and 
assigns, the saiJ committee declaring under their hands who might be 
their full associates in all re.-^pects whatsoever, in the said tracts of land 
named in the said deeds from Philip Sachem, alias Metacum, and Mr. 
Constant Southworth, treasurer for the Colony aforesaid, dated the 2Sth 
day of September, 1672, and the other deed the 1st day of October in the 
year 1672, upon conditions inserted in the records of the said town, 
hearing date the 6th of December, 1672, as by the records of the said 
town may appear. Now, we, the abovesaid Committee do by these 
presents declare that those meu whose names are underwritten, and none 
but those are fully associated, and as fully, completely, and firmly in- 
terested and entitled in the above said tract of land, specified in the 
above-named deeds, as this above-named Committee whose names are 
inserted in the said deeds, and as equally interested as it is already laid 
out by lott, and in that part of the abovesaid lands which shall be here- 
after divided by lott, firm, and free to them and to their heirs, executors, 
and assigns forever, acknowledging these and none but these, have per- 
formed all conditions specified in the said declaration bearing date De- 
cember the Cth, 1672, as aforesaid ; in confirmation hereof we, the major 
part of the above said Committee, have set our hands under the names 
of the associates this 18th day of March, 1683-84." 



258 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Names of Aswciaiee. 
Ml-. George Sliove. Israel Deane. 



Jonathan Brigga. 
Jiilin Turner. 
Kichard Stacey. 
Jolm Hodges. 
Shadrach Wilbore. 
John Smith, Sr. 
Thomas Harvey, Sr. 
Samuel Smith. 
Robert Crossmau, Sr. 
William Paul. 
Samuel liolloway. 
Malachi HoUoway. 
Ester Gallop. 
Joseph Hall. 
James Leonard, Jr. 
John Lincoln. 
Richard Stephens. 
Joseph Willis. 
Mary Street. 
Nathaniel Thayer. 
Increase Robinson. 
Thomas Harvey, Jr. 
Isaac Deane. 
Ezra Deane. 
Thomas Williams. 
William Wilherell, Jr. 
Richard Briggs. 
Samuel Williams. 
James Walker, Jr. 
Peter Walker. 
Israel Thiasher. 
Sanuiel Mace.v. 
Nicholas White, Jr. 
Jared Talbot. 
John Smith, Jr. 
John Maconiber, Jr. 
Thomas Aniesbery. 



Henry Andrews. 

Mr. Giles Gilbert. 

Hezfkiah Hoar. 

John Hall. 

John Maconiber, Sr. 

James Phillips. 

John Hathaway. 

John Dean. 

Josepli Wilbore. 

Aaron Knap. 

Peter Pitts. 

Thomas Gilbert. 

Kicliard Burt. 
^ John Tisdale. Sr. 

Christopher Thrasher. 
1 John Pool. 

Edward Bobbett. 

Edward Rew. 

Thomas Caswell. 

William Witherell. 

Henry Andrews, Jr. 

Samuel Pitts. 

Nicholas White, Sr. 

Samuel Hall. 

James Leonard, Sr. 
y Thomas Lincoln, Sr. 

Thomas Lincoln, Jr. 

Francis Smith. 

James Burt. 

Jonah Austin, Sr. 

George Watson. 

Thomas Leonard. 

Nathaniel Williams. 

Robert Tliornton. 

Thomas Deane. 

Joseph Williams. 

John Tisdale, Jr. 

James Tisdale. 

"The names of the Comblittee are these, — 

*' George JIacey. [seal.] 
"James Walker, [seal.] 
"Walter Deane. [seal.] 
"John Richmond, [seal.] 

"This 30th of December, 1684, the Associates above named have by 
vote chosen Jolm Richmond and John Hathaway to see this writing 
signed, sealed, and delivered before a magistrate, and also to see it re- 
corded in the Court Roles at Plymouth. 

" George Macey, James Walker, Walter Deane, and John Richmond, 
being the major part of the Committee above mentioned, appeared the 
20th of March, 1684, and acknowledged this instrument to be their act 
and deed, before 

"John Walley, AnsiH.''^ 

Wlieii the lots were surveyed seven roads were laid 
out, running westerly from the river two miles into 
the woods, and there was a town-landing at the river- 
end of each road. Afterwards roads were laid out 
running north and south. The red-oak appears to 
have been a common tree on the banks of the river at 
that time, for several of the town-landings are indi- 
cated by lines running to or from red-oak trees. In 
one of the documents of that time the Segreganset 
Kiver is called the Sequeteganet. Muddy Cove had 
the same name then as now, as did also Broad Cove. 

The name of Walker has been a conspicuous one 
in the annals of this town. In 16-35 two brothers, 
James and William Walker, came to this country 
from England. James was born in 1619. He married 
Elizabeth Phillips, settled in Taunton, and was one 



of the proprietors of the South Purchase. They had 
five children who survived them, — James, Peter, 
Eleazer, Hester, and Deborah. James' second wife 
was Sarah Rew, widow of Edward Eew. She was the 
daughter of John Richmond, of Taunton. James 
Walker died Feb. 15, 1691, aged seventy-three. Ac- 
cording to the history of tlie Walker family, written 
some years ago by Rev. J. B. R. Walker, of Holyoke, 
Mass., James was an extensive land-owner, and was 
also interested in an iron-works and a saw-mill. He 
was one of the six proprietors of Assonet Neck, was 
one of the selectmen of Taunton for eight years, and 
was a deputy to the Plymouth Court for sixteen years. 
He was evidently a man of sagacity and public spirit. 
His son James, born in 1676, died in 1718, married 
Bethsheba Brooks, of Rehoboth. They had six sons 
and five daughters. He lived at the weir in Taunton, 
and kept a public-house. In his will he left to his 
son David " two lower lots in Dighton, where he now 
dwells," and to his son Josiah three upper lots in 
Digliton. 

Peter Walker, son of the first James, born in 1649, 
died in 1711, was an iron dealer and manufacturer, in 
company with James Philips. In his will the names 
of three sons and three daughters are mentioned. 
The inventory amounted to seven hundred and fifty- 
one pounds, including " homestead, with housing, or- 
chard, with little island joining to Nicholas Stevens', 
his mill, with all the land belonging to the farm, 
being four hundred acres." According to the Walker 
historian, Peter's iron-works were on this island, 
which is formed by the division of Three-Mile River 
at North Dighton. Peter Walker lived in the first 
house north of the Three-Mile River on the road from 
Taunton to Dighton. It is now owned and occupied 
by Stephen Pierce, Esq. It was remodeled in the 
early part of this century. 

Hester, daughter of the first James Walker, born 
in 1650, died in 1696, married Joseph Wood (after- 
wards Atwood), of Taunton. They were the ances- 
tors of the Atwoods of Taunton and Dighton. Their 
children were Joseph, born in 1681, died Sept. 26, 
1724, married Mary Read, and was a representative 
in the General Court from Dighton in 1729 (his daugh- 
ter Hannah married Thomas Rose, of Dighton), John 
and Ephraim. Ephraim Atwood, son of Joseph, mar- 
ried Ruth, daughter of Col. Sylvester Richmond, and 
he represented Dighton in the General Court in 1718. 
He was town clerk for several years, as was his father 
Joseph before him. Ephraim and Ruth's children 
were Silvester, born in 1725; Ruth, born in 1727; 
Ephraim, born in 1737, and Joanna, born after her 
father's death. 

Deborah Walker, daughter of the first James, of 
Taunton, married George Gooding. He settled in 
the South Purchase in 1678, being one of the earliest 
settlers. 

James, son of James Walker, the second of that 
name, was born in 1674 and died in 1749. He mar- 



DIGHTON. 



259 



ried Sarah, daughter of Johu Richmond, of Taunton. 
He lived west of Three-Mile River, in Dighton. His 
will gives the names of four sons and one daughter. 
James Walker's third son, Nathan, born in 1677, died 
in 1747, lived in Dighton. He married Abigail Rich- 
mond, of Taunton, and they had six children. 

James Walker, the third of that name, had a son 
David, who died in 1765. He was twice married, and 
he lived on the farm that was south of the one now 
owned by the heirs of Charles W. Green. It formerly 
belonged to Seth Austin. David was a member of 
the Legislature in 1721 and again in 1745. He was 
one of the selectmen in 1732, and he held a captain's 
commission in the militia. He had nine children. 

The third James Walker's son, Josiah, died in 
1749. He married Mary, daughter of George and 
Deborah Gooding. His father left him three upper 
lots in Dighton. He had four children. 

Peter Walker, son of the first James, had a son, 
born in 1692 and died in 1752. He married Mercy 
Richmond. He resided in Taunton, and had no 
children. In his will he gave "to my kinsman, 
Elisha Walker, son of my brother James, deceased, 
and to Eleazer Walker, grandson of my brother 
Peter, all the lands in Dighton, excepting twenty 
acres given to Josiah Richmond, and if either Elisha 
or Eleazer die without issue, then to Nathan Walker, 
son of Natlian, and if he die without issue, then to the 
next of my kin, and not to go out of the Walkers for 
all generations." His homestead was near the burial- 
place which he gave for the use of his kindred, and 
which contains the oldest inscription in Taunton. 

Among the prominent individuals bearing the 
name of Walker in this town was Dr. George 
AValker, son of Col. Elnathau by his third wife. He 
was born Sept. 7, 1761, and died Oct. 13, 1844. He 
married Thankful Burt, daughter of David. She 
died in 1837, aged seventy-two years. George 
Walker was about fourteen when his father died, 
and he then removed to Middleborough with his 
mother. When the Revolutionary war broke out he 
was drafted into the army. He was in Capt. Ed- 
ward Blake's company, and served in Rhode Island. 
After the war he studied medicine, bought the home- 
stead of his father, and removed there in 1792. He 
practiced medicine in Dighton for nearly fifty years, 
and frequently served the town as selectman and as- 
sessor. He was also a representative to the General 
Court for several years. He was pensioned for his 
service in the war. He held a justice's commission 
for nearly forty years. He was considered a very 
skillful ijhysician and an estimable man. His son 
George was also prominent in Dighton and Taunton 
affairs. He was a land surveyor, and represented 
Taunton in the General Court for several years. 

Another prominent man in town affairs was Nehe- 
miah Walker, son of Elijah, born in 1769, died May 
7, 1856, aged eighty-seven. He married, in 1796, 
Elizabeth Frances, who died in 1847, in her seventy- 



first year. Nehemiah resided in the northwest part 
of the town, was a farmer, and was selectman for 
several years, and represented the town in the Legis- 
lature eight years. He exerted a large influence in 
town affairs. He had eight children. 

The foregoing are only a few names culled from 
the many Walkers who have resided in this town. 
" The name Walker," says Lower in his " Surnames," 
''signified either (Anglo-Saxon, wealcere) a fuller or 
an officer whose duty consisted in walking over or 
inspecting a certain space of forest ground. In the 
north of England a fulling-mill is still called a walk- 
mill." There was another forest ofiicer, a "ryder," 
who superintended the walkers. He was mounted, 
and his supervision extended over a large district. 

The following correspondence from the American 
Silk Journal, published in New York, one of the edi- 
tors of which, Mr. Byron Rose, is a native of Dighton, 
will need no explanation: 

" North Dighton, Mass., Feb. 7, 1S82. 
"Editor of the American Silk Jouenal: 

" Bear Sir^ — The proposed dress for Mrs. Garfield is by no raeaijs the 
first of entirely American growth and manufactnre, those Philadelphia 
ladies to the contrary notwithstanding. One hundred and fifty years 
ago we made most of our cloth of wool and flax, and in Connecticut a 
considerable amount of silk. From the years 1800 to 1S12, my mother 
lived in Ulansfield, Conn., where she was employed in raising silk- 
worms, reeling the silk, dyeing the same, etc. At that time only sew- 
ing-silk was made from the smooth threads, as reeled from the cocoons, 
the great ends and floss, or tow, as some called it, was made into cloth, 
stocking-yarn, etc. The rough silk amounted to about one-third of the 
whole. In 1812 my father and mother were nuirried and settled in 
Bristol, R. I. Finding mulberry-trees there, she, in 181.3, sent to Con- 
necticut and obtained silk-worm eggs, and made from the cocoons raised 
from them the first silk ever made in the State of Rhode Island. In 
182f> my jtarents moved to Dighton, and in my personal remembrance, 
from ISaO for many years, silk made by my family, who raised the mul- 
berry-tiees, silk-worms, cocoons, and all, was a common thing 

" It is safe to say that of the tons of silk that were grown in this coun- 
try, nearly one-third was made into homespun cloth. My mother made 
silk for herself from ISla to 1857, a period of forty-four years. I myself 
have had pantaloons aud vests made from silk we grew, but, though I 
'did walk in silk attire,' I derived, so far as I can remember, but little 
pleasure therefrom, for the voracity of the worms compelled me, as a boy, 
in all sorts of weather to gather leaves for them to eat. 

"Henry W. Hart." 
" New Bedford, Mass., Feb. 3, 1882. 
"Editor of thf. American Silk Joi'rnal: 

" Dear Sir, — Mrs. Resconie Hart took the first silk-worms to Dighton, 
planted the mulberry-trees upon which they fed, and raised the cocoons. 
From the worms which Mrs. Hart gave my grandmother (Mrs. Silaa 
Talbot), who waa also a resident of Dighton, were raised the cocoons 
from which she carded, spun, and wove, then had colored and watered, 
the dress of which you have been informed, aud a piece of which I enclose 
herewith. It was made from the tow of the silk. Mrs. Hart and Mi's. 
Talbot also made a large amount of very nice sewing-silk. My grand- 
mother's dress must have been made between forty and fifty yeai"8 ago, 
and the assertion that the proposed dress for Mrs. Garfield is the first 
American silk dress, in both culture and manufacture, is certainly open 
to question. 

"Lizzie A. Durfee." 

As Digliton initiated the culture and manufacture 
of silk in this State, it would seem a very appropriate 
place in which to carry on its manufacture, at least, 
on a large scale, and in which to build up a thriving 
village devoted to the business, like that of South 
Manchester, in Connecticut. Land is cheap here, 
there are good facilities for reaching the markets, and 



260 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



there is no town debt to make taxation high. All 
that is needed are men of business enterprise and 
capit.al. 

Dighton in the War of the Rebellion.— With 
scarcely an exception the people of this town were 
intensely loyal to the Union cause during the war of 
the Eebellion, and responded promptly to the several 
calls of the government for men. The following men 
were in 1861 and 1862 mustered into the Seventh 
Kegiment, Col. Couch commanding, most of them for 
three years: Daniel D. Andrews, Henry C. Talbot, 
Elhanan Ingalls, James E. Rawson, Augustus F. 
Gammons, Frank Rose, Gustavus Fisher, Frederick 
Wink, Frank Wink, Daniel Edson, Jr. (quarter- 
master), George R. Ingalls, George T. McLane, Leon- 
ard Hathaway, Benjamin F. Williams (corporal), 
William Martin, John W. Pitts, James L. Gay, Wil- 
liam E. Walker, George Ferry, George T. Briggs, 
William 0. Brown, George R. Trafton, Henry H. 
Jones, Isaac Hathaway, Henry E. Reed, William 
Hathaway, James H. Luther. 

The bounty paid at that time was fifteen dollars. 
Five of the above-named men deserted, viz., Henry 
C. Talbot, Elhanan Ingalls (afterwards re-enlisted in 
New York; was wounded and discharged), Frank 
Rose, Frederick Wink, and Frank Wink. Of the 
others, Augustus F. Gammons was discharged and 
re-enlisted in 18G4 in the Veteran Reserve Corps ; 
Leonard Hathaway was promoted to iirst lieutenant ; 
John H. Pitts re-enlisted in 1864 ; James L. Gay died 
Aug. 29, 1862. William E. Walker re-enlisted in 
1864, was taken prisoner in front of Richmond, and 
after six months' imprisonment was discharged ; 
George T. Briggs re-enlisted in 1864 ; Henry H. Jones 
died ; Isaac Hathaway and Henry E. Reed re-enlisted 
in 1864 in the Veteran Reserve Corps, United States 
Army ; the bounty of those that enlisted in this corps 
was four hundred and fifty dollars. 

The following-named men enlisted for three years 
in the Eleventh Rhode Island Regiment: Oliver 
Jones, Orlando Fales, Phineas M. Pratt, and Dennis 
Flatry. 

The following enlisted in 1862 in the Twenty-fourth 
Massachusetts: George F. Fales and Jeremiah N. 
Brown. 

Charles T. Jones enlisted in the Forty-third Mas- 
sachusetts ; was taken prisoner and imprisoned for six 
months at Andersonville ; he escajied in November, 
1864. 

The following enlisted in Rhode Island regiments: 
John Garroll, Third Rhode Island ; Nathaniel Brown 
(promoted to colonel, and died at Port Royal) ; Fred- 
erick L. Brown, son of Col. Brown, enlisted in the 
Third Rhode Island; William Pratt and George H. 
Stratton, in the Third Rhode Island; John O. Mar- 
vel, in the Fifteenth Connecticut ; Ebeuezer L. Briggs, 
in the First Rhode Island ; Edward P. Lincoln and 
Calvin M. Perkins, in the Thirty-third Massachusetts ; 
Benjamin P. Jones, in the Fortieth Massachusetts 



(was mustered in Sept. 3, 1862; he died of fever in 
the hospital at Bermuda Hundred, Va., Jan. 9, 1865) ; 
Benjamin P. Jones, Jr., John G. Walker (died in the 
service), Joseph Spencer, Thom.as A. Briggs, Edward 
B. Marvel, Albert Duiilap, Martin F. Kinney, Henry 
R. Briggs, Horace N. White, E. Bradford Gay, Ed- 
ward E. Wade (killed in battle May 20, 1864), Samuel 
B. Westcoat, Hodijah Baylies, James L. Spooner, 
Daniel Fish, and John A. Briggs, all enlisted in the 
Fortieth Massachusetts (bounty, three hundred and 
twenty-five dollars) ; Joseph H. Chace and Frederick 
W. Shaw, in the Seventh Massachusetts, June 11, 
1861 ; Robert Grossman, Herbert A. Chace (discharged 
March 27, 1863), Nathan O. Walker, Edwin Haskins, 
George A. Walker, Josiah L. Horton, Oliver H. 
Briggs, Henry N. Goff, L. C. Smith, Adam Wink, 
Albert S. Pratt, John Williams, Baylies R. Chace, 
Sylvauus D. Jones, Alvin C. Lincoln, Henry A. 
Williams, Samuel Hardy, Henry M. Westcoat, Wil- 
liam H. Belden, Nathaniel M. Babbitt, James O. 
Reed, Stephen N. Smith, Charles H. Talbot, Charles 
H. Briggs, Edwin Chace, and James M. Evans were 
mustered into the Ninth Massachusetts Sept. 23, 1863 
(bounty, two hundred dollars) ; Henry F. Root, Arthur, 
A. Hathaway, Andrew C. Pratt, George L. Walker, 
George S. Whitmarsh (died at Readville), Oliver 
Jones, Truman S. Gay, and Oliver H. Briggs were 
mustered into the Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Regi- 
ment in 1864. 

The following-named men served in the navy: 
George W. Cobb (2), Benjamin Cobb, Jr., Thomas A. 
Spencer, Joseph W. Spencer, Josiah T. Horton, John 
Walmsley, Henry B. Jones, George E. Pierce, and 
William T. Blake. 

According to the records there were ninety-five men 
who served in the army from Dighton, and nine in 
the navy, or a total of one hundred and four. The 
large debt contracted by the town for war purposes 
has been entirely paid off, but no memorial has yet 
been erected to the memory of those who died in the 
service of the government. 

"^The following article from the A'p;*' York Tiiaea of 
Dec. 15, 1853, concerning a native and former resident 
of Dighton, explains itself. It was received too late 
to be inserted in the body of this sketch, and is there- 
fore placed in the appendix. A sister of Capt. Pen- 
dleton is still living in this town : 

" A Hero Who has Gone — The Bravery and Humanity which 
f MADE Capt. Charles B. Pendleton enown. — The recent derith of dipt. 
Charlcf B. Pendleton, who died at his residence in Brookli'u on Christ- 
mas, and was buried at Cypress Hills on W^ednesday, recalls to the minds 
of all old New Yorkers the loss of the steamship 'San Francisco' in 1853, 
one of the most terrible ocean calamities on record in this conntry, by 
which over two hnndred and flfty lives weie lost. Capt. Pendleton was 
a native of Massachusetts, having been born in Dighton, April 24. IfilG. 
He went to sea when a lad, and gradually, by perseverance, energy, and 
untiring labor, worked his way up from the position of ' monkey,' as 
the boys on sailing vessels were called in those days, to that of master of 
the packet-ship 'Lucy Thompson,' which was so long and favorably 
known in the trade between this city and Livei'pool. Capt. Pendleton 
commanded this ship for fourteen years, until 18G2, when he abandoned 
the sea and entered into business as a partner in the firm of John W. 



DIGHTON. 



261 



Mason & Co., importers and commission merchants, at No. 43 Broadway. 
lu this business Cupt. Pendleton cuntinuert to the day of his death. He 
leaves a widow anii three daughters. 

"It was while in command of the 'Lucy Thompson,' in 1S53, that 
public attention was first called toOapt. Pendleton hy his rescue of some 
of the passengers of tlie ill-fated 'San Francisco,' and especially by his 
manner of extending his aid. The 'San Francisco' was a uew steam- 
ship, owned by Mr. Aspinwall, and built especially for the California 
trade. She was of two tlumsand five hundred tons burthen, and was 
regarded as one of tlie finest eteaniLTs tliat ever sailed from this port. 
She started on hor first voyage from New York Dec. 21, 1853, having on 
board about six hundred souls, including officers and crew. Among the 
passengers were eight companies of the Thirtieth Kcgiment United 
States Artillery, comprising about five hundred men, bound for California, 
under command of Col. William Gates, and a number of ladies and chil- 
dren composing the families of the officers of the rf-ginienl. The 'San 
Francisco' sailed with fine weather and good prospects for an excellent 
voyage, but on December 27th, when only three days out of port, a ter- 
rific gale was encountered, and the new steamsliip proved to be totally 
unmanngeablo in the heavy seas. On the first day of tho storm her 
masts went by the board, and one hundred men were swept overboard 
and lost by one powerful sea. For five days she labored in the rolling 
waves, threatening at every moment to founder, and each day a number 
of unfortunates were swept into the sea and drowned. To add to the 
liorrors of the situation the sailors began to drink heavily, plundering 
the stores of the purser, and all discipline was at an end on the steam- 
ship. The cholera also broke out on the dismantled vessel, and scores 
were prostrated by this scourge, so that there seemed to be onlj' one 
choict' for all, — death bydrowningor destruction by thefell disease. On 
December 29th, however, the bark 'Kilbey,' Capt. Lowe, was spoken, and 
she took off upward of a hundred of the passengers. Two days later 
the 'Three Bells,' Capt. Creighton, who died a short time ago, rescued 
another lot, and on Jun. 2, 1854, the 'Antarctic,' Capt. Stouff'er, took the 
remninderof the passengers from the sinkingship, which soon aftersank 
beneath the waves, 

"The ' Kilbey,' when she took tho passengers from the ' San Francisco,' 
was herself in distress. She had been out forty-eight days, was short of 
provisions, and had only one cask of water to serve out to her own crew 
and the strangers. Capt. Murray, however, thought it probnble that he 
would meet some vessel soon which would relieve him of his charge, and 
he refused to leave the men to die on the 'San Francisco.' For fifteen 
days the ' Kilbey' sped along, meeting no ship and encountering heavy 
gales, which split her sails and almost dismantled her, while her pro- 
visions had been reduced to such a low ebb that for nearly ten days a hand- 
ful of parched corn was all that could be allowed to each porstju on board. 
Hope of deliveiance had well-nigh fled, wlien, on January 13th, the 
'Lucy Thompson, ' Capt. Pendleton, was sighted, and, in answer to the 
signal of distress shown by the ' Kilbey,' lay to, although a terrific gale 
was blowing and the sea run dangerously high. Capt. Pendleton sent a 
boat to the * Kilbey,' ami on ascertaining the condition of things on 
board the vessel offered to take on the ' Lucy Thompson' one hundred 
of tlie passengers of the ' San Francisco.' and to furnish provisions to the 
'Kilbey.' It was a matter of great difticulty and danger to transfer the 
passengers with the heavy sea running, but the work was safely done, 
and till- two Vessels proceeded on their way, the 'Kilbey' to Boston, and 
the ' Lucy Thompson' to this port. Col. Gates, as soon as heboarded tlie 
'Lucy Thompson,' sent his quartermaster to Capt. Pendleton to assure 
him that lie shuuld be paid well for his rescue of the United States ofti- 
ceis and soldiers. To this the captain replied that he had done only his 
duty, and he could not think of taking money for saving human life. 
Capt. Pendleton ct>ntinued to hold this noble view of his duty to the day 
of his death, refusing to put in any claim for payment against the gov- 
ernment, although he was frequently urged to do so by his friends, and 
alth"Ugh liis otliceis and men all filed claims nnd were duly paid for 
their .-services. The 'Lucy Thompson' arrived hero with the rescued 
passengers Jan. 15.1854, and Capt. Pendleton, with the other captains of 
the vessels who had taken the people from the 'San Francisco,' were the 
heroes of the hour. The merchants of this city contributed over six 
thousand dollars for a testimonial to be given to the captains, and at a 
public dinner Capt. Pendleton was jiresented with a handsome service 
of plate, valued at two thousand dollars. This was inscribed, 'Presented 
by the merchants and citizens of New York to Capt. C. B. Pendleton, of 
the ship " Lucy Thompson," as a testimonial of the appreciation of hia 
humane and gnllant efforts in assisting to save the passengers and crew 
of the steamship " San Francisco" after the terrific gale of the ^4th De- 
cember, 1853.' The citizens of Boston also sent to Capt. Pendleton a 
handsome silver pitcliei", and from Phila'lelphia came u purse of two 



hundred and fifty dollars. This money he invested in a picture descrip- 
tive uf the rescue of the passengers, painted by Walteis, the Liverpool 
artist. In after-years the house of Capt. Pendleton was often the scene 
of reunious of the rescued passengers of the ' San Francisco.' " 

TOWN CLERKS OF DIGHTON. 



J 



1712. Joseph Dean. 

1717. Capt. Jiired Talbot. 

1718. Joseph Atwood. 
1720 Jaied Talbot. 
1721, Joseph Atwood. 
1724. Ephraini Atwood. 

1751. Ezra Kicbmond. 

1752. Samuel Bnggs, 

1753. Gersliom Williams, Jr. 
1755. Nathan Walker. 
1750. Ephraim Atwood. 
17G4. Abiezer Phillips. 
nS3. Thomas B. Bichmoud. 
1785. David Whitm.irsh. 



170O. Abiezer Phillips. 
1806. Joseph Gooding, Jr. 
1809. John Hathawaj-, Jr. 
1813. Joseph Talbot. 
1818. John P. Perry. 
1820. Jonathan Jones. 
1841. Leonard Gooding. 
1845. William B. Smith. 
184G. Leonard Gooding. 
1855. A. W. Paul. 
1S5S. George E. Gooding. 
1801. William Wood. 
1872. G. A. Shove. 



REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT FROM 
DIGHTON. 

I 1825. Darius Perry. 



1719. Ephraim Atwood. 
1721. Benjamin Crane. 
I 1722. Jared Talbot. 
1723-24, 1727-28, 1733. Edward 

Shove. 
1729. Joseph ,\twood. 
1753, 1704^67. Ezra Richmond. 
1771-74. Elnathan Walker. 
1774. J)x. William Baylies. 
1770-78. George Codding. 
1779-80, 1783. Abiezer Phillips. 
1784-85. Thomas B. Richmond. 
1780. Elkanah Andrews. 
1787. Silvester Richmond. 
1791-92, 1818. Thomas S. Baylies. 
1794-95. Thomas Church. 
1796, 1801-15. Rufus Whitmarsb. 

1799, 1802-3, 1809-11. Geo. Walker. 

1800. Dr. George Ware. 

1804-5, 1807-11, 1813, 1821. John 

Hathaway, 
1813-14. Leonard Hathaway, 
1810. Jeremiah Jones. 
1817-23. Dr. William Wood. 



1827. Nathaniel Wheeler. 
1829-30, 1832-35. Nehemiah 

Walker. 
1835-37. David Hathaway. 
1838. William Peck. 
1840-41, 1845-52. Anthony Shove. 
1842-44. Joseph Pitts. 
1847. William T. Rose. 
1848-49. Bradford Pratt. 

1850. Jonathan Jones. 

1851. William L. Hathaway. 
1863-57. Jervis Shove. 
1854. Isaac Hathaway. 
1865. George F. Gavitt. 
1856. Benjamin Trapton. 
1800. Jonathan Pratt.' 
1863. William Wood.l 

1800. James H. Coilding.2 
1808. Rev. E. Dawes.! 
1872. Dr. Charles Talbot.'.! 
1877. J. A. Lewis.3 
1882. F. A. IIorr.3 



It will be seen that for some years Dighton was not 
represented in the Legislature, and during several 
years had two representatives. 



SELECTMEN 
Edward Paul, 1714-15, 1720. 
Samuel Waldron, 1714-18. 
Benjamin Jojies, 1714-16, 1731-32, 

1740, 1742-45, 1750, 1764, 1758, 

1768. 
Joseph Atwood, 1715-19, 1746-68. 
Col. Ebenezer Pitts, 1716-17, 1719, 

1722-23, 1726. 
Nicholas Stevens, 1717-19. \ 
Nathan Walker, 1718. 
Jared Talbot, 1720-25. 
Edward Shove, 1720-23, 1725-29, 

1731. 
David Walker, 1721-23, 1726-31, 

1761. 
John Burt, 1721. 

Abraham Shaw, 1727-29, 1733, 1740. 
Daniel Axlil, 1725, 
Joseph Dean, 1732-55. 
Josiah Talbot, 1733-34, 1739-40, 

1742^4, 1740, 1746, 1750, 



OF DIGHTON. 
Gershum Crane, 1733-34. 
Silvester Richuiond, 1734, 1742-43, 

174.5-40, 1748, 1751, 1703, 1767, 
Ephraim Atwood, 1739-40, 1764, 
Josiah Walker, 1744^6. 
Oliver Simmons, 1746-48. 
David Whitmarsb, 1750-58, 1777- 
i 78, 
Ezra Richmond, 1751. 
Dr. William Ware, 1761-53. 
Joseph Ford, 1753. 
Samuel Briggs, 1763. 
Elnathan Walker, 1754-55, 1758, 

1760-01, 1764-06, 1768-72. 
George Pitts, 1755. 
Constant Simmons, 1760, 
Samuel Shaw, 1760. 
Ebenezer Stetson, 1701, 
Job Winslow, 170.3. 
Gcrshom Williams, 1703-66, 1768- 

72, 1774, 1778. 



1 Sixth Bristol District. 
"Tenth Bristol District. 



2 Fifth Bristol District. 



262 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



John Pierce, 17C4-6C, 1768-71, 1773. 

Seth Biiggs, 1772-74. 

Joseph Gooding, 1773, 

Dr. William Baylies, 1774-SS. 

Silvester Riclunond, Jr., 1775, 1779- 

86. 
John Whitniarsh, 177,'). 
Ahiezer Phillips, 1775-76, 1779. 
George Cudfliug, 1776. 
John Simmons, 1776. 
William Gooding, 1777. 
Peler Pitts, 1777-78. 
Elijali Walker, 1779. 
Ellianah Andrews, 1770, 178.1-85. 
Simeon Williams, 17s6, 1789-95. 
Eufus Whitniarsh, 178U, 1782-S4, 

1790-95, 1799, 1800-5, 1811-13, 

1815-17. 
Thomas Church, 1781. 
William Drown, 1781. 
James Dean, 1782-84. 
Tlionms B. Richmond, 1783. 
Seth Talbot, 1786-88. 
Stephen Smith, 1787-89. 
Thomas S. Baylies, 1789-96, 1807. 
William Walker, 1796-98. 
Samuel Pliillips, 1796, 1800-3, 1805. 
George Williams, 1796, 1800-1. 
James Briggs, 1802-3. 
George Briggs, 1804-5. 
Samuel Stephens, 1804-6. 
Silvester Atwood, Jr., 1805. 
Ephlaim Hathaway, Jr., 1806. 
Josiah Wardwell, 1807-9. 
George Walker, 1807-9. 
John Walker. 1808-14. 
Nehemiah Walker, 1810-14, 1829- 

32, 1835-37, 1863. 
Samuel Dean, 1810. 
Dr. William Wood, 1814-15, 1817- 

23. 
Salathiel Jones, 1815. 
Simeon Talhot, 1816-17. 
Caleb Chace, 1818, 1820-28. 
Elkaiiah Phillips, 1818-19. 
Darius Perry, 1819. 

In the preparation of these pages the sources from 
which information has been obtained have been so 
various, and the individuals to whom the writer is 
under obligations so numerous, that only a few of 
them can be mentioned here, and he can only extend 
to the great majority, collectively, his sincere thanks. 
Among those not already mentioned to whom he is 
indebted are Hon. Henry Williams, of Taunton ; Gen. 
E. W. Pierce, of Freetown; C. A. Reed, Esq., of 
Taunton ; and H. W. Hart and G. E. Gooding, Esqs., 
of North Dighton. Mr. W. R. Taylor, of Bristol, 
R. I. ; Rev. L.Kinney (historical sketch of Baptist 
Church); and also the pastors and clerks of several 
of the religious societies for the loan of records. 



Ebenezer Talbot, 1820-25, 1828-30. 

Luther Talbot, 1824-27. 

Matthew Briggs (2d), 1826-30. 

diaries Whitniarsh, 1831-34. 

Leonard Gooding, 1831-33, 1857. 

David Hathaway, 1833. 

Seth Talbot, 1834. 

Abiatliar White, 1834. 

William Peck, 1835,1838-39. 

Edward Kose, 1835-39. 

Samuel Davis, 1836-43, 1846-50, 

1862, 18.64. 
Anthony Shove, 1840-43, 1846-52. 
Satnuel Walker, 1840-44. 
Charles H. Green, 1841-43, 1846-52. 
Joseph Pitts, 1844^5. 
Cyrus Gooding, 1844^6. 
Gideon Walker, 1845. 
Abiathar Walker, 1851, 1855-50, 

1858, 1860. 
Oliver Eaton, 1853. 
Alfred W. Keed, 1853, 1855. 
Jervis Shove, 18.64. 
Weston Earle, 1854, 1857-59, 1863. 
G. E. Gooding, 1855-66, 1863. 
Jathniel Williams, 1856. 
Jer. P. Edson, 1857-61, 1804-66. 
Jonathan Pratt, 1859-60. 
0. P. Simmons, 1861-62. 
Zebina Wilmarlh, 1801. 
George F. Gavitt, 1862. 
Charles H. Gooding, 1863. 
James H. Codding, 1864. 
Noah Chace, 1864-66, 1872-74. 
Allen Talbot, 1865-66. 
Edward Lincoln, 1867-71. 
Nehemiali Walker, 1807-68. 
Cyrus Talbot, 1867-71. 
Nathan Walker, 1869-71. 
Joseph B. Warner, 1872. 
Henry A. Williams, 1872-74. 
F. A. Hon-, 1873-82. 
Ira P. Briggs, 1875-82. 
E. S. Ashley, 1875. 
J. A. Lewis, 1876-82. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WESTON EARLE. 
Ralph Earle emigrated from England jjrobably be- 
tween the years 1633 and 1638. There is a tradition 
presumed from the directness of its descent to be au- 



thentic that he came from Exeter. Of this, however, 

we have obtained no positive proof No efforts have 
been made to trace his family prior to his arrival in 
this country. 

From the records of the Colonial Court it appears 
that Ralph Earle, with nineteen other residents of 
Portsmouth, R. I., petitioned the king, under date of 
April 30, 1638, for " permission to form themselves 
into a body politic." Upon the records of the town of 
Portsmouth, R. I., under date of first of eighth month, 
O.S. (October) 1638, there is " A Catalogue of such 
(persons) who by the Genral! consent of the com- 
pany were admitted to the Inhabytants of the Island 
now called Aqueedneck, having submitted themselves 
to the Government that is, or shall be, established 
according to the word of God therein." This cata- 
logue contains fifty-nine names, of which that of 
Ralph Earle is one. Again, under date of " April ye 
30th 1639," his name, with twenty-eight others, is ap- 
pended to the following declaration of allegittiice : 
" We whose names are under | written doe acknowl- 
edge'! ourselves the legell subjects of [his majestie] 
King Charles, and in his name [doe hereby bindej 
ourzelves into a civil body politicke unto his lawes 
according to matters of justice." 

March 21, 1640, Ralph Earle conveyed " parcells 
of upland and meadow," to William Baulston. 

At a town-meeting, June 2, 1649, Ralph was " chosen 
treasurer for this next year ensuing, and also overseer 
for the poor," and at another town-meeting, April 29, 
1650, he, with five others, was chosen " for the commit- 
tee for the General Assembly at Newport in May next." 
At a town-meeting in 1647 he had been " chosen to 
keep an Inn, to sell beer and wine, and to entertain 
strangers," but at a similar meeting, Nov. 12, 1650, 
with a species of hair-splitting worthy of the meta- 
physicians, it was " voated and granted that Ralph 
Erl's house wherein he now dwelleth be recorded an 
Inn, in ye room of ye former vote that lie was an Inn- 
keeper." It would appear that he was an inn-keeper 
by compulsion rather than choice. Jan. 16, 1651, he 
was " chosen to oversee the work of the Prison," etc. 
May 5, 16-55, with two others, he was chosen as jury- 
man " for the Generall Court of tryals to be held in 
Providence." In 1667, he joined a " troope of horse," 
which had been ordered to be raised, and on the 10th 
of August signed, with eighteen others, a paper ap- 
proving "the choyce of our captaine and Lieflenant 
to the full." It appears that Ralph was afterwards 
captain of this troop. April 28, 1669, he was placed 
on the Grand Jury ; and June 7, 1671, he and eleven 
others of Portsmouth, R. I., and several residents of 
Newport, were appointed by the General Assembly of 
the colony as a Special Court, to sit on the 15th of 
the same month, to try " two Indians now imprisoned 
upon criminall charge." 



1 The words in brackets are modern interpolations in places where 
the original record is torn off. 




>^ 



Ve.)^^^^ t^Oy-r-t^ 




3^'-?^'i2^;*^^^/' 



DIGHTON. 



263 



Several deeds of real estate from Ralph to other 
persons are upon the records of Portsmouth. In the 
"New England Genealogical and Antiquarian Reg- 
ister," vol. vi. p. 369, it is stated that Ralph claimed 
the lands of the Dutch " House of Good Hope," now 
Hartford, Conn., and commenced a lawsuit therefor 
against Richard Lord and James Richards, of Hart- 
ford, possessors of the Dutch land about 1667. Earle 
affirmed that he purchased the land of Underhill in 
August, 1653, and paid him twenty pounds sterling 
for it, but Underhill protested against Earle's claim. 
"It is not improbable," continues the writer in the 
"Register," "that there was some foundation for this 
claim." There are many papers on the subject in the 
archives of Connecticut. We have no record of the 
date of Ralph's decease, but his " Will was Entered 
and Recorded the 14th day of the 11th month (O.S.), 
1677, as Atest John Anthony, Town Clarke," of Ports- 
mouth. 

Thomas Earle, of Portsmouth, was received a free- 
man of the colony in 1764. No other record- of his 
name has been found. He was probably a son of 
Ralph, and died not long after the year just men- 
tioned. 

Ra/p/i^ Earle married lone ; settled in Ports- 
mouth, R. I., in 1638. His children were Ralph, 
Wlliam', Mary, Martha, and S.irah. William'' died 
in 1715. His children were William, Ralph, Thomas^, 
John, and Prudence. Thonias" lived in Warwick, 
R. I. He died in 1727. His children were William, 
Thomas, Mary, 0/irer', Sarah, Lydia, and Rebecca. 
Oliver* married Rebecca Shernian, and lived in Swan- 
sea, Mass. He died in 1766. His children were 
Joshua, Caleb', Thomas, and Mary. Caleb' was born 
in 1729, and died in 1.812. He lived in Swansea, 
Mass. He was twice married, first to Sarah Buffin- 
ton, in 1745. They had sis children, — Elizabeth, 
Weston'^, Caleb, Benjamin, Josiiua, and David. His 
second wife was Hannah Chase. They were married 
in 1769. Their children were Mary, Jonathan, Re- 
becca, Daniel, Sarah, Oliver, and William. Wesfon^ 
was born in Swansea in 1750, and died Sept. 5, 1838. 
He married three times, first Hepsibeth Terry. Their 
children were Caleb, Sarah, Hepsibeth. His second 
wife was Sarah Slade. (See Slade biography, in Som- 
erset.) Their children were Johji\ Slade, Edward S. 
His third wife was Martha Smith. They had one son, 
Thomas G. Jo//«' was born May 24, 1790. At the age of 
sixteen he began teaching, and continued in tliis em- 
ployment during the winter months for thirty-seven 
years. In addition to the common school studies he 
taught navigation and the higher branches. He was 
also a successful farmer, was for several years a mem- 
ber of the General Court, and for two years occupied a 
seat in the State Senate. He held many responsible 
positions in the town, where his value was recognized, 
was a justice of the peace, and was often called upon 
to administer estates. He died in the seventy-fifth 
year of his age. He married Roby, daughter of Asa 



Cornell and his wife, Martha Mason. She was born 
in Swansea in 1789, and died in her eighty-third 
year. 

Their children were Westoit'*; Sarah, born in 1811, 
married Phili]) Simmons in 1835; John M., born in 
1819; Elizabeth M., born in 1822, married, in 1857, 
F. A. Boomer, of Fall River, Mass. (See biography in 
history of Fall River.) 

Weston'^ Earle was born Feb. 19, 1810, in Swansea, 
where he continued to reside, working on his father's 
farm until he was twenty-one. He then went to 
Rochester for three years, when he returned to Swan- 
sea, where he worked on a farm until he was twenty- 
eight. In 1837 he purchased his present farm, where 
he has lived since 1838. He is a firm supporter of 
the Republican party. He was for many years one 
of the selectmen of Dighton. He is a descendant in 
the eighth generation from Ralph Earle, who came 
from England, and was one of the first purchasers 
and settlers of the island of Rhode Island (in 1638). 
His wife's name was lone, and the subject of this 
sketch has a grandson and granddaughter named after 
the original Ralph and lone Earle. 

Mr. Earle married Content (daughter of Benjamin 
Slade and Elizabeth Robinson), born Feb. 8, 1798, at 
Swansea. She was the youngest of eight children, 
who all lived to an advanced age. 

Children of Weston Earle : John W., born July 6, 
1838, and Elizabeth S., born May 1, 1841. 

John W. married Caroline E. Searle, of Scituate, 
R. I. Their children are Ralph, Howard Weston 
(deceased), lone and one not named (twins). 



CHARLES H. GOODING. 

Charles H. Gooding was born in Dighton, Mass., 
Feb. 5, 1812. He is the fifth generation of the Good- 
ings who have resided on the ancestral farm settled 
by George Gooding in 1684. He had emigrated from 
Somersetshire, England, and purchased the place be- 
fore King Philip's war. George Gooding had four 
children, three daughters and one son, viz. : Matthew, 
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 
His grandfather and father both bore the name of 
Joseph, the latter born in 1772. His mother was 
Betsey Austin, daughter of Seth Austin, Sr., of Digh- 
ton, and he is the youngest of a family of six children, 
of whom he and his sister Betsey, widow of the late 
Samuel L. Thaxter, are the only survivors. 

Mr. Gooding was well educated in the branches 
taught at the common schools of his native town, and 
received additional advantages at a grammar school 
in Fall River, where his father resided and carried on 
the clock- and watch-making business and a general 
jeweler's store. Charles learned of his father the 
trade of a clock- and watch-maker, though he did not 
continue to follow that pursuit. He served as deputy 
postmaster at Fall River about one year, and in 1834 
went to the city of New York, and was about ten 



26i 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



years engaged there as a book-keeper for his brother, 
Albert Gooding, who was a merchant in the Spanish 
West India trade. In 1844 he settled on the home- 
stead in Digliton. Under the administration of 
Presidents Taylor and Fillmore he was inspector of 
customs at Dighton, a branch of the Fall River office 
being then kept at that place. He has carried on the 
homestead farm since his return there in 1844. 

Mr. Gooding was married, Feb. 5, 18.57, to Mary 
Almy, daughter of Capt. Abraham Briggs, of Digli- 
ton, and widow of Mr. Gilbert L. Talbot. She was a 
native of Providence, R. I. They had no children. 
She died Sept. 24, 1880, aged sixty-six years and two 
months. 

A Whig and a Republican in politics, he is yet an 
Independent, and believes more in principles and men 
than in party. In religious faith and worship his 
affiliations are with the Unitarian Church, and he is 
a supporter of the church of this order in Dighton. 

We append to this brief sketch the following arti- 
cle, recently published in the Taunton Gazette, re- 
specting the occupation pursued by several members 
of this family : 

" The Goodixg Family of Clockmaicees. — 
A recent notice of the death of a member of the 
Gooding family, the last of the brothers, natives of 
Dighton, suggested the grouping of a brief genealog- 
ical reminiscence relative to the histor\', mechanical 
skill, and occupation of this family of clock and 
watchmakers. Probably no similar instance can be 
cited in this country where so many of one family 
followed that ingenious business, to whom may be 
added nearly a dozen descendants pursuing the same 
occu])ations, nearly all citizens of this State. 

" The old homestead where they were born stands 
upon the estate of their late pilgrim ancestor, George 
Gooding,- who died Jan. 1, 1712, in his eightieth 
year. His son Matthew inherited the estate ; Joseph 
was the third, Joseph (2d) the fourth, in lineal descent, 
and the eldest of the five brothers, and three sisters — 
Rebecca (Mrs. Reed), Deborah (Mrs. Standish), and 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Perry) — comprised the family of the 
fourth generation. 

" Joseph (4th) was born in 1772, and at an early age 
developed a remarkable mechanical genius and a pe- 
culiar aptitude for clock and watch machinery. When 
about sixteen years of age his father sent him as an 
apprentice to an English Quaker, an ingenious watch 
and clockmaker in Hanover, where he remained a 
few years, until he was as expert as his master in the 
business. He returned to Dighton, and commenced 
the manufacture of brass clocks before he was twenty- 
one years of age, in a little room in the old home- 
stead. He afterwards, in 1797, built a store near the 
Upper Four Corners, and enlarged the business, with 



1 Joanna, a diiughter of George Gooding (3d), married John Godfrey, 
Esq,, and was tlie motherof Biig.-Gen. Godfrey, men of note during the 
last century in this county. 



two of his brothers as apprentices, in making the 
tall, mahogany-cased clocks, after the English style, 
recently imported from London at great expen'^e. 
These clocks, besides the time-dial, noted the day of 
the month and the moon's phases, some of which 
may be found in old family residences at the present 
day. All the delicate brass-work was executed by 
his own hands and those of his brother apprentices. 
Not a cog-wheel or pinion was turned out by ma- 
chinery, as done by the million at present. None of 
those grand mahogany-cased time-keepers are now 
made, yet many are still keeping note of the time 
and the phases of the moon as correctly as they did 
nearly a century ago. Those who hold them in pos- 
session as family heirlooms are loth to part with their 
venerable Gooding clocks for an)' consideration, 
which have proved such reliant time-keepers. At the 
manufacture of these famous clocks the younger 
brothers, as they left the humble school and patri- 
monial farm, served apprenticeship with their senior 
brother, .Joseph. 

"In 1826, Joseph removed his business to Troy 
(now Fall River), then having a population of less 
than three thousand, and followed watchmaking, at 
which he was an adept; also a designer, engraver, 
and die-cutter, and skillful at all. After remaining 
a dozen years he returned to his homestead in Dighton 
in 1838, and resumed the repairing of clocks and 
watches until his death, in 1853, at the age of eighty 

years and eight months. He married Austin, 

and they had two daughters and four sons. The two 
eldest, Joseph and Albert, followed their father's 
business, and went to Bogota, South America. Wil- 
liam also removed there in the shell-comb manufac- 
ture. Albert and William died some years ago, and 
Joseph died recently. Charles H., who cultivated 
the ancient family estate of nearly two centuries, 
also repairs clocks for diversion, continuing the 
family occupation. 

"Josiah, the second brother, after finishing his 
trade, settled in Bristol, R. I., and followed the clock 
and watch business until his death, in 1864, at the 
age of eighty-eight years. He left four sons, two of 
whom, James and Josiah, continued the same busi- 
ness. One remains in the father's store. 

"John, the third brother, went into business in 
Plymouth, remaining there until his death, some 
eight years ago, at the age of ninety, leaving three 
sons. Benjamin succeeded his father, and James is 
one of the prominent memljers of the Waltham Watch 
Manufactory, and aided in building up that enter- 
prising establishment to its present vast j)roporlions 
and wide reputation. 

" Alanson, after leaving his apprenticeship, settled 
in New Bedford, and followed the business until 1840, 
when he retired. He made a trip to Europe several 
years ago. He died Nov. 18, 1877. 

" Henry, after partially serving with Joseph, com- 
pleted his trade with Josiah at Bristol, and com- 



DTGHTON. 



265 



menced the clock and watch business in Diixbury, 
where he married and remained a few years. He 
subsequently removed to Boston, and continued the 
favorite business in Dock Square, Washington and 
State Streets, until age caused him to retire about a 
dozen years ago. He died on the 10th of December 
at the age of ninety-two years and six months, leav- 
ing five daughters and a son, but none to continue 
the business of the father. 

"The live brothers averaged over half a century in 
devotion to that business, and they sustained the re- 
markable aggregate age of nearly four hundred and 
forty years. Their sister, Mrs. John Reed (mother 
of Henry Gooding Reed, of Taunton), died in Jan- 
uary, 1872, at the venerable age of ninety, making 
the aggregate of the five brothers and sister over five 
hundred and thirty years. All lived remarkably 
temperate and even-tenored lives, worthy representa- 
tives of their sturdy pilgrim ancestry and lineage, as 
well as their successors and descendants, who follow 
them in the ingenious line of occupation. It is a rare 
record of a family, hence it may be of readable in- 
terest to the relatives, friends, and others who may 
not have heard of the Gooding clock and watch- 
makers." 



ALFRED W. PAUL. 

Alfred W. Paul is of Scotch descent, and is lineally 
connected with one of the oldest families in Taunton. 
Two brothers, Richard and William Paul, came to 
this country from Scotland at an early day, the former 
on board of the ship " Castle" in 1636-37. He was born 
in 1615, and Nov. 7, 1638, married Margary Turner, 
of Taunton, Mass. The same year he took an in- 
ventory of the estate of John Bryant, of Taunton. 
He was licensed to keep a victualing-house Aug. 3, 
1640 ; was subject to militarj' duty 1643 ; was on a 
jury of inquest September, 1650, and again July 23, 
1653 ; June 7, 1652, he was surveyor of highways, 
and died at the age of about "thirty-nine in 1654, his 
"widow" being mentioned in the will of Elizabeth 
Pool, dated March 17th of that year. 

That William was not a son but a younger brother 
of Richard is evident from the fact that he " was born 
in Scotland in 1624." The lineage of the subject of 
this sketch is traceable directly back to this ancestor, 
William. He was a weaver by trade, and married 
Mary, daughter of John Richmond, of Taunton. He 
sold a dwelling-house to his sons, John and Edward, 
Feb. 27, 1687; gave five acres of laud towards the 
payment of Rev. Mr. Danforth, the Taunton minis- 
ter, Feb. 27, 1688; was a large land-owner in tlie 
"Taunton South Purchase," containing the present 
town of Dighton, which was bought of the Indian 
"King Philip" in 1672 by a company in Taunton, of 
which William Paul was a member. In two different 
divisions of the purchase he received lots Nos. 3, 28, 
45, and 85, the last division having been made March 
18, 1683-84. The dates of the deaths of William and 



his wife, taken from their tombstones, are as follows: 
William, died Nov. 9, 1704, aged eighty years ; Mary, 

; his wife, died Oct. 3, 1715, aged seventy-six. 

i James Paul, the eldest son of William and Mary, 
was born April 7, 1657; it is not known into what 
family he married, but his wife's name was Mary. 
He was one of the twenty-six proprietors of the South 

i Purchase (or Dighton), and owned three shares 

i March 25, 1715. He died before Jan. 14, 1724-25, 
aged about sixty-seven years. James Paul, of the 
third generation, also married a wife Mary, and h.ad 
a son William (fourth generation), born date un- 
known. This William married Mary (family un- 
known), died about 1735 ; their son James (fifth gen- 
eration) was born in Dighton, date unknown. He 
married Sarah White, and moved thence to Putney, 
Vt., about 1795, where he died. John, the second son 
of James, above mentioned, was in the Revolutionary 
war, and was one of the party of twelve men who 
captured the British commander. Gen. Prescott, with- 
in the British lines in Rhode Island, 'while John was 
serving in the command of Gen. Barton. He was 
the first man picked by Gen. Barton for the danger- 
ous service, and was selected to throttle and secure 
the British sentinel on guard at night, which he did. 
Subsequently to the Revolution he removed to Ver- 
mont, where he died. 

Peter White Paul, son of James, of the fifth gen- 
eration, was thegrandfather of our subject, Alfred W. 
Paul. He first married Silence Briggs, who died M.ay 
7, 1795, and he subsequently married a second wife, 
whose name was Hannah. He lived in Dighton; his 
death was caused by a fall from a load of wood Jan. 
15, 1814. He left children by each wife; among the 
former was Peter Paul, father of our subject, born 
March 20, 1787. He married DiUy Phillips, who 
died Sept. 14, 1819, and he afterwards married Eunice 
Edson. He died Oct. 27, 1851. The children by the 
first wife were Peter W. and Nancy; by the second 
wife Alfred W., Elisha K. (of Diglitou), Lucy F. 
(twins), and Eunice. 

Alfred W. Paul was born in Dighton, Mass., Aug. 
5, 1822. He was brought up on the ancestral farm 
and educated at the common schools, evincing in 
early life an aptitude for study, which, notwithstand- 
ing a lack of opportunity for classical instruction, has 
enabled him to acquire large knowledge on general 
subjects and to become exceptionally well informed 
on the special subject to which his life has been chiefly 
devoted, viz., that of agriculture, embracing also hor- 
ticultural studies and pursuits. A portion of his early 
life was devoted to teaching in the common schools, 
for which he was in part prepared by one term spent 
at the State Normal School at Bridgewater, Mass., in 
1844. 

On Nov. 26, 1846, he was united in marriage to 
Deborah Palmer Briggs, daughter of Silas P. Brigg.s, 
of Dighton. Her ancestors were among the early 
settlers in this portion of New England. The fruit 



266 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of this union was one son, Silas Alfred Paul, who 
died in infancy. 

Mr. Paul is a self-made man, and in every respect 
the architect of his own fortune, having by his own 
unaided exertions made his way from poverty to com- 
parative competence. His honor and integrity as a 
man have also been preserved unsullied through his 
struggles for worldly success, and he has attained a 
high place in the respect and esteem of his fellow- 
citizens. One instance may be mentioned illustrative 
of his energy and self-reliance. When he purchased 
the farm where he now resides in 1847 he had not a 
dollar in his possession, and bought the place wholly 
upon credit. Of course he did not fail to meet his 
obligations, and it is mentioned as a fact that he suc- 
ceeded in entirely paying for the place in about eight 
years, besides carrying on the expenses of living and 
other interests. 

He has given special attention to farming and 
gardening, illustrating on his own land the kind of 
tillage and crops which yield the largest percentage 
of profit per acre. He is a member of the Bristol 
County Agricultural Society, and of the Massachu- 
setts Horticultural Society; has been active in the 
meetings of these societies, and has written some 
articles on the subject of agriculture, notably " My 
Farming Experience," an address delivered before 
the county meeting of the Massachusetts Board of 
Agriculture in December, 1878. This article was 
published in the Annual Report of the Massachusetts 
Board of Agriculture for 1878-79. It attracted con- 
siderable attention, and he received letters on the 
subject from many portions of the United States. 

Mr. Paul has been a Republican in bis political 
principles since the inception of that party, and 
voted for its first Presidential candidate, John C. 
Fremont, in 1856. His standing in relation to polit- 
ical questions has never been equivocal or doubtful, 
for he has decided opinions. He has served many 
years as justice of the peace, and as probate judge 
has settled many estates to the general satisfaction 
of those interested, and has held several ofiices in his 
town. 

While managing his home land in a manner to se- 
cure the largest returns for the acres cultivated in 
1882 he purchased four farms, with buildings and 
improvements thereon, in New Hampshire, which he 
still owns. 

He and Mrs. Paul are members of the Congrega- 
tional Church in Dighton. 



THOM.AS D. STANDISH. 
Thomas D. Standish, whose portrait appears on 
another jiage, is a lineal descendant in the seventh 
generation from Capt. Miles Standish, who came over 
in the " Mayflower." The latter belonged to a family 
of some consequence in England, who had been long 
established, with landed possessions, in Duxbury, a 



town of the parish of Standish, in Lancashire, where 
he was born. The family settled in Duxbury, now in 
Plymouth County, Mass. Alexander, Miles, Josiah, 
Charles, and Lora Standish were children of Capt. 
Miles Standish, by his wife, Barbara. 

Alexander, of Duxbury, eldest son of Capt. Miles 
Standish, married Sarah, daughter of John Alden. 
They had sons, Miles, Ebenezer, and David, and 
daughters, Lora, Lydia, Sarah, and Elizabeth. Alex- 
ander, by his .second wife, had Thomas, born 1687, 
Desire, born 1689, and Ichabod. 

Josiah, of Duxbury, brother of Alexander, married 
Mary Dingly, Dec. 19, 1654. They had children. 
Miles, Josiah, Samuel, Israel, Mary, and Lois. 

Miles, son of Capt. Miles Standish, lived in Boston, 
where he married Sarah, a daughter of John Wins- 
low, July 19, 1660. 

It is probable that Thomas D. Standish is descended 
from Alexander, of Duxbury, as the names in that 
branch would indicate, although the records are not 
sufficient to establish the fact. 

David, one of the sons of Alexander, was of the 
third generation from the original Miles Standish. 
The line of descent was probably through Comfort, 
Lemuel, and David, the father of our subject. From 
an imperfect record torn from an old family Bible 
once in the possession of David Standish, it appears 
that his grandfather, Comfort, died Jan. 4, 1795, aged 
seventy years. This would make his birth to have 
occurred in 1725. He married Rachel Magoon. The 
record of their children is as follows : 

Lemuel, born June 25, 1746. 

Olive, born May 29, 1748. 

Hannah, born Sept. 1, 1751. 

Lucy, born March 6, 1754. 

Priscilla, born April 24, 1756. 

David, born Sept. 19, 1758. 

Tlie grandfather of our subject was the Lemuel 
Standish above mentioned. His wife's name was 
Hannah, and her death is recorded as having occurred 
Aug. 2.3, 1803, aged seventy-four years. David, son of 
Lemuel and Hannah Standish, was born in Hanover, 
Mass. His children were : 

1. Eliza, born Feb. 23, 1796. 

2. Lucy, born Dec. 10, 1797. 

8. Amanda, born Aug. 26, 1799. 

4. David, born July 23, 1801. 

5. Miles, born April 30, 1803. 

6. Deborah Gooding, born April 29, 1805. 

7. James (died young), born May 25, 1807. 

8. Thomas D., born April 29, 1809. 

9. James C, born May 9, 1812. 

Thomas D. Standish was born on the homestead 
adjoining his present residence, in Dighton, Mass., 
his father, David, having removed there from Han- 
over and est.ablished a ship-yard, which he carried on 
for a number of years. He married Deborah, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Gooding, who was born and reared on 
the old Gooding homestead near by. They had nine 




C7 



^ 



/^^-^'::^^-i;:t^\,-^^,/^f:yi^^^^<:^^ 



FAIKHAVEN. 



L'6T 



children, one of whom died in infancy. Thomas was 
next to the youngest child. He received a common- 
school education, and worked on the farm and in the 
ship-yard during his minority, part of the time in 
New Bedford. He has been a man of unusual energy 
and perseverance, having acquired by his own exer- 
tions all that he possesses. His father becoming in- 
solvent through losses when he was quite young, he 
managed to purchase the homestead and kept it in 
the family, paying for portions of it from time to time, 
as he could earn the means by working at ship-build- 
ing. 

Dec. 17, 1843, he was united in marriage to Cynthia 
Briggs, daughter of George Briggs, of Dighton. Her 
mother's maiden name was Cynthia Jones. Mrs. 
Standish was born Nov. 12, 1821. They have had 
four children, one son and three daughters, of whom 
James C. and Delia T. are living, the former married 
and living on the adjoining homestead farm, the 
latter living with her parents. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



FAIRHAVEN.i 



Not unworthy of a name so suggestive is the pleas- 
ant town which lies at the .southeastern corner of 
Bristol County. Originally a portion of the town- 
ship of Dartmouth incorporated in 1664, it was in- 
cluded in a grant of lands from their Indian owners 
to the colonists dated Nov. 29, 1652. The eastern 
boundary of this grant was three miles eastward from 
the Acushnet River. The Indian name of the vi- 
cinity was Sconticut, an appellation now confined to 
the neck of land which stretches from the southeastern 
part of the town into the bay. In 1787 the town of 
New Bedford, including the present city of that name, 
together with the towns of Fairhaven and Acushnet, 
was incorporated. In 1812, when political feeling ran 
high, the Jeffersonian Democrats of Fairhaven, de- 
risively called " Corsicans" by their opponents, the 
Federalists, on the opposite side of the river, on ac- 
count of the attitude of the former towards Napoleonic 
affairs, effected a division of the township. In 1860 
Fairhaven was in turn divided by the setting oft" of 
its northern portion as the town of Acushnet. As at 
present constituted, the town is apparently three miles 
square, exclusive of Sconticut Neck. From its 
northern limit at Acushnet it stretches along the river 
until it reaches its southwest corner at Fort Phcenix, 
where the river broadens into an arm of the bay, 
forming the lower harbor of New Bedford and Fair- 
haven. This western water-line is broken by the 
marshes connecting the Isle of Marsh with the main- 
land, and by the peninsula on which is situated the 

1 By L. S. Judd, Jr. 



village of Oxford. On the opposite bank of the river 
is the city of New Bedford. The southern shore-line, 
after extending nearly due east from Fort Plicenix, is 
indented l)y a cove, and beyond this is broken by 
Sconticut Neck, which extends out into the bay. The 
eastern boundary is formed by the town of Mattapo- 
sett, in Plymouth County. The surface is generally 
level. Fort Phrenix stands on a rocky prominence 
overlooking the harbor and bay. This headland was 
called by the Indians Nolscot, and the ledge of which 
it forms a part extends up into the village, and crops 
out in Centre Street in front of the Congregational 
Church. A rocky bluff" overlooks the river near the 
Acushnet boundary, and the land rises towards the 
northern and eastern sections of the town. 

The village of Fairhaven is in the southwestern 
corner of the township, on the river, directly opposite 
New Bedford. Just north of the village, but with no 
dividing line between, is the little village of Oxford, 
generally known as the "Point." In the eastern part 
of the town are the hamlets of New Boston and Nas- 
katucket. There is a considerable amount of wood 
and farming land, and along the southern boundary, 
at the head of the cove, an extent of salt marsh. 
Probably the village of Fairhaven grew up almost 
simultaneously with the village of Bedford, on the 
opposite side of the river, beginning near the middle 
of the last century. It remained, however, very 
small for a long period, for we find no record of the 
lay-out of a street until 1790, no church established 
until 1794, and the village remained confined to the 
wharves and a few short streets up to about the year 
1832. The following-named persons, proprietors of 
lands granted by William Br.adford, deputy governor 
of Plymouth Colony, in a deed dated Nov. 13, 1694, 
probably settled in this vicinity: Seth Pope, Thomas 
Taber, Jonathan Delano, Isaac Pope, Lettice Jenny, 
Samuel Jenny, Mark Jenny, Valentine Nuddlesene, 
Samuel Spooner, William Spooner, John Spooner, 
Joseph Tripp, Daniel Sherman, Edmund Sherman, 
John Davis. The first settlers probably scattered 
themselves over the limits of the town from Sconticut 
Neck to Acushnet, not uniting in villages for some 
years. There was a garrison on the bank of the river, 
just above the Isle of Marsh, in the old days of In- 
dian warfare. The site of the ancient block-house, 
above the Isl e of Marsh , is on land of Mr. Job n M. How- 
land. Tradition relates that a man and woman by 
the name of Pope were murdered by the Indians in 
the locality of the Frog Pond while on their way to 
a fortified place of refuge. The Frog Pond occupied 
land which now borders the south side of Spring 
Street, between William and Walnut. Mr. Howland 
has gathered an interesting collection of relics from 
the ruins of the structure previously mentioned, con- 
sisting of household utensils, implements of Indian 
warfare, and among the rest an old key, supposed to 
be that belonging to the fortification, the name of 
which was Cook's Garrison. The old Cook house 



268 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



stood some little distance east from this point, and 
was burned by the British during their march around 
the river. 

One of the earliest purchasers of land was William 
Wood, who removed here in 1700 from Little Comp- 
tou, R. I., and purchased of Philip Taber a tract ex- 
tending from the Bread and Cheese road, at Oxford 
village, on the north to the land of Elnathan Pope 
on the south. The southern boundary of this tract 
was the northern limit of the twenty-acre lot after- 
wards laid out for the original village of Fairhaven, 
and must be a short distance north of the present line 
of Washington Street. Some of the oldest houses 
probably dated back to the period immediately suc- 
ceeding King Philip's war, and a few possibly ante- 
dated these. We are told that the old house back of 
Mrs. Paul Burgess' was probably the first house in 
Oxford village, and was the homestead occupied by 
William Wood after the purchase of his farm. Mr. 
Wood bought the house of Philip Taber, who proba- 
bly built it soon after the close of the Indian war. 
The remains of the old house are still to be seen at 
Oxford village, and are an object of interest to the 
antiquarian. The house was built of wood and stone 
combined. It contained a huge fireplace and was 
furnished with two outside doors, one opposite the 
other, in order to enable the horse to get in the logs 
to burn. It was the custom to cut down the logs, 
hitch on the horse, draw them into the house, then 
roll them into the fireplace, and drive out at the op- 
posite door. The body of the house was blown down 
in the great gale, but the south end and chimney, 
built of rough stone rudely cemented together, still 
■withstand the severity of storm and gale. 

The earliest record found by the writer of the lay- 
out of a road within the limits of the town is that of 
the opening of a way on to Sconticut Neck in 1730, 
from which it is inferred that this was one of the first 
settled portions of the township. On March 28, 1745, 
a road was laid out from " Abraham Russell's wall to 
the county road a little northward of the Friends' 
meeting-house." This is sujiposed to be the road 
which runs from Naskatucket northwesterly towards 
Acushnet. There is no record of the lay-out of a I'oad 
in the village previous to the Revolution. The old 
road from Fairhaven to Oxford, previous to the con- 
struction of the Mill Bridge about 1795, rambled off 
to the northeast from a point near the residence of 
Capt. Joseph Taber, corner of Centre and Green 
Streets, and opened into what is now Rotch Street, 
thus necessitating a roundabout course in order to go 
a short distance. The village of Oxford was at this 
early period, doubtless, the most important point on 
the river, as may be seen by reference to our chapter 
on the whale fishery. A deed conveying land from 
William Wood to Elnathan Eldridge bears date of 
Dec. 12, 1760, and covers a large portion of the terri- 
tory at the point. Tliirty building lots were laid out 
west of Cherry Street, including one for a common. 



Elnathan Eldridge & Co. kept a store for the sale of 
West India goods, groceries, etc., near the Point 
Wharf, from 1765-1780. There have been two tav- 
erns in this village. One stood on the corner of Main 
and Oxford Streets, the other near by. Hat-making 
was carried on hereby Cornell Wilkey, and continued 
by Bartholomew Taber, plane-making by Nicholas 
Taber & Sons. Reuben Jenney was a shipping mer- 
chant, and tanning and currying was carried on by 
Joseph Hathaway. 

When Lewis Taber moved to Oxford in 1764, we 
are told that there were very few neighbors in the 
place, and there were, we should judge, but limited 
opportunities for obtaining the conveniences of the 
times, as, when Capt. Taber moved his family down 
river in a boat and neared the shore at the point, one 
of the ladies of Salathiel Eldridge's family, watching 
the debarkation, and observing a reel among the 
household efi'ects, remarked that she was more pleased 
to see that implement than to see the woman herself 
It is related of one of the young ladies of Oxford 
that she spun the linen of which her wedding-dress 
was made, and produced a texture .so fine that five 
hundred- and sixty threads could be drawn through 
an old-fashioned, no-top thimble. Another lady- 
resident was accustomed to make two cakes of tal- 
low, hang them one upon each side of her horse, 
mount, and ride to Newport in order to dispose of 
them and purchase her laces and other articles of 
finery. Newport was one of the princijjal business 
centres in this section of country at that time. 

One of the earliest real estate transactions in Fair- 
haven village of which we have knowledge is of the 
sale of a lot, with the eighth part of a wind-mill, 
from Richard Delano to Isaiah Eldridge, the price 
paid being one hundred and twenty pounds, also the 
house and lot formerly owned by Kelley M. Huttle- 
stone, part of a warehouse and lot, and wharf at 
what is now the foot of Washington Street. 

The oldest house in the village is supposed by 
some to be the Caleb Church house, also known as 
the Wrightington house, now situated on a high 
bank above the railroad track, just east of Green 
Street. The house formerly stood on the line of the 
street, but was removed to make a way lor the rail- 
road. In early days this building was considered as 
outside the village. The master of the house died of 
smallpox in 1771, and was the first person whose 
body was interred in the old cemetery. Another an- 
cient building is the Proctor house, which stands ou 
the corner of the lot laid out for the original village. 
It is situated just west of Middle Street, on the bank 
of the river. The oldest portion is said to have been 
brought from the Copeland farm, at Naskatucket, and 
fitted as a residence and cooper-shop. Two additions 
have since been built on at the east, giving it alto- 
gether a unique ap])earance. On Water Street the 
house occupied by the late Charles Damon, and the 
rear portion of the residence of the late Tucker 



FAIRHAVEN. 



269 



Daniou, are of early date. The house on Eldridge 
lane, between Water Street and the river, formerly 
occupied by Harvey Caswell, is of Revolutionary 
date. Into this building it is that a ball was fired at 
the time of the British attack on the village. The 
ball entered one of the chambers, passed through the 
room, and imbedded itself in the opposite wall. 

There are standing on JIain Street two old houses. 
One of these is the Tabey house, a small old-fashioned 
building, nearly opposite the Union Hotel. The rear 
])ortion is the older, and was said to have been brought 
from New Bedford on the ice, though there was some 
contradiction to this story. The second building is 
the gambrel-roofed house, the only one of that style 
in town, on the corner of Main and Centre Streets, 
opposite Phoenix Hall. It is related of the master of 
this house that he declared seeing in a dream the ap- 
jiroach to the village of a squadron of armed vessels, 
and that when the British fleet appeared and took up 
its position east of outer Egg Island its appearance 
corresponded exactly with the previous vision. It is 
even asserted that it was no dream at all, but that 
from some marvelous cause he, looking from his 
east chamber window, actually saw the fleet long be- 
fore its arrival. Another story of this man, whose 
name was Taber, is that one day as he was about to 
step from his house in going to his shop, he beheld 
standing in the shop-door Joseph Francis, a man 
whom he well knew, who had a few days before 
sailed on a whaling voyage. As Mr. Taber ap- 
proached, Francis turned, and walking towards an- 
other door, disappeared, all search for him proving 
vain. Mr. Taber was troubled, but kept the matter 
quiet until, ten days later, the news came of the loss 
of the " Thetis," with twenty-nine of those who sailed 
in her, Francis being among the number. Tliough 
the supernatural element in these events may have 
been an illusion, and a belief in the marvelous may 
have been more readily entertained then than at 
present, yet the workings of certain phenomena upon 
certain minds seem almost unaccountable. 

One of the older houses at Naskatucket was the 
Copeland house, which has been torn down. Scon- 
ticut Neck was the place of residence of several of 
the old families of the town, and here some of the 
older houses were built. Among the dwellers on the 
Neck was Samuel Hathaway, of whom it is related 
that, after the labors of the week, when Sunday came, 
he would hoist sail and away to Falmouth in order to 
attend divine service there. Here also lingered the 
last remnant of the Indians who remained in this 
vicinity. Will Simon, a well-known Indian, died in 
1817, and Martha, the last of her race, some twenty- 
five or thirty years ago. It seems to be well estab- 
lished, though not extensively known, that the people 
of this village, then a portion of Dartmouth, may 
claim the honor of the first naval capture in the Revo- 
lution. On May 14, 1775, Lieut. Nathaniel Pope 
and Capt. Daniel Egery, commanding the sloop " Suc- 



cess," captured two tenders of the British sloop-of- 
war " Falcon,", oft' West Island. A council was held 
to determine what disposition to make of the captives, 
but the captors, fearful for the result, marched them 
ofi" hurriedly to Taunton ere the decision was reached. 
A rusty swivel lashed to a timber-head w-as the only 
carriage-gun on the craft. The men added two or 
three buckshot to the bullet in each charge of their 
muskets. The first verbal report of the transaction 
before the Provincial Congress gave the number of 
prisoners as fifteen, although, when the question of 
disposition finally came up, but four were mentioned. 
The account of the British movement against Fair- 
haven during the Revolution is substantially as fol- 
lows : On Saturday, Sept. 3, 1778, the troops landed 
at Clarke's Cove, marched up to the Head of the River, 
destroying property in the village of Bedford, and 
passed, around down on to Sconticut Neck, avoiding 
the village, but making some depredations and burn- 
ing a few buildings on their way, including a school- 
house where the house of George H. Taber now 
stands. The fleet dropped over from Clarke's Cove to 
a position near outer Egg Island. Many of the terri- 
fied inhabitants, appalled at the presence of such an 
armament in our waters, snatched up what could con- 
veniently be carried off', and fled to the woods. 

Fort Phcenix was captured by the British on Sun- 
day or Monday, and on Monday night, the enemy 
having re-embarked from the Neck, an attack was 
made upon the village, of which the following account 
was given by President Dwight, of Yale College, as 
found in Ricketson's History of New Bedford : 

" The militia of the neighboring country had been 
summoned to the defense of this village. Their com- 
mander was a man far advanced in years. Under the 
influence of that languor which at this period en- 
feebles both the body and the mind he determined 
that the place must be given up to the enemy, and 
that no opposition to their ravages could be made 
with any hope of success. This decision of their offi- 
cer necessarily spread its benumbing influence over 
the militia, and threatened an absolute prevention of 
all enterprise and the destruction of this handsome 
village. Among the officers belonging to the brigade 
was Israel Fearing, Esq., a major of one of the regi- 
ments. This gallant young man, observing the torpor 
which was spreading among the troops, invited as 
many as had sufficient spirit to follow him and station 
themselves at the post of danger. Among those who 
accepted the invitation was one of the colonels, who, 
of course, became the commandant; but after they 
had arrived at Fairhaven, and tlie night had come 
on, he proposed to march the troops back into the 
country. He was warmly opposed by Maj. Fearing, 
and finding that he could not prevail, prudently re- 
tired to a house three miles distant, where he passed 
the night in safety. After the colonel had withdrawn, 
Maj. Fearing, now commander-in-chief, arranged his 
men with activity and skill, and soon perceived the 



270 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



British approaching. The militia, in the strictest 
sense raw, already alarmed by the reluctance of their 
superior officers to meet the enemy, and naturally 
judging that men of years must understand the real 
state of the danger better than Maj. Fearing, a mere 
youth, were panic-struck at the approach of the 
enemy, and instantly withdrew from their post. At 
this critical moment Maj. Fearing, with the decision 
which awes men into a strong sense of duty, rallied 
them, and, placing himself in the rear, declared in a 
tone which removed all doubt that he would kill the 
first man whom he found retreating. The resolution 
of their chief recalls theirs. With the utmost expe- 
dition he led them to the scene of danger. The 
British had already set fire to several stores. Between 
these buildings and the rest of the village he stationed 
his troops, and ordered them to lie close, in profound 
silence, until the enemy, who were advancing, should 
have come so near that no marksman could easily 
mistake his object. The orders were punctually 
obeyed. When the enemy had arrived within this 
distance the Americans rose, and with a well-directed 
fire gave them a warm and unexpected reception. 
The British fled instantly to their boats, and fell down 
the river with the utmost expedition. From the 
quantity of blood found the next day in their line of 
march it was supposed that their loss was considerable. 
Thus did this heroic youth, in opposition to his su- 
perior officers, preserve Fairhaven, and merits a statue 
from its inhabitants." 

In regard to tliis affiiir a letter from Maj. -Gen. 
Grey to Sir Henry Clinton, dated on board the 
" Carysfort" frigate, off Bedford harbor, Sept. 6, 
1778, says, " The only battery they had was on the 
Fairhaven side, an inclosed fort with eleven pieces 
of cannon, which was abandoned and the cannon 
properly demolished by Capt. Scott, commanding 
officer of tlie artillery, and the magazine blown up." 
Among the incidents of this attack was the killing, 
on Sconticut Neck, of a British guard by an American 
prisoner named Pease. The story goes that Pease 
crept stealthily up to the guard, and as the soldier 
turned in pacing his beat struck him over the head 
with a stake, killing him instantly. It was supposed 
that the deed was witnessed from the fleet by the 
British, as the report of a gun was heard soon after, 
and it is certain that the body was buried and after- 
wards disinterred by an Indian, in order to obtain 
the gilt buttons on the uniform. It is said that Pease 
afterwards lost his life l)y an accidental blow upon 
the same portion of the head. A few words relative 
to the history of the old gun which stands muzzle 
down at the corner of Main and Centre Streets will 
be of interest. On March 2, 1777, Ezekiel Hopkins, 
commander of ship "Alfred," carrying twenty-eight 
guns, while on a cruise in Southern waters for the 
purpose of intercepting and capturing British vessels, 
visited Nassau, made the Governor a prisoner, took 
one hundred guns or cannon, and a quantity of mili- 



tary stores, and arrived at New Condon, Conn., March 
17th. Several of these guns were sent here and 
placed on the fort. At its capture by the British 
they were spiked and rendered almost useless. This 
gun, the only one remaining of the original number, 
was soon after taken from the fort by Nathaniel Pope 
and placed at what is now the foot of Union Street 
for the defense of the village. Here it remained 
until Union wharf was built. It was then removed 
and planted muzzle down near the old church. About 
the time that the church was altered to a public hall 
it was again removed, but has now been restored to 
its position on the corner. 

In the year 1790 was made the twenty-acre pur- 
chase, from land of Elnathan Pope, on which the 
older part of the village was laid out. The following 
streets were surveyed within this tract: Water, Mid- 
dle, Main from Washington to the south end of the 
purchase. Centre from Middle to Main, Union from 
Main to Water, Washington from Main to the river. 
It is possible that some of these names were not ap- 
plied until a later date. Centre Street from Main to 
Green was probably already in existence, forming a 
part of the old road to the Head of the River. 

The proprietors of land on these streets were as fol- 
lows: On the west side of Middle Street, crossing 
Water to the river, Abisha Delano, Reuben Delano 
(two lots), Noah Allen (three lots), Ephraim Delano, 
Jonathan Negus, Thomas Taber, Isaiah Eldridge (two 
lots), Richard Delano, Caleb Church, Thomas Nye, 
John Wady (three lots), Jonathan Hathaway, Eleazar 
Hathaway, Nathaniel Delano ; on the west side of 
Main Street, extending to Middle, Abisha Delano, 
Isaiah Eldridge (two lots), Ephraim Delano, Jona- 
than Hathaway, Nathaniel Delano, Eleazar Hatha- 
way, Noah Allen, John Wing, and Thomas Nye; on 
the east side of Main Street, Thomas Taber, Jona- 
than Negus, John Wady (two lots), Caleb Church, 
Reuben Delano (two lots), Noah Allen (three lots). 
The old high-water line, it is thought, crossed Water 
Street near the foot of Centre Street, and approached 
Middle Street at the southern end. In 1795 a street 
leading from Fairhaven to Oxford was constructed, 
beginning at the north of Samuel Proctor's garden. 
This was of course that part of Main Street which 
crosses the Mill Bridge and leads north. In this year, 
therefore, it is probable that the Mill Bridge was built. 
The old church on the corner of Main and Centre 
Streets was erected about the same time. The New 
Bedford Bridge was incorporated in the next year, 
1796. The laud east of Main Street, from the mill- 
pond to the old cemetery, was owned by William 
Rotch, of New Bedford, remained in the possession of 
his family for a number of years, and no streets were 
laid out within its limits for a long period. The 
people of Fairhaven at the beginning of the century 
were, in contrast to their present political status, 
ardent supporters of the ultra Democratic views of 
Mr. Jefferson, and on July 4, 1801, had quite a lively 



FAIB HAVEN. 



271 



celebration in honor of the doctrine of enlarged 
liberty. In early days the liberty-pole stood on the 
lot where now stands the residence of Hon. E. R. 
Sawin, corner of Middle and Centre Streets. As years 
went on the result of the political antagonism between 
Fairhaven and New Bedford was the incorporation, 
in 1812, of the town of Fairhaven. The New Bed- 
ford Gazette of Feb. 21, 1812, contains the following : 
" The bill for establishing the town of Fairhaven was 
taken up and passed to be engrossed, in concurrence 
with the Senate, two hundred and thirty-three to one 
hundred and eighty-eight." The first Fourth of July 
after the incorporation was celebrated at the Head of 
the River with the reading of the Declaration of In- 
dependence and President's message, singing of an 
ode composed by Lieut. Henry Whitman, U.S.N. , 
and an oration by James L. Hodges, Esq., of Taun- 
ton, at the meeting-house, followed by a dinner at 
Pratte tavern, presided over by Hon. Nathaniel Mor- 
ton, Jr., Capt. Noah Stoddard, and John Hanes, Esq. 
There was published in New Bedford about this time 
a strongly Democratic paper called the New Bedford 
Gazette. The political climate, however, becoming 
too hot for its comfort, it was transplanted to the more 
congenial soil of Fairhaven, and flourished here under 
the name of the Bristol Gazette about the year 1813. 
Daniel Gleason, Jr., was publisher for a time, but he 
having been appointed to a government office at the 
fort, retired and was succeeded by Paul Taber. The 
editorial sanctum was, we believe, near the head of 
the old South wharf The war of 1812 interfered with 
the business of Fairhaven, but this temporary cloud 
soon passed. 

On Sept. 23, 1815, occurred one of the most terrific 
gales ever known on this coast. It is said that the 
tide rose ten or eleven feet higher than had ever been 
known before, inundating, of course, stores and dwell- 
ings in the village. Two stores on the Old South 
wharf and one on the Union wharf were carried 
away, also B. Church's barn and contents, and Sam- 
uel Borden's ropewalk, which extended from the main 
land to Crow Island. Several dwellings were more or 
less injured. It is related that a long boat put off 
from the store of John Delano, on Union wharf, con- 
taining Stephen Merrihew, Asa Swift, William P. 
Jenney, and others. They landed at Capt. Samuel 
Borden's, above the bridge, and stopped until the tide 
ebbed. " Capt. Borden's horse was in the keeping- 
room, tied to the crane, and barrels of oil, stored in 
the cellar, floated up and thumped heavily against the 
floor, caused by the wind and tide rushing in through 
the cellar windows." Two or three persons from this 
town, we believe, lost their lives in this storm. Few 
events of interest, aside from the successes and sub- 
sequent decline of the town's peculiar branch of in- 
dustry, have marked its later history. Previous to 
the financial crisis of 1857 the town increased greatly 
in population, wealth, and business enterprise, while 
the moral worth and general excellence of the com- 



munity was and is a source of gratification to the 
people. The records of the first few years of the 
town's existence are said to have been lost in the 
great gale of 1815. Some of the earliest town-meet- 
ings were held in the Methodist meeting-house at the 
Head of the River. In 1818 meetings were held in 
the old Congregational meeting-hou.se at the Head 
of the River, and continued to be held there until 
about 1831-32, when they were transferred to the 
Academy Hall, on Main Street, between Fairhaven 
and Oxford village. There seems to have been some 
objection to holding the meetings here, probably on 
the part of people from the northern portion of the 
town, who were obliged to come a considerable dis- 
tance. Here, however, they continued to be held 
until, in 1843, the town house was built, on the road 
to the Head of the River, near the Woodside Ceme- 
tery, over a mile north of the village. This building 
was destroyed by fire in 1858. 

For a few years meetings were held in Sawin's 
Hall, on William Street, and the division of the 
town, in 1860, removed further objection to the hold- 
ing of them within the village. Since 1SG4 they have 
been held in Phcenix Hall. In 1825 it was voted to 
petition the Legislature for the opening of a passage 
from Long Pond, in Middleborough, to the Acushnet 
River, by means of which a valuable fishery could be 
secured to the towns along the banks of the river. 
This, however, was, we think, not accomplished. In 
1828 money was raised for the purchase of a burying- 
ground and building one-half of the stone bridge at 
the Head of the River. The bridge is a substantial 
reality, but the cemetery project seems not to have 
been so successful, a fact for which, in view what has 
transpired since, we can only be grateful. In 1830, 
to the credit of the town, be it known that it was 
voted, " That it is the sense of the inhabitants of 
Fairhaven that there be no licenses granted to retail- 
ers or taverns for the sale of spirituous liquors for the 
ensuing year. In 1832 and 1833 there was a great 
advance in building operations in the village. In 
the latter year William, Walnut, and Green Streets 
were accepted, as well as Washington and Union as 
far ea.st as Green. Numerous substantial residences 
were built in various parts of the village at this time. 
In 1836 we find the first vote authorizing the purchase 
of a fire-engine, and in 1842 the first one authorizing ' 
the construction of a sidewalk. Thi« was the plank 
walk which formerly crossed the Mill Bridge. Since 
that date flagged sidewalks have been laid on a large 
part of Main and Centre Streets, as well as flagged 
and brick walks on other streets. Recently a con- 
siderable amount of concreting has been done. 

In 1850 Riverside Cemetery, a beautiful resting- 
place for the dead, presented to the people of the 
town by Warren Delano, Jr., was consecrated. Its 
natural beauties were greatly enhanced by the donor 
in the lay-out and adornment of the grounds, which 
have been still further embellished by the care and 



272 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



taste of owners of lots. The Fairhaven Branch Rail- 
road, opened in 1854, passed through a portion of the 
old cemetery at the foot of William Street. The 
northern part was allowed to remain, and has since 
been an unsightly di.sfigurement to the village. Hap- 
pily, a number of removals have of late been made 
from here, and it is to be lioised that soon few vestiges 
of its former use may remain. 

Up to the beginning of the war the village was a 
busy place, in consequence of the whale fishery and 
industries connected therewith. With the sudden 
decline of whaling the town was left with almost 
nothing of business enterprise. Population and wealth 
decreased, and the future looked dark indeed. Two 
manufacturing companies have, however, started up 
since that period, and with the increasing prosperity 
of New Bedford and slight gains in population better 
days have already dawned. The increase in building 
operations within the last ten years over the amount 
during the previous decade has been marked. On 
Sept. 8, 1869, the town was visited by a furious gale, 
which, besides inflicting a large amount of minor 
damage, tore off the tall steeple of the Congregational 
Church, which bad been a prominent landmark for 
over twenty years. It also carried away a large por- 
tion of the New Bedford bridge, thus rendering Fair- 
haven people dependent upon a ferry-boat for trans- 
portation to and from New Bedford. Previous to the 
opening of the bridge, about the beginning of the 
present century, the village of Fairhaven and Bedford 
had, we think, been connected by a rude sort of ferry. 
This first bridge was destroyed by a storm in 1807. 
The bridge was rebuilt and again destroyed in the 
great gale of 1815, while the next structure, after en- 
during for a half-century and more, met with the 
disaster mentioned above. Up to this period it had 
been customary to collect toll from passengers. The j 
removal of this burden has proved to be a great con- 
venience to the people of the town since the reopening 
of the bridge in June, 1870. In former days, and 
especially after the destruction of the bridge in 1869, 
there was some opposition on the part of New Bedford j 
people to its present location. The advantages of its 
present situation are, however, so great that the ques- 
tion may now be considered as a thing of the past. 
About 1833 a ferry-boat was put on the route between 
Fairhaven and New Bedford, in order more effectu- 
ally to accommodate traffic between the two growing 
places. 

The New Bedford and Taunton Railroad was 
opened about 1840, and for some time a coach was j 
run to accommodate Fairhaven passengers. In 1854 , 
was opened the Fairhaven Branch Railroad, con- 
necting with the Cape Cod Railroad at Tremont, 
opening a through line from Fairhaven to Boston, 
and connecting New Bedford with Cape Cod and 
Plymouth County. A new and more commodious 
steam ferry was at this time put on the New Bedford 
route by the railroad company. At about this time, 



R. A. Dunham put on his line' of omnibuses, which 
continued tn run to New Bedford, with the exception 
of periods when the bridge was impassable, until 
1872. In October of that year was opened the Fair- 
haven Branch of the New Bedford and Fairhaven 
Street Railroad, a convenience which is greatly appre- 
ciated by the people. In 1873 tlie ferry-boat " Union" 
was disposed of, and since that time regular traffic 
has been given over to the street railroad company. 
The Fairhaven Branch Railroad was sold to the New 
Bedford and Taunton some years after its comple- 
tion, and since that time has passed into the hands 
of the New Bedford Railroad Company, Boston, 
Clinton, Fitchburg, and New Bedford Company, 
and in 1879 was leased by the Old Colony. A tele- 
graph office is maintained at the railroad station, and 
telephonic connection with the New Bedford central 
office is availed of by a number of residents. Aside 
from the wharves and some buildings in the older 
portion of the village there is little of the appear- 
ance of the decayed seaport about Fairhaven. The 
streets are more regular than in many places, and 
some of them are beautifully shaded. Centre Street, 
in particular, beneath its arch of waving elm 
branches, forms a lovely vista during the warm sea- 
son. Tasteful and substantial residences scattered 
about the village add to its good appearance. 

It is to be regretted that the town possesses no 
common or park, and that many of the houses stand 
close together and very near the street, since its 
beauty might have been greatly increased by large 
public or private grounds. In Riverside Cemetery 
stands a neat and tasteful monufnent erected by the 
town in 1867 in memory of her citizens who lost their 
lives in the rebellion. The monument bears the 
following names : Bart. Aiken, Charles H. Austin, 
Joseph S. Caswell, Benjamin F. Cowen, Edward H. 
Dillingham, Lewis Albert Drew, Charles Eldridge, 
Barnabas Ener, Jr., John Arthur Fitch, Ebenezer B. 
Hathaway, Charles N. Jenney, James Merrihew, 
Harvey C. Morse, Ebenezer Parsons, Jr., Phineas 
Peckham, Jr., George F. Rogers, Francis H. Stod- 
dard, Loring P. Taber, John M. Thompson, Amos S. 
Tripp, William B. Watterson, William A. West. 

Within the last few years Fairhaven has been 
steadily growing in favor as a pleasant but unpreten- 
tious summer resort. The heat is tempered by the 
southwest winds from the bay, and our beautiful river 
and harbor afford facilities for boating and fishing. 
Fort Phoenix, now dismantled, aftbrds, witlj its adja- 
cent rocks and beaches, a delightful resort for the 
rambler on a summer's afternoon. The view of the 
river dotted with sailing craft, the compact mass of 
roofs of the neighboring city, sprinkled with towers 
and spires, forming a charmingly variegated picture 
along the opposite bank ; the wooded shores of Clark's 
Point and Sconticut Neck below on opposite sides of 
the harbor, the bright waters of the bay fading far off 
at the south into the blue shores of Falmouth, Nau- 



FAIRHAVEN. 



273 



shon, Nashawena, and Cuttyhunk, is a source of de- ! 
light to the lover of natural scenery. One would 
like to see more activity about the quiet streets and 
wharves of Fairhaven. Still, the swift-ebbing tide 
of business prosperity has begun to rise, and from 
the advantages of its situation, its proximity to New 
Bedford, and from the excellence of the community 
itself, the future outlook for the town is not unfavor- 
able. 

The writer would gratefully acknowledge the aid 
furnished him in the compilation of historical matter 
by Messrs. Charles Eldridge, Job E. Tripp (of whose 
historical sketch of the Unitarian Church the follow- 
ing is, in the main, an abstract), Eben Akin, Jr., and 
Mr. Ingraham, of the New Bedford Public Library. 
Eicketson's "History of New Bedford," and news- 
paper sketches written by various persons, have 
aftbrded assistance. 

Industries and Corporations. — A number of 
branches of business connected either directly or in- 
directly with the whale fishery, such as ship-building 
and repairing, coopering, sail-making, and sperm- 
candle manufacturing, have been carried on in this 
place. Ship-building early engaged tlie attention of 
the people of Oxford vilhige and Fairhaven. About 
the year ISOO, Abner Pease built, near his homestead, 
several ships and smaller vessels. At a later date the 
business was continued by John and Joshua Delano 
at the Union wharf ship-yard. They were followed 
by Elias Terry and Fish & Nuttlestone. Here were 
built a number of sliips and other vessels, and at 
times two or three vessels might have been seen in 
process of construction. Two of the largest ships ever 
built on the river, the "Sea Nymph" and "John 
Milton," were built by Fish & Nuttlestone for the 
late Edward M. Kobinson, of New Bedford. Vessels 
were also built on Main Street in a lot north of the 
residence of the late Isaac AVood. Messrs. Delano & 
Co. have built a number of first-class ships and other 
vessels at the yard of the late Capt. William G. Be- 
lackler, on Fort Street. The business has now been 
discontinued. The Fairhaven Marine Railway, on 
which vessels are drawn up for repairs, is still in ex- 
istence. There were two candle manufactories, one 
at the head of Middle Street, the other on Fort Street. 
The latter was built by the late William R. Rodman, 
of New Bedford, in 1831 or 1832. There are now two 
manufacturing companies established in the town, — 
the American Tack Company and the Fairhaven Iron- 
Works. A portion of the building now occupied by 
the iron-works was formerly used as a cotton-mill. 
The Fairhaven Star, a weekly newspaper, published by 
C. D. Waldron, was established in 1879. 

National Bank of Fairhaven. — Incorporated 
in 1831, reorganized in 1864. L. S. Judd, president;. 
Reuben Nye, cashier; Directors, L. S. Judd, Isaiah 
West, Cyrus D. Hunt, Phineas E. Terry, Charles H. 
Morton, Levi M. Snow, James V. Cox. Capital, one 
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. 
18 



Fairhaven Institution for Savings was in- 
corporated in 1832. President, George H. Taber; 
Treasurei', Charles Drew ; Board of Investment, 
George H. Taber, Charles H. Morton, Walter P. 
Winsor, Thomas B. Faller, and John B. Hussey; 
Trustees, George H. Taber, Reuben Nye, Bartholo- 
mew Taber, John M. Howland, Lewis S. Judd, James 
V. Cox, Noah Stoddard, Cyrus D. Hunt, Job C. Tripp, 
George F. Howland, Isaac Terry, Walter P. Winsor, 
Thomas B. Faller, Charles H. Morton, Jonathan 
H. Holmes, John B. Hussey, Levi M. Snow, John 
Mayhew. 

Fairhaven Iron- Works were incorporated in 
1879. (Successor to Boston and Fairhaven Iron- 
Works, incorporated 1863.) President, 1882, Edwin 
S. Thayer; Directors, Edwin S. Thayer, Lewis S. 
Judd, Thomas H. Knowles ; Treasurer, Job C. 
Tripp; Superintendent, William C. Lincoln. 

American Tack Company was incorporated in 
1867. President, 1882, J. A. Beauvais; Directors, J. 
A. Beauvais, C. P. Brightman, C. D. Hunt, L. S. 
Judd, Loum Snow, Jr. ; Treasurer, J. A. Beauvais. 
Capital, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars. 

This company made use of a stone building on 
Fort Street, erected for the purpose of manufacturing 
sperm candles. They have since built a two-story 
and French-roof building at the west, and during the 
past year (1882) have added a three and one-half 
story stone addition to the main building. 

The Whale Fishery.— In Starbuck's " History of 
the American Whale Fishery" we read : In the vicinity 
of New Bedford whaling probably begun but little 
prior to 1760. In that year William Wood, of Dart- 
mouth, sold to Elnathan Eldridge, of the same town, 
a certain tract of land located within the present 
town of Fairhaven, and within three-quarters of a 
mile of the centre of the town, on the banks of the 
Acushnet River, "always excepting and reserving . . . 
that part of the same where the try house and Oyl 
Shed now stands." This tract of land was in the vil- 
lage of Oxford, and we are informed that there can 
be no doubt that the first whaling-vessels were fitted 
at this place. The earliest voyage of which the writer 
has any knowledge was that of the sloop " Phrenix" 
in 17-13, the proceeds of which amounted to nine 
hundred and sixteen pounds, eighteen shillings, and 
four pence. She was followed by sloops " Diamond" 
in 1744, "Speedwell" in 1745, "Speedwell" and 
"Rainbow" in 1746-47. The "Rainbow" also sailed 
in 1750 and 1751. Thomas Nye, Judah Paddock, 
Bartholomew Taber, James Hatheway, or Hathaway, 
were among those interested in the business at this 
early period. From Oxford, in 1765, came sloops 
" Industry" and "Dove," and in 1767 sloops " Myriad," 
"Sea Flower," "Rover," and "Supply." In 1758, 
during the French and Indian war, sloop " Industry," 
Isaiah Eldridge master, was captured by a French 
privateer, but concerning the result of the capture we 



274 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



have no information. Of the early flays of Oxford, 
Eicketson's "History of New Bedford" says, "The 
village of Oxford at this period fairly rivaled her 
neighbor across the river. Here were owned and fitted 
out several large vessels, — ship.s, brigs, etc., — owned 
by the Bennetts, Huddlestones, and others. The sub- 
stantial old houses still there evince a state of pros- 
perity at thai period." It is stated that two ships and 
a brig have been seen building at Oxford ship-yard, 
and four ships lying at the wharf at the same time. 
The names of some of the early whaling captains are 
as follows: Thomas Nye, Ephraim Delano, John 
Delano, Elnathan Delano, Joseph Tripp, Isaiah 
Eldridge, Salathiel Eldridge, and Benjamin Jenny. 
Of Lewis Taber it is related that he was once engaged 
to sail from Mattapoisett. While his vessel, was 
fitting it was his custom to traverse the five miles or 
more between the two hamlets of Oxford and Matta- 
poisett on foot. His employer perceiving this, in- 
formed him that if he would return with one hundred 
barrels sperm, he should be provided with a horse 
with which to go back and forth. In due time Capt. 
Taber sailed, and returned from a successful voyage 
in one. week, having taken a large whale, and received 
his promised reward. 

The prosperity of Oxford as a separate community 
was checked by the construction of the New Bedford 
bridge, incorporated in 1796. Business activity soon 
passed almost entirely to the lower village. The 
distance between the villages being, however, less 
than a mile, there has been for many years practically 
no dividing line between them, and with the increase 
of population their interests became mutual. In the 
early days of Fairhaven village the try-works were 
located near the northeast corner of the land of Wil- 
liam N. Alden, corner of Main and Washington 
Streets. Concerning them Capt. Delano writes, 
" North of the Proctor house were the try-works, 
where the blubber from the whalers was boiled out. 
It was the custom invariably to bring in the catch- 
ings and extract the oil on the land. Just to the 
northeast of the try-works is the entrance to Herring 
River, up which the whaling vessels went to get their 
water, which they obtained at a well, said to be that 
attached to the John Milan house, between which and 
Herring River was a fresh-water pond, known as the 
Frog Pond, with flags growing in it." Herring River 
is much better known as the Mill Pond, and the John 
Milan house is the house on the corner of Walnut 
and Spring Streets. The first wharves coifttructed 
are said to have been the Old South and the old pier 
at the foot of Washington Street. Union Wharf was 
built about 1802 or 1803, the names of the proprietors 
being as follows: William Rotch, Silas Allen, Noah 
Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, John Sherman, Thomas 
Nye, Benjamin Church, Jr., Stephen Merrihew, Na- 
thaniel Proctor, John Price, Kelley Eldridge, Asa 
Swift, Elias Terry, John Delano, Joseph Tripp, Levi 
Jenney. Some of the ships owned in Fairhaven pre- 



vious to the war of 1812 were'as follows: "Juno," 
" President," " Columbia," " Exchange," and " Her- 
ald." The latter vessel was owned by Capt. Samuel 
Borden. Capt. Jabez Delano writes, concerning her, 
" It was a gala day to us boys when the old ' Herald' 
came in with her cargo of oil from the Brazil Banks, 
which she performed annuallyfor many years. The 
peculiar olden-time habits so indelibly impress the 
mind that they live as though of yesterday's occur- 
rence. Capt. Borden had his oxen on hand, by which 
the heavy hoisting was done, while the light casks 
and barrels were hoisted out by hand." Other ves- 
sels probably belonging in Fairhaven and Oxford in 
the latter part of the last century were schooner 
"Lively," Capt. Rowland Gibbs; brig "Atlantic," 
Capt. Parker; schooner "Swan," Capt. May hew; 
" Sally," Capt. Cunningham ; and " Industry," Capt. 
Taber. Among the ship-owners or agents of this 
date may be mentioned Messrs. Samuel Borden, Sam- 
uel Proctor, and John Alden. 

The war of 1812 inflicted a temporary check upon 
maritime pursuits, but after its close the business 
grew with unprecedented vigor, and during the 
quarter of a century beginning with 18.30 Fairhaven 
saw the flood-tide of its business prosperity. During 
this period its wharves were alive with workmen 
fitting vessels for sea, or discharging the cargoes of 
those newly arrived. Bustle and activity reigned. 
At certain periods it was difficult to find men enough 
to perform the work required. In 1821 three vessels 
arrived with 2200 barrels siierni and 800 barrels whale 
oil. In 1830 the number had increased to eleven, 
with 3062 barrels sperm, 11,093 whale, and 57,300 
pounds bone. In 1834 sixteen vessels arrived, with 
12,953 barrels sperm, 12,601 barrels whale, and 56,.500 
pounds bone. Some of the largest aggregate annual 
catches of sperm and whaleoil were made as follows: 
In 1837, 28,521 barrels; 1841, 26,730 barrels; 1842, 
27,680 barrels; 1845, 32,040 barrels; 1846, 27,524 bar- 
rels; and 1849, 29,804 barrels. The largest reported 
amount of bone brought into this port in one year 
was 477,900 pounds in 1850. The number of whalers 
hailing from this port was in 1840 forty-four. In 
1845 this number had increased to forty-eight, and 
in 1847 to fifty. The amount of tonnage reached its 
maximum limit, 16,840, in 1857. In 1837 the amount 
of money invested was about $945,000; in 1850, esti- 
mating $26,000 to each ship, about Sl,350,000. One 
of the most successful voyages recorded of a Fair- 
haven vessel is that of the bark " Favorite," Capt. 
Pierce, F. R. Whitnell, agent, which arrived June 
19, 1853, with 84 barrels sperm, 2211 barrels whale, 
and 31,900 pounds bone, having sent home 300 bar- 
rels sperm, 4484 barrels whale, and 41,000 pounds 
bone, the aggregate value being over $100,000. The 
" Favorite" was gone about three years. Successful 
voyages of vessels whose agents were Gibbe & .Tenney, 
Nathan Church, and other Fairhaven meichants are 
also found on record. 



FAIREIAVEN. 



275 



Although the whale fishery was greatly conducive 
to the prosperity of the town, and spread abroad her 
name and fame, yet it had, as is well known, its dark 
and tragic side. In 1837 ship "Clifford Wayne" re- 
turned in consequence of a mutiny among the crew, 
and caused thereby a loss of ten thousand dollars to 
those who had invested in her. In the same year 
ship "Oregon" was lost on a reef near Tahiti. In 
1838 ship "Pactolus" was burned in the Pacific. On 
Dec. 22, 1842, ship "Sharon" put into Sydney, the 
crew having mutinied and killed Capt. Norris. Capt. 
Jenney, of the "Albion," was killed by a whale in 
March, 1844. In 1847 ship " Acushnet" lost her I 
third mate and four men in consequence of a boat ' 
being stove, and in 1852 the " Heroine" lost her 
second mate, C Fuller, and five men in a severe gale. 
In 1863 brig " Pavilion," Capt. Handy, was lost, witli 
seven of her crew, in Hudson's Bay, and the survivors 
endured severe sufferings. On June 27, 1865, occurred | 
a disaster which from its character is one of tlie most 
noticeable that ever befell a Fairhaven vessel. On 
that date bark " Favorite," Capt. Thomas G. Young, 
F. R. Whitnell, agent, was captured by the rebel 
cruiser "Shenandoah," after a bold but inetfectual ; 
effort at resistance on the part of the gallant captain. 

With the commercial crash of 1857, the increasing 
use of petroleum for illuminating purposes, and the 
coming on of the Rebellion, the peculiar industry of ! 
the town rapidly declined. The number of whaling 
vessels decreased from forty-three in 1859 to nine in ■ 
1863, causing, of course, a great diminution in the 
amount of business done. A few vessels, principally 
brigs and schooners, were sent out in succeeding 
years, but at the present date not a single Fairhaven 
vessel is engaged in the business, and the town must 
look to other sources for future prosperity. The last 
whale-ship to arrive at this port was the "General 
Scott," Capt. William Washburn, Tripp & Terry, 
agents, which arrived Oct. 5, 1869. In concluding 
this sketch the mention of the names of Gibbs & 
Jenney, Warren Delano, Atkins Adams, F. R. Whit- 
nell, Nathan Church, Jenney & Tripp, Bradford & 
Faller, Fish & Robinson, Ezekiel Sawin, and Lemuel 
Tripp will recall to the minds of many the names of 
the prominent shipping merchants of the town, who, 
with others, contributed by their business enterprise 
to its wealth and prosperity. 

Schools. — On April 13, 1798, a number of citizens 
of the town met, and agreed to build "an academy 
between the villages and Cxford, fifty feet and half 
by twenty-four feet and half, two story high." The 
agreement is signed by Isaac Sherman, Benjamin Lin- 
coln, Levi Jenne, Noah Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, 
Killey Eldridge, Thomas Delano, .Jethro Allen, Jo- 
seph Bates, Robert Bennet, Reuben Jenne, Nicholas 
Taber, and Luther Willson. In 1802 the school was 
taught by Richard Sawyer, and later in the same year 
by John Nye and Abiah Haskell. For a number of 
years this building was the principal place of in- 



struction for the young people of the town. It also 
served as a public hall and place for religious meet- 
ings during a portion of its existence. The last re- 
corded meeting of the trustees is dated April 5, 1836. 
The building is now the property of Capt. John A. 
Hawes, and in the upper portion there are a hand- 
some music hall and a billiard-room. 

Rev. Mr. Gould, for a number of years pastor of 
the Congregational Church, established a young la- 
dies' boarding-school, which had an excellent reputa- 
tion, and attracted pupils from other places in this 
part of the State as well as from town. The building 
stood on Main Street, but was removed and divided 
in order to make way for the railroad. The High 
School was established in 1851, and made use of the 
church edifice on Main Street previously occupied 
by the Methodist Episcopal Society. 

The First Cong;regational Church. — Previous to 
the year 1794 there existed within the present limits 
of the town no church organization. People from 
Oxford, Fairhaven, and Sconticut Neck who wished 
to attend the services of the Lord's day made weekly 
pilgrimages over such roads as were then in existence 
to the old church at the Head of the River. The fol- 
lowing description of the walk to meeting was nar- 
rated by one of the ladies of this village: "It was 
our invariable rule during the pleasant season of the 
year to form groups and walk to meeting. We took 
our dinner with us. We put our shoes and stockings 
in our pockets. The road then was round Herring 
River (now known as the Mill Pond) ; thence by the 
homestead of John and Bartholomew Taber. When 
we got a little north of the residence of the late 
Alfred Nye we got over a wall, where was a path 
that led direct to the meeting-house. Near the house 
and to the south of the road is a long, low, flat rock ; 
here we sat down and put on our stockings and shoes 
and went into meeting." 

In 1794, however, was organized the Second Church 
of Christ in New Bedford, which organization became 
later the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven. 
The churches represented at the Council were the 
First Church, at the Head of the River, New Bed- 
ford ; the Second Church, in Rochester; and the 
church in Little Compton. The covenant is signed 
by Lemuel Williams, Benjamin Church, John Alden, 
Eunice Paddoe, Phebe Jenne, Abigail Church, Ke- 
turah Church, Elizabeth Landers, Bethiah Delano, 
Sally Alden, Ruth Shearman, Patience Jenne, Jere- 
miah May hew, Isaac Tompkins, Abel House, Peggy 
Mayhew, Joseph Damon, Jethro Allen, Henry Jenne, 
Joseph Bates, Isaac Wood, Isaac Shearman, Joseph 
Church, Pardon Taber, twenty-four in all. The 
original church edifice was erected at about the same 
time, and was an old-fashioned wooden structure, well 
remembered by our older citizens. It stood on a rise 
of ground, on what is now the corner of Main and 
Centre Streets. The upper portion and belfry are 
still in existence, forming a part of Phoenix Block. 



276 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



On Feb. 4, 1795, Isaiah Weston was ordained pas- 
tor, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Joseph 
Barker, of tlie First Cliurcli in Middleborough. In 
the year 1802 we find that the use of a fiddle in tlie 
church service was productive of mental if not of 
musical discord. It is certainly to be hoped that the 
notes of the instrument were more harmonious than 
the feeling roused by its use. 

The church, as at first constituted, was Arminian 
in doctrine, as were many at that period. In the 
year 1807, however, there came a powerful revival of 
religious interest, which was productive of results 
greatly affecting the future of the church. 

Blr. Weston was dismissed in 1808. It soon became 
apparent that there were antagonistic elements with- 
in the church, and finally certain members who came 
into the church after the great revival withdrew in 
1811, and were instrumental in forming a new society 
called the Third Church. The services of this church 
were held in a small building occupied both as church 
and school-house, and which stood on Main Street, 
opposite where the Union Hotel now stands. Hap- 
pily, however, the two churches united harmoniously 
about the year 1820. On May 26, 1813, the old church 
voted to call Mr. Abraham Wheeler, and he was duly 
ordained on June 30th of the same year, and re- 
mained about five years. On Nov. 24, 1820, they 
voted to install Paul Jewett. 

Mr. Jewett, however, remained but a short time, 
and on Jan. 9, 1823, the church voted to ask Rev. 
William Gould to continue as their minister. Mr. 
Gould remained as acting pastor, without installation, 
for about seventeen years after this date, and during 
his long pastorate the church became greatly strength- 
ened in numbers, influence, and material prosperity. 
In 1839, Mr. Jacob Roberts was ordained as colleague 
with Mr. Gould, whose health had begun to fail. An 
unhappy complication of affairs, in regard to Mr. 
Gould, resulted in the division of the church in 1841. 
The members who withdrew formed themselves into an 
organization styled the Centre Congregational Church, 
and erected the neat church edifice on the corner of 
Centre and Walnut Streets, now occupied by the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. This society disbanded 
in 1848 ; their pastors were the Rev. Mr. Gould and 
his colleague. Rev. Mr. Poor. In 1844-45 the old 
church erected the substantial edifice of brick which 
they have since occupied. It is a fine specimen of 
Gothic architecture. The interior walls are finished 
in a tasteful pattern of blocking in shades of brown, 
while pulpit, galleries, pews, and organ front are 
adorned with elaborate Gothic ornamentation. The 
exterior walls were unfortunately covered with stucco, 
which, under the action of the weather, came off in 
patches, giving the building for some years an un- 
sightly appearance. The lofty steeple, the tallest in 
this vicinity ,.and a landmark for sailors in the bay, 
was overthrown in the great gale of Sept. 8, 1869, but, 
providentially, with little damage to the church. In 



1879 the building was painted and the tower finished 
by the addition of four pinnacles, improvements 
which added materially to its appearance. Slight 
alterations have also been made within the building, 
such as the lowering and widening of the pulpit, and 
the removal of the old desk from the vestry and sub- 
stitution of a platform. Mr. Roberts was succeeded 
by Mr. John Willard, ordained in 1853, dismissed in 
1867. Later pastors have been Rev. Avery S. Walker, 
1868-71; Rev. Winfield S. Hawkes, 1873-76; and 
the present pastor. Rev. William Carruthcrs, who 
was installed in June, 1878. The society, in common 
with the town, suffered with the decline of business 
and consequent loss by removals, but amid all material 
changes the vital force which inspired its founders 
still remains, and with the future growth and pros- 
perity of the village it is to be hoped that its useful- 
ness may be further extended. Present membership 
of the church (1882), one hundred and seventy-five. 
The Washington Street Christian (Unitarian) 
Church. — On Nov. 28, 1819, a few persons in town, 
dissatisfied with the prevailing Calvinistic doctrines, 
gathered at the house of Elizabeth Taber, in Oxford vil- 
lage, and decided to hold a series of religious meetings 
under the leadership of Elder Moses Howe, with the 
view, probably, of forming a church of the Christian 
order, whose doctrine is mainly Unitarian, but whose 
practice is somewhat similar to that of the Baptists. 
The Bible was taken as the only rule of faith and 
duty. The Academy Hall was engaged for the pur- 
pose of holding meetings, and under Elders Moses 
How and Frederick Plummer a considerable degree 
of interest was manifested. On Nov. 30, 1820, a church 
was organized with forty-five members, and on Sept. 
4, 1821, Elder Charles Morgridge w.as ordained pastor. 
Mr. Morgridge was followed by Simon Clough, James 
Taylor, Frederick Plummer, George Kelton, and 
others until 1830. On evening of Jan. 1], 1832, a 
meeting of subscribers to a fund for buildiug a church 
was held at the residence of Capt. Warren Delano. 
On Dec. 7, 1832, the church was organized as the 
Washington Street Christian Church, at the liouse of 
Elizabeth Adams, and on December 15th of the same 
year the meeting-house was dedicated. Elder Wil- 
liam H. Taylor was the first pastor. In 1834 a great 
accession was made to the number of members, eighty- 
six uniting with the church in that year. About tliis 
time there was some discussion in regard to baptism, 
and a vote that no person should be allowed to join 
the church unless baptized by immersion, is on record. 
This was, however, rescinded soon afterward. The 
church was careful to take notice of the indulgence 
of its members in questionable amusements, and to 
deal with them accordingly; but it seems to have 
been inclined to deal with delinquents in a kindly 
spirit. Mr. Taylor left in 1838, and was followed on 
June 9th of the same year by Elder John H. Currier, 
who was followed by Elder C. Bernett, in November, 
1839, he being dismissed at the end of three months. 



FAIRHAVEN. 



277 



In April, 1840, Elder Joseph H. Smith was engaged 
for three months. In July of the same year Elder 
David Millard took charge of the church. In this 
year renewed activity and interest was manifested. 
In 1841, Elder Charles Galligher was invited to preach 
for three months. Within the next few years there 
was brought about an important change in the history 
of the society. In 1841 the use of the pulpit was 
granted to Elder William Miller, the exponent of 
Second Advent doctrines. Mr. Miller's preaching pro- 
duced such results that thirty-three persons left the 
church, most of whom united with a number from the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and formed the nucleus 
of the Second Advent Society. In July, 1841, Elder 
Charles Morgridge was chosen pastor. He was fol- 
lowed by Elder Stephen Fellows. The old church 
had from various causes become much weakened at 
this period. It was now decided to employ an edu- 
cated ministry, and to put itself more in harmony 
with the spiritual wants and intelligent thought of 
the age, and in March, 1844, it was voted, twelve to 
four, to invite a Unitarian minister to come and preach 
on trial. No change was made in the covenant, and 
the new element which came in found a well-estab- 
lished foundation upon which to build. 

In August, 1844, Thomas Danes was unanimously 
chosen pastor. At this time, or soon after, a new 
front was put on the building, a vestry put under- 
neath, and the pulpit was removed from the north to 
the south end, and the pews changed to conform with 
the alteration. Meantime Sawin's Hall was used for 
a short period, and later the Centre Congregational 
Church was occupied in union with the society wor- 
shiping there, each society occupying the church for 
half a day. Mr. Danes' ministry closed in 1853, after 
a useful pastorate. From 1853 until 1856 the society 
had no settled paiitor. In the latter year a call was 
extended to Rev. C. Y. De Normandie, who was duly 
installed on September 10th of that year. The church 
was greatly quickened by the religious revival of 
1858, which resulted in the addition of forty members 
to its roll. In the year 1865 a reorganization of the 
church was effected, in which the Christian Scriptures 
were declared to be the sufficient rule for faith and 
practice. In 1868 the society reluctantly complied 
with a request of their pastor for his dismission, and 
in April, 1869, Mr. De Normandie left, after having 
served the society for nearly thirteen years. EUery 
Channing Butler was ordained Oct. 26, 1869, but was 
called away after a short pastorate of nearly three 
years. The next pastor, Alfred Manchester, was or- 
dained Jan. 9, 1873. In 1874 various improvements 
were made upon the building, the interior being 
newly frescoed and carpeted, thus giving to fhe society 
a beautiful and attractive audience-room. In 1877, 
Mr. Manchester was dismissed, after a successful pas- 
torate, and was followed by James M. Leighton, the 
present pastor, who was ordained April 10, 1878. 
In 1881 a new organization of the church was made, 



which changed somewhat the basis of fellowship. 
Members are required to sign their names to a com- 
pact pledging themselves to the worship of Almighty 
God, and the study and practice of pure religion as 
manifested in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. To this 
compact seventy-two members signed their names. 
Such is a brief abstract of the history of a churcli 
whose unseen influences have striven to add to the 
moral excellence and religious power of the commu- 
nity in which it is planted. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church.— In the year 
1820 a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 
New Bedford. A number of persons in Fairhaven 
united with this church, attended its services, and the 
preacher in charge sometimes preached on this side 
of the river. On Dec. 28, 1829, the brethren residing 
in Fairhaven requested that a chapel be erected for 
their accommodation. It was resolved that their re- 
quest ought to be complied with, and that such a step 
will tend to the glory of God and the enlargement of 
the kingdom of our common Saviour. In June, 1830, 
the meeting-house was opened for worship, and dedi- 
catory sermons were preached by Rev. Orange Scott 
and Rev. John Lindsey. This was the building now 
occupied by the town as a high school, and stands on 
Main Street north of Bridge Street. Rev. William 
Livesey was in that year appointed to this station. 
Once in two weeks Mr. Livesey exchanged with Rev. 
Mr. Merritt, of New Bedford, and Rev. James Porter, 
of the Head of the River. The society continued to 
be a branch of the one in New Bedford until 1832, 
when it was deemed expedient that the Fairhaven 
society become a separate organization. 

On Aug. 30, 1832, the male members met and pro- 
ceeded to organize a board of trustees, consisting of 
the following-named persons: Joseph Millett, James 
Tripp (2d), John P. Winslow, Joseph P. Swift, Joseph 
B. Morse, Dennis McCarthy, and Warren Maxlield. 
The society continued to occupy their house of wor- 
ship until the spring of 1849, when the subject of 
purchasing the edifice left vacant by the Centre Con- 
gregational Society was considered. On April 16th 
the trustees reported that they had obtained a title to 
the church for the use and behoof of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Their report was accepted, and 
the building occupied in that year. The last of the 
notes due by reason of the purchase of this building 
was paid in March, 1867. Extensive improvements 
have been made within the church edifice since its 
present occupancy, and the church is now in a highly 
prosperous condition. 

Official Appointments. — 1830-31, Rev. William Live- 
sey ; 1831-32, Rev. Leonard Griffin; 1832-34, Rev. 
Nathan Paine ; 1834-35, Rev. Lewis Janson ; 1835 
-36, Rev. Daniel K. Banister; 1836-38, Rev. David 
Leslie; 1838-39, Rev. Henry Mayo; 1839-41, Rev. 
ApoUos Hale; 1841-43, Rev. Isaac Stoddard; 1843 
-44, Rev. Nathan Paine; 1844-45, llev. John W. 
Case; 1845-46, Rev. Daniel Webb, supplied by G. 



278 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



W. Brewster; 1846-48, Eev. Micah J. Talbot, Jr.; 
1848-49, Rev. Henry Baylies; 1849-51, Eev. Samuel 
C. Brown; 1851-53, Rev. Horatio W. Houghton; 
1853-55, Eev. Eicbard Livesey ; 1855-57, Rev. Wil- 
liam H. Richards; 1857-58, Rev. Bartholomew Othe- 
ruan ; 1858-59, Rev. James M. Worcester; 1859 
-61, Rev. John B. Husted; 1861-63, Rev. Edward 
A. Lyon ; 1863-65, Rev. William Livesey ; 1865-68, 
Rev. Henry H. Smith; 1868-71, Rev. Frederic Up- 
ham ; 1871-73, Rev. John Gray ; 1873-75, Rev. Hop- 
kins B. Cady ; 1875-78, Rev. George De B. Stoddard ; 
1878-79, Rev. Daniel C. Stevenson ; 1879-80, Rev. 
Francis D. Sargent; 1880-83, Rev. George E. Fuller. 

The Second Advent Society. — In 1841, Elder 
William Jliller preached in the Christian Baptist 
Church in this village. A number of persons became 
converts to the Second Advent faith, and in 1842 
began to hold meetings. The first meetings were 
held in a private liouse on Main Street. Afterwards 
they were held in the building formerly occupied by 
Rev. Mr. Gould ^s a young ladies' boarding-school, 
and in Fountain Hall on Main Street. The building 
on William Street, formerly known as Sawin's Hall, 
was purchased and convei'ted into a chapel, and a 
new organization effected ab^t- seventeen years ago. 
Present pastor, Elder George F. HaiiiBs^^ 

Friends' Meeting. — Since the early settlement of 
Old Dartmouth the Friends or Quakers have been 
an important element in the history of the town. In 
Fairhaven, however, they have not been so influen- 
tial as in New Bedford and Dartmouth. There was 
no meeting-house in the present limits of the town 
until 1849, when the plain but neat building on 
Bridge Street was erected. The number of wor- 
shipers here has always been quite small, and num- 
ber at present about ten or twelve families. Meet- 
ings are held on first days and fourth days, and a 
Bible-class is sustained. The Friends do not recog- 
nize the pastoral relation in the manner that other 
denominations do, and their method of church gov- 
ernment differs also from that of other societies. The 
Fairhaven Meeting belongs to the New Bedford 
Monthly Meeting, which is the principal organization 
in this vicinity. 

Civil History. — The records of the first few years 
of the town's existence have been lost, and the names 
of the officers during that period have not been 
definitely ascertained. The following-named per- 
sons have held the office of town clerk since 1816 : 
1816-17, Levi Jenney ; 1817-19, Jabez Taber; 
1819-34, Bartholomew Taber; 1834-42, Nathaniel 
Church; 1842-55, Eben Akin, Jr. ; 1855-75, Tucker 
Damon, Jr. ; 1875, Eben Akin, Jr. 

SELECTMEN FROM 181G TO 188.). 
18lG.-;-Barlhulomew Akin, James Taber, Joseph Whelden. 
1817. — BartlioIomew,Akin, James Taber (no other uame found). 
1818. — Bartholomew Akin, James Taber, Joseph Whelden. 
1S19. — John Atsatt, -James Taber, John Taber. 
1820. — Warren Delano, James Taber, John Taber. 
ISiil. — Bartholomew Akin, James Taber, John Taber. 



18*22. — Baitholoniew Akin, Ansel Alk'n, James Taber. 

182.3-25.— Ansel Allen, James Taber, John Taber. 

18-26-27.— Warren Delano, James Taber, John Taber. 

1828. — Warren Delano, James Taber. 

1829--J0.— Ansel .^Ik-u, Gideon Nye, Jabez Taber. 

18.il.— Ansel Allen, John Taber, .loseph Whelden. 

1832-3^. — Daniel Davis, Levi Jenney, Gideon Nye. 

18,34. — Cyrus E. Clark, Daniel Davis, Jabez Delano, Jr. 

183.').— Cyrus E. Clark, Danii-1 Davis, William L. B. Gibbs. 

1836.— Ansel AUeii, Cyrns E. Clark, Daniel Davis. 

1837.— Daniel Davis, William L. B. Gibbs, Bartholomew Taber. 

1838. — Daniel Davis, Rodolphus W. Dexter, Bartholomew Taber. 

1839-40.— Gideon Nye. Ezekiel Sawin, Bartholomew Taber. 

1841.— Gideon Nye, Bartholomew Taber, Firman R. W'hitnell. 

1842.— Cyrns E. Clark, Elbridge G. Morton, Firman R. Whitnell. 

1843.— Nathaniel Church, Cyrns E. Clark, Elbridge G. Morton. 

1844.— Natlianiel Church, George Menrlall, ShetTel Read. 

1845-50.— Nathaniel Church, Cyrus E. Clark, Ellis Meudall, Jr. 

1851.— Cyrus E. Clark, G. N. Taber, Isaac Wood, Jr. 

1852. — Nathaniel Higgin, George Mendall, Firman R. Whitnell. 

18.53.— Cyrus E. Clark, John Terry, Firman R. Whitnell. 

1854.— Nathaniel Church, Cyrus E. Clark, Firman E. Wliitnell. 

1855 — Edmund Allen, Charles D. Capen, Barnabas Ewer, Jr. 

1856.— Edmund ,\lk-n, Chiirles D. Capen, Henry A. Church. 

1867.— Martin L. Elbridge, John A. Hanes. Elbridge G. Morton. 

1858-59.— John A. Hawes, Elbridge G. iMorton, Abiel P. Robinson. 

1860. — Jonathan Ewen, John A. Ha\ve«, Elbridge G. fliortou. 

lSr.1-02. — lonallian Ewen, Rodolpbns W. Dexter, Bartliolomew Taber. 

1863. — Jonathan Ewen, Bartholomew Taber, George H. Taber. 

1864.— Edwin R. Almy, Bartlioloniew Taber, Elh^ry T. Taber, 

1805-66. — Barlholomew- Taller, Fi-edenck Taber, Isaiah West. 

1SG7-68.— Reuben Nye, Bartholomew Taber, Isaiah West. 

1869-70.— Bartholomew Taber, George H. Taber, Isaiah West. 

1871.— Bartholomew Taber, George H. Taber, William H. Whitfield. 

1872.— Weston Howland, George U. Taber, William U. Whitfield. 

1873.- Daniel J. Lewis, George H. Tabor, William H. Whitfield. 

1874. — Daniel J. Lewis, Welcome J. Lawton, George II. Talier. 

1875-76.— Welcome J. Lawton, George H. Taber, Ainold G. Tripp. 

1877-78.- Daniel W. Deane, George H. Taber, Arnold G. Tripp. 

1879-83.— George A. Briggs, Daniel W. Deane, Robert E. Dewitt. 



1812-14. John Hanes. 

Nicholas Davis, Jr. 

Joseph Tripp, 
1814-16. John Delano. 
1816-20. No representative 

1820. James Taber. 

1821. Stephen Merrihew. 

1822. No representative. 

1823. Joseph Tripp. 
James Taber. 
Joseph Whelden. 

1S24. No representative. 
1825. James Talier. 

Stephen Merrihew. 

Joseph Whedlen. 
18-26. James Taber. 

1827. James Taber. 
Joseph Tripp. 

1828. Nathaniel S. Spooner 
James Talier. 
Joseph Tripp. 

1829. Rowland Gibbs. 
Gideon Nye. 
Joseph Tripp. 

1830. Joseph Trip]i. 

1831. Joseph Whelden. 

1833. Gideon Nyo. 

1834. Anse! Allen. 
Cyrus E. Clark. 
Samuel Pierce. 

1835. Joseph Tripp. 
Ezekiel Sawin. 
Gideon Nye. 

1836. Joseph Tripp. 
William L. B. Gibbs. 



REPRESENTATIVES. 

1837. Cyrus E. Clark. 
1838-39. Joseph Tripp. 
Daniel Davis. 
John Stoddard. 

1840. Cyrns E. Clark. 
Elbridge G, Morton. 

1841. Ezekiel Swain. 
Gideon Nye. 

1842. Cyrus E. Clark. 
Jones Robinson. 

1843. Elbridge G. Moiton. 
Jones Robinson. 

1844. Joseph Tripp. 

1845. Joseph Tripp. 
Ellis Mendall, Jr. 

1846-47. Nathaniel Church. 

George Mendall. 
1848-50. George Menilall. 

Isaac Wood, J r. 
1851. Isaac Wood. 
1862-53. Elbridge G. Morton. 
1854. Charles Drew. 
1855-57. Daniel J. Lewis. 
1858-59. Martin L. Eldridge. 
1860-62. Samuel L. Ward. 
1863-65. Ezekiel Sawin. 
1866-67. Chailes Bryant. 
1868-09. Lewis S. JuJd. 
1870-71. No representative. 
1872-73. William H. Whitflold. 
1874-76. Daniel J. Lewis. 
1876-77. No representative. 
1878-79. Elbridge G. Morton. 
1880-81. No representative, 
1SS2-S3. Rnfus A. Dunham. 




//^^z-T^^,/ //^^'^^'^-/^y/,:^ 



fy^z^ 



FAIRHAVEN. 



27y 



Military Record, 1861-65.— The following en- 
listed iVoni Fiiirliaven during the late war of the Re- 
bellion : 

Bartholomew Aikin, E. Delevaii Allen, Elisliup P. ,VIlen, William F. 
Aileu, Andrew W. Almy, Charles H. Austin, Benjamin T. Baker, 
Charles A. Bates, Martin Bowen, Tliomas G. Boweii, Charles G. 
Brah-y, George B. Bniley, George P. Briggs, Alexander J. Brown, 
John Brown, Peter Brown, Benjiimin Burt, William W. Carsley, 
Joseph S.Caswell, William F. Caswell, Ezekiel Cekiell, Ebenezer W. 
Chase, John Conly, Elislia Copt-land, Reulteii Corsen, Jonathan C. 
Cowen, James N. Cox, Henry P. Cronell, Edward F. Damon, Alden 
Davis, Robert Decker, Edward H, Dillingham, William Driscoll, 
George Dunham, William H. Dunham, Edward Emmons, Bariiabas 
Ewer, Jr., John H. Fitcli, John Flynu, Timothy Fox, William A. 
Fox, John P. Freeborn, Albert D. Gelett, Charles W. Gelett, Charles 
H. Gifford, Cornelius Grady, Joshua Grimes, Charles J. Hale, Joseph 
P. Hamblin, Michael Harrington, William A. Haskins, Ebenezer B, 
Hathaway, John A. Hawes, Ablin Hayden, Henry Hill, Ebenezer V. 
Hitch, Frederick H. Hitch, Franklin L. Hull, Edward J. Hurley, 
John Isherwood, James Jackson, Charles N. Jenney, Benjamin 
Jones, Benj. W. Kempton, Jared R. Lake, Leonard Luther, Jabez 
M. Lyle, Saml. M. Manell, G-o. F. Manchester, W. A. Manches- 
ter, Henry Morton, E. Murphy, John Murray, John 0. Neil, Michael 
Nolan, Thos. Nye, PliineasPeckham, Jr., H. Pope, W. B. Purrington, 
James Reed, Ainus Rogers, Jr., George F. Rogers, Benjamin Samp- 
son, Zehelial S. Sampson, Arthur Saunders, Louis Schmidt, John P. 
Sears, Daniel Sheridan, Charles Smith, Roland Smith, William 
Smith, Edward Staunett, Henry C. Steele, George Stevens, Henry 
Stevens, Francis H, Stoddard, Nelson J. Sweet, Loring P. Taber, 
Charles Thompson, John M. Thompson, Elbridge B. Towiisend, 
Joseph F. Townsend, Amos Tripp, Ebenezer R. Tripp, Horace P. 
Tripp, James F. Tripp, Joseph Tripp, William H. Tripp, John Wal- 
deck, Fraidi Waldron, Jesse H. Warner, John Warren, Edward W. 
West, Andrew Westgate, Stephen Westgate, Henry White, Joshua 
H. Wilkey, Albert fll- Willcox, George R. Wixon, George Wood, 
Lemuel C. Wuod, Jr., Tiiomad Wood, Thomas M. Wrigliington. 

Navy.— John W. Babbett, Elisha B. Bumpus, William B. Bumpus, Jabez 
Chandler, George H. Copeland, Joseph Ellis, Henry W, Fitch, Reu- 
ben H. Fitcli, Ansel S. Hitch, James R. Lawrence, Jr., William C. 
Nye, Albert Shaw, Thomas Shaw, Eli Sherman, Francis SnelI,Jr., 
Frederick M. Faber, William A. West, Oscar F. Wixon. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HENRY HUTTLESTONE. 

The Huttlestone family is of good English stock. 
The name was formerly Huddlestone, the name now 
of a solid village in England. Valentine Huddle- 
stone came from England to America in the first part 
of the seventeenth century to Newport, and settled i 
ultimately in Dartmouth (now Fairhaven), where, in 
1694, he was one of the fifty-six original proprietors 
of the town. He had two sons by his wife Catharine, 
— Henry, born Sept. 21, 1673, and George, born Sept. 
28, 1077. From one of these (Henry probably) was 
no doubt the Henry of whom we write, but we have 
no data to establish the fact. 

Henry Huttlestone was born in Fairhaven, Mass., 
in 1768, at or near the residence of the late Hon. John 
A. Hawes. His father, Peleg Huttlestone, was a man 
of good circumstances and repute in his day, a land- 
holder, and a valuable citizen. He was born in 1741, 
and died in 1801 ; his wife Tabitha was born in 1743, 
and died in 1790. Henry Huttlestone, although of 
limited education, early manifested great business 



ability. He became owner of numerous vessels, and 
was extensively engaged in fitting out ships for the 
European trade. He was also a merchant for many 
years in his native town. He was a man pleasant to 
meet, of winning manners, and a general favorite 
for his benevolence and sympathy towards suffering. 
During the Napoleonic wars and embargoes and the 
perilous times connected with the war of 1812 he lost 
heavily, numbers of his ships being captured or de- 
stroyed by the belligerent European powers. He had 
at the time of his death several claims against the 
Spanish, French, and English nations for captured 
vessels, yet only one of the claims — one against the 
French government— ever realized anything for his 
heirs. He married Rhoda Merrihew, of Fairhaven. 
They had seven children, — Henry (deceased), Nancy 
(deceased), Betsey (Mrs. Charles Stoddard), Stephen 
(deceased), Jane (deceased), Killey (deceased), and 
Mary. Mr. Huttlestone died in January, 1831. He 
was Unitarian in religion, and a Whig in politics. 

Rowland Rogers, son of Abishai and Judith Rogers, 
was born in Mattapoisett, Mass., March 21, 1810. He 
became a merchant in Fairhaven, and March 21, 1833, 
married Mary, youngest child of Henry Huttlestone. 
They had three children, — Eliza (deceased), Henry 
H., and Rufus A. In his latter years, Mr. Rogers 
was an accountant. He was a Democrat from prin- 
ciple. He could give sound reasons in support of his 
belief, and was one of the little band of from five to 
seven in the town who steadily voted the Democratic 
ticket, undaunted by the bitter partisanship of the 
times. He died in 1861. His wife is now living in 
Fairhaven, with youthful ajipearance for her years, 
beloved by all who know her. 

Henry Huttlestone Rogers was born in Fairhaven, 
Mass., Ja.n. 29, 1840. He was a quick and diligent 
student, and graduated at the Fairhaven High School. 
Upon leaving school he eng.aged as clerk in a store in 
Fairhaven, where he remained until his twenty-first 
year, when he went to Oil City, Pa., and started busi- 
ness for himself by establishing an oil refinery. He 
exhibited good business qualities, was hard-working 
and energetic, yet the refinery did not pay, and after 
a faithful but unsuccessful effort to succeed, he aban- 
doned it and became assistant superintendent of Na- 
trona Chemical Works. His manner of transacting 
business attracted the attention of Charles Pratt, of 
" astral oil" celebrity, and in a few months' time 
he left the chemical works for a position in the 
New York house of Mr. Pratt. Tliis, in a short 
time, resulted in Mr. Pratt's admitting Mr. Rogers to 
a partnership in the firm now Charles Pratt & Co. 
He is of quick, energetic temperament, carries through 
successfully whatever he undertakes, and has a warm, 
social nature, which endears him to a large circle of 
friends. His family spend their summers in Fair- 
haven with his mother, and for which Mr. Rogers has 
the strongest attachment, believing the town of his 
birth the finest place on earth. His love for Fair- 



280 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



haven and for its improvement has recently been 
manifested in a most pleasant and valuable way, by 
the offer recently to build, at his own expense, a high- 
school building in that town, contributing also the 
land on which it is to stand. 

Mr. Rogers married, Nov. 17, 18(52, Abbie, daughter 
of Capt. Peleg Gittbrd, of Fairhaven. They have five 
children, — Anne, Cara, Amelia, Mary, and Henry H. 
He is Republican in politics. He is yet in the prime 
of life, and, with many years of active business before 
him, is a fair type of the impetuous, rushing, success- 
ful Americans of the nineteenth century. 

Rufus A. Rogers was born in Fairhaven, Feb. 22, 
1843. He married Maude Thumm, and is now an 
accountant, residing in Oil City, Pa. He has two 
children. 



HON. JOHN A. IIAWES. 

Hon. John A. Hawes was born in Fairhaven, 
Mass., Sept. 27, 1823. He graduated at Harvard in 
1845, and studied law with J. H. W. Page, Esq., in 
New Bedford, but he never practiced the profession 
nor engaged in any regular business. He has been 
selectman and a member of the school committee in 
his native town, and was captain of Company E, 
Third Massachusetts Regiment, in the nine months' 
service during the Rebellion. In 1871-72 and 1874- 
75 he was a member of the State Senate, often tem- 
porarily filling the chair, and was for some time the 
elected president joro teiii. He was at one time presi- 
dent of the Bristol County Agricultural Society and 
commander of the Massachusetts Department Grand 
Army of the Republic. He took considerable inter- 
est in yachting. He was one of the originators of the 
New Bedford Yacht Club, and was elected its first 
commodore in 1878, an office which he held while his 
health remained good. He resided upon the old 
homestead, his children being the fifth generation 
living upon the same land. Mr. Hawes was a Repub- 
lican in politics, and in religion he tended towards 
Rationalism. He died March 10, 1888. His wife is 
Amelia (Hallet) Hawes. Children,— Elizabeth Bor- 
den, Amelia H., and Mary. He was a good citizen, a 
warm friend, and a generous-hearted man. 

John A. Hawes, father of John A., was for some 
time a member of the firm of Cornell & Hawes, New 
York City. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sam- 
uel Borden, of Fairhaven. John Hawes, father of 
John A., Sr., was a prominent man in New Bedford 
and vicinity. He was for many years collector of 
that port, and was one of seven to organize the first 
Methodist Society in New Bedford. 



NATHANIEL CHURCH. 

Nathaniel Church, son of Joseph and Deborah 

(Perry) Church, was born in Fairhaven, JIass., Nov. 

16, 1798. He had the advantages of good blood and 

a long line of reputable ancestors, reaching away 



back through early colonial days to a substantial 
standing in " merrie England." With only a com- 
mon school education, he attained a success in life 
which showed business qualities, energy, and pru- 
dence. When but a little jiast his majority he went 
to Rhode Island, and engaged as a merchant with 
his brother Ebenezer as E. P. Church & Co. He re- 
mained in trade there until 1831, when he removed 
to Fairhaven, where he entered into merchandising, 
and continued steadily in trade until near the close of 
his life. He then was engaged for a few years in a 
brass foundry in Fairhaven. He was more or less 
connected with various whaling expeditions, but these 
were not remunerative. He married, Aug. 22, 1829, 
Lydia, daughter of Barney and Sarah (Cook) Hicks. 
She was born in Westport, IMass., Dec. 15, 1800. On 
both sides she is descended from old families of good 
repute, and to-day, with vigorous mental faculties, she 
is in good physical health, and with cheerful content 
in the society of her old friends and affectionate 
I daughters, she is awaiting the summons to meet her 
husband on the " other shore." They had seven chil- 
dren, of whom four attained maturity. They were 
Sarah C, Nancy F. (deceased), Mary L. (married 
Ansel G. Jenney, resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has 
four children), and Lydia M. Mr. Church was Whig 
and Republican in political affiliations; as such he 
was called to fill many positions of honor and trust. 
He was town clerk many years; was many times 
chosen overseer of the poor and selectman ; lield the 
commission of justice of the peace for nearly all of 
his active life; was called to represent his district in 
the Lower House of the State Legislature twice, dis- 
charging his duties with impartiality and ability. He 
was, during his extended business life, called to ad- 
minister on many estates, and from his cautious, care- 
ful, and wise advice many received much benefit. 
He was a man who, while unostentatious in his giv- 
ing, did not withhold a helping hand from worthy 
charities or public benefactions, but gave liberally. 
He was a man of strict integrity, of many virtues, and 
one whose life served well to merit the confidence and 
esteem which he received from a large circle of friends. 
He died March 17, 1865, in the sixty-seventh year of 
his age. 

CHARLES SPOONER TABER. 
Charles Spooner Taber, son of Jacob and Dolly 
(Spooner) Taber, was born on the old Taber home- 
stead in Fairhaven, Dec. 5, 1809. His earliest ances- 
tor of the name in Fairhaven was Thomas Taber (son 
of Philip, who came to this country probably in 1633, 
and lived successively in Watertown, Yarmouth, Mar- 
tha's Vineyard, Portsmouth, R. I., and Tiverton), who 
was born in 1645, settled here as early as 1672, and 
died in 1730. He was a mason by trade, and built 
and occupied a stone house at Oxford village, which 
was recently demolished. Capt. Taber inherits his 
landed estate, north of Oxford village, from this 




Ci^^^fe^'^^ 



c^t^- 



i^d^e.'^^g? 





■i^-<.^ 



Ck.4^~<^i-^ 





o^ 







FAIRHAVEN. 



281 



Thomas, his great-great-grandfather, through his great- 
grandfatlier Jacob (born in 1683, died in 1773), bis 
grandfather Bartholomew (born in 1717, died in 1803), 
and his father Jacob (born in 1775, died in 1815). 
Capt. Taber's father, a sailor, died, when he was 
about six years old, of spotted fever, and remaining 
with his mother until he was sixteen, he shipped as 
common sailor on the " Columbus," bound for Mar- 
seilles with a cargo of oil. After his return he at- 
tended the academy at Fairhaven for a year or so, and 
again entered the merchant service as sailor, and 
remained in that for a number of years, rising to the 
position of first mate. Thinking whaling more profit- 
able, he arranged to go a voyage on a whaler as boat- 
steerer, and was conveyed to the vessel by his brother, 
Jacob S., who on his way back to the shore was 
drowned. This sad event changed his course. He 
gave up the voyage, and for two years carried on out- 
fitting for sailors. In 1835 he shipped as boat-steerer 
ou ship " Shylock," of Rochester, a whaler, bound 
for Tristan d'Acunha Island and South Atlantic. 
Returning in ten months, he shipped on next voyage 
as first mate of the same ship, and went to the Indian 
Ocean and Madagascar coast. After a voyage of 
twenty months he was given command of the same 
vessel, and in his first voyage of twenty months cir- 
cumnavigated the globe. He sailed again in 1839 as 
master of the "Shylock," and went to New Zealand 
and New Holland. After getting nearly two thousand 
two hundred barrels of oil, two thousand five hundred 
being a full cargo, he concluded to go to the Fiji 
Islands for balance of load. They were becalmed off 
these islands, when a breeze sprang up, and about ten 
or eleven o'clock at night the ship struck on a reef 
not located on the charts. She went to pieces rapidly. 
Capt. Taber went below and hurriedly took his quad- 
rant, compass, and glass, and without his boots suc- 
ceeded in reaching one of the three boats. The islands 
were inhabited by cannibals, and the captain distrust- 
ing their hospitality shaped his course for the Friendly 
Islands. Two boats got clear, but one was lost, yet 
of the entire crew only one, a boy, was lost. After 
two days' and three nights' exposure to the elements 
and hunger and thirst they came to the sought for 
islands, and were kindly received and entertained. 
They went from one island to another until they came 
to Vavau, one of the Tonga Islands, where was an 
English Methodist missionary station. The mission- 
aries relieved their necessities, placed their vessel at 
Capt. Taber's service, and after he visited all their 
stations they conveyed him to Hobartstown, whence 
he went to Sydney, New Zealand, and thence to 
Boston. Of these kind and laithful missionaries 
Capt. Taber retains the warmest memories. 

He was soon oflered command of several vessels, 
and accepted that of the " Huntress," of New Bed- 
ford, and made a highly successful voyage of thirty 
months, visiting the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. 
This was his last completed voyage. After his re- 



turn he started on another trip as master of the 

" Elizabeth," of New Bedford, but failing health, 
with indications of consumption, caused him to leave 
his vessel at Pernambuco and return home. Since 
then he has attended to the culture of the ancestral 
acres granted to his ancestor, John Cooke, and held 
by him in direct inheritance through Thomas Taber, 
as before mentioned. Capt. Taber married. Dee. 8, 
1846, Laura Hathaway, daughter of Obed and Abby 
(Hathaway) Nye. Her father was a merchant for 
many years at the "Head of the River" (Acushnet), 
was born in Fairhaven, and a member of one of the 
old and honored families. 

Capt. Taber is Republican in politics, but is con- 
tent to remain outside of official honors and pre- 
ferment. He is of sanguine temperament, is pleasing 
and social in his intercourse with others, and having 
amassed sufficient wealth to be removed from any 
pecuniary anxiety, is enjoying life with a quaint and 
happy philosophy, and with content is passing on 
towards the " twilight" in a home cheered by a more 
than ordinary intelligent and agreeable wife. He is 
liberal in religion, and with his wife attends the 
Unitarian Church. He is probably the only one 
living who bid off" a seat in the church (then Free- 
will Baptist) at its dedication in December, 1832. 
All in all, Capt. Taber is a fair type of the hardy, 
resolute whalers of the most prosperous days of that 
great industry of this part of New England. 



ELLERY T. TABER. 

Ellery Tompkins Taber, son of Timothy and Peace 
(Kelly) Taber, was born in Fairhaven, Mass., Aug. 
23, 1809. His father was a painter by avocation, and 
followed the sea. He was on the sloop " Thetis," 
bound for Savannah, when that ill-fated vessel was 
capsized in a squall, in November, 1809, and with the 
rest of the persons on board was lost. Thus, at the 
early age of three months, Ellery was left an orphan. 
Sirs. Taber, the mother of Ellery, was descended on 
her mother's side from the Wood family, which was 
one of the old families of the town, and, like the 
Tabers, largely connected with its history. 

Ellery was taken home by his father's sister, Mrs. 
Mercy Tompkins, and was given the name of her 
husband, Ellery Tompkins. Mr. Tompkins was a 
carpenter by trade, and in his pleasant family Ellery 
remained until he was thirteen years old, receiving 
the instruction given in the village schools. He then 
shipped on board the sloop "Julia Ann," plying be- 
tween New Bedford and Albany and New Bedford 
and New York, and continued on her for four years. 
He next shipped as foremast hand on ship "Mill- 
wood," a whaler bound for Brazil Banks. This voy- 
age lasted one year, and he remained on her for 
another voyage of the same length. His third voy- 
age was in ship " Leonidas" as boat-steerer for eigh- 
teen months. He was next third mate of ship 



282 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Meteor," of Hudson, on a voyage of eleven months 
to Tristan d'Acunlia. Then we find him first mate 
of the "Alexander" for a ten months' voyage, and 
from this he went in the same capacity on the good 
ship "James," of New Bedford, going to the Indian 
Ocean and Mozambique Channel. After this voyage 
of nineteen months he was promoted to master of 
the same vessel, and remained her captain for three 
voyages. He next took command of the " Mont- 
pelier," of New Bedford, and made a long cruise in 
the Indian and Nortli Pacific Oceans. 

In 1846, having acquired a competency, he retired 
from active labor, and has since resided in his pleasant 
home in his native town. His seafaring life was not 
only successful financially, it was fortunate. He 
never was shipwrecked, never had the slightest acci- 
dent, and during his numerous voyages lost but one 
man. He married (first), in 1836, Emily, daughter 
of William and Emma Taber White, of Fairhaven. 
She died in 1842, and several years after her death 
he married her youngest sister, Maria. Mrs. Taber 
is a lineal descendant of Peregrine White, of " May- 
flower" birth. Her great-grandfather lived in Free- 
town, where her grandfather, William, was born. 
He moved to Fairhaven, was a blacksmith, and very 
prominent in business circles. He built probably the 
first cotton.-factory in the State, on the Acushnet 
River. His six sons became manufacturers. His 
son William was father of Mrs. Taber. 

Mr. Taber is Unitarian in religious belief; has ever 
voted the Democratic ticket, even when barely half a 
dozen votes were cast in the town. His townsmen 
have intrusted him with the office of sekctmau, but 
he has never cared for office. A quiet, unassuming 
man, he illustrates finely what may be accomplished 
with steady, persistent effijrt by a poor, uneducated 
boy relying on his own exertions. 



CYRUS D. HUNT. 

Cyrus D. Hunt was born in East Weymouth, Nov. 
15, 1833. He attended the public schools of his 
native place until thirteen years of age, when he 
assisted his father, who rebuilt the government break- 
water of Fort Adams, Newport, R. I. He worked 
with him for three years, during the summer, attend- 
ing school in East Weymouth during the winters of 
that time. At the age of sixteen he entered the nail- 
factories of the Weymouth Iron Company, and learned 
the trade of making cut nails. He worked at his 
trade ten years, — five in East Weymouth, one in 
Providence, R. I., and four in Somerset, Mass. By too 
close application to his work he impaired his health 
so much he was obliged to leave the factory in 1861. 
After a few months' recreation he entered the Bridge- 
water Normal School. For this step he had prepared 
himself by study while at work at his trade. 

Having graduated Irom the Normal School, he 
taught school at Somerset during the winter of 1863- 



64. In the summer of 1864 he entered the employ of 
the American Nail-Machine Company, of Boston. 
This company purchased property at Fairhaven, 
Mass., to which place the machinery and business 
was transferred in 1865. Mr. Huiit took charge of 
the business at the time of the transfer, and having 
convinced his directors of the- necessity of a change 
in the business, they authorized him to engage in the 
manufacture of tacks and small nails. The company 
was reorganized in 1867, and named the American 
Tack Company. 

By the purchase of the Jude Field trade-mark and 
the good- will of Mr. Guerineau, son-in-law of Jude 
Field, the company became the legitimate successors 
of A. Field, who was one of the first to start the 
tack manufacture in this county, having begun the 
business of making tacks and shoe nails in 1824 in 
the city of New York. Subsequently the company 
bought out M. M. Rhodes & Sons, of Taunton, who 
were the first to make lining and saddle nails and 
tufting-buttons by machinery ; also Martin G. Wil- 
liams, of Raynham, the inventor and original manu- 
facturer of chisel-pointed boat nails. With the ad- 
vantage of these three established lines of trade the 
company was able to do a fair business and to increase 
it by the natural growth of trade and the increase of 
business of the country. 

The company has a capital of one hundred and 
twenty-five thousand dollars, and employs some one 
hundred and twenty-five hands, including boys and 
girls, the latter doing the light work and the packing 
of the goods. The sales of the company aggregate 
some two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per 
year, and the goods go to all parts of the world, as 
the tacks and nails made by American manufacturers 
are regarded as superior to any other made. 

Mr. Hunt has been assiduous in his devotion to 
his business, and being a practical workman, secured 
success where less attention would have brought 
failure. In politics he has always been a Republi- 
can, being fully convinced that the policy of the Re- 
publican party to " foster, protect, and encourage 
home manufactures" was wise and for the best in- 
terests of the people, while a protective tariff fur- 
nishes employment, and at the same time provides a 
revenue for the government in a manner hardly felt 
by our people. He has voted for every Republican 
President, and has always used his influence to |)ro- 
mote the interests of the party, but has never held 
any office, believing his time and abilities could be 
better employed in attention to his business, and that 
it was better to succeed in a small way than to risk a 
failure by attempting to do too much. 

Mr. Hunt married Sarah E. Mansfield, of Braiu- 
tree, Mass., who was born March 17, 1837, by whom, 
he has had four children, — ^Wallace D., Frederick M., 
Alice E., and Mabel F. 

Cyrus Hunt, father of Cyrus D., was born in 
Braintree, Aug. 5, 1805, died July 14, 1863. He 




d^^^ 



FREETOWN. 



283 



was son of Danie! Hunt, born in Braintree, 1778, 
who married Polly Kingman. 

Mr. Hunt's mother was a daughter of Laban Por- 
ter, a descendant of Richard Porter, one of the early 
settlers of Weymouth, who came from Weymouth, 
England, in 163r). 

Enoch Hunt, the paternal ancestor of Cyrus D., 
came from England to Wessagussett (Weymouth) 
with the first settlers of that ancient town. He was 
a blacksmith by trade. He returned to England, but 
his son Ephraim, born in England in 1610, remained 
in Weymouth, and became the progenitor of the 
Weymouth line of the Hunt family. He, like his 
fatlier, was a blacksmith, and married for his first 
wife Anna Richards, and for his second, Ebbitt 
Burns. By these two wives he had six sons, who 
became the fathers of twenty-six sous and as many 
daughters, whose descendants are numbered by thou- 
sands, and have settled in all parts of the United 
States. 

Ephraim (2), born in Weymouth in 1650, died in 
1713. His son Joliu was born in Braintree in 1688, 
and his son Andrew, born in 1743 and died in 1794, 
was the father of Daniel, who was the grandfather of 
Cyrus D. 



OBED .\YK. 

The Nye family is of English extraction, and the 
American branch can claim kindred with the noble 
families of that name in England. Capt. Obed Nye, 
born 1737, had two wives, — Mary, born 1739, died 
March 28, 1797, and Freelove, born 1748, died Nov. 
10, 1815. His death occurred Nov. 10, 1815. His 
son Jonathan was born 1760, and died Nov. 18, 1815. 
These three deaths so close to each other were caused 
by that fearful epidemic, " spotted fever," or " black 
death." Jonathan married Hannah Mandell, born 
1776, died Sept. 24, 1844, aged eighty-two. Their 
sou, Obed Nye, was born in Fairhaven (Acushnet) 
Jan. 25, 1800. He had but limited education from 
schools, but from the age of fourteen began his busi- 
ness life as clerk in the store of Swift & Nye, at 
the "Head of the River," where he stayed until he 
was of age. Then he became a partner, the firm 
becoming Swift, Nye & Co. This firm continued 
many years, and Mr. Nye remained connected there- 
with until 1861, when he retired, having acquired 
considerable property. He did a great deal of meas- 
uring lumber in his time, and had quite a reputa- 
tion in that way. He was a self-made man. His first 
capital was borrowed, but his honesty, energy, and 
thrift were the foundations of his success. He mar- 
ried, Oct. 16, 1821, Abby, daughter of William and 
Abigail Hathaway, of New Bedford. She died May 
10, 1864, aged sixty-three. (See biography of Wil- 
liam Hathaway, Jr., of New Bedford.) Of their 
cliildren five lived to grow up, — Laura H. (Mrs. 
Charles S. Taber), Abbie P. (married Davi<l S. Hall, 



of Portsmouth, R. I., and now resides in San Gabriel, 
Cal.), William H. (deceased), Francis H. (deceased), 
and Rhodnlphus S. 

Mr. Nye was of active and energetic temperament, 
was for many years an agent for Hingham Fire In- 
surance Company, and represented his district in the 
Lower House of the State Legislature. He was a 
man of good habits, of strong powers of thought, 
and decided principles and opinions. Politically he 
was a Whig and Republican. He was social and 
genial in his intercourse with others, and his Chris- 
tian charity was broad, holding to Unitarian doc- 
trines in belief, although a regular attendant of the 
Orthodox Congregational Church. He had robust 
health both in body and mind until a few years pre- 
vious to his death, which occurred Jan. 29, 1878. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



FREETOWN.! 



The geographical limits of Freetown are now very 
dissimilar and unlike those of that section of country 
purchased of the Indians two hundred and twenty- 
four years ago, nor were those wholly identical with 
the boundaries of the tract incorporated two centuries 
since under the name that it still continues to bear. 

Another change in some of the boundaries was ef- 
fected in 1747, when a considerable portion of what 
had been the township of Tiverton was annexed upon 
the easterly side, thus acquiring the name still famil- 
iar to us of East or New Freetown. 

Still another and a very important change was made 
Februarv, 1803, when a little more than half of old 
and original Freetown, together with a small part of 
East or New Freetown, was detached and set off from 
Freetown, and incorporated as a new and distinct 
town, and called Fall River, a name that it retained 
only one year, when it was changed to Troy, and 
thirty years later changed back again to Fall River; 
that it ever after retained while a town, and also 
continues to do as a city. 

Thus it appeal's that between April 2, 1659 (the 
date of purehasej, and July, 1683 (when incorpor- 
ated), the supposed limits of Freetown grew consider- 
ably less, forthese, asset forth in the Indian deed, over- 
lapped and covered lands in several adjoining towns 
at an earlier date by the Indians sold to European 
purchasers, and in the several decisions permanently 
locating the bound. Freetown purchasers were the 
parties decided against until Freetown, as incorpor- 
ated, embraced but about three-fourths the territory 
set forth in the deed of purchase. 

From 1747 to 1803, a period of some fifty-six years, 

1 By Gen. E. W. P«in:e. 



28-i 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Freetown included and embraced a larger extent of 
territory than it had before or has since. 

About sixteen years intervened between the date of 
the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth and the com- 
mencement of the first or earliest European settle- 
ment within the limits of what became the county of 
Bristol, and from the date of that landing to the pur- 
chase of Freetown was nearly thirty-nine years, and 
from the landing to date of incorporation as a town 
about sixty-three years; so that, although with a force 
irresistible "westward the tide of empire" took "its 
way," the current, though very strong, was slow when 
compared with the speed that has characterized the 
progress of those who have taken the advice to " go 
West" in these latter days. 

That traditional " peck of beans," or something else, 
had secured to the white man the legal possession of 
Taunton some twenty-three years, "ten fiithom of 
beads" had jnirchased the Indian claim at Rehoboth 
eighteen years before, and Dartmouth had been an 
English possession seven years, and yet what became 
Freetown still remained an Indian domain, an un- 
broken wilderness, the red man, despite long and per- 
sistent solicitation, had refused to part with, alienate, 
vacate, or release by sale, being as it was to him that 

" Safer world in depth of woods embraced," 

and where through this life he hoped to be permitted 
undisturbed to remain in the peaceable and quiet en- 
joyment of until called to enter upon another state of 
existence, where 

"Simple Nature to his hope had given 
Behind some cloud-topped hill an humble heaven ;" 

and yet that " poor Indian whose untutored mind" 
saw "God in clouds" and "heard him in the wind," 
whose 

"Soul-proud science never t.iught to stray 
Far as the Solar Walk or Milky Way," • 

bound in Nature's darkness was a thousand times 
more liberal and generous in his theology than those 
who claimed to be acting under the marvelous light 
of the gospel. 

The red man, in his "father's house" of "many 
mansions," thought there was "bread enough and to 
spare" even for white men, who, in turn, generally 
regarded the Indian as God's gift to Christ of the 
heathen for an inheritance that He might dash them 
as a potter's vessel, and their lands "for a posses- 
sion" that He might confer the same upon His saints, 
who the members of the Pilgrim Church solemnly 
resolved and perhaps seriously believed that they in 
fact were, and whose exclusiveness caused them to 
place " without the pale of hope and mercy" not only 
" dogs and sorcerers" but all Indians who were not 
foreordained before the world was to be saved, and, 
in short, almost everybody else save themselves. 

That true son of Nature, the North American 
Indian, that unadulterated specimen of man as he 
came from the hand of his Maker, before he had 



"sought out many inventions" with the eye of his 
faith, looked forward to and hoped for a happier state 
of future existence, — 

" Where slaves once more their native land behold; 
No fiends torment, no Christians thirst for gold ; 
To be content hia natural desire ; 
He asked no angel's wings, tio seraph's fire; 
But thought, admitted to that equal sky. 
His faithful dog should bear him company." 

The long and remarkably peaceful reign of "good 
old Massasoit" was drawing to a close, and the de- 
crepitude of old age gave unmistakable warning that 
he would ere long bo "gathered with his fathers," 
which called his eldest son, Wamsutla, to the seat of 
a chief councilor to the aged sachem, and made him 
practically ruler of the wampum or tribe and nation. 

Among the dwellers in Plymouth at that date was 
one John Barnes, a grog-drinker and liquor-seller, 
who put the cup to his neighbor's lips as well as to 
his own, making them and himself drunken, and 
causing a great deal of trouble to those with whom 
he had to do and disturbance in that settlement until, 
when probably " wine was in and wit out," he at- 
tempted to play some pranks with a bull tliat resented 
the indignity by goring him to death. 

To that Johu Barnes Wamsutta became indebted 
for some things taken up at his shop in Plymouth, 
which debt was made use of to extort from that chief 
sachem-in-prospect a written promise at some time in 
the future, not then defined, to sell the land then 
called Assonet, but now Freetown, to certain of the 
ancient freemen of Plymouth colony, of whom Johu 
Barnes was one. 

Whenever that deed should be executed the debt 
to John Barnes was thus to be canceled, and, as an 
additional induceiuent, it was further agreed that 
Wamsutta should then receive twenty coats, two 
rugs, two iron pots, two kettles and one little kettle, 
eight pairs of shoes, six pairs of stockings, one dozen 
of hoes, one dozen of hatchets, and two yards of 
broadcloth. 

Great was the reluctance felt and exhibited by 
Wamsutta to the act of giving a written promise that 
he would some time sell what his father, despite of 
repeated and persistent importunity on the part of 
the whites, had so determinately refused to part with, 
and thus long and sacredly kept. But the Shylocks 
were after him, fully intent upon securing their 
"pound of flesh," though it should be taken from the 
young chief's heart. 

Thus did they requite the son of their lifelong, 
constant, and never- failing protector and friend, the 
great and "good old Massasoit," and in practice ex- 
emplify their true principles, despite their very pious 
pretensions, thus utterly ignore the doctrine, " In 
all things whatsoever as ye would that men should do 
to you do ye even so to them," and thus did they deny 
that "blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain 
mercy," although during the nearly forty years that 



FEEETOWN. 



285 



the Pilgrims had then been in this country, as to Paul 
when shipwrecked, " the barbarous people sliowed no 
little kindness." 

Dec. 24, 1657, was the date at which was extorted 
from Warasutta a written promise at some time to exe- 
cute a deed, and April 2, 1659, that at which the deed 
was obtained. 

The names of the several purchasers in that deed 
enumerated were as follows, viz. : Capt. James Cud- 
worth, Josiah Winslow, Sr., Constant Southworth, 
John Barns, John Tisdall, Humphrey Turner, Wal- 
ter Hatch, Samuel House, Samuel Jackson, John 
Daman, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Timothy Foster, 
Thomas Southworth, George Watson, Nathaniel 
Morton, Richard More, Edmund Chandler, Samuel 
Nash, Henry Howland, Mr. Ralph Partridge, Love 
Brewster, William Paybody, Christopher Wadsworth, 
Kenelm Winslow, Thomas Bourne, and John Water- 
man, being twenty-six in number, no one of whom 
became an actual settler on this purchase, thus show- 
ing most conclusively that it was not because they 
were pressed for lack of laud or at all straitened in 
their several localities or quarters, but because they 
" coveted things that were their neighbors'," and those 
that neighbors' needs required and demanded that he 
should have and continue to possess, and his ardent 
heartfelt wish and earnest oft-repeated desire was to 
be permitted to retain. Twenty-six being the num- 
ber of those ancient freemen of Plymouth Colony, 
who, on the 2d day of April, 1659, had purchased 
that tract of country which subsequently became the 
township of Freetown, a division of the purchase was 
efiected early the next year, by which the number of 
lots was made to correspond with the number of the 
purchasers, and thenceforth this proprietary for the 
next twenty-three years was generally known as "ye 
ffreemau's lands at Taunton River." 

Each lot or " freeman's share" was bounded on 
one end by the river, and on the other by the head 
line of the original purchase, and it was intended 
that each of these lots should have been about one 
hundred rods wide, though some lots fell considerably 
short of that width and some lots overrun, reference 
being had to relative value and an effort made to 
make up in quantity for lack of quality. To prevent 
di.ssatisfaction or any grounds for future complaint 
the purchasers, on the 4th of January, 1660, set their 
hands to a written agreement that whereas " it may 
fall out that some lots may prove better than others, 
therefore, wee do all and every one of us agree and 
determine and doe by these presents firmly bind 
ourselves each to the other our heirs, executors, 
administrators, and assigns to rest contented with 
what providence the Lord shall dispose by lott to 
each of us not troubling or molesting each other, 
and to this mutually agree before the lots be 
drawn," and in this manner the purchase was di- 
vided, Capt. James Cudworth receiving the twenty- 
fifth lot in number. Capt. James Cudworth was born 



in or about the year 1612. He was a son of Rev. 
Ralph Cudworth and a brother of Rev. Ralph Cud- 
worth, D.D., author of "The Intellectual System of 
the Universe." Capt. James Cudworth came to Ply- 
mouth in 1634, and soon after took up his residence 
in Scituate, where he held oflBces both civil and mili- 
tary, was Governor's assistant several years, and in 
1681 was promoted to the position of Lieutenant- 
Governor of Plymouth Colony, for a time commander- 
in-chief of the combined forces of Massachusetts and 
Plymouth Colonies in the early part of " King Philip's 
war," was too liberal and lenient to suit the bigots of 
his time, and for a while kept out of office because he 
opposed the religious persecution then being waged 
against the Quakers, was sent to England to transact 
business for Plymouth Colony, and while in London 
he took the smallpox and died, aged about seventy 
years. His grandson, James Cudworth, settled upon 
this Freetown land, and made his will in March, 
1729, and died soon after. Considerable jjortions of 
that tract still continue in the possession of lineal 
descendants, having never gone out of the family 
blood or s»'e-name. 

Josiah Winslow, Sr., drew the fifteenth lot. He 
was the youngest brother of Governor Edward Wins- 
low, and uncle to Governor Josiah Winslow, dis- 
tinguished as a general in King Philip's war. Josiah 
Winslow, Sr., emigrated to America in 1629, and 
settled at Marshfield, where he held various offices of 
public trust, was elected town clerk of Marshfield in 
1646, and performed the duties of that place until his 
death, that occurred in 1674. He was born in or 
about the year 1605. April 8, 1661, Josiah Winslow, 
Sr., sold the fifteenth lot to William ilakepeace, of 
Boston, a cooper by trade, wlio occupied it until his 
death. William Makepeace was drowned in Taunton 
River some time in August, 1681. 

Constant Southworth received for his share the 
nineteenth lot. He with his mother, then a widow, 
came to America in 1628, of which the account has 
been preserved, and was as follows : 

" 1628. Paid for Constant Southers' passage and 
diet 11 weeks at 4s. M. = £3, 11, 4." 

He settled in Duxbury, and represented that town 
in the Colonial Court twenty-two years; was Gov- 
ernor's assistant several years ; colonial treasurer from 
1659 to 1679; commissary-general in King Philip's 
war. He died March 10, 1679. The nineteentli lot 
after his decease became the property of his children, 
who sold to parties that became settlers thereon in or 
about the year 1682, or some twenty-three years after 
its purchase of the Indians. 

John Barns drew the twenty-second lot, it beimr 
that whereon the greater part of Assonet village now 
stands, and he, in August, 1666, sold it to Hugh Cole, 
of Swansea, who in turn conveyed the same, in 1685, 
to Benjamin Chase, a cooper by trade, who settled 
thereon about twenty-six years after it had been pur- 
chased of the natives. 



286 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Jolin Tisdall received the twenty-third lot. It is 
upon this lot that a portion of Assonet village is lo- 
cated. John Tisdall (or Tisdale, as that name is now 
generally spelled) settled in Marshfield, where in 1645 
he was elected constable. Removing to Taunton he 
was made a selectman of that town in 1672, and 
served in that office until his death, which occurred in 
June, 1675 ; was a representative to the Colonial 
Court in 1074. He was slain by the Indians, who at 
the same time burned his dwelling and carried away 
his gun, that was retaken at Rehoboth Aug. 1, 1675. 

Joshua Tisdale, son of John, settled upon the 
twenty-third lot, and died thereon in or near the year 
1714. Considerable portions were retained in the 
family name for about a century, and a part is still 
inherited by those of the blood, but of other sur- 
names. 

Humphrey Turner drew the second lot, it being 
that whereon is now the most thickly-settled portion 
of the city of Fall River. Humphrey Turner resided 
in Scituate, of which town he was constable in 1636 
and 1639, representative to the Colonial Court in 1640, 
which place he filled for ten years. This lot descended 
by kiiisliip from Humphrey Turner to his son Joseph 
Turner, who in 1671 sold the same to Israel Hubbard, 
who in turn conveyed it to the great Indian hunter, 
Capt. Benjamin Church, who in or near the year 1700 
settled in what was Tiverton, but now Fall River, and 
but a short distance from this second lot. 

Walter Hatch drew the twelfth lot, that is now 
within the northerly part of Fall River. Walter 
Hatch resided in Scituate. He was a son of William 
Hatch, ruling elder of the second church in Scituate. 
Walter was a ship-builder. Thi.s lot passed by kin- 
ship to his son, Joseph Hatch, who on the 8th of 
June, 1705, sold the same to Jonathan Dodson, a 
settler. Walter Hatch was constable at Scituate in 
1654. 

Samuel House had for his share the fifth lot, now j 
in Fall River. He resided at Scituate and died there j 
in or about the year 1661. His sons, Samuel and Jo- j 
seph House, March 20, 1678, sold this lot to Henry 1 
Brightman and Thomas Cornell, of Portsmouth, R. I., 
and the next year Cornell sold his part to George 
Lawton, Jr., of Portsmouth. Brightman and Lawton 
were probably the first settlers. 

Samuel Jackson was of Plymouth, but changed his 
residence to Scituate in 1638. He probably sold his 
right in this purchase to William Randall, who drew 
the seventeenth lot, from whom, in 1678, the land title 
passed to Nicholas Cotterell, of Newport, R. I., and 
in 1683 and 1690 most of this lot became the property 
of Lieut. Thomas Terry, whose sons settled thereon, 
and a large portion is not only retained by the family 
blood but also surname. 

John Daman drew the twenty-sixth lot. He was 
of Scituate, where he held the office of constable in 
1662, and was representative to the Colonial Court in 
1675 and again in 1676. John Daman died in or 



about June, 1677, and this lot 'passed to his heirs, who 
in 1713 and 1714 sold it to Timothy Lindall, a mer- 
chant residing in Boston, who through his tenants 
probably caused it to be settled upon. It remained 
in the Lindall family until the war of American Rev- 
olution. 

Mr. Timothy Hatherly probably sold his right in 
"ye ffreeman's lands at Taunton River" before the 
date of division, and hence the ninth lot was drawn 
by Capt. James Cudworth, who in 1681 sold the same 
to Simon Lynde, of Boston, from whom, by heirship, 
it descended to his son, Samuel Lynde, of Boston, 
who gave it to his grandchildren, Thomas and Eliza- 
beth Valentine. Mr. Timothy Hatherly resided in 
Scituate, was Governor's assistant for many years, 
colonial treasurer from 1640 to 1642. 

Timothy Foster drew the first lot, and of him verv 
little appears at this date to be known, nor is it easy 
to learn what disposition he made of this property, 
upon which Ralph Earle was an early settler. 

Thomas Southworth received the thirteenth lot. 
Thomas Southworth, with his brother. Constant 
Southworth, and their mother, then a widow, emi- 
grated to America in 1628, Thomas settling at Ply- 
mouth, where, March 7, 1648, he was commissioned 
as lieutenant of local militia, promoted to captain in 
August, 1659, a position he continued to hold until 
his death, Dec. 18, 1669, representative from Ply- 
mouth three years in the Colonial Court, Governor's 
assistant some fifteen years. 

George Watson drew the seventh lot. He was con- 
stable at Plymouth in 1660, and again in 1762. Prob- 
ably retained the seventh lot as long as he lived, and 
leaving it to his children and grandchildren, as his 
grandson, John Watson, July 20, 1706, sold his right 
therein to Henry Brightman. 

Nathaniel Morton drew the eighteenth lot, which he 
sold to John Hathaway, Sr., of Taunton, in March, 
1671, and whose son, John Hathaway, Jr., soon after 
settled thereon. Nathaniel Morton was a son of 
George Morton, who came to Plymouth in 1623. 
Nathaniel Morton was colonial secretary from 1647 
to 1G85. 

Richard More drew the eleventh lot. Richard 
More was an early settler in Duxbury, where he 
owned land at a place called the " Eagle's Nest." 

Edmund Chandler received the fourth lot, that em- 
braced what is now the " City Farm" of Fall River. 
Edmund Chandler retained it through life, and at 
his decease it passed to his son, Joseph Chandler, 
who, in July, 1673, sold the same to Henry Bright- 
man, of Portsmouth, R. I. Edmund Chandler was 
constable of Duxbury in 1637, and representative to 
the Colonial Court in 1639. 

Samuel Nash drew the twenty-first lot, it being 
that on which the southerly portion of Assonet vil- 
lage stands. He was a lieutenant ; led the force that 
Plymouth Colony sent against the Indians in August, 
1645 ; was marshal of that colony for many years. 



FREETOWN. 



287 



Henry Howland, of Duxbury, for his share re- 
ceived the sixtli lot, and liis sons, John and Samuel, 
appear to have become actual settlers. John died 
in or before 1687, Samuel died in or near 1716. 
Henry Howland died in 1670. 

Mr. Ralph Partridge, of Duxbury, after the date 
Wamsutta gave his written promise to sell these 
lands, but before that deed was executed, died, and ' 
at the division, in 1660, his heirs received the eighth I 
lot that his grandsons, Ralph and Peter Thatcher, on 
the 29th day of October, 1G94, conveyed to John 
Reed, a "cordwainer," who became an actual settler. 
Mr. Ralph Partridge emigrated to America in 1636, , 
and after a boisterous passage was landed at Boston 
on the 17th day of November. He soon after became 
pastor of the church in Duxbury, and continued in 
that position until his death. Before coming to this 
country he had been a clergyman of the Church of 
England. Secretary Morton, in 1658, gravely re- 
corded, " This year there was a great earthquake in 
New England. Also, Mr. Ralph Partridge died in 
good old age, having for the space of forty years 
dispensed the word of God with very little impedi- 
ment. His pious and blameless life became very ad- 
vantageous to his doctrine. He was much honored 
and loved by all that conversed with him. He was 
of sound and solid judgment in the main truths of 
Jesus Christ." And to all this an admirer added : 

■' Euii is hia race, 
And his work done ; 
Left eartlily place; 
Partridge is gone. 
He's with the Father and the Son." 

Love Brewster drew the tenth lot. He was born 
in England. He came to America in 1636, landed at 
Plymouth and settled in Duxbury, where he died, ' 
and this lot passed to his son, Wrestling Brewster, 
who sold the southerly half to a carpenter named 
John Bogers, who in turn sold it, Oct. 3, 1702, to 
Edward Thurston, Sr., of Newport, R. I., whose son, | 
Thomas Thurston, settled thereon, and here remained ' 
until his death, which occurred at about eleven o'clock I 
at night, March 22, 1730. j 

William Paybody received the fourteenth lot, that 1 
now has one-half in Freetown and the other half in [ 
Fall River. He exchanged this lot for lands else- ! 
where, and it soon after came to be owned by the In- ^ 
dian hunter, Capt. Benjamin Church. 

William Paybody was town clerk of Duxbury from ' 
1666 to 1684, and representative to the Colonial Court j 
twenty-three years. He was born Nov. 24, 1619. He 
died in 1707. \ 

Christopher Wadsworth drew the third lot. This 
name upon ancient records was spelled Xxofer Wads- 
worth. 

Christopher Wadsworth was an early settler in 
Duxbury, where he was elected constable in 1633, and 
served in that office four years ; selectman in 1660, 
and served six years ; representative to the Colonial > 



Court in 1640, and served four years. He died in or 
near the year 1677. 

Kanelm Winslow received the twenty-fourth lot. 
He was a brother of Governor Edward Winslow, and 
emigrated to America in or about the year 1629. He 
settled at Yarmouth, but died while absent from home 
on a visit to Salem. He was buried Sept. 13, 1672. 
This lot was settled upon by Nathaniel, a son, and 
Josiah, a grandson of the original proprietor. Na- 
thaniel did not long remain here, but Josiah continued 
to reside here until his death, April 3, 1761. 

Thomas Bourne had the twentieth lot. He resided 
in Marshfield, and was a representative from that town 
to the Colonial Court in 1640-41 and 1644. He died 
May 11, 1664, aged eighty-five years, and must have 
been born in or about 1579. The ownership of the 
twentieth lot passed to John, a son of Thomas Bourne, 
and John Bourne, March 4, 1678, gave it to his daugh- 
ters, Anna, the wife of John Bailey, and Martha, the 
wife of Valentine Decro. John Bailey was elected 
selectman of Freetown, June, 1685, and died June 
22, 1686. 

John Waterman drew the sixteenth lot. John 
Waterman was a son of Robert Waterman and wife 
Elizabeth, a daughter of Thomas Bourne. This lot 
ere long became the property of Lieut. ,Tob Winslow, 
a son of Kanelm Winslow. Lieut. Job Winslow 
settled on the sixteenth lot, and remained until his 
death, .July 14, 172(». 

Pioneer Settlers. — 1st Lot. Ralph Earl was upon 
this lot at an early date. He was probably a son of 
William Earle, of Portsmouth, R. I. A sister of 
Ralph Earle became the wife of John Borden. Ralph 
Earle was a surveyor of highways in 1690-92 and 
1696, constable in 1699, grand juryman in 1700 
and 1715, assessor in 1710 and 1711, selectman in 
1715, commissioned ensign of local militia in or be- 
fore 1715, owned the northerly half of first lot .is early 
as 1710, built a pound for the town in 1704, pound- 
keeper about fourteen years. The ear-mark for his 
creatures as recorded was " a halfpenie on the hinder 
part of the right yeare, and a Crop of the Left." 

4th Lot. Matthew Boomer was probably the earli- 
est European settler upon the fourth lot, as he was 
referred to by colonial records in 1675 as " residing in 
the government without order, and not attending the 
public worship of God, living lonely and in a heath- 
enish way from good society." In March, 1686, Mat- 
thew Boomer was arraigned for an assault upon John 
Brandon. 

5th Lot. George Lawton, Jr., of Portsmouth, R. I., 
who purch.ised one-half of this lot March 24, 1679, 
probably settled thereon before 1687. 

6th Lot. John Howland was an early, or perhaps 
the earliest, settler. He died before Feb. 13, 1687 ; 
was succeeded by his brother, Samuel Howland. 

7th Lot. Settled by grandson of George Watson, 
the original proprietor. 

8th Lot. John Reed, cordwainer, who purchased 



2SS 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY", MASSACHUSETTS. 



this lot Oct. 29, 1694, settled here, and remained until 
his death, about eight o'clock in the evening, Jan. 3, 
1721. He had resided somewhere in what became 
Freetown even before the date of incorporation (July, 
1683), as when it was made a constablewick, Sept. 28, 
1680, John Reed was ordered to appear at court as a 
grand juryman. 

10th Lot. Settled upon by Thomas Thurston, who 
was grand juryman in 1706, assessor in 1707-9 and 
1718, selectman in 1708-9, constable in 1710, surveyor 
of highways in 1712 and 1713. His will bore date of 
March 20, 1730. He died about eleven o'clock at 
night, March 22, 1730. 

11th Lot. Thomas Gage was part owner and prob- 
ably an earlysettlerupon the eleventh lot, which doubt- 
less accounts for the f:ict that the high bluffs near the 
river a little north of Steel Brook received the name 
of " Gage's Banks." Thomas Gage was a clothier, or 
cloth dresser. He was a representative to the General 
Court in 1722, 1727, and 1736 ; assessor in 1720. 

12th Lot. Settled upon by Jonathan Dodson in or 
near the year 1705. He was town clerk of Freetown 
in 1719, moderator of annual town-meetings in 1712, 
1714-15, and 1718, selectman in 1711-12, 1714-15, 
1717-20, assessor three years, constable one year. In 
1723 he was elected representative to the General 
Court, but declined to serve. At a town-meeting held 
June 2, 1713, it was " Voted Jonathan Dodson to be 
minister of the gospel for this town until there is a 
supply from England." The will of Jonathan Dod- 
son bore date of June 8th, 1741. 

15th Lot. Settled upon in or near 166-, by William 
Makepeace, of Boston, a cooper by trade, who, save 
during King Philip's war, remained thereon until 
August, 168-, when he was drowned in Taunton 
River. It was probably partly in the fifteenth and 
partly in the sixteenth lot tiiat the reservation was made 
to the Indian Tabadacason for the Indians that kept the 
ferry, and the "wild roving Indian girls, bright Al- 
farettos," the daughters ofthe red heathen, soon proved 
a snare to their white Christian neighbors, as will ap- 
pear from the Plymouth Colony record, under date of 
Oct. 29, 1672. "William Makepeace, Sr., living at 
Taunton River, for lacivious attempts towards an 
Indian woman, was sentenced by the court to be 
whipped at the post, which was accordingly performed. 
And the said Makepiece for selling stronge liquors to 
tlie Indians was fined five pounds." 

16th Lot. Settled on, soon after King Philip's war, 
by Lieut. Job Winslow, from Swansea, who occupied 
until his death, July 14, 1720. Lieut. Job Winslow 
was a leading man in Swansea before coming to re- 
side in Freetown. Of Freetown he was a selectman 
ten years, assessor six years, and for a short time town 
clerk, representative to the General Court in 1GS6 and 
1692, moderator of annual town-meeting one year, 
and on the town council of war in 1691 and 1692. 

17th Lot. Settled on by a tenant who probably 
leased off Cotterell, the then owner. 



18th Lot. Settled on in or near the year 1671 by 
John Hatheway, Jr., from Taunton (that part now 
Berkley), who remained until his death, that occurred 
in or about the year 1730. John Hatheway was made 
constable, Sept. 28, 1860, of what afterward (viz., 
July, 1683) became Freetown. He was Freetown's 
earliest tavern-keeper, being licensed to keep the 
same June 5, 1684. He was a selectman of Freetown 
twelve years. 

19tli Lot. Settled upon by John Bailey, from Wey- 
mouth, about 1682. He was elected as a selectman of 
Freetown in June, 1685, and he died June 22, 1686. 

22d Lot. Settled upon by Benjamin Chase, a 
cooper by trade, who purchased by deed bearing date 
of 1686. Benjamin Chase was a selectman of Free- 
town two years. He died in or about the year 1731. 

23d Lot. Settled upon by Joshua Tisdale, who 
was town clerk of Freetown four years, selectman 
six years, assessor three years. He caused to be built 
the lowest dam on Assonet River, on which he oper- 
ated a grist-mill. The high ledge of rocks near As- 
sonet Depot was on his land, and hence called 
" Joshua's Mountain," and that part of Assonet 
River bounding his lot on the west end is still called 
"Joshua's Channel." 

24th Lot. Settled on by Capt. Josiah Winslow. 
He in or near the year 1695 built the dam now occu- 
pied by Thomas G. Winslow, and located thereon a 
saw-mill. Josiah Winslow came from 'Yarmouth, 
where he was born Nov. 7, 1669. Josiah Winslow 
was promoted to lieutenant of the local militia of 
P'reetown in or near 1702, commissioned captain Feb- 
ruary, 1715. He was a selectman of Freetown five 
years, assessorsevenyears, moderator of annual town- 
meeting tliree years, and several years town treasurer. 
He died April 3, 1761. 

25th Lot. Settled on by James Cudworth, a grand- 
son of Capt. James Cudworth, the purchaser. James 
Cudworth, the settler, remained here until his death, 
which occurred in 1729. He was born April 3, 1665. 

Participation in Early Wars.— Freetown was 
purchased of the Indians in 1659, and European set- 
tlers began to locate thereon in 1660 or 1661 ; yet so 
slowly did these arrive that the number of such were 
only sufficient to constitute a constablewick tw'enty 
years later, and it was not until July, 1683, or more 
than twenty-four years after the date of purchase, 
that the population entitled this locality to incor- 
poration as a town. Little can, therefore, be learned 
of the action taken b_v the people in that greatest 
and most bloody of New England's conflicts. King 
Philip's war, waged in 1675 and 1676; but tradition 
says that the people en masse left all to the foe, and 
fled for refuge to a garrisoned house in Taunton, 
leaving one of their number named Lawton (who re- 
sided in what is now Fall River) dead at his home, 
where he was found by the Indians and slain the day 
they commenced to kill the English inhabitants at 
Swansea. 



FREETOWN. 



289 



It was not until King William's war, so called, 
that the inhabitants of Freetown appear to have been 
required to furnish both men and money, arms, and 
equipments, and were regularly constituted a part of 
the military force of Plymouth Colony, one of the 
preliminary steps towards which was to organize the 
entire militia of the town as one company, of which, 
on the 4th day of June, 1686, Thomas Terry was com- 
missioned as lieutenant-commandant. 

The Colonial Court, in session at Plymouth Aug. 
14, 1689, enacted as follows: " If any souldiers of 
ours shall be maimed in s** war, and thereby disabled 
to maintaine themselves, he or they to be provided 
for, relieved, and maintained in such capacity as he 
or they lived in before concerned in s'' war, and also 
to have victuals & amunition allowed while upon the 
expedition." 

In a force sent out under Maj. Benjamin Church, 
the renowned Indian hunter, Freetown furnished a 
soldier named John King, the expenses of whose 
outfit were charged as follows : 

Cliarges to the souldei's under Maiur Church august 27, 

To 1 gun fri>m John Latliway to John King 1 

To 2 yards Cloth for snapsacks from Benjaniiti Chase Valued 

att 

To Cash to Opt Southei'd for a hatchet 

To hilliting John King 8 days 

To 1 pair of shoes from Ealfe aevU to John King 

Concerning the expedition under Maj. John Walley, 
of Bristol, Freetown's participation was in accordance 
with the following order : 

" To the LiJlemitU or toirite Cfntnsill of freetomt 

*' You are required in their majesties name to take care that the two 
men you were to provide by order of the Last general Court be in readi- 
ness liy the sixth of July well armed and 6xed and every way provided 
to march according to order. 

"Hereof fail not. 
"Dated at Bristol the 16 of June 1690. 

" John- Wai.ley, 

" Major." 

Lieut. Samuel Gardiner, recruiting officer for Free- 
town, made the following returns : 

" June the 24. Entered for volunteers William Davis, thomas traintor, 
and Joseph Chetihagweatt, Indian, for the town of freetoun, Kgainst 
the Common Enemy for the present Expidition for Cauady, and tarbo 
Oary being present for said Expidition. 

" Taken by me, 

"Samuel Gaediner." 

" July the fourteenth tarbo Cary and thomas traintor marcht for 
plimoth but Willi Davis and the Indian went not. 

" Samuel Gaeoinek." 



s. 


il. 


7 


00 


5 


00 


1 


06 


4 


00 


6 


00 



1690. 



ffreetoun 



July 3. To Casu Delivered to Thomas Traintor by order of the 
majoiity of the Toun Counsill 

To -24 flints 

To 3 pd of Led 

July 1.1. To 1 pair pumps to Tarbo Cary 

To 1 pair of plain finish shoes to Thomas Traintor 

To 1 pair of stockings to Tarbo Cary 

To 2 yards of sacking to Tarbo Carev 

To Cash delivi to John Hathway for 3 p"* powder 

To Cash pd Mr. Edy for mending the Country's gunn.. 

To Cash to Thomas Traintor 

July 16. To Cash pd John Hathway towards his musket 

To Cash pd Thomas Terry towards 2 hatchets 

To brown thred to Tarbo Gary 

To 1 shirt from will makepeace to Tarbo Carey 

To 1 musket from Thomas makepeace delivered to ^ 
Thomas Traintor 

19 



Dr. 

£ t. d. 



3 09 
8 



6 
G 

3 
9 


3 



£ «. d. 
To 1 powder horn from Hathway delivered to Tarbo 

Cary '. 6 

To 1 snapsack from Dnrfee to Tarbo Cary 2 

To 1 gun from Tho. King dH to ditto Oary 17 

To 1 wescoat from Hathway to ditto Cary 7 6 

July 22. To 1 hatchet del<l to Tarbo Cary 1 6 

To 1 hatchetdel'i to Thomas Traintor 1 6 

Aug. 16. To 2 quarts of rum to Traintor's wife 1 8 

Two years later TallbyJennens and Benjamin Hop- 
pin appear to have been serving as soldiers on the 
part of Freetown, where the following charges appear. 

The Country dd. to the Inhabitants of freetowne, July the 13, 1692. 

£ «. d. 
To 1 gun dd. to Tallby Jennens from Samuel Gardiner ap- 
praised at 15 

To Samuel Gardiner's snppering 12 men and brackfasting 13 

men at 4 apiece - 8 4 

To cash by said Gardiner for fitting men out 4 

Bv ditto from John Read 3 

To ditto from Job Winslow 2 

To ditto from Samuel Howland 3 

To ditto from mathew Bomar 1 

To ditto from Ralfe Aerll 1 

To ditto from nickolus Evans 1 4 

To John Hathway a snapsack dd. to Tallby Jennens 2 3 

To Thomas king for hilliting benjamin Hoping 8 days from the 

time he was prest to the time he marcht 5 4 

To 1 powder horn from Sam Howland to Tallby Jennens 6 

To John Read for billeting 18 Englishmen at 6d. a meal 9 

To 32 Indians at 4d. apiece 10 8 

To 22 ditto 7 4 

To a Lofe of bred and a cheese 3 

To 4 days 1 horse to nanti>cket 4 

To Ceeping six horses 1 nite and 1 man supper, Lodging and 

brekfist 2 10 

To biliiting at the return of the souldiers three Knglishmen, 

super, Lodging, and brekfast 2 8 

To 42 Indians 14 

To Thomas King for transporting an Indian souldier 2 

To a hullet-poucii from Ralfpaine to hopping 6 

The French and Indian War. — The accounts of 
Lieut. James Winslow, as treasurer of Freetown in 
1756, show that he received of David Cudworth, Jr., 
who had been drafted for service in the army, seventy- 
five pounds, old tenor, to buy himself off, and with 
which to hire a substitute possessing less pounds but 
more pluck. 

Maj. Abiel Terry as recruiting officer made returns 
as follows : 

May 3d day, 1756, their Entered into his Majesties' Service out of the 
first foot company in freetoun, Viz., benjamin porter, Edward pain, 
Leonard Carlile, Josiah Braman. 

At the above date was paid by the town Treasurer of Freetown to 

£ s. d. 

Benjamin Porter, old tenor 11 15 00 

Edward Pain, " " 11 4 03 

Josiah Brannan 50 00 

Beside these the official records in the State-house 
at Boston show that Elijah Hatch, Benjamin Butter- 
worth, Joseph Rounsevill, and John White, all of 
Freetown, performed service in the army in the cam- 
paign of 1756, and the records of Freetown Treasury 
that to be relieved from going to the war, Charles 
Cudworth paid two pounds eight shillings, and John 
Terry, to get one of his sons relieved, paid eight 
pounds, and James Edmenster bought off his son 
Noah, who was impressed, by the payment of two 
pounds eight shillings; and the official rolls at Boston 
inform that Solomon Paine, of Freetown, enlisted 
into the army and de.serted. 

War of American Revolution,— "Minute-men" 
who responded to the first call, April 19, 1775, usually 
known as the "Lexington Alarm": 



290 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cotummioiied OJicers.—hexi Rounsevill, captain; Samuel Taber aud 
Nathaniel Morton, lieutenants. Non- Commissioned OJicern.— John 
White and Consider Crapo, sergeants; Joshua Lawrence and Seth 
Hilliiian, corporals. Pi-ivate Soldkre.—VhiUp Taher, Uriah Peirce, 
Benjamin Lawrence, Ahiel Cole, Consider Wliite, Jesse Keen, Jacob 
lienson, John Clark, John Braley, Percival Ashley, Icliabod John- 
eon, Micah Ashley, Seth Morton, Jeff. Sachems, Israel Haskell, 
Louis Be Moranville, Abram Ashley, Charles De Moranvillc, Aaron 
Seekel, Abner Hoskins, Benjamin Runnels, Thomas Kouusevill, 
Peter Crapo, and Joseph Hacket. 

Freetown men in Capt. Levi Rounseviirs company 
raised for service in Ninth Regiment of patriot 
army : 

Levi Kouusevill, captain; Samuel Taber, lieutenant; John Wliite, ser- 
geant; Micah Ashley, corporal; Zadoc Peirce, fifer ; Noah Ashley, 
Jepliah Ashley, ThoDiiis Amos, John Braley, Jacob Benson, Timothy 
Borden, Josiah Bowen, Jesse Briggs, John Clark, Alderman Crank, 
George Davis, Joshua Davis, Samuel Evans, William Evans, Abner 
Holmes, Eliphalet Hoskins, Benjamin Ingraham, Timothy Ingra- 
ham, Joshmi Lawrence, Jabez Lumbart, Reuben Mason, Uriah 
Peirce, Willium Parker, James Paige, Daniel Paige, Gideon Bemus, 
Aaron Seekel, Thomas Street, Jeft. Sachems, Philip Taber, Charles 
Tobey, Benjamin Wescott, Samuel West, and Simeon White, private 
soldiers. 

First company of the local military of Freetown 
that responded to an alarm in December, 1776, and 
performed a brief tour of duty in Rliode Island, with 
term of time that each served : 

Days 

Served. 

Ebenezer Chase, private 11 

Darius Chase, " 6 

David Dnuglas, " 9 

Willjum Fisher, " 24 

Jusrph IIiitlMwav (2d), private... 9 
Jos.-pli Hatliaway (3d), " ... 24 

John Paine, private 24 

John Paine (2d), " 6 

Solomon Paine, " 24 

Jnb Paine (2d), " 6 

Charles Strange, *' 21 

James Strange, '* 24 

I Ephraim Tisdale, " 7 

I W'm.Winslow, " 



First Company in the local 'militia in service at 
Rhode Island in July and August, 1780 : 



Days 

Served. 

Benjamin Reed, captain 24 

Philip Hathaway, Jr., lieuten- 
ant '. 24 

David Peirce, second lieutenant 14 

James Cudworth, sergeant 24 

" " " 7 

24 
. 10 
, 24 
, 9 
. 9 
. C 
. 21 



Eleazer Haihawav, 
Joshua Hathaway, '* 
Edward Cudworth, corporal.. 
James Cudworth, " 

Joseph Allen, private 

David Briggs, " 

James Briggs, " 

Abner Brig 



Paul Cudworth, " 21 

Third company of local militia at Rhode Island in 
December, 1776 : 



Days 
Served. 



Days 

Served. 



Nathaniel Morton, lieutenant- 
Elijah Babbett, sergeant 

Consider Crapo, " 

Hezekiah Miison, '* 

Nathaniel Morton, " 

Joshua Crapo, corporal 

Josiah Haskell. " ..... 

Benjamin Westcott, coqwra" 



private.. 



Percival Ashley, private 5 

Barnabas Ashley, 
Joseph Ashley, 
Abram Anhley, 
David Babbett, 
Timothy Uordt-n, 
Noah Borden, 
John Braley, 
Nathaniel Braley, 



12 
4 
12 
20 
G 



Peter Crapo, 
Tlionias Chase, 
David Durfec, 
Robert Eastabrook, 
Jabez Eastabrook, 
Thomas Hoskins, 
Nathaniel Hoskins, 
John Hamilton, 
Ichabod Johnson, 
Elijah Jnckett, 

Joshua Lawrence, ** 5 

Nathaniel Morton (4th), private. 14 

Reuben Mason, private 20 

Nathaniel Morton, Sr., private.. 6 

Jos'-ph Pool, private 12 

George Taber, '* 3 

Joseph Voter, ■' 4 



From the Third Company were drafted for service 
in the patriot army nine months, and ordered to re- 
port at Fishkill: Francis Crapo, aged thirty-eight 
years; Robert Pittsley, nineteen ; and Luther Parker, 
seventeen ; and for service in the Continental army in 
1780 marched on the 29th of August, Elkanah Rider 
aud John De Moranvillc. 

On the occasion of an alarm in 1777, Samuel Dur- 
fee, David Durfee, Abner Hacket, and Richard Mason 
served each one month and twenty-four days in Rhode 
Island. 



Days 
Served. 

Benjamin Read, captain 12 

Philip Hathaway, Jr., lieuten- 

anr 

Benjamin Evans, second lieu- 
tenant 

Guilford Evans, sergeant 10 

Samuel Hathaway, *' 11 

Silas Hathaway, " 10 

David Douglas, corporal 6 

John Paine, " 6 

James Winslow, musiciau 6 

George WitisIow, " 10 

Ephraim Briggs, private 10 

John Briggs, " 7 

Daniel Beaman, " 2 

Abner Briggs, " 6 

Isaac Burbank, " 6 

Greenfield Chase, " 6 

Jesse Cudworth, " 6 

Gilbert Chase, ** 6 

George Chase, Jr., '* 2 

Richard Clark. " 2 

Fairfax Chase, *' 10 

Thomas Evans, ** 6 

John Evans. Jr., " 6 

Guilford Griiinell, " 10 

Benjamin Grinuell, *' 6 

Jonathan Hathaway, Jr., pri- 
vate 10 



Days 

Served, 

Seth Hathaway, piivate 6 

Joseph Hathaway, " 

Rubert Halhaway, " 6 

Joseph Hathaway, Jr., private... 6 
Ebenezer Hathaway, " ... 2 

Job Keen, private 10 

Walter Nichols, private 6 

Solomon Paine, " 10 

Warden Paine, " 10 

John Paine, " 6 

Benjamin Porter, " 6 

Samuel Richmond. " 6 

Charles Strange, " 

Rufus Raymond, " G 

William Rea<l, '* 6 

Isaac Record, " 2 

Samuel Richmond, " 6 

Jame's Strange, " 6 

Lot Strange. Jr., " 2 

Peter Jucket, " 2 

Job Terry. *' .. 

Solomon Terry, " 
Abiel TiM-ry, Jr., " 
Benjamin Weaver, " 
David Winslow, " 
Ezra Winslow, *' 
Oliver Winslow, '* 
Richard VVinsIow, *' 
Thomas Winslow, ** 
William Winslow, " 



6 
6 
6 
10 
2 
, 5 
6 
G 
6 



Members of First Company of local militia in 
Freetown that served in the Continental army in 
1780, and dates they marched : Thomas Evans, July 
6th; Belona Chase and Philip Chase, July 15th; 
Benjamin Grinnell and America King, August 15th ; 
and Barley Reed, September 18th. 

Third Company in the local mililia in service at 
Rhode Island in August, 1780 : 



Days 

Served. 

Joseph Horton, captain 6 

Percival Ashley, lieutenant 7 

Peter Crapo, second lieutenant. 7 

Jabez Eastabrook, sergeant 7 

Joshua Hillman, " 7 

Dudley Hathaway, '• 7 

John Lawrence, " 7 

John Benson, corporal 7 

7 
7 
7 



Days 

Served. 
Roger Haskell, private 7 



Asa ('lark, 

Benjamin Eastabrook, coi-poral. 

Elijah Parker, *' .. 

William Ashley, private 

Abrnliam Ashley, " 

Joseph Ashley, '* 

Michael Ashley, " 

John Bairows, " 

John Barden, " 

Jacob Benson. " 

Jonathan liolton, " 

Nathaniel Braley, " 

Nathaniel , " 

Thomas Chase, " 

Simon Clark, " 

C. Crapo. " 

Joshua Crapo, '* 

Edward Chase, " 

Joseph Davis, " 



David Durfne, 

Banjaniin H;tskell, " 

Josiah Haskell, *' 

Thomas Hoskins, " 

Gershcim Howland, " 

Icliabod Johnson, " 

Benjamin Lawrence, private.. 

Nathaniel Morton, " 

Nathaniel Mtirtou (2d), " 

Nathaniel Morton (3d), " 

Bfiijamin Ma-'^on, " 

Robert Pigsley, " 

Joseph Pigsley, " 

Benjamin Pigsley, " 

Alexander Parker, " 

Samuel Parker. '* 

John Rounsevill. " 

William Rounsevill, " 

Philip RouMsevill. " .. 

Thomas Rounsevill, " 

Elkanah Rider, " 

George Taber, " 

•Tohn Voler, " — 

Thomas White, " .. 

Jenkins While, " 

Thomas Williams, '" 



War of 1812. — Names of those members of First 
Company who formed a part of the Coast Guard, 
put ou duty at New Bedford June 20, 1814, and re- 
maining about ten days : 

Lyude Hathaway, captain; Thomas Burbank, lieutenant; Joseph 
KvauB, Preserved Cotton, and Joseph Evans (2d), sergeants; Calvin 
Payne and William Winslow, niusiciauB. 

Private Soldiers. — Zephaniah Andros, Thomas Booth, Willtam Burr. Lu- 
ther Briggs. Isaac Burbank, Josephus Briggs^, John Briggs, Stephen 
Burden, Holden Chase, Edmund Chase, Simeon Chase. Samuel Chase, 
Gilbert Chase, James Chase, John D. Cudworth, Michael Chase, 
Daniel Douglass, Jr., Paul Davis, .Tohn Dean, John Dean (2d), 
Ebenezer Dean, King Dean, Bi^njamin Dean, Jr., Joshua Down- 
ing, William Evans, Lemuel Edmiuster, Ephraim Hathaway, Daniel 



FREETOWN. 



291 



Hathaway, Lot Halhawny, Micliael Hathaway, Joseph Hathaway 
(2(1), Enriis Hatltaway, Jason Hathaway, Henry P. Hathaway, 
Noah Hatliaway, Bradford Hatliaway, John Haskius, Malachi How- 
land, Seth Howhind, Enoch Hathaway, Silas Hathaway, Philip Hath- 
away, Malbone Hathaway, Joseph Marble, Ebenezer Miller, Mason 
Martin, Charles Marble, William Nichols, John Nichols, Henry 
Payne, Baalis Phillips, Pierce Phillips, Solomon Payne, Abram 
Payne, George Pickens, Adino Paddock, Henry Porter, John V. Pratt, 
John Read, Dean H. Read, Joseph Read, Tlunnas Randall, Benjamin 
Raymond, Abraham Richmond, Isaac Richmond, Samuel Richmond, 
Gilbert Staples, John Strange, Joshua Seekel, Joseph Terry, Thomas 
Terry, Silas Terry, John Wilkinson, James Wehstel", Darius Wilbur, 
Barnaby Winslow, Ephraim Wiuslow, Jr., Gilbert Winslow, Kenelm 
Winslow, William Winslow. 

Names of men drafted from the first company for 
duty in the Coast Guard, when service commenced, 
and how long continued : 

Days 
Served. 

Henry Frederick, July 7, 1814 V 

Morrell Hathaway, July 7, 1814 7 

Israel Smith, July 7, ISH 7 

Gardner Chace, July «, IS14 

Benjamin Dongla.s, July S, 1S14 G 

Hanipron Pierce, July 8, 1814 6 

Thomas S. Booth, July 26, 1614 12 

Biadfc.rd G. Cha.<ie, July 26, 1814 12 

Earl P. Chase, July 26, 1814 12 

John Clark, July 25, 18H 12 

Benjamin Dean, Jr., July 25, 1814 12 

Geort'e Dean, July 25, ls"l4 12 

William Evans, July 2.i, 1814 12 

Lemuel Edminster, July 25, 1S14 8 

Lot Hathaway, July 25, 1814 12 

Thomas Hathaway, July 25, 1814 12 

Job Paine, July 2.5, 1S14 12 

Solomon Paine, Julv 25, 1814 12 

Abraham RTchniond, July 25, 1814 12 

Robert Robertson, July 25, 1814 12 

Second company in the local militia that served at 
New Bedford as a part of the Coast Guard from June 
18, 1814: 



Da 


Vs 




Davs 


Served. 




Served. 


Simeim Ashley, captain 




Frederick Downing, prl 


•ate 9 


Samuel Maconibpr, ensign 




John Downing, " 




Bishop Asble^', sergeaut 




James Goiliam, " 








David S. Hathaway, " 
Philip Hathaway, " 




Gillieit Ruiinsevill," 




PliilipTaher '* 




Nathaniel Hathaway, " 
Nathaniel Jacket, " 




John Allen, " 




Beiijaiiiin Ellia, " 




David Lawrence, " 




Clark HaskiiiB, " 




Spencer Lawrence, " 




Josiah De Moranville, sergeant 




Ansel Lucas, " 




Ephiaim Gurney, musician 


u 


Hezekiali Mason, " 




Thomas Eouust-vill, Jr., nmsi 




Noah Perkins, " 




cian 




IraPutslev, " 




Aliraui Ashley (2d), private 




Abraham Pittsley, " 




Abram Ashley (3d), " 




Alexander Pittsley, " 




Taltt-r Ashley, " 




James Pittsley, " 




Thomas Ashley, " 




Mike Reviiolds, Jr., " 




Leonard Ashley, " 




Wilbur Kevn.ddB, 




Jonathan Braley, " 




Luther Kogers. " 




Job Braley, " 




Silas Roimsevill, " 




Abel Briggs, " 




Joseph Rounsevill, " 




John Bent, '* 




John Tobey, '* 




Asa Clark, Jr., " 




James Wiiite, " 




Joseph Clark, " 




John Whib'. 




George Cumminps, ** 




Malachi White, '* 




J. Ciimniings, " 




Samuel White, Jr., 




William Cunimings, " 




William Weetgate, '* 




William Case, " 


14 







Names of men drafted from the second company to 
eerve in the Coast Guard, at or near New Bedford: 

Days 
Served, 

Joseph Aldrich, July 25, 1814 11 

Leonard Ashley, Julv 25, 1814 II 

William Case, July 2*5,1814 11 

William Cuntmings, July 25,1814 11 

Natlianiel Haskell, July 25, 1814 11 

Lathlev Haskine. July 25. 1814 11 

Elijah Lucas. July 26, 1814 11 

Abram Pittsley, July 25, 1814 11 

Silas Kuunsevill, July 25, 1814 11 

Philip Taher, July 25, 1814 11 

John Voter, July 25,1814 U 

And Elias Hoard served ten days, and George Douglass five days, at 
Fairliuven. 



Minute-men of April, 1861, who responded to the 
"first call," and performed service three months at 
and near Fortress Monroe, in Virginia, being known 
as Company G, in Third Massachusetts Regiment, 
under Col. David W. Wardrop, of New Bedford : 

Commissioned Officers: John W. Marble, captain ; Humphrey A. Francis 
and John M. Dean, lieutenants. Non-ComtniBsioned Officers : James H. 
Hathaway and Geoige D. Williams, sergeaTits; Frederic Thayer and 
Chester W. Briggs, corporals. Private soldiers, James C. Clark, James 
H. Haskell, Charles H. Haskins, Ephiaim H. Haskins, George H. 
Haskins, Russell Haskins. Urial M. Haskins, David B. Hill, Russell 
H. Hathaway, John Malcolm, Columbus Peirce, Luther Pickens, 
George F. Putnam, Edward E. Reed, Welcome H. Richmond, James 
H. Whittaker, and Benedict A. Winslow. 

Names and rank of Freetown men who performed 
nine months' service in Company A, of Third Regi- 
ment of infantry, mustered in September, 18G2, and 
discharged in June, 1863 : 

John W. Blarble, captain ; James H. Hathaway, Stephen Hathaway, and 
Frederick Thayer, sergeant.s ; Uiial Hoskins, Ephraim H. Hoskins, 
and David B. Hill, corporals; Albert B. Ashley, Francis E. Briggs, 
Franklin J. Chase, Sumner J. Chipnian, George Dnrfee, Andrew T. 
Hamhly, George H. Haskins, James H. Haskell, Aaron D. Hatha- 
way, Andrew J. Hathaway, Lynde Hathaway, Andrew J. Horr, 
Shubael E. Howland,ThomasW.Murtaugh. George A. Paine, Edwin 
H. Dermis, Edwin S. Ronusevill, Simon D. Rounsevill, AsaSpooner, 
Jr., Benedict A. Winslow, George F. Wilcox, and Marcenah B. Wil- 
cox, private soldiers. 

Names and rank of Freetown men in the "three 
years' service" of late war of the "Great Rebellion." 
Service performed in the Twenty-ninth Regiment of 
infantry, of which Ebenezer W, Peirce, of Freetown, 
was colonel : 

John M. Deano and George D. Williams, captains; Marlin V. Haskell, 
corporal; James Booth, John Booth, Thomas E. Boaworth, Abram 
Haskell, Ephraim Haskell, William Haskell, Edmund H. Peirce, 
Henry L. Hill, James Pittsley, Albert E. Pittsley, William Pittsley, 
Culbert Reynolds, Cornelius Westgate, Elisha Westgate, Elisha B. 
Westgate, John Westgate, Joseph Westgate, Joseph L. Westgate, 
Preserved Westgate, Edward Wilbur, private soldiers. 

Names and rank of Freetown men in the Fifty- 
eighth Regiment of infantry, of which John C. 
Whiton, of Boston, was colonel : 

Ephraim H. Haskins, second lieutenant; Aaron D. Hathaway, sergeant ; 
Alson G. Ashley, Francis E. Briggs, Thomas Brewer, Ahiel Hatha- 
way, Octavus V. Robinson, Charles H. Read, Benedict A. Winslow, 
William S. Winslow, William E. Piatt, and Philip A. Wilcox, 
private soldiers. 

General and field officers in the local militia, with 
dates of commissions, promotions, and discharges: 

Genf.rai, Officer. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, brigadier-general, com. Nov. 7, 1855, disch. Dec. 

13, 1861. 

Field Offickrs. 
Second liegiment of Infantry. 
Thomas Elliot, colonel, com. 17G2; disch. Sept. 19, 1775. 
Thomas Terry, lieuttfuant-colonel, com. 174-; disch. 
Ebenezer Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, com. 174- ; disch. 
Ahiel Terry, lieutenant-colonel, com. 1758; disch. 1762. 
James Winslow, lieutenant-colonel, com. July 25. 1771 ; disch. Sept. 19, 

1775. 
Joseph Durree, lieutenant-colonel, com, .Tuly 1, 1781 ; disch. 1788. 
Benjamin Weaver, lieutenant-colonel, com. July 10,1788; disch. March, 

1793. 
Thomas Terry, major, com. 178- ; pro. 174-. 



292 



HISTOKY OF BEISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Abiel Terry, niajor, com. 175- ; pro. 1758. 
Joshua Hathaway, major, com. Teh. 7, 1775; disch. 1778. 
Joseph Durfee, major, com. June 9, 1778; pro. July 1, 1781. 
Joseph E. Kead, major, com. June 2, 1807 ; pro. April 14, 1812. 

Tliird liegimeni of Jnfantrij. 
Silas P. Riclimond, colonci, com. 1862; disch. 1863. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, lieutenant^colonel, com. April 2, 1852; pro. Nov. 7, 

18.55. 
Silas P. Richmond, lieutenant-colonel, com. 1862; pro. 1862. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, major, com. Aug. 3, 1861 ; pro. April 2, 1852. 

Fourth Regiment of lufaiitry. 
Joseph Weaver, niajor, com. April 14, 1812. 

Fourth T{egintfnt of ArlUlfry. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, lieutenant-colonel, com. Sept. 5, 1846; disch. July ' 

27, 1 848. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, major, com. Aug. 3i, 1844 ; pro. Sept. 5, 1846. ^ 

Fifth Regivieiit of hifnnb-tj. i 

Simeon Ashley, colonel, com. Aug. 10, 1818; disch. 
Hercules Cusliman, colonel, com. Sept. 28, 1821 ; discli. Aug. 31, 1827. 
Ephraini Winslow, Jr., colonel, com, Oct. 5, 1829 ; disch. 1830. 
Lynde Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, com. Sept. 28, 1821; died Nov. 7, 

1822. 
Ephraim Winslow, Jr., lieutenant-colonel, com. March 8, 1828 ; pro. Oct. } 

5, 1829. 
Philip P. Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, com. Oct. 5, 1829; disch. 1833. I 
Lynde Hathaway, major, com. Aug. 10, 1818; pro. .Sept. 28, 1821. | 

From the date of incorporation ( Jnly, 1683) until 
about tlie time that what had been a part of Tiverton 
was annexed in 1747, a period of some sixty-four 
years, the local militia of Freetown were embodied in : 
one company, but about that time were made to con- j 
stitute three companies. What is now Old or West 
Freetown is nearly identical with what w-as then made 
to constitute the geographical limits of the first com- 
pany, the section set off in 1803, which became Fall 
Elver, includes nearly all the territory assigned to the 
second company, and East or New Freetown militia 
were made the third company. From 1683 until 1715 
the local militia of Freetown were commanded by a 
lieutenant, being too few in number to constitute a 
captain's command. 

As lieutenant-commandant, Thomas Terry was 
commissioned June 4, 1686, and he was succeeded in 
that office by Job Winslow a few years later, and by 
Josiah Winslow in or about the year 1702. 

The names of captains of the first company, with 
dates of commissions, etc., were as follows: 

Josiah Winslow, com. Feb. 1715; disch. about 1725. 

Thomas Terry, com. about 1725; pro. to maj. 

Ebenezer Hathaway, com. 173- ; pro. to lietit.-col. 

Samuel Tisdale, com. 174-; disch. 

Abiel Terry, com. 175- ; pro. to maj. 

James Winslow, com. June 4, 1762; pro. to lient.-col. July, 1771. 

George Chase, com. July, 1771 ; dismissed Sept. 19, 1775. 

Benjamin Read, com. 1776; disch. 1781. 

Benjamin Weaver, com. July 1, 1781 ; pro. to Heut.-col. July 10, 1788. 

Benjamin Porter, com. July 18, 17S8; disch. 1792. 

Charles Strange, com. June 28, 1792; disch. 1799. 

.Tohn Wilkinson, com. May 27, 1799 ; disch. 1801. 

Job Pierce, Jr., com. Aug. 21, 1801 ; died Sept. 22, 1806. 

Joseph E. Read, com. Aug. 16, 1806 ; pro. to maj. June 2, 1807. 

Melrose Barnolz, com. Aug. 5, 1807 ; disch. March 8, 1811. 

Joseph Weaver, com. June 24, 1811 ; pro. to maj. April 14, 1812. 

Lynde Jlatiiaway, com. June 29, 1812 ; pro. to maj. Aug. 10, 1818. 

Henry Porter, com. Sept. 4, 1818 ; disch. March 1, 1822. 

Malichi Rowland, com. April 13, 1822 ; disch. March 1, 1827. 



, Ephraim Winslow, Jr., com. April 23, 1827; pro. to lieut.-col. March 8, 

1828. 
Seth Howland, com. May 16, 182S; disch. 1831. 
Noah H. Evans, com. May 27, 1831; disch. Sept. 7, 1836. 

Second Company of Infantry. 
Ambrose Barnolz, com. 17 — ; disch. 17 — . 
George Brightman, com. 175- ; disch. 
Jail Hathaway, com. July, 1771 ; dis. Sept. J9, 1775, 
Thomas Durfee, com. July 5, 1776 ; disch. 177-. 

Brightman, com. 177- ; disch. 178-. 

Joseph Read (3d), com. July 1, 1781 ; disch. 178-. 

Luther Winslow, com. June 8, 1789 ; disch. 1793. 

Ichabod Read, com. Oct. 2, 1793 ; died Dec. 6, 1796. 

Benjamin Broyton, com. May 2, 1797; pro. to maj. Sept. 19, 1803. 

Third Compdttij of Iiifintry. 
John Bounswill, com. 1751 ; disch. 
Elisha Parker, com. 17—: dis. Sept. 19, 1776. 
Joseph Hoston, com. 177-; disch. 178-. 
Perigreen White, com. July 1, 1781 ; disch. 
Noah Crapo, com. April 21, 1797 ; disch. August, 1798. 
Abraham Morton, com. May 21, 179s ; oasil. 1805. 
James Ashley, com. Oct. 14, 1805; disch. April 13, 1811. 
Simeon Ashley, com. Feb. 4, 1812 ; pro. to col. .\ug. 10, 1818. 
Ephraim Gurney, com. Sept. 22, 1818; disch. April 15, 1822. 
Daniel Edson, com. May 25, 1822 ; disch. 1S30. 
Malichi While, com. May 4, 1830; disch. April 15, 1835. 
Robert W. CotUe, com. June 20, 1835 ; disch. April 24, 1840. 

Cavalry Company. 
(Raised at large in the several towns within the Second Regiment.) 
Abiel Teriy, Jr., capt., com. 1771; disch. Sept. 19, 1775. 

First Light Infantry Company. 
Rufus Bacon, com. capt. June 13, 1818 ; disch. 1824. 
John H. Peirce, com. capt. May 4, 1824; disch. 1826. 
Sylvanus S. Payne, com. capt. Aug. 18, 1825 ; disch. March 1, 1827. 
Herman Lynd6.ay, com. capt. Jnly 21, 1827; disch. May 30, 1831. 

Second Light Infantry Company. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce. capt., com. June 29, 1850 ; disch. May 12, 1851. 
Augustus C. Barrows, capt., com. June 14. 1851 ; disch. April 5, 1854. 
John W. Maible, capt., com. April 29, 1864 ; disch. March 20, 1865. 
Silas P. Richmond, capt., com. May 8, 1855 ; pro. July 24, 1856. 
James R. Mathewson, capt., com. March 4, 1857; disch. 1860. 
John M. Marble, capt., com. 1860; disch. 1862. 

Third Light Infantry Company. 
William F. Wood, capt., com. Nov. 22, 1861; disch. 185-. 
Marcus M. Rounsevill, com. March 19, 185-; disch. Feb. 1864. 
William A. Hofford, com. March 11, 1864 ; disch. March 18, 1856. 
Tracy Allen, com. May, 1866; disch. July, 1857. 

At the commencement of the war of the American 
Revolution the three companies into which the local 
militia of Freetown were then divided, together with 
a part of a company of cavalry to which some be- 
longed, composed a part of the Second Regiment of 
infantry, of which Thomas Gilbert, of Freetown, 
was colonel, James Winslow, of Freetown, lieutenant- 
colonel, and Benjamin Grinnell, of Freetown, adju- 
tant. The commissioned officers of the companies 
were as follows : 

First Company. — George Chaae, captain ; Benjamin Tompkins and George 
Winslow, lieutenants. 

Second Company. — Jitil Hathaway, captain ; Stephen Borden and Am- 
brose Barnolz, Jr., lieutenants. 

Third Company. — Elisha Parker, captain; Abraham Ashley and Na- 
thaniel Morton, lieutenants. 

Cavalry Company. — Abiel Terry, Jr., captain ; John Evans, cornet. 

The battalion of loyalists that Col. Gilbert claimed 
to have raised to fight for the king and Parliament, 
and to arm and equip which he applied to Governor 



FREETOWN. 



293 



Gage, and received a generous supply of the munitions 
of war, was doubtless that part of these four com- 
panies that could be induced to take the king's arms 
and train iu his name, as a considerable proportion 
doubtless did, and were thus for several days engaged 
in drilling and perfecting themselves to fight against 
the " Sons of Liberty," and by force of arms to rivet 
the chains of bondage upon their own countrymen, 
including their nearest neighbors, uphold a foreign 
monarchical, despotic, and singularly arbitrary power. 

The four captains gave most unmistakable evidence 
that their sympathies were strongly on the side of the 
king, as did also Lieuts. Tompkins and Ashley and 
Cornet John Evans. But Lieuts. Borden, Barnolz, 
and Morton, if not all " liberty" men at the start, 
soon became so, and gave their undivided efforts and 
influence to the cause of their distressed and bleeding 
country. 

Ambrose Cleveland, of Freetown, when in arrest at 
Providence, R. L (Oct. 31, 1775), signed a written 
confession and recantation, in which be set forth that 
" he acknowledges his wrongs in signing Brigadier 
Ruggles' association under Col. Gilbert, and training 
under said Gilbert for two days, and going to Boston 
and working at the king's works, and likewise of my 
saying I could pilot the fleet as far as Bower's (now 
Somerset village), all which I am heartily sorry for, 
and for the future am determined to stand for the 
rights and liberties of my country." 

In an intercepted letter of Col. Gilbert to Gen. 
Ruggles, dated April .5, 1775, he said concerning the 
British man-of-war that came to the assistance of the 
Tories, " My son took a long-boat and went to the 
man-of-war, and brought back a letter from Capt. 
Wallis to the admiral, which I sent to your care. I 
hear from Capt. Wallis that he fears to venture up 
the river with the ship, fearing there is not suflicient 
depth of water. A vessel of less force might answer 
the purpose. 

" Last Monday the rebels mustered from Middle- 
borough and Berkley, Swansea and Dighton, and 
made up a hundred and forty in arms, marched by 
my house, where were twenty-five men with king's 
arms well loaded. I went out before my door and 
told them that they were a poor set of deluded rebels. 
So they marched off without tearing down my house 
or killing me, as the day before they swore they 
would." 

That a large proportion of the local militia in the 
First Company, and considerable numbers of the Sec- 
ond and Third Companies, as also of the cavalry com- 
pany, took up arms for the king at the commence- 
ment of the war of the American Revolution seems 
quite conclusively proved by an address of the Free- 
town Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and 
Safety to the Massachusetts Legislature in session at 
Boston, March 22, 1780, in which said committee, as 
also the selectmen of Freetown, concerning the votes 
of said town, declared that " great numbers, we have 



reason to believe, held a criminal correspondence 
with the enemy when they occupied the island of 
Rhode Island. 

" A great number took the king's arms by the in- 
stigation of Col. Gilbert, and never acted but against 
us. 

" Many have refused to turn out at alarms when 
the enemy invaded our town and committed depre- 
dations. 

" Our exertions against the enemy has been em- 
barrassed by the conduct of our inhabitants. 

" If the king of Great Britain should forbear hos- 
tilities and recall his troops from our land we should 
not have presumed thus to trouble your Honors with 
complaint. 

" We should have rested under their insults, al- 
though we have used our utmost efforts, and spent 
our thousands for the defense of our beloved country. 

" What have we to hope or expect if Great Britain 
should continue the war, and the king's troops re- 
possess Rhode Island ? We should be between two 
fires. 

"Our fears are multiplied in case such dissatisfied 
persons should take the lead in town affairs." 

A newspaper called the Essex Gazette, published in 
Salem, April 18, 1775, the day before the battles of 
Lexington and Concord were fought, contained the 
following communication : 

"Boston, Monday, April 17th. 

" A letter from Tjiuiitou dated last Friday, mentions that on the Mon- 
day before parlies of Minute Men, etc., from every town in that county, 
with arms and ammunition, met at Freetown early that morning iu 
order to take Col. Gilbert, but lie had fled on board the manof-war at 
Newport. 

" They then divided into parties and took twenty-nine Tories who had 
signed enlistments and received arms in the colonel's company to join 
the king's troops. They also took thirty-five muskets, two ca.se holtlea 
of powder, and a basket of bullets, all which they brought to Taunton 
the same afternoon, where the prisoners were sel)arately exaniined, 
eighteen of whom made such humble acknowledgments of their past bad 
conduct and solemn promises to behave better for the future they were 
dismissed, but the other eleven being obstinate and insulting, a i>arty 
were ordered to carry them to Simsbury Mines, but they were sufficiently 
humbled before they had got fourteen miles on their way thither, upon 
which they were brought back the next day, and after signing proper 
articles to behave better for the future, were escorted to Freetown. 

** There were upwards of two thousand men embodied there last Mon- 
day." 

But this successful expedition did not rid the town 
of active Tories, as the following from the public 
records of the town serves to show : 

" At a legal town-meeting held at ye public meeting-house house in 
Freetown on ye 3lst day of May, 1777. ye following Tories were voted 
for trial, viz.: George Brightman, William Wiuslow, Luther Winslow, 
Johu Winslow, Jail Hathaway, Solomon Terry, Abiel Terry, Abiel 
TeiTy, Jr., William Hathaway, Sihis Hathaway (2d), Silas Terry, Eben- 
ezer Terry, Benjamin Tompkins, Ralph Paine, Job Paine, Job Paine 
(2d), George Chase, George Chase, Jr., Bradfonl Gilbert, Ephraim Win- 
slow, Ammi Chase, Horah Durfee, Jonathan Dodson, Job Terry, Silas 
Sherman, Benjamin Cleveland, Abraham Ashley, Johu Briggs. 

''Then Maj. Joshua Hathaway was chosen agent in behalf of ye said 
town." 

The lenity exercised towards the Tories by the 
Whigs, instead of making the former more tractable, 
only served to encourage them to seize upon, as they 



294 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



did, every opportunity that presented itself to make 
trouble for those who had spared them when in their 
power, tluis ever and always returning evil for good, 
and showing neither kindness, tenderness, or mercy 
to those from whom they owed much of all, and to 
whose clemency alone they owed their power to do 
hurt. 

Even before the close of the Revolutionary war these 
Tories, who had been so signally defeated when and 
wherever they submitted their cause to the arbitration 
of the cartridge-box, suddenly changed their tactics, 
and by a united and well-directed effort, being joined 
as they were by the " baser sort" of all parties, com- 
pletely carried their points at the ballot-box in Free- 
town, allowing, as they did, persons in their village 
to vote that they might thus swell the number of their 
boasted majority ; and the legislative power of the 
State had to be appealed to, and did exercise its au- 
thority to bring order out of such anarchy and con- 
fusion as resulted from that disorganizing and dis- 
graceful act of the' Tories, thoroughly determined 
either to rule or ruin. Nor did the indignities sutfered 
at the hands of the Tories cease at what was gener- 
ally considered the successful termination of the 
Revolutionary war, for the " Shay's rebellion" of 1786 
found them again in the field, and this town, that in 
1775 in the persrm of Col. Thomas Gilbert furnished 
the most prominent and troublesome Tory in the 
county, only eleven years later furnished the county 
leader of rebels in arms against the new government, 
and it is a noteworthy fact that when the " Shay's 
men" with arms appeared to stop the session of the 
County Court, being held at Taunton, a prominent 
leader was dressed in a full British uniform, and new 
muskets of British manufacture were plentifully 
supplied gratis to all who would volunteer to use the 
same to aid the motley crowd of anarchists there 
drawn up in battle array under the command of 
David Valentine, of Freetown. 

Shay's Rebellion. — As in thewarof the American 
Revolution, so also in the outbreak usually known as 
" Shay's Rebellion, the local militia remained divided 
into three companies, that also continued to constitute 
apart of the Second Regiment. Those ofBcers resid- 
ing in Freetown, who were all commissioned July 1, 
1781, being as follows : 

Field Officers. 
Joseph Durfee, lieutenant-colonel. 

Company Officf.rs. 
First Covipantj. 
Benjamin W^eavar, captain. 
Nathan Dean, lieutenant. 
Samuel Hathaway, second lieutenant. 

Secfinii Company. 
Joseph Read, tliird captain. 
Benjannn Durfee, lieutenant. 
William Elsbree, second lieutenant. 

Third Company. 
Peregrine White, captain. 
Peter Crapo, lieutenant. 
Samuel Burden second lieutenant. 



In Massachusetts, the State which had been fore- 
most in the war for independence against Great 
Britain, occurred the first instance of armed and or- 
ganized rebellion against the situation and conduct 
of public affairs consequent upon the changed char- 
acter of the government and its administrators. This 
spirit of lawlessness was not entirely confined to Mas- 
sachusetts, as in the neigliboring State of New Hamp- 
shire a reckless and desperate body of malcontents en- 
tered the legislative chamber at Exeter, overpowered 
and made prisoners of the General Assembly of that 
State ; but the citizens arose, and by energetic and 
well-directed efforts the dastardly movement, with its 
aiders and abettors, was crushed. 

Not so, however, in Massachusetts, where the re- 
bellion secured to itself a much longer lease of life. 
The mob spirit grew more and more rampant, Bristol, 
Hampshire, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties at- 
taining to the unenviable reputation of being the 
chief centres of lawless violence throughout New 
England. Few towns in Bristol County could muster 
an entire company of its local militia to sustain the 
government, and in Freetown that in the person of 
David Valentine furnished the county leader of the 
"Shay's men." The mobocrats probably bore a still 
larger proportion to the whole number of the inhab- 
itants than the Tories had done at the commence- 
ment of the war of American Revolution. 

In Rehoboth, then also embracing what afterward 
became Seekonk and Pawtucket, the malcontents 
showed by their votes -a large majority at the polls, 
and took possession of the town's stock of powder, 
bullets, and munitions of war. 

But in Freetown, the county headquarters of that re- 
bellion, the town's stock, by the unyielding constancy 
of Benjamin Weaver, then captain of the First Com- 
pany in the local militia, was saved from capture by 
the rebels, and used only for lawful purposes, and so 
plentiful was the supply that he obtained with which 
to kill the "Shay's men," tliat of what was not then 
expended his son, Maj. Joseph Weaver, filled the 
cartridge-boxes of the same company under his com- 
mand at the beginning of those difficulties that 
ripened into the war of 1812, and Freetown's con- 
tribution to the force sent to Virginia at the first call 
in April, 1861, in the brigade commanded by Benja- 
min Weaver's grandson. Gen. E. W. Peirce, carried 
in its cartridge-boxes some of the bullets moulded in 
Freetown with which to que'l the rebellion of 1786. 
Benjamin Weaver's loyalty, courage, and good con- 
duct .secured to him a speedy promotion to the office 
of lieutenant-colonel. 

Ecclesiastical. — Probably the first or earliest rec- 
ord still preserved of an effort on the part of the in- 
habitants of Freetown to provide for the public wor- 
ship of God was that of a legal meeting which appears 
upon the thirty-fifth page of the first book of the pub- 
lic records of said town, and in the words follow- 
ing: 



FREETOWN. 



295 



"At a town meeting in freetown, on the tenth day of June, in the 
year 1699, legally warned by the Selectmen, to be at tlie house of John 
liathway, in freetown, in order to consider of a convenient place to set 
a meeting bouse where it may be most convenient to join with some of 
our neighbors in tanton. 

"And in case they will join with us, we have voted that tlie meeting 
house shall be set on James Cudwortli's land, on the southward side of 
the brook called abut's cwarter, and at the foasd meeting James Cud- 
worth and Josiah Winslow were chosen to treat tanton men, and to 
bring thayransor to us with all speed whether thay will join with us 
or not." 

That town-raeetiiig was held in a house, then a 
tavern, that stood on the spot of the former residence 
of Benjamin Hambly, late of Freetown, deceased. 
The neighbors in Taunton doubtless lived in that 
section of said town set oii' in 1735, incorporated .as a 
new town, and called Berkley. The spot proposed on 
which to erect a meeting-house is at the foot of the 
hill, a little northerly of the former residence of the 
late Philip J. Tripp. From the fact that nothing more 
appears to have been done about it leads to the conclu- 
sion that the people of Taunton were unwilling to join 
with those of Freetown in the labor and expense of 
erecting a meeting-house at the spot proposed. Tradi- 
tion or records furnish nothing further until the first 
Monday in February, 1702, when, in open town-meet- 
ing, Robert Durfee was chosen as the town's agent to 
obtain a man to dispense the gospel and instruct chil- 
dren in reading and writing; and further, that no 
meeting-house be built at the town's charge until 
such man had been procured. Two years later, Wil- 
liam Way accepted these trusts, and was by the town 
engaged to serve them as a gospel minister and school- 
master. Mr. Wa\' proposed to receive for his minis- 
trations in the gospel whatever the inhabitants in 
gratuity or free will chose to confer upon him. Two 
years more passed, and the town found itself in- 
dicted by the grand jury on a charge of not being 
supplied with a minister according to law, and Lieut. 
Job Winslow, one of the selectmen, elected as the 
town's agent to answer in behalf of the town at the 
next session of the County Court. Lieut. Job Wins- 
low was also chosen the town's agent to confer with 
Mr. Samuel Danforth, minister at Taunton, in order 
to have William Way, of Freetown, approbated as a 
minister, qualified according to law. 

Failing in all these efforts, the town on the 21st day 
of January, 1707, voted to dismiss William Way from 
longer serving the town as a minister and school- 
master. Then from tlie Court of General Sessions 
came a precept directing the town to provide itself 
with an able, learned orthodox minister, pursuant to 
which the town on the 21st day of March, 1707, by a 
vote of more than two-thirds present and voting, de- 
cided to be supplied by the Bishop of London with a 
minister according to the Church of England, estab- 
lished by the law of the English nation. Three years 
later the town voted to build a meeting-house thirty- 
six feet long, twenty-six feet wide, and eighteen feet 
between joints, and elected three Congregational min- 
isters, viz., Samuel Danforth, John Sparhawk, and 



Richard Billings, a committee to determine where the 
meeting-house should be set, which committee in 
writing, bearing date March 7, 1710, recommended 
that the proposed house should stand upon a lot of 
land that Samuel Lynde, of Boston, had promised to 
give to the town on which to erect a meeting-house 
and a school-house, and to be used also for the pur- 
poses of a burial-ground and training-field. The 
town the same year voted to raise the sum of thirty 
pounds with which to build the meeting-house, and 
voted thanks to the General Court for twenty-five 
pounds voted to the town, and expressed the desire 
that it be paid to Mr. Joseph Avery for his services 
as minister that year. Oct. 10, 1710, John Hathaway 
and twenty-tjiree others of Freetown petitioned the 
General Court to grant aid to Mr. Avery for his en- 
couragement to preach still among them, and that 
the court would be pleased to give as much as it had 
done the last year. March 17, 1711, the General 
Court passed the following resolution : 

" Resolved, That there be allowed and paidout of the public treaeui'y to 
Mr. Joseph Avery, after the rate of twenty pounds per annum, for each 
Sabbath he hath or shall preach at Freetown, from the time he was last 
paid to the session of the court in May ne,xt." 

Mr. Joseph Avery, the second person who attempted 
to perform the duties of a gospel minister at Free- 
town, was the fourth and youngest child of Lieut. 
William Avery and wife, Elizalieth White. Elizabeth 
was the second wife of Lieut. William Avery, who 
had had four children by a former wife; aud Joseph 
Avery, born in Dedham, April 9, 1687, though his 
mother's fourth child, was the eighth child on his 
father's side. Lieut. William Avery, the parent, re- 
ceived a commission in the train-band at Dedham, 
from which his title was derived, and bearing date of 
Oct. 15, 1673. Lieut. Avery also held the offices of 
town clerk and selectman of Dedham. Mr. Joseph 
Avery, at the age of nineteen years, graduated at 
Harvard College in 1706. His brother, John Avery, 
aged twenty-one years, graduated at the same time 
and place, and was settled in the gospel ministry in 
the town of Truro, on Cape Cod. Soon after leaving 
college Joseph Avery was for a time employed to 
teach a school in Rehoboth. Added to the offices 
civil and military held by William Avery and already 
enumerated, he also held the position of deacon of the 
church, which circumstance throws more light upon 
the causes operating to bring about the result of his 
having two sons that became ministers or clergymen 
than all other known causes combined, the religious 
element in the character of the father thus largely 
cropping out in his sons, who, if not foreordained be- 
fore the world was by the God of the Bible to be am- 
bassadors for the cause of Christ, doubtless were by 
the God of nature before either of these sons were 
born. 

Mr. Joseph Avery, Freetown's second minister, in 
or about the year 1720, was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah Newman, of Rehoboth. She was born 



296 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUxVTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Nov. 20, 1700, and consequently was about thirteen 
years younger than licr husband. She was a daugh- 
ter of Deacon Samuel Newman, Jr., granddaughter 
of Samuel Newman, Sr., and wife, Bathsheba Chick- 
ering, and great-granddaughter of Rev. Samuel New- 
man, one of the first settlers, and the first minister of 
Rehoboth. Mr. Joseph Avery remained in Freetown 
but a short time, as on the 2Sth day of October, 1714, 
he was ordained pastor of the Church of Christ in 
Norton, and thus became the earliest settled minister 
in that town ; and when we are informed that the 
people of Norton voted upon their own responsibility 
to pay him a salary of fifty pounds per year, no fur- 
ther reasons need be assigned why he left Freetown 
with its proposals to pay him thirty pounds per year, 
and beg, if they could, a yearly appropriation of 
twenty pounds more from the General Court. To 
have remained in the field of his labor at Freetown 
may seem more pious, but his change to the vineyard 
of the Lord at Norton was decidedly more practical. 
At a town-meeting holden in Freetown, July 5, 
1711, 

"voted Recompense Wadsworth to be iiur gospel minister, according to 
the tenor of our warrant. 

" Voted that Recompense "Wadawortli sliould have after the rate of 20 
pounds per year so long as he shall dispense the word of God amongst us. 

"Voted Mr. Joseph blackman to treat Mr. Wadsworth in the town's 
behalf, according to the above written vote." 

Against this action of the town John Read, Jr., 
made a public protest, characterizing the vote as 
"rash and heady," in that the town had no knowl- 
edge of the man's "conversion" or "qualification," 
to what town or government he belonged, that the 
voting of twenty pounds was contrary to gospel rule, 
and that the town had already voted to be supplied 
by the Bishop of London. And this strife was finally 
ended by a report from Mr. Blackman that Mr. Wads- 
worth had refused to serve the town as minister. 
Recompense Wadsworth was born March 19, 1688. 
In 1713 he was appointed master of the North Free 
Grammar School, at Boston. He was a son of 
Thomas Wadsworth, a gunsmith, who for a time re- 
sided in Boston, and removed from thence to New- 
port, R. I. Aug. 8, 1712, the town voted 

*'that in order for the inconragement of the preaching of the Word of 
God in the town, it is therefore agreed to raise 25 pounds for the use for 
one year's preaching." 

Sept. 22, 1712, " Then voted John hathway, agent, to seek for and treat 
with some meet person, in order to dispense the word of God in said town, 
and to jirench one month in the town, and then, being liked and approved 
by tlie town, and the person so called also agreeing with the town, to be 
their minister for some time as shall be hereafter agreed on." 

Jan. 13, 1713, the town voted 

"The minister that John hathway, the town's agent, hath brought 
into town, not being liked by the inhabitants, therefore it was then 
Toted he not to be the town's minister." 

"Voted Mr. James hail shall have three pounds of the 25 pounds 
formerly granted by the town for some service done by him, said hail, 
for some of the inhabitants of tliis town." 

Mr. James Hale was probably the person whom 
John Hathaway brought into town, and who did not 
prove acceptable to a majority, but was liked by a few. 



May 25, 1713, "Voted 10 pounds to bff raised for the reperation of 
the meeting.house, and to be added to the 30 pounds rate formerly 
granted by said town." 

Robert Durfee, Constant Church, Benjamin Chase, 
Jr., Walter Chase, and Jacob Hathaway entered 
their protest against this vote. 

June 2, 1713, the town madg choice of "Jonathan 
Dodson to be minister of the gospel for this town 
untill there is a supply from England, according to a 
former vote of the town." 

June 19, 1714, the meeting-house that in 1710 it 
was agreed to build being completed, was by the 
building committee delivered to the selectmen for 
the use of the town. 

Sept. 22, 171.5, Josiah Winslow, Thomas Terry, 
Jonathan Dodson, and Joseph Read were chosen a 
committee to seat the meeting-house at the town's 
charge. 

Enough has already been given to show that the 
people of the town, if not prosecuting or carrying on 
a "holy war," were persistently and determinately 
engaged in religious controversy. They had a few 
years before voted that a gospel preached in the town 
must be dispensed to the people's acceptance, and 
the town clerk, who may have been equally con- 
versant with the spirit of Christianity and the rules 
of orthography in committing said vote to the town 
records, stated that the dispensation must be to the 
town's "e.i'ceptance" (instead of accepfciince) ; and 
thus the sequel seemed to prove, for bickerings, 
strife, contention, opposition, envyings, and taking 
exceptions to anything and everything proposed or 
done, attempted or recommended for the establish- 
ment of a preached gospel in town, became a general 
rule instead of an exception. 

In or about the year 1715, at the request of several 
of the principal inhabitants, accompanied by their 
written promise of support, the Rev. Thomas Craig- 
head entered upon the duties of a gospel minister in 
Freetown, and he, being approbated by the ministers 
of the neighboring towns as qualified for the duties 
of that position, a meeting of the inhabitants was 
called by a warrantfrom the selectmen, and held in the 
meeting-house at Freetown on Monday the 9th day of 
September, 1717, to see if the town in its corporate 
capacity would vote to employ the Rev. Thomas 
Craighead as the town's minister. Capt. Josiah Win.s- 
low was elected moderator, whereupon John Read, 
Benjamin Chace, Jr., George Winslow, Abraham 
Simmons, and John Cleveland protested against 
further proceedings, giving as their reasons for so 
doing " that the town had already a choice to be 
supplied by the Bishop of London, as may appear on 
record, as also the nou-sulEciency of the warrant." 
But the legal voters present decided to proceed, and 
by a vote of twenty-eight for to three again.st, or a 
clear majority of twenty-five votes, made choice of 
Rev. Thomas Craighead to be the town's minister, 
and yet, after all this, Mr. Craighead, to collect his 



FREETOWN. 



297 



pay for services, was forced to sue the town, and ob- 
taining a verdict in his favor, tlie town appealed to 
the General Court, where the town being again beaten, 
several of the principal inhabitants were thrust into 
the county jail, and there kept confined until Mr. 
Craighead was paid, a train of proceedings in which 
the wrong done was only equaled by the ridiculous. 
July 19, 1721, the town voted the use of the meeting- 
house to the Eev. James Macsparron " to carry on 
the public worship of God in at time and times, ac- 
cording to the true intention of his order by the rev- 
erend society in his mission honorably intended." 
The town at the same time voted that the selectmen 
be a committee to solicit the Rev. James Macsparron 
to accept the meeting-house for that service, but that 
such acceptance should " in no wise hinder or bar any 
other public use or improvement of said house as 
formerly." 

These difficulties did, as they were reasonably cal- 
culated to do, prejudice many of the inhabitants 
against a paid ministry, and the provision for such 
payment when provided for by a public tax, and 
many, and perhaps the most, of those inhabitants best 
able to jjay thenceforth allied themselves with the 
Friends or Quakers, which religious body erected a 
place of public worship near what is still called 
Quaker Hill, not far distant from the bleachery, and 
just across the street from what is known as the South 
school-house. That Quaker meeting-house was prob- 
ably built in or near the year 1725, and for at least 
half a century the Friends or Quakers were numeri- 
cally the largest worshiping congregation in town, 
embracing the men of first minds, most money, and 
best manners, in fact, the wit and the wealth, if not 
exclusively, was generally theirs. Nearly one hun- 
dred years ago that Quaker meeting-house was re- 
moved to the northern part of the town, where, as a 
place of public worship, it continued to be used by 
the Friends or (Quakers nearly seventy years, when 
demolished, and its place supplied by a new one that 
is still standing. 

Oct. 20, 1721, the town voted to relieve Thomas 
Durfee and George Winslov/, constables, of a fine 
levied upon them for their neglect or refusal to col- 
lect a tax assessed under the title of " the minister's 
rate." For the next quarter of a century scarcely 
anything appears upon the public records of Free- 
town concerning the support of a gospel ministry, 
and it was not until 1747 that another minister was 
settled in town, who, to relieve himself from a repeti- 
tion of the troubles experienced by his predecessors, 
made a written promise that was copied into the 
public record-book of the town, where it still appears 
in the words following : 

" Tliis instrument, made at Freetown, in j" County of Bristol, and 
Province of y Massachusetts Bay, in New England, tliis thirtieth day 
of November in y« year of our Lord Ciirist one tliousand seven hun- 
dred and forty-seven, Witnesseth tliat I, Silas Brett, ol Easton, in y" 
County aboves^, Preaclier nf y Gospel, and now Pastor Elect of Congre- 
gational Church of Christ, in Freetown aboves-^, do heieby covenant, 



promise, grant, and agree to and with the aforesaid church, and ye Con- 
gregation usually worsliijiping with them, Ilmt from the day of my 
Solemn Separation to the Pastoral office iu said churcli, and for and 
during yt' full term and time of my Continuance in that office, in said 
church, I will neither directly nor indirectly take advantage of y<^ Laws 
of this Province to get a salary settled on me in y town of Freetown, 
but look for and expect my support by the free will offering of y" 
People. 

" In testimony wliereof, 1 have subscribed this Instrument, to be en- 
tered in y^ Records of y^ chmch aboves'l, and also in y^' Records of y" 
town, if it be desired."' 

" Wituess my hand, 
" Silas Brett." 

"A tmo record. Attest: Ambrose Barnaby, 

" Toiiii Clerk:' 

This course of action was like oil poured upon the 
waters, allaying strife, but failing to secure either the 
support or good will of a majority of the tax-paying 
inhabitants, as tlie following from the record of a 
town-meeting held on the 18th day of March, 1754, 
most clearly serves to prove : 

"Voted that those that are disposed to repair the town's meeting- 
house, so as to render it tit to meet in for worship, that they may have 
the liberty to repair the said house on their own cost and charge, and 
not at the charge of the town. 

"Abiel Teury, 

" Town Clerk." 

Rev. Silas Brett was a son of Seth Brett and wife, 
Sarah Alden, born in or about the year 1716. He 
preached to this church and society in Freetown 
about twenty-eight years. The church was always 
small, as also the congregation, and Sabbath services 
found in attendance but few worshipers, who, becom- 
ing divided in political sentiment by the troubles 
which gave rise to the American Revolution, soon 
realized that "a house divided against itself cannot 
stand," and the ministerial labors of Rev. Silas Brett 
were thus and then brought to a close, and no min- 
ister of this denomination was regularly settled in 
town from the close of Mr. Brett's labors, in or about 
1775, until the engagement of Rev. Joseph P. Tyler, 
in or near the year 1809, when a Congregational 
meeting-house was erected at Assonet village, and the 
old meeting-house, that had stood nearly a century of 
years just within what is now the most northerly 
limits of Fall River, was demolished. Three Calvin- 
istic Baptist Churches for a time existed and held 
public worship in Freetown. One of these erected a 
large and commodious meeting-house in the southerly 
part of Assonet village, employing as their pastor the 
Rev. David Simmons, whose services were closed by 
his death, he being drowned while attempting to cross 
the river. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. Philip Hathaway, 
who proclaimed the doctrines of and preached to this 
church until 1807, when the pastor and nearly all his 
people having become greatly liberalized took a "new 
departure" from their former faith and founded a new 
church, and, in imitation of the primitive brethren 
at Antioch, took upon themselves the name of 
"Christians." That Christian Church continued to 
occupy the Calvinistic Baptist meeting-house until 
about two years before its demolition, the Christian 



298 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Church and Society, in 1832, building a new meeting- 
house that those bodies still continue to occupy. The 
old meeting-house was taken down in 1835. The 
building of that house was probably commenced in 
1793, but was not finished for use until 1796. It was 
neither lathed nor plastered until taken possession of 
by the Christians, so called. What was known as the 
Second Calvinistic Baptist Church in Freetown was 
gathered within that section now Fall River, and is in 
existence still, and known as the First Baptist Church 
in that city. Their meeting-house stood near the 
pond, adjacent to what is now known as the " Nar- 
rows." The Third Calvinistic Baptist Church in 
Freetown was gathered in the easterly part, or what 
is called New Freetown. Rev. Abner Lewis was for 
a time the pastor. Their meeting-house stood a little 
east of the village, and near what is now known as 
the "County road." Four churches of the Christian 
denomination have existed in this town, three of 
which were gathered in East or New Freetown ; and 
each church has a comfortable and commodious house 
for public wor.ship, and three of the four maintain a 
gospel ministry. There are now six church edifices 
in town, viz., the Trinitarian Congregational, at Asso- 
net village, erected in 1809, but considerably enlarged 
a few years since; the Christian Chapel, at Assonet 
village, built in 1832 ; the Friends' meeting-house, in 
the extreme northerly part of the town, erected in or 
about 18.'J2 ; the Second Christian, at " Mason's Cor- 
ner," so called, in East Freetown, erected about fifty 
years ago ; the Third Christian, at Braley Four Cor- 
ners, built about forty years since; and the Fourth 
Christian, standing near the line of Rochester, built 
about twenty-five years ago, and is the only one of 
the six in which public worship is not regularly main- 
tained. Coercive measures for the support of the 
ministry in Freetown have long since been abandoned, 
and the last attempt at anything pointing in that 
direction which appears upon the public records was 
that of a town-meeting held on the 2d day of De- 
cember, 1805, and as follows : 

"Voted, to drop the first article in the warrant iu regard to settling a 
minister by the town." 

"Voted, to divide the town into two districts or parishes, and to divide 
it as the old town and New Freetown, to be called East and West 
Parishes." 

" Voted, to have a Committee to examine and see if there is any 
legally settled minister in the town, and to report at the next annual 
meeting." 

"Benj. Weaver, Esq., Wailhington Hathaway, Esq., and Pliilip Hath- 
away were chosen as that Committee. 

" Eben'r Piercr, 
" Town Clerh.^' 

What report, if any, was made by that committee 
is not now known, and the vote then passed appears 
to have been not only the first but the last done, said, 
or written concerning the establishment of two re- 
ligious parishes in Freetown. 

Educational. — William Way, Freetown's earliest 
minister of the gospel, was also the earliest school- 
master, having been engaged, so saith the public 



record, "to Educate and instruct Children in Read- 
ing and Righting," which may, for aught we know, 
have been to teach the young ideas how to shoot in 
right or proper directions. Nothing more upon the 
public record concerning schools appears until May 
15, 1718, when it was voted to set up a school to learn 
children to read and "right;" and " made choyce of 
Jacob hathaway, agent to seek for a schoolmaster." 

Oct. 8, 1718. " Voted, to allow thomaa roberts 3C pounds for one 
year's service to keep the school at throe several places; the public 
nieeting-honse ; Walter Chase's ; also at or near to John howland's." 

Feb. 14, 1721. " Voted and agreed to seek out for a schoolmaster for 
the present year, inasmuch as the last year's schoolmaster, Roberts, and 
the town did not agree." 

May 17, 1721. "Voted, to leave it in the prudence of the selectmen to 
agree with William Gaige or with William Caswell to serve the town as 
a schoolmaster fur the term or time of one year." 

July 19, 1721. "Voted thirty pounds to be raised on the inliabitants 
to pay the town's schoolmaster." 

July 16, 1722. "Voted William Caswell thirty pounds in considera- 
tion of his serving the town to keep school in the town one ' hole' year; 
he, s<' Caswell to be at all cost of boarding or dieting himself; s-l Cas- 
well being present did agree to serve. 

" Voted, the school to be removed three times in the year ; the first 
remove to be had at the meeting-house : the second remove to be at the 
lower part of tlie town ; thirdly, to be removed to the upper part of the 
town. 

" Voted, the school-houses to be set at the middle of each half of the 
town from the meeting-house or centre." 

In 1725, William Gaige was employed to teach 
school one year for thirty-two pounds and to board 
himself In 1726, 1727, and 1728, William Caswell 
was employed to teach school for thirty-eight pounds a 
year and board himself; and also in 1729 his wages 
were raised to forty pounds. Caswell taught in 1729 
for forty pounds, and William Gaige in 17.30. 

July 10, 1727. The town voted to erect two school- 
houses, one of which should be eighteen feet long and 
fourteen feet wide. 

Nov. 2, 1733. " Voted the sum of fifty pounds to 
Mr. Israel Nichols' to keep school in said town, always 
excepting Saturday, every week." 

1758. Voted Mr. James Ward sixty-six pounds to 
keep school one year, and sold two school-houses at 
public auction, one for five dollars and the other for 
two dollars. Dec. 17, 1744, James Meade was dis- 
missed from further service as the town's schoolmaster. 
Nov. 13, 1745, the town made choice of Shadrach 
Hathaway to keep school for one year. Tradition 
saith Shadrach Hathaway was a graduate of some 
college. The inscription on his tombstone states 
that he died Dec. 3, 1749, in the thirty-third year of 
his age, and therefore must have been born in or near 
the year 1716. He was buried on the farm now owned 
and occupied by Daniel Macoraber. The town in 
1746 purchased of Ephraim Tisdale a new school- 
house, together with the land upon which it stood, for 
the sum of one hundred pounds old tenor. 

Samuel Forman, George Wiuslow, Stephen Chace, 
and Joshua Boomer were the town's committee that 

> Israel Nichols, schoolmaster in 173S, appears to have been employed 

in Freetown as a minister in 1739. 



FREETOWN. 



299 



contracted with Epbraim Tisdale for the building of 
that house and purchase of the land. It was agreed 
that Tisdale should also furnish convenient seats and 
tables, and that the house should be " finished to y° 
turning of a key." That house stood upon the spot 
now occupied by the building recently owned by 
Joshua Shove, late of Freetown, deceased, and 
wherein he kept the post-office. That school-house 
remained about twenty-seven years, when, from well 
authenticated tradition, we learn that it was acci- 
dentally destroyed by fire. The town also in 1745 
voted to add twelve feet to the length of what was 
then the middle school-house, and also to provide 
said house with a good chimney. It is doubtful 
whether that vote was put into effect, as on the 6th day 
of May, 1748, the town " voted to build a new school- 
house of twenty-four feet in length and twenty feet 
wide, upon the town land in the centre of the town, 
near or upon the spot on which the old school-house 
stands." This town land, so called, was that upon 
which the town erected a meeting-house some time 
between the years 1710 and 1715. It lies just within 
the most northern limits of Fall River. Jan. 17, 1750. 
— "Voted, that Joseph Brightman, Jr., should take 
care to mend that school-house at y" south end of s'' 
town upon y" town charge, and bring in his account 
for allowance at our next March meeting." Jan. 7, 
1755. — "The town voted to dismiss the former com- 
mittee that were chose to build the middle school- 
house, and then made choice of Nathan Simmons to 
finish s'' house." This vote of the town, although not 
complimentary to the committee, could not justly be 
characterized as hasty, for nearly seven years had 
passed since the town voted to build the house, and 
the work in charge of that committee still remained 
incomplete, and the prospect probably was that, after 
being forgiven for their delay seven times, they would 
need to be for seventy and seven. 

"March 16, 1762.— Agreed Willi Capt. Klisba Parker to build a school- 
house in New Freetown, 18 feet long and 14 feet wide, in the most con- 
venient part of fid town, for 21 pounds G shillings lawful money, to be 
completed by the 1st of Oct. next ; tlie aforesaid house to be shingled, y« 
Ruff and sides, and seated within, and a briciv chimney." 

"Agreed that they shall have ^^ part of the school for the future." 

That school-house was probably located at or near 
what is now known as Mason's Corner. Freetown at 
that date embraced what in 1803 became Fall River, 
and from the vote passed March 15, 1762, it may be 
quite reasonably inferred that the inhabitants of East 
or New Freetown then equaled only one-eighth part 
of the entire population of the town. 

"April 18, 1768. — Voted, that the selectmen supply the town with a 
grammar schoolmaster as soon as may be. 

" JIarch 20, 1760.— The town voted William Palmer £24 15>. and lu 
pence, for 7 months keeping school ; also paid schoolmaster Brown for 
keeping sctKn)l one montli £1 16s.; schoolmaster Crocker, for keeping 
school three months, 5 pounds 8 shillings." 

Most of this labor in teaching school had doubt- 
less been perlbrmed in 1768, as in November, 17G9, 
the town made choice of " an agent to answer a pre- 



sentment of the grand jury vs. s,^ town, because they 
were destitute of a schoolmaster, as the law directs." 

"Aug. 29, 1770. — Voted, to James Tisdale, fur keepiiig school twelve 
weeks in New Freetown, three months and a half in y^' middle of the 
old part of the town, and six months at Assonet, the sum of 24 pounds 
11 shillings." 

"Jan. 6, 1772.— Voted, that Mr. Shadrach Winslow shall be the town's 
grammar schoolmaster for two months at 40 shillings per month, and 6 
shillings pev week for his board." 

Shadrach Winslow was a son of Lieut.-Col. James 
Winslow, of Freetown, and wife. Charity Hodges, 
and born Dec. 17, 1750. He was a graduate of Yale 
College, studied medicine, and settled for practice in 
Foxborough. The town, on the 17th day of May, 1773, 
voted to build a school-house at Assonet village, and 
locate it upon the spot occupied by the school-house 
erected in 1746, that had then, probably, recently 
been burned. 

"Voted, to build y s** house of y« same bigness of y'' middle school- 
house in s^ town. 

" Voted, tliat Capt. George Chase shall provide timber and stuff suit- 
able to build y« s^ house, and to build it at as low an expense as he pos- 
sibly can. 

" Chose Joshua Howard Brett the town's schoolmaster, and voted to 
release him from town-rate." 

That school-house remained in the possession of 
the town until Aug. 7, 1809, when disposed of at pub- 
lic auction for the sum of forty dollars. Joshua 
Howard Brett, the town's schoolmaster, was a son of 
the Rev. Silas Brett, and born June 29, 1751, united 
in marriage with Annie Dunbar, of Easton, April 4, 
1782. He studied medicine, and for a time ])racticed 
in Freetown. He was an assessor at Freetown two 
years, and on the ISth of May, 1782, elected as rep- 
resentative to the General Court. 

July 3, 1781. "Voted, the upper school-house at Assonet be a work- 
house to put the poor in, and Capt. George Chase chose to be overseer." 

The bills that year paid for the support of the poor 
appear to have amounted to the sum of four hundred 
and sixteen dollars. 

" March 18, 1782. Voted, that the poor of Freetown that are upon the 
town should be put into the school-house near Assonet bridge, except 
the Widow Davis' family." 

" August, 1784. Voted, to reconsider that vote about the school-houna 
for the poor. Then voted to put the poor out to the lowest bidder." 

Dec. 9, 1791. The town of Freetown was divided 
into seven school districts, when it was decided that 
the size of each school-house built or to be built, 
together with the number of families in each district, 
should be as follows : 

District. House. Families. 

No. 1 24 by 20 47 

No. 2 24 by 20 52 

No. 3 24 by 20 60 

No. 4 25J^by20l^ 68 

No. 6 22 by 18 4U 

No. 6 22 by 18 40 

No. 7 21 by 17 38 

Districts Nos. 1 and 7 were in what afterwards be- 
came Fall River; District No. 4 at Assonet; District 
No. 5 included Slab Bridge, Quanapang, and the 



300 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Backside, leaving the family of Ashley at option to 
send to which district he pleases; District No. 6 to 
include all the inhabitants to ye eastward of Bolton's 
cedar swamp, and also to include ye family of Ben- 
jamin Westcoat, Mr. Rounseville, Levi Rounseville, 
Thomas Rounseville, and Philip Rounseville. 

" Abraliani Asliley, Joshua Lawrence, Edward Cliase, are a committee 
to conduct ye matter respecting building a school-house in ye dietrict 
to which they belong." 

It was at the same time agreed that schools should 
be kept as follows : 

"In District No. 1, 1 month and 3 weeks. 

" 2, 1 " *' 3 " 

4 " " " .3, 1 " "3 " 

" " " 4, 2 months. 

" " " 5, 1 month and 2 weeks. 

" " " 6, 1 " " 2 

" 7,1 " " 2 " 

" Voted, y' y« Neiglibovhood of Mr. Wilson's shall have their money 
and help theniselvcs to schooling. 

" Voted, Nath'l Morton (3d) to see to repairing of y* schoolhouse in 
Dist. No. 6. 

" Sept. 21, 1795. Voted, that Nathaniel Morton, Jr., EsqV, Benjamin 
Durfee, iind Col. Benjamin Weaver, be a committee to examine into 
the state of the schools within tlie town and make a report at the next 
meeting. 

"Voted, that Job Morton, Col. Benjamin Weaver, and Dr. Jnlin Turner, 
Jr., be a committee to examine the qualifications of, and agree witli such 
persons aa they may think proper, to employ as teachei-s of the public 
schools within the town the year ensuing. 

" ^ViLLiAM Ennis, Town Clerk." 

" November, 1800. Voted, there be a committee appointed respecting 
schools and arranging matters and things, and see in what districts 
schooling is due. 

" Voted that Nath'I Morton, Esq'r, Col. Benjamin Weaver, and Simeon ; 

Borden be that committee. ! 

' Bexjabiin Porter, Jr., Town C/crA:." I 

I 

*' Aug. 10, 1802. The committee appointed to ex- , 
amine and ascertain the amount of schooling due to 
each district up to Dec. 31, 1801, report as tbllows: 

" Due to District No. 1, 5 months, 24 days. 

" " " " 2,2 '* 3 " 

" " " " 3,5 " 4 " 

" " " " 4,3 " 18 " 

" " " " o, 1 month, 23 " 

" " *' " 6. 1 " 12 " 

" " " " 7, 7 months, 16 " 

" " " " 8, 14 days. 

" *' " " 9, 1 mouth, 5 days, 

" " *' " lu, 23 days. 

" Benjamin "WEAVEn, 
"SiMPON Borden, 
"Nath'l Morton, Jr., Committee. 
"Job Peirce, Jr., Toicn Clerk.'''' 

"April 2, 1804. Chose Cols. Benjamin Weaver, William Rounseville, 
and Washington Hathaway as a committee to inspect all the town 
schools that are kept in tJiis town. 

" Eben'u Peirce, Toum Clerk.^^ 

" Nov. 22, 1804. Voted to double the school money in each district 
from this time. 

" Eben'r Peirce, Touni ClerkJ'' 

"Aug. 5, 1805. Voted to raise S300 to defray our town school charges; 
and it is to be paid into the treji-sury by the first day of November 
nest." 

" Voted to accept the rejjort of the school committee as follows: For 
arrears of schooling since the hwt adjustment in 1801 up to the close of 
the pre.'ient year, 1805 : 



South District, 


now 


No. 1, 


8187.91 


AsBonet West, 




" 2, 


62.38 


Assonet East, 




" 3, 


41.89 


late No. 9, 




" 4, 


74.17 


■' " 10, 




" 6, 


69.15 


" " 5, 




" 6, 


24.60 


" " 8, 


" 


" T, 


49.20 


" " 6, 


" 


" 8, 


54.65 






*' Benjamin Weaver, 






" Jot 


Morton, 

" ConunUtee. 




"Eben'r Peirce, Tnwtt Clerk." 



" The committee appointed to revise the school districts in the town 
of Freetown and report how much money each district shall receive 
yearly, in lieu of tlie time heretofore allowed them, having attended the 
service assigned them, offer the following report: 

" That from and alter the close of the present year, 1805, each district 
shall receive yearly as follows : 

South District, now No. 1, 58 families, $103.84 
Late Assonet West, " 2, 3G *' 64.62 

" " East, " 3, 32 " 69.15 

'* No. 9, now '• 4, 15 " 27.96 

" " 10, " " 5, 28 " 49.43 

" " 5, ■' " 6, 33 " 51.33 

*' " 8, " " 7,20 " 31.00 

** " 6, " " 8, 45 " 70.58 

"Oct. 19, 1805. 

** Benjamin Weaver, 
"Charles Strange, 
** J()S Morton, 

" Commitlee. 
"Eben'r Peirce, Toan Clfrk." 

" May 5, 1806. Voted, that the one half only of the monies heretofore 
appropriated for the use and support of public schools the last year be 
devoted to that use the present year. 

" William Pkatt, Town Clerk." 

"Nov. 3, 1806. Voted, that Cols. Benjamin Weaver, Nathaniel Morton, 
Esq., and Capt. Charles Strange be and they hereby are appointed a 
committee to inquire into the situation of the old school-house lot, in 
order to ascertain by what title said town holds the same; whether 
they have a riglit to alienate said lot ; if so, for said committee to de- 
teritiine on what conditions the said lot aud school-house can be dis- 
posed of." 

"Aug. 7, 1S09. The school-house and lot was now exposed to sale by 
the selectmen pursuant to order of the town at a former meeting, and 
struck off to Richard Clarke, who, being the highest bidder, for the 
consideration of three hundred and niuety dollars, the town to give a 
deed and take security payable on the 20lh day of May next, till which 
time said town to improve s;iid house at their own risk, calculated and 
valued by mutual agreement at forty dollars. 

"William Pratt, Town Clerk." 

This lot of land was the same that the town pur- 
chased of Ephraim Tisdale in 1746, and whereon he 
built that year for the town a school-house that tra- 
dition saith was destroyed by fire some twenty-seven 
years later. Capt. George Chase as an agent of the 
town erected another school-house upon the spot in 
or near the year 1773, which school-house, together 
with the lot, was disposed of by the town at public 
auction Aug. 7, 1809. In 1809 the town voted to 
raise and appropriate four hundred aud fifty-seven 
dollars and ninety-one cents for the support of public 
school, aud this was repeated in 1810. 

"April 19, 1S14. Voted, that Capt. J. Strange, Maj. Joseph Weaver, 
Capt. Benjamin H. Lawton, Mr. Edmund Peiice, Capt. Lynde Hatha- 
way, Job Morton, Esq., Deacon Abraham Ashley, and Mr. Josiah De 
Maranville be a committee to divide, 8ul>-divide, and revise the school 
districts, as, on a review of the same, shall be found indispensable." 

" Mr. Hercules Cushman, 3Iaj. Joseph Weaver, aud Robert Strobiidge 
were cbo.sen a committee for examining schoolmasters and visiting 



FREETOWN. 



301 



ichoola in tlie old part of the town. Job Morton, Eeq., ■William RouDse- 
rille, Esq., anj Miilachi White lor New Fi eetown. 

" William Pratt, Town ChrJc." ■ 

Mr. Hercules Cushnian was a lawyer then recently ! 
3ome to practice in town, and representative for several ' 
fears to the General Court. In 1821 he was made col- 
jnel of a regiment, and in 1822 elected a member of the 
Grovernor's Council. Maj. Joseph Weaver was a son J 
jf Col. Benjamin Weaver and wife, Amy Brownell. He i 
ivas commissioned ca])tain in 1811, promoted to major 
in 1812, and died in December, 1814. Robert Stro- 
bridge was elected four times to the General Court, 
md he was postmaster at Assonet village from 1817 
intil his death, July 28, 1822. Job Morton, Esq., ' 
ivas elected to the General Court eleven years, and j 
William Rounseville, Esq., elected to the same posi- 1 
tion ten years in succession. A committee appointed 
to regulate the school districts in Freetown, on the 
1st day of January, 1820, reported as follows : j 

" District No. 1 and 2, 40 families, entitled to $63.98 



3,22 


" " ' 


29.73 


4,24 


" " 


32.43 


5,34 


" 


45.90 


6,37 


' 


49.94 


7,38 


" " 


51.28 


8,18 


" " ' 


le.2G 


0, 19 


" " ' 


25.67 


10, 13 


" " 


17.61 


11,18 


" " ' 


24.83 


12,13 


" " ' 


48.54 


13,46 


" " 


62.06 




'Benjamin Weai 


■EK, 




'Job Terrt, 






'Silas Terry, 






'Earl Sampson, 


Committee. 




'William Pratt 


Town Clerk 



The custom of electing a general school committee 
annually was commenced in Freetown, April 14, 
1827, that committee for ten years being made to 
consist of five persons, when it was reduced to three 
persons. For something more than twenty years 
the school committee have been chosen to serve 
three years, one of the three members being elected 
each year. 

Formerly each school district owned the school- 
house used by such district, but now all the school- 
houses are owned by the town. 

There are now seven school-houses in town, viz. : 
three in Old or West Freetown and four in New or 
East Freetown. 

Water Privileges and Manufactories. — The first 
dam across Assonet River was )>robably that upon 
which Thomas Winslow's grist-mill now stands, and 
was constructed in or about the year 1695. The 
water at that point appears to have at first been util- 
ized to carry a saw-mill, to which was subsequently 
added a fulling-mill, grist-mill, and machinery for 
carding wool. The second was that which still con- 
tinues to be called the " forge dam," although no 
forge has been in operation there for more than half 
a century. This dam was erected in or near the year 
1704, and was built expressly for a forge where iron 



ore dug in the vicinity was for nearly a century 
wrought into iron bars. Succeeding the forge was a 
grist-mill, a manufactory of cutlery, and a nail-factory, 
all of which have now ceased to operate, and the valu- 
able privilege for several years has been lying idle. 

The third dam was that at Assonet village, built 
near the year 1710, and a grist-mill located thereon, 
added to which is now operated a saw-mill, box- 
board and shingle mill. Indian corn has here been 
ground probably every year for nearly or quite one 
hundred and seventy-five years, and boards and tim- 
bers sawed for more than a century. The box-board 
and shingle saws have recently been added. Still 
higher up the stream than the " forge dam," and a 
little below what is known as the " Howland saw- 
mill," tradition saith that Philip Rounsevill put up 
a dam, some traces of which still remain. He prob- 
ably erected and for a time operated a saw-mill 
thereon. 

The fifth dam was probably that whereon the 
bleachery of Henry Winslow and Bradford G. Por- 
ter now stands. The water at that place was for many 
years used to carry a grist-mill and a trip-hammer, 
and for a few years a nail-factory. 

Many years since a dam was built and a saw-mill 
erected thereon, the slabs sawn from the logs being 
used first to build and afterwards to repair a bridge 
that stood a little below the dam, which circumstances 
caused the bridge to acquire the name of the materials 
of which it was principally constructed and main- 
tained, and the locality to receive the still familiar 
name of "Slab Bridge." No mill is operated there 
at the present time. 

Next probably in date of construction was the dam 
upon which the Howland saw-mill, so called, stands, 
and where probably the water-power has never been 
utilized save to saw timber and boards with the old- 
fashioned " up and down saw." Whether a little after 
or a little before the Sl.ab Bridge dam this of the How- 
land saw-mill was built it is not now easy, if, in fact, 
possible, to determine. The dam near the residence 
of Joseph R. Dunham is probably of a more modern 
construction. Here has been operated a saw-mill and 
a shingle-mill, now used to saw box-boards. The 
dam near Maple-tree Bi-idge was erected in or about 
1827, and for several years the water-power used to 
carry a grist-mill, now used for a box-board and 
shingle-mill. 

Upon the falls of Quequechan, or Fall River, Ben- 
jamin Church, the renowned Indian hunter, had mills 
of some kind that commenced to be operated in or 
about the year 1702. Doubtless one of these was a 
saw-mill, and probably to this was added a grist-mill, 
and before that section, now Fall River, was set off 
from Freetown the water at that point may perhaps 
have been utilized for some other purposes, though 
not for the manufacture of cotton goods. A small 
stream, known as " Mill Brook," that empties itself 
into Assonet River through what is usually known as 



302 



HlSTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Payne's Cove," came into early use as a niofive- 
power. At a locality known as the "Baker Place" a 
dam was erected across this Mill Brook, and mills of 
some kind operated thereon more than a century and 
a quarter ago. A saw-mill built thereon nearly a 
hundred years ago has been in active operation since 
the memory of many now living. Higher up the 
stream, and within the present limits of Fall River, 
at what is sometimes called the " Wardell Neighbor- 
hood," is a dam on which for many years has been 
operated a saw-mill. Lower down upon this stream, 
near the head of Payne's Cove, receiving also the 
waters of another brook, was many years since erected 
a dam, on which were operated a saw-mill and a grist- 
mill and afterwards a small foundry and next a bleach- 
ery, and it is that upon which now stands the Crystal 
Spring Bleachery, so called. Upon the brook just 
named many years ago was erected a dam, so long 
since that neither records nor tradition define the 
date of its construction. Here was probably oper- 
ated a saw-mill, and for many years it remained in 
utter disuse. In 1829 a cupola furnace was erected 
thereon, afterward used for the purposes of a bleach- 
ery, and finally accidentally burned, and this dam has 
recently been removed to give place to the erection of 
a reservoir ior the "Crystal Spring Bleachery." 

Upon what was called " Fall Brook," a stream in 
the east part of Freetown that discharges itself into 
the Long Pond, .so called, was erected in or near the 
year 1784 a blast furnace, where iron ore was not only 
smelted but also manufactured into what then went 
under the general name of Itullow-ware. The original 
projectors of this enterprise were Capt. Levi Rounse- 
vill, Philip Rounsevill, and Capt. Abraham Morton, 
of East Freetown; Capt. Job Peirce and Joseph 
Leonard (2d), of Middleborough ; and Seth Keith, 
of Bridgewater. Capt. Levi Rounsevill, Capt. Job 
Peirce, and Seth Keith owned a quarter interest each, 
and Philip Rounsevill, Capt. Abraham Morton, and 
Joseph Leonard (2d) owned tlie other quarter, or one- 
twelfth part each. Fuel in East Freetown woods was 
then abundant and readily and cheaply obtained, and 
much of the iron ore was taken from Assawamset 
Pond, in Middleborough. The small village that as a 
consequence thus grew up near by came, as naturally 
it would, to be called the " Furnace Village" or " Fur- 
nace Neighborhood," which names still serve to desig- 
nate the locality and are in familiar use, although the 
furnace, either as a blast or cupola, has long since 
ceased to operate. A few years after its erection this 
furnace came to be owned almost exclusively by mem- 
bers of the Rounsevill family, and hence came to be 
called the " Rounsevill Furnace." 

In 1811, James Alger, of Bridgewater, Gen. Crom- 
well Washburn, of Taunton, and Col. Salmon Fobes, 
of Bridgewater, purchased three-fourths of this fur- 
nace, and in 1S14, James Alger bought the remaining 
quarter, Gen. Washburn at the same time disposing 
of hia share to Alger & Fobes. Nayum Alger, of 



Bridgewater, and afterwards' of Freetown, became 
agent and manager, and the firm of Alger & Fobes 
also, besides carrying on the furnace, ran two saw- 
mills and a grist-mill, a blacksmith-shop, and a coun- 
try store, and thus furnishing employment for some 
fifty men. In 1818 this property changed owners, 
being principally, if not, in fact, wholly purchased by 
Samuel Slater, David Wilkinson, and Charles Dyer, 
of Providence, and Benjamin Dyer, of Cranston, R. I., 
and these parties took upon themselves the name of 
" Providence Foundry Company," employing Capt. 
Calvin Thomas, of Pembroke, as superintendent, who 
also became a part owner. The old blast furnace was 
then or soon after demolished, and its place supplied 
by a cupola furnace, and the smelting of iron ore 
taken from the Assawamset Pond and other places 
adjacent abandoned, the iron used being purchased 
in " pigs," brought from New Jersey to Aissonet per 
water carriage, and from thence transported by ox- 
tearas to East Freetown. Succeeding this furnace 
business at this water privilege was a sash-, door-, and 
blind-factory that has not been in operation for sev- 
eral years, and the motive-power is now utilized to 
carry a saw-mill. 

Higher up this stream and near the railroad depot 
is an ancient dam, whereon formerly stood a saw-mill, 
but now left unoccupied, and at a point still higher, 
at a place known as Goshem, are traces of a mill- 
dam, wherein doubtless once were to be heard the 
sounds, echoes, and re-echoes of busy life, and the 
cheering hum of industry, but now left silent as the 
grave. 

Proceeding still higher up the stream we come first 
to Jonathan R. Gurney's, and last to Paul M. 
Burns' mill-dams, at both of which places large 
quantities of box-boards are annually sawn. 

The lowest dam upon this East Freetown stream is 
that near the stone bridge, and whereon is a box- 
board mill and a grist-mill, owned and operated by 
Capt. Marcus M. Rounsevill and G. S. Allen. 

Physicians. — Dr. Richard Winslow was one of the 
earliest, and perhaps the first, medical practitioner 
who settled in Freetown. He was a son of Lieut. Job 
Winslow, of Swansea, and afterwards of Freetown, 
who resided in Freetown until his death, July 14, 
1720. Dr. Richard Winslow appears to have left 
Freetown and removed to Leicester. His will bore 
date of Aug. 7, 1727, and was proved in Probate Court 
April 16, 1728. 

Dr. John Turner resided in that part of Freetown 
which in February, 1803, became Fall River. His 
former residence was in what is now known as Bow- 
enville. He married Patience, a daughter of Samuel 
Gardiner, of Swansea. Dr. Turner and wife were 
among the original members of the Congregational 
Church gathered at Freetown in 1747. Dr. Turner 
was one of the four persons who made to that church 
the gift of a farm for a parsonage. 

Dr. John Turner, Jr., was a son of Dr. John Turner 



FREETOWN. 



303 



and wife Patience Gardiner, and born March 22, 
1748. He resided in tliat part now Fall River. 

Dr. Sliadrach Winslow was a sou of Lieut.-Col. 
James Winslow and wife Charity Hodges, and born 
Dec. 17, 1750. He graduated at Yale College. Prob- 
ably practiced for but a short time in Freetown, and 
located as a physician in Foxborough. He taught 
school at Freetown in 1772. 

Dr. Joshua Howard Brett was a son of Rev. Silas 
Brett, and born June 29, 1751. Taught school at 
Freetown in 1773. He was elected representative to 
the General Court May 18, 1782. Assessor two years, 
viz.: 1785 and 1786. 

Dr. Cormick lived in a house that occupied the 
site of the former residence of Philip J. Tripp, late 
of Freetown, deceased. Dr. Cormick took to wife 
Lois Chase. She wa.s a daughter of Ammi Chase. 
Dr. Cormick did not practice long in Freetown. 

Dr. Jesse Bullock was a native of Rehoboth. Dr. 
Bullock was united in marriage with Mehitabel Win- 
slow, of Freetown, Oct. 1, 1765. She was a daughter 
of Lieut.-Col. James Winslow, and born April 22, 
1739. She died July 21, 1827. Dr. Bullock died 
Dec. 31, 1805, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. At 
the commencement of the war of American Revolu- 
tion Dr. Bullock was one of the leading Tories at 
Freetown. He lived in the house now owned and 
occupied by Mrs. James Wetherill. 

Dr. William Carpenter was a native of Rehoboth, 
and a nephew of Dr. Jesse Bullock. He owned and 
occupied the next house northerly of the Dr. Bullock 
place. 

Dr. Nicholas Hatheway was born Saturday, Dec. 
4, 1773 ; practiced medicine at Freetown nearly twenty 
years; removed to the State of Ohio in 1817. He 
died at Milford, in Union County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 
1848. In the early part of the year 1800 he opened 
in Freetown a hospital for the treatment of small- 
pox, and treated so successfully as not to lose a 
patient. 

Dr. Seth P. Williams was a native of Dighton. 
He commenced practice at Freetown in or about 1817, 
and continued it through life. 

Dr. Thomas Bump was a native of Middleborough. 
He was a graduate of Brown University, at Provi- 
dence, R. I., and studied medicine with Dr. Arad 
Thompson, of Middleborough, and settled for prac- 
tice at Freetown in or near 1817. He was town clerk 
of Freetown, selectman, and a representative to the 
General Court. Practiced medicine at Freetown nearly 
sixty years ; was regarded as eminently skillful in his 
profession. 

Dr. Oliver Gushing practiced for a brief period in 
this town. 

Dr. Bradford Braley was a native of J^rcetown. He 
commenced first as a nurse of the sick during the 
prevalence of a fearful epidemic that prevailed ex- 
tensively in 1816, called the " cold plague." He ere 
long came to practice as a physician, in which he 



continued until his death, Feb. 7, 1873, when, being 
on his way to visit a patient, a breaking of his car- 
riage caused him to fall, resulting in instant death. 
He had practiced the healing art about fifty-six years. 
He was twice elected as a member of the General 
Court. 

Dr. Seth Pratt came to Freetown from Mynckville, 
then in East Taunton (now Berkley). He had an office 
in Assonet village, practiced in this town and vicinity 
about three years, when his health became impaired, 
and he died in 1836. 

Dr. Barnaby W. Hathaway was a native of Free- 
[ town. He was a son of John Hathaway and wife 
Betsey Winslow, and born Nov. 11, 1812. He studied 
medicine with Dr. Seth Pratt, and commenced prac- 
tice in Freetown, and a few years later removed to 
Fall River, and from thence to California, where he 
died. 

Dr. Thomas C. Nichols was a native of Freetown. 
He was a son of John Nichols and wife Margaret 
Winslow, and born Nov. 9, 1819. He i)racticed medi- 
cine at Freetown several years, and relinquishing that 
went into the mauufacture gf sporting goods. Was 
town clerk of Freetown ten years, and twice elected 
as a representative to the General Court. He died. 

Dr. Henry H. Sproat is a native of Middleborough, 
son of Capt. Earl Sproat. 

Town Clerks of Freetown.— For several years 
after Freetown was incorporated no public records 
appear to have been kept, or, if kept, have failed to 
be preserved; and in what were kept it is diflicult, if 
not indeed impossible, to determine how long some of 
the earliest clerks served. 

Lieut. Samuel Gardiner, 1688; Lieut. Jul> Winslow; Juslina Tisdale, 
March 30, 1606, ftiur years; Thomas King, Marcli 29, 1700, one year; 
John Reed, Jr., March :il, 1701, fifteen yeais; Lieut. Robert Durfee, 
March 29, 1716. one year; John Heed, March 25, 1717, two years; 
Jonathan Dodson, March 25, 1719, one year; John Reed, March 29, 
1720, eighteen years ; Lieut. Joseph Reed, March, 1738, seven years; 
Capt. Ambrose Barnaby, March 4, 1715, six years ; Maj. Abiel Terry, 
May 20, 1751, twelve years; Capt. Ambrose Barnaby, March 21, 
1763, four years : Zebadee Terry, March 16, 1707, eight years ; 
Samuel Barnaby, March 6, 1775, five years ; Lieut. Philip Hathaway, 
Jr., July 10, 1780, eight years; Ephraim Winslow, .April 7, 17.-8, 
seven years; Lieut. William Ennis, March 23, 1795, five years; Ben- 
jamin Porter, Jr., April 7, 180 , one year; Ebenezer Peirce, April 0, 
1801, one year; Capt. Job Pierce, Jr., April 5, 18CI2, one year; Eben- 
ezer Peirce, April 4, 1803, three years ; Lieut. William Pratt, April 
7, 1S06, eighteen years; Dr. Thomas Bump, .\pril 5, 1824, two year..* ; 
James Taylor, April 3, 1S20, one year; John T. Lawton, April 2, 
1827, two years; Ephraim Atwood, April 6, 1829, three years; Dr. 
Thomas Bump, March 5, 1832, three years; Col. Ephraim Winslow 
March 2, 1835, two years; .\hien Hathaway, Jr., Slarch 6, 1837, three 
years; Davis J. Barrows, March 2, 1840, two years; Joseph B. 
Weaver, Esq., March 7, 1842, seven yeai-s ; Dr. Thomas G. Nichols 
Nov. 7, 1848, ten years; S. T. Richmond, March 14, 1859, four years- 
George W. Hall, March, 1803, one year; D. C. II. Hathaway, March 
1864, two years; Humphrey A. Francis, March, 1S75, lour years; 
Palo Alto Peirce, Esq., March 31, 1879. 

TOWN TREASURERS. 
Lieut. Samuel Gardiner, fliay 12, 1690; Lieut. Joslali Winslow, March 
28,1704; Lieut. Thomas Terry, March 17, 1713, seven years; Wil- 
liam Winslow, March 29, 1720, eight years ; George Winslow, March 
4, 1728, twenty-one years; Philip Hatliaway, March 20, 1749, three 
years; George Chase, October, 1752, two years; John Winslow 



304 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



March 18, 1754, one year; Lieut. James Winslow, Nov. 10, 1755: 
Nathan Simmons, March 21, 1763, five years; William Winslow, 
March 21, 1768, four years; Lieut. Jonathan Keed, March 2, 1772, 
eightyears; Geoige Winslow, Jirly 10, 178n, one year; Lieut. Jona- 
than Reed, Mnrcli, 1781, two years; George Brightman, Esq., March, 
1783, two years ; Lieut. Philip Hathaway, Jr., March, 1785, one year; 
Amlirose Barnaby, Marcli 20, 1786, two years ; Col. Benjamin Weaver, 
April 7, 1788, two years; Darius Cliase, April 1, 1793, one year; 
Lieut. William Ennis, April 7, 1800, one year ; Col. Benjamin 
Weaver, April 6, 1.S01, eighteen years: Robert Porter, April 5, 1819, 
four years ; Lieut. Philip P. Hathaway, April 7, 1823, one year ; George 
Pickens, April 5, 1824, two years; Joseph Durfee, Jr., April 3, 1826, 
four years ; Elnathan P. Hathaway, April 6, 1830, one year ; Joseph 
B. Weaver, April 4, 1831, three years ; Guilford H. Hathaway, March 
3, 1834, four years; Capt. Sylvanus Payne, March 5, 183S, four 
yeai-s ; Benjamin Burt, Jr., Sept. 24, 1842, two years ; William Pratt 
(2d), Marcli 5, 1844, one year; Maj. Ebenezer W. Peirce, March 3, 
1845, one year; Gideon V. Halhaway, March 9, 1846, one year; 
Guilford Hathaway, March 15, 1847, fourteen years; John D.Wil- 
son, March 10, 1861, one year; James Burr, March, 1862, three 
years ; Guilford Hathaway, March 20, 1865, three years; Dr. Thomas 
G. Nichols, March 30, 1868, two years; Guilford Hathaway, March, 
1870, five years; George W. Hall, SLarch, 1875, two years; Lewis P. 
Phillips, March, 1877, two years; Nathan W. Davis, March 31, 1879, 
one year; John W. Pickens, April 5, 18S0, two years; Frank A. 
Barrows, April 10, 1882. 

Postmasters. — There are two post-offices in Free- 
town, one at As.sonet village, in the old or west part 
of the town, and the other in the " Furnace village," 
so called, in East Freetown. 

The names of postmasters of the office at Assonet 
and terms of service are as follows : 

Stephen B. Pickens, 1811-17; Robert Strohridge, 1817-23; George Pick- 
ens, 1822-41 ; Guilford H. Hathaway, 1841-45 ; Joshua Shove, 1845- 
72; Daniel L. Johnson, 1872-82; Elbert E. Winslow, 1882. 

East Freetow.v.— Amos Braley, 1811-16; .\braham Braley, 1816-22; 
Reuel Washburn, 1852. 

The office at East Freetown was discontinued in or 
about 1822, and re-established in 1852. Postmasters 
Robert Strobridge and Amos Braley died while hold- 
ing the office. 

Freetown gentlemen who have been members of the 
Governor's Council, with dates of election and terms 
of service : 

Thomas Durfee, elected 17 , served years ; Hercules Cusliman, 

elected 1826, served one year; Rnfus Bacon, elected 1827, served 

one year. 
Members or Massachusetts Senate.— Thomas Durfee, elected 17 , 

served years ; Nathaniel Morton, elected 1804, served five years; 

Elnathan P. Hathaway, elected 1843, served one year ; Philip J. 

Tripp, elected 1875, served one year. 
Chairman of County Commissioners. — Job Morton, 1827-28 ; Rufus 

Bacon, 1828-30. 
Clerk of County Courts.— Job Morton, appointed in 1812, 
Memrers of Constitutional Convention.— Samuel Barnaby, 1770; 

Thomas Durfee, Richard Borden, December, 1789 ; Nathaniel Mor. 

ton, Earl Tompson, Oct.'ie, 1820; Elnathan P. Hathaway, March, 

1863. 

The first convention was called to form a State con- 
stitution, the second to ratify the Federal constitution, 
the third and fourth for revising the State constitu- 
tion. 

H. Elbridge Tinkham in 1861 tendered his ser- 
vices to the government, and was ajipointed acting 
master's mate Dec. 12, 1861, and was ordered to re- 
port daily on board United States ship " Ohio" for 
instruction in gunnery. Feb. 8, 1862, in obedience 



to orders, reported for duty on board United States 
gunboat " Kennebec," and joined the West Gulf 
Squadron, Admiral D. G. Farragut commanding. 
In 1863 was promoted to acting ensign. While in 
Farragut's squadron took part in the following en- 
gagements : Fort Jackson and St. Philip, Baton 
Rouge, Vicksburg, Port Hirdson, and Mobile. At 
the latter place was wounded by a shell from the 
rebel ram " Tennessee," and invalided home. In 
four months reported for duty, and was ordered to the 
United States steamer "Bat," North Atlantic Squadron, 
Admiral David D. Porter commanding, and took part 
in the fight of Wilmington, Cape Fear River; also 
acted as convoy to President Lincoln during his trip 
from Washington to Richmond and back. When the 
"Bat" was placed out of commi.ssion was ordered to 
the United States gunboat " Seneca" until she was 
placed out of commission, when he was ordered home 
on "leave." He was also attached to the United 
States ship " Constitution," to assist in removing the 
naval academy to Annapolis, Md. After the war 
closed he made a two years' cruise with the West 
India Squadron, Admiral James S. Palmer command- 
ing, and on his return home was honorably discharged 
with the thanks of the department, which discharge 
bears date of May 13, 1867. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GUILFORD H. HATHAWAY. 

Guilford H. Hathaway is a lineal descendant on the 
paternal side from John Hathaway, the descent being 
as follows : John\ John^ JacoW, Philip*, Philip^ Ed- 
mund'', Guilford H.' On the maternal side he is de- 
scended from the same original John Hathaway, 
through John% Jacob', Meltiah', Rev. Philip', Betsey", 
Guilford H.' 

Edmund Hathaway, father of our subject, was born 
in Freetown, Mass., Sept; 29, 1771, and married Bet- 
sey, daughter of Rev. Philip and Abiah (Ashley) 
Hathaway. She was born Oct. 1 2, 1780, and died Oct. 
11, 1873, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. 
They had twelve children, — six sons and six daughters, 
— of whom Guilford H. was the fifth child. All of 
this large family lived to attain their majority, and 
six of them are living at this writing (1883), the 
youngest of whom is fifty-eight years old. 

Edmund Hathaway was in his day the most promi- 
nent business man of his town. He was largely en- 
gaged in ship-building; was a merchant and ship- 
master, and carried on trade with the West Indies. 
In his varied business enterprises he was quite suc- 
cessful, and exerted a large influence not only in the 
town where he resided but beyond its limits. He 
was one of the original subscribers to the stock of the 
Fall River Bank, and one of its largest stockholders 
at the time of his death, which occurred Oct. .5, 1832. 




:.^ ^^ ^ 




^ 









W^c^l 



FREETOWN. 



305 



Guilford H. Hathaway was born in Freetown, May 
3, 1808. He was reared amid the diversified business 
operations carried on by his father, and grew up with 
some practical knowledge of these various things. 

He attended the common school, and at sixteen 
went to Capt. Alden Partridge's Military School 
at Norwich, Vt., and left when that school was 
transferred to Middletovvn, Conn. He had among 
others for classmates Governor Thomas H. Seymour, 
of Connecticut, Lieutenant-Governor Cusliman, of 
Massachusetts, and Gideon Welles, of Connecticut, 
Secretary of the Navy under President Lincoln. 
When he was eighteen he began teaching, and taught 
six consecutive winters, chiefly in Fall River and in 
his own town. During this time he spent his sum- 
mers with his father in Freetown. 

About 1830 he was engaged in merchandising in 
Freetown, and followed the business some two years, 
when he retired. He has since been engaged in the 
same business as his father, — i.e., building vessels,— in 
company with others. He has owned an interest in a 
large number of vessels and coasters engaged in the 
wh.aling trade and in freighting. In 1836 he became 
a director in the Fall River (now National) Bank, 
which position he still retains, being the oldest living 
director. He was elected president of the Fall River 
National Bank in 1876, and still holds the office. He 
is the oldest living member of the Fall River Savings- 
Bank, Board of Investment, and has been a member 
since 1847. 

Mr. Hathaway followed in early life the political 
faith of his father, being a Jeifersonian Democrat, 
and casting his first Presidential vote" for Gen. Jack- 
son, whom he much admired. Soon after, however, 
he united w'ith the Whigs, and so became a Republi- 
can in 1856. He was collector of taxes for Freetown 
four years and selectman of the town five years. In 
Fall River he was an assessor thirteen years and Was 
chairman of the board during that period. He was 
a member of the General Court in 1837, and county 
commissioner of Bristol County from 1868 to 1877. 
He was a member of the Common Council of Fall 
River in 18G4 and 186-5, and of the board of aldermen 
in 1866 and 1867. 

He married Betsey Wilson, daughter of Edward 
and Hannah Wilson, Nov. 1, 1832. She was born 
Oct. 14, 1814, and died in Fall River, April 9, 1865. 
Their children are (1) Othalia W., (2) Abiah, (3) 
Edmund, (4) Edward W., (5) Edmund 2d, (6) Emma 
Florence, (7) Charles G., all deceased save Edmund 
2d and Emma Florence. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway were members of the 
Unitarian Society of Fall River. 

Mr. Hathaway was in former days a strong anti- 
slavery man. He is opposed to all forms of slavery, 
an earnest advocate of temperance and other reforms, 
and a believer in universal education. While he 
is cautious and economical, he is also liberal towards 
all worthy objects and a friend to the poor. 
20 



CAPT. WASHINGTON READ. 

Capt. Washington Read was born in Freetown, 
Bristol Co., Mass., July 2, 1813. He is the son of 
John and Rosarnond (Hathaway) Read, and grand- 
son of William Read, who was a farmer, and resided 
in that part of Freetown which is now Fall River. 
John Read, father of Capt. Washington, was a sea 
captain, and most of his life was spent as master of 
vessels in the merchant service. For an extended 
ancestral history of the Read family both in this 
country and in Europe, see biography of Henry C. 
Read elsewhere in this volume. 

Capt. Washington Read was one of a family of 
eleven children, and his father, not being in affluent 
circumstances, was unable to give to all of his chil- 
dren a liberal education. Among the number who 
received but limited advantages in that direction was 
Washington. His life has chiefly been spent on the 
waters. At the early age of nine years he went as 
cabin-boy on board his father's vessel. At the age of 
thirteen he commanded a sloop called " Friendship," 
which plied between Fall River, Newport, and Provi- 
dence. But it was at the age of fifteen that his life 
as a sailor began in earnest. He commenced at the 
lowest round of the ladder, shipping as a sailor before 
.the mast with Capt. Nathaniel Briggs, on the "Ann 
Maria," plying between Savannah, Ga., and Darien. 
He continued on this-*essel two years, then shipped 
from Providence, R. I., with Capt. Thonuis Andrews 
on the brig" Abeona," in the West India trade. After 
two years on this vessel he shipped with the same 
captain as second mate on brig " Agenoria," engaged 
in the European trade. He soon became first mate, 
and at the age of twenty-one he was made master of 
the brig "Laura." It would be idle to attempt to 
follow minutely his adventurous and constantly- 
changing career, but it may be of interest to note a 
few of the vessels he has at different times com- 
manded. After the "Laura" he commanded the 
" New England," in the New York and West India 
trade. Sept. 20, 1826, he took command of the 
"Friendship;" Nov. 27, 1827, the "Victory;" June 
10, 1835, the schooner "Florida;" Sept. 2, 1835, the 
brig "Laurel;" March 27, 1836, he took charge of 
the "New England ;" July 20, 1838, the " Agenoria." 
In 1840 he commanded the "Nicholas Brown," and 
afterwards the bark " William and James" in the 
European trade. He then for three years com- 
manded the "John P. llarward." He then had a 
ship built at Swansea named for his wife the " Caro- 
line Read." In this vessel, in 1850, he circumnavi- 
gated the globe. Starting from New York he doubled 
Cape Horn to San Francisco ; thence to Singapore, 
E. I. ; thence to Calcutta ; then around Cape of Good 
Hope to London ; from there home to New York. 
The trip occupied seventeen months. 

His next vessel was the ship " Pride of the Ocean ;" 
in her he made one voyage to London, and sold her 
there to a London house for use in the Crimean war. 



306 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Returning to New York he built the " Belle of the 
Ocean," and for a while employed her as a packet 
chiefly between Philadelphia and Liverpool. During , 
the war of the American rebellion he sold her to an 
English house. He then went to Hull, England, and 
took charge of the ship " Argosa ;" sailed in her to 
Callao, Peru, thence back to Hamburg, thence to 
Newport, England, and thence to New York. After 
a brief intermission he went to Falmouth, England, 
and again took charge of the " Argosa ;" took her to 
Nazarre, France, where He superintended the repair- 
ing of her, then sent her to San Francisco, Cal., and 
returned to New York. This was Capt. Read's last 
voyage, and was in 1874. 

It is worthy of note that in all his e.\tensive and 
varied experience as commander, he never lost a ves- 
sel, and always returned in the same ship he went 
out unless she was sold. He has never grounded or 
put ashore, although he has frequently lost both spars 
and sails. He has rescued many survivors from nu- 
merous wrecks, and has frequently periled his life to 
save that of others. On one occasion, after he had 
rescued, during a terrific gale, fifty-two of the crew 
of the wrecked ship "Sea Nymph" in mid-ocean, and 
in doing so had encountered great peril, he was called 
before the lord mayor of London to receive remuner- 
ation for his brave deed, as the rescued crew were 
British subjects. He received high commendation from 
the lord mayor on this occasion, and he would have 
received a medal or badge of honor, only that he was in 
command of an American vessel. He has crossed the 
Atlantic more than seventy-five times, and Mrs. Read 
has accompanied him thirty-eight times. He has 
always given such satisfaction to owners and employ- 
ers that he never was recalled from the command of 
a vessel,- and has frequently been solicited to take a 
place in marine insurance offices. He has sailed in 
nearly or quite all the navigable waters of the globe, 
and has visited all civilized nations, and most of the 
principal ports of the world. 

He has owned the great majority of the vessels he 
has sailed, and established such confidence with the 
capitalists and prominent business men in the difi"er- 
ent parts of the world that his word was good for any 
amount of money he might need or call for, and he 
has in his possession to-day letters from Baring 
Brothers, the celebrated bankers of London, author- 
izing him to draw on them for any amount. Upon 
retiring from the life of mariner, Capt. Read returned 
home t^o Ills native village of Assonet, and the follow- 
ing year was elected to represent the sixth district of 
Bristol County in the State Legislature. He has 
always been Republican in politics. 

Sept. 13, 1837, he married Caroline Chase, daugh- 
ter of Capt. Allen and Sarah Chase. She was born 
Sept. 14, 1815. They have one son, Allen Washing- 
ton, born May 28, 1839. Mrs. Read is descended from 
one William Chase, who emigrated from England in 
1630, and settled in Yarmouth in 1637. The line of 



descent is as follows: William (1), Benjamin (2), 
Walter (3), George (4), Gilbert (5), and Allen (6). 

Capt. Read has a beautiful home in the picturesque 
little village of Assonet, and after roaming the wide 
world over, has followed the example of thousands of 
other of New England's .sons, returned to the home 
of his childhood to spend the' autumn of his days. 



DR. THOMAS G. NICHOLS. 
Dr. Thomas G. Nichols, of Freetown, was the 
youngest son of Capt. John Nichols, of that town, 
born Nov. 9, 1819.' Nurtured in a Christian home, he 
early manifested a desire for a liberal education, and 
was fitted for college under the tutelage of Mr. Ben- 
jamin Crane, A.M., a teacher in Assonet village, and 
entered Union College in 1839, and graduated in 1843 
in the class with Hon. Alexander H. Rice. His 
scholarship was such as gave him high standing in 
his class. He studied medicine, graduating at New 
Y^ork Medical College and Jefl'erson Medical Uni- 
versity, 1846 and 1847. Returning to his native town, 
be entered upon the practice of medicine, in which he 
continued for twelve years, and then relinquished it 
on account of the exposure incident to the wide cir- 
cuit which it embraced. It was with much reluctance 
that he abandoned the profession for which he was so 
eminently fitted, to embark in other business. In 
1862 he became a partner and financial manager in 
the firm of N. R. Davis & Co., manufacturers of fire- 
arms, continuing this connection till his death, which 
occurred Feb. 16, 1883. In his business relations he 
was widely known as a man of sterling integrity, just 
and liberal in all his dealings, careful and discrimi- 
! nating in judgment, courteous and considerate of the 
opinions and interest of his associates. Twenty years 
I devoted to this department of manufacturing, cover- 
ing the dark and trying season of the great civil 
war, taxed his physical powers to such a degree as 
to impair his health, which never was robust. In 
addition to his manufacturing he was active in the 
cause of agriculture, and was a prominent member 
for years of the Central Bristol Society. He early 
took a deep interest in public affairs, and was for 
many years prominent on the school board, and, in 
fact, was foremost in all that pertained to the best in- 
terest of his town. He was the representative of the 
Fourth Bristol District in the Legislature in 1858 and 
1867, in which capacity his rare discretion was ac- 
knowledged, and his influence and advice highly re- 
garded. 

In early life he disclosed a reverence for the re- 
ligion of his parents, and for more than thirty years 
was foremost in sustaining the ordinances of the gos- 
pel in his native village, and his consistent life was a 
perpetual illustration of the true Christian. As a 



1 For ancestral history, see biography of Walter D. Nichols, of Berk- 



lay. 





<</-c^ 




£^6^^ 




\ 



FREETOWN. 



307 



trusted friend he was much consulted, and was often 
called to settle disputes where lawsuits were threat- 
ened. In the settlement of estates he was frequently 
engaged, and the widow and orphan found in him a 
sympathizing friend. 

Politically he was a llepublican, having cast his 
first vote for James G. Birney. He was from the 
first among the active Free-Soilers, and rendered effi- 
cient service in the early struggle for the overthrow 
of the slave power. His firmness and stability of 
character were conspicuous, while courtesy and re- 
spect for the opinions of others was a part of his 
nature. His tender regard for those in trouble or dis- 
tress was early illustrated. While at the medical col- 
lege his chum was stricken with the smallpox, and 
being far from home was abandoned by even the so- 
ciety of which he was a member. Dr. Nichols stood 
by him, though fully expecting to contract the dis- 
ease, until death relieved him of his sufferings. In 
the more sacred and tender relation of domestic life 
his unsullied character was most happily revealed, 
while his broad culture and manly character were 
quickened with that benevolence that was eager in 
every enterprise promotive of the welfare of the family, 
the church, and the commuuity where he lived. Hap- 
pily married in 1852 to Miss Irene Lazell, daughter of 
Barzillia Crane, of Berkley, their children are Win- 
slow, Charlotte Crane, Gilbert M., John T., and Hes- 
ler D., the latter son a member of Harvard College. 

His only surviving brother is Curtis C. Nichols, 
treasurer of the Boston Five-Cent Savings-Bank. 



ALDEN HATHAWAY, .Jit. 

The first American ancestor of Alden Hathaway 
was John' Hathaway, who was one of the first settlers 
in the town of Taunton, Mass. He came from Eng- 
land about l{j40, and became a landholder in that 
part of Taunton now Berkley. He was a cominis- 
sioner, land agent, etc., of the Plymouth Colony, and 
a man of prominence and note in his day. He had 
a son, Johu^, who came to what is now Freetown, and 
became a landholder there before the town was in- 
corporated. This John had children, — Jacob, Thomas, 
Isaac, Ephraim, John, and a number of daughters. 

Isaac' inherited a part of the homestead of his 
father, and also the iron forge, which was established 
by his father. This was the first forge in the town. 
He was also a mill-owner, and was a man of push, 
sagacity, and enterprise. He had three sons — Thomas, 
Nicholas, and Peleg — and five daughters, — Martha, 
Phebe, Rebeccah, Mehala, and Jarah. 

Nicholas' married Rebecah Merritt, and became a 
farmer, inheriting a part of the original j)urchase by 
his grandfather, John, which was the eighteenth lot 
of the freemen's ])urchase. He had four children, — 
Stephen, Elkanah, Isaac, and Rebecca. She became 
the wife of Henry Tew. 

Stephen^, when of proper age, learned the carpenter's 



trade. He married Hope Peirce, of Middleborough, 
Mass., and resided there till 178(j, when he removed 
to Taunton, where he died in 1819. He represented 
Taunton in the vState Legislature, and was a promi- 
nent, influential, and honored citizen. He was the 
guardian of numerous children, and settled many 
estates, and was always regarded as a man of great 
probity and virtue. He had a family of thirteen 
children, — Leonard, Alden, Stephen, Nicholas, Anna 
(Atwood), Elias (died young), Ebenezer, Frederick, 
Anson, Hope, Polly (Pierce), Erastus, and one which 
died in infancy. 

Alden" was born A])ril 9, 1770. He learned car- 
pentering when a boy, but when he grew up he 
went to sea and became master of a vessel. When 
twenty-six years of age he met with the misfortune 
of losing his vessel at sea, and with it most of his 
possessions. He then gave up a seafaring life, and 
returning to his native town he engaged in trade at 
Assonet village, and became a successful business 
man, accumulating quite a property for those times. 
He was a much respected citizen of the town. He 
married Mercy Palmer, and had three children who 
reached maturity, — Gideon P., Anna A. (married 
Samuel Blake, of Taunton), and Alden. In 1821 he 
purchased the house formerly owned by his brother 
Nicliolas, who was a physician, and resided there 
until his death, September, 1861. 

Alden Hathaway, Jr., was born April (J, 1811. He 
received a common school education, and upon 
arriving at proper age he employed his time during 
several winters in teaching school, and in farming 
and trading during the summer months. He has 
been through life a trader and speculator and a suc- 
cessful business man. He is one of the few honor- 
able and worthy representatives of one of the most 
ancient, useful, and respectable families of the town. 
Among various positions of office and trust he has 
been chairman of. the board of .selectmen and over- 
seer of the poor, and was member of the board eight 
years. He was representative to the State Legislature 
two years (1838-39). He was reared in theDemocratic 
school of politics, voted that ticket many years, and 
was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic 
platform, but he now afliliates with the Republican 
party. He re.sides on the homestead of his father in 
Assonet village, and is passing down the hill of life 
with the pleasing consciousness that the acts of his 
long business career will bear the closest scrutiny, and 
that there is nothing in his past record that does not 
sustain the honor of the family name. 

He married Susan Hathaway, daughter of Edmund 
and Betsey Hathaway, and sister of Guilford H. Hath- 
away. (See his biography.) To this union there are 
three living children, one son and two daughters. 
The son went to California when eighteen years of 
age, married there, has three children, and is a suc- 
cessful business man. Mrs. Hathaway died Aug. 23, 
1882. 



308 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



A. H. CHACE. 
Abishai H. Chace was born in Freetown, Dec. 16, 
1807. He is a son of Edward and Permelia Chace, 
and grandson of Edward Chace. Both of these Ed- 
wards were natives of Freetown, and were men much 
respected and esteemed in their day. The Chace 
family is a very ancient one in New England. (For 
an extended genealogy of the family, see elsewhere 
in this volume.) The educational advantages aiforded 
boys in the rural districts at the period of Mr. Chace's 
boyhood were very limited indeed. An attendance of 
three nionlhs during the winter at the district school 
was the most to be hoped for, and fortunate, indeed, 
was the lad who could boast of an unbroken attend- 
ance during even that short term. Mr. Chace was no 
exception to the general rule, but he read more out of 
school than most boys, and so managed to secure a 
pretty ftiir English education. His first start in busi- 
ness life was as a farm laborer. After one year spent 
in this manner, he became clerk in a country store, 
where he remained three years. He then engaged in 
farming and lumbering, and this has been his business 
chiefly through life. In 1869, at the earnest solicita- 
tion of Mr. Joseph Grinnell, who was then president 
of the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad, he was 
induced to come to Braley Station, on that road, and 
assume the duties of station-agent at that place. In 
connection with his duties as agent lie also established 
a store at the same point, and has continued merchan- 
dising to the present time. He was a Democrat in 
politics until the election of Franklin Pierce as Presi- 
dent of the United States. Since that time he has affil- 
iated with the Republican party. He is a member of 
the Christian Baptist Church, has been selectman and 
overseer of the poor, and is now road commissioner. 
He has always been an earnest advocate of temper- 
ance, and his own hale, hearty manhood in old age is 
itself an impressive sermon in favor of total absti- 
nence. In his younger days he was for many years 
an ensign in the militia ranks, and afterwards lieu- 
tenant. 

Mr. Chace is an example of what may be accom- 
plished in the quiet walks of life, even under adverse 
circumstances, by honesty, fidelity of purpose, and 
industry. He commenced his married life almost 
literally without a dollar, reared a large family of 
children, and is to-day in comfortable circumstances. 
He married Feb. 14, 1828, Lucy Cummings, daugh- 
ter of George Cummings, of Lakeville. To them 
were born fourteen children : George, born April 15, 
1830; Sarah J., born May 22, 1831 ; Albert F., born 
Nov. 24, 1832 ; Azel, born May 3, 1834 (deceased) ; 
William C, born Sept. 22, 1835 ; Lucy P., born Oct. 
6, 1837; Azel (2), born Nov. 20, 1838; Seth H., born 
Nov. 1, 1841 (deceased) ; Ophelia, born April 27, 
1843 (deceased); Franklin J., born Sept. 16, 1844; 
Carlton, born Dec. 15, 1845 (deceased); Arline F., 
born May 24, 1847 ; John C, born June 25, 1849 ; 
Ellen C, born May 22, 1851 (deceased). 



Mr. Chace married for his second wife, March 23, 
1853, Mrs. Jane Gibson, of New Bedford, by whom 
he had four children, — Charles S., born July 18, 1854 ; 
Annie D., born Sept. 11, 1856; Carrie E., born Oct. 
16, 1858 ; and James S., born Oct. 27, 1863. 

All of the children by his first wife are married. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

FALL KIVER.i 

Geograpbical — Topographical — Original Purchase of 1656 — The Indian 
Deed — The Pocasset Purchase in IGSO — Incorporation of Freetown 
and Tiverton — Disputed Boundaries — Division of Pocasset Purchase 
^Early Settlers — Col. Benjamin Church — John Borden — The Pioneer 
Grist-, Saw-, and Fnllirig-31ill — Early Valuaticnis — Slow Growth of the 
Settlement — The Village in 1803 — Increased Population — Census of 
1810— The First Cotton-Factory— Col. Joseph Durfee— Fall Eiver in 
1SI3— .\ New Era. 

Fall River lies in the southwestern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by 
Taunton River and Freetown ; on the east by Free- 
town ; on the south by Westport, Dartmouth, and 
Rhode Island; and on the west by Mount Hope Bay 
and Taunton River. 

This section of territory originally embraced a por- 
tion of what was known as the " Freeman's Purchase," 
a tract of land which was granted by the Plymouth 
Colony to a number of freemen July 3, 1656. This tract 
lay east of Taunton River, four milee in width, and 
from six to seven in length, bounded on the south by 
Quequechan, and on the north by Assonet Neck. 
April 2, 1659, a warrantee deed of this tract was given 
to Capt. James Cudworth, Josiah Winslow, and others 

I by Ossamequin (Massasoit), Wamsutta, his son, and 
Tattapanum, wife of Wamsutta, usually called Weeta- 
moe. This deed was signed by Wamsutta and Tatta- 
panum, in presence of Thomas Cooke, Jonathan Bridg, 
and John Sassamon, and July 9, 1859, was acknowl- 
edged by " Wamsutta and Squaw Pattapanum" before 

I Josiah Winslow and William Bradford, assistants. 

' O.ssamequin never signed the deed. 

The consideration for this purchase was "' twenty 

. coats, two rugs, two iyon pots, two kettles and one 
little kettle, eight pairs of shoes, six pairs of stock- 
ings, one dozen hoes, one dozen hatchets, two yards 

I of broadcloth, and a debt satisfied to John Barnes, 

; which was due from Wamsutta to John Barnes." 
This grant was incorporated in 1683 as Freetown. 
"The first settlers," says the late Rev. Orin Fowler, 
" were principally from Plymouth, Marshfield, and 
Scituate. Some were from Taunton, and a few from 

t Rhode Island. The early names were Cudworth, 

i Winslow, Morton, Read, Hathaway, Durfee, Terry, 

I '. L 

1 For much of the earlier history of Fall River, before it became a 
separate towu, imiuiling oiiginal owners of lots, names of R«vulutioti- 
ary soliiiers, early record history, etc., see history of Freetown elsewliere 
' in this work. 





cyrowh^ fi/ 2>/?^t^^^ 



FALL RIVER. 



309 



Borden, Brightmaii, Chase, and Davis. The purchase 
was divided into twenty-six shares, and the shares 
were set off — whether by lot or otherwise does not 
appear — to the several purchasers. After the division 
into shares was made, there was a piece of land be- 
tween the first lot or share and Tiverton bounds, 
which in 1702 it was voted by the proprietors be sold 
' to procure a piece of laud near the centre of the town 
for a burying-place, a training-field, or any other 
public use the town shall see cause to improve it for.' 
Accordingly this piece of land was sold to John Bor- 
den, of Portsmouth, E. I., the highest bidder, for 
nine pounds and eight shillings, and was the territory 
on which that part of the village south of Bedford 
Street and north of the stream now stands. This 
John Borden is believed to be the ancestor of all who 
sustain his name in this vicinity." 

The occupation of this tract soon attracted the 
attention of other enterprising pioneers, and in 1680 
a second grant was made to Edward Gray, of Plym- 
outh ; Nathaniel Thomas, of Marshfield; Benjamin 
Churchi/Daniel Wilcox, and Thomas Manchester, of 
Puncatest ; and Christopher and John Almy and 
Thomas Waite, of Portsmouth, R. I., of a tract extend- 
ing south along the bay from the Qnequechan to the 
town of Dartmouth and Seaconnet and inland from 
four to six miles. This tract was purchased from the 
Indians for the sum of eleven hundred pounds, and 
was known as the Pocasset Purchase, and was subse- 
quently incorporated as the town of Tiverton. 

For several years after Freetown and Tiverton were 
incorporated there was a dispute respecting the boun- 
dary line between the two towns, which was amicably 
adjusted in 1700 by a committee, consisting of Josiah 
Winslow, Robert Durfee, and Henry Brightman, of 
Freetown, and Richard Borden, Christopher Almy, 
and Samuel Little, of Tiverton. 

The division line settled by this committee ex- 
tended by a cleft rock, over which the store of Reed 
& Bowen' now stands, southwardly to tlie Fall River, 
thence the river to be the bound to its mouth, and 
from the cleft rock easterly about on the line of the 
present Bedford Street. This continued to be the line 
between these two ancient towns so long as Tiverton 
belonged to Massachusetts. 

In 1740 a dispute ai'ose concerning the boundary 
line between the colonies of Massachusetts and Rhode 
Island, and a roy.al commission was appointed to de- 
termine the true boundary, whose report, in 1746, was 
confirmed by the king, though appealed from by both 
colonies. Ex parte lines were run by Rhode Island, 
which were found incorrect when revised by Massa- 
chusetts in 1791. 

" One of the decrees in the king's award mentioned 
'a certain point four hundred and forty rods to the 
southward of the mouth of the Fall River,' from which 
a line was to be run three miles towards the east, 

1 In 1841. 



forming the northern boundary of that part of Rhode 
Island. In measuring this four hundred and forty 
rods the ex parte commissioners of 1746 'measured 
round a cove or inlet, and followed the sinuosities of 
the shore' until they reached a point from a quarter 
to a half mile farther north than if the same distance 
had been measured in a straight line. From this 
point they extended the three-mile line, running it 
through the southern part of the village of Fall River 
at the old Buttonwood Tree, so called, on Main Street, 
a little north of the present line of Columbia Street. 
No definite decision of the question in dispute was 
reached at the time, and in 1844 another commission 
was appointed, which in 1848 made a report to their 
respective Legislatures. 

" In a matter so seriously aflecting the interests of 
Fall River, it was deemed expedient to appoint a 
committee, consisting of Rev. Orin Fowler, Dr. Foster 
Hooper, and Dr. Phineas W. Leland, to petition the 
Massachusetts Legislature not to allow any settlement 
of the boundary line less advantageous than that 
granted by George II. in 1746. This committee 
claimed, and gave good reasons therefor, that George 
II. designed that the point from which to run the 
three-mile line should be four hundred and forty rods 
in a direct line from the mouth of the Fall River. 
They showed that in making these measurements as 
they had ' the Rhode Island commissioners added to 
their State a thickly-settled territory with about fif- 
teen hundred inhabitants, and a taxable property 
valued at nearly half a million dollars, when, if the 
measurements had been made in straight lines, not 
only would the design of George II. and his commis- 
sioners have been carried out, but Fall River would 
have been brought within the bounds of one State, 
with no danger of its thickly-settled territory being 
again jilaced under a divided jurisdiction.' In con- 
sequence of these representations the Massachusetts 
Legislature refused to ratify the decisfon of the com- 
missioners of 1848, and by agreement of the two 
States the question was referred to the United States 
Supreme Court. 

"In 1860 the Supreme Court appointed engineers, 
with instructions to measure and mark a described 
line which should be tlie true boundary between the 
two States, the decree to take effect in March, 1862. 
The full claim of neither State was granted, but such 
a boundary fixed as to give an undivided jurisdiction 
to densely-populated districts without infringing on 
the rights of any. By this change of boundary 
Massachusetts acquired a territory comprising about 
eleven square miles. Of this about nine square miles, 
with a population of nearly three thousand six hun- 
dred, and a taxable property of some two million dol- 
lars, were embraced within tlie limits of the city of 
Fall River." 

" The Pocasset Purchase," says Rev. Orin Fowler, 
in 1841 (after reserving thirty rods wide adjacent to 
the Freeman's Purchase and the river and some other 



310 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



small tracts), was divided into thirty shares and dis- 
tributed among the proprietors, the lot nearest the 
river being numbered one. This piece of hind, in- 
cluding the water-power on the south side of the 
river to (the present) Main Street, and on both 
sides east of said street to Watuppa Pond, contain- 
ing sixty-six acres of land, was also divided into 
thirty shares and sold to the original purchasers. Col. 
Church and his brother Caleb, of Watertown (who 
was a millwright), bought twenty-six and a half of 
the thirty shares, and thereby became the chief 
owners of the water-power. On the 8th of August, 
1691, Caleb Church sold his right in this property 
(thirteen and a half shares) to his brother Benjamin, 
who then became the owner of twenty-six and a half 
shares. Probably John Borden purchased the other 
three and a half shares. In 1703, Col. Church had 
moved to Fall River and improved 1:116 water-power 
by erecting a saw-mill, grist-mill, and fulling-mill. 
His dwelling-house stood between the present resi- 
dence of Col. Richard Borden and that of his brother 
Jefterson, and remained till within forty years. He 
continued at Fall River but a few years, and, Sept. 
IS, 1714, sold the above-named twenty-six and a half 
shares to Richard Borden, of Tiverton, and Joseph 
Borden, of Freetown, sons of John; and thus the 
lands on both sides of the river, with all the water- 
power, came into the possession of the Borden family, 
John Borden having previously purchased that on 
the north side, west of Main Street." 

Caleb Churcli sold his interest for one hundred 
pounds. At this rate the whole sixty -six acres was val- 
ued, in 1(391, at about seven hundred and forty dollars. 
The piece on tlie north side cost John Borden about 
thirty-one dollars and thirty-four cents ; total, seven 
hundred and seventy-one dollars and thirty-four 
cents. Tills included the whole of the water-power 
and most of the land where the village now stands, 
together with a strip east to Watuppa Pond. Twenty- 
six and a half shares of the above sixty-six acres were 
sold by Col. Church in 1714 for one thousand pounds. 

The Village in 1803.— The embryo settlement 
thus founded by Col. Church and John Borden was, 
however, of slow growth. Although Col. Church had 
erected a saw-, grist-, and fulling-milP on the stream, 
and was doubtless an enterprising man of that day, 
still there seemed to be nothing of particular advan- 
tage to attract the settler, and as late as 1803, one 
hundred years later, we find the village numbering 
only eighteen dwellings and about one hundred in- 
habitants. 

"In Xorth Main Street," says Rev. Grin Fowler, 
" there were six houses occupied by Charles Durfee, 
Daniel Bufliugton, John Luther, Abner Davol, John 
Cook, and Mary Borden. In East Central Street there 
were four occupied by Nathan Bovven, Perry Borden, 



^ This mill stood on the Boutli side of the stream near the south end 
of tlie present granite block. 



Seth Borden, and Elihu Cook. In West Central 
Street there were two occupied by Nathan Borden 
and Daniel Borden. In South Main Street there were 
five occupied by Simeon Borden, Richard Borden, 
Thomas Borden, Benjamin Brayton, and Francis 
Brayton. Near the shore there was one occupied by 
Thomas Borden. Of these eighteen families nine 
were Bordens." 

From this period, however, as the natural advan- 
tages of the place began to be appreciated the growth 
of the settlement was more rapid, and in 1810 the 
population of the town numbered twelve hundred and 
ninety-six. And among this number was one par- 
ticularly enterprising spirit who did much to advance 
the interest of the town at that period, and became 
the pioneer in cotton manufacturing in Fall River, 
Col. Joseph Durfee. This pioneer mill of Col. Dur- 
fee's wa.s a small affair, erected in 1811 at Globe vil- 
lage. 

Fall River in 1813.— Henry H. Earl, Esq., in his 
excellent work published in 1877, entitled " Fall 
River and its Industries," in speaking of the town in 
1813, says, — 

"The resident community of Fall River, or Troy, 
as it was then called, was located about what is now 
the centre of the city, the main street following the 
line of the present i)rincipal thoroughfare northward, 
and another considerable street trending eastward to 
the lake. The greater part of the residences were in 
these two avenues. Within a territory approximating 
to one and a half miles square, which would be desig- 
nated at that day the village, were about thirty dwell- 
ing-houses, three saw-mills, four grist-mills, one full- 
ing-mill, a blacksniithy with trip-hammer, and several 
small stores. The population was estimated at three 
hundred. 

"One small, three-masted vessel, which had been 
engaged in foreign trade, but was, for a short period 
after the war, hauled up in the creek where the ' Old 
Depot' was afterwards located, and a few small sloops 
carrying cord-wood to Newport and Bristol, consti- 
tuted the local shipping interest. There was no regu- 
lar conveyance to Providence, and what freight was 
transferred between the two places went by craft ply- 
ing between Providence and Taunton, which, in de- 
fault of wharfage convenience at the Falls, stopped at 
the ferry two miles up the river, where all the cotton 
and merchandise was landed for some years. The 
first craft regularly sailing to Providence was a small 
schooner, or two-masted lighter, large enough to load 
ten bales of cotton and a small additional cargo of 
flour and miscellaneous goods. This was succeeded 
by the sloop ' Fall River,' of thirty or forty tons ca- 
pacity, and that again by the sloop ' Argonaut,' and 
another craft whose name is forgotten, which sus- 
tained the communication till the steamer ' Hancock' 
was put on. 

"The religious and educational structures of the 
village were far from suggestive of the present num- 



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FALL RIVEB. 



311 



ber, convenience, or architectural beauty. ' In 1813,' 
says our chronicle, ' there was one poor old dilapi- 
dated wooden meeting-house, neither plastered nor 
lathed, which stood upon the line dividing the States, 
occupied occasionally. The regular place of worship 
on the Sabbath was at the Narrows, about two miles 
east. There was one, and only one, good school- 
house in the village, which stood on the corner of 
Annawan and South Main Streets.' The residences 
were of the usual simple and plain construction 
adopted in early Now England communities, the most 
pretentious one being erected by Charles Durfee in 
1811, and standing until 1857, when it was burned 
down. The richest resident from 1813 to 1824 was 
estimated worth forty thousand dollars, 'and there 
were but a small number of this class.' The entire 
valuation for some years did not exceed five hundred 
thousand dollars, and the total taxation in 1813 was 
fifteen hundred dollars." 

The location as a manufacturing centre now began 
to attract the attention of leading men in this and 
adjoining towns, and the year 1813 witnessed the 
organization of the Fall River Manufactory and Troy 
Mills, and from that time to the present, the growth of 
the city as a manufacturing centre has been almost 
phenomenal. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

FALL RIVER.— (Coin!,iu,:,l.) 

WAR OF THE REVOLCTION. 

Reminiscences of Col. Joseph Durfee — Early Incidenta— 1777 — Fall 
Biver e.V]io8ed to the British — Organization of a Guard of Safety — The 
Britisit approach the Town by Boats — Fired upon by the Guard at the 
Bay — Itetreat of the Guard — Pursuit by the Enemy — Battle near the 
Bridge' — Tlie Enemy defeated — Bnrningof Buildings by tlie British — 
Capture of Jlichard Borden — Retreat of the Enemy. 

Thk following reminiscences of Col. Joseph Dur- 
fee, written in 1834, is an invaluable contribution to 
the pioneer Revolutionary history of the town : 

" .Tosepli Durfee was the eldest son of the late Hon. 
Thomas Durfee. He was born iu April, in the year 
1750, in what is now the city of Fall River. At that 
time, and until within a few years, the Fall River 
stream was owned by the Bordens. Much of what is 
now in the city, where are elegant buildings and a 
dense population, was then a wilderness, where the 
goats lodged in the winter seasons. The Bordens and 
the Durfees were then the principal proprietors of the 
Pocasset Purchase, and owners of the land on the 
south side of what is now Main Street for more than 
a mile in length. Thomas and Joseph Borden owned 
the south side of the stream, and Stephen Borden 
owned the north side. Thomas Borden owned a saw- 
mill and a grist-mill at that time, standing where the 



1 Tliis battle was fouglit nearly in front of the location of the present 
City Hall. 



old saw- and grist-mills stood near the iron-works 
establishmetit. 

"Thomas Borden left a widow and four children, 
viz., Richard, Christopher, Rebecca, and Mary. Jo- 
seph Borden, brother of Thomas, owned a fulling-mill, 
which stood near where the Poca.sset Factory now 
stands. He was killed by the machinery of his full- 
ing-mill. He left four children, viz., Abraham, Sam- 
uel, Patience, and Peace. Patience was my mother. 
Stephen Borden, who owned the north side of the 
stream, had a grist-mill and a saw-mill standing 
near where the woolen establishment has since been 
erected. He left six children, viz., Stephen, George, 
Mary, Hannah, Penelope, and Lusannah. 

" The widow of Joseph Borden was afterwards mar- 
ried to Benjamin Jenks, by whom she had six chil- 
dren, — John, Joseph, Hannah, Catherine, Ruth, and 
Lydia. The widow of Stephen Borden was married 
to John Bowen, by whom she had two sons, — Nathan 
and John. 

" At that time, and until within a few years, there 
were but two saw-mills, two grist-mills, and a fulling- 
mill standing on the Fall River. There are now 
about forty different mills on the river. The stream 
was very small ; but the falls were so great that there 
was little occasion for dams to raise a i)ond sufficient 
to carry the wheels then in operation. A small foot- 
bridge, which stood near where the main street now 
crosses the stream, afforded the only means of passing 
from one side to the other of the stream, except by 
fording it. There was formerly a small dam near 
where the Troy Factory now stands, over which the 
water flowed the greater part of the year. When it 
failed, those who owned the mills near the mouth of 
the stream hoisted the gates at the upper dam and 
drew the water down. It was no uncommon thing, 
twenty-five or thirty years ago, for the water to be so 
low and the river so narrow at the head of the stream 
that a person might step across without difficulty. It 
was frequently not more than six inches deep. At 
one time there was a foot-bridge of stepping-stones 
only across the Narrows between the North and South 
Ponds. 

"Our country has been involved in three wars since 
my recollection. The first was with the French and 
Indians, when we fought for our lives. The French 
ofiered a bounty for every scalp which the Indians 
would bring them. It was therefore certain death to 
all who fell into the Indians' hands. I distinctly 
recollect the time when Gen. Wolfe was killed, and 
of seeing the soldiers on their march to reinforce the 
array. I saw many men enlist into the service, and 
among them Joseph Valentine, father of William 
Valentine, of Providence. I was then about ten 
years of age. 

" The second war was with Great Britain, during 
the greater part of which I was actively engaged in 
tiie service of my country. We then fought for our 
liberty. We were divided into two parties, called 



312 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Whigs and Tories, the former the friends of liberty 
and independence, the latter the enemies of both. 
Before the Revolution broke out the Whig.'i were bu.sy 
in making saltpetre and gunpowder, in making and 
preparing small-arms, in training and learning the 
art of war. At this time we of this State were British 
subjects, and constituted what was then called the 
Colony of Massachusetts. Conventions were held in 
the colony to transact the business and consult upoti 
the affairs of the colony. At one of these conven- 
tions I received a captain's commission, signed by 
Walter Spooner, Esq., and took the command of a 
company of minute-men. 

" British ships, commanded by Wallace, Asque, 
and Howe, early in the Revolution, were off our 
coast, in the river and bay, harassing and distressing 
the towns of Newport, Bristol, and other towns on the 
river. I was called upon with my company and such 
others as could be mustered to guard the shores and 
prevent the British from landing, until the colony 
could raise a force sufficient to protect the inh.ab- 
itants from their depredations. 

"In 1776, after the battle on Long Ishind, a rein- 
forcement w.as called for to cover the retreat of the 
American troops. I was ordered to take the com- 
mand of a company of sixty men and march forth- 
with to the army then retreating from New York. 
These orders were promptly obeyed. With the com- 
pany under my command, I joined the regiment 
commanded by Col. Thomas Carpenter, and by a 
forced march we reached the army a few days before 
the battle at the White Plains. In that engagement 
I took an active part. 

" Soon after my return home from the liattle at the 
White Plains, the British landed at Newport, on 
Rhode Island, and took possession of that town. 
I was called upon to proceed immediately with my 
company to assist in covering the retreat of the small 
forces then commanded by Col. John Cook from the 
island of Rhode Island. This was effected without 
loss, though attended with difficulty and delay, as 
there was no bridge from the island to the mainland. 
At that time the inhabitants in the south p:irt of 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island were in a critical 
situation. They were nearly surrounded with British 
emissaries. A part of the English squadron lay off 
our coast, and their troops had possession of the south 
part of Rhode Island. Both were harassing our towns, 
destroying property, and making prisoners of the in- 
habitants. In addition to this, we had Tories at home, 
enemies in disguise, who were aiding and abetting the 
British, while they professed friendship for the cause 
of liberty and for those who were shedding their blood 
to obtain it. 

" Early in the spring of 1777, I received a major's 
commission, and was stationed at Little Compton, in 
the State of Rhode Island, in the regiment under the 
command of Col. John Hathaway, of Berkley, Mass. 
At Little Compton, and in that neighborhood, I con- 



tinued several months on duty with the regiment, 
often changing our station to repel the invasions of 
the enemy and to protect the inhabitants from their 
frequent depredations. In the fall of 1777, 1 returned 
home to Fall River. I found the citizens, among 
whom were my relatives and best friends, exposed 
and continually harassed by the enemy. I a|)plied 
to several of the leading and influential men of this 
place, and proposed raising a guard for the safety and 
protection of the inhabitants. They coincided with 
my views, and the necessity of a guard to protect our 
defenseless inhabitants. I went to Providence to con- 
sult Gen. Sullivan, who was commander-in-chief of 
all the forces raised in this section of the country, 
and to obtain assistance from him. He approved of 
my plan of raising a guard, and gave me an order for 
two whale-boats, and an order also for rations for 
twenty men, drawn upon the commissary, then at 
Bristol. I soon raised a guard, procured the store 
now standing at theend of the Iron-Works Company's 
wharf in this place for a guard-house, where we met 
every day, called the roll, and stationed sentinels for 
the night to watch the movements of the enemy, and 
give the alarm when approached. The orders of the 
sentinel were peremptory, — that if a boat was seen 
approaching in the night, to hail them three times, 
and if no answer was received, to fire upon them. It 
was not long before one of the guard, Samuel Reed, 
discovered boats silently and cautiously approaching 
the shore from the bay. The ch.illenge was given, 
but no answer received. He fired upon the boats. 
This created an alarm, and the whole neighborhood 
were soon in arms. I stationed the guard behind a 
stone wall, and kept up a constant fire upon the 
enemy, until they brought their cannon to bear upon 
us, and commenced firing grape-shot among us. when, 
as we were unable to return the compliment, it was 
deemed advisable to retreat. Two of tlie guard were 
sent to remove all the planks which laid over the 
.stream for foot-people to cross upon, and to cut off, 
as far as possible, every facility for crossing the 
stream, except the upper bridge. We then retreated 
slowly until we reached the main road, near where 
the bridge now crosses the stream. I then gave 
orders to form and give them battle. This was done, 
and never were soldiers more brave. So roughly were 
the enemy handled by our little band of Spartans that 
they soon beat up a retreat, leaving behind them one 
dead and another bleeding to death, besides the 
wounded whom they carried away. 

" The wounded soldier left by the enemy, before 
he expired, informed me that the number of the 
enemy who attacked us was about one hundred and 
fifty, commanded by Maj. Ayers. When the enemy 
landed they set fire to the house of Thomas Borden, 
then nearly new. They next set fire to a grist-mill 
and a saw-mill belonging to Mr. Borden, standing at 
the mouth of the Fall River. These buildings I 
saw when set on fire. When tlie British troops re- 



FALL RIVER. 



313 



treated, as they were compelled to do from the shots 
of our little band of volunteers, they set fire to the 
house and other buildings of Richard Borden, then 
an aged man, and took him prisoner. We pursued 
them so closely in their retreat that we were enabled 
to save the buildings which they had last fired. The 
British were frequently fired upon, and not a little 
annoyed by the musketry of our soldiers as they 
passed down the bay in their boats on their retreat. 
Mr. Richard Borden, whom they took prisoner, was 
in one of their boats. Finding themselves closely 
pursued by a few American soldiers, who from the 
shore poured in their shot and balls upon them as 
fast as they could load and fire, and finding them- 
selves in danger from the musketry of these few brave 
Whigs who pursued them, they ordered Mr. Borden, 
their prisoner, to stand up in the boat, hoping that 
his comrades on the shore would recognize him, and 
desist from firing upon them. But this he refused 
to do, and threw himself flat into the bottom of the 
boat. While lying there a shot from the Americans 
on shore killed one of the British soldiers standing 
by his side in the boat. Mr. Borden was obsti- 
nately silent to all the questions which were asked 
him, so that not being able to make any profitable 
use of him they dismissed him in a few days on 
parole. This engagement took place of a Sabbath 
morning, on the 25th of May, 1778. The two British 
soldiers killed in this engagement were buried at 
twelve o'clock on the same day of the battle, near 
where the south end of the Massasoit Factory now ' 
stands. 

" During a considerable part of the month of Au- 
gust following we were busily engaged in procuring 
arms, ammunition, and provisions for the soldiers, 
and in building flat-bottomed boats and scows for 
the troops to cross over tlie river on to Rhode Island, 
with a view to dislodge the British army who then 
had possession of the island. A barn, now standing 
near the stone bridge, was occupied for a commissary 
store, of which I had the charge until things were 
in readiness and the troops prepared to cross over to 
the island, when I left the store in charge of my 
friend and relative, Walter Chaloner. 

" In the forepart of August, 1778, the American 
troops embarked in the boats and scows prepared for 
them and landed on Rhode Island, where I joined 
them, having been appointed a major in Col. Whit- 
ney's regiment. Our troops were then marched to a 
spot but a short distance to the nortli of what is 
called Butts' Hill, where they encamped for the 
night, with but the canopy of heaven for a covering 
and the ground for our beds. But we were animated 
with the hope of liberty, with a belief that we were 
engaged in a righteous cause, and that He who sways 
the sceptre of the universe would prosper our under- 
taking. At this time we were anxiously looking 
for the French fleet, from which we hoped for as- 
sistance against the enemy, whose numerous bodies 



of troops were before us. Soon the French fleet hove 
in sight, when the British set fire to the shipping in 
the harbor and blew up most of the vessels within 
their reach. Not long after the French fleet came 
up, the British fleet appeared in the offing. Imme- 
diately the French fleet tacked about, went out and 
attacked the British squadron, when broadsides were 
exchanged and a bloody battle ensued. A tremen- 
dous storm came on, long remembered as the August 
storm, in which the two fleets were separated, and 
many who had escaped the cannon's mouth found a 
watery grave. The French fleet, or so much of it 
as survived the storm, went into Boston to repair, 
and the remnant of the British fleet went into New 
York. 

" Soon after this storm our troops marched in three 
divisions towards Newport, — one on the East road so 
called, one on the West road, and the brigade com- 
manded by Gen. Titcomb moved in the centre, — 
until we came in sight of Newport, when orders were 
given to halt, erect a marquee, and pitch our tents. 
General orders were issued for a detachment from the 
army of three thousand men, our nun)ber being too 
small to risk a general engagement with the great 
body of British troops then quartered on the south 
end of the island. Early on the next morning a de- 
tachment of troops, of which I was one, was ordered 
to proceed forthwith and take possession of what was 
called Hunneman's Hill. 

" The morning was foggy, and enabled us to advance 
some distance unobserved by the enemy, but the fog 
clearing away before we reached the hill, we were 
discovered by the British and Tory troops, who com- 
menced such a heavy cannonade upon us that it was 
deemed expedient by the commanding officers, to pre- 
vent the destruction of many of our brave troops, that 
we should fall back and advance under the cover of 
night. Accordingly, when night came, we marched 
to the hill undiscovered by the enemy. We imme- 
diately commenced throwing up a breastwork and 
building a fort. When daylight appeared we had 
two cannon mounted, — one twenty-four pounder and 
one eighteen, — and with our breastwork we had com- 
pleted a covered way, to pass and repass without being 
seen by the enemy. The British had a small fort or 
redoubt directly under the muzzles of our cannon, 
with which we saluted them, and poured in shot so 
thick upon them that they were compelled to beat up 
a retreat. But they returned again at night to repair 
their fort, when they commenced throwing bombshells 
into our fort, which, however, did but little damage. 
I saw several of them flying over our heads, and one, 
bursting in the air, a fragment fell upon the shoulder 
of a soldier and killed him. 

" At this time we were anxiously waiting the return 
of the French fleet from Boston, where they had gone 
to repair. But learning that they could not then re- 
turn, and knowing the situation of the British troops, 
that they were enlarging and strengthening their forts 



314 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and redoubts, and that they had reinforcements arriv- 
ing daily from New York, it was deemed expedient by 
our commanding officers, Lafayette, Greene, and Sulli- 
van, all experienced and brave generals, that we 
should retreat to the north end of the island. 

"Accordingly, on the 29th day of August, early in 
the morning, we struck our marquee and tents and 
commenced a retreat. The British troops followed, 
and soon came up with our rear-guard and com- 
menced firing upon them. The shots were briskly 
returned and continued at intervals, until our troops 
were joined by a part of our army a short distance to 
the south of Quaker Hill, so called, when a general 
engagement ensued, in which many lives were lost on 
both sides. At night we retreated from the island 
to Tiverton. On the following day we left Tiverton, 
crossed over Slade's Ferry, and marched through 
Pawtucket and Providence to Pawtu.xet, where we 
remained until our term of service expired. 

"Some time after this I received a lieutenant-col- 
onel's commission and took the command of a regi- 
ment to guard the sea-shores, and a part of the time 
my regiment was stationed at Providence. I soon re- 
ceived orders from Gen. Gates, who at that time was 
principal in command, to marcli with my regiment to 
Tiverton and join Gen. Cornell's brigade. The war 
now raged throughout the country. Old and young, 
parents and children, all, excepting the Tories, were 
engaged in the common cause of their country, in 
breaking the shackles of colonial bondage, in obtain- 
ing her liberty, and achieving her independence. 
Old England now began to examine the prospects be- 
fore her. vShe found, after a bloody contest, what she 
might and ouglu to have known before, that her re- 
bellious colonies, as she was pleased to term them, 
could be ruled, but not ridden upon, that by mild 
and liberal measures she might have retained a valu- 
able part of her kingdom. She discovered her error 
too late to profit by it. The brave people of her col- 
onies were resolved to throw off the yoke and them- 
selves be free. 

"On the 29th day of October, 1779, the British 
troops left Khode Island, and the Americ.an troops, 
under the (5bmmand of Gens. Gates and Cornell, 
marched on to the island and took possession of the 
town of Newport. On the 29th day of December 
following, my time of service having expired, I 
returned home to my family. This was the coldest 
winter known during the last century. The river 
and bay were frozen over so thick that people with 
loaded teams passed all the way from Fall River to 
Newport on the ice. I continued in the service of 
my country until about the close of the Eevolu- 
tioniiry war, when I I'emoved from Fall River to 
Tiverton, in the State of Rhode Island, where I 
lived about thirty years. During this time I was 
elected by my fellow-citizens to several offices in 
town, and was a member of the General Assembly 
for many years. 



" When Thomas Jefferson was elected President 
of the United States in 1801, and the Democratic 
fever raged to the highest pitch, I was what was 
then called a Federalist, and having repeatedly 
sworn to support the Federal Constitution, could not 
consent to tui;n my coat wrong side out. I was 
therefore not permitted to Bold any office for some 
time after. But in time this party fever abated, and 
finally the peojile united in electing Mr. Monroe, 
under the general appellation of Federal Republi- 
cans. Attempts have since been made to alter the 
Constitution, that noble fabric reared by the Revolu- 
tionary patriots?, and should they succeed it will be, 
in my estimation, like sewing new cloth to an old 
garment." 



CHAPTER XXV. 

FALL IIIVER.— ( Continued.) 

THE MANUrACTURING INTEREST. 

The PioiiPer Cottou Miinufactnrer in Fall River — Col. Joseph Dtirfee — 
The First Mill— The Fall River Manufactory— The Troy Cotton an.l 
Woolen 3Iannfactory — The Pocasset Manufacturing Company — The 
Annawan Manufactory — The Metacomet Manufacturing Company — 
The American Linen Company — Union Slanufacturing Company — 
The Granite Mills— The Robeson Mills— The Tecumseh Mills— The 
Dnrfee Mills — The Davol Mills — The Merchants' M.anufacturing Com- 
pany — The Mechanics' Mills— The Stafford Mills — The Weetnmoe 
Mills — The Slade Mills — The Richard Borden Manufacturing Com- 
pany — The Wampanoag Mills — The Narragansett Mills — The King 
Philip Mills— The Crescent Mills— The Montiup Mills— The Osboru 
Mills— The Chase Mills— The Flint Mills— The Borden City Mills— 
The Sagamore Mills — The Shove Mills — The Barnard Manufacturing 
Company— The Conanicut Mills— The Globe Yaru-Mills- The Bourne 
Mill — The Laurel Lake Mills — The Bartiaby Manufacturing Com- 
pany — The Fall River Bleachery — Wamsutta .Steam Woolen Mill — 
The Wyoming Mills — The Massasoit Manufacturing Company — Fall 
River Merino Company — Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company — The 
Fall River Iron-Works C(Hnpany — Fall River Machine Company — 
Hargraves Manufacturing Company — The Fall River Gas-Works — 
The Manufacturers' Gas-Light Company — Watuppa Reservoir Com- 
pany — American Printing Company — Union Belt Company — Globe 
Street Railway — The Qnequechan Mills —An Old Landmark. 

The manufacturing of cotton in Fall River dates 
back to 1811, when Col. Joseph Durfee, in company 
with a few others, erected a small wooden factory in 
what is now known as Globe village. This pioneer 
establishment was continued until 1829, when it was 
changed into a print-works, and finally destroyed by 
fire in 1838. This enterprise was not practically suc- 
cessful, probably for the lack in the promoters of 
practical knowledge of the business. Col. Durfee was 
a prominent citizen, and during the Revolutionary 
war was a zealous patriot, and held the rank of lieu- 
tenant-colonel in a regiment recruited from this 
section. 

The Fall River Manufactory.— The year 1S13 
ushered in an important era in the history of Fall 
River. That year witnessed the organization of the 
first regular cloth manufacturing enterprise on a sub- 
stantial basis in the town. In the month of March 
two companies were incorporated,— the Fall River 



FALL RIVER. 



315 



Manufactory and the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manu- 
factory. The Fall River company was organized with 
a capital of S40,000, its prominent promoters being 
Daniel Antliony, Dexter Wheeler, and Abraham 
Bowen, with Anthony as treasurer and agent. Mr. 
Anthony was a native of Somerset. The mill was 
erected in 1813, and was sixty by forty-five feet, three 
stories high, with 1500 spindles. It went into opera- 
tion in October, 1813, and was the first cotton-spin- 
ning organization in the village of Fall River. Power 
weaving was first done in this factory in 1817, the 
weavers receiving .12.50 per week, and in 1819 the 
employes numbered about thirty-five. The factory 
erected in 1813 was enlarged in 1827, and again in 
1839, and was entirely destroyed by fire in 1868. The 
following year the present factory was erected. It is 
two hundred and seventy-five feet long, seventy-three 
feet wide, five stories high. The mill contains 640 
looms and 27,080 spindles. The Fall River Manu- 
factory was incorporated in 1820, with a capital of 
$150,000, which has been increased to $180,000, its 
present capital. 

The present officers of the corporation are as fol- 
lows : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Holder B. Durfee; Directors, John S. Brayton, 
Christopher Borden, H. B. Durfee, A. S. Covel, and 
J. M. Mortem, Jr. 

The Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing 
Company. — Coincident with the starting of the Fall 
River ^Manufactory was that of the Troy Manufac- 
turing Company. The articles of association upon 
which this enterprise was inaugurated are dated, as 
approved, March 8, 1813: "Articles of agreement 
for the regulation and well-ordering the concerns 
and proceedings of the subscribers associated for the 
purpose of building a manufactory of cotton or other 
goods in the town of Troy, county of Bristol and 
commonwealth of Massachusetts, with a capital stock 
of $50,000, divided into one hundred shares, to be 
paid by instalments. Article First: The company 
shall be known and called by the name of the Troy 
Manufacturing Company, etc." The articles, eleven 
in number, were signed by the following-named per- 
sons, together subscribing for all the shares, namely : 
Amey Borden, Clark Chace, Oliver Chace, James 
Ma.Nwell, Jonathan Brown, William Slade, N. M. 
Wlieaton, Oliver Earl, Eber Slade, Joseph G. Luther, 
Shettel Weaver, John Stackford for Charles Wheaton 
and self, Nathaniel Wheeler, James DriscoJ, Benja- 
min Slade, Moses Butfinton, Nathan Slade, Daniel 
Buffinton, Hezekiah Wilson, Benjamin ^ Bennett, 
Joseph Bufiinton, Walter Durfee, Wiliam Read, Rob- 
in.son Butfinton, John Martin, and Benjamin BufiSn- 
ton. Article Second providing for an annual meet- 
ing, at which were to be chosen a moderator, clerk, 
and standing committee, consisting of five persons, 
" whose duty it shall be to transact and do all the busi- 
ness of the company during the year;" this annual 
meeting of the stockholders was holden on the 7th 



of June, and James Maxwell, Slieftel Weaver, Nathan 
Wheeler, Benjamin Slade, and Jonathan Brown were 
chosen standing committee for the ensuing twelve- 
month. At this meeting it was voted to petition the 
Legislature for a charter for incorporation. This 
charter having been issued Feb. 22, 1814, a meeting 
was holden July 25, 1814, to organize under their act, 
and the name of the company was changed to the 
Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. There is 
also a record of a meeting on the 7th of the same 
month, at which it was voted to increase the amount 
of capital $16,000, assessing each share $40, payable 
quarterly during the ensuing year. 

The Troy Company's mill was built of stone gath- 
ered from the neighboring fields, and designed to run 
two thousand spindles. The building was one hun- 
dred and eight feet long, thirty-seven feet wide, four 
stories, and had a low hip roof. It was located at the 
foot of the fall, near to or directly on the site of an 
old saw-mill. The date of its commencing operation 
was about the middle of March, 1814, the building 
having been finished in the previous September. 

Oliver Chace was the originator and agent of these 
mills. 

In 1821 the Troy Company had erected a small 
building where the old saw-mill previously referred 
to stood, which was called the " Little Mill." This 
addition was nearly ready for occupation when the 
main building was burned, and was immediately 
equipped with the few carders and looms rescued 
from the fire and a small supplement of machinery 
from the Globe, and put in operation. 

In 1843 an addition of stone, three stories high and 
seventy-five by forty-seven feet in proportions on the 
ground, was made to the original Troy Mill. Ten 
years later this new part was raised two stories and 
the building extended eighty feet on the south, all the 
old wooden erections being removed. In 1860 the 
original mill of 1823 was removed, and the part 
known as the New Mill erected on the north reach- 
ing to Bedford Street, two hundred and ninety-six 
feet long, seventy feet wide, and five stories high. 

Oliver Chace remained agent of the Troy until 
1822, when he accepted a similar position with the 
Pocasset Company. 

The mill contains 961 looms and 38,928 spindles. 
The present capital is $300,000. The present oflicers 
are : President, .left'erson Borden ; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Richard B. Borden ; Directors, Jefferson Bor- 
den, Stephen Davol, Thomas J. Borden, John S. 
Brayton, Richard B. Borden. 

The Pocasset Manufacturing Company was or- 
ganized in 1821, with a paid in capital of .$100,000, 
with Samuel Rodman as president and principal 
owner. The original stockholders were eight in 
number, namely, Samuel Rodman, Abraham Bowen, 
Oliver Chace, Clark Chace, William Slade, Nathaniel 
B. Borden, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Edward Bennett. 
Oliver Chace became the first agent. The first build- 



316 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ing erected was that known as the " Bridge Mill." It 
was forty by one hundred feet, three stories high. 
This was destroyed in the fire of 1843. 

The Pocassot Company seemed to have made it a 
"]3oint to encourage smaller manufacturers, and to this 
end erected buildings successively for some ten or 
fifteen years, which were leased to other parties. A 
small building to the west of the ell of the old 
" Bridge Mill" was occupied by Job Eddy, of New 
Bedford, and subsequently by Edward and Oliver S. 
Hawes and others for printing calicoes in a small way, 
but this was of short continuance. 

In the fall of 1824, Andrew Robeson, of New Bed- 
ford, came to Fall River to establish a calico-printing 
business, and made arrangements with the Pocasset 
Company to occupy a part of the building erected in 
1825, and known as the Satinet Factory. The capital 
($50,000) for this enterprise was generally subscribed 
in New Bedford. The south half of this building 
was occupied by J. & J. Eddy for the manufacture of 
woolen goods (whence the name "Satinet"), and con- 
tinued to be so used by them till the erection of the 
Wamsutta Steam Woolen-Mill, on " Mosquito Island," 
in 1849. In 1826 a stone building, on the site of the 
present Quequechan Mill, known in those days as the 
" New Pocasset," was erected and leased to A. & J. 
Shove, who sub-leased the north half to Chase & 
Luther, both firms engaging in the manufiicture of 
cotton into yarn and cloth. The succeeding year still 
another stone building was put up, which was after- 
wards known as the "Massasoit," and now as the 
" Watuppa Mill." It was a building so large that it 
was considered no one firm would want to occupy the 
whole of it, hence a partition-wall was run from the 
foundation to the roof, and two wheel-pits put in. 

January, 1831, Holden Borden leased the whole 
mill and proceeded with a master hand to develop 
the manufacturing business. The mill was furnished 
with nine thousand spindles, and was from the begin- 
ning successful. This enterprise of Holden Borden 
gave character to the business and definitely settled 
the future of Fall River as a manufacturing centre. 
From that time onward the growth of Fall River as a 
cotton manufacturing city has been almost phenom- 
enal. 

The old Quequechan Mill, which commenced opera- 
tions in 1826, and was owned by the company, has 
been taken down and mills No. 2 on Pocasset Street 
and No. 3 on Central Street built. The company now 
run 56,112 spindles and 1385 looms on sheeting, shirt- 
ing, drilling, duck, and print cloths; employ 730 
hands. Capital, $1,161,000. President, Samuel W. 
Rodman, Boston ; Clerk and Treasurer, Bradford D. 
Davol, Fall, River; Directors, Samuel W. Rodman, 
Stephen Davol, F. M. Weld, B. E. Weld, Horatio 
Hathaway, Thomas R. Rodman, Alfred Rodman. 

The Annawan Manufactory was incorporated 
Feb. 8, 1825, with a capital of $160,000. One of the 
lower water privileges on the Fall River stream was 



purchased of the Fall River Iron- Works Company, and 
a brick mill, with finished stone in the lower stories, 
immediately erected under the supervision of Maj. 
Bradford Durfee. He w.as also the agent of the mill. 
Thirteen |)ersons took all the stock, as follows: Abra- 
ham and Isaac Wilkinson, four shares; Bradford 
Durfee, two; William Valentine, two; Joseph Butler, 
two; Richard Borden, two; Holden Borden, four; 
Benjamin Rodman, eight ; Francis Rotch, one ; Wil- 
liam B. Rotch, one; Thomas Swain, one; William 
Swain, one; Charles W. Morgan, two. Of this capi- 
tal one hundred thousand dollars was paid in. 

The Annawan contains 192 looms and 10,016 
spindles. Capital, $160,000. The present ofiicers are 
as follows : President, Jefterson Borden ; Clerk, Rich- 
ard B. Borden ; Treasurer, Thomas S. Borden ; Direc- 
tors, .lefierson Borden, R. B. Borden, A. S. Covel, .Tohn 
S. Brayton, Thomas S. liorden. 

The Metacomet Manufacturing Company.— The 
mill owned by this company was built in 1847 by the 
Fall River Iron-Works Company, and owned exclu- 
sively by that corporation, which also owned the Fall 
River Gas- Works Company, the Fall River and Provi- 
dence Steamboat Company, and the J^all River Ma- 
chine Company. These five companies were operated 
in conjunction until 1880, when a division occurred. 
The Metacomet Mill contains 25,760 spindles and 592 
looms. Capital, $288,000. The present officers are 
as follows: President, Jefferson Borden; Clerk and 
Treasurer, Thomas S. Borden ; Directors, Jefferson 
Borden, John S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, A. S. Tripp, 
Robert C. Brown, and David A. Brayton, Jr.' 

The American Linen Company. — The year 1852 
witnessed the establishing of a new industry in this 
city. This was the American Linen Company, organ- 
ized for manufacturing the finer linen fabrics on a 
large scale. This corporation owns two mills. No. 1 
Mill, 301 feet by 63, four stories high, was erected in 
1852. In 1858 the production was changed to cotton 
print cloths, and the mill was enlarged. No. 2 Mill 
was built in 1866, 399 feet long, 72 feet wide, and five 
stories high. These mills contain 1973 looms and 
82,452 spindles. Capital, $400,000. Walter Paine f 3d) 
was treasurer and agent from its organization to 1879, 
when he was succeeded by Philip D. Borden. The 
present officers are as follows : 

President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, Daniel E. 
Chace; Treasurer, Philip D. Borden ; Superintendent, 
James P. Hillard ; Directors, Jefterson Borden, Rich- 
ard B. Borden, John S. Brayton, A. S. Tripp, Na- 
thaniel Lindsey, Fall River; Horace M. Barnes, 
Bristol ; W. H. Pearce, Providence. 

The Union Cotton Manufacturing Company.— 
The Union Mill Company was incorporated Dec. 31, 
1859, with a capital of $175,000. The first officers 
were S. Angier Chace, president ; David Anthony, 
treasurer ; Simeon Borden, clerk ; and 8. A. Chace, 
David Anthony, Hale Remington, William Mason, 
Charles O. Shove, and Charles P. Dring, directors. 



FALL RIVER. 



317 



This enterprise was successful, and gave an impetus 
to manufacturing and to the growth of tlie city in 
every direction. No. 1 Mill was completed in 1860, 
and No. 2 in 1865. 

During the financial troubles in 1879 the property 
of the Union Mill Company was sold to the creditors 
and reorganized as the Union Cotton Manufacturing 
Company. No. 3 Mill was subsequently completed, 
and the mills now contain 89,608 spindles and 2122 
looms. The present capital is $750,000. The present 
officers are : 

President, William D. Forbes; Clerk, Joseph F. 
Knowles; Treasurer, Thomas E. Brayton; Directors, 
William D. Forbes, Charles Whitney, Boston ; A. H. 
Seabury, Tlionias B. Wilcox, New Bedford; John B. 
Anthony, Providence; Theodore Dean, Taunton; 
F. H. Staflbrd, Henry C. Lincoln, James M. Morton, 
Jr., Fall River. 

The Granite Mills were incorporated March 3, 
1863, with William Mason as president, Charles O. 
Shove treasurer, and William Mason, Lazarus Bor- 
den, Edmund Chase, Samuel Hathaway, Charles O. 
Shove, and Charles P. Stickney, first board of direc- 
tors. The originator of this enterprise was Charles O. 
Shove, who for several years previously had contem- 
plated the erection of a cotton-mill. The original 
capital was i?225,000, which was increased to $400,000 
in May, 1864. and to $415,000 the following July, but 
in 1871 was reduced to $400,000, its present capital. 

No. 1 Mill, three hundred and twenty-eight feet 
long, seventy feet wide, five stories high, commenced 
running in January, 1865, and the first lot of cotton 
was manufactured at a loss of .$t?0,000. Soon after, 
however, a rapid change for the better took place, the 
profits of the corporation were large, and in 1871 No. 
2 Mill was erected, three hundred and seventy-eight 
feet long, seventy-four feet wide, five stories high. 
The two mills contain 79,000 spindles and 1902 looms. 

Mr. Charles O. Shove was the active manufacturer 
and financial manager of these mills until his death 
in July, 1875, when he w.as succeeded by his son, 
Charles M. Shove, who is the present clerk and treas- 
urer. The present officers of tjie company are as fol- 
lows: President, William Mason; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Charles M. Shove ; Directors, W. Mason, Ed- 
mund Chase, John S. Brayton, Iram Smith, John P. 
Slade, Ch.arles M. Shove, and Frank S. Stevens. -- 

The Robeson Mills. — This corporation w-as organ- 
ized Dec. 1, 1865, with the following board of direc- 
tors: Andrew Robeson, Jr., Charles P. Stickney, 
Samuel Hathaway, William C. Davol, Jr., Linden 
Cook, Samuel Castner, and Josiah Brown. Samuel 
Hathaway was elected president, aud Linden Cook 
treasurer. The new corporation took the name Robe- 
son Mills, from Andrew Robeson, Sr., and was incor- 
porated Feb. 20, 1866. A brick mill, three stories 
high, with a French roof, two hundred and twenty- 
two feet long and seventy-six feet wide, was erected 
during the year 1866, and commenced running in 



March, 1867. The mill has since been enlarged, and 
now contains 23,648 spindles aud 600 looms. Capital, 
$260,000. The present officers are: President, Linden 
Cook ; Clerk and Treasurer, Linden Cook ; Directors, 
Linden Cook, William R. Robeson, Dan forth Horton, 
Frank S. Stevens, Louis Robeson, E. E. Hathaway, 
and Samuel Luther. 

The Tecumseh Mills. — These mills were incor- 
porated Fel). 8, 18GG. Augustus Chace, James W. 
Hartley, John P. Slade, and their associates were in- 
corporated as the Tecumseh Mills Company, witli a 
capital of $350,000, in shares of $1000 each. This 
stock was taken by eighty-nine subscribers. Land 
was purchased on Hartwell Street, bordering also on 
the Quequechan River, a short distance above the 
upper or Troy dam, and immediate steps taken for 
the erection of a mill of about 20,000 spindles. Au- 
gustus Chace was elected president, Isaac B. Chace 
treasurer, and the following board of directors: Au- 
gustus Chace, James W. Hartley, Louis L. Barnard, 
Lazarus Borden, Jonathan T. Lincoln, Cook Borden, 
and Danforth Horton. 

The mill was completed and running in 1866. In 
1873 No. 2 mill was completed. No. 1 mill has 23,472 
spindles and 589 looms, and No. 2 has 22,-576 spindles 
and 576 looms. Capital, $500,000. 

The present officers are as follows : President, Au- 
gustus Chace; Clerk and Treasurer, Frank H. 
Dwelly; Directors, Augustus Chace, Samuel Wad- 
dington, D. T. Wilcox, John Southworth, S. B. Chase, 
George E. Hoar, George W. Nowell, Jerome C. Bor- 
den, and Leontine Lincoln. 

The Durfee Mills. — This company was organized in 
1876 with a capital of $500,000, and named in honor 
of Maj. Bradford Durfee, whose son was the principal 
stockholder and original president. This corporation 
owns three mills. No. 1 was built in 1866, No. 2 in 
1871, and No. 3 in 1881. This has the largest capacity 
of any corporation in the city, having 109,360 spindles 
and 2734 looms. Capital, $500,000. • The present 
officers are : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk and 
Treasurer, David A. Brayton, Jr. ; Directors, John 
S. Brayton, Hezekiah A. Brayton, and David A. 
Brayton, Jr. 

The Davol Mills Company was organized Dec. 1, 
1866, and incorporated in 1867, nineteen persons con- 
tributing the entire capital of $270,000, and named 
after one of the conspicuous promoters of cotton 
manufacturing, William C. Davol. A site was se- 
lected above the dam and on the west side of the 
pond, in such proximity to the latter as to assure a 
convenient supply of pure water for steam purposes. 
Ground was broken for the foundation April 1, 1867 
and on the 11th of March, 1868, the first yard of cloth 
was woven. 

This company has two mills, with an aggregate of 
30,496 spindles and 768 looms. The company was 
reorganized in 1880, and has a capital of $400,000. 
The present officers are : President, Frank S. Stevens ; 



318 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Clerk and Treasurer, Charles M. Slade ; Directors, 
William C. Davol, Frank S. Stevens, Jonathan Slade, 
E. E. Hathaway, W. C. Davol, Jr., Charles E. Batt, 
William A. Haskell, Daniel Denny, Boston. 

The Merchants' Manufacturing Company.— 
This company was organized Oct. 24, 1866, with a 
capital of eight hundred thousand dollars. 

On the 2d of November following a permanent or- 
ganization of the company was arranged, W. H. Jen- 
nings being chosen treasurer and corporation clerk, 
and James Henry, W. H. .Jennings, Augustus Chace, 
L. L. Barnard, Robert S. Gibbs, Charles H. Dean, 
Crawford E. Lindsey, Robert K. Remington, and 
Lafayette Nichols, directors. At a subsequent meet- 
ing James Henry was chosen president, and Mr. 
Jennings, clerk. 

The promoter of this enterprise was Mr. William 
H. Jennings, a man of great business energy and 
tact. As illustrative of this fact, it is said that he 
secured all the capital, 1800,000, in the brief period 
of two days. The mill was erected in 1867, and in 
February, 1868, the first cloth was made, and in the 
following fall was in full operation. In 1872 a large 
addition to the mill was completed, thus making it 
the largest mill under one roof in Fall River. It 
contains 90,656 spindles and 2100 looms ; capital, 
$800,000. 

The present officers are as follows : President, 
James Henry ; Clerk and Treasurer, Simeon B. 
Chase ; Directors, James Henry, William H. Jen- 
nings, Augustus Chace, James M. Osborn, Richard 
B. Borden, Robert T. Davis, Samuel Wadington, 
Andrew J. Borden. 

The Mechanics' Mills. — This corjioration was 
chartered May 2'), 1868, and organized on the 1st of 
the following July with the following officers: Presi- 
dent and Agent, Thomas J. Borden ; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, D. H. Dyer ; Directors, Thomas J. Borden, 
Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden, Job B. French, 
Southard H. 'Miller, B. M. C. Durfee, Tillinghast | 
Records, James M. Morton, Jr., and A. D. Easton. 1 

The capital stock was fixed at $750,000, divided 
into 7500 shares of $100 each. The stock was largely 
distributed among parties of small means, there 
being in all 328 stockholders, 188 of whom owned 
from 1 to 10 shares each, and 73 owned from 11 
to 25 shares each, making 261 stockholders, no one 
of whom owned over $2500 of the stock, and aver- 
aging less than $1000 each. The organization of 
the Merchants' Manufacturing Company in 1867, 
with a capital of $800,000 and about 250 stock- 
holders, and of the Mechanics' Mills in 1868, with a 
capital of $750,000 and 328 stockholders, were the 
development of a new feature in the ownership of 
manufacturing property in Fall River, all previous 
enterprises of the kind having been associations of 
parties of considerable wealth, while these two were 
the result of bringing together in large amounts the 
funds of parties of very moderate capital. 



The mills were completed and running in 1869. 
Thomas J. Borden remained president until 1871, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Stephen 
Davol. D. H. Dyer was treasurer until 1871, when 
Thomas J. Borden succeeded, and continued until 
February, 1876, when George B. Durfee was appointed. 
He was succeeded in 1879 by Frank S. Stevens, who 
held the office about two years, when he resigned, and 
H. N. Durfee, the present treasurer, was appointed. 
James M. Morton, .Jr., the present clerk, was ap- 
liointed Feb. 3, 1870. These mills have 63,712 spin- 
dles and 1330 looms. Capital, $750,000. 

The presentofficers are as follows : President, Stephen 
Davol; Clerk, James M. Morton, Jr.; Treasurer, 
Horatio N. Durfee; Directors, Stephen Davol, Job 
B. French, Thomas J. Borden, Tillinghast Records, 
Southard H. Miller, James M. Morton, .Jr., John B. 
Hathaway, F. S. Stevens, John S. Brayton. 

The Stafford Mills was organized Dec. 12, 1870, 
with a capital of .$500,000. Foster H. Staffi:)rd was 
elected president and agent, and Shubael P. Lovell 
clerk and treasurer, with the following board of direc- 
tors: F. H. Stafford, Samuel Hathaway, Charles P. 
Stickney, Robert T. Davis, William C. Davol, Wil- 
liam L. Slade, Danfortli Horton, Edmund Chase, and 
Weaver Osborn. 

March 18, 1871, this corporation was dissolved, and 
the subscribers, twenty-two in luimber, reorganized 
under a special charter granted to Charles P. Stick- 
ney, Samuel Hathaway, Foster H. Staffiird, and their 
associates as the "Stafford Mills," with a capital of 
.$550,000. The persons chosen officers in the first or- 
ganization were elected to the same positions under 
the special charter. 

The company assumed the name of "Stafford 
Mills," in honor of their president, who was the pro- 
jector of the enterprise, and whose long experience, 
untiring devotion to the business, and proved skill 
and success had justly earned him the confidence and 
esteem of his associates. 

The mill was erected in 1872, and now contains 
38,800 spindles and 966 looms. Capital, $.550,000. 

The present officers. are as follows: President, F. H. 
Stafford; Clerk and Treasurer, Albert E. Bosworth; 
Agent, F. H. Stafford ; Directors, F. H. Stafford, R. 
T. Davis, Edmund Chase, Danforth Horton, William 
L. Slade, William Mason, Iram Smith, Frank S. 
Stevens, and E. E. Hathaway. 

The Slade Mill was. organized May 1, 1871, its 
principal promoters being William L. and Jonathan 
Slade, Benjamin Hall, the Dwelly heirs, Frank S. 
Stevens, John C. Milne, W. and J. M. Osborn, Rich- 
ard B. and Thomas J. Borden, S. Angier Chace, David 
A. Brayton, B. M. C. Durfee, and William Valentine. 
William M. Slade was chosen president, and James 
M. Osborn treasurer. These mills contain 37,040 
spindles and 875 looms. Capital, $550,000. The 
present officers are as follows : President, William L. 
Slade ; Clerk and Treasurer, Henry S. Fenner; Direc- 



FALL RIVEB. 



319 



tors, William L. Slade, Jerome Dwelly, Frank S. 
Stevens, Benjamin Hall, Jonathan Slade, John C. 
Milne, Daniel Wilbur, Henry S. Fenner, George W. 
Hills. 

The Weetamoe Mills Company.— The first meet- 
ing for the organization of this company was held 
Dec. 29, 1870, and the following directors were chosen : 
L. L. Barnard, Job B. French, Jonathan I. Hilliard, 
Josiah C. Blaisdell, William Lindsey, Francis B. 
Hood, Henry C. Lincoln, E. C. Kilburn, and D. H. 
Dyer. L. L. Barnard was elected president, and D. H. 
Dyer, treasurer. The act of incorporation is dated 
Feb. 24, 1871. The number of original subscribers 
was two hundred and seventy-five. Land for a mill- 
site was purchased on the banks of Taunton River, 
near Slade's Ferry, and the new corporation assumed 
the name of " Weetamoe," after the Queen of the 
Pocassets, who was drowned near by in crossing the 
river. Another tract of land, north of Mechanics- 
ville, was purchased for tenement houses. Work on 
the mill building was begun in March, 1872, and 
within ten months the looms were running off cloth. 

The mill is of brick, three hundred and twenty feet 
long, seventy-four feet wide, and five stories high, with 
basement. 

The first steps in the organization of this company 
were taken by D. Hartwell Dyer, who opened the 
books for subscriptions, and lie also drew the plans 
for the erection of the mills. The mill contains 
34,080 spindles and 860 looms. Capital, $550,000. 
The present ofiicers are as follows : President, Job B. 
French ; Clerk, John E. Blaisdell ; Treasurer, Wil- 
liam Lindsey; Directors, Job B. French, Elijah C. 
Kilburn, Josiah C. Blaisdell, Henry C. Lincoln, Wil- 
liam Lindsey, John P. Slade, William H. Ashley. 

The Richard Borden Manufacturing Company 
was organized May 19, 1871, the entire capital of 
$800,000 being taken by twelve individuals. Thomas 
J. Borden was elected treasurer and corporation clerk, 
and Richard Borden, Philip D. Borden, Thomas J. 
Borden, Richard B. Borden, and A. S. Covel, direc- 
tors. Richard Borden was chosen president at the 
second meeting of the board. 

The mill, which is one of the most perfect struc- 
tures for manufacturing purposes in the country, was 
erected and "wound up" under the personal super- 
vision of Thomas J. Borden, who made the plans of 
construction and machine equipment. It was started in 
February, 1873. The present number of spindles are 
46,048, with 1080 looms. Its production annually is 
14,000,000 yards of print cloth. 

Col. Richard Borden remained president until his 
death, in February, 1874, when he was succeeded by 
his son Richard B. Borden, who continued in the 
oflice until 1876, when he succeeded Thomas J. 
Borden as treasurer, and has ofliciated in that ca- 
pacity to the present time. Capital, $800,000. 

The present ofiicers are as follows : President, 
Thomas J. Borden : Clerk and Treasurer, Richard 



B. Borden ; Directors, Thomas J. Borden, Richard 

B. Borden, A. S. Covel, Jerome C. Borden, Edward 
P. Borden, M. C. D. Borden, and Avery Plummer. 

The Wampanoag Mill Company.— The prelimi- 
nary meeting for the organization of this company 
was held May 23, 1871, when Stephen Davol, J. D. 
Flint, William H. Jennings, L. S. Earl, Walter C. 
Durfee, and R. T. Davis combined for the purpose of 
projecting a new corporation. On the 31st of the 
same month, the capital of .'j>400,000 having been sub- 
scribed, the company was organized with Walter C. 
Durfee as treasurer and corporation clerk, and R. T. 
Davis, J. D. Flint, Walter C. Durfee, Stephen Davol, 
Foster H. Stafford, Simeon Borden, George H. Eddy, 
A. L. Covel, L. S. Earl, William H. Jennings, and 
John H. Brown, directors. At a subsequent meeting 
R. T. Davis was chosen president. 

No. 1 Mill was erected in 1872, and No. 2 Mill in 
1879. These mills operate 64,872 spindles and 1605 
looms. Present capital, $500,000. The present ofiicers 
are : President, Robert T. Davis ; Clerk and Treasurer, 
Walter C. Durfee ; Directors, Robert T. Davis, W. C. 
Durfee, John D. Fliut, Stephen Davol, Foster H. 
Stafford, William H. Jennings, George H. Eddy, 
Simeon Borden, John H. Boone, Daniel Wilbur. 

The Narrag-ansett Mills.— The origin.al promoters 
of this mill were Daniel McCowan, James Waring, 
A. D. Easton, and others. The capital, originally 
$350,000, was, on the acceptance of the charter, July 
6, 1871, increased to $400,000. At the meeting of 
organization, July 12th, James Waring was chosen 
treasurer, and A. D. Easton president. The mill was 
finished and wound up for operation by the latter part 
of December in the following year. Its capacity is 
32,144 spindles and 787 looms. The present officers 
are as follows: President, Robert Henry ; Clerk and 
Treasurer, James Waring ; Directors, Robert Henry, 
James Waring, Foster H. Stafford, David T. Wilcox, 
James P. Hillard, Samuel Wadington, George W. 
Nowell. 

The King Philip Mills, — This corporation was pro- 
jected in 1871 by Messrs. Elijah C. Kilburn and Craw- 
ford E. Lindsey, of Fall River, and Jonathan Chace, 
of Valley Falls, R. I. Believing that the times were 
auspicious for the establishment of a company for the 
manufacture of fine cotton goods, these gentlemen de- 
cided to open a subscription to a capital of $500,000 
for a mill of about 36,000 spindles. Within a fort- 
night the $500,000 desired was subscribed (and $160,- 
000 more offered), and on July 14, 1871, the company 
was duly organized by the election of Mr. C. E. Lind- 
sey as president, Mr. E. C. Kilburn as treasurer, Mr. 
A. S. Tripp as clerk, and a board of eleven directors, 
viz., Jonathan Chace, James Henry, S. Angier Chace, 

C. E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, Charles O. Shove, 
E. C. Kilburn, A. S. Tripp, Benjamin A. Chace, 
Simeon Borden, and Charles H. Dean. 

Work was begun on the foundation of the No. 1 
Mill in October, 1871, and pressed forward until cold 



32i» 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



weather prevented further operations that season. 
In April, 1872, work was resumed, the mill building 
completed, the machinery received and placed in po- 
sition, and in March, 1873, the first piece of cloth was 
woven. ' 

The mill is situated on the west shore of Laurel i 
Lake, and is built of granite quarried on the prem- 
ises. It is three hundred and twenty by ninety-two 
feet, being a wide mill, so called, and is four stories 
high above the basement. The engine- and picker- 
house is attached to the main building, and is sixty- 
five by fifty feet, and three stories high. 

This mill contains 42,016 sjiindles and 852 wide- 
looms. 

The anticipations of the projectors of the King 
Philip Mills were fully verified within a decade from 
the starting of the No. 1 Mill, for in June, 1881, in 
response to a request from many of its largest stock- 
holders, the directors issued a call for a meeting to 
consider the advisability of increasing the capital 
stock from $500,000 to $1,000,000, and the erection of 
a new mill. The corporation, by a large vote, de- 
cided to adopt the plans proposed by the directors, 
and in July, 1881, ground was broken for the founda- 
tion of the No. 2 Mill, which was completed in 
1882, and has 52,928 spindles and 1006 looms. This 
mill is three hundred and eighty-six by ninety-two 
feet, which, together with the No. 1 Mill and engine- 
house, present an unbroken frontage of seven hundred 
and forty-six feet. 

The two mills contain 94,944 spindles and 1838 
looms, having more spindles in operation than any 
other corporation in the city, with the single excep- 
tion of the Durfee Mills. Capital, $1,000,000. 

The present officers areas follows : President, Craw- 
ford E. Lindsey ; Corporation Clerk, Az.ariah S. Tripp ; 
Treasurer, Elijah C. Kilburn ; Directors, C. E. Lind- 
sey, E. C. Kilburn, William Lindsey, Edwin Shaw, 
Henry H. Earl, Leontiue Lincoln, Charles E. Fisher, 
Pvobert Henry. 

The Crescent Mills were organized Oct. 25, 1871, 
with a capital stock of .$500,000, and the erection 
of this mill was soon after commenced, and the 
main building is of granite, 839 feet by 74, four 
stories and attic above the basement. The picker- 
house building in rear is 85 by 50 feet, three 
stories high. The first cotton was put in Dec. 21, 
1872, and the first cloth produced Feb. 8, 1873, and 
the entire mill was in full operation Aug. 30, 1873. 
The mill contains 83,280 spindles and 762 looms. 

The original officers of the corporation were Ben- 
jamin Covel, president; Lafiiyette Nichols, treasurer; 
and Benjamin Covel, L. Nichols, D. A. Chapin, Wil- 
liam B. Durfee, J. F. Nichols, Joseph Brady, David 
F. Brown, G. M. Haff'ards, and A. S. Covel consti- 
tuted the board of directors. 

Mr. Nichols served as treasurer until Nov. 12, 1873, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. R. B. 
Borden. Mr. Borden filled the position until Feb. 9, 



1876, when he resigned, and 'Mr. A. S. Covel, the 
present treasurer, was elected. Capital, $500,000. The 
present officers are as follows : President, Benjamin 
Covel ; Clerk and Treasurer, Alphonso S. Covel ; Di- 
rectors, Benjamin Covel, Daniel A. Chapin, William 
B. Durfee, Alphonso S. Covel, Lafayette Nichols, W. 
H. Asliley, and N. Amzen. 

The Montaup Mills were organized Nov. 14, 1871, 
when the following board of directors was chosen : 
Josiah Brown, Bradford D. Davol, George B. Dur- 
fee, A. D. Easton, William L. Slade, Isaac Borden, 
George H. Hawes, William Valentine, Holden B. 
Durfee, and Thomas J. Borden. Josiah Brown was 
elected president, and Isaac Borden, treasurer and 
clerk of the corporation. The capital was fixed at 
$250,000, and the name of "Montaup Mills" adopted 
as the corporate name, suggested by the Indian name 
of " Mount Hope." The act of incorporation bears 
date Dec. 1, 1871. . The -projector of these mills was 
Josiah Brown, Esq. 

Land was bought on the northern shore of Laurel 
Lake, and operations on the foundation were begun 
Feb. 18, 1872, and the work advanced with such 
rapidity that the engine was started Jan. 2, 1873, and 
the weaving Feb. 7, 1873, or in a little less than a 
year from the first breaking of ground. 

The company entered immediately upon the man- 
ufacture of first quality seamless bags, cotton bats 
and duck, running 7200 spindles and 112 looms, pro- 
ducing 600,000 bags (two-bushel) annually. 

After about two years the style of goods manufac- 
tured was changed. These mills now operate 9120 
spindles and 152 looms, and manufacture yarns, plain 
and fancy ducks colored. Capital, $150,000. The 
mill is of brick, 242 feet long, 74 feet wide, four 
stories high. The present officers are as follows : 
President, William L. Slade; Clerk and Treasurer, 
Isaac Borden; Directors, William L. Slade, Bradford 
D. Davol, Weaver Osborn, William H. Ashley, Ben- 
jamin Greene, Isaac Borden, and Charles A. Chace. 

The Osborn Mills enterprise was due to the sug- 
gestion of Weaver Osborn, Esq., who, in consultation 
with Messrs. Easton & !Milne and Joseph Healy, pro- 
posed the formation of a company with $500,000 
capital for the manufacture of print cloths. The 
books were opened, and before niglit the whole amount 
was subscribed, and the same evening " rights" sold 
at tliree per cent, premium. The first meeting of the 
original subscribers, thirty-five in number, was holden 
Oct. 9, 1871, and the company organized with the 
following board of directors: Weaver Osborn, 
Joseph Healy, James T. Milne, Benjamin Hall, 
Andrew J. Borden, Joseph Osborn, Joseph E. Ma- 
comber, George T. Hathaway, John C. Milne, D. 
H. Dyer, and Edward E. Hathaway. Weaver Os- 
born was suljsequently elected president, and Joseph 
Healy treasurer and clerk of the corporation. The 
capital was fixed at $500,000, and the name of "Os- 
born Mills," in honor of the president, selected as the 



FALL KIVER. 



321 



corporate name. The act of incorporation bears 
date Feb. 1, 1872. 

A tract of land on the eastern shore of Laurel 
Lake, comprising about fifteen acres, was secured as ' 
a mill-site. The mill is built of granite, and is three 
hundred and eighteen feet long by seventy-four feet 
wide, five stories high, with a flat roof and a base- 
ment, with an L on the west ninety feet by forty, 
three stories high, as an engine- and picker-house, to 
which is attached a boiler-house forty-one feet by 
forty-two, two stories high. The mill building was 
put up, the machinery placed in position, and weav- 
ing commenced (March 10, 1873) in less than a year 
from the time of beginning work on the foundation. 
The mill was " wound up" for the manufacture of 
print cloths 64 by 64, and contained 37,232 spindles 
and 930 looms. The capacity has been increased 
until now the spindles number 39,256, with 970 
looms, manufacturing print cloths and jeans. Capi- 
tal, 1500,000. The present ofl3cers are: President, 
Weaver Osborn ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph Healy ; 
Directors, Weaver Osborn, Joseph Osborn, John C. 
Milne, Joseph Healy, Edward E. Hathaway, Benja- 
min Hall, and Thomas Almy. 

The Chace Mills Company was organized in 
1871-72, the original ])romoters of the enterprise 
being Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, and 
J. M. Earl. The first suggestion of the new cor- 
poration was the effort of a few gentlemen associated 
with Mr. John P. Slade to start a mill a considerable 
distance south, on the shore of the Quequechan 
Pond. The locality proposed being considered too 
far removed from the city, the undertaking resolved 
into another enterprise, which terminated in the for- 
mation of the Chace Company. The Chace Mill, 
located on Rodman Street, is a granite structure three 
hundred and seventy-seven feet long by seventy-four 
feet wide, and six stories high. 

At the first meeting of oi'ganization Augustus 
Chace was chosen president and Joseph A. Baker 
treasurer. This mill at first contained 43,480 spin- 
dles and 1056 looms. The number has since been in- 
creased, and at the present time there are 50,000 spin- 
dles and 1275 looms. Productions, print cloths. Cap- 
ital, $500,000. 

The present oflScers are as follows : President, Au- 
gustus Chace ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph A. Baker ; 
Directors, Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, Ed- 
ward E. Hathaway, William Mason, Joseph A. Baker, 
James F. Davenport, Jerome C. Borden. 

The Flint Mills were organized in February, 1872, 
with a capital of §500,000, which was increased to 
$600,000 in October of the same year; Dec. 22, 1879, 
to $580,000. The act of incorporation, bearing date 
Feb. 28, 1872, names John D. Flint, Stephen C. 
Wrightington, Simeon Borden, and William H. Jen- 
nings, their associates and successors, as the new cor- 
poration. The numberof original subscribers was about 
two hundred. John D. Flint was elected president, 
21 



Stephen C. Wrightington treasurer, and J. D. Flint, 
Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, William H. Jen- 
nings, William T. Hall, Daniel McGowan, Gardner 
T. Dean, S. C. Wrightington, William Carroll, and 
Cornelius Hargraves the board of direction. Mr. 
Wrightington resigned in March, and George H. 
Eddy was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy. Mr. 
Eddy resigned in September, 1879, and J. D. Flint 
was chosen treasurer and B. D. Davol president. J. 

D. Fliut resigned April, 1881, and B. D. Davol was 
chosen treasurer and J. D. Flint president. In 
October, 1882, B. D. Davol resigned, and W. S. 
Potter, the present treasurer, was chosen. Upon 
the organization of this corporation it assumed the 
name of Flint Mills, in honor of its president, and 
the village, which has since grown up in the vicinity 
of the mill, is known locally as " Flint Village." 
Land for a mill-site and tenement was purchased 
on the upper part of the stream, near where it issues 
from the South Pond, and before frost was out of the 
ground operations were begun for the foundation of 
the mill. The mill was built of stone, in accordance 
with plans drawn by D. H. Dyer, architect, and, un- 
like most of the cotton-mills in the city, was a wide 
mill, after the English style, being three hundred feet 
long by ninety-four feet wide, instead of the usual 
width of seventy-two to seventy-four feet. It was 
five stories high, with a flat roof, and a finely-propor- 
tioned tower in front. The machinery was mostly 
American, and arranged for the manufacture of print 
cloth 64 by 64. The mill commenced running in 
April, 1873, and at the date of its destruction by fire 
manufactured 15,200,000 yards of print cloths per 
annum. It contained 49,360 spindles, 1065 looms, 
and employed 500 operatives, with a monthly pay- 
roll" of $12,000. The machinery was driven by a 
double Corliss engine of 800 horse-power. Steam 
was supplied by six upright boilers of 160 horse- 
power each. Water was taken directly from the 
stream by a canal dug for the purpose. This mill 
was entirely destroyed by fire Oct. 28, 1882. The 
fire broke out at 3.35 p.m., soon after the mill had 
been shut down for the day, and the flames increased 
with such amazing rapidity that all attempts to 
check it were unavailing. The entire mill was de- 
stroyed with its contents.' 

Border City Manufacturing Company.— The 
Border City Mills were organized April 29, 1872, with 
the following board of directors : S. Angler Chace, 
Stephen Davol, Chester W. Greene, E. C. Kilburn, 
Charles P. Stickney, A. D. Easton, George T. Hath- 
away, John M. Dean, William E. Dunham, James 

E. Cunneen, Horatio N. Durfee. S. A. Chace was 
subsequently elected president, and George T. Hath- 
away treasurer. An act of incorporation was secured 
under date of June 3, 1872, and the name of " Border 



1 Since tlie above Wii3 written tlie corporation bas decided to rebuild, 
and worli has already been commenced. 



322 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



City Mills" adojited, a name often applied to Fall 
River because of its proximity to the State of Rhode 
Island. 

Two mills were erected, No. 1 in 1873, and No. 2 
in 1874. The former was 318 feet long and 73 feet 
wide, five stories high, and contained 35,632 spindles 
and 880 looms. No. 2 Mill was 329 feet long, 73 feet 
wide, five stories, and contained 36,512 spindles and 
880 looms. Nov. 17, 1877, Mill No. 1 was totally de- 
stroyed by fire. 

During the financial irregularities of 1879 this cor- 
poration passed into the hands of its creditors, and 
was reorganized as the Border City Manufacturing 
Company, with a capital of $400,000, which has been 
increased to $600,000. No. 1 Mill has been rebuilt, 
and the two mills now contain 76,000 spindles and 
1850 looms. Production, print goods. 

The present oiBcers are as follows : President, John 
S. Brayton ; Clerk, Henry K. Braley ; Treasurer, 
Edward L. Anthony; Directors, John S. Brayton, 
Charles J. Holmes, A. S. Covel, Jonathan Bourne, 
Jos. Arthur Beauvais, Charles E. Barney, Theo. Dean, 
Francis A. Foster, and George M. Woodward. 

The Sagamore Manufacturing Company.— The 
Sagamore Mills were incorporated in the spring of 

1872, with L. L. Barnard as president, Francis B. 
Hood treasurer, and the following board of directors: 
L. L. Barnard, F. B. Hood, Josiah C. Blaisdell, James 
W, Hartley, Charles McCreery, Jonathan I. Hilliard, 
Joseph Borden, William M. Aluiy, D. Hartwell Dyer, 
and Job T. Wilson. A tract of land on the borders 
of Taunton River, a little north of Blade's Ferry, was 
purchased, and work on the foundations of the mill 
begun in July, 1872. The mill was completed in 

1873, three hundred and twenty feet long by seventy- 
three feet wide, five stories high. 

The mill continued under this management about 
four years, when it went into other hands, with new 
capital, with the following officers: President, James 
A. Hathaway ; Clerk and Treasurer, George T. Hath- 
away ; Directors, James A. Hathaway, Job T. Wilson, 
Josiah C. Blaisdell, John D. Flint, Charles P. Stick- 
ney, George T. Hathaway, James E. Cunneeu, John 
M. Deane, Chester W. Greene. 

In 1879 the corporation failed, and the property 
went into the hands of the creditors, and was reorgan- 
ized as the Sagamore Manufacturing Company, with 
a capital of $500,000. A new mill was built in 1882, 
and the two mills now contain 84,692 spindles and 
2042 looms. Capital, $750,000. Production, print 
cloths. 

The present officers are as follows: President, 
Theodore Dean ; Clerk, Henry K. Braley ; Treasurer, 
Hezekiah A. Brayton ; Directors, Theodore Dean, 
Taunton ; Moses W. Richardson, Boston ; A. S. Tripp, 
John S. Brayton, William Lindsey, D. H. Dyer, 
Charles J. Holmes, Fall River; Abram H. Howland, 
Jr., Jos. A. Beauvais, New Bedford. 

The Shove Mills. — The honor of having been the 



founder of these mills is due to John P. Slade, Esq., as 
it was mainly through his instrumentality that the 
organization was finally ertected, a charter secured, 
and the project brought to a successful issue. 

The first meeting of the subscribers, thirty-one in 
number, for the organization of the company, was 
held March 4, 1872. The act of incorporation is 
dated April 2, 1872. The capital was fixed at $550,- 
000, and the name of " Shove Mills" assumed a.s the 
corporate name, in honor of Charles O. Sliove, a 
prominent cotton manufacturer of the city, and the 
first president of the new corporation. John P. Slade 
was elected treasurer, with the following board of 
directors : Charles O. Shove, Joseph McCreery, George 
A. Chacc, Lloyd S. Earle, William Connell, Jr., Na- 
than Chace, Isaac W. Howland, Josiah C. Blaisdell, 
and John P. Slade. 

Land for a mill-site was purchased on the western 
shore of Laurel Lake, just within the line of boun- 
dary between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and 
further purchases beyond the boundary line were 
made for tenement blocks. 

No active steps towards building the mill were taken 
until the fall of 1873, when a foundation only was 
put in. Work was resumed in the spring of 1874, 
and the building carried forward to completion and 
filled with machinery. The mill is a handsome 
granite structure, 339 feet long, 74 feet wide, and five 
stories high, with a basement, a flat roof, and a large 
square tower running up at the centre. 

The mill was erected in 1874, and commenced run- 
ning in April, 1875, with 37,504 spindles and 960 
looms ; about 1500 spindles have since been added. 
The mil! is heated by steam, and lighted by gas made 
from petroleum and manufactured on the premises. 

In 1881 the company erected a yarn-mill of 21,088 
spindles just over the line in Rhode Island, making 
the present capacity of the mills 60,128 spindles and 
1500 looms; production', print cloths. The present 
otficers are as follows: President, Charles M. Shove; 
Clerk and Treasurer, George A. Chace; Directors, 
Charles M. Shove, John P. Slade, George A. Chace, 
Edmund Chase, Lloyd S. Earle, Isaac W. Howland, 
H. B. Allen, George W. Slade, and Fenner Brownell. 

The mill was wound up and all the machinery in 
operation April 7, 1875, with a capacity of 28,400 
s])indles and 768 looms. This has been increased to 
31,280 spindles and 808 looms. The mill structure is 
of granite, located in the eastern part of the city on 
the Quequechan River. Capital, $330,000; produc- 
tion, print cloths. The present ofiicers are as follows : 
President, William H. .lennings; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Nathaniel B. Borden; Directors, William H. 
Jennings, James M. Aldrich, N. B. Borden, Simeon 
Borden, John Campbell, Arnold B. Chace, Alphonso 
S. Covel, Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, W. H. 
GiflTord, William Huston, Henry C. Lincoln, John 
W. Rogers, 

The Conanicut Mills were originally built by 



FALL RIVER. 



323 



Oliver Chase as a thread-mill, and after several 
changes the present company was incorporated in 

1880, with a capital of $80,000. The mill is located 
at Globe village, and contains 11,072 spindles and 250 
looms. Production, wide fine goods. The present 
officers are as follows : President, Edmund W. Con- 
verse ; Clerk and Treasurer, C. E. Lindsey ; Directors, 
E. W. Converse, Charles L. Thayer, Moses W. Rich- 
ardson, Boston ; James H. Chace, Providence ; Wil- 
liam Lindsey, E. C. Kilburn, Crawford E. Lindsey, 
Fall River. 

The Globe Yarn-Mills were incorporated in 1881, 
with a capital of $3.50,000, for the manufacture of 
superior quality of yarns. The mills contain 32,000 
spindles. The first and present ofiicers are as follows : 
President, William H. Jennings ; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Arnold B. Sandford; Directors, William H. 
Jennings, Robert T. Davis, Frank S. Steven.s, James 
M. Osborn, Samuel D. Howland, A. B. Sanford ; E. S. 
Draper, of Hnpedale. 

The Bourne Mill, named in honor of Jonathan 
Bourne, a capitalist of New Bedford, was erected in 

1881, and is one of the most complete mills in the 
country. It contains 43,000 spindles and 1100 looms. 
It is located just over the State line in Rhode Island. 
Capital, $400,000. The present officers are as follows : 
President, Edmund Chase; Clerk and Treasurer, 
George A. Chace ; Directors, Jonathan Bourne, New 
Bedford ; Edmund Chase, George A. Chace, Danforth 
Horton, Lloyd S. Earle, Charles M. Shove, and Frank 
S. Stevens. 

Laurel Lake Mills. — This corporation was organ- 
ized in 18S1 by John P. Shule, R .T. Davis, M.D., and 
Henry C. Lincoln. Mr. Slade was elected president 
of the corporation, and has held the position to the 
present time. The manufacture of cloth commenced 
in December, 1882. The mill contains 860 looms and 
34,038 spindles. Capital, $400,000. The present offi- 
cers are : President, John P. Slade ; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Abbott E. Slade; Agent, James E. Cuuneen ; 
Directors, John P. Slade, William H.Jennings, Rob- 
ert T. Davis, Frank S. Stevens, Henry C. Lincoln, 
David T. Wilcox, S. H. Miller, George E. Hoar, Wil- 
liam Beattie, John B. Whittaker, Milton Reed, Prelet 
D. Conant; Lawton I. Ware, Warren. 

The Barnaby Manufacturings Company was in- 
corporated in 1882, with a capital of .$300,000. The 
first officers were as follows: President, Simeon B. 
Chase ; Clerk and Treasurer, Stephen B. Ashley ; 
Directors, Simeon B. Chase, Samuel Wadington, 
Robert T. Davis, George H. Hawes, S. B. Ashley, 
George H. Hills, J. B. Barnaby, Charles E. Berney, 
and William F. Draper. The officers and directors 
have not been changed. The mill is located in the 
eastern part of the city on the Quequechan River, 
and contains 15,000 spindles and 500 looms. Produc- 
tion, fine ginghams. 

The Fall River Bleachery.— The founding of this 
establishment is due to Mr. Spencer Borden, who 



started the movement for organization in 1872. After 
submitting his plans to various manufacturers in Fall 
River and New Bedford, who pronounced the project 
feasible, the books of the company were opened, and 
the stock so quickly subscribed that before a stone had 
been laid it was quoted at 110 in the market. Promi- 
nent among the subscribers were Messrs. Jefferson, 
Philip D., and Richard B. Borden, Stephen Davol, 
Frank Stevens, C. E. Lindsey, C. P. Stickney, George 
B. Durfee, Walter Paine (3d), of Fall River; Messrs. 
Thomas Bennett, Jr., William J. Rotch, Edward D. 
Mandell, Edward C. Jones, William W. Crapo, 
Charles L. Wood, Andrew G. Pierce, Joseph Arthur 
Beauvais, Edward L. Baker, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., 
Charles L. Hawes, David B. Kempton, of New Bed- 
ford; Messrs. T. P. Sheperd & Co., John O. Water- 
man, George Bridge, and Arnold Peters, of Rhode 
Island ; and Mr. Dempsey, of Lewiston, and others. 
At a meeting of the stockholders Jefferson Borden 
was chosen president; Spencer Borden, agent and 
treasurer; and Messrs. Thomas Bennett, Jr., Richard 
B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, 
Philip D. Borden, George B. Durfee, and Charles P. 
Stickney, with the president and treasurer, directors. 
The bleachery was built with twelve kiers, or a ca- 
pacity of twelve to thirteen tons per diem, which has 
been increased until the present capacity is twenty-two 
tons per day. Capital, $2.50,000. The present officers 
are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk 
and Treasurer, Norman E. Borden ; Directors, Jeffer- 
son Borden, Spencer Borden, Richard B. Borden, 
Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Thomas 
Bennett, Jr., Joseph Arthur Beauvais, William J. 
Rotch, and Norman E. Borden. Spencer Borden re- 
mained as clerk and treasurer until 1882. 

Wamsutta Steam Woolen-Mill.— The manufac- 
ture of woolen cloth into a fabric known as .satinet, 
made with a cotton warp and wool filling, was com- 
menced here in 1825 by Samuel Shove and John and 
Jesse Eddy, under the firm-name of Samuel Shove & 
Co. The firm was dissolved in 1834 by the withdrawal 
of Samuel Shove, and the business passed into the 
hands of the remaining partners, under the firm-name 
of J. & J. Eddy. 

In the management of the business John Eddy was 
the manufacturer and Je.sse the buyer and seller. 

The production of Eddy's satinets was largely in- 
creased from year to year, and they became well known 
in all the principal markets as the best goods of that 
style of fabric. In 1843, however, the satinet manu- 
facture was discontinued, and a fabric of all wool, 
called "cassimere," was commenced. Two years 
later business was removed to a place known as 
" Eagle Mill," situated about three and a half miles 
south of Fall River, in the town of Tiverton, K. I. 

Shortly after the firm of J. & J. Eddy was dissolved, 
but the business continued in the above locality for a 
few years, until the property was destroyed by fire. 
In the meau time Jesse Eddy, in connection with 



324 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Joseph Durfee, bought and located a mill on a tract 
of land just above the dam, and near the outlet of the 
pond known as "Mosquito Island," designing to 
manufacture the same kind of goods produced by J. 
& J. Eddy, but as they were about ready to commence 
operations Joseph Durfee died, and it was not until 
January, 1849, that manufacturing was begun in the 
new mill. Jesse Eddy became the proprietor, and 
shortly after took his son, Thomas F., into partner- 
ship, under the firm-name of Jesse Eddy & Son, by 
whom the business was conducted for twenty-one 
years. 

In 1S73, upon the decease of the father, the busi- 
ness passed into the hands of his two sons, Thomas 
F. and James C, who still continue the manufacture 
uuder the name of the Wamsutta Steam Woolen- 
Mill, Jesse Eddy's Sons, proprietors, the production 
being fine fancy cassi meres. 

TheWyoming Mills. — These mills were established 
by Augustus Chace and the late William B. Trafford 
in 1845. The property subsequently ])assed into the 
possession of Mr. Chace, who is the ])resent proprie- 
tor. Production, cotton twines, batts, and car|>et warp. 
The Massasoit Manufacturing Company was or- 
ganized in 1882, and occupies the edifice formerly oc- 
cupied by the Massasoit Flour-Mills, so famous in 
former years as the business home of Chase, Mason 
& Durfee. The new company manufactures com- 
fortables as a branch of an establishment in Connec- 
ticut, and has a capacity for turning out near a thou- 
sand a day, employing about sixty hands. 

The officers and directors of this company are as 
follows: Frank L. Palmer, president; Wendell E. 
Turner, treasurer; Directors, Edward A. Palmer, 
Elisha L. Palmer, William H. Turner, Frank L. 
Palmer, Wendell E. Turner. 

The Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company was 
partially organized in June, 1S75, but did not perfect 
its organization until July 11, 1878, obtaining their 
charter July 13, 1878. 

The first officers elected were : President, Cook 
Borden ; Treasurer, George S. Davol ; Clerk, B. D. 
Davol ; Directors, Cook Borden, F. H. Stafford, Wil- 
liam H. Jennings, Stephen Davol, Charles C. Shove, 
Frank S. Stevens, Walter Paine (3d), Weaver O-sborn, 
George T. Hathaway, Augu.stus Chace, S. Angier 
Chace. 

The mill and buildings were erected and occupied 
in December, 1875; employ one hundred and fifty 
men ; one hundred thousand dollars production yearly. 
Present officers : President, Joseph Healey; Clerk 
and Treasurer, J. Henry Wells ; Directors, Joseph 
Healey, Augustus Chace, Stephen Davol, F. H. Staf- 
ford, B. D. Davol, F. L. Almy, Jerome C. Borden, J. 
Henry Wells. 

Capital stock, originally $40,000 ; after perfecting 
its organization was reduced to $21,000. Is doing a 
very prosperous business, which has steadily increased 
since 1878. 



The Fall River Iron-Works Company.— This 

corporation, whicli for so many years directed and 
controlled the interests of Fall River, was founded in 
1821, principally through the instrumentality of 
Richard Borden and Bradford Durfee. The original 
company was organized with a capital of twenty-four 
thousand dollars, and consisted of Richard Borden, 
Bradford Durfee, Holden Borden, and David Anthony, 
of this town, and Joseph Butler and Abram and Isaac 
Wilkinson, of Providence. Soon after the capital 
was reduced to eighteen thousand dollars by the with- 
drawal of the Wilkinsons. 

The works were incorporated in 1825 with a capi- 
tal of $200,000, which was increased in 1845 to 
$950,000. 

In the organization of the Fall River Iron-Works 
Company, that " earliest germ of the wealth of the 
city," Col. Richard Borden took an active part, and 
was appointed treasurer and agent, a position which 
he filled ably and satisfactorily up to the day of his 
final withdrawal from business, a period of over fifty 
years. The Iron-Works Company, meeting with as- 
sured success almost from the start, .soon turned its 
attention to the improvement of its landed estate, 
water-power, etc., and as part owners became largely 
interested in enterprises somewhat foreign to its own 
legitimate sphere of work. The agent of the com- 
pany as its representative thus became an active par- 
ticipant in all these schemes, and the l)usiness tact 
and skill of Col. Borden were brought into fullest 
exercise. The Iron-Works Company became owner 
in the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized iu 
1826 ; in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory ; 
in the Fall River Manufactory; in the Annawan 
Mill, built by it in 1825; in the American Print- 
works, whose buildings were all erected by the Iron- 
Works Company in 1834, and leased to the Print- 
works Company ; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 
1846 ; in the Fall River Railroad, opened in 1846 ; in 
the Bay State Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; 
in the Fall River Gas- Works, built in 1847, as well as 
in the erection at various times of buildings which 
were leased to individuals for the establishment of 
business or private manufacturing enterprises. 

Up to the year 1880 the Iron-Works Company 
owned and operated the Fall River Gas-Works, the 
Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, and 
the Metacomet Mill. In that year a division of this 
large interest occurred, and the following corpora- 
tions were organized as separate corporations : the 
Fall River Gas-Works, with a capital of $288,000; 
the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, 
capital, .'ii'192,000 ; the Fall River Machine Company 
(new), capital, $96,000; the Metacomet Manufactur- 
ing Company ; and the Fall River Iron-Works Com- 
pany. 

The present officers are as follows : President, Jef- 
ferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, RobertC. Brown ; 
Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, William 



FALL RIVER. 



325 



B. Durfee, R. B. Borden, H. B. Diirfee, R. C. Browu, 
D. A. Bravton, Jr. 

The Fall River Machine Company, successor to 
Marvel, Davol & Co., was organized in 1880, with a 
capital of $96,000. 

The present officers are as follows: President, Jef- 
ferson Borden ; Clerk, A. S. Covel ; Treasurer, Wil- 
liam B. Durfee; Directors, Jefferson Borden. John 
8. Braytou, A. S. Covel, Nathaniel Lindsey, David 
A. Bravton, Jr., H. M. Barnes, of Bristol. 

The Fall River Merino Company, for the manu- 
facture of knit goods, is among the later industries 
started here, and is the only manufactory of the kind 
in this vicinity. The mill is a fine hrick edifice of 
two full stories and attic, in which last are a few 
mules to do the spinning needed. The concern was 
well wound up from the first, and the most improved 
knitting-machines in use obtained, so that work was 
turned out with great celerity. The productions of 
this factory have' always found a ready market, and 
maintained their rank among all descriptions of home 
work or imported fabrics. The present superin- 
tendent, Mr. Charles E. Bean, is an accomplished 
manager of this sort of manufacturing interest. 

The present officers are as follows : President, 
Frank S. Stevens ; Clerk, Seth H. Wetherbee ; Treas- 
urer, Charles E. Bean ; Directors, Frank S. Stevens, 
Foster H. Stafford, Robert T. Davis, William Mason, 
Samuel Wadington, S. H. Wetherbee, Charles E. 
Bean, Matthew C. Yarwood ; Jason P. Stone, Jr., 
Providence; Charles Weil, Boston. 

Hargraves Manufacturing Company.— In 1851, 
Cornelius Hargraves commenced the manufacturing 
of soaps and glue substitute on the site now occupied 
by the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, com- 
mencing in a very small and limited way, the capa- 
city of the works being only one small kettle in which 
to make soap and prepare the glue substitute ; but 
by perseverance and strict attention to business he 
succeeded in increasing the business from year to 
year, it being a success from the start, and as the 
time rolled by he was enabled to add some de- 
cided improvement, and in 1871 he organized the 
Hargraves Manufacturing Company, consisting of 
Cornelius Hargraves, Reuben Hargraves, and Thomas 
Hargraves, the two latter being his sons ; and after 
continuing two years the senior member of the firm 
sold his interests to James S. Anthony, who con- 
tinued in the business four years, then sold out to 
Reuben and Thomas Hargraves, the present pro- 
prietors of the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, 
who still continue to manufacture soaps of various 
brands, glue substitute, fertilizers, tripe, pigs' feet, and 
neat's-foot oil, also dealers in tallow, bones, grease, 
rosin, chemicals, etc., and from the small beginning 
have grown to its present condition, now having the 
capacity to turn out every week sixty thousand pounds 
of soap, fifteen thousand pounds of glue substitute, 
ten tons of fertilizer, three thousand pounds of 



chicken feed, three thousand pounds of pigs' feet, 
four thousand pounds of tripe, etc. Reuben Har- 
graves, Thomas Hargraves, John W. Hargraves, clerk, 
and Alfred D. Butterworth, agent. 

The Fall River Gas-Works were erected in 1847 
by the Iron-Works Company, and were operated by 
that company until 18S0, when they were organized as 
a separate corporation, under the name of the Fall 
River Gas Company, with a capital of $288,000. The 
present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson 
Borden; Clerk, William B. Durfee, Jr.; Treasurer, 
George P. Brown ; Directors, J. S. Brayton, R. B. 
Borden, Jefferson Borden, A. S. Tripp, William B. 
Durfee, D. A. Brayton, Jr. 

The Manufacturers' Gas-Light Company was 
incorporated in 1866. The present officers are as fol- 
lows : President, Thomas F. Eddy ; Clerk and Treas- 
urer, Joseph A. Baker ; Directors, Thomas F. Eddy, 
Foster H. Stafford, Simeon B. Chase, Charles M. 
Shove, Joseph A. Baker, David A. Brayton, Jr. 

Manufacturers' Board of Trade. — President, 
Frank S. Stevens; Vice-President, Charles M. Shove; 
Secretary and Treasurer, Simeon B. Chase. 

Watuppa Reservoir Company was incorporated 
in 1826. The stock of this corporation is held by the 
Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, 
Pocasset Manufacturing Company, Fall River Print- 
Works, Fall River Manufactory, Annawan Manufac- 
turing Company, and the Fall River Iron-Works 
Company. 

American Printing Company.— The pioneer in 
calico-printing in Fall River was Andrew Robeson, 
of New Bedford, who began this industry in a very 
small way in 1826 in the north end of a mill owned 
by the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, the other 
portion of the building being occupied by J. & J. 
Eddy in the manufacture of satinets. 

In 1827 he erected works especially for this busi- 
ness, the capacity of which was increased from time 
to time until the year 1836 by the erection of new 
buildings. The enterprise continued with marked 
success until 1848, when the depression then prevail- 
ing caused the suspension of the works. 

It is said that the first calico-printing machine in 
the United States was constructed in these works, and 
first operated in 1827, soon after which two sons of 
the founder, William R. and Andrew, Jr., became as- 
sociated with him, under the firm-name of Andrew 
Robeson & Sons. 

After the suspension of the Robesons in 1848, the 
establishment passed into the hands of a corporation 
organized by Andrew Robeson, Jr., under the name 
of the Fall River Print- Works, whicli continued the 
business of calico-printing for about twelve years, the 
product being chiefly indigo-blue prints, when print- 
ing was discontinued and the works converted into a 
cotton-mill for the manufacture of print cloths. 

The second calico-printing establishment within 
the present territory of Fall River (but then in Tiver- 



326 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ton, R. I., and since brought within the limits of Fall 
Eiver by a change of the boundary line between 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island) was located at 
Globe village, one and a quarter miles south of the 
Fall River stream, upon a stream flowing from Laurel 
Lake to Mount Hope Bay, which has been utilized 
for manufacturing purposes since 1811, when a small 
cotton-mill was built there by Col. Joseph Durfee. 

After passing through several hands it was pur- 
chased by Potter & Chatburn in 1829, and converted 
into a print-works. The first goods were printed 
there in 1830. After that date it was enlarged from 
time to time, and with varying degrees of success was 
run in 1833-34 by Holder Borden; 1835-39, as Tiver- 
ton Print- Works; 1839-42, by Walter C. Durfee, 
agent ; 1843-44, by Prentiss & Marvel ; 184-5-53, by 
W. & G. Chapin ; 1853-58, as Bay State Print-Works", 
when in 1858 it was purchased by the American 
Print- Works, and operated by them in connection 
with their larger works until 1876. It was sold in 
1880, and the site is now occupied by the Globe Yarn- 
Mills, chiefly a new brick structure, but utilizing in 
connection wilh it a small part of the old print-works. 
This establishment from 1851 to 1855 had ten print- 
ing-machines, and printed 10,000 to 12,000 pieces per 
week, about one-half delaines and one-half calicoes. 
Delaine-printing was discontinued in 1855, and the 
product was subsequently confined to calicoes. 

The American Print-Works was established by 
Holder Borden in 1834, there being associated with 
him in the ownership most of the stockholders of the' 
Fall River Iron-Works Company. 

The requisite buildings were erected by the Iron- 
Works Company on land owned by them, their owner- 
ship continuing until 1857, when the print-works, 
which had rented the land and buildings from 1834 
to 1857, was organized as a corporation, and purchased 
the real estate from the Fall River Irou-Works Com- 
pany. The works were started in January, 1835, with 
four printing-machines, producing two thousand to 
two thousand five hundred pieces of prints per week. 

Mr. Holder Borden held the management until Feb- 
ruary, 1837, when, in consequence of ill health, he 
resigned, and Jeti'erson Borden was elected agent and 
principal manager, which position he held until Feb- 
ruary, 1876, a period of thirty-nine years, when 
Thomas J. Borden was chosen agent and treasurer. 

In 1840 the works were enlarged by the construc- 
tion of a new machine building, dye-house, etc., and 
the production about doubled. Further additions and 
improvements in methods of operating had brought 
the production in 1854, with six printing-machines, 
to about nine thousand pieces per week. No impor- 
tant changes in the arrangement of these works were 
made from the latter date until 1867, when a portion 
of the buildings were removed and a new and greatly 
enlarged structure of Fall River granite was com- 
menced. As the new and extensive works were about 
completed, and while negotiations for insurance were 



in progress, but not consummated, a fire broke out on 
the 15th of December, 1867, in one of the old build- 
ings, which destroyed the whole of the new part of 
the establishment and about one-half of the old, 
causing a loss to the corporation of more than one 
million dollars. 

This disaster had been preceded on the 6th of the 
same month by a fire at the Bay State Works, then 
owned and operated by the American Print-Works, 
which laid in ashes the boiler-house and machine- 
room buildings and their contents. 

With the characteristic energy of the agent and 
treasurer, Mr. Jefferson Borden, all of the buildings 
so suddenly destroyed were in a very short space of 
time, compared with the magnitude of the work, recon- 
structed, filled with machinery, and in 1869 put in 
operation, the corporation having in the new Ameri- 
can Works 16 printing-machines and other facilities 
for producing 24,000 pieces prints per week, and at 
the Bay State Works 5 printing-machines, with the 
requisite accompaniments for turning out 7000 pieces 
per week. In consequence of the disastrous fire in 
1867, with no insurance, the works were operated 
under a heavy indebtedness until 1879, when they 
were obliged to suspend. In February, 1880, a new 
corporation was organized, under the name of the 
American Printing Company, with a capital of $300,- 
000, which was subsequently increased to $500,000. 
Several additions have been made both of buildings 
and machinery, and the works now have 19 printing- 
machines, and produce, when in full operation, 36,000 
pieces printed fabrics per week. 

The main building of the works of the American 
Printing Company is one of the finest in the world 
devoted to the business of printing textile fabrics, 
and attracts the attention of all strangers as they 
enter the city by steamboat or railway. A fair idea 
of the magnitude of this establishment may be ob- 
tained by the consideration of the fact that the aggre- 
gate length of the various buildings comprising it is 
over two thousand five hundred feet. 

Its ample rooms are furnished with the best mod- 
ern appliances of science and skill in each depart- 
ment, and the productions of this company are to be 
found in all sections of the country from the Atlantic 
to the Pacific. 

The present officers are : President, James C. Eddy ; 
Clerk, Alphonso S. Covel ; Treasurer, Thomas J. Bor- 
den ; Directors, James C. Eddy, Thomas J. Borden, 
A. S. Covel, A. S. Tripp, of Fall River, and C. N. 
Bliss, of New York. 

Union Belt Company. — The year 1871 is notable 
in the history of Fall River as witnessing the extra- 
ordinary development of the cotton industry. »Some 
fifteen large mills were erected, calling for a large in- 
crease of its population and the establishment of sev- 
eral industries to supply material incidental to run- 
ning and keeping in motion the thousands of spindles 
and looms which were contained in the handsome and 



FALL RIVER. 



327 



substantial buildings that had been erected for their 
use. Prominent among these industries stands the 
Union Belt Company, a corporation organized for 
the purpose of manufacturing leather belting. 

The rapid expansion of the cotton industries of 
Fall River had attracted the attention of Mr. Wil- 
liam H. Chace, a gentleman living in a neighboring 
city, and who was a practical belt-maker. He be- 
lieved that it was an opportune time to establish the 
manufacture of belting in a city that was so large a 
consumer, and he succeeded in inducing a number of 
gentlemen to engage in the enterprise. 

In the latter part of the year a corporation was 
formed, with a capital of two thousand four hundred 
dollars, with the following officers : President, E. B. 
Borden; Treasurer, A. S. Covel ; Agent, William H. 
Chace; Directors, R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, Wal- 
ter Paine (3d), B. D. Davol, and William H. Chace. 

A large brick building was erected by the Troy 
Cotton and Woolen Manufactory on Troy Street, which 
was leased by the Belt Company, and fitted up for the 
requirements of the business. Contracts were made 
with several of the new mills then being erected to 
furnish the belting, and the enterprise fairly inaugu- 
rated. After a short time the business of covering 
top rolls was added. From the first the company has 
done a successful and profitable business. The mar- 
ket for its belting is not confined to Fall River alone ; 
the reputation which the company has earned for 
itself in doing first-class work has created a demand 
for their belts in the neighboring manufacturing cities 
and also in Chicago, where a large part of their pro- 
duction has been used. The growth of their business 
called for additional room, and a large two-story 
brick addition has been made to the original building, 
giving them ample facilities for meeting the increased 
demand for their belting. 

As a financial venture it has been one of the most 
successful in the city, having returned large dividends 
since the first year of its organization, and being now 
in the strongest and best of credit. The success of 
the enterprise is due in a large measure to the agent, 
Mr. W. H. Chace, whose faithful and unremitting 
etforts and knowledge of the business has been given 
to the corporation from its organization. The officers 
at this time are : R. B. Borden, president ; A. S. 
Covel, treasurer; W. II. Chace, agent; Directors, 
R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, E. C. Kilburn, B. D. 
Davol, W. H. Chace, and A. S. Covel. 

The Globe Street Railway Company was char- 
tered April 1(3, 13S0, with a capital of .-:;1(XI,000. The 
original stockholders were as follows : Edward Her- 
bert, Isaac P. Francis, Edward E. Slannersley, S. V. 
Bliffins, Seth H. Wetherbee, Foster H. Stafibrd, Mrs. 
B. Wi.xon, Franklin P. Osborn, Braley & Swift (Henry 
K. Braley, Marcus G. B. Swift), Cook Borden & Co., 
George F. Mellen, D. B. Wilson, and Frank W. 
Brightman. 

The first meeting of the incorporators was held 



April 24th, when the following officers were elected : 
President, Edward Herbert; Treasurer, George F. 
Mellen; Clerk, Marcus G. B. Swift; Directors, Ed- 
ward Herbert, F. H. Stafibrd, F. P. Osborn, S. V. . 
Bliffins, George F. Mellen, Isaac P. Francis, and 
James B. Hillard. 

The company operates a line of road, a portion 
of which is double track, extending as follows : From 
Weaver Street to City Hall, up Pleasant Street to 
Quequechan Street; from City Hall, through East 
South Main Street, to East Main, to Globe Street ; 
thence through Globe Street to South Main, and 
through North Main to near the Slade school-house. 
A line also extends from Weaver Street to Forest Hill. 

The present officers are as follows: President, Wil- 
liam H. Jennings ; Treasurer, Frank W. Brightman ; 
Clerk, M. G. B. Swift; Directors, William H. Jen- 
nings, Frank S. Stevens, John S. Brayton, Andrew 
J. Borden, M. G. B. Swift, Joseph A. Beauvias, and 
Thomas B. Wilcox. 

The Quequechan Mills. — The original Quequechan 
Mill was located tivo privileges above the mill now 
known by that name, and was several years since torn 
down, and its site is now included in the extensive 
works of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company. 

Andrew Robeson commenced the business of calico 
printing on the site of the original Quequechan Mill 
in October, 1824. In 1826 he purchased the site 
now occupied by the present Quequechan Mills, and 
in company with his two sons, Andrew and William, 
transferred his business to this point, erecting build- 
ings which now constitute a part of the buildings of 
this corporation. 

They had at that time associated with them in 
various capacities Mr. George Kilburn (afterwards 
of Lonsdale, R. I.), Mr. Samuel Hathaway, and Mr. 
Thomas Tasker. The business was continued, in- 
creasing from time to time, under the firm-name of 
Andrew Robeson & Sons until Jan. 27; 1848, when 
they failed. At the date of this failure they were 
operating about fourteen printing-machines. 

The property then passed into the hands of the 
Fall River Print- Works, which was incorporated by 
special act of the Massachusetts Legislature, April 
18, 1848, of which Mr. William H. Taylor was treas- 
urer until 18.58, when Mr. Andrew Robeson, Jr., be- 
came treasurer, holding the management of the works 
until 1866, when Andrew Robeson (.jd), son of An- 
drew Robeson, Jr., became treasurer, and continued 
until Aug. 28, 1878, when the concern filed a volun- 
tary petition in bankruptcy. 

Mr. Alonzo Borden was superintendent of the Fall 
River Print- Works during most if not all its exist- 
ence. They ran from two to three printing machines, 
principally on indigo blues, greens, buffs, etc. 

In 1869 the main or largest building was filled 
with machinery for the manufacture of printing 
cloths ; capacity, about 6000 spindles. This was in- 
creased in 1865 to 11,000 spindles, and again in- 



328 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



creased in 1867 to 12,800 spindles. The mill was 
completely reorganized in 1868, and brought nearly 
to the present capacity. The printing business was 
completely abandoDed about 1863. 

After the failure of the Fall Elver Print-Works the 
mill was run uniler the management of trustees for 
the creditors, with Mr. Andrew Robeson (3d) as man- 
aging trustee until Dec. 20, 1879, on which date the 
property passed into the hands of the corporation 
now known as the Quequeclian Mills, with Andrew 
Robeson (3) as treasurer, and Mr. Henry G. Fenner, 
superintendent. Mr. Robeson and Mr. Fenner re- 
signed in January, 1881, when Mr. D. H. Dyer be- 
came treasurer and general manager. During the 
past two years important improvements have been 
made both to buildings and machinery, and the mill 
now contains 13,952 spindles and 306 looms, and is 
fitted for the manufacture of a considerable variety 
of goods. When the whole capacity is devoted to 
(sixty-lour by sixty-four) print cloths, the product is 
about 1000 pieces per week. 

An Old Landmark. — A writer in the Providence 
Journal in speaking of the old tannery of Edmund 
Chase, Esq., says, — 

" Among the few old landmarks of by-gone years 
that seem to connect the present waning decades of 
the century with the earlier period, the oldest in the 
centre of the town is the old tannery, now owned by 
Edmund Chase, Esq., situated adjoining the new 
elegant United States custom-house and post-office 
building on Bedford Street. These two edifices afford 
just the contrast needed to indicate the progress of 
the last seventy years. This ancient tannery build- 
ing was erected or at least the tanning business was 
organized here not far from 1808 by the father of the 
present owner, and antedated by five years the estab- 
lishment of the cotton manufacture in this town. The 
location chosen was on the Quequechan River, be- 
cause of the abundance ot water, and where the Troy 
mill was built the company selected the site across 
the stream next above the tannery, and that establish- 
ment also marks the middle period of development 
between the date of the tannery and the new post- 
office building. Years ago this tannery was a scene 
of busy industry. The hides were bought of the sur- 
rounding country farmers, and wrought into good 
solid leather for the general market. In those days 
other tanneries flourished in this vicinity, and leather- 
dressing was an art of great importance. This branch 
of manufiicture was kept until a short time ago, when 
it was found that finished leather could be bought in 
the market cheaper than it could be made here in the 
present state of the hide market. Since the great 
increase of cotton mills and other works employing 
machinery, belt-making has been a leading industry. 
For many years Mr. Chase has carried on this branch, 
and many manufactories here and elsewhere use his 
work, which lias always proved substantial and ser- 
viceable. The older portion of our citizens would 



probably regret to see the old favorite landmark of 
the first quarter of the century swept away, nor do 
they regret that there is no symptom of its going just 
yet. Mr. Chase is still in the vigor of business life, 
and by his judici<ms management has built up his 
business on the soundest basis, and has always ranked 
among the leading solid business men of the city. 
Few concerns in New England have maintained for 
seventy-five years such unimpeachable credit or 
gained a more enviable reputation for honest deal- 



CHAPTER XXVL 

FALL RIVER.— (0,«(/.nr«/.) 

THE BANKING INTERKST. 

The Notional Union Bank— Tlie FaU River Niitiona! Bank— The Mas- 
sasoit National Bank — The Metacomet National Bank — The Pocasset 
National Bank— Tlie First National Bank— The Second National Bank 
— The Fall River Savings-Bank — Citizens' Savings-Baiik- The Fal 
River Five-Cent Savings-Bank — The Union Savings-Bank. 

The National Union Bank.— The National Union 
Bank is the oldest bank in the city, having been char- 
tered as the Bristol Union Bank, of Bristol, R. I., in 
1823. Its authorized capital was $50,000, with the 
privilege of increasing the same to $200,000. It com- 
menced business in 1824 with a paid in capital of 
$10,000, which was increased within the next two 
years to .1540,000. In 1834 the capital was increased 
to .1100,000; in 1846 to $200,000, and in 1866 to $300,- 
000, its present capital. 

The first president of the bank was Barnabas Bates, 
who officiated till some time in 1824, when he was 
succeeded by Parker Borden, who held the office until 
1838, when he was followed by David Durfee. Mr. 
Durfee was succeeded in 1846 by Nathaniel B. Bor- 
den, who remained until 1865, and was then suc- 
ceeded by Jesse Eddy. Mr. Eddy was president until 
1874, when Cook Borden became president, and Mr. 
Borden was succeeded by the present president, Mr. 
Daniel Wilbur, in 1881. 

The cashiers have been as follows : Nathaniel 
Wardwell, 1824; Josiah Gooding, 1825; William 
Coggeshall, 1826-60; Daniel A. Chapin, from 1860 to 
the present time. 

In 1830, Fall River, Mass., affording a more prom- 
ising field for banking operations, the bank was re- 
moved from Bristol and located in Tiverton, just over 
the line from Fall River, and its name changed to 
the Fall River Union Bank. Its office was on South 
Main Street, opposite the head of Columbia Street. 
In 1837 the bank erected for its accommodation the 
brick building corner of South Main and Rodman 
Streets, and removed its office to the lower floor, 
where it continued its business until 1S62. In that 
year, by the change of boundary line. Fall River, 
R. I., became Fall River, Mass., and the bank was 



FALL RIVER. 



329 



removed to the office in the southwest corner of the 
market building, now City Hall. 

In June, 1865, the bank became a national bank- 
ing association, under the name of the National 
Union Bank. In 1872 the office of the bank was re- 
moved to No. 3 Main Street. The present officers are 
as follows : President, Daniel Wilbur; Cashier, Daniel 
A. Chapin ; Directors, Daniel Wilbur, Thomas Bor- 
den, William B. Durfee, William H. Ashley, John 
D. Flint, Samuel Wadington, D. A. Chapin, D. JI. 
Antliony, A. S. Covel. 

The Fall River National Bank.— The Fall Kiver 
Bank was the first banking institution established in 
this town. It was chartered in 1825. The prelimi- 
nary meeting to consider the expediency of establishing 
a bank in what was then the " village" was held at 
the office of James Ford, Esq., Jan. 18, 1825. The 
record reads as follows : 

"At a meeting of the citizens of tlie village of Fall Kivcr at tbe office 
of James Ford, Esq., Jan. 18, 1825, pursuant to previous notice, to take 
into consideration tlie expedrency of establishing a bank in said vil- 
lage, David Anthony being called to tbe chair and James Ford appointed 
secretary, it was 

" Vuled and Ueaolvfd, That a petition be presented to tbe Legislature, 
at their present session, for a charter for a bank ; 

*' That a committee of five be appointed to receive subscription for the 
stock, and to cause tbe petition to be presented ; 

" That Oliver Chacc, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, Richard Bor- 
den, and James Ford he this committee; 

" That Jive cents on a share be paid by the subscribers to defray the 
expenses that may accrue in obtaining an act of incorporation; 

"That Oliver Gliace be treasurer to receive the above money. 

"A true copy. Attest: M. C. Dukfek." 

The act of incorporation contains the names of 
Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, 
Richard Borden, Nathaniel B. Borden, John C. Bor- 
den, Lucius Smith, Samuel Smith, Clark Shove, 
Harvey Chace, Edward Bennett, Arnold Buffum, 
James Ford, James G. Bowen, William W. Swain, 
Benjamin Rodman, William Valentine, and Holden 
Borden. 

At the first meeting of the stockholders, April 7, 
1825, Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Dur- 
fee, Sheffel Weaver, Edward Bennett, Gideon How- 
land, Benjamin Rodman, John C. Borden, and Rich- 
ard Borden were elected directors, and at a subsequent 
meeting of the directors. May 3, 1825, David An- 
thony was chosen president, and Matthew C. Durfee 
cashier. 

This w'as the only bank of discount and deposit in 
the village for twenty years. 

David Anthony, after a service of forty years, re- 
signed the office of president on account of ill-health 
in 18G5, and was succeeded by Col. Richard Borden, 
who died in 1874, and was succeeded by Guilford H. 
Hathaway, the present president. 

Matthew C. Durfee continued as cashier until 18St;, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Henry H. 
Fish, who served twenty-seven years, re-signing in 
1863. George R. Fiske was elected his successor, and 
served until 1873, when he resigned, and was suc- 
ceeded by Ferdinand H. Gifford, the present casliicr. 



The first banking-house of the Fall River Bank 
was a brick building, erected in 1826, on the corner 
of Main and Bank Streets. It was destroyed by the 
great fire in 1843, but rebuilt of the same material the 
same year. 

The Fall River Bank started with a capital of 
1100,000, which was increased to $200,000 in 1827, 
and to $400,000 in 1836. In 1844 it was reduced to 
$350,000, but increased again to $400,000 in 1864, 
when it was incorporated as the Fall River National 
Bank. 

The present officers are as follows : President, Guil- 
ford H. Hathaway ; Cashier, Ferdinand H. Gifford ; 
Directors, G. H. Hathaway, William L. Slade, John 
P. Slade, Richard B. Borden, Isaac Borden, Henry 
S. Fenner, F. H. Gifford. 

The Massasoit National Bank. — The Massasoit 
Bank was organized June 2, 1846, with an authorized 
capital of $100,000. Jason H. Archer was elected 
president, Leander Borden cashier, and Jason H. 
Archer, Oliver S. Hawes, Azariah Shove, Nathan 
Durfee, Henry Willard, Irani Smith, and Benjamin 
Wardwell a board of directors. The bank com- 
menced business in December, 1846, with a paid up 
capital of $50,000, which was increased in the follow- 
ing March to $100,000. In January, 1854, the capital 
stock was again increased to $200,000. 

In October, 1852, Dr. J. H. Archer, having removed 
from the town, resigned his office as president, and 
Israel Buffinton was chosen his successor. In Octo- 
ber, 1864, Charles P. Stickney was elected president, 
vice Israel Buffinton, resigned. Charles P. Stickney 
resigned Sept. 11, 1878, and Iram Smith elected presi- 
dent. Leander Borden resigned Nov. 1, 1881, and E. 
W. Borden elected cashier. 

In December, 1864, the bank was convertetl into a 
national banking association, under the name of the 
Massasoit National Bank. It was also made a de- 
pository and financial agent of the United States. 

The bank when first established occupied rooms in 
the nortli end of the Mount Hope Block, corner of 
Main and Franklin Streets. It continued here for 
thirty years, or until 1876, when it was removed to its 
more commodious and convenient banking-house at 
the Four Corners, the northeast corner of Main and 
Bedford Streets. 

The present officers are as follows : President, Iram 
Smith; Cashier, Eric W. Borden; Directors, Iram 
Smith, Southard H. Miller, Edmund Chase, William 
Mason, Bradford D. Davol, Charles M. Shove, George 
A. Chace, Nathaniel B. Borden. 

The Metacomet National Bank. — The Metacomet 
Bank was incorporated by the Legislature of 1852-53, 
with a capital stock of $400,000, which was soon after 
increased to .$600,000. It was organized in the sum- 
mer following by the choice of Jefferson Borden as 
president, Azariah S. Tripp cashier, and a board of 
nine directors, viz. : Jefferson Borden, Nathan Durfee, 
William Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, Thomas J. Bor- 



330 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



den, Daniel Brown, William Carr, William Marvel, 
and Joseph Crandall. The bank was located in the 
brick building corner of Water and Pocasset Streets, 
and commenced business in December, 1853, with a 
capital then as large as that of any bank in the com- 
monwealth outsiile of Boston. 

In 1865 the institution was converted into a national 
banking association, under the name of the Meta- 
comet National Bank of Fall River, No. 924. After 
having been located on the boundary of the " Border 
City," it removed in 1876 to its present commodious 
and complete banking-house in the Borden Block, 
corner of South Main and Pleasant Streets. 

Mr. Borden remained president until January, 1880, 
when he was succeeded by William Lindsey, the 
present incumbent. Mr. Tripp has remained cashier 
of the bank from the first, a period of nearly thirty 
years, and is one of the oldest bank otiicials in term 
of service in the commonwealth. 

The Pocasset National Bank.— The Pocasset 
Bank was incorporated by the General Assembly of 
the State of Rhode Island in May, 1854, Moses Baker, 
Oliver Chace, and Joseph Osborn being named in the 
charter. The bank was organized June 3, 1854, by 
the choice of Oliver Chace, Samuel Hathaway, 
Weaver Osborn, Gideon H. Durfee, and Moses Baker, 
of Tiverton, and John C. Milne and William H. 
Taylor, of Fall River, Mass., as directors. Oliver 
Chace was elected president, and William H. Brackett 
cashier. 

The bank was located in the Fall River Union 
Bank building, corner of South Main and Rodman 
Streets, then in Tiverton, R. I. In 1856 the town of 
Tiverton was divided, and that part whei'ein the 
bank was located became Fall River, R. I. In 1862 
the boundary line between Rhode Island and Massa- 
chusetts was changed, Fall River, R. I., being set ofl' 
to Blassachusetts, and the bank, by authority of the 
Legislature, became a Massachusetts institution, and 
was removed to the office in the northwest corner of 
the market building, now City Hall, on Main Street. 

Feb. 1, 1866, the bank was organized as a national 
bank under the title of the Pocasset National Bank, 
No. 679. In 1872 the bank purchased the lot on the 
southeast corner of Main and Bedford Streets, and 
erected on the " Four Corners," so called, a fine gran- 
ite building of three stories high, with a mansard 
roof. In January, 1873, the bank was removed to its 
present eligible location on the lower floor of this 
building. 

At the annual meeting of the board of directors, 
Jan. 6, 1882, Oliver Chace resigned the presidency, 
and on the following day William H. Hathaway was 
elected to fill the vacancj'. 

Dec. 9, 1862, William H. Brackett resigned, and 
was succeeded by the present cashier, Mr. Edward E. 
Hathaway, who has been connected with the bank 
since its organization in 1854. 

Samuel Hathaway officiated as president until 



his death, when he was succeeded by Mr. Weaver 
Osborn, the present president. Only three of the 
original board of directors are living, viz., Weaver 
Osborn, John C. Milne, and Gideon H. Durfee. Mr. 
Osborn and Mr. Milne are members of the present 
board. 

The present board is as fcrilows: Weaver Osborn, 
Nathan Read, Danforth Horton, Linden Cook, Foster 
H. Stafford, John C. Milne, E. E. Hathaway. Capi- 
tal, §200,000; surplus, $40,000; undivided profits, 
$37,475.13. 

The First National Bank was organized Jan. 23, 
1864, with a capital of $200,000. Hon. John S. 
Brayton was elected president, and Mr. Charles A. 
Bassett cashier. In March, 1865, the capital stock 
was increased to $400,000, which is its present figure. 
From the date of organization until 1870 it was a 
United States depository and financial agent. The 
bank is located at No. 14 Granite Block, on the corner 
of Main and Central Streets, the southwest of the 
" Four Corners," so called. Mr. Charles A. Bassett, 
cashier, having in 1877 been elected treasurer of the 
Fall River Savings-Bank, was succeeded by Mr. 
Hezekiah A. Brayton, who remained cashier until 
April 28, 1880, when he was succeeded by Mr. C. E. 
Hendrickson, the present incumbent. The present 
officers of the bank are as follows: President, John 
S. Brayton ; Cashier, Charles E. Hendrickson ; Direc- 
tors, John S. Brayton, William B. Brayton; H. A. 
Brayton, D. A. Brayton, ,Tr. 

The Second National Bank is a successor of the 
Wamsutta Bank, which was incorporated as a State 
bank June 4, 1856, with a capital of $100,000. The 
first board of directors were S. A. Chace, Hale Rem- 
ington, James B. Luther, Brownell W. Woodman, 

E. C. Kilburn, Thomas F. Eddy, and Thomas Almy. 
S. A. Chace was chosen president, and officiated in that 
capacity until 1878, when he resigned, and Thomas 

F. Eddy was elected to that position. Charles J. 
Holmes was elected cashier, and has continued to the 
present time. In May, 1864, the bank was reorgan- 
ized as the Second National Bank of Fall River, and 
the following year the capital was increased to $150,000. 
The present board of directors are Thomas F. Eddy, 
E. C. Kilburn, C. J. Holmes, C. E. Fisher, Leontine 
Lincoln, Albert Winslow, and A. B. Sandford. Cap- 
ital, $150,000; undivided earnings, $34,000. 

The Fall River Savings-Bank was incorporated 
March 11, 182S, .and Oliver Chace, James Ford, 
Henry Chace, Bradford Durfee, John C. Borden, Clark 
Shove, and Hezekiah Battelle were constituted a cor- 
poration by the name of the Fall River Institution 
for Savings. 

The organization of the institution was completed 
by the election of Micah H. Ruggles as president, 
Harvey Chace secretary, and James Ford treasurer. 
The first board of trustees were as follows: David 
Anthony, Samuel Chace, Nathaniel B. Borden, John 
C. Borden, Harvey Chace, Joseph Gooding, James 



FALL RIVER. 



331 



Ford, Bradford Durfee, Richard Borden, John S. 
Cotton, Clark Shove, Philip R. Bennett, Joseph C. 
Luther, Jesse Eddy, Enoch French, Hezekiah Bat- 
telle, Matthew C. Durfee, and William H. Hawkins. 
Enoch French, David Anthony, Matthew C. Durfee, 
Jesse Eddy, and Harvey Chace were constituted a 
board of investment. 

May 28, 1828, the bank was opened for business, 
and sixty-five dollars was deposited on that day by 
four depositors. During the first year there was 
three thousand two hundred and tvventj'-four dollars 
received from fifty-eightdepositors, butof this amount 
five hundred and eighteen dollars was withdrawn. 
The first dividend was made in October, 1828, amount- 
ing to thirteen dollars and four cents. 

The act of incorporation provided for its continu- 
ance for a term of twenty years. In April, 1847, by 
special vote of the Legislature, the act was continued 
without limitation. In April, 1855, the name of the 
bank was changed to " The Fall River Savings-Bank." 

The bank has had but four presidents, viz., Micah 
H. Ruggles, from 1828 to 1857 ; Nathaniel B. Borden, 
from 1857 to 1865 ; Job B. French, from 1865 to 1882; 
and William Lindsey, from 1882 to the present time. 
Its original place of business was in the office of 
James Ford, the first treasurer. In 1830 it was re- 
moved to the store of Hawkins & Fish, southeast 
corner of Main and Bedford Streets, Mr. William H. 
Hawkins having succeeded Mr. Ford in the oflice of 
treasurer. In July, 1833, Mr. Hawkins was succeeded 
by Mr. Henry H. Fish, who was in turn succeeded in 
1836 by Mr. Joseph F. Lindsey. Mr. Lindsey de- 
voted the best years of his life to the interests of the 
bank, and upon his retirement in 1877, after forty 
years' service in au office which he had conducted 
with marked honesty, ability, and courtesy, was com- 
plimented with the appointment of vice-president of 
the corporation. His successor as treasurer was Mr. 
Charles A. Bassett, who has continued to the present 
time. Mr. Bassett had been cashier of the First 
National Bank of Fall River for thirteen years. 

The bank continued in Mr. Fish's store till some 
time in 1841, when an increase of business demanded 
more room, and a small building in the rear of the 
old post-office on Pocasset Street was procured. It 
remained here about a year, and was then removed to 
the basement of a house on North Main Street, owned 
and occupied by Dr. Nathan Durfee. This house was 
destroyed in the great fire of July, 1843, and a private 
dwelling was occupied by the bank until the next 
January, when the Mount Hope House Block was 
completed on the site of the former office. The bank 
was then moved into the office in the southwest cor- 
ner of this block, where it remained until the erection 
of its own banking-house on North Main Street in 
March, 1869, which is one of the most complete in 
the State. 

The bank has paid dividends regularly every year, 
excepting 1879. In 1882, however, an extra dividend 



of four and a half per cent, was paid, which made 
good to the depositors the deficiency of 1879. The 
total dividends from organization up to and including 
October, 1882, amount to three hundred and thirty- 
three and a half per cent., making an average of six 
per cent, since its organization. 

Previous to the spring of 1878 the bank had con- 
tinuously increased its deposits, until the amount 
reached an excess of $6,000,000. The well-known 
local financial irregularities of that and the following 
year caused universal distrust, and it was deemed ex- 
pedient that the bank should take the benefit of the 
restrictive act limiting payments, known as the " Pay 
Law." It was first applied to the bank in July, 1878, 
and continued in force until April 1, 1880, when the 
bank resumed payment under its by-laws, and has 
since paid upon demand all sums desired by the de- 
positors, and the managers can now confidently say 
that in their opinion it is as sound and safe as 
never before. The present deposits amount to over 
$4,400,000. 

The present officers are as follows : William Lind- 
sey, president; A. S. Tripp, vice-president; Isaac B. 
Chace, clerk ; Trustees, J. B. French, A. S. Tripp, 
Caleb B. Vickery, Robert C. Brown, Guilford H. 
Hathaway, Benjamin Earl, William Lindsey, Isaac 
B. Chace, Thomas J. Borden, James C. Eddy, Brad- 
ford D. Davol, Newton R. Earl, Crawford E. Lindsey, 
Samuel R. Buffinton, Henry C. Hawkins, Henry K. 
Braley, Clark Shove, Ferdinand H. Giflbrd, Robert 
Henry; C. A. Bassett, treasurer; N. R. Earl, secre- 
tary board of trustees; Board of Investment, William 
Lindsey, Guilford H. Hathaway, Robert C. Brown, 
James C. Eddy, Henry C. Hawkins. 

Citizens' Savings-Bank. — "In 1851 the October 
session of the General Assembly of the State of 
Rhode Island passed an act incorporating 'The 
Savings-Bank,' to be located in Tiverton. Oliver 
Chace, Jr., Cook Borden, Thomas Borden, Clark S. 
Manchester, and their associates and successors, were 
created a body politic, under the name and style of 
' The Savings-Bank,' with perpetual succession. 
The amount of deposits to be received was limited 
to four hundred thousand dollars. 

"The bank was organized Nov. 15, 1851, by the 
election of Joseph Osborn, president ; Charles F. 
Searle, secretary; William H. Brackett, treasurer; 
and a board of fifteen trustees. Cook Borden, Oliver 
Chace, Jr., Weaver O-sborn, William C. Chajsin, and 
Samuel Hathaway were chosen a board of invest- 
ment. The bank was opened for business Dec. 1, 
1851, at the office of the Fall River Union Bank, and 
on that day the first deposit was made. 

"In June, 1854, the bank was removed to the office 
in the southwest corner of the Fall River LTnion Bank 
building, on South Main Street, corner of Rodman 
Street, and continued there until the change in the 
boundary line between Rhode Island and Massachu- 
setts, March 15, 1862, when it became a Massachu- 



332 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



setts institution, under the name of the Citizens' 
Savings-Bank, and was removed with the Pocasset 
Bank to the northwest corner of the market building, 
now City Hall. In January, 1873, the bank was again 
removed to the office prepared for it, in connection 
with the Pocasset National Bank, in the latter's new 
building, erected for a banking-house and otlier pur- 
poses, on the corner of Main and Bedford Streets. 

" In December, 1862, William H. Brackett I'esigned 
the office of treasurer on account of removal to an- 
other city, and Edward E. Hathaway was elected to 
fill tlie vacancy. 

"The first dividend was declared June 4, 1852, 
viz., three per cent, for the preceding six months." 

The present deposits, February 9th, are $2,216,- 
183.02; undivided profits, .$47,993.9.'i ; guarantee 
fund, .f!39,702.75. President, Joseph Osborn ; Vice- 
Presidents, Linden Cook and Danforth Horton ; 
Secretary, John C. Milne; Treasurer, E. E. Hatha- 
way ; Assistant Treasurer, E. F. Borden ; Second As- 
sistant Treasurer, William F. Winter; Clerk, William 

B. Shove; Book-keeper, F. O. Dwelly; Trustees, Jo- 
seph Osborn, L. S. Earle, Linden Cook, Charles P. 
Dring, J. C. Milne, Weaver Osborn, B. F. Winslow, 
F. H. Stafford, Joseph Ilealy, George O. Fairbanks, 
Samuel W. Hathaway, Danforth Horton, Joseph U. 
Carr, George H. Eddy, M. G. B. Swift, P. I. Conant, 
John B. Marvel, F. L. Almy, James W. Henry, Je- 
rome Dwelly; Board of Investment, Weaver Osborn, 
Charles P. Dring, John C. Milne, Linden Cook, 
Lloyd S. Earle. 

Weaver Osborn was a member of the first board of 
trustees, and has remained a trustee to the present 
time. 

The Fall River Five-Cent Savings-Bank was in- 
corporated April lU, IS-")'), with the following incorpo- 
rators : S. Angler Chace, Hale Remington, Walter C. 
Durfee, James Buffinton, E. P. Buffinton, B. H. Davis, 
Asa P. French, and Al van S. Ballard. The institution I 
was organized on the 25th of the following October, j 
willi S. Angier Chace, president; Hale Remington, ; 
secretary; Charles J. Holmes, Jr., treasurer ; and S. 
Angier Chace, Asa Eames, E. P. Buffinton, Abner ! 
L. Westgate, and Robert K. Remington, a board of 
investment. Mr. Chace remained president until 
1878, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Walter 

C. Durfee. Mr. Remington continued as secretary 
until October, 1856, when John P. Slade was elected 
to that position. There has been no change in the 
office of treasurer, Mr. Holmes having officiated dur- 
ing the twenty-seven years of the bank's existence. 
The present deposits amount to 11,100,000 ; surplus, 
$30,000. The present board of investment is as fol- 
lows: Walter C. Durfee, E. C. Kilburn, Irani Smith, 
S. M. Brown, and Edwin Shaw. 

The Union Saving^s-Bank was incorporated April 
24, l.Sljy, witli Gardner T. Dean, Edwin Shaw, and 
Lafayette Nichols as corporators. An organization 
was immediately effected by the choice of Augustus 



Chace, president; James M. Morton, Jr., secretary; 
D. A. Chapin, treasurer; and a board of twenty-five 
trustees. The board of investment consisted of Cook 
Borden, William B. Durfee, Gardner T. Dean, Lafay- 
ette Nichols, and Alphonso S. Covel. The bank 
opened for business in May, 1869. 

Its present officers are - as follows : President, 
Augustus Chace; Secretary, Abraham G. Hart; 
Treasurer, Daniel A. Chapin ; Board of Investment, 
Nathan Chace, William B. Durfee, Gardner T. Dean, 
Lafayette Nichols, A. S. Covel. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

FALL RIVER.— (Cuiitmued.) 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The Press, Civil History, Etc. 

The F.in River Monitor — Tlie Moral Envoy — Tlie Village Recorder — 
The Patriot— Tlie Archetype— The Gazette— The Argus— The Flint 
autl Steel — The Mechanic — The Wanipanoag — All Sorts — Journal — 
People's Press— The Lahor-Tonrnal — L'Eclio du Canada— The Spark — 
The Fall River News— Tlie Daily Evening News— The Fall Daily 
Herald- The Advance-The Daily Record— The Daily Sun— The First 
Stage Line Between Fall River and Providence — The Fall River 
Line of Steamers— The Clyde Line— Voteis in 1830— The Fire of 
1843 — List of Buildings Destroyed — Custom-House and Post-Otfice — 
The City Hall- Educational— Schools in 17(13— Present Condition of 
Schools— Mrs. Mary B. Young's Gift— The Public Libraryl— The 
Skeleton in Armor — Water-Works — Fire Department — Oak Grove 
Cemetery — The North Cemetery — Civil History — Incorporation of 
Town — Name Changed to Troy — Suhseqnently to Fall River— Incor- 
poration of the City— First Offlcers- Mayors from 1854 to 1884— 
Members of Congress Residents of Fall River — State Senators — Rep- 
resentatives from 1803 to 1884— Town Clerks fioin 1803 to 1854— City 
Clerks from 1854 to 18S4— Present City Officers- Valuation from 
1854 to 1882— Population from 1810 to 1882. 

The Fall River Monitor.— The pioneer in Fall 
River journalism was the Muni/or, first issued Jan. 6, 
1826, by Nathan Hall. The office of publication was 
on Bedford Street, in a brick building which stood 
where is situated the block now occupied by Messrs. 
Allen, Slade & Co., for their wholesale grocery busi- 
ness. The size of the paper was nineteen by twenty- 
four inches, four pages, and four columns to a page. 

The paper was printed on a Ramage press, similar 
to the one used by Franklin. The ink was distributed 
upon the type by balls, the very ancient style of the 
art. 

The number of advertisements, though quite lim- 
ited, was respectable for this early period of our 
history as a town. Among these we note that John 
S. Cotton oflers a variety of goods at his store, at the 
old stand at the corner formerly occupied by the Fall 
River Manufactory, viz., dry-goods, groceries, crock- 
ery, glassware, and hardware. John Southwick was 
also a dealer in the same articles. J. & D. Leonard 
supplied the people with paints and oil, but as no- 

1 See Appendix. 



FALL RIVER. 



33:? 



thing is said about paper liangings, we infer that Fall 
Kiver people had not attained to the style necessary 
to make them a profitable commodity. Bennett & 
Jacobs were prominent dealers in West India goods 
and groceries, as also did Hiram Bliss. Enoch French 
& Sons supplied the people with boots, shoes, and 
leather, which, by the way, is the only store which has 
remained till this day, the same being continued by 
one of the sons and a grandson under the firm-name 
of Job B. French & Son, at or near the old stand, but 
with greatly increased facilities. Samuel Shove & 
Son were engaged in the dry-goods business, and also 
including in his stock crockery, earthen- and glass- 
ware. Blake & Nichols were dealers in staple goods. 
Peleg H. Earl was the merchant tailor. James Ford 
dispensed the law. Joseph Luther and J. Ames 
taught private schools. Benjamin Anthony and John 
Southwick were the auctioneers. James G. Bowen 
was the postmaster. Matthew C. Durfee was the only 
bank cashier. Susan Jennings was the tailoress, aud 
Mrs. Hannah Allen the mantuamaker. David An- 
thony was agent for a Boston insurance company. 
John 0. Borden and David Anthony were among the 
principal owners of real estate, and the former as 
justice of the peace, his name appearing occasionally 
as ofiiciating at marriage ceremonies. A Masonic 
lodge was in being here at this early day, of which 
Kt. W. Leander P. Lovell was Master, and John C. 
Borden was Secretary and Tyler, with Rev. A. B. Read 
as Chaplain. 

B. Earl entered the office of the Monitor as an ap- 
prentice late in the fall of 1826. After serving three 
years, and continuing labor in the office some six 
months longer, he purchased the oflice with all its 
materials, the good-will, and list of subscribers to the 
Monitor, and commenced its publication on the 1st 
of July, 1829, continuing its publication until 1838, 
when it was sold out to Tripp & Pearce. During the 
last year or two of Mr. Earl's connection with the 
office, J. S. Hammond was associated with him in that 
and other business. 

James Ford, Esq., officiated as editor of the Monitor 
during most of the period of its publication by Mr. 
Earl. 

During the publication of the Monitor by Mr. Earl, 
the Morgan excitement on Masonry and anti-Masonry 
sprung up, and waxed hot and bitter between the 
contending adherents on either side ; and also the 
" great Hodges and Ruggles' contest," as it was after- 
wards called, for Congressional appointment, which 
finally terminated in the election of Hodges on the 
seventh ballot. The Monitor took the Masonic side of 
question in controversy, and this gave to its publisher 
the cognomen of " Jack-mason." 

In March, 1838, Earl & Hammond sold out their 
interest in the paper to Mr. N. A. Tripp and Alfred 
Pearce. Their partnership continued but three 
months, when Mr. Henry Pratt assumed the obliga- 
tions which Mr. Pearce had thrown off. Thus for 



many years the publishers were Messrs. Tripp & 
Pratt. In 1850, Mr. Tripp went out of the firm, and 
in 1857 engaged in the publication of the Daily Star, 
which soon after came into existence. 

The senior publisher, Mr. Noel .4. Tripp, still sur- 
vives, and is an attache of this office. He is probably 
the oldest printer in the county, and still wears his 
honors bravely, receiving to himself, very justly, the 
credit of establishing the first daily newspaper which 
became a permanent institution. Mr. Alfred Pearce 
died in Providence, March 12, 1871. 

For many years previous to the fire of 1843 the 
paper was published in the Exchange Building which 
stood where the City Hall building is now located. 
After the fire it sought temporary quarters in the rear 
of Mrs. Young's residence, on North Main Street, 
until the Borden block, which stood where the new 
one is now erected, was finished, when it was removed 
tliither. When the Pocasset House was rebuilt the 
office was removed to its present quarters, where it has 
remained ever since. 

In 1841 the present proprietor entered the office to 
serve an apprenticeship, after concluding which he 
continued in the employ of Mr. Henry Pratt, the pub- 
lisher, most of the time till about 1855, when he en- 
gaged in business himself In December, 1868, he 
assumed the publication of the Monitor, which liad 
been suspended for some months. For two years it 
was r;in as a free paper. Jan. 1, 1871, it was enlarged 
to its present dimensions and issued at one dollar per 
annum. It continued at this price one year, and Jan. 
1, 1872, the subscription was raised to one d(jllar and 
fifty cents per annum. Its subscription is larger, and 
it has, undoubtedly, now a far wider circulation than 
at any period in its history. 

The names of those who at various times i)revious 
to Mr. Robertson's connection with thejI/oft(7o;-wie]ded 
the editorial pen in its columns are in their order as 
follows : Joseph Hathaway, Esq., Charles F. Town- 
send, Matthew C. Durfee, James Ford, Esq., and Hon. 
Joseph E. Dawley. Mr. Dawley is the only one now 
living. 

The first editor, Mr. Hathaway, was a native of 
Fall River, which then embraced Freetown, where 
Mr. Hathaway was born. He was probably one of 
the most brilliant members of the Bristol County bar. 
As a platform speaker he had few equals, and as an 
incisive writer he could wield a lance which cut to the 
quick. 

Charles F. Townsend, Esq., of "Townsend Hill" 
notoriety, became an early contributor to the columns 
of the Monitor, more especially in its poetical depart- 
ment, and continued in that capacity many years. 

Matthew C. Durfee was its editor from 1828 to 1830. 
He was a man of fine talents, a cashier of the first 
bank ever started here, and possessed good business 
abilities. He was a good writer, a person of conscien- 
tious principles, and wielded a trenchant pen. He 
died in December, 1841. 



-s:u 



HlSTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



James Ford, Esq., assumed the editorial chair in 
1830 and continued till 1858. As a writer, he was 
honest in statement and an ardent advocate of his 
political party, — the Whigs. During a good portion 
of this time the Democracy were in the ascendant in 
the nation, but Fall River usually was carried by the 
Whigs, and it was generally conceded that the paper 
was a powerful motor in the accom])lishment of this 
work. Political controversy raged high in those days, 
much hotter than in modern times. The editor was 
not peculiarly mild in his denunciation of the policy 
of the Democratic party, whom he generally styled 
" Locofocos," a term quite commonly applied to them 
in those days. Various attempts were made to sustain 
a newspaper again by the Democratic party, but with 
indifferent success. Failure after failure followed 
until the Wcekfi/ News got a foothold. In the mean 
time the editor of the Monitor was continually pouring 
hot shot, metaphorically speaking, into the enemy's 
camp. Generally the opposition papers were edited 
by various persons, hence arose a term of " forty 
fathers," which Judge Ford applied to the authors of 
their editorials. The first objective iioint seemed to 
be the demolition of the theories of the Monitor, 
against which they battled long and earnestly. The 
controversy was long continued, the excitement ran 
high, and epithets of a harmless nature were freely 
applied on both sides. Though for a while these 
afforded considerable amusement to the patrops of 
the papers, yet they were carried to such an extent as 
to become tedious to the readers and unprofitable to 
the publishers. In those days newspaper controversy 
was more popular than it is now, but as they gener- 
ally degenerate into personal abuse, they detract from 
the character and profitableness of the paper, and 
please few but those whose belligerent propensities are 
superior to the mental. Mr. Ford lived to a ripe old 
age, being only a few days short of eighty-nine years 
at liis death, retaining his mental faculties till the last. 

Hon. Joseph E. Dawley became a contributor to 
the Monitor as early as 1847, and upon the retirement 
of Mr. Ford, in 1858, he assumed the sole editorial 
charge, and continued to discharge those duties until 
about 1861, when, in consequence of the war of the 
Rebellion, the paper was suspended for several months. 

The Monitor is now published by Mr. William S. 
Robertson, editor and proprietor. 

The Moral Envoi/ (anti-Masonic) was started in 
1830 by George Wheaton Allen, a native of Batavia, 
N. Y. This journal continued to be published about 
a year, when in 1831 it was succeeded by the ViUage 
Becoriler, Noel A. Tripp publisher. This was issued 
once a fortnight from the same office as the Monitor 
for a short time until 1832, when it came out weekly. 
After running nearly three years, the Reconkr was 
merged in the Monitor. 

In 1836 there was started the first Democratic 
paper, a weekly, called the Patriot. The publisher 
was William N. Canfield. It was edited a few months 



by B. Ellery Hale, after which the editorial work was 
mostly performed by a coterie of writers, among 
whom were the late Dr. P. W. Leland, Dr. Foster 
Hooper, Jonathan Slade, and Louis Lapham, Esq. 
These were the " forty fathers," so termed bj' James 
Ford, Esq., who at this time edited the Monitor. The 
Patriot was a journal of considerable ability, and 
did good service for the Democracy. It lived four or 
five years, and was succeeded by the Archetype, which 
was started in 1841 under the management of Messrs. 
Thomas Almy and Louis Lapham. After one year 
it was discontinued, and was followed by the Gazette, 
published by Abraham Bowen, and edited by Stephen 
Hart. This was also short-lived, when the Arrjvs 
sprung up under the editorial supervision of Jonathan 
Slade, with Thomas Almy as publisher. The office 
being destroyed in the great fire of 1848, the paper 
was suspended. About this time was issued the Flint 
and Steel, a small weekly sheet edited by the late Dr. 
P. W. Leland. It was in the interest of the Democ- 
racy, and gave full scope to the talent possessed by 
the doctor in making the sparks of criticism and sar- 
casm fly thick and last. 

At its demise various ventures in journalism were 
made, among them The Mechanic, by Mr. Thomas 
Almy, assisted by Mr. John C. Milne, the Wnm- 
panoag. and some others. Since 1846 there have been 
the All Sorts, by Abraham Bowen, published occa- 
sionally; Journal, weekly, by George Robertson; 
People's Press, tri-weekly, by Noel A. Tripp. The 
All Sorts and Journal lived for a season. The Press 
was published five years, and then in 1865 was merged 
into the Monitor. 

The Labor Jotirnal, published by Henry Seavey, - 
was started in 1873, now discontinued. The L' Echo 
dit Canada, an organ of the French Canadians, was 
started in 1873, and lived about two years. 

The first daily paper was The Spark, published in 
1848, a small campaign paper, edited by Louis Lap- 
ham, Esq., which lived but a few weeks. 

The Fall River Weekly News was established 
April 3, 1845, by Thomas Almy and John C. Milne, 
as a Democratic paper, and continued as such till 
1853, when it espoused the principles of the Repub- 
lican party, which it has continued to advocate ever 
since. In June, 1859, the publication of the Daily 
Evening News was commenced, in connection with 
the Weekly. In 1864, Mr. Frank L. Almy, who had 
entered the office as an apprentice during the first 
year of the Weekly News, was admitted as a partner. 

In 1882 the firm of Almy, Milne & Co. was dissolved 
by the death of the senior partner, Mr. Thomas Almy, 
after a business connection with Mr. Milne of more 
than thirty-seven years, and the publication of the 
two papers has been continued since that time by Mr. 
John C. Milne and Mr. Frank L. Almy, under the 
original firm-name of Almy & Milne. 

Both the Daily and Weekly News have been enlarged 
from time to time, until they are now among the 



FALL RIVER. 



335 



largest papers in the State, each containing tliirty-six 
columns. The Eveuiiiy News is the largest daily pub- 
lished in the city, and it has a large and increasing 
circulation, and its value as an advertising medium is 
well understood by business men. It is an able, high- 
toned, and influential journal, and in the days of the 
anti-slavery agitation was noted for its zeal and effi- 
ciency in the cause of human freedom. It occupies 
a bold and fearless position on the great moral ques- 
tions of the day, is a prominent advocate of the tem- 
perance cause, allow's no liquor advertisements in its 
columns, and gives its aid to advance in every way 
the best interests of the community. 

Fall River Herald. — In 1872 a conference of lead- 
ing Democrats of Fall River was held to consider the 
advisability of establishing a daily paper to represent 
bhe interests of' the party and the workingmen of the 
jity. Accordingly, a .subscription-paper was circu- 
lated chiefly among the Irish Democrats of means, 
iind in a short time stock to the amount of six thou- 
sand dollars was tak(;n and paid for. An office in 
Nichols building on Pocasset Street was secured, and 
the necessary materials purchased. On July 2d the 
Brst copy of the paper was issued, under the name of 
77*6 Border Citij Herald, with Mr. William Hovey, 
later editor of the Boston Transcript, and now editor 
3f the Sunday Budget, in charge of the editorial de- 
partment. The paper sprang into immediate favor : 
both among readers and business men, and its success 
ivas assured from the first i.ssue. Instead of confining , 
Itself to the narrow channels of partisanship, an inde- 
pendent position was assumed, and Democratic pro- 
-^livities set aside whenever any false course was per- 
ceptible in that party. With success came that 
negligence so characteristic of people who have not 
much on their minds, and the result was that the 
monetary affairs of the concern were improperly man- 
iged. Several times was the project of dissolving the 
company broached in the meetings of the stockhold- 
ers, but the wisdom of the clear-sighted members 
prevailed, and the question effectually disposed of 
forever. A debt of over five thousand dollars was in- 
curred by the directors, which no one could see a way 
3f lifting. A new and more energetic board of direct- 
Drs was chosen, who personally managed the affairs 
ind applied for articles of incorporation in 1877, 
ivhich were granted, and the name changed to Fall 
River Daily Herald. A good system of economy was 
it once inaugurated, money raised to meet the out- I 
standing obligations, and the company placed on a 
sounder footing. The new lease of life infused into the 
Herald at that time has brought it to its present ex- 
cellent standing ; so that the stock, whicii sold for 
forty dollars per share in 1876-77, cannot now be had 
for one hundred and fifty dollars. 

Mr. Hovey was succeeded as editor by the late 
ludge Lapham, whose ponderous editorial articles 
iftbrded great pleasure to the old-line Democrats, 
imong whom he was the leading light. He contin- ' 



ued in charge until his duties as justice of the Police 
Court became so onerous that he was compelled to re- 
sign. Mr. Walter Scott was the third editor, followed 
soon by a New Jersey journalist named Trellease, 
whose stay was exceedingly brief, because of his ir- 
regular habits. George Salisbury, now editor and 
publisher of the Fall Fiver Weekly Advance, was ap- 
pointed his successor, but receiving a more advan- 
tageous ofter, he shortly afterward resigned to accept 
a similar position from Henry Sevey, who at that 
time was running a one-cent paper on Pleasant Street 
called the Daily Journal and Democrat. Mr. Ernest 
King, an associate at one time of Horace Greeley, 
and publisher of a paper in Connecticut, was next 
called in as editor, and filled the position acceptably, 
when he asked to be released, on account of a difficulty 
with the directors, who held that the paper was 
amenable to the laws under the copyright act for 
publishing an article on the Irisli question written by 
Charles S. Parnell for the North American Review. 
The seventh editor was William B. Wright, a young 
Boston journalist, who caused the paper to assume a 
new and more vigorous tone. He stayed two years, 
when he, too, January, 1882, resigned. The vacancy 
remained unfilled for a few weeks, until Mr. Joseph E. 
Chamberlain, at that time editor of the Newport Daily 
News, and former managing editor of the Chicago 
Times, assumed charge at the invitation of the direc- 
tors. The paper has made a great gain in circulation 
and influence within the past year. It is Democratic 
in politics, and independent and fearless in its man- 
ner of discussing public topics. 

The Advance was started as a licensed victuallers' 
organ in March, 1879, by a person named Trellease, 
and soon afterwards fell into the hands of Salisbury 
& Newell, who continued to run it until August, 1881, 
when Mr. Salisbury purchased his partner's interest 
in the concern, and has since run it as its sole pro- 
prietor and editor, entirely changing its character 
and tone, and making it an independent, chatty, and 
amusing family and news paper. Starting as a small 
six-column, patent outside sheet, it has gradually de- 
veloped into a nine-column paper, all filled with 
bright, fresh, and interesting reading-matter. It is a 
paragraphic and witty paper, which is quoted far and 
near, and its jokes and stories are reproduced as 
largely in the old country as at home. Mr. Salisbury, 
the editor, is an Englishman, who has only been in 
this country about nine years. He has built up a 
big and a jolly paper, and is a prime favorite with 
the paragraphic fraternity all over the country. The 
Advance is a weekly paper, published every Saturday, 
and has a large and steadily-increasing circulation 
and a good advertising patronage. The Advance is 
illustrated by humorous cuts, and makes a specialty 
of racy and laughable stories. 

The Daily Record was established Dec. 12. 1878, 
by W. O. Milne & Co., and was discontinued July 
29, 1879. 



336 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Fall River Daily Sun was first issued May | 
11, ISSO, by tlie Fall River Sun Publishing Company, 
with Earnest King as editor, and was published until i 
March 24, 1882. 

The First Stag:e Line between Fall River and , 
Providence and Fall River and New Bedford was I 
established in 1825, Mr. Isaac Fish being proprietor 
of the former, and I. H. Bartlett of the latter. The 
terminus of each line being at Blade's Ferry, which 
was crossed by a horse ferry-boat. This primitive 
craft was succeeded in 1847 by the steam ferry-boat 
" Failt," and this by the " Weetamoe" in 1859. This 
ferry continued in use until the completion of the 
bridge in 1875. 

Fall River and Providence Steamboat Com- 
pany.— The Fall River and Providence line of 
steamers was established by the Iron- Works Company 
in 1828, and was owned and operated by that corpor- 
ation until 1880, when it was organized as a separate 
company, with a capital of one hundred and ninety- 
two thousand dollars. 

The first steamer on this line was the " Hancock," 
put on in 1828; she measured ninety-eight tons, 
eighty-nine feet long, eighteen feet beam, and about 
six feet depth of hold, and was commanded by Capt. 
Thomas Borden. The " Hancock" was succeeded by 
the " King Pliilip" in 1832. The " Bradford Dnrfee" 
was placed upon the route in 1845, the " Canonicus" 
in 1849, the " Metaeomet" in 1854, and the " Rich- 
ard Borden" in 1874. Two steamers, the " Richard 
Borden" and " Bradford Durfee," ply regularly be- 
tween this city and Providence. The steamer " Canon- 
icus" is used for the summer season. The present 
officers are as follows : President, Jetferson Borden ; 
Clerk and Treasurer, Robert C. Brown; Directors, 
Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, 
Nathaniel Lindsey, David A. Brayton, Jr., and H. 
M. Barnes. 

The Fall River Line.— The first steamboat com- 
munication between this city and New York was in- 
augurated in 1847 by the organization of the Bay 
State Steamboat Company with a capital of $300,000. 
'The first steamer commenced her trips in May of 
that year. This was the " Bay State," three hundred 
and twenty feet long, with a tonnage of sixteen hun- 
dred, commanded by Capt. Joseph I. Comstock. The 
alternate boat was the steamer " Massachusetts," which 
was chartered until the completion of the " Metropo- 
lis" in 1854. This steamer was three hundred and 
fifty feet in length, with a capacity of two thousand 
two hundred tons. 

The conception of the organization of this favorite 
through route of travel between Boston and New 
York, via Fall River, was largely due to Col. Richard 
Borden, by whom also the railroad was projected and 
mainly constructed. Other business men were inter- 
ested in this latter movement and aided in its develop- 
ment, among whom were Andrew Robeson, Sr., who 
was its first president, his successor, Hon. Nathaniel 



B. Borden, and David Anthony, who was treasurer. 
Jefferson Borden was also most prominent in tlie 
management, and shared with his brother Richard in 
the organization of the steamboat line. Until 1846, 
there had been no communication direct from Fall 
River by steam or rail with either Boston or New 
York. 

The Bay State Steamboat Company in course of 
time passed into the control of the Boston, Newport 
and New York Steamboat Company, and, the Old 
Colony Railroad Company having in the mean time 
extended their road from Fall River to Newport, that 
city (1864) was made the eastern terminus for the 
boats of the line. Soon came another change, the 
steamers becoming the property of the Narragansett 
Steamship Company, then under the control of James 
Fisk, Jr., and Jay Gould, of New York, and the 
eastern terminus was re-established (1869) at Fall 
River. 

About two years later this line jiassed info the pos- 
session of the Old Colony Steamboat Company, which 
was controlled by the Old Colony Railroad Company, 
thus forming the now famous " Fall River Line," be- 
tween Boston and New York. Among the older boats 
operated by this company were the "Senator," the 
"Governor," the "Katahdin," and the "State of 
Maine." The present steamers are the "Old Colony" 
and "Newport" for winter service, and the palatial 
steamers " Bri.stol" and "Providence" for summer 
travel. A new palatial steamer has just been added 
to this line, bearing the appropriate name of "Pil- 
grim." This is one of the finest and largest steamers 
plying on the Sound. 

The present officers of the company are as follows: 
President, Charles F. Choate ; Clerk, George Marston ; 
Treasurer, John M. Washburn ; Directors, Charles 
F. Choate, F. B. Hayes, Uriel Crocker, Samuel C. 
Cobb, Fred. L. Ames, Samuel L. Crocker, John J. 
Russell, John S. Brayton, T. J. Borden, R. W. Turner, 
George Marston, William J. Rotch, and Elisha W. 
Willard. 

Clyde's Philadelphia and New Eng^land Steam- 
ship Line. — This project was inaugurated in 1876, 
when a line of steam propellers was started plying 
between this city and Philadelphia, thus opening a 
new and direct route between Philadelphia and 
Boston. 

Voters in 1830.— In the years of 1830 and 1832, 
when Fall River was a village of three thousand in- 
habitants or thereabouts, the following-named citizens 
were legal voters in the town, who are yet residing 
here, and perhaps others : 



Allen, Rodolpluis H. 
BoODier, Nathaniel. 
Bliss, Hiram. 
Blossom, Barnabas. 
Borden, Amasa. 
Borden, Isaac. 
Borden, Laban. 
Borden, Leandei'. 



Borden, Melvin. 
Borden, Thomas. 
Bowen, Abraham. 
Brightman, Cory D. 
Briggs, Zephaniah T. 
Brown, Joseph D. 
Bnfljnton, Oliver, 
Collins, John. 



FALL RIVER. 



337 



Davol, Stephen. Olney, Pavid. 

Davol, William C. Read, William V. 

Earl, Benjamin. Lindsey, Joseph F. 

Fish, Isaac. Sanford, William. 

French. Jub B. Sniilh, Irani. 

Fiencli, Stephen L. Strange, William. 

Freelove, Thomas. Terry, Church. 

Orinnell, Oliver. Terry, Brightman. 

Hall, Aliiathar. Tripp, Noel A. 

Hart, Jonathan. Vickery, Caleb B. 

Marvel, William. Wilson, Job T. 

Mason, William. Winslow, Frederick. 

Negua, Seymour. W'ordell, Charles 

The following-named persons then residents are 
now living out of the city : 

Allen, James S. Leonard, Daniel. 

Cook, Paul. Winchester, John P. 

French, Asa P. Wood, Leonard. 

This list does not include those citizens of Fall 
River who were then citizens of Tiverton, R. I. 

The Fire of 1843— The year 1843 marks a mem- 
arable epoch in the history of Fall River. On the 
afternoon of July 2d of that year the town was vis- 
ited by a most devastating conflagration, which in a 
few hours laid nearly the entire village in ruins, 
rhe fire originated in a small carpenter-shop on 
Borden Street, near Main, which when discovered 
(vas enveloped in flames, and the fiery element 
was already threatening adjacent buildings. A mo- 
ment more the surrounding buildings were on fire, 
md the strong wind blowing from the south was 
liurling the crackling flames and burning cinders 
into the very heart of the village. The flames 
leaped from building to building with such amaz- 
ing rapidity that all attempts of the hand-engines 
lud " bucket brigade" to subdue them were unavail- 
ing, and for seven hours the fire raged and was only 
checked when the wind suddenly changed and blew 
in an opposite direction. Twenty acres were burned 
3ver in the heart of the village, extending from 
Borden Street on the south to Franklin on the north, 
imbracing the following property : 

fjnmber of buildings burned, not incltidhig the smaller ones 196 

Of which tliere were used as dwelling-houses, and occupied by one 

ur more families each 95 

Hotels 'I 

Churches i^Meihodist and Christian Union) 3 

Cuttun-faciory (Old Bridge Mill) 1 

Carriage-factories 2 

Banks 2 

Cabinet waiehonses , 3 

Marble-factory 1 

Tannery 1 

Livei'y-stables 4 

Ury-goods fstablishments destroyed 17 

Clothing " " 11 

Grocery and provision establishments, including 3 or 4 crockery 

stores Connected 24 

Bout- and shue-stores destroyed 6 

Hat- and cap- *• " 3 

Bonk- and periodical-stores destroyed 3 

Hardware- " ** 3 

Milliiiers' shops destroy«"d ,.... 11 

Man tua-m^tkfirs' shops destroyed 5 

A|Hithecaries' " " 6 

Jewelers' *' " 3 

Httrness-makers' '* " 3 

Stove- and tmware-shops *' 3 

Brass-foundries " 2 

Blacksmiths' shops *' 3 

Machine- ** *' 2 

Carpenters' " " 8 

Reed-maker's shop ** 1 

Shoemakers* simps " 7 

Ptaue-maker'8 shop " 1 

22 



Rolt-coverer'B shop destroyed I 

Turner's " " " 1 

Painters' shopg " 8 

Butchers' " *' 4 

Soap-boiler's shop " \ 

Cifrar-factory " 1 

Restaurants " 7 

Biike-housea ** 2 

School-house " 1 

School-rooms besides '* 3 

Atlienieum " 1 

Cnstom-liouse " 1 

Post-otfice " 1 

Auction-room " 1 

Countiug-rooms " 7 

Dentists' " " 2 

Stage-office " 1 

Printing-offices " 3 

Lawyers' " *' 5 

Physicians' " " 5 

Barbers' shops " 3 

Whole amount of loss on buildings §264,470 

" " " other property 26"2,0Io 

So26,4.s5 

AVhole amount of insurance 175.475 

Excess of loss S3ol,0t(» 

The number of families residing within the burnt district at the 

time of the fii"e was 225 

Persons belonging to those families 1334 

Persons in addition, employed or doing business in the burnt dis- 
trict, but living out, about 600 

Custom-House.— The district of Fall River— em- 
bracing, besides this town, the other towns adjacent to 
Taunton River — up to April 1, 1837, was called the 
District of Dighton, with Dighton as the port of 
entry. In 1834 the custom-house was removed to 
Fall River, and the name of the district changed to 
Fall River. 

In 1840 there were belonging to this district one 
hundred and thirteen registered, enrolled, and li- 
censed vessels, and the tonnage was eight tliousand 
eight hundred and nine. 

The following is a list of collectors : Hodijah Bay- 
lies, 1789-1809; Nathaniel Williams, 1809-23; Her- 
cules Cushman, 1823-25; Seth Williams, 1825-29; 
William Wood, 1829-33; Horatio Pratt, 1833-34; 
P. W. Leland, 1834-42; Charles J. Holmes, 1842 
-45 (deputy collector, J. E. Read); S. W. Leland, 
1845-i9 (deputy collector, Jonathan Slade) ; Samuel 
L. Thaxter, 1849-53 (deputy collector, Benjamin 
Earl) ; S. W. Leland, 1853-61 (deputy collector, Jon- 
athan Slade) ; Charles Almy, 1861-65 (deputy col- 
lector, Samuel R. Buffinton) ; James Brady, Jr., 1865 
-83 (deputy collectors, Samuel R. Buffinton, Isaac 
Borden, Edward T. Marvell). 

The customs-office was in several different places 
after its removal to Fall River, always in rented 
rooms, until June 29, 1881, it was removed to the 
new government building, temporarily occupying the 
southeast room of the second story. The building 
not being completed made very uncomfortable work 
for several months, or until the office was removed to 
the north rooms, which were assigned as those for the 
public business. 

At the time of the great fire of 1843 all papers pre- 
vious to 1834 were burned. The books were mostly 
saved, dating back to 1789. 

Custom-House and Post-Office Building. — In 
1873 Congress appropriated 8200,000 for the erect- 
ing of a custom-house and post-office building in this 



338 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



city, the appropriation being limited to this amount. 
In 1875 the limitation was repealed, and an additional 
sum of $40,000 appropriated. In 1876, $25,000 was 
appropriated; in 1877, $20,000; in 1878,870,000; in 

1879, $85,000; in 1880, $50,000 ; and in 1881, $28,000, 
making a total appropriation of $518,000, of which 
$132,856.65 was expended for the purchase of land; 
The building was designed and the plans completed 
in 1875 by Mr. William A. Potter, supervising archi- 
tect, to whose professional ability it is certainly very 
creditable. The building was begun in September, 
1875, and was occupied by the custom-house in June, 

1880, and by the post-office a few months later. 

The government structure has a frontage on Bed- 
ford Street of one hundred and twenty-five feet, and on 
Second Street of eighty-four feet. It is three stories 
elevation, with a steep, high roof, the total height 
from street curb to line of roof being ninety-two feet. 
At the two flanks, and facing on Bedford Street, are 
circular pavilions, which project from the body of the 
building, and between these, on the ground-floor, are 
the entrances to the post-office, through five broad 
archways. The main features here are the large 
monoliths of polished red granite, each in one block, 
five feet by three feet six inches, finished by elabor- 
ately-carved capitals of gray granite. A noticeable 
amount of carved work of a high order is displayed 
upon the Bedford Street front, in red and some in 
gray granite. 

On the Second Street frontage the entrance to the 
custom-house is the prominent feature of the design. 
This entrance-way, with its arches, polished columns, 
massive buttresses, corbels, crockets, copings, etc., is 
a masterpiece of architecture, occupying a space 
twenty-nine feet in breadth, and two stories in height. 
The main body of the building is gray rock-faced 
ashlar, laid in regular courses. The mullions and 
reveals of the windows, the interior of the arcade 
entrances to the post-office, and other prominent 
points are of gray granite finely dressed. The band 
courses, sills, lintels, cornices, water-tables, etc., are. 
of red granite, similarly face-finished. 

The entire ground-floor is occupied by the post- 
oflSce, the second floor by the custom-house, while the 
third floor can be used for the United States courts 
whenever required. This is one of the most complete 
and elegant government buildings in the United 
States. 

The City Hall. — The first town-house was estab- 
lislicd at Steep Brook, the then centre of business in 
1805. In 1825 a new town house was erected on land 
now occupied by the North Cemetery. In 1836 this 
building was removed to Town Avenue, and occupied 
until the completion of the new town hall and mar- 
ket building, erected after the great fire on Main 
Street. In 1845-46 the present City Hall building, 
built of Fall River granite, was erected in Market 
Square, at an expense of sixty-five thousand dollars, 
including lot, foundation, sidewalks, furniture, etc. 



It was considered a model public building for the 

time, solid and substantial in its construction, and 
judiciously arranged with a lock-up or town prison in 
the basement, a market on the first floor, and a large 
town hall, with oflices in front, upon the second floor. 
The hall was one of the best in the State, and more 
commodious even than the fiir-famed Faneuil Hall of 
Boston. With the growth of the city, however, more 
office accommodation was required, and in 1872-73 
the building was entirely remodeled and rebuilt, with 
the addition of a mansard roof, tower, clock, bell, 
etc., .at a cost of two hundred thousand dollars. 

Educational. — The first church edifice in ancient 
Freetown was erected within the present limits of 
Fall River, and was used for religious purposes about 
ninety-eight years. Adjacent to this church edifice, 
and upon the same lot of land, stood a school-house 
where the children of former generations were taught 
to read, write, and spell. So long has that house been 
gone that all traditions concerning it have been si- 
lenced, and have passed from the minds and memo- 
ries of men. Secular knowledge and divine instruc- 
tion were doubtless for a time imparted under the 
same roof, as some of Freetown's earliest ministers 
were also employed to officiate in the capacity of 
town school-master. 

The following are extracts from the town records: 

"Ou the first Mouday in February, 1703-4, Voted, that a man sliould 
be chosen to endeavonr to bring a man into town to educate and instruct 
children in reading and writing, and dispensing the gospel to the town. 
Exceptance, 

"John Heed, .Jr., Town Clerk.^* 

Again we find under the date of May 15, 1718 : 

*' At a legal town meeting in freetown, Voted, — To set up a school to 
learn children to read and right, and made a choyce of Jacob hatliaway 
agent, to seek for a schoolmaster. 

" John Reed, Jr., Town CUrk.^^ 

Hathaway was not only a wrestling Jacob but a 
prevailing Israel, for five months later we find upon 
the time-worn record was entered, — 

" October, the 8th day, — Voted, to allow tliomas roherts 30 pounds for 
one years service, to keep the school at three several places, the public 
meeting-house, Walter Chase's, also at or near John howlands. 

** febrnary, the 14th day, 1720-21, — Voted and agreed, to seek out for 
a school-master for the present year, inasmuch as tiie last year's school- 
master, Roberts and the town did not agree. 

"Jonathan Dodson, Town Clerhy 

" freetown, May, 17th day, 17J1.— Voted, to leave it in the prudence 
of the Select Men to agree with W'illiam Gaige or with Wm. Caswell to 
serve the town as a school-master for the term of one year." 

" freetown, July 19th day, 1721. — Voted, 30 pounds be raised on tlie 
inhabitants to pay the town's school-master." 

" freetown, July ye IGtb day 1722. — then at a legal town meeting, 
voted, William Caswell 30 pounds in consideration of his serving the 
town, to keep school in the town one whole year, the said Caswell to 
be at all cost of boarding or dieting himself: Said Caswell beiugpresent 
did agree to serve. Voted, the school to be removed three times in the 
yt-ar, the fii-st remove to be at the meeting house, the second i-emove to 
be at the lower part of the town, thirdly to be removed to the upper 
part of the town. Voted, the scliool-liouses to beset at the middle of 
each half of the toMn from the meeting-house or centre. 

"John Reed, Toicn Clerk." 

To carry out the last clause of that vote a school- 
house had to be built at or near Steep Brook. In 



FALL RIVER. 



339 



1725, William Gaige was employed to keep school 
one year for thirty-two pounds and board himself. 

William Caswell served as school-master for the 
years 1726-28 for thirty-eight pounds per year, and 
boarded himself, and in 1729 his wages were raised to 
forty pounds. 

July 10, 1727, the town voted to build two school- 
houses, one of which should be eighteen feet long 
and fourteen feet wide. 

In 1730, William Gaige was again the town's 
school-master at forty pounds per year. 

In 1733 we find the following record of a vote passed 
November 2d of that year : 

*' Voted, the sum of 50 pounds to Mr. Israel nichols, to keep school in 
said town, always excepting Saturday every week." 

In 1738," Voted Mr. James Ward 66 pounds to keep school one year. 

"Joseph Rked, Town Clerk.''* 

In 1738 sold two school-houses at pul)lic auc- 
tion, one brought five dollars and the other two dol- 
lars. 

Dec. 17, 1744, James Mead was dismissed from 
serving longer as school-master. 

Nov. 13, 1745, the town made choice of Shadrach 
Hathaway to keep school one year, and he to board 
himself Ambrose Barnaby, town clerk. 

Shadrach Hathaway was a graduate of Yale Col- 
lege. His gravestone bears the following inscrip- 
tion: "In memory of Shadrach Hathaway, M.A., 
died December ye 3d, 1749, in ye 33d year of bis 
age." 

Up to this date, all that was done about schools in 
Freetown, that part now Fall Kiver received about 
one-hal f the benefits of, as it constituted about one-half 
of the town. East or New Freetown was annexed in 
1747, and then Fall River was considered about one- 
third of the entire township. 

A school-house standing near the meeting-house' 



^ "In the pulpit of that meeting-house in what had heen the centre of 
Freetown, now just within the most northerly limits of Fall River, the 
gospel was preached for nearly a century by the following divines, sev- 
eral remaining but a short period, as it was found to be an exceedingly 
difficult matter to 'dispense the gospel to the town's exceptance,' and 
taking exceptions to anything and, in fact, to almost everything that a 
minister could do or say seemed to be the darling project of many of the 
people, instead of accepting or submitting to anything whatever. Jar- 
gon and contention was the rule, peace and quiet the exception. 

"The patience of one of these preachers having become exhausted, 
tradition asserts that he with warmth once proclaimed from the juilpit 
that he never before in all his life saw such a set of heathen and such 
incorrigible sinners, when, suddenly recollecting some othersof the same 
eon, he checked himself with the words, 'God forgive me, for I must 
and will except Taretuwn,' meaning Tiverton. 

" One preacher who liad failed to edify in the morning effort, told the 
audience that he should improve upon the same text in the afternoon, 
when one of liis hearers blurted out, ' Well, preach from it again in the 
afternoon, but I shall not come to listen to you, and the man in the next 
pew says he won't.' 

" The laborers in this stony ground of this vineyard of the Lord were 
as follows ; 

*' Rev, William Way, from Feb. 14, 1704, to January, 1707 ; Rev, Joseph 
Avery, Mr, Joseph Haile, Jonathan Dodson, Rev, Thomas Craighead, 
Rev, James McSparrow, Mr, Israel Nichols, and Rev, Silas Brett, Of 



was in the town records of 1748 called an old school- 
house, and a vote passed to supply its place by a 
new .school-bouse, twenty-four by twenty. The 
school-house then built must have been the second 
that stood on the meeting-house lot. 

These extracts, meagre as the same are, furnish 
nearly all that can now possibly be learned of what 
was done for the education of children in Fall River 
from 1704 to 1748. 

In the early history of the town but feeble efforts 
were put forth in the promotion of the common 
schools. As the population of the town increased, 
however, much praiseworthy interest seemed to be 
manifested, and in 182G the town voted to raise six 
hundred dollars for the support of the common schools, 
and appointed a general school committee to examine 
teachers and superintend the school. This committee 
consisted of Joseph Hathaway, James Ford, Jason 
H. Archer, John Lindsey, and William B. Canedy. 
In the following year the amount voted was more 
than doubled, being twelve hundred and eighty-eight 
dollars. In 1840 the committee consisted of Rev. 
Orin Finley, Asa Bronson, James Ford, Eliab Wil- 
liams, Joseph F. Lindsey, Jonathan S. Thomson, and 
George M. Randall, and the amount voted was four 
thousand five hundred dollars. With the incorpora- 
tion of the city and the rapid increase in population 
increased educational facilities were demanded, and 
from that time to the present the citizens of Fall 
River have manifested a lively interest in educational 
matters, and their public schools to-day are among 
the best in the commonwealth. 

STATISTICAL, 

Popnl.ition of Fall River May, 1881 40,049 

Number of children in the city between 5 ami 16 years of age. 

May 1, 1881 10,262 

Increase 489 

Of these there were in the Borden Grammar School Dis- 
trict 1357 

Maple Street School District 522 

High " " " 1461 

Davis " " " 2217 

Morgan " " " 3735 

Slade " " " 970 

10,262 

Whole number of different pupils enrolled 10,361 

Average number belonging 6,958 

Average attendance 6,131 

Number of school-houses, 35 ; sittings 8,'266 

Number of pupils over 15 years of age 332 

Number of separate schools (high, 1; grammar, 22; interme- 
diate, 34; primary, 63; suburban, 'J) 129 

Whole number of teachers employed in day schools: high, 8; 
grammar, 27; intermediate, 41; primary, 79; suburban, 9, 

Total 164 

Whole number employed in evening schools, 36 ; evening draw- 
ing school, 6, Total 41 

Number of male teachers employed in day schools (high, 6; 

grammar, 4) 10 

Number of female teachers employed in day schools: high, 2; 
grammar, 23; intermediate, 41; primary, 79; suburban, 9, 
Total 154 

the seventy-one years between Feb. 14, 1704, and 1776, Rev, Silas Brett 
preached about twenty-eight years, 

"The old church edifice, the first erected in what is now Fall River, 
was demolished in or about 1808. It was a very modest-looking, unpre- 
tending structure, without a hell-tower or steeple, and innocent of the 
adornments of paint. 

" No church-bell was used in town during the ninety-eight years this 
old church stood, nor for qnite a number of years afterwards." — Gen, E. 
W. Peirce. 



340 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Financial Statement. 

Appropiiation tor day schools, 1881 .-■■■ S93,OO0.00 

Expeiuic'il for siilaiifs $82,132-10 

" " tt'xt-lKJoUs and stationery 7,009.00 

" priming 024.73 

" " ciiirying school children 540.00 

'• " miscellaneous things 1,445.52 

Balance carried to sinking fund 1,248.59 

Expeniled for janitors for day bcIiooIh $10,165.27 

n •* fuel. 4,813.o8 

" '* repairs on school-houses 4,506.00 

" " new school houses 22,693.40 



J.OUO.OO 



oHO.GO 
74.00 
20.44 

132.21 



EveninK school appropriation $3,500.00 

Expended for teat liing ^^'-^H?. 

" *' lext-buuks 

*' " janitors 

" " mi^celli) neons things 

Balauc. curned to sinking fnnd ^^_^^^ 

High School. 

Whole number enrolled '^^f 

Averiige number belonging -^^ 

Avf-rage atlendimce ^^^ 

Number of pupils graduateci *' 



Grammar Grade. 



Whole number of pupils enrolled in grammar schools W3 

Average number belonging 

Average attentlance 



1U5 



Intkrmf.diate Grade. , 

Whole nnniber of pupils enrolled in intermediate schools 2388 

Average number belonging ^°^o 

Average attendance ^*"^' 

Primary Grade. 

Whole nnniber of pnpils enrolled in primary schools 5728 

Average number belonging :>™ 

Average attendance "*^"^ 

SUBURBAN Schools (Mixed). 

Whole number of pupils enrolled ^22 

Averagf- nunilier belonging ■ f^\^ 

Average attendance -^° 

School Census. — The truant oflBcers on the first 
day of May, 1881, took the census of the school chil- 
dren between five and fifteen years of age, with the 
following results. Whole number in the city 10,252, 
which is 489 more than for the previous year. There 
were on that day, in the public schools, (3897 children 
between the ages above named, being 459 in excess of 
the previous year. An enrollment of 852 was found 
in the parochial and private schools, which is 21 more 
than was found the year before. There were 1420 
children employed in the mills on the above days 
against KlSl the year previous. Of those children 
neither at work nor in the schools, 1083 were found, 
which is 80 less than the preceding year. 

The results obtained are tabulated below for conve- 
nience of reference and comparison with those of 
former years. 

Not in any 
Grammar In Public In Private ^^ Work. School nor Total 

Distiicts. Schools. Schools. — - 



Slade 676 

Morgan Street.... 2:no 

High Street IbOG 

Dnvis 1449 

Maple Street 4:i3 

Borden 963 

6897 
Last year 6438 

459 



17 
493 

93 
206 

32 

11 

852 
831 



118 
473 
203 
380 
19 
227 

1420 
1331 

89 



at Work 

159 970 

399 3,735 

149 1,451 

182 2,217 

38 522 

156 1,367 



1083 
1163 



10,252 
9,7C3 



tabular statement exhibits the facts in detail in the 

different grammar-school districts: 



Grammar 
Districts. 



The number of children between five and eight 
years of age was found to be 3363, the number be- 
tween eight and fourteen, 5899; and the number over 
fourteen but less than fifteen, 990. The following 



Between r» 

and 8 years 

of age. 



Slade 328 

Morgan Street 1298 

High Street 487 

Davia 713 

MapleStreet 163 

Borden 434 

3363 



Between 8 

and 14 years 

of age. 

546 

2164 

^25 

12t)7 

316 

793 

5899 



Over 14 but 

not 15 years 

of age 

97 

.343 

139 

237 

44 

130 

990 



10,252 

The present school committee is as follows : Louisa 
G. Aldrich, January, 1883 ; Harriet T. Healy, Jan- 
uary, 1883; Leontine Lincoln, January, 1883 ; Wil- 
liam G. Bennett, January, 1884; Marcus G. B. Swift, 
January, 1884; John A. Tourtellot, January, 1884; 
Thomas L. Ramsbottom, January, 1885; A. M. Jack- 
son, January, 1885; E. W. Hunt, January, 1885. 
William Council, superintendent of schools. A. M. 
Jackson, chairman; William Connell, secretary. 

The Munificent Gift of Mes. Mary B. 
Young to the city of Fall River for the purposes 
of a high school is best explained by the following 
documents : 

" To THE Mayor of the City of Fall River. 

"Sir,— You will please find inclosed herewith H written proposition of 
Mrs. Slary B. Young, which I would thank you to present to the City 
Council for its consideration. 

" Very respectfully yours, 

" John S. Brayton. 
" Fall Kiver, Feb. 6, 1883. 

"■To me City Cocncil of Fall River. 

"'The undersigned makes the following proposition: 

"*,\s soon as the proper plans can be prepared, she will erect and 
furnish, at her own expense, in memory of her son, Bradford Matthew 
Chaloner Durfee, on the lot bounded on the north by Locust Street, east 
by High Street, south by Cherry Street, and west by Rock Street (which 
lot contains about two hundred and forty square rods of laml), a build- 
ing suitable for the purposes of a high school, and upon its completion, 
will convey the same with the lot to the city of Fall River. 

"'She will also provide mechanical, philosophical, and chemical ap- 
paratus, and give to the city of Fall River, in trust, the sum of flfty 
thousand dollars, the income of which shall be rievoled to instruction in 
ihe branches of study illustrated by the use of said apparatus. 

" ' She makes this proposition upon the condition that the selection 
and continuance of Ihe teachers for said high school, and the depart- 
ments connected with it, shall be subject to the approval of certain per- 
sons to be named by her in said deed of gift, and their successors. 

"' Mary B. Young. 

"'Fall Kiveii, Feb. 5, 1S83.' 

"In Board of .\LDEnMEN, Feb. 5, 1883. 

" Received, read, and referred to his honor the mayor, city solicitor, 

chairman of school committee, superintendent of schools, and the 

joint special committee on high school building. 

" Sent for concurrence. 

" George A. Baldard, Cili/ Clerk. 



' Concurred in. 



'In Common Council. Feb. 5, 1883. 
"Arthur Anthony, Clerk.^^ 



"To the City Council: 

" The special committee to whom was referred the proposition of Mrs. 
Mary B. Young, to give a lot of land, to erect thereon, equip, endow, 
and present to the city of Fall River a high school edifice, as a memo- 
rial to her son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner Durfee, and for the benefit 
of the higher education of the youth of said cily, would report that 
they recommend the adoption of the accompanying order and lesolu- 
tions. 

" Henry K. Bi-aley, James F. Jackson, A. M. Jackson, William Con- 
nell, Thomas F, Eddy, Hugh McKevitt, Henry II. Earl, J. Henry Wells, 
M. H. Connelly, Covimittee." 



FALL RIVER. 



341 



** Ordered, That the proposition of Mre. Mary B. Young to erect and 
convey to the city of Fall River, in memory of lier son, Bradlonl Mat- 
thew Chaloner Diirfee, a building for the uses and purposes of a high 
Bctiuoi, as contained in the written proposal submitted by her, bearing 
date Feb. ii, a.d. 1883, be and the same is hereby accepted, and a form of 
deed substantially like that annexed hereto is hereby approved and 
adopted, and the mayor is authorized to petition the Legislature for the 
passage of such act or acts as may be necessary, if any, to make valid 
the contemplated action. 

" liesolved, That in its acceptince of the munificent ofier of Mrs. Mary 
B. Young, to give a lot uf land, unsurpassed in location for the purpose, 
to build thereon, equip, endow, and present to the city of Fall River a 
high school edifice in memory of ber son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner 
Durfee, and for the advanced education of the youth of the city of Fall 
River, the City Council desire to express and place on record its grateful 
acknowledgment of the gift and the spirit which prompts it. Coming 
at a time when the subject of a new high school building, after repeated 
delays, had forced its importance upon the attention and careful consid- 
eration of the city government for immediate action, tliis noble and 
generous proposition to honor the memory of a beloved and only son in 
such a form as to adorn the city and benefit its inhabitants, and by an 
expenditure so far in advance of what prudence, on our part, would dic- 
tate as judicious for the city to make with due regard to other wants 
and necessities, excites our warm appreciation, and relieves us by its 
happy solution of a most important and trying question. 

" lietolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of both 
branches of the City Council, and a copy theieof be furwarded to Mrs. 
Mary B. Young, signed by his honnr the mayor, the president of the 
council, and duly certifii.-d by the respective recording officers thereof." 

The followinj^ is the form of the fleetl : 

*' Know all men by these presents, that I, Mary B. Young, of Fall 
River, in the Stale of Massacliusetts, in consideralion of one dollar to 
me paid by the city of Full River, a municipal corporation situate in 
BJiid State, do hereby give, grant, bnrgiiin,sell, and convey unto the said 
city of Fall River, a certain lot of laud, with all the buildings and im- 
provements thereon, situate in said Fall River, and bounded on the west 
by Rock Street, on the north by Locust Street, on the east by High 
Street, and on the south by Cherry Street, and containing two hundred 
and forty square rods of land, more or less. 

"To have and to hold the same for the uses and purposes «tf a high 
school, in memory uf my son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner Durfee, to 
the said city of Fall River, its successors and assigns, with all the privi- 
leges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to its and their use and be- 
lioof forever as aforesaid. 

"Provided that, and this conveyance is made upon the express con- 
dition that the selection, employment, and coutinuatice by the school 
committee of Fall River, or su<jh other body, or person or persons as are 
or may be charged with that duty, of the teachers for and in said high 
school and the departments connected therewith, shall be subject to the 
written appioval uf , and of such persons as, in case of the non- 
acceptance, disability, deatli, removal, or resignation of any of them or 
of their successors, sliall be chosen by a majority of those then remain- 
ing and acting to fill the vacancy or vacancies caused by such death, 
non-acceptance, removal, resignation, or disability; and in case any 
teacher or tea<:her8 sliall be selected, employed, or continued in said 
school, or any of the departments connected therewith, without such 
written approval, tlien said premises, and the buildings and improve- 
ments thereon shall revert to the grantor, her heirs and executors, ad- 
ministrators and assigns, and she and they may enter and repossess them- 
selves thereof. 

" And I do hereby, for myself and my heirs, executors, and adminis- 
trators, covenant with the grantee, its successors and assigns, that I am 
lawfully seized in fee-simple of the granted premises, that they are free 
from all incumbrances, except the condition aforesaid, that I have good 
right to sell and convey the same as aforesaid, and that I will and my 
heirs, executors, and administrators shall warrant and delend the same 
to the sjiid grantee, its successors and assigns agriinst the lawful claims 
and demands of all persons, except those arising from a breach of the 
condition aforesaid. 

"In witness whereof, I, the said liave heretxi set 

hand and seal this day of a.d. eighteen hundred and 

eiglity 

" Signed sealed and delivered | 
in presence of J 



" In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 5, 1883. 

"Report accepted, recommendations, order, and resolutions adopted. 

" Sent for concurrence. 

"George A. Bammrp, Citit Clerk. 

"In Common CoDNciL,Feb. 5, 1883. 
" Arthur Anthony, Clerk " 



'Concurred in. 



" Bristol, SS. 



Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 



'Then pereonally appeared, etc." 



THE SKELETON IN ABMOR.i 

" Speak ! speak I thou fearful guest I 
Who, with thy holltiw breast 
Still in rude armor di-est, 

Comest to daunt rae I 
Wrapt not in Eastern balms, 
But with thy fleshless palms 
Stretched as if asking alms, 
Why dost thou haunt me?" 

When Longfellow wrote "The Skeleton in Armor," 
he commemorated forever the curions and mysterious 
remains that were found in Fall River in the year 
1832, and destroyed in the great fire of 1843. Few 
persons of general reading are entirely unacquainted 
with the conjectures of antiquarian and archaeological 
societies in relation to the origin of this skeleton. 
The Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen, 
Denmark, whith, a few years after the finding of the 
skeleton, had the subject under consideration, raised 
the query whether it might not have been the remains 
of one of the Northmen, who are now very generally 
supposed to have visited our coast, and to have spent 
a winter here, or near here, about the eight or ninth 
century. Probably the best account now extant of the 
finding of the skeleton, and a description of its ap- 
pearance at the time, was written by the late Dr. 
Phineas W, Leland in the records of the old Fall 
River Athemeum soon after the fire of 1843, and is as 
follows: 

"Among the curiosities of peculiar interest (in the 
cabinets of the Fall River Athena-um) was the entire 
skeleton of a man, about which antiquarians in the 
old as well as the new world had speculated much. 
The skeleton was found in the year 1832 in a sand- or 
gravel-bank a little east of the Unitarian meeting- 
house^ by some persons while digging away and re- 
moving a portion of the bank. The skeleton was 
found near the surface in a sitting posture, the leg- 
bones doubled upon the thigh-bones, and the thighs 
brought up nearly parallel with the body. It was 
quite perfect, and stood remarkably well the test of 
exposure. Covering the sternum was a triangular 
plate of brass somewhat corroded by time, and around 
the body was a broad belt made of small brass tubes 
four or five inches in length about the size of a pipe- 
stem placed parallel and close to each other. Arrow- 
heads made of copper or brass were also found in the 
grave with the skeleton. That these were the remains 
of an Indian seemed to be very generally conceded; 
the configuration of the skull, the position in which 
the skeleton was found, and the additional fact that 

1 Contributed by George W. Rankin. 

S On or very near the site now occupied by the gasworks, corner of 
Hartwell and Fifth Streets. 



342 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



parts of other skeletons were found near the same 
place renders it nearly certain that these were the 
bones of an Indian. Whose frame it was will not 
likely ever be permitted us to know. Whether it be- 
longed to some chief still celebrated in song and 
story, or to an obscure child of the forest, whose 
bones and deeds slept in the same undistinguished 
grave, we have no means of knowing. Tradition and 
history are alike silent when interrogated. We would 
fain believe that these were the remains of some noble 
old chief, once master of the beautiful and rich valley 
through which the dark waters of the Titicut (Indian 
name of Taunton River) still roll. We would believe 
so, for we love to think that humanity once warmed 
the heart of him whose bones have excited so much 
our wonder and curiosity. Whoever he was, peace 
be to his ashes." 

In the American Month/;/ Mar/nzine for January, 
1836, is a short article on the skeleton, then in 
the Fall River Athenaeum, portions of which we 
shall extract, not because the description is faultless, 
but because it is the account of one J. Stark who ex- 
amined the remains for the purpose of describing 
them to the public. With Mr. Stark's speculations 
accompanying his description we have little concern. 
More facts and greater reflection would probably have 
led him to very different conclusions. He describes 
the skeleton as "the remains of a human body, 
armed with a breastplate, a species of mail and ar- 
rows of brass, which remains he supposes to have 
belonged either to one of the race who inhabited this 
country for a time anterior to the so-called aborigines, 
and afterwards settled in Mexico or Guatemala, or to 
one of the crew of some Phcenician vessel that, blown 
out of her course, thus discovered the Western world 
long before the Christian era. 

"The.se remains were found in the town of Fall 
River, in Bristol County, Mass., about eighteen 
months since. In digging down a hill near the vil- 
lage, a large mass of earth slid off, leaving in tlie 
bank and partially uncovered a human skull, which, 
on examination, was found to belong to a body buried 
in a sitting posture, the head being about one foot 
below what had been for many years the surface of 
the ground. The.surrounding earth was carefully re- 
moved and the body found to be enwrapped in a cov- 
ering of coarse bark of a dark color. AV^ithin this 
envelope were found the remains of another of coarse 
cloth, made of fine bark and about the texture of a 
Manilla coffee-bag. On the breast was a plate of 
brass, thirteen inches long, six broad at the upper 
end and five at the lower. This plate appears to have 
been cast, and is from one-eighth to three thirty-sec- 
onds of an inch in thickness. It is so much corroded 
that whether or not anything was ever engraved upon 
it has not yet been ascertained. It is oval in form, 
the edges being irregular, apparently made so by 
corrosion. 

" Below the breastplate, and entirely encircling 



the body, was a belt composed of brass tubes, each 
four and a half inches in length and three-sixteenths 
of an inch in diameter, arranged longitudinally and 
close together, the length of the tube being the width 
of the belt. The tubes are of thin brass, cast upon 
hollow reeds, and were fastened together by pieces of 
sinew. This belt was so placed as to protect the lower 
parts of the body below the breastplate. The arrows 
are of brass, thin, flat, and triangular in shape, with 
a round hole cut through near the base. The shaft 
was fastened to the head by inserting the latter in an 
opening at the end of the wood, and then tying it 
with a sinew through the round hole, a mode of con- 
structing the weapon never practiced by the Indians, 
not even with their arrows of thin shell. Farts of the 
shaft still remain attached to some of them. When 
first discovered the arrows were in a sort of quiver of 
bark, which fell in pieces when exposed to the air. 

"The skull is much decayed, but the teeth are sound 
and apparently of a young man. The pelvis is much 
decayed and the smaller bones of the lower extrem- 
ities are gone. 

"The integuments of the right knee, for four or 
five inches above and below, are in good preservation, 
apparently the size and shape of life, although quite 
black. 

"Considerable flesh is still preserved on the hands 
and arms, but more on the shoulders and elbows. 
On the back under the belt, and for two inches above 
and below, the skin and flesh are in good preserva- 
tion, and have the appearance of being tanned. The 
chest is much compressed, but the upper viscera are 
probably entire. The arms are bent up, not crossed, 
so that the hands turned inwards touch the shoulders. 
The stature is about five and a half feet. Much of 
the exterior envelope was decayed, and the inner one 
appeared to be preserved only where it had been in 
contact with the brass. 

"The preservatio'n of this body may be the result 
of some embalming process, and this hypothesis is 
strengthened by the fact that the skin has the appear- 
ance of having been tanned, or it may be the acci- 
dental result of the action of the .salts of the brass 
during oxidation, and this latter hypothesis is sup- 
ported by the fact that the .skin and flesh have been 
preserved only where they have been in contact with 
or quite near the brass, or we may account for the 
preservation of the whole by supposing the presence 
of saltpetre in the soil at the time of the deposit. In 
either way, the preservation of the remains is fully 
accounted for, and upon known chemical principles. 

"That the body was not one of the Indians we 
think needs no argument. We have seen some of 
the drawings taken from the sculptures found at 
Palenque, and in those the figures are represented 
with the breastplates, although smaller than the 
plate found at Fall River. On the figures at Palenque 
the bracelets and anklets seem to be of a manufacture 
precisely similar to the belt of tubes just described. 



FALL RIVEK. 



343 



"If the body found at Fall River be one of the 
Asiatic race, who transiently settled in Central 
America, and afterwards went to Mexico and founded 
those cities, in exploring the ruins of which such as- 
tonishing discoveries have recently been made, then 
we may well suppose also that it is one of the race 
whose exploits have, although without a date and 
almost without a certain name, been immortalized 
by Homer. Of the great race who founded cities 
and empires in their eastward march, and are finally 
lost in South America, the Romans seem to have had 
a glimmering tradition in the story of Evander. 

"But we rather incline to the belief that the re- 
mains found at Fall River belonged to the crew of a 
Phoenician vessel. The spot where they were found 
is on thei sea-coast, and in the immediate neighbor- 
hood of Dighton Rock, famed for its hieroglyphic in- 
scriptions, of which no sufficient explanation has yet 
beeu given, and near which rock brazen vessels have 
been found. If this latter hypothesis be adopted, a 
part of it is that these mariners, the unwilling and 
unfortunate discoverers of a new world, lived some 
time after they landed, and having written their 
names, perhaps their epitaphs, upon the rock at 
Dighton, died, and were buried by the natives." 

Water- Works. — " The system of public water- 
works, regarded by engineers as one of the most per- 
fect, both in design and coustruction, in the Union, 
is justly a constant cause of self-congratulation to the 
residents of Fall River. The natural resources of the 
district in which the city has grown up, almost unique 
in the wealth and purity of their treasure, hardly 
need be suggested to the reader who has formed his 
own conception of the eastern plateau, extending 
parallel with the community of mills and residences, 
and bearing in its bosom the long chain of spring-fed 
lakes. Farther on will be given a comparative view 
of the enormous volumeof water which this unequaled 
natural reservoir contains. The value of Watuppa 
to the city, regarded simply as an element in its in- 
dustrial progress, is very great, but when its more 
recent service, as a sure and powerful antagonist of 
fire, and a never-failing purveyor of health, cleanli- 
ness, and comfort in every household is considered, 
its worth is really beyond our powers of estimate. 

" Fall River is fortunate in the possession of a beau- 
tiful lake of fresh water within two miles of the centre 
of the city, whose purity is unsurpassed by any other 
public water-supply equally extensive and so easily 
attainable. 

" Watuppa Lake, the source of supply for the 
water-works, and also for eight mills that run by 
water-pow-er on the lower part of Quequechan River, 
— the outlet of the lake, — is seven and two-thirds 
miles in length, with an average width of about 
three-quarters of a mile. It is fed principally by 
springs and small streams, which collect the water 
from the surrounding hills. The drainage area is 
sparsely settled, and covered principally by a young 



growth of oak, interspersed with pine and chestnut, 
and the soil is exceedingly favorable for the collec- 
tion of a pure and abundant water supply, being 
composed principally of sand, gravel, and gravelly 
loam, interspersed with numerous bowlders, and rest- 
ing generall}' on a solid stratum of granite rock. 

" The whole area included by the water-shed con- 
tains .about 20,000 acres, or 31.25 square miles, and is 
capable of furnishing a daily supply equal to half 
the amount of water used by the city of Paris, or 
about double the quantity used by the city of Boston. 

" In fact, the lake is capable of furnishing a daily 
supply of about 35,000,000 gallons, and of this the 
water-works took less than 1,000,000 gallons per day 
during the year 1875, and about 1,500,000 gallons per 
day during the excessively dry season in the summer 
of 1876. The daily average for the year 1876 will 
undoubtedly be less than one and a quarter millions. 

" According to the analysis made by Professor John 
H. Appleton in 1870, the water of Watuppa Lake is 
remarkably pure, there being but 1.80 grains of solid 
matter per gallon. 

" In the spring of 1871 the first board of water 
commissioners was appointed by the City Council, 
and in the fall of the same year work was begun 
upon a road which it was necessary to construct for a 
distance of nearly a mile and a half to give access to 
the place selected for a pumping-station. 

" During the year 1872 the foundations of the 
engine-house, boiler-house, and coal-house were built, 
and the superstructure was completed the following 
year, being constructed of granite quarried in the 
immediate neighborhood, on the lot bought by the 
city for the pumping-station and reservoir." 

COST OF MAINTENANCE AND EEVENOE FOB 1882. 




Interest on bonds ---- 

Engineering department 

W.iter board and water registrar's de- 
partment 

General repairs and inciUentils 

Cost of pumping : 

Attendance 

Repairs 

Fuel purchased 

Oil, waste, and articles for engine- 
house 



2,021.66 
»,5i 10.41 

i,050.)0 

45.03 

5,940.38 

494.65 



Total cost of maintenance for 1882 ■ $118,527.53 

Revenue from wiiter^ | 115,301.06 

Excess of maintenance over revenue^,.. 3,220.47 
Management and repairs (without in- 
terest on bonds) 19,652.53 

Excess of revenue over management and 

repairs i 95,748.53 



.1481 
.0037 

.0031 
.0067 

.0061 

.0089 

.0007 



.1773 
.1725 
.0048 

.0290 

.1433 



Total number of gallons pumped in 1882, 668,242,286, or an exfess over 
last year of 23 4- per cent. 

Interest account is in e.xcess of last year S1815.00 

Fuel purchased is in excess of last year 2906.S0 

1 The appropriation for water for city uses was $16,000 less this year 
than last, but the revenue from private individuals and corporations was 
84713.65 more tlian last year. 

2 For the above reason the maintenance account shows an excess over 
revenue. 



344 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The following is a schedule of receipts for water by months, from commencement to Dec. 30, 1882 : 



Months. 



January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

November 

December 

City Purposes.. 



$.i85.C4 
4864.23 
483.10 
487.99 
1666.97 
970.10 
698.92 



$9336.95 



20, 



285.17 
101.46 
,205.51 
306.36 
390.60 
910.86 
,716.89 
449.55 
688.22 
,094.16 
,036.89 
254.63 
,000.00 



$41,4.39.19 



$1,841.16 

533.62 

247.85 

2,170.36 

238.00 

8(i6.52 

15,076.88 

1,655.06 

614.17 

3,390.58 

2,273.82 

196.49 

20,000.00 



$49,003.40 



$3,062.10 

790.67 

882.48 

3,756.41 

644.16 

1,204.86 

17,391.86 

2,133.28 

402.89 

5,194.27 

1,314.18 

137.08 

20,000.00 



$66,814.22 



$4,622.40 

2,311.43 

325.65 

3,372.60 

2,039.66 

407.08 

15,253.51 

3,916.13 

452.26 

5,296.10 

3,402.48 

491.75 

26,000.00 



866,979.74 



$2,834.28 
2,903,16 
1,194.81 
3,741.45 
3,13.'i.93 
l,007..'i8 

14,132.40 

6,094.28 

.303.18 

4.811.60 

4,646,49 

987.50 

25,000.00 



$69,691.46 



$4,448.91 

3,431.4.1 

165.67 

4,r,42J7 

3,176.84 

640.69 

16,684.33 

4,273.99 

239.19 

5,919.80 

6,631.26 

662.28 

65,000.00 



8114,706.38 



$4,185.43 
3,998.66 
2,288.36 
6,317.93 
4,171.08 
1,118.30 

12.220.86 
8,066.22 
1,606.38 
2,467.39 
9,842.26 
1,304.64 

70,000.00 



8126,587.41 



$2,070.09 
6,117.07 
4,077.73 
2,734.14 
7,265,90 
2,120,97 

13,094.93 

9,796.09 

299.69 

4,299.64 

9,936.76 

498.15 

54,000 00 



8115,301.06 



DISTRIBUTION OP WATER DURING 1882. 



January 

February.... 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September.. 

October 

November... 
December... 



47,841,488 
44.366,666 
47,985,005 
42,830,866 
48,041,968 
67,391,090 
62,418,469 
69,980,161 
70,491.103 
74,799,894 
66,463,151 
46,732,648; 







1 










> 




5 

il 


-^ 






o_a. 


s i 




=1 
















O 


» 


1 


1,543.274 


2906 


39,315 


1,584,519 


2906 


39,360 


1,547,903 


2913 


39,400 


1,427,695 


2939 


39,560 



s 



o3 
I ^ = 
I ftp 



1,678,773 
1.913,030 
2,013,499, 
2,257,425 
2,349,703 
2,412,899 
1,848,771 
1,476,243 



1882 668,242,289 1,830,800 3002 39,891 



■.!9G4:;'.9,700; 
2989 1 39,8.50 1 
300139,926 
3034 40,1001 
31161 140,225 
308)40,3:15 
3106,40,450 
3120 40,600 



50,507 



39.25 30.66 
40.2831.37 
39.28,30,64 
36.09 28.36 
39.7631.26 
48.00l37.S7 



O * 



60.53 
50.29 
58.39 



39.86 
44,69 
46.62 



69.83 47.77 
46.70 36.60 
36.42 29.20 



The first engineer was William Eotch. The pres- 
ent engineer is A. H. Martina ; W. W. Robertson, 
water registrar. 

From that time to the present the improvement and 
enlargement of the water-works has kept abrea.st with 
the rapid increase in population, and is now one of 
the best systems in the State. 

The total number of gallons pumped since the in- 
ception of the water-works is 3,928,770,440. 

The Fire Department of Fall River, one of the 
most efficient in the commonwealth, has been for 
many years a conspicuous feature of municipal or- 
ganization. It is well managed, and the services of 
the officers and men prompt and efficient. It consists 
of five steamers, eight hose-reels, three hook-aud- 
ladder trucks, and one supply-wagon, and two steamers 
aud two hose-reels fully equipped held in reserve. 
The present chief of the department is John A. Mac- 
farlane. William C. Davol, Jr., and Holder B. Dur- 
fee, have also held this position. Col. Thomas J. 
Borden was chief several terms, and his active in- 
terest in the department will not soon be forgotten. 

Oak Grove Cemetery. — This burial-place occu- 
pies an elevated location in the northeasterly section 
of the city. The original purchase of forty-seven 
acres was made in 1855, and by several additional 



purchases now embraces eighty acres. The original 
young forest was retained, and on three sides it is 
quite nearly surrounded by a high stone wall. It has 
cost an immense amount of labor to clear away the 
rocks and fit the land for a burial-place, but so much 
has been done that there are now seven miles of 
paths and avenues. Up to 1869, or fourteen years 
from the beginning, 1348 interments had taken place, 
but since that date, and for the second fourteen years, 
4108 have been added, making a total of .5456. In 
1869 the present superintendent, Jonathan E. Mor- 
rill, Esq., came into office, and during his term the 
cemetery has become a point of great interest both 
for the elegant monuments that have been multiplied 
very much the last ten years, and the floral decora- 
tions in summer and autumn. During last year 352 
interments were made, of which 296 died in this city, 
and 56 in other places, or were brought from other 
cemeteries. Of the 296 which died in this city last 
year, 128 were children under five years of age. 

The citizens of Fall River manifest ajust pride in 
Oak Grove Cemetery, which is one of the most beau- 
tiful burial-places in the commonwealtli. 

The North Cemetery, upon North Main road, 
was for many years the principal burial-place of the 
city. There are also various Roman Catholic ceme- 
teries in the city. The superintendent of the North 
Cemetery is Stephen White. 

Civil History. — The town of Fall River' was set 
ott' from Freetown, Feb. 26, 1803, during the admin- 
istration of Governor Caleb Strong, May 8, 1804; by 
a vote of the town the name was changed to Troy. 
Tradition reports that this action was induced by a 
prominent citizen who had recently visited Troy, N. Y., 
and who became so enamored of its name that upon 
his return he induced his fellow-townsmen to give up 
the suggestive and appropriate name received from 
the red man and assume that derived from the ancient 



1 The Indian name of Fall River was " Quequeteant," signifying the 
" place of falling water," and that of the river "Quequeclmu," which 
signifies " falling water" or " quick running water," hence its appropri- 
ate name of Fall River. " Watnppa," the Indian name of the ponds on 
the east and by which they are stiU called, signifies "boats," or the 
" place of boats." 



FALL RIVER. 



345 



and mythical Homeric city. The act changing the 
name was passed June 18, 1804. 

The town was known as " Troy" until 1833, when 
at a town-meeting held on the 18th of March of that 
year, it was voted " that it is expedient to have the 
name of tlie town of Troy altered to that of Fall 
Kiver," and " that the selectmen be directed to peti- 
tion the Legislature now in session for an act to alter 
the name of the town of Troy to that of Fall River." 
The act passed Feb. 12, 1834. 

Incorporation of the City.— Fall River was in- 
corporated as a city April 12, 1854, and the first city 
election was held on the 6th of the following month, 
when the following officers were chosen : Mayor, 
James Buffinton ; Aldermen, James Henry, Edward 
P. Buffinton, Oliver H. Hathaway, Alvin S. Ballard, 
Edwin Shaw, Julius P. Cliampney ; Common Council, 
Robert C. Brown, Henry Wilbur, Oliver Grinnell, 
Chris. W. Tillinghast, John Mason, Jr., Smith Wins- 
low, William Goodman, Obadiah Chace, Gardner 
Groves, Nathaniel Bonney, David S. Brigham, Shef- 
field Brightman, Peter J. Dennise, Henry Diman, Jr., 
Howard B. Allen, Wm. M. Almy, Thomas T. Potter, 
Albert Winslow. 

Organization of the First City Government, May 15, 1854. 

At a session of the mayor- au«l ahiernien-elect May 15, 1854, previous 
to the administering of tlie oath of office, the members of this hoard 
and board of Common Council made clioice of Alvan S. Ballard, clerk 
pro tern. 

Ordered, That a set of rules and orders, presented by Aldci-man Shaw, 
be adopted by this board temporarily. 

VoUd, That a committee of two, consisting of Aldermen Shaw and 
Henry, notify the Common Council that this board is now ready to meet 
them in convention for such business as may legally come before the 
City Council. 

In hoard of Common Council, concurred. 

Adjourned to City Hall, to meet in convention. 

The officers present were then marshaled into the City Hall by Col. 
William Sisson, accompanied by the selectmen, where a large number ot 
the citizens were in attendance to witness the ceremonies, and to hear 
the inaugural address of Mayor Buffinton. 

The meeting was called to order by Chester W. Greene, chaiitnan of 
the board of selectmen, and the throne of grace was addressed by Kev. 
Benjamin J. Relyea. 

The names of the city officere-elect were called by the clerk, and the 
oath of office administered by James Ford, Esq., justice of the peace. 

Chester W. Greene then addressed the mayor in behalf of the board 
of selectmen. 

Mayor Buffinton then delivered his inaugural address. 

After which the boards of aldermen and Common Councilmen sepa- 
rated, each going to their respective rooms. 

The mayors from 1854 to 1884 have been as fol- 
lows: James Buffinton, 1854-55; Edward P. Buffin- 
ton, 1856, 1860-66; Nathaniel B. Borden, 18.57 ; Josiah 
C. Blaisdell, 1858-59; George O. Fairbanks, 1867-68 ; 
Samuel M. Brown, 1869-72; Robert T. Davis, 1873; 
James F. Davenport, 1874-77; Crawford E. Lindsey, 
1878-79 ; William S. Green,' 1880-81 ; Robert Henry,'^ 
1881 ; Henry K. Bealey, 1882-83. 

The following members of Congress were residents 
of Fall River: Nathaniel B. Borden, 1837-40, 1843- 
44; Rev. Orin Fowler, 1849-52; James Buffinton,' 

1 Resigned March 28, 1881. » Elected by City Council. 

3 Re-elected for 1875-76, but died before the opening of Congress. 



1855-56, 1859-64, 1871-74; Robert T. Davis, M.D., 
1882-84. 

Fall River was first honored, in 1838, by the choice 
of one of her citizens to the position of State senator 
of Massachusetts. Since that date she has had the 
following representative in this branch of the Legis- 
lature, viz.: 1838, Hon. John Eddy; 1840-42, Dr. 
Foster Hooper; 1843, Dr. Phineas W. Leland ; 1845 
-47, Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden; 1848, Rev. Orin 
Fowler; 1854, Col. Richard Borden; 1855-56, Hon. 
Joseph E. Dawley ; 1857, Hon. Jeremiah S. Young; 
1859-61, Dr. Robert T. Davis; 1865, Hon. Josiah C. 
Blaisdell ; 1867-68, Hon. Samuel Angier Chace; 1869 
-70, Hon. John B. Hathaway ; 1871-74, Hon. Charles 
P. Stickney ; 1877-78, Hon. Charles J. Holmes; 1879, 
Hon. Weaver Osborn ; 1880, Hon. Thomas Webb; 
1881, Hon. Milton Reed ; 1882, Hon. Andrew J. Jen- 
nings; 1883, Hon. John W. Cummings. 

Selectmen and Representatives.— The following 
is a list of selectmen from 1803 to 1854, and represen- 
tatives from 1803 to present time: 

1803. — Thomas Borden, Benjamin Durfee, Robert Miller, selectmen. 

ISO-l. — Samuel Thurston, Benjamin Durfee, Robert Miller, selectmen; 
Abraham Bowen, representative. 

1805.— Nathan Bowen, Pardon Davol, Elijah Blossom, Jr., selectmen ; 
Jonathan Brownell, representative. 

1806.— Jonathan Biownell, .Abraham Bowen, Elijah Blossom, Jr., select- 
men ; Jonathan Brownell, representative. 

1S07.— Jonathan Brownell, Elijah Blossom, Stephen Leonard, select- 
men ; Abraham Bowen, representative. 

1808.— Nathan Bowen, Henry Brightman, David Wilson, selectmen; 
Abraham Bowen, representative. 

1S09— David Wilson, William Read, Jr , Charles Durfee, selectmen; 
Robert Miller, representative. 

1810.— David Wilson, William Read, Jr., Charles Durfee. selectmen ; 
Robert Miller, representative. 

1811.— David Wilson, William Bead, Jr., Benjamin Bennett (2dl, select- 
men ; Robeit Miller, representative. 

1812.— Hezekiah Wilson, William B. Canerty, William Borden, select- 
men ; Robert Miller, representative. 

1813.— William B. Canedy, William Borden, Isaac Winslow, selectmen ; 
Robert Miller, representative. 

1814._Williani Borden, Benjamin W. Brown, S. Hathaway, selectmen; 
Joseph E. Read, representative. 

1815.— Kenjamin W. Brown, SheB'el Weaver, Bradford Durfee, select- 
men; Joseph E. Read, representative. 

1810.— Sheffel Weaver, William Ashley, William R.ad, selectmen; 
Hezekiah Wilson, representative. 

1817.— Sheffel Weaver, Abraham Bowen, William Ashley, selectmen ; 
Hezekiah Wilson, representative. 

1818.— Benjamin W. Browu, Charles Pitman, James G. Bowen, select- 
men ; Joseph E. Read, representative. 

1819.— Benjamin W. Brown, Charles Pitman, James G. Bowen, select- 
men ; Joseph E. Read, representative. 

1820.— Sheffel Weaver, Benjamin W. Brown, Richard Borden (2d), 
selectmen; voted not to send representative. 

1821.— Robert Miller, Charles Pitman, Enoch French, selectmen ; Abra- 
ham Bowen, representative. 

1822.— Robert Miller, Charles Pitman, Enoch French, selectmen ; Robert 
Miller, representative. 

1S2:J.— Joseph E. Read, Benjamin W. Brown, Edmund Chace, select- 
men ; William B. Canedy, representative. 

1824.— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen; 
William B. Canedy, representative. 

1826.— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Bead, selectmen; 
James Ford, representative. 

1826.— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen; 
voted not lo send representative. 

1827. — Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen: Jo- 
seph Hathaway, representative. 



34« 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1828. — Enoch French, Sheffel Weaver, William Read, selectmen ; Enoch 
Freiicli, representative. 

1829. — Enoch French, ShefTel Weaver, William Read, selectmen ; Joseph 
E. Read, Enoch French, Anthony Mason, representatives. 

1830. — Shc'ffel Weaver, John Eddy, William Read, selectmen ; Frederick 
Winslow, Anthony Mason, Joseph E. Read, representatives. 

ISJil. — Samuel Cliace, Robinsun Buffinton, William Ashley, selectmen ; 
Nathaniel B. Borden, Foster Hooper, Frederick Winslow, represen- 
tatives. 

1832. — Samuel Cliace, Leonard Garfield, William Ashley, selectmen; 
Simeon Borden, Azariah Shove, Anthony Mason, Barnabas Blossom, 
representatives. 

1833. — Samuel Chace, Mattliew C. Durfee, Elijah Pierce, selectmen; 
Simeon Borden, A/.ariah Shove, Smith Winslow, Isaac Borden, Earl 
Chace, representatives. 

1834. — Azariah Shove, Smith Winslow, Samuel Chace, selectmen; Na- 
thaniel B. Borden, Micah H. Rnggles, Anthony Mason, Jervis Shove, 
William Winslnw, representatives. 

1835. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow, selectmen ; Micah 
H. Rnggles, Antliony Mason, Philip R. Bennett, Job B. French, 
Elijah Pierce, representatives. 

183G. — John Eildy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow, selectmen ; Micah 
H. Rnggles, Anthony Mason, Caleb B. Vickery, Wdliani Ashley, 
Gilbert H. Durfee, representaiives, 

1837. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow, selectmen ; Micah 
H. Rnggles, Cyrus Alden, John Eddy, Constant B. Wyatt, Richard 
C. French, Pliilip S. Bruwn, representatives. 

1838. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony. Luther Winslow, selectmen ; Fred- 
erick Winslow, Benjamin B. Sisson, Philip S. Brown, Hezekiah 
Battelle, representatives. 

1839. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Russell Hathaway, selectmen ; Micah 
H. Ruggles, Iram Smith, George Brightnian (2d), Jolin A. Harris, 
representatives. 

1840. — Nathaniel B. Borden, Israel Antliony, William Read, selectmen ; 
John Eddy, Perez Mason, Nathan Durfee, Enoch French, represen- 
tatives. 

1841. — Blatthew C. Durfee, Israel Anthony, William Read, selectmen; 
Linden Cook, Nathan Durfee, Job B. French, representatives. 

1842. — Jervis Shove, Stephen K. Crary, George Brightman (2d), select- 
men; Jonathan Slade, King Dean, William H. Ashley, representa- 
tives. 

1843. — Jervis Shove, Israel Anthony, Perez Masou, selectmen ; Jonathan 
Slade, William A. W;ide, William V. Read, representatives. 

1844. — Thomas D. Chaloner, Israel Antlmny, Perez Miison, selectmen ; 
Simeon Borden, Thomas D. Chaloner, Nathan Durfee, representa- 
tives. 

1845. — Thomas D. Chaloner, Israel Anthony, Perez Mason, selectmen; 
Simeon Borden, James B. Luther, Benjamin F.White, representa- 
tives. 

1846. — Israel Anthony, Leander Borden, James M. Morton, selectmen ; 
Charles J. Holmes, Benjamin W. Miller, Albert G. Eaton, represen- 
tatives, 

1847. — Azariah Shove, Israel Anthony, Benjamin Earl, selectmen ; 
David Perkins, Benjamin Earl, Benjamin W. Miller, representa- 
tives. 

1S48 — Benjamin Wardwell, Israel Anthony, Benjamin Earl, selectmen; 
David Perkins, Hezekiah Battelle, William R. Robeson, representa- 
tives. 

1849. — Thom;iB J. Pickering, David Perkins, Benjamin Earl, selectmen ; 
Simeon Borden, Benjamin Wardwell, James Ford (2d), representa- 
tives 

1850. — David Perkins, Thomas J. Pickering, Daniel Brown, selectmen; 
Iram Smitli, Azariah Shove, representatives. 

1851.— Thomas J. Pickering, Jame.s Buffinton, Daniel Brown, selectmen; 
Nathaniel B. Borden, Richard Borden, James B.Luther, Richard C. 
French, representatives. 

1852. — James Buffinton, George O. Fairbanks, Azariah Shove, Leander 
Borden, Chester W. Greene, selectmen; Naihan D. Dean, Irani 
Smith, Edward P. Buffinrnn, Sonth.ird H. Miller, representatives. 

1853. — James Buffinton, Chester W. Greene, Thomas T. Potter, George 
0. Fairbanks, Azariah Shove, selectmen ; three trials, and no choice 
for representatives. 

1854. — Mark A. Slocum, Job G. Lawton, selectmen. 

1855. — Daniel Leonard, Asa P. French, Jonathan E. Morrill, Benjamin 
H. Davis, selectmen. 

1856.— Bray ton Slade, Jonathan E. Morrill, John S. Brayton, Job B.Ash- 
ley, selectmen. 



1857. — Jonathan E. Morrill, Vernon Cook, Brownell W. Woodman, 
John E. Gronard, selectmen. 

1858. — Josiah C. Blaisdell, Jonathan E. Morrill, selectmen. 

1859.— Stephen C. Wrightington, Thomas T. Potter, selectmen. 

1860. — Lloyd S. Earle, Stephen C. Wrightington, selectmen. 

1861. — Lloyd S. Earle, Stephen C. Wrightington, selectmen. 

1862. — Simeon Borden, Henry Pratt, selectmen. 

1863. — Simeon Borden, Henry Pratt, selectmen. 

18G4. — Nathaniel B. Borden, Andrew D. Bullock, selectmen. 

ISGo. — S. Angier Chace, Fred. A. Boomer, selectmen. 

18G6. — Josiah C. Blaisdell, John B. Hathaway, selectmeu. 

186V. — Abraham G. Hart, John B. Hathaway, selectmen. 

1S68. — Abraham G. Hart, Weaver Osborn, Iram Smith, selectmen. 

1869. — Abraham G. Hart, Weaver Osborn. Iram Smith, selectmen. 

1870. — Edward T. Marvell, George 0. Fairbanks, Abraham G. Hart, se- 
lectmen. 

1871. — Frederick A. Boomer, Weaver Osborn, George 0. Fairbanks, se- 
lectmen. 

1872.— Thomas F. Holder, George 0. Fairbanks, George H. Eddy, select- 
men. 

1873. — George O. Fairbanks, Charles J, Holmes, Weaver Osborn, select- 
men. 

1874. — George 0. Fairbank's, Daniel McGowau, John Davol, Jr., select- 
men. 

1875.— Southard H. Miller, Nicholas Hathaway, William Carroll, select- 
men. 

1876. — George 0. Fairbanks, Weaver Osboru, Albion K. Slade, select- 
men. 

1877. — Weaver Osborn, John B. Whitaker, Irani Smith, Franklin Gray, 
Pardon Macomber, selectmen; Franklin Gray,^ Pardon Macomher,! 
John B. Whitaker, Iram Smith, Weaver Osboru, representativen. 

187S. — Andrew J. Jeuniiigs,^ Pardon Macomber,- John W. Cummiogs, 
Hiram B. Coffin, Patrick M. McGIynn, representatives. 

1879. — Andrew J. Jennings,! Daniel Willin,^ Marcus Leonard, Patrick 
M.TUcGIynn, John W, Cnmmings, representatives. 

1880. — James F. Davenport,' Pardon Macomber,^ James Langford, Mar- 
cus Leonard, Patrick M. McGlynn, representatives. 

1881.— James F. Davenport,^ Silas B. Hatch,- Frank W. Burr, Robert 
Howard, .John Stanton, representatives. 

1882. — James F. Davenport,^ Job M. Leonard,^ Frank W. Burr, George 
W. Billings, John B. Whitaker, representatives. 

1883.— James F. Davenport,» Job M. Leonard.s Patrick E. Toley, T. 
Dwight Stowe,. Charles B. Blartiu, representatives. 

The town clerks from 1803 to 1854 have been as 
follows: 1803, Walter Chaloner; 1804-14, Benjamin 
Brightman ; 1814-16, William B. Canedy ; 1816, March 
to November 2, Nathaniel Luther; when at a town- 
meeting was made the following record : " Nathaniel 
Luther, the town clerk, being absent, made choice of 
Joseph E. Read to act as town clerk the remainder of 
the year (at all town-meetings and all other other 
business pertaining to the town clerk's duty) in the 
absence of Mr. Luther." 1816, November 2, to 1S21, 
Joseph E. Read; 1821-25, John C. Borden; 1825, 
Nathaniel B.Borden; 1826-31, Benjamin Anthony; 
1831-36, Stephen K. Crary; 1836-46, Benjamin Earl; 
1846-48, George S. Baker; 1848-53, Samuel B. Hus- 
sey ; 1853, John R, Hodges. 

The city clerks from 1854 to 1884 have been : John 
R. Hodges, 1854: Alvin S. Ballard, 1855 to 1864; 
George A. Ballard from 1864 to )>resent time, nearly 
twenty years. 

The present city officers are as follows: 

Mayor. — Hon. Henry K. Braley. 

Aldermen. — Ward 1, Vincent Thorpe ; Ward 2, John 
Southworth; Ward 3, William J. Hurley; Ward 4, 

1 Wards 5 and 6 and Somerset, 
s Wards 7, 8, and 9, and Somerset. 



FALL RIVER. 



347 



Hugh McKevitt ; Ward 5, Dennis Garvey ; Ward 6, 
Henry G. Langley ; Ward 7, Thomas S. Bordeu ; 
Ward 8, Thomas F. Eddy ; Ward 9, William J. Wylie. 

CoiiiiiioH Vouncil (Henry H. Earl, President). — 
Ward 1, Samuel B. Wilcox, George T. Durfee, Charles 
H. Albert; Ward 2, Franklin P. Osborn, Edward F. 
Murphy, John H. Wells; Ward 3, James Powers, 
John Desmond, Michael Grandfield; Ward 4, Thomas 
Darcy, Jr., Thomas Tyrell, Thomas Latham ; Ward 
5, John T. Murphy, Michael J. Kelly, Michael H. 
Connelly; Ward 6, Peter Harwood, John G. Blais- 
iell, Thomas Sanford ; Ward 7, William S. Robert- 
son, Edward S. Adams, Charles E. Brown ; Ward 8, 
Henry H. Earl, William F. Thomas, Cyrus C. Eounse- 
rille; Ward 9, Jethro H. Wordell, Charles H. Boomer, 
Walter D. Read. 

Ciiij Clerk. — George A. Ballard. 

Treasurer and Collector. — James C. Brady. 

Auditor. — Arthur Anthony. 

Sirperintendent of Streets. — Anthony Thurston. 

Assessors. — Edward Butfinton, Robert O'Hearn, 
William J. Waring. 

Solicitor. — James F. Jackson. 

Messenger. — Charles L. Dean. 

Ciii/ Marshal. — J. A. Hunt. 

Chief Engineer of Fire Department. — John A. Mac- 
farlane. 

Oitg Physician. — James E. Sullivan. 

Sttperintendent Oak Orore Cemetery. — J. E. Morrill. 

Superintendent North Burial -Ground. — Stephen 
White. 

Superintendent Pnblic Buildings. — James M. Adam. 

Superintendent Pnblic Schools. — William Conuell, Jr. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures. — William W. Dar- 
ling. 

ScIkjoI Committee. — A. M. Jackson, Harriet T. 
Healy, Louisa G. Aldrich, E. W. Huut, Thomas L. 
Ramsbotton, Leoutine Lincoln, William G. Bennett, 
M. G. B. Swift, John A. Tourtellot. 

Watnppa Water Board. — Philip D. Bordeu, Weaver 
Osborn, William M. Hawes. 

Water Registrar. — -W. W. Robertson. 

Engineer and Superintendent. — A. H. Martine. 

Trustees of Public Library. — Henry K. Braley, Leon- 
tine Lincoln, Robert Henry, James M. Morton, 
Charles J. Holmes, Crawford E. Lindsay. 

Librarian. — W. R. Ballard. 

Overseers of the Poor. — Mayor and Aldermen. 

Agent of Board. — George O. Fairbanks. 

Board of Health.—^. F. Winslow, J. S. Anthony 
James E. Sullivan. 



VALUATION, 1854-1882. 

„ IT 1 *• -ii Amount raised No. 

Year. Valuat.on. Tax. ^j, T^^^tion. Polls. 

1854 58,939,215 $5.80 $56,5-23.70 3,117 

1855 9,768,420 5.C0 59,425.15 3,148 

1860 11,522,650 7.40 90,124.61 3,238 

1865 12,134,990 16.50 209,272.20 4,401 

1866 12,702,534 17.50 232,827.62 4,740 

1867 1.5,220.628 17.00 269,020.95 5,135 

1868 17,919,192 14.00 262,872.74 6,002 

1869 21,398,525 15.60 346,310.99 6,247 



Tear. 

1870 

1871 


Viilniitioii. 

$23,612,214 

29,141,117 


T«x. 

S15.30 
13.00 
12.00 
13.00 
12,80 
14.50 
16.20 
16.60 
17.50 
18.00 
18.(10 
19.0(J 


Amount raised 
liy Ta.\ation. 
$.374,753.22 
392,974.15 
471,835.53 
636,451.61 
662.486.11 
768,464.-37 
764,629.41 
753,735.96 
739,518.48 
689,370.32 
702,088.91 
777,546.46 


No. 
Polls. 
0,743 
7,070 


1872 

1873 

1874 

1875 


37,841,294 

47,416,246 

49,995,110 

51,401,467 


8,870 
10,020 
11,119 
11,571 


1876 

1877 

1878 

1879 

1880 

1881 


48,920,485 

47,218.320 

42,329,73(1 

38,173,510 

39,171.264 

41,119,761 


10,519 
10,926 
11,664 
11,678 
12,008 
12,091 



In 1840 tlie number of taxable polls was 1,603. The valuation of real 
estate was $1,678,603 ; of personal estate, $1,310,865 ; total, $2,989,468. 



POPULATION, 1810-81. 



1810 1,296 

1820 1,594 

1830 4,159 

1840 6,738 

1845 10,290 

1860 1 1,170 

1865 12,080 

1860 13,240 

1861 14,026 

1862 1 17,461 

1863 15.495 

1864 17,114 

1865 17,525 

1866 19,262 

1867 21,174 



18()8 23,023 

,099 
,191 
,291 
,835 
,464 



1869.. 
1870.. 
1871.. 
1872.. 
1873.. 
1874.. 
1875.. 
1876.. 
1877.. 
1878.. 
1879.. 
1880.. 
1881.. 



160 
.356 
113 
,494 
,909 
,883 
,049 



CHAPTER XXVIIL 

FALL RIVER.— (CoiKfimeii.) 

ECCLESIASTICAL HIST0EY.2 

The First Congregational Church— The Central Congregational Church 
—The Third Congregational Church— The First Methoilist Episcopal 
Church— St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church- Brayton Methodist 
Episcopal Church— The North Methodist Episcopal Church— Quarry 
Street Methodist Episcopal Church— Maple Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church— Primitive Methodist Church— North Main Street Methodist 
Episcopal Church— Tlie First Baptist Church— Second Baptist Church 
—Third Baptist Church— Church of the Ascension— St.. Tolin's Church 
—Christian Church, Franklin Street— North Christian Church- 
Church of the New Jerusalem— Society of Friends— United Presby- 
terian Church— Hebrew Worshipers— Roman Catholic Churches. 

The First Congregational Church was organized 
at the dwelling-house of Deacon Richard Durfee, 
Jan. 9, 1816, with the following members: Joseph 
Durfee and wife Elizabeth, Richard Durfee, Benjamin 
Brayton. and Wealthy Durfee, wife of Charles Dur- 
fee. Benjamin Brayton died Dec. 9, 1829, and leaving 
no children, he bequeathed the bulk of his property 
to this church, in trust, as a permanent fund for the 
support of the ministry. For about seven years after- 
the organization of the church it had no house of 
worship nor settled pastor. The church, however, 
met regularly on the Sabbath for public worship, and 
when they were destitute of a pastor conducted the 
devotional exercises themselves. A. portion of the 
time they were supplied by missionaries, among 
whom were the following: Revs. John Sanford, 
James Hubbard, Amasa Smith, Reuben Torrey, C. 
H. Nichols, Curtis Coe, Samuel W. Colburn, Moses 

1 The increase in population in 1862 was owing to the annexation of 
the town of Fall River, R. I., which contained a population of about 
three thousand five hundred and ninety. 

- For liistory of Unitarian Cliurch, see Appendix. 



348 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Osborne, Isaac Jones, Seth Chapin, Silas Shove, 
Otis Lane, and Loring D. Dewey. During the first 
three years after their organization there were added 
to the church, chiefly by profession, thirty members, 
among whom were only four males. 

While this church was without a house of worship 
their meetings were held sometimes at private houses, 
sometimes in a large store-room, sometimes in the only 
school-house in the place, and occasionally in the line 
meeting-house, an edifice located on the line between 
the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and 
erected in 1798. 

The first movements for the erection of a church 
edifice were inaugurated in 1819, and in 1821 and 
1822 their first house of worship was erected, and 
dedicated in February, 182.3. It was forty-five feet 
long by thirty-six wide, with a vestry underneath. 
This was the second meeting-house built in Fall 
River, the Friends having built a small house for 
worship in 1821. 

An ecclesiastical Congregational Society was formed 
in 1820, and incorporated in February, 1821. The in- 
corporators of the society caused considerable excite- 
ment in the town, which, however, " soon spent itself 
by its own warmth, and ultimately did no harm to 
the society." 

The first settled pastor was Rev. Augustus B. Reed, 
who was ordained and installed July 2, 1823. His 
salary was four hundred and fifty dollars per year. 
Mr. Reed remained until Aug. 3, 1825. Nov. 1, 1826, 
Rev. Thomas M. Smith became pastor, and continued 
until April 27, 1831. 

In 1827, the first year of Mr. Smith's ministry, an 
addition of twenty-five feet was made to the length of 
the meeting-house. 

May 22, 1831, Rev. Orin Fowler, A.M., became 
pastor of this church and remained until May 15, 
1850. 

Mr. Fowler was born in Lebanon, Conn., July 29, 
1791. Upon his settlement in Fall River he entered 
zealously into every project looking to the advance- 
ment of the material, educational, and religious wel- 
fare of the town. He was a member of the State 
Senate from this district, and in 1848, before his 
senatorial term had expired, he was elected to the 
Thirty-First Congress. He died Sept. 3, 1852. Mr. 
Fowler was dismissed from the pastorate of the 
church in May, 1850, aud in the same month was 
succeeded by Rev. Benjamin J. Relyea, who re- 
mained until April, 1856. He was succeeded by 
Rev. J. Lewis Diman, D.D., in April, 1856, who 
continued until February, 1860. He was afterwards 
professor of history in Brown University. In May, 
1861, Rev. Solomon P. Fay was installed, who re- 
mained until Oct. 1, 1863, when he was succeeded 
in the following month by Rev. William W. Adams, 
D.D., who was acting pastor until Sept. 14, 1864, when 
he was installed as pastor, and has remained to the 
present time. 



The present church edifice was erected in 1831-32, 
at a cost of about $16,500. 

In 1856 the interior was entirely remodeled, walls 
of audience-room and ceiling frescoed, pulpit trans- 
ferred from east to west end of the church, etc. 

In 1866 a new organ was procured of Messrs. 
Hook, in Boston, at an expense of about $4000 ; 
water motor added in 1880 ; 1868, mission chapel 
built and furnished, at a cost of about $4000; 1872, 
missionary employed in connection with the chapel 
Sunday-school; 1873-74, parsonage built, at a cost, 
with lot, of $16,400. 

In 1874 the Third Congregational Church^ was 
organized in mission chapel, which they have since 
continuously occupied. 

In 1875 the chapel was removed to a better loca- 
tion, enlarged, frescoed, thoroughly refitted, and pro- 
vided with basement for Sunday-school, etc. ; change 
in First Church from afternoon to evening service. 

In 1876 new articles of faith and covenant were 
adopted, and in 1878 the weekly offering system was 
adopted; 1881, pastor sent abroad for a year, all ex- 
penses paid, and pulpit supplied by the society. In 
1882 church edifice thoroughly renovated within and 
without, newly upholstered and furnished, at an ex- 
pense of $8500. 

Present membership, Jan. 1, 1883, 47 males, 157 
females ; total, 204. Total membership from organi- 
zation, 831. 

Contributions for strictly charitable objects from 
1865 to 1882, inclusive, $48,000; besides large sums 
given by individuals. 

Subsidiary organizations: Ladies' Benevolent So- 
ciety, Society for Good Works, Woman's Foreign 
Missionary Society, Children's Missionary Society. 

The officers for 1883 are as follows: Deacons, 
Hiram Bliss {emeritus), F. W. Macomber, George 
W. Robbins ; Clerk, Hiram G. Andrews ; Sundaj'- 
school Superintendent, Isaac Borden; Chori.ster, 
Charles H. Robbins. 

The Central Congregational Church of Fall 
River was organized Nov. 16, 1842. Seventy mem- 
bers of the First Orthodox Congregational Church, 
then under the pastoral care of Rev. Orin Fowler, 
were dismissed from that church, and united to form 
this new body. 

A council composed of the pastors of the neighbor- 
ing churches, with their delegates, confirmed and 
ratified the organization. The Rev. Mr. Sheldon, of 
the church in Easton, was moderator of the council, 
and Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton, scribe. 

A warrant being issued, and a meeting called for 
the purpose, according to the statutes of the State, a 
corporate and legal form was given to the organiza- 
tion on the 20th of January, 1843, which then as- 
sumed the name of "The Central Congregational 
Society of Fall Riyer." 

1 See histoiy elsewhere in this work. 



FALL RIVER. 



349 



The members of this society were Amery Glazier, 
Nathan Durfee, Benjamin Earl, Richard Borden, 
Henry H. Fish, Abraham Cook, John S. Cotton, 
William A. Burt, Charles C. Dillingham, Edward S. 
Chase, Daniel Leonard, Henry Woodward, and Jesse 
Eddy. 

Three days later, Jan. 23, 1843, the society met, 
and a committee previously appointed to secure a lot 
for a church edifice, reported as follows: "The lot 
on Bedford Street, known as the Massasoit lot, and 
belonging to Messrs. Bradford Durfee, Nathan Dur- 
fee, Joseph Durfee, and Mrs. Fidelia B. Durfee, can 
be had as a donation, for the erection of a house of 
public worship thereon, for the use of the Central 
Congregational Society, if said lot will answer the 
uses of the society." 

The lot was accepted, and a committee at once ap- 
pointed to ])repare a plan for the house, with the 
estimated cost. Nathan Durfee was chairman of that 
committee. 

The result was the erection of the building on the 
lot at the corner of Rock and Bedford Streets, which 
was dedicated for worship March 27, 1844, and was 
used for that purpose until the completion and dedica- 
tion of the new building, which now stands at the 
corner of Rock and Franklin Streets, a period of 
nearly thirty-one years. 

It formerly fronted upon Bedford Street, but in 1882 
was turned around, and now fronts on Rock Street. 
It is still used by the Sabbath-school of the Central 
Church. 

This first church was built by Melvin Borden, who 
had erected the frame and collected a large part of 
the material when the memorable fire of July 2, 1843, 
destroyed the lumber and delayed the work. The 
frame was by great exertion saved. 

When the fire occurred the society was worshiping 
in Pocasset Hall, in a building used as a hotel, and 
known as the Pocasset House. This building was 
burned, and the one now called Pocasset Block stands 
upon its site. 

This most destructive fire by which Fall River has 
ever been visited not only turned the society adrift, 
but rendered scores of families homeless. 

In this emergency the congregation were most cor- 
dially invited to the full and free use of the Baptist 
temple for their worship, with the privilege of using 
the pulpit one-half of each Sabbath. 

The Rev. Asa Bronson was then the pastor of that 
church, a man made up without stint in soul or body, 
a man who was a tower of strength in the religious 
history of Fall River. 

This kind and generous offer was gratefully ac- 
cepted, and the two congregations worshiped together 
until the autumn, when the vestry of the new build- 
ing was ready to be occupied, and the congregation 
met there. 

During this period the church was without a settled 
pastor, and preaching was supplied by recent gradu- 



ates of the Theological Seminary at Andover. Among 
them were Rev. Robert S. Hitchcock, whose father 
was a Congregational clergyman for many years in 
Randolph and in Wrentham; Edward A. Washburn, 
who afterwards entered the Episcopal Church, and 
after a useful life died, deeply regretted, in New York 
in 1881 ; Roswell D. Hitchcock, now eminent as presi- 
dent of Union Theological Seminary in New York 
City ; and Benjamin F. Hosford. This last was a most 
refined and accomplished man, who did faithful and 
successful work as pastor of the Centre Church in 
Haverhill, Mass., from 1845 till 1863, wlien ill health 
compelled his resignation, and he died the next year 
at the age of forty-six. 

The dedication of the church took place the next 
spring, A|>ril 24, 1844. On the same day the Rev. 
Samuel Washburn was installed as the first pastor of 
the church. Mr. Washburn w.as a preacher of more 
than ordinary ability, and possessed a rare and grace- 
ful manner and oratory. Before this settlement he 
had traveled and preached as agent of two of the 
Christian societies of the church, and had been a set- 
tled pastor at Greenfield, Mass. His tastes were cul- 
tivated and refined, and his talents and conversation, 
made him a brilliant accession in any gathering of 
scholarly men. He remained with the church four 
years and eight months, and was dismissed by his own 
repeated request in January, 1849. He died at New 
York on the 15th of September, 1853. His last set- 
tlement as pastor was over a Presbyterian Church in 
Baltimore. 

The next pastor was Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., who 
was installed on the evening of Wednesday, March 
21, 1849, a night to be remembered as one on which 
occurred one of the most violentof equinoctial storms 
that ever visited New England. Mr. Thurston had 
previously been settled for nearly ten years over the 
Congreg.'itional Church in Hallowell, Maine. He 
was born iu Brighton, Mass., in 1808, and commenced 
studying for the ministry, after learning a trade, at 
the age of twenty-one. After his conversion, which 
took place at Millbury, Mass. (where he was learning 
his trade), he became possessed with the idea of 
preaching the gospel. Nothing could turn him from 
this purpose, and from that day till his death it was 
the one absorbing passion of his life. " This one thing 
I do" was as true of him as of Paul. 

When he was settled over the Central Church it 
had a membership of about one hundred. It had 
many zealous, efficient, working members, and they, 
with their pastor, soon came to make the church a felt 
power in Fall River. Accessions were made yearly, 
and oftentimes in great numbers, while as a mission- 
ary church at home and abroad it came to stand in 
the front rank among the churches of Massachusetts. 
The Sabbath-school was large and prosperous, and 
from it as a centre radiated light and service and suc- 
cessful toil among the large population of the city 
less favored with religious instruction. 



350 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Thurston was a man of positive beliefs, and 
had a positive way of stating his convictions. He 
made no compromise with error or half truth, or with 
any practice whicli annulled or would lead to the an- 
nulling of the commands of God. His interest in 
questions relating to the progress of the world, its 
discoveries, its inventions, its most wonderful facili- 
ties for communication with all nations, — these were 
matters of vital importance to him. They aroused 
the whole enthusiasm of his nature, because through 
them he beheld the grand and final triumph of the 
gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world. This was the 
glorious consummation to which he devoted all the 
power and energy of his own life, and his unfaltering 
faith in its accomplishment. It gave zest and hope 
and cheerful alacrity to his every effort. In his earlier 
ministry at Hallowell, when the subject of slavery had 
come to divide the church as well as the politics of the | 
country, he had thrown all the weight of his eloquence 
and influence into the anti-slavery balance, and with 
such impetuous fervor as to bring upon himself much 
reproach, and so it was later, as a natural sequence, in 
the dark days of the war, which this sin brought upon 
.the country, his whole soul was stirred to its depths, 
and his sympathy in the struggle most intense. Then, 
too, his faith in God and in his omnipotent power to 
work righteousness and redeem the world from sin 
did not forsake him. It was the strong tower into 
which his soul fled and was safe. In his appeals in 
those days, made from the jmlpit and often from the 
rostrum of the large City Hall, to the manhood, the 
loyalty, the Christian sentiment, the patriotism of our 
citizens, he showed an eloquence and a strength of 
intellectual power which will never be forgotten. 
Probably no one man in Bristol County wielded so 
strong an influence, and so long as he lived, and as 
often as he spoke in Fall River upon this topic, or 
upon temperance, or upon any social reform, never 
did he lack an audience. The opposers of truth and 
the enemies of reform acknowledged the power and 
pungency of his reasoning, for his logic was close and 
almost invulnerable when one had conceded his prem- 
ises, and he had the eloquence which comes from 
highest personal conviction. 

In the work which fell to the Christian minister in 
the days of the civil war, Mr. Thurston was helped and 
stimulated by the sympathy and co-operation of his 
dear friend and brother minister, the Rev. P. B. 
Haughwant, of the First Baptist Church. For many 
years the Central Church came under the influence 
and most eloquent preaching of this talented and 
accomplished scholar, whose interest in the war and 
whose zeal for the right were equal to Mr. Thurston's. 
The two men stand side by side and heart with heart 
to all who review that period of greatest interest in 
the history of the American citizen of this century. 
The Central Church enjoyed the blessing of Dr. 
Thurston's ministry for twenty-two years. In De- 
cember, 1861), he was seized with pneumonia, and 



died on the 19th of the same month, at the age of 
sixty-one years. 

At the time of Dr. Thurston's death the Central 
Church was large, vigorous, and prosperous. It had 
a membership of nearly three hundred, many of whom 
were intelligent, active workers in the Lord's vine- 
yard. They had been trained to a consecration of 
wealth as well as of heart, and were among the most 
cheerful and hearty supporters of the gospel through- 
out the world, while their obligations to the poor and 
ignorant about them were never ignored. 

A mission school, which for some years existed as 
a union school, had been partially under the care of 
members of this church, but for some time previous 
to this date had assumed a separate and distinct or- 
ganization, under the sole care of the Central Church, 
and the large and commodious mission building, on 
Pleasant Street, was purchased by the society. 

The services of Rev. Edwin A. Buck, of Slaterville, 
R. I., were secured as a missionary to have the care 
of this branch of the service. Mr. Buck's work in 
this department has now been most successfully car- 
ried on for fifteen years. Mr. Thomas F. Eddy was 
the efficient superintendent of the mission-school for 
twenty-five years. His successor is Mr. Alphonso S. 
Covel. 

Very many have been trained in the mission-school 
who have added to the strength as well as the num- 
bers of the church. It has been a great blessing. 

Dr. Thurston's death occurred at the close of the 
year 1869. In the spring of 1870 the people listened 
to the preaching of the Rev. Michael Burnham, who 
was still in the seminary at Andover, and their choice 
fell upon him as successor to their late pastor. Mr. 
Burnham graduated in June, and was installed as 
pastor of the Central Church Oct. 25, 1870. His or- 
dination occurred at the same time. 

Under Mr. Burnham's ministry the churcli con- 
tinued to prosper and increase in numbers, and it was 
thought best to enlarge the space and opportunity to 
give the gospel to a larger number of the rapidly- 
increasing population. For this purpose it was 
decided to build a larger and more enduring house of 
worship in some new locality. In March and April, 
1872, measures were taken for this purpose, and a 
valuable lot secured, comprising the whole space on 
Rock Street between Franklin and Bank Streets. The 
purchase comprised one hundred and four square 
rods, and cost something over fifty-six thousand dol- 
lars. A building committee was chosen, consisting of 
Thomas J. Borden, Robert K. Remington, William 
H. Jennings, and Holder B. Durfee. 

The subscriptions to the new building were about 
one hundred and twenty-six thousand dollars, and a 
contract was made at once for a brick and stone 
building, in the Victorian early English Gothic style, 
stately in proportions and complete in detail, to be 
erected on the northerly and easterly sections of the 
new lot. The work was commenced in May, 1874, 



FALL RIVER. 



351 



the basement walls and brick pillars to support the 
floor were put in, and on July 23d of that year the 
congregation assembled with glad hearts to lay with 
solemn ceremony the corner-stone. The report of 
the building committee was read, appropriate hymns 
were sung by the congregation, the selections and 
music being under the care of Mr. Charles Durfee, 
chorister, and Mr. Lyman W. Deane, the organist of 
the church. A very interesting and impressive ad- 
dress was made by the pastor, and the corner-stone 
was laid with all due formality by the senior deacons 
of the church. These were Deacon Benjamin Earl 
and Dr. Nathan Durfee. 

The box, which was properly sealed, and was placed 
under the stone, contained the confession of faith 
of the church, a list of pastors and officers and mem- 
bers, a history of the organization and subsequent 
growth of the church, history of Fall River, copies of 
the local newspapers and of the religious papers of 
the day. After the laying of the corner-stone the 
work on the building went rapidly on, and was fin- 
ished before the end of the following year (1875). 

The costly and elegant structure thus completed, 
with tower and steeple, with nave and transept, and 
high-reaching roof, is built of brick, with freestone 
trimmings and facings, and occupies the whole north- 
ern jiortion of the lot on Franklin Street, with a front- 
age of one hundred and forty feet on Rock Street. 
This includes an elegant cloister, by which the main 
building is destined eventually to join a chapel on 
the south end of the lot. One cannot fail, on looking 
at the building from the east, on Rock Street, of re- 
ceiving the impression of grand solidity and strength, 
as well as of most harmonious proportion and elegance 
of finish in all the exterior decoration. 

The main entrance, through a heavy black walnut 
door hung in a case of the same wood, and sur- 
rounded and ornamented with a belting of stone 
richly cut in flower-work, is enriched also by fine 
and highly-polished pillars of Scotch granite. These 
elegant pillars, with carved capitals, and stone-cut- 
ting in relief, are continued at the entrance of the 
cloister. 

The floor of this building, as well as all the vesti- 
bules, are of handsome tile. The tower is on the 
northeast corner, quadrangular in form, and is sup- 
ported by heavy buttresses on both Rock and Frank- 
lin Streets, trimmed at the base and all along its edges 
with freestone. It is provided with abundant win- 
dows, and at some seventy-five or eighty feet from 
the ground the form is changed to a hexagonal, and 
carried up to its full height of one hundred and 
ninety feet, with an occasional belt of stone, and sur- J 
mounted with a gilded cross. It is one of the finest 
and, to the eye, most satisfactory steeples to be seen 
in this part of the State. 

On the front, to the left of the main entrance, is 
the beautiful motto in Gothic letters, "Let us exalt 
His name together." On the right, in a narrow space 



between the buttress of the tower and the entrance, 
is another, " Praise ye the Lord." On the Franklin 
Street side is the sentence, "Seek ye the Lord while 
He may be found ; call ye upon Him while He is 
near." 

At intervals on the outside of the fiant are several 
panels of stone inserted in the brick wall and cut in 
rosettes. The eaves and border of the roof are 
arched with stone. 

The main entrance ushers you into an extended 
portico, where, on the left and right, wide staircases 
invite to the gallery above. Beyond the stairway the 
corridor leads to various anterooms for the use and 
convenience of the people. Those at the north end 
are appropriated to the ladies, while at the south end 
are rooms for gentlemen. They are supplied with 
heat and water and every needed furnisliing. 

Two very large and elegant parlors for the work 
and business of the society, and for social gatherings, 
connect these accommodations with the main body 
of the church, while a finished basement below sup- 
plies all that is needed for culinary and domestic 
purposes when food is provided. 

Coming to the auditorium the eye is struck with 
the size of the room and its adaptedness for religious 
worship. Including the space occupied by the pulpit 
platform, it is not far from one hundred feet long by one 
hundred and thirteen feet wide in the rear, and about 
one hundred and thirty feet in the transepts, and over 
seventy feet in height to the ridge of the roof. It is 
finished in pure Gothic style, with arches between 
the pillars clear to the ridge. The seating capacity, 
including the main and transept galleries, is some 
twelve or thirteen hundred, while eighteen hundred 
can easily be provided for by filling up the spaces 
with camp-chairs. Numerous exits in front and rear 
afford opportunity to vacate the church in a few mo- 
ments should occasion require. 

The pulpit platform is at the extreme west end of 
the audience-room, in the main body of the church. 
It is fourteen and a half feet in width by twenty-four 
feet in length, and has a small but richly-ornamented 
desk for the speaker. 

A wide and handsome arch is thrown over the plat- 
form with the inscription, " The gift of God is eternal 
life through Jesus Christ our Lord." 

A capacious recess with inner arch has the motto, 
" Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," and 
this encloses a highly decorative design illustrating 
the Trinity. It is formed by a triangle, within which 
the quaint Latin symbol of the doctrine is made by 
the word " Deus" in the centre, with radiations to 
the three points of the diagram, where the letters 
" P." " F." " S S." stand for Father, Son, and Holy 
Spirit, while the radiating lines, with the Latin word 
" est" reading one way and " uon est" the other, 
make a puzzle such as old divines delighted to quarrel 
over through centuries of church history. 

The pastor's room, at the north end of the platform, 



332 



HISTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



/^ 



is one of the gems of this beautiful church. It is pro- 
vided with whatever can contribute to the comfort and 
quiet of the speaker before and after the service, and 
is a most restful, as well as tasteful, little room. It 
is entered by a door from Franklin Street, and, be- 
sides the door leading to the platform, has two which 
open upon the floor of the church. Upon the front 
of this room, which projects out into the body of the 
church, is inserted a large and most beautiful memo- 
rial tablet of Tennessee marble, with rich marble 
pillars and sculptured adornments, the whole set in a 
frame of heavy black walnut. This tablet is a memo- 
rial to the first two pastors of the church. Rev. Sam- 
uel Washburn and Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D. 

The organ stands at the southwest corner of the 
auditorium, projecting slightly into the church, par- 
allel with the pastor's room on the north of the plat- 
form. It has a very elegant and elaborate case, and is 
one of the finest instruments ever manufactured by 
Hook & Hastings, of Boston. Its tone and compass 
are nearly perfect, and such as to give exquisite 
pleasure to the most cultivated musical taste. 

The interior decorations of ceiling and fresco are 
in Gotliic style, to accord with the exterior. The tints 
are of soft gray, with borders of drab, the lines and 
figures relieved by gold. The wood-work is of black 
walnut, much of it being finely carved. The windows 
are of rich stained glass; the small and delicate clus- 
tered pillars that support the roof are gilt-bronze; the 
gas (struck by electricity) is so arranged as to throw 
light down upon the audience, and thus never pain- 
fully to meet the eye ; indeed, the whole effect of the 
interior arrangement is so perfect as never to bewilder 
or astonish, but seems ever to breathe a solemn repose 
and a comforting sense of the fitness of it all to the 
worship of God. 

The society took leave of the old church on Sab- 
bath afternoon, Dec. 12, 1875. A most interesting 
sermon was preached on the occasion by Mr. Burn- 
ham, from 2d Peter ill. chapter, 1st verse (last clause), 
" I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance." 
Tlie formation and history of the church was reviewed 
in that sermon, and just and worthy tributes paid to 
its former pastors, and to all who had helped to sus- 
tain it. The congregation present on that occasion 
numbered five hundred and sixty. 

On the following evening, Monday, Dec. 13, 1875, 
the new church was dedicated. The dedication ser- 
vices were of great interest, and the building was filled 
by a large audience of over two thousand people. The 
audience-room was on this occasion most brilliantly 
lighted, while elegant floral decorations, from the con- 
servatories of Dr. Nathan Durfee and Mr. C. V. S. 
Remington, adorned the pulpit and platform. A 
splendid crown of roses was placed in the family pew 
of the late Dr. Thurston, while a cross of the same 
lovely flowers adorned the pew of the present pastor. 
The touching significance of these tokens added to 
their loveliness and beauty. An organ voluntary. 



under the skillful hand of Mr. Lyman VV. Dean, 
brought out the long time honored and deep tones 
of " Old Hundred," succeeded by the grand anthem 
of Mozart, " Praise the Lord," by a choir of select 
singers, who occupied the south transept. The prayer 
of invocation was by Dr. J. W. Wellman, of Maiden. 
The Scriptures were read by Dr. William W. Adams, 
of the First Congregational Church, and the sermon 
was preached by Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Brooklyn, 
N. Y. The text was John xvii. chapter, 20th verse, 
" Neither pray I for these alone, but for them who 
believe through their word." It was delivered with- 
out notes, and was an able and instructive discourse 
on the power and efficacy delegated to the church by 
their risen Lord, a power greater than he could 
have exerted by remaining on earth under mortal 
conditions and limits, because it brought into exercise 
faith, which all could exercise, and which could over- 
come all things. Mr. Burnham offered the dedicatory 
prayer, followed by the anthem from Leach, " How 
Beautiful are Thy Dwellings." The exercises closed 
with the singing of the Doxology by the whole con- 
gregation, and the benediction by the pastor. 

With these formal services was dedicated to the 
service of the living God, this church building, 
which stands to-day among the chief achitectural 
ornaments of the city, arranged with every appliance 
of invention and art to make it a comfortable and 
suitable place of worship. 

But these satisfactory outward conditions did not 
sutflce to ward off from the church, within a sliort 
time, great perplexity and financial embarrassment. 
This came from many trying causes, as well as from 
the universal depression of all business (succeeding 
the panic of 1873), and especially of the manufactur- 
ing interest, upon which in Fall River everything de- 
pends. 

The sun of prosperity had shone for many years 
upon this Christian enterprise, but now the clouds of 
adversity darkened its sky, and with the incubus of a 
heavy debt, resulting from inability to dispose of its 
(lid lot and building as had been contemplated, and 
the removal by death of some who had been its strong 
supporters, it was greatly tried. It had missed for 
several years the counsel and presence of one of its 
most honored and most devoted members. Col. Rich- 
ard Borden. With wise judgment and generous heart, 
he had stood by the church tlirough every vicissitude, 
and with longing desire had hoped to see the extension 
and enlarged usefulness which he felt would come to 
the church through this new temple to God's honor, 
but he did not live till its completion. 

After struggling with a debt of more than one hun- 
dred thousand dollars for four years, a strenuous and 
successful effort was made on Sunday, Feb. 1, 1880, to 
raise the debt. More than seventy thousand dollars 
were raised by that day's efforts, and this with subse- 
quent donations, added to property already held by 
the church, canceled the obligation. The people 



FALL RIVER. 



353 



were greatly indebted in tliis work to tlie interest and 
influence of Rev. Dr. Alexander McKenzie, of Cam- 
bridge, Mass., who had been a friend and helper of 
the church for several years, and who was rewarded 
by tlie grateful affection of all the people. 

The pastor, too, gave himself untiringly tn this work 
for months previous to the happy crisis, and by his 
unwearied and judicious eflbrts secured large aid and 
sympathy from a few generous-hearted Christian men 
in Boston and other places. This strain, added to all 
the cares and duties of so large a parish, resulted in 
injury to Mr. Burnham's health, and although he 
continued for two years longer to work with great 
zeal and efficiency, he became convinced that it 
would be better for him to leave the Central Church 
and enter another field of labor. With great reluc- 
tance he was dismissed in the summer of 1882, and 
in October of that year was settled over the Immanuel 
Congregational Church at Boston Highlands, Mass. 

Almost immediately after Mr. Burnham's dismis- 
sion the church and society united in giving a call to 
Rev. Eldridge Mis, D.D., who had for some years 
previous ministered to the First Presbyterian Church 
in Orange, N. J. Dr. Mix was installed Wednesday 
evening, Sept. 27, 1882. The sermon was by Rev. Dr. 
Alexander McKenzie, and the other services were 
conducted by Rev. Samuel G. Willard, of Colchester, 
Conn.; Rev. Michael Burnham, Boston Highlands; 
Rev. William W. Adams, D.D., Fall River, and Rev. 
A. J. F. Behrends, Providence, R. I. The present 
membership of the church is four hundred and fifty- 
nine. 

The Third Congregational Church was organized 
in 1874, with Rev. Leander S. Coan as pastor, who 
remained until 1875, when he was succeeded by the 
present pastor. Rev. Calvin Keyser. The church 
edifice was erected in 1874, and is located on Havover 
Street, corner of Maple. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church.'— The Meth- 
odist Episcopal Churcli in Fall River cannot boast of 
a very early origin. Somerset, a few miles distant, 
had been favored with Methodist preaching for about 
twenty years previous to any account of regular 
preaching by Methodist ministers in this place. In 
the year 1824, Rev. Ebenezer Blake, then stationed at 
Somerset, now South Somerset, held meetings in this 
place, then a considerable village called Troy, and for 
a time, according to an old record, " preached lectures" 
once in two weeks. He was succeeded at Somerset 
in June, 1825, by Rev. Herman Perry, who continued 
to preach or "lecture" in the village, and during 
the year formed a class of about twelve members. 
Of this first class John Anthony, afterwards a local 
preacher of the Bank Street Church, then a young 
man, was appointed leader. Luther Chace and wife. 
Constant B. Wyatt, Elouisa Chase, who afterwards 
married a Mr. Pierce, Rebecca Lindsey, now Tilling- 



• By Kev. W. A. Luce. 



23 



hast, Nancy Cory, afterwards the wife of Rev. Daniel 
Webb, and Betsey L. Douglas were members. In June, 
1826, Revs. Charles Virgin and Nathan B. Spaulding 
were appointed to Somerset, one of whom preached in 
this place once in two weeks. 

About the commencement of the year 1827 fruits of 
their labors began to appear. A gracious revival com- 
menced, and Mr. Spaulding confined his labors entirely 
to this place the remainder of the Conference year. A 
school-house, standing on the corner of Anawan and 
South Main Streets, was their place of worship. How 
many were added to this number we have no means 
of knowing. There is a single record of the ordinance 
of baptism administered to nine persons, April 1, 1827, 
by Mr. Virgin. At the Conference in the following 
June, Rev. E. T. Taylor, afterwards universally known 
as " Father" Taylor, andjustly celebrated for his labors 
in behalf of seamen, was appointed to Fall River, he 
being the first minister sent to the place by the Con- 
ference. The appointment appears on the minutes in 
connection with Little Compton, and Amos Binney 
was his colleague. They were, however, virtually 
distinct charges. A new church edifice was immedi- 
ately commenced, which was completed and dedicated 
December 25th of the same year. It was a modest, 
unpretending structure, without spire or bell, and sit- 
uated a little off from what is now Central Street. 
When the house was nearly completed a gentleman 
asked Mr. Taylor where they intended to put the bell. 
With a significant turn of the head he promptly re- 
plied, "In the pulpit, sir." The pulpit bell had the 
right ring. Its tone was loud, clear, inviting. It gave 
no uncertain sound. The people Hocked to hear it 
and were charmed. 

The minutes of the next Conference, held in June, 
1828, report for Fall River and Little Compton one 
hundred and ninety in connection. Mr. Taylor was 
reappointed to this place at this Conference, but in 
December he was removed to the Mariners' Church, 
Boston, in which sphere he labored with signal suc- 
cess till old age superannuated him. Rev. E. Blake, 
then stationed at Easton and Stoughton, and others 
supplied the church until the next Conference. At 
the Conference of 1829, Mr. Blake was appointed to 
this charge, and labored with good success. Two 
hundred and six are reported in conuection with Fall 
River and Little Compton at the next Conference. 
At this early date the names of Irani Smith and Wil- 
liam Mason, of Nehemiah Rogers, Edward Mason, 
and John E. Green appear on the records as class- 
leaders. 

Mr. Blake was succeeded in June, 1830, by Rev. 
Daniel Webb. In May, 1831, Rev. Ira M. Bidwell was 
appointed to this place, and remained two years. 
The church was eminently prosperous during his ad- 
ministration, though the latter year was one of severe 
trial and conflict. As a result of their united eflTorts 
a blessed and powerful work of grace was wrought 
among them, extending through the greater portion 



354 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of his term of service. Meetings were held nearly 
every night for about four months; more than a hun- 
dred persons professed conversion, and about seventy- 
five were added to the church. But in the midst of 
this prosperity trials came ; a terrible storm swept 
over the church in this vicinity, which for a time 
threatened complete destruction. 

The famous or rather infamous Avery and Cornell 
affair was the occasion of this fiery trial. It occurred 
in the latter part of the year 1832. Mr. Avery was 
then stationed at Bristol, R. I., but as Fall River was 
the scene of the tragedy, it was here that the storm of 
excitement raged with greatest violence. It is impos- 
sible to correctly estimate the state of public feeling 
which existed at that time, and the violent prejudice 
and opposition against the Methodist Church. As a 
consequence the church suffered severely. Some 
withdrew from the membership, many more from the 
congregation. But one man remained a regular 
member of the congregation who was not a member 
of the church. That man was Joshua Remington, 
who was then unconverted, but adhered firmly to the 
church with his wife, who was a faithful member. 

At the close of Mr. Bidwell's pastorate Fall River 
stands alone in the minutes for the first time, with 
one hundred and sixty in connection. At the end of 
Mr. Bidwell's first year the number reported for Fall 
River and Little Compton was two hundred and sev- 
enty-six, but this number was reduced to the above 
figures by the Avery and Cornell tragedy. In June, 
1833, Rev. Squire B. Haskell was appointed to suc- 
ceed Mr. Bidwell, and remained two years. The 
membership was reported to be one hundred and 
seventy-four at its close. 

At the Conference in 1835, Rev. Mark Staple was 
appointed to this station. The church had not even 
then recovered from the severe shock received from 
the Avery tragedy. A powerful revival prevailed 
throughout the most of this year, and at its close the 
number reported to the Conference was two hundred 
and sixty-three. Mr. Staple was reappointed in 
1836, au.d continued until January, 1837, when his 
health failed, and he was obliged to resign, and was 
succeeded in February by Rev. Jesse Fillmore, a local 
preacher, who was appointed by the presiding elder. 
Rev. D. Webb, to supply the church until the ensuing- 
Conference. He is credited with having put the 
records of the church into a somewhat systematic 
and preservable fi)rm. Rev. Jesse Fillmore was suc- 
ceeded in June, 1837, by Rev. Hector Bronson, who 
served the church for one year only. Notwithstand- 
ing the labors of Mr. Bronson, the church was in a 
languishing and declining state the whole year. In 
June, 1838, Rev. Phineas Crandall was appointed to 
this station. 

Mr. Crandall labored in the place two years, dur- 
ing which time the church was blessed, in common 
with other churches in the village, with revival influ- 
ences. During the year about one hundred were re 



ceived into the church by profession of faith and 
certificate. Under his administration an attempt was 
made to secure a more suitable place of worship, 
which was successful. The debt on the old house was 
paid, the house sold, and a new and better one built, 
in a more central and eligible part of the town, near 
the corner of South Main and Anawan Streets, where 
the present church stands. This house was dedicated 
to the worship of God by Rev. Orange Scott, Feb. 20, 
1840. At the end of Mr. Crandall's administration 
the church was in a very prosperous condition, with 
a membership of two hundred and sixty-six souls; 
the congregation was larger and the prospect for the 
future brighter tlian ever before. In July, 1840, he 
was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Bonney. In June, 1842, 
Mr. Bonney was followed by Rev. Thomas Ely. Dur- 
ing his second year the "great fire" occurred, and the 
church edifice was burned to the ground. This was 
July 2, 1843. The bright hopes and cheering pros- 
pects of the church seemed all blasted in one brief ' 
hour. Not only was their place of worship destroyed, 
but many of the members were deprived of a part or 
all of their property, which rendered the condition of 
the society still more distressing and gloomy. 

But the Lord did not forsake his people. Although 
" cast down" they were not utterly " destroyed." The 
First Congregational Church kindly invited the 
church to worship with them, which they did for sev- 
eral Sabbaths, when A. L. Westgate and William 
Borden having erected their furniture warehouse, 
which had been destroyed by the fire, opened an 
upper room in the same to accommodate the society 
for the time being. The society now began to con- 
template rebuilding their church. Mr. Ely left home 
and traveled extensively to solicit funds for the erec- 
tion of a new church. He succeeded, however, in 
raising but about seventeen hundred dollars. The 
building was soon commenced, being much larger, 
more commodious, and better adapted to the wants 
of the society than the former one. On the 3d of 
April, 1844, it was dedicated to the worship of God, 
Rev. Charles K. True preaching the dedicatory ser- 
mon. 

In July, 1844, Rev. George F. Poole succeeded to 
the pastoral charge of the church. In 184-5 he was 
followed by Rev. James D. Butler. He remained 
two years, which were years of great spiritual pros- 
perity, so that at the termination of his ministry the 
church numbered three hundred and eighty-one 
members. In April, 1847, Mr. Butler was succeeded 
by Rev. David Patten, now deceased. Rev. Daniel 
Wise was the next pastor of the church, being ap- 
pointed to the charge in April, 1849. During the 
winter of his first year that eminent evangelist, Rev. 
James Caughey, labored with the church for about 
three months. More than two hundred professed 
conversion as the result of their united efforts. 

The congregation had now become so large that 
persons wishing to hire seats could not be accommo- 



FALL RIVER. 



355 



dated. The question of division was agitated, and 
it was finally decided to establish a second congrega- 
tion, and ask Conference to send them two preachers. 
Accordingly Mr. Wise was returned, and Rev. Elijah 
T. Fletcher was appointed with him. The result was 
a second church, now known as the Bank Street 
Church. At the next Conference in 1850, Rev. 
Frederick Upbani was appointed to the First Church, 
and Rev. Ralph W. Allen to the Second, or Bank 
Street Church. The latter enterprise was immedi- 
ately successful, and to-day both churches number 
about four hundred members each. 

Rev. Elisha B. Bradford succeeded Mr. Upham in 
April, 1853. An organ costing sixteen hundred dol- 
lars was placed in the church this year. In 1855, 
Rev. John Howson, still living, was made pastor, and 
continued its minister for two years. In 1857, Rev. 
Thomas Ely was appointed to this church for the 
second time. 

During the winter of 1857-58 this church shared 
in the gracious visitation then enjoyed by most of the 
churches in the land. The church edifice was inter- 
nally improved and beautified at an expense of six- 
teen hundred dollars. 

Mr. Ely was followed in 1859 by Rev. Andrew 
McKeown, who commenced his ministry under favor- 
able auspices, and was eminently successful in every 
department of church work. He reported at the 
close of his pastorate two hundred and forty mem- 
bers and twelve probationers. In 1861, Rev. Charles 
H. Payne became the pastor of the church. Mr. 
Payne is now president of one of the largest Meth- 
odist universities in the West. While here Mr. 
Payne gained the enviable reputation of being an 
able, popular, and successful minister of the gospel 
of Jesus Christ. 

His successor in 1863 was Rev. Henry Baylies. 
During this year a commodious and comfortable par- 
sonage was purchased on South Main Street at an 
expense of three thousand one hundred and thirty j 
dollars. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Baylies returned 
to this charge. Mr. Baylies' health failing, he yielded 
to the conviction that he could be more useful else- 
where, and so sought and obtained a transfer to the 
" Upper Iowa Conference." The Rev. Joseph H. 
James, then a member of the New Jersey Conference, 
supplied the pulpit for the remainder of the year, 
being engaged for the work by Rev. Paul Townsend, 
then presiding elder of the district. In March, 1867, j 
J. D. King was pastor. In March, 1870, Rev. A. A. 
Wright followed Mr. King; in 1873, S. L. Gracey; 
1874, Rev. Ensign McChesney ; in 1877, Rev. Watson 
L. Phillips ; in 1879, Rev. William T. North ; and , 
1882, Rev. Warren A. Luce, the present pastor. These 
all have been years of more or less prosperity. During < 
the administration of Rev. A. A. Wright, the old par- 
sonage on South Main was sold, and a new one built 
on Ridge Street. I 

It will be seen that this church has alwavs been a 



revival church, and that for the first twenty years of 

its history its success as an evangelizing agent was 
simply wonderful. 

Without making any invidious comparisons, it may 
be safely and truthfully said that but few churches, 
if indeed any in the Conference, have gathered into 
their communion more converts to the truth during 
the same period of time. It is impossible to give 
the precise number, but from the data we have it is 
probable that at least two thousand persons have 
professed foith in Christ in this church during the 
last fifty years. The church edifice was raised, stores 
built in front on Main Street, and many other neces- 
sary repairs made during the pastorate of Rev. J. D. 
King. Too much cannot be said in his praise for the 
time and energy he put into this work. 

Foremost of those who have gone up from this 
Bethel below to the grander Bethel above stand those 
sainted men, Edward Mason, James Waring, Wil- 
liam Henry, Ashley Saunders, John Livesey, and 
Luther Chace, and nameless others not less worthy 
who have washed their robes to spotless purity in 
Christ's own cleansing blood. 

"Once they were mournera here below, 
And poured out cries an'i tears ; 
They wrestled hard, as we do now, 
With sins and doubts and fears." 

Many were the conflicts they waged in the main- 
tenance of this church, many were the difliculties 
encountered, many the sacrifices made. There is still 
remaining a noble, heroic band of men and women; 
may their victories be as many as their fathers' were, 
and then "a saint's rest" for each and every one. 

May the future history of this branch of God's peo- 
ple be still more glorious than the past. 

St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church was or- 
ganized in 1851, and their church edifice was erected 
in the following year. The first pastor was Rev. 
Ralph W. Allen, who was followed in 1853 by Rev. 
John Hobart. His successors have been as follows : 

M. J. Talbot, 1855 ; Samuel C. Brown, 1857 ; J. B. 
Gould, 1859; J. A. M. Chapman, 1861; Samuel C. 
Brown, 1863 ; Alfred A. Wright, 1865 ; George Bowler, 
1866; Francis J. Wagner, 1868; Emory J. Haynes, 
1870; George E. Reed, 1872; George W. Woodrufr| 
D.D., 1875-76 ; Richard H. Rust, 1877-79 ; Charles W. 
Gallagher, 1880-81 ; Edward M. Taylor, 1882-83. 

The present officers are as follows : 

Trustees. — William Mason, Iram Smith, Robert C. 
Brown, Caleb S. Chace, Lafliyette Nichols, Charles E. 
Case, Robert Henry, J. E. McCreery, William S. 
Greene ; J. E. McCreery, clerk ; R. C. Brown, treas- 
urer. 

Stewards. — Robert C. Brown, John Reed, Charles 
E. Case, John G. Sargent, J. E. McCreery, Samuel 
Allen, Abram F. Shove, Henry W. Davis, M. V. B. 
Benson; A. F. Shove, recording steward and treas- 
urer. 

Brayton Methodist Episcopal Church, located at • 



356 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Olobe village, was organized in 1854, with Rev. A. 
H. Worthington as pastor. Mr. Worthington remained 
one year, and was succeeded by Rev. C. A. Merrill, 
who officiated until 1858. His successors have been 
as follows: A. U. Swinerton, 1859; Elihu Grant, 
1861; William P. Hyde, 1869; George H. Lamson, 
1871 ; Charles S. Morse, 1873; E. A. Lyon, 1875-76; 
Samuel McKeown, 1877-78; Rev. E. Grant, 1879-80 
(supply); William B. Heath, 1881, present incum- 
bent. 

The church edifice belonging to this society was 
erected in 1850 by Christ's Church, which existed 
four years, when it was disbanded and their house of 
worship sold to this church in 1854. 

The North Methodist Episcopal Church, located 
at Steep Brook, was organized in 1859. The first 
pastor was Rev. Philip Crandon, who filled the pulpit 
until 186^^. He was succeeded by Rev. George H. 
Manchester in 1863; John Giflbrd, 1865; John Q. 
Adams, 1867 ; J. G. Gammons, 1869 ; Philip Crandon, 
1871 ; R. W. C. Farnsworth, 1873. The present pastor 
is Rev. Dr. Church. 

ftuarry Street Methodist Episcopal Church was 
organized in 1870, and their church edifice on Quarry 
Street was erected the same year. The pastors of this 
church have been Revs. Samuel M. Beal, Richard 
Porey, E. D. Hull, H. H. Martin, and J. H. Nutting, 
the present incumbent. 

Maple Street Methodist Church was organized 
in 1881, Rev. Isaac Emery pastor. 

The Primitive Methodist Church is located on 
the Eight Rod Way. It was erected in 1874. Pastor, 
Rev. Ralph Fothergill. 

North Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church' 
was organized in 1875, and was located on Terry 
Street. Rev. William B. Heath was first pastor, and 
remained from April, 1875, until 1878, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Jolin F. Sheflield, who was appointed 
in April, 1878. The same year the church was re- 
moved to its present location. North Main Street. 
John F. Sheffield remained one year only. Rev. 
Eben Terrill was next appointed April, 1879; he re- 
mained three years until April, 1882, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. E. F. Smith, the present pastor. 

First Baptist Church.^— The earliest record extant 
in relation to this church is under date of May 15, 
1781, as follows : 

"Feljiniiry the IStli diiy t781. 
tlien waB Established the 2nd baptis church of Christ In Freetown, In 
fellowship with Elder Thompson's and Elder Luises Churches." 

It is supposed that the organization of the church 
was in the house of one Jonathan Brownell, that 
stood on what is now North Main Street, east from 
the house of worship of the Third Baptist Church. 
There were thirty constituent members of the church, 
— sixteen men and fourteen women, — whose names 



1 Contributed by Joseph Wood. 

2 Condensed from an historical address delivered by Mr. J. E. Dawley, 
at the centennial anniveisary of this church Feb. 15, 1881. 



may be found in a church manual. On the 22d of 
May, 1783, was the ordination of the first pastor. 
Elder Amos Burrows. The ordination service was 
conducted by Elders Thompson, of Swansea, Bur- 
rows, of Tiverton, and Goff', of Dighton, in the house 
of Samuel Warren. After an unfortunate pastorate 
of one year, Mr. Burrows removed to Vermont. It 
seems that a regular church-meeting was held on the 
second seventh day in each month, that " George 
Crocker was appointed to keep the church-book," and 
that those meetings were considered as important as 
preaching services, since it was " voted that our 
stated meetings should not be set aside, notwithstand- 
ing a minister should be present at any such meet- 
ing." 

Five years after Mr. Burrows left, the church chose 
two of their own useful and promising young men 
" to improve their gifts in public and to attend meet- 
ings where they shall be requested," and three years 
later appears an arrangement for more regular public 
worship. It was voted that one of those brethren, 
who from his eighteenth year had been blind, " should 
improve one-half of the Lord's day, that Brother 
Nathaniel Boomer read the psalm, and that Matthew 
Boomer take the lead of the singing." After three 
years' more proof of their real worth, on the third 
Thursday of May, 1795, occurred the double ordina- 
tion of those two young men, James Boomer and Job 
Borden. The ministers participating in the ordination 
service were Elders Thompson, Burrows, Hathaway, 
and Baker. During the same month the church in- 
vited Joseph Stillwell and Nathaniel Boomer "to act 
as deacons till some should be chosen." Four years 
later, in 1799, the church joined the Warren Associa- 
tion. 

For about eight years the two pastors labored faith- 
fully together, when a threatening cloud is indicated 
by this record of Dec. 9, 1803: "This day is a trying 
scene to us, both our eiders think of leaving us; may 
the God of heaven protect us." And God did )irotect 
them, for while Elder Boomer asked for his dismis- 
sion to go to Charlton, where he died Feb. 24, 1837, 
Elder Job Borden remained the honored pastor of 
the church. 

On June 13, 1789, was a meeting of a committee 
" concerning the meeting-house." That first meet- 
ing-house, at the Narrows, must have been opened for 
worship about the year 1800, wlien the church, which 
for some time had been known as " The Church in 
Freetown, Dartmouth, and Tiverton," by a second 
change of name came to be called "The Second Bap- 
tist Church in Tiverton." 

" The church in Tiverton, under the pastoral care of 
Elders James Boomer and Job Borden," invited a 
council to meet at the house of Gamaliel Warren, Oct. 
30, 1799, when there was the triple ordination of James 
Reed as an itinerant preacher, and Nathaniel Boomer 
and Joseph Stillwell as deacons. Two years later — 
Nov. 13, 1802 — is found in the records this first allu- 



FALL RIVER. 



35T 



sion to the new meeting-liouse: "Cliose George 
Crocker to have the care of the meetiDg-house." 
Plainly, then, worship commenced in that house be- 
tween 1799 and 1802. 

There are but brief records of the church for the 
next twenty-five years ; this single item giving a 
glimpse of the public worship : " Sept. 2, 1813, chose 
John Davol to read the him, etc., in publick." 

During the two years 1827-29, Rev. Arthur Ro.ss 
acted as colleague pastor, receiving a part of bis sup- 
port for services as school-teacher. Those two years are 
memorable for the first great revival in the history of 
the church, in which more than ninety were added to 
its membership ; for the third change of the name of 
the church, when it became "The First Baptist Church 
ofTroy;" forthebuildingofthesecond meeting-house; 
and the organization of " The Baptist Female Charita- 
ble Society," one of whose first enterprises was " to 
procure the trimmings and dress the meeting-house." 

Mr. Ross was born in Thompson, Conn., 1701 ; or- 
dained in 1819. He published several valuable his- 
torical pamphlets, and during his ministry .baptized 
more than fourteen hundred persons. 

The new meeting-house referred to was the one on 
South Main Street, afterwards sold to the Episcopal 
Church. It was dedicated July 30, 1828. 

In connection with the new village meeting-house, 
appeared an evident tendency towards fashion. It was 
voted to purchase candlesticks for the evening meet- 
ings, the Association was invited, and N. White, R. 
Wrightington, and William Ashley were appointed to 
"seat the house;" and Deacon French, A. Hall, and 
P. Smith were chosen to take charge of the bass viol. 
It is possible that the violins were in such demand 
elsewhere that three church officers could not exercise 
exclusive control of them. Fortunately, perhaps, there 
followed some checks to undue vanity, for it was voted 
" to withdraw fellowship from Israel C. Durfee for 
his remarks respecting building our meeting-house, in 
which he manifested a covetous disposition, and for 
his unrichous remark in relation to our young deacons, 
French and Davol." 

Elder Seth Ewer was obtained to sujyply the pulpit 
for the year 1829. 

Rev. Bradly Miner was next called to the pulpit. 
He was born in North Stonington, Conn., July 18, 
1808. He successfully filled the office of pastor for 
about three years. About the time that Mr. Miner 
left the venerable senior pastor passed from earth. 

Rev. Asa Bronson became pastor April 4, 1833. 
About that time revised articles of faith were adopted, 
and Abiathar Hall and Stephen L. French were elected 
deacons. In 1835 the modest little Meh-Shway-ee 
Society appeared like an obscure fountain, whose 
broadening stream of pure, life-giving waters has 
steadily been flowing on for forty-five years. 

In 1834 the name of the town was changed from 
Troy to Fall River, when there must be the fourth 
change in the name of the church, and in 1886 the 



" Female Charitable Society of Troy" adopted a new 
constitution, by which the name became " The Fall 
River Baptist Female Benevolent Society." In the 
same year the church became one of the constituent 
members of the Taunton Baptist Association. 

The first covenant meeting was held in the vestry 
of the new house of worship, called the Temple, July 
1, 1840, and that house was dedicated September 16th 
of that year. Some years before the church had re- 
corded this resolution : " That we most earnestly and 
affectionately invite all the members of the church 
who are not now members of the Temperance Society 
immediately to become members, and throw all their 
influence in favor of Christian sobriety." Then fol- 
lowed the great anti-slavery struggle, in which this 
church took a foremost and unequivocal position. 
During the earnest discussions of the decade from 
1840 to 1850, the bold pastor, deacons, and members 
introduced, defended, and had recorded, as the adopted 
sentiments of the church, such declarations as these : 
"Slavery is one of the grossest sins against God and 
violations of the rights of man that can be committed." 
" No circumstances justify holding slaves." " This 
church, as an independent body, feels bound to bear 
its unequivocal testimony against the abominable sin 
of slavery." " We will not invite or a/loxo a slave- 
holding minister to occupy the pulpit, or invite or 
allow a slaveholder to commune with us as a church." 

The church was blessed with two remarkable re- 
vivals, and during the eleven years of Mr. Bronson's 
pastorate seven hundred and nine .were added to the 
church. He was afterwards pastor at .\lbany for two 
years, when he returned and became pastor of the 
Second Baptist Church in this city, and died Nov. 29, 
1866, aged sixty-eight years. He was succeeded in ■ 
this church by Rev. V. R. Hotclikiss, who became 
pastor Dec. 4, 1845. 

The house called the " Temple" was conveyed to 
the Second Church in October, 1847, from which 
time this church worshiped in Union Hall till the 
first Sunday in 1850, when, Rev. A. P. Mason having 
become pastor, the church entered the vestry of the 
new house on North Main Street, which completed 
house was dedicated October 23d. 

Mr. Mason was a lineal descendant of the Samson 
Mason who was an officer in Cromwell's army. He 
came to America in 1650, and settled in Dorchester; 
then removed to Rehoboth, and afterwards, " for con- 
science' sake," to Swansea, where he assisted to build 
the Baptist meeting-house, for which he was sum- 
moned before the authorities of Plymouth Colony, 
fined fifteen shillings, and warned to leave the juris- 
diction of the colony. From that true Baptist stock 
descended our Pastor Mason, during whose faithful 
ministry of three years was an interesting revival, in 
which fifty-nine valuable members were added to the 
church. He was afterwards pastor in Clielsca, and 
for several years has been district secretary of the 
American Baptist Home Missionary Society. 



358 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The next pastor, Rev. Jacob R. Scott, could be 
retained here for only the year 1853. After his resig- 
nation, Rev. Jonathan Aldrich successfully supplied 
the pulpit for nearly a year, when Daniel J. Glazier 
was elected pastor. Before taking the place for which 
he seemed so peculiarly fitted he suddenly died, March 
9, 1855. Rev. P. B. Haugli wout became pastor in 1855. 
In 1860 he went to Europe, remaining seven months, 
during which time the church ordained and had for 
acceptable supply Rev. A. Judson Padelford. Pastor 
Haughwout gave to this church fifteen years of his 
most vigorous life, during which was his enthusiastic 
share in the great struggle against rebellion, and the 
addition of more than two hundred to the church, 
when failing health made retirement essential. He 
died April 2G, 1877, in the forty-ninth year of his 
age. 

In 1871, Daniel C. Eddy, D.D., became pastor. 
The house of worship was extensively remodeled and 
enlarged. The former pastors, Drs. Hotcbkiss and 
Mason, with other clergymen of the city, took part 
in the interesting rededication services, Sept. 3, 1872. 
After a rich revival, in which more than sixty were 
added to the church. Dr. Eddy closed a two years' 
pastorate, and was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. A. K. 
P. Small, who remained until 1883. 

The deacons have been as follows : Deacons Still- 
well, Boomer, Enoch French, John Davol, Philip 
Smith, John E. Carr, Benjamin Buffington, Abiathar 
Hall, Stephen L. French, Seth Pooler, Jesse F. Eddy, 
Joseph L. Buffington, Eihvard Warren, Henry Rich- 
ards, George S. Davol, and Henry S. Buffington. 

The Second Baptist Church.— For seven years 
previous to the year 1846 the question had been agi- 
tated among the members of the First Baptist Church 
whether the best interests of the cause of Christ, the 
salvation of souls, and the glory of God did not re- 
quire the organization of another Baptist Church in 
Fall River. No decisive action was taken until the 
month of April of that year, when a number of breth- 
ren who felt that the time had fully come when a 
new interest should be commenced requested the 
pastor and deacons of the First Baptist Church to 
entertain the question, and if they thought proper 
call a special church meeting, in order to ascertain 
whether those who were disposed to embark in this 
enterprise could do so with the approbation of the 
whole church, and under the influence of mutually 
kinil feelings. 

This request was cordially received, and in pursu- 
ance a very full meeting of the church was convened 
on the evening of April 21, 1846. At this meeting, 
no objection being raised to the formation of a second 
Baptist Church in this place, it was unanimously 
voted to give their approbation to the .project. 

Having thus obtained the full consent of the 
mother-church, these brethren secured the use of the 
town hall, adopted the plan of free seats and volun- 
tary contributions, and invited the Rev. Asa Bronson, 



of New York, their former pastor, to preach the 
gospel in the above-named place. Pursuant to this 
request he came and commenced his labors on the 
second Sabbath in May following. Much interest 
was manifested, a large congregation gathered, and 
unexpected encouragement realized. 

On the 9th of June one luindred and forty-niue 
members sought and obtained letters of dismission 
from the First Baptist Church. Of these members 
fifty were males and ninety-nine females. On the 
18th of June these, with several other brethren from 
different churches, were, by mutual and voluntary 
consent, formed into a church by the adoption of 
articles of association and a covenant and the elec- 
tion of the proper officers. At this meeting Rev. 
Asa Bronson was moderator, and John C. Milne was 
clerk. 

The church was styled the Second Baptist Church 
of Fall River, and officers elected as follows: Rev. 
Asa Bronson, pastor; Charles Borden and Joseph 
Borden, deacons ; John C. Milne, clerk ; Joseph Bor- 
den, treasurer. A prudential committee, a board of 
Sunday-school managers, and a committee of order 
were also appointed. 

On the 29th of September, 1846, the church was 
publicly recognized by a council composed of the 
pastors and delegates from several of the sister 
churches within the bounds of the Taunton Baptist 
Association. 

The church immediately entered upon a season of 
great spiritual prosperity. The vestry of the Unita- 
rian Church on Second Street was secured in addition 
to the town hall. 

The church having completed arrangements for 
the purchase of the temple in which they now wor- 
ship, they removed thither from the town hall the 
first Sabbath in October, 1847, the First Church in 
the mean time having vacated it. 

Soon after the organization of the church the 
" Second Baptist Society" was incorporated by act 
of the Legislature. 

The Sabbath-school dates its origin from the organ- 
ization of the church. 

The church has had six pastors during its history, 
viz.. Rev. Asa Bronson, who served from May, 1846", 
till Sept. 13, 1857 ; Rev. Charles A. Snow, from Feb. 
25, 1858, till Oct. 20, 1864; Rev. John Duncan, D.D., 
from Feb. 12, 1865, till June 9, 1870; Rev. Frank R. 
Morse, from Nov. 5, 1871, till Feb. 23, 1873 ; Rev. 
Henry C. Graves, from Oct. 4, 1874, till Feb. 22, 
1880; Rev. E. W. Hunt, from Sept. 1, 1880, to De- 
cember, 1882. 

Two of the above pastors were ordained by couu- 
cils called under the direction of the church, viz.. 
Rev. Charles A. Snow, July 7, 1858, and Rev. E. W. 
Hunt, Sept. 21, 1880. 

Additions to the board of deacons were made Nov. 
6, 1853, when Joseph M. Davis and Charles Coburu 
were chosen. Feb. 5, 1865, William S. Robertson 



FALL EIVER. 



359 



was elected. April 12, 1880, Alexander O. Cook was 
also chosen. Joseph M. Davis resigned May 7, 
1881, and Burton Crankshaw was elected to fill the 
vacancy June 2, 1881. 

The following brethren have been elected deacons, 
but declined serving, viz. : Danforth Horton, Nov. 6, 
1853, and agaiu Feb. 5, 1865; Silas Smith, April 12, 
1880 ; and Charles Long, June 2, 1881. 

The office of treasurer lias been filled successively 
as follows, viz. : Joseph Borden, from June 18, 1846, 
till April 1, 1851; Benjamin F. Winslow, from 
April 1, 1851, till July 3, 1855; John C. Milne, from 
July 3, 1855, till Oct. 5, 1857 : Mason Buffinton, from 
Oct. 5, 1857, till April 26, 1858; Joseph Borden was 
again choseu June 7, 1858, and continued till July 
12,1860; Garrett Horton, from July 12, 1860, till 
July, 1868, when the present treasurer, Charles Co- 
burn, was elected. 

The oflice of clerk was filled by J. C. Milne from 
the organization of the church till Oct. 4, 1853; A. 
G. Hart, from Oct. 4, 1853, till April 5, 1854 ; and 
William S. Robertson, the present clerk, was elected 
May 9, 1854. 

The church has licensed three of its members to 
preach the gospel, viz., Rev. John J. Bronson, July 
3, 1855; Rev. Jacob Furrhman, April 8, 1872; Rev. 
William C. Carr, Sept. 1, 1872. All of these are now 
ordained ministers. 

In the winter of 1873 the present house of worship 
was remodeled and refitted, the main audience-room 
and also the vestry sharing in the general improve- 
ment. At the same time the additions to the front of 
the temple were made, giving the present spacious en- 
trance to the audience-room and vestry. 

The Third Baptist Church.'— The Mechanics- 
ville Baptist Church was the outgrowth of a mission 
Sabbath-school started by the First Baptist Church, 
and operated under their direction until Oct. 9, 1871, 
when a church was organized with the foregoing 
name, under the pastorate of Rev. Ambler Edson. 
The first officers were D. H. Dyer, Richard Thack- 
ray, deacons; William A. Dunn, clerk; Silas B. 
Hatch, treasurer; and a total membership of twenty- 
eight. 

The church was recognized as a regular Baptist 
Church by a council convened in due form April 10, 
1872. The pastorate of Rev. A. Edson closed April 
30, 1873. During the following summer their pulpit 
was supplied principally by Rev. M. C. Thwing and 
Rev. J. N. Williams. Rev. F. A. Lockwood became 
pastor of the church Nov. 16, 1873. 

The church was reorganized and incorporated under 
the laws of Massachusetts March 25, 1874, as the 
"Third Baptist Church of Fall River." The pas- 
torate of Rev. F. A. Lockwood closed Oct. 31, 1875. 

From the close of Rev. F. A. Lockwood's pastorate 
until Sept. 20, 1878, the church had no settled pastor, 



their pulpit being supplied by students from Newton 
Theological Seminary, the most prominent of whom 
were Rev. M. B. Lanning and Rev. George L. Mason. 
On the 7th day of July, 1876, the church ordained 
Rev. George L. Mason to the gospel ministry while 
he was still a student at Newton, and from that time 
he supplied the pulpit of the church, and was elected 
pastor May 2, 1878, assuming the pastoral office Sept. 
20, 1878. 

Rev. George L. Mason resigned his pastorate July 
13, 1880, to accept an appointment from the Baptist 
Missionary Uuion as a missionary to Ningpo, China. 

Since that time the church has been without a pas- 
tor, but has maintained its appointments and regular 
preaching, employing students from Newton, the most 
prominenc of whom were Revs. C. E. Higgins, L. A. 
Eaton, W. F. Slocum, and W. A. McKillop. 

Rev. C. A. Snow, of Taunton, became acting pastor 
Oct. 1, 1882, and is still serving the church in that 
capacity. Present officers, J. H. Jackson and Her- 
bert W. Davis, deacons ; D. H. Dyer, clerk ; and 
Richard Thackray, treasurer. 

Church of the Ascension" (Protestant Episco- 
pal). — The first service according to the ritual of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
States held in (what was then) the " village of Fall 
River" was conducted by the Rev. James C. Rich- 
mond, on a Sunday evening in 1835. This was in 
the Unitarian house of worship. The next public 
service was on July 13, 1836, in the First Congrega- 
tional Church. The preacher was the Rev. James 
Pratt, of Rhode Island. He was assisted by the 
Rev. John West, also of Rhode Island. This service 
was held with the view of effecting a permanent or- 
ganization of the church, which, however, was not 
accomplished until two days after. Then, July 15, 
1836, in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Central 
Street, a parish was duly formed under the name 
(suggested by the diocesan, the Rt. Rev. Alexander 
Viets Griswold, D.D., Bishop of the Eastern Diocese) 
of the Church of the Ascension. The clergy present 
at the formation of the parish were the Revs. John 
West, James Pratt, J. W. Fenner, and Stephen El- 
liott, afterwards (1841) and now Bishop of Georgia. 
A missionary, the Rev. P. H. Greenleaf, was put in 
charge of the infant parish, which consisted of ten 
men, every one of whom has passed beyond this 
A'orld. James Ford, Esq., was senior warden. Job 
H. Lawtou junior warden, and Richard W. Batt 
secretary. 

The first services were held in the hall of the 
Pocasset House. The congregation was of about 
fifty persons, and the Sunday-school had about 
twenty scholars. From the Pocasset House the 
parish moved_ to the town hall on Central Street 
in March, 1837. Here the parish worshiped for 
three years, and struggled through many difficulties 



• Contributed by D. H. Dyer. 



s By Bev. A. St. John Chambr«, D.D. 



360 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and against much prejudice and opposition. A legal 
existence and corporate powers were secured May 1, 
1837. In tlii.s act of incorporation are found the 
names of J. H. Lawton, Cyrus Aldeu, Esq., William 
Langford, Richard W. Batt, James Ford, Esq.,. James 
R. Lake, Baylies J. Talbot, John Chatbnrn, William 
Canedy, John Houghton, George Baylis, Richard W. 
Houghton, Dennis Brown, Elijah Astle, Joseph Pot- 
ter, Edward P. Lake, Richard W. Smith, T. Mar- 
quaud, and Nathaniel Munday. Cyrus Alden was 
elected senior and J. H. Lawton junior warden, R. 
W. Batt clerk. The missionary left in July, 18.37. 
In 1838 (July 22d) the Rev. George M. Randall (af- 
terwards, 1865-73, Bishop of Colorado), immediately 
upon his ordination to the deaconate, assumed charge 
of the parish.' He was instituted as rector August, 
1840. His ministry, amid many discouragements, 
was greatly blessed. In 1839 a Baptist house of 
worsliip was purchased. It was centrally located 
on South Main Street, and (after necessary altera- 
tions) was solemnly consecrated in 1840 by the Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Griswold. A heavy debt for those days 
and for the strength of the parish was contracted by 
this purchase, which for a long time burdened and 
crippled the church. In 1844, Mr. Randall resigned 
to accept the rectorship of the Church of the Me.ssiah 
in Boston. For nearly a year there was no clergy- 
man in charge, when the Rev. A. D. McCoy was in- 
stituted rector, April 10, 1845. He remained only 
two years. There was no rector then for two years, 
much to the detriment of all the interests of the 
parish, when (under very discouraging circumstances), 
on Sunday, April 29, 1849, the Rev. E. M. Porter 
became rector. His labors were blessed. He suc- 
ceeded, with large aid from outside of Fall River, in 
liquidating the debt. The congregation increased, 
and the spiritual life deepened. But the parish was 
still feeble. The church was destroyed by tire' on 
Christmas-eve, 1850. The parish, however, was not 
destroyed. The corner-stone of a new edifice on the 
same site, or nearly so, was laid in 1851. An address 
was made by Dr. Randall. In 1852 (February) the 
new church was consecrated by the Right Rev. Man- 
ton Eastburn, the Bishop of Massachusetts. It was 
only in this year (1852) that the parish was able to 
do without missionary aid, which it had steadily re- 
ceived since its original formation. Mr. Porter closed 
his labors with the church in 1863, after a successful 
rectorsiiip of fourteen years, by far the longest that 
the parish had enjoyed thus far. His name and 
memory are held in affectionate remembrance. 

In the summer of 1863 the Rev. A. M. Wylie was 
called to the rectorship. His resignation was ten- 
dered Nov. 1, 1868, and took effect in December fol- 
lowing. The Rev. John Hewitt succeeded Mr. Wylie, 
remaining only until January, 1871. The Rev. Henry 
E. Hovey became rector about Easter of this year, and 
resigned in November, 1872. The Rev. William 
McGlathery assumed charge in August, 1873, and re- 



signed in the fall of 1875. In 1876 the Rev. William 
T. Fitch was elected rector. His resignation took 
effect in May, 1881. On the 15th of May, 1881, the 
present incumbent, the Rev. A. St. John Chambre, 
D.D., assumed charge of the parish. 

The history of the parish has been that of struggle 
from the beginning, but of steady advancement, not- 
withstanding all and every difficulty. In 1875 the 
parish moved into its large, costly, and elegant stone 
church, erected upon Rock Street. Its financial con- 
dition is second to that of no parish in the city. Its 
congregations are large, and it is blessed with a spirit 
of great harmony and of commendable zeal in all 
good works. The magnificent stained-glass window- 
in the front of the church, representing in life-size 
the Saviour and the four evangelists, is a memorial 
of the late Bishop Randall, of Colorado, the first 
rector. It was erected by the contributions of the 
Sunday-.school. 

From this parish, as the growth of Fall River de- 
manded, has sprung the flourishing parish of St. 
John, on South Main Street, now independent of its 
parent, but holding pleasant relations with the mother- 
church. The Church of the Ascension has a mission 
by the name of St. Mark in the eastern part of the 
city, and it is contemplating other movements for the 
good of the community, the advancement of the 
church, and (above all other considerations) to the 
glory of God. 

St. John's Church' is located near the Park, on the 
Main Street, about a mile and a half south of the 
Ascension, of which it was once a mission. 

Between thirty and forty families conuected with 
the old parish, residing at " the Globe" and farther 
south towards the Rhode Island line, found it incon- 
venient because of the distance to attend the parish 
church regularly ; it was also too far for the children 
to walk to Sunday-school, hence the desire for a 
mission. 

Services were first held in "Connell's Hall," di- 
rectly opposite the present church building, the fourth 
Sund.ay in September, 1878, by the Rev. W. T. Fitch, 
rector of the Ascension. 

The church, a plain wooden building, seating three 
hundred and fifty, with a Sunday-school room in the 
basement, was used for the first time Sunday, Aug. 
15, 1880, the Rev. Arthur T. Barrington, assistant at 
the Ascension, officiating. It was built on leased 
land. The land has since been purchased and fully 
j)aid for. The parish was generously aided, both in 
erecting the building and in the subsequent purchas- 
ing of the land, by churchmen in Boston and else- 
where. 

The mission was organized into an independent 
parish Easter Monday, 1881, with Nathaniel Lewis 
and George Walters, wardens. The Rev. Samuel S. 
Spear, then at St. John's, Taunton, was soou elected 

1 By Key. Samuel S. Spear. 



FALL KIVER. 



361 



rector, and took charge of the infant parish Sunday, 
July 3, 1881. 

The list of communicants, Easter, 1883, numbered 
one hundred and twenty-five, and tliere is a pros- 
perous Sunday-scliool of about three hundred officers 
and scliolars. 

Parish officers: Kector, the Kev. Samuel S. Spear; 
Wardens, George Walters, Oliver H. P. Howard ; 
Treasurer, John Taylor; Clerk, Enoch Horsfield ; 
Vestrymen, Nathan Crabtree, George Porteus, George 
Hanson, Richard Fleet, William Wild, William 
Wooley, Sr., Alpheus Burdick. 

The church property, valued at seven thousand 
dollars, is entirely free from debt, and is held for the 
parish by the " Trustees of Donations." 

The building has not yet been consecrated, as it is 
deemed desirable to make several -needed improve- 
ments and additions before consecration. 

Christian Church, Franklin Street. — This church 
was organized in April, 1829, and in the following 
year the society was organized and the first church 
edifice erected. This church was destroyed in the 
great fire of 1843, and in the following year the pres- 
ent church edifice on Franklin Street was erected. 

The first pastor was Rev. Joshua V. Hines, who 
was succeeded by Benjamin Taylor, H. Taylor, James 
Taylor, Simon Clough, M. Lane, A. 6. Cummings, 
Jonathan Thompson, previous to 1840 ; Revs. P. R. 
Rus.sell, 1841; A. M. Averill, 1843; Elijah Shaw,' 
1845; Charles Morgridge, 1847; Stephen Fellows, 
1848; David E.Millard, 1852; B. S. Fanton, 1855; 
Thomas Holmes, 1863 ; Hiram J. Gordon, 1865 ; S. 
Wright Butler, 1866. Present pastor, Rev. M. Sum- 
merbell. 

The North Christian Church was organized in 
1842, and is located on Nortli Main Street, at Steep 
Brook. The pastors of the church have been as fol- 
lows: Revs. Wm. Shurtlcff, 1861; Moses P. Favor, 
1866; Chas. T. Camp, 1872; O. P. Bessey, 1874; O. 
O. Wriglvt, 1876. 

Church of the New Jerusalem.'— The Fall River 
Society of the New Jerusalem was organized in 1854. 
It consisted of seven members. Thirty-one have 
been added since, making thirty-eight in all. Ten 
have died, two have been transferred to other soci- 
eties. The number now belonging to it is twenty-six, 
nine of whom reside out of the city. Four of the 
original members are still living. Its church on 
Rock Street, between Cherry and Locust, was built i 
in 1869. The services were conducted by lay readers, 
except upon the communion Sabbath, when a minis- 
ter officiated; but in 1877 the present pastor. Rev. 
John Westall, was ordained and invited to devote all 
his time to the service of the society. 

The Sabbath-school consist.s of forty-four scholars 
and teachers. The library contains three hundred 
and fifty-seven volumes. The expenses of the society 

1 By Kev. John WestaH. 



are met by voluntary subscription. All the seats of 
the church are free. 

Society of Friends. — The first meetings of the 
Society of Friends in Fall River were held about the 
year 1812, the attendants coming mostly over the 
river from Swansea and Somerset. They commenced 
public worship here in 1819, and in 1821 erected a 
house of worship, which was subsequently removed, 
and the present edifice on North Main Street, between 
Pine and Cherry, was erected in 1836. The present 
overseer is Nathan Chace. 

The United Presbyterian Church, Pearl Street 
corner of American, was organized in 1846, and the 
church edifice was erected in 1851. The pastors have 
been as follows: Revs. David A. Wallace, 1851-53; 
William Maclaren, 1854-67; Joshua R. Kyle, 1869- 
75; James H. Turnbull, 1S7G. 

Hebrew Worship. — The Jewish or Hebrew resi- 
dents of this city number some fifty to sixty men, 
many having families. Of these six are German 
Jewg, so called, but as they do not affiliate with the 
Polish Israelites, they have no organized synagogue. 
The other class have pushed ahead, organized a syna- 
gogue by themselves, employed a leader, and have 
ke]it up worship for several months on Pleasant Street. 

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was estab- 
lished in 1836, under the name of St. John Baptist, 
which was changed upon the occupation of the church 
edifice in 1855. The pastors of this church have been 
as follows : Revs. John Corry, Richard Hardy, and 
Edward Murphy. Rev. John O'Counell and Corne- 
lius McSweeney were assistant pastors in 1875. The 
present assistant pastors are Revs. Louis Dady and 
James A. Gleason. 

Church of the Sacred Heart was organized in 

1873. The present pastor is Rov. Matthew McCabe, 
assisted by Rev. James Masterson. Church on Linden 
Street. 

St. Ann's Church (French Catholic) was organ- 
ized in 1873 by Rev. A. de Montanbrieg. It is located 
on Hunter Street corner of William. The present 
pastor is Rev. Thomas F. Briscoe, assisted by Rev. 
O. F. Clark. 

St. Joseph's Catholic Church was organized in 

1874, by Rev. AVilliam H. Brie. The present pastor 
is Rev. Andrew J. Brady, assisted by Rev. J. F. 
Roach. Location, North Main Street. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church was organized in 
1874, by Rev. J. Kelly, who has since continued as 
pastor. Location, Slade Street. 

Notre Same Church was organized in 1874, by 
Rev. P. J. B. Bedard, who has since remained as 
pastor. Location, Notre Dame corner Ashton Street. 

St. Peter's and Paul's parish is of recent organiza- 
tion, and a church edifice is soon to be erected. The 
pastor is Rev. Father Doyle. 

The Immaculate Conception is also a new parish, 
with Father Kicrnan as p.astor. Of the one hundred 
and eighty thousand attendants upon Catholic wor- 



362 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ship in the Providence district, about eighty-eight 
thousand reside in Bristol, Barnstahle, Dukes, and 
Nantucket Counties of Massachusetts, and some 
twenty-eiglit tliousand in this city. In the propos.al 
to establisli three new dioceses in this State, it is con- 
fidently expected that the above counties will be set 
off as one of them, and Fall River be constituted the 
cathedral city. 

There is also a French mission (Baptist) on Pleas- 
ant Street, Eusibe Leger, missionary. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

FALL RIVER.— (Conlhuird.) 

Mount Hope Lodg^e, F. and A. M.'~" Dec. 8, 
5824. The petition of Andrew Harris and others, 
praying for a charter for a new lodge in the village 
of Fall River and town of Troy, to be called ' Mpunt 
Hope,' was read and referred to W. Joseph G. Sprague, 
Rev. Joseph Richardson, and Abra Haskell. 

" The committee appointed to consider the applica- 
tion of Andrew Harris and others for a charter for a 
lodge in the town of Troy have heard the represen- 
tations on the subject, and would report that the 
prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted. 

" By order, J. S. Sprague, Cliairmun. 

" Read and accepted. 

" Agreeably to a commission from the M. W. John 
Abbot, Grand Master, dated Aug. 3, 5825, directed 
and given to R. W. Thomas Talman, D. D. G. Master 
for the Fourth Masonic District, authorizing and em- 
powering him to constitute Mount Hope Lodge, 
holden at Troy, village of Fall River, and to install 
its oiiicers, the 1st of September, 5825, was agreed on 
and appointed the day for installation. 

" On the evening preceding, to wit, on the 31st 
day of August, a lodge of Past Masters assembled at 
the hall of Mount Hope Lodge, the R. W. D. D. G. 
Master in the chair, assisted by R. W. Lemuel Gay 
and R. W. Asa Wood as Wardens, when the degree of 
Past Master was conferred on R. W. Brother Leander 
P. Lovell, the Master elect of Mount Hope Lodge. 
On tlie 1st day of September, a.l. 5825, a Deputy 
Grand Lodge, consisting wholly of Worthy Present or 
Past Masters of lodges, assembled at Fall River, and 
was opened in due and ancient form. Present, R. W. 
Thomas Talman, G. M. pro (em.; R. W. Benjamin 
Huntoon, Dep. G. M. ; R. W. James L. Hodges, S. 
G. W. ; R. W. James W. Grossman, G. Treas. ; R. W. 
Asa Wood, G. Sec; R. W. George Randall, G. Mar- 
shal; R. W. Rev. Luther Hamilton, G. Chap.; R. 
W. Samuel Caswell, Jr., S. G. D. ; R. W. Jonathan 
Reynolds, J. G. D. ; R. W. Nathaniel Blake, 1st G. 
S. ; R. W.Simeon Presbury, 2d G.S.; R.W.Anthony 

1 Copied from records of the Grand Lodge. 



D. Richmond, G. S. B. ; R. W." Thomas Cole, R. W. 
Ephriam Kempton, G. P. ; R. W. Thomas Shepherd, 
G. Tyler ; R. W. Caleb Earle, Bearer of the Book of 
Constitutions ; R. W. John Carlisle, Bearer of the 
Hoi)' Writings. 

"A committee, consisting of R. W. Brothers Hun- 
toon and Gay, were appointedto examine the officers 
of Mount Hope Lodge as to their knowledge of the 
lectures and work, and to inspect their records and 
by-laws. The committee having attended to the duty 
of their appointment, reported that they found the 
officers well skilled in the lectures and mysteries of 
Masonry ; that they found their records and by-laws 
in conformity to the regulations of the Grand Lodge, 
fairly kept and duly entered, and that they cheer- 
fully recommended said lodge for constitution and 
installation. 

" This report having been unanimously accepted 
by the Deputy Grand Lodge, they were escorted to 
the hall of Mount Hope Lodge, where a very large 
procession was formed, consisting of brethren and 
companions of the several Masonic degrees. 

" Several officers of the Grand Lodge of Rhode 
Island and other distinguished members of the fra- 
ternity were present, and united in the procession on 
the occasion. 

"The whole procession, accompanied by an excel- 
lent l.>and of music, then moved to the Baptist Church, 
where a very appropriate and truly Masonic address 
was delivered by R. W. Rev. Paul Dean, of Boston. 

" Mount Hope Lodge was then solemnly conse- 
crated and dedicated according to ancient custom. 
The acting Grand Master then proceeded to consti- 
tute the brethreti into a regular lodge of Free and 
Accepted Masons, after which the officers elect were 
publicly installed into their respective offices. Their 
names are as follows : 

" R. W. Leander P. Lovell, M. ; W. Benjamin An- 
thony, S. W. ; W. Joseph Rice, J. W. ; Jo.seph E. 
Reed, Treas. ; James Ford, Sec. ; Augustus B. Reed, 
Chap.; Richard Chase, S. D. ; Lucius Smith, J. D. ; 
Pierce Allen, Marshal ; John Norris, Oliver Mason, 
Stewards; Calvin Seaver, Tyler. 

" After the services at the church, the Deputy 
(^rand Lodge having completed the business for 
which it was assembled, was escorted back to the 
room which had been provided for that accommoda- 
tion, and closed in due and ancient form. A sump- 
tuous repast having been provided by Mount Hope 
Lodge, the brethren proceeded to the place of re- 
freshment, and united in the social festivities of the 
occasion. 

" A true record of the proceedings. 

Attest : " A.SA Wood, Bep. G. Secretary." 

The Masters of Mount Hope Lodge from Dec. S, 
1824, have been as follows: 1825-26, Leander P. Lov- 
ell ; 1827-28, Benjamin Anthony ; 1829, Daniel Leon- 
ard ; 1830, Peleg. H. Earl ; 1831-32, Thomas D. 



FALL RIVER. 



363 



Clialoner; 1833, Ebeuezer Andrews; lS34-3o,' Seth 
Darling; 1845-46, Joshua Remington ; 1847, Thomas 
D. Chaloner; 1848-49, Daniel Leonard; 1850, James 
M. Morton ; 1851-54, Joshua Remington ; 1855, 
Gardner D. Cook; 1856-58, Robert C. Brown; 1859, 
Joshua Remington ; 1800-61, James Davenport ; 
1862, Josiah C. Blaisdell ; 1863, Robert Henry ; 1864- 
65, Charles A. Holmes ; 1866, Robert C. Brown ; 1867, 
Charles A. Holmes; 1868-70, Henry Paddock; 1871- 
73, A. G. Hart; 1874-75, Henry Waring; 1876, Wil- 
liam J. Burt; John T. Graham, two years; Nathan 
Everett, one year; Charles E. Spencer, still in office. 
The charter members of the lodge were Joshua 
Remington, Thomas D. Chaloner, Daniel Leonard, 
John P. Winchester, Thomas Driver, Samuel B. 
Gardner, Thomas Killer, James D. Burt, William B. 
Canady, I'rancis Eddy, Gideon Hatch, Sabin Blake, 
William A. Waite, Jesse Eddy, Edward Thompson, 
Jonathan T. Lincoln, John Eddy, and B. W. Miller. 

King Philip Lodge, F. and A. M., was chartered 
Dec. 12, 1866, the "precedence" to begin Jan. 16, 
1866. The charter members were Joshua Reming- 
;on, James F. Davenport, Daniel Stillweil, George A. 
Ballard, E. P. Buffinton, Francis W. Eddy, Joseph 
Brady, Mason Fisher, William M. Almy. Charles A. 
Bassett, George A. Borden, George A. Tower, Silas 
IVilliams, Alexander Forbes, D. S. Brigham, T. An- 
Irew Francis, Robert A. Brown, George E. Hoar, J. 
D. Blaisdell, James Henry, James B. Brayton, Far- 
cer Borden, George W. Billings, William G. Bennett, 
li. F. Pease, William Davenport, Thomas L. Brayton, 
Irthur R. Borden, M. Tootle, Jr., Alden Gilbert, 
Jeorge W. Gibbs, A. D. Easton, Edwin Shaw, E. P. 
daskins, Jolin P. Slade, Perry GifFord, and James 
IJuffinton. 

The following is a list of Masters: James F. Daven- 
)ort, 1865 to October, 1868; George A. Ballard, 1868 
o October, 1869; Charles E. Gifibrd, 1869 to October, 
.870; Daniel Stillweil, 1870 to October, 1871; Wil- 
iam Davenport, 1871 to October, 1872; Thomas G. 
2stes, 1872 to October, 1873; John S. Henry, 1873 to 
October, 1875 ; Horatio N. Durfee, 1875 to October, 
876; Charles E. Vickery, 1876 to October, 1877; 
<;dward T. Marvell, 1877 to October, 1878; Joseph 
J. Buflinton, 1878 to October, 1879; Charles A. Ben- 
lett, 1879 to October, 1880; Enoch J. French, 1880 
October, 1881 ; Judson C. McKenzie, 1881 (now in 
ffice). 

Narragansett Lodge, F. and A. M., was char- 
ered Dec. 13, 1876, the precedence to commence 



1 In coDSequence of the depressed conditiou of- Mount Hope Lodge, 
nd of Freem.i5onry genenilly, at h regular meeting held Nov. 3, 18;i5, 

was lo/eti, " To raise a coniniittpe to sell all the rnrniture of the loilge 
i they may deem proper for tlie interest of the lodge." Tlie meetings 
ere then discontinued until 1845, when the brethren desiring to revive 
le interest in Freemasonry and resume their meetings as a lodge, find- 
ig thai Ihe original charter, with utlier furniture, had been destroyed 
Y the great fire of July 2, 1S43, obtained a new charter, which declares 
le precedence uf the lodge to date from Dec. 8, 1824, that being the date 
f the original charter. 



Dec. 30, 1875. The charter members wore James 
Davis, Daniel Stevens, William Roderick Robertson, 
George Leonard Walker, William Henry Brow, 
Edwin Jackson Dyer, Robert Macfarlane, Charles Sil- 
vester Norman, John McKean, Mark Phillips, Chaun- 
cey Howe Sears, Bennett Cook, .James Henry Mini- 
ken, John Whitaker, Jeremiah Rodgers Elsbree, 
Aimie Benjamin Bruneau, James Barney Chace, Rob- 
ert Hampson, Alexander JeflTerson Wilcox, John 
Adams Tourtellot, Edmund Whitehead, Edwin Gush- 
ing Phillips, Leon Eugene Sweet, Robert Hammer- 
ton, Thomas Francis Vickery, David Smith, Abner 
Luther Howard, Asa Wilson Gifibrd, James Francis 
Davis, Everett Bemis Dyer, Rodney Augustus Moore, 
Joseph Harrison, Samuel Mark Standing, Philip 
Roberts, Charles Frederick Tripp, Robert Johnston 
Adams, Joseph Hyde, Walter Thackery. 

The Fall River Royal Arch Chapter was char- 
tered Jan. 9, ISOo, " to take rank, date, and prece- 
dence from the 7th day of June, 1864." The follow- 
ing were the charter members : Thomas D. Chaloner, 
Joshua Remington, Robert C. Brown, Abner L. West- 
gate, Charles A. Holmes, Daniel Stillweil, James C. 
Staftbrd, James Davenport, Robert Henry, Silas 
Williams, James B. Brayton, Jonathan E. Morrill, 
Alden Gilbert, Williams A. Burt, Lemuel Hall, 
George A. Tower, William Preston, Eber Slade, Jona- 
than T. Lincoln, John Whitaker, John Shepley, John 
B. Whitaker, Joseph Brady, John G. Tinkham, 
Charles F. Langford, James Davis, Samuel Root, 
William G. Bennett, George E. Hoar, Mason Fisher, 
John P. Slade, Joel Wood, William Davenport, Jireh 
B. Pettey, Humphrey A. Francis, and Silas P. Rich- 
mond. 

Robert C. Brown was first High Priest, Robert 
Henry first ICing, and Joshua Remington first Scribe. 
The Grand Chapter officers at this time were Solon 
Thornton, Grand High Priest; Caleb Rand, Deputy 
Grand High l^ricst ; Albert E. Foth, Grand King; 
Wanton T. Drew, Grand Scribe ; Thomas Waterman, 
Grand Secretary. 

The Past High Priests are as follows: Robert C. 
Brown, Robert Henry, George A. Ballard, Henry 
Paddock, Hiram C. Harrington, Gideon F. Tomp- 
kins, Alfred H. Hartley. 

Godfrey De Bouillon Commandery was chartered 
Oct. 13, 1868, " to take rank and precedence from May 
9, 1868." The charter members were Robert Car- 
ver Brown, Robert Henry, James Franklin Daven- 
port, James Henry, John Palmer Slade, Silas Wil- 
liams, William Davenport, Charles Edwin Case, Jo- 
se|)h Brady, Henry I'addock, John Shepley, John 
Birtwistle Whitaker, George Andros Borden, Mason 
Fisher, James Davis, Edward Shove Anthony, Wil- 
liam Preston, Leander Davenport Wilbur, Charles 
Ellis GiflTord, Daniel Edson Chace, James Crosby 
Ramsay, Perry Gifibrd, Francis Wilmarth Eddy, 
William Macomber Almy, Daniel W. Baldwin, James 
Barney Chace, George Alvan Ballard, Thomas Lyn- 



361 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



don Brayton, James Buffinton, Abner Lewis West- 
gate, Frederick William Macomber, Elisha Cook 
Hathaway, John Whitaker, George Edward Hoar, 
Josiah Coleman Blaisdell, Alfred Henry Hartley, 
Thomas Francis Vickery, William Gray Bennett, 
Thomas Durfee Chaloner, William Wait Stewart, 
Joel Wood. 

Robert Henry was first Commander, James F. 
Davenport first Generalli.ssimo, and Henry Paddock 
first Captain-General. 

The Eminent Commanders have been as follows : 
Robert Henry, R. C. Brown, S. W. Butler, John B. 
Whitaker, George A. Ballard, Charles E. Gifford, A. 
H. Hartley, Albert F. Dow, and Henry Waring. 

Military Record, 1861-65.— Fall River responded 
promptly to the call of her imperiled country during 
the war of the Rebellion, and only six days after 
the firing upon Fort Sumter, April 19, 1861, a " war 
meeting" was held at the City Hall. The meeting 
was called to order by Hon. N. B. Borden, who read 
the call, was chosen chairman, and made the opening 
address. Speeches were also made by David Anthony, 
James Ford, Hon. James BuiBnton, Dr. Foster 
Hooper, John Collins, John Westall, J. C. Blaisdell, 
R. T. Davis, and Walter C. Durfee. Dr. Hooper 
offered the following resolutions, whicli were adopted 
by acclamation : 

" liesolvedy That tlio governnieDt uf the Union shall be sustained. 

"Tliat the city government be requested to appropriate ten thousand 
dollars in aid of those who may Tolunteer, ami for tile support of their 
families. 

" That each volunteer be paid the sum of twenty dollars per month 
from the city treasury, in addition to what is paid by the government." 

On April 24th the committee of the City Council 
to whom these resolutions were referred reported as 
follows : 

" Whereas, f(c., in the southern section of our country public law is 
disregarded, the authority of the United States set at defiance, and armed 
forces have been and are organizing, with the avowed purpose of over- 
throwing the governntent as formed by our Revolutionary fathers, and 
of establishing a new government, in which freedom of the press, of 
speech, and of the individual man shall be more restricted, — in a word, 
a government for the perpetuation of slavery ; and 

" IVJf'reds, etc., for the repelling of such forces, the standing army 
being inadequate, the President of the United States has made requisi- 
tion ou the several States for militia: therefore, to the end that said 
requisition may be more readily answered, 

** Ordered, That to each of our citizeTis who may join a militia com- 
pany of our city, organized according to law, pledged to render military 
service whenever and wherever reqiiired, whether by authority of the 
State or the United States government, tliere be paid from the city 
treasury the sum of fifteeu dollars for outfit, when such company shall 
be mustered into service; and thereafter, for a term not exceeding three 
months, fifteen dollars a month, the latter to be apjilied for the support 
of the family or dependents, as the soldier may direct; and if, at the ex- 
piration of the service, a balance or the whole shall remain unpaid, 
then payment to be made to the soldier in person or his legal reju'eseu- 
tatives; these payments to be made in addition to compensation that 
may be realized from the United States government." 

The order was adopted by the City Council, and 
ten thousand dollars were appropriated in accord- 
ance therewith. Meanwhile enlistments were rapidly 
going on. A company was already partly formed 
under Lieut. Gushing who had seen service in the 



Mexican war, and a rifle company, composed of some 
of the best young men in the town, was being or- 
ganized under Capt. (afterwards Lieut.-Col.) C. W. 
Greene. Fall River was the third in the list of ap- 
plicants in the commonwealth to Governor Andrew 
for permission to raise military companies. April 
29th the mayor was requested to apply to the State 
authorities to furnish two hundred muskets for the 
two companies organized in the city. These were 
mustered into the United States service June 11, 
1861, and formed companies A and B of the Seventh 
Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers, commanded 
by Col. (afterwards Gen.) D. N. Couch, of Taun- 
ton, and by Lieut.-Col. Chester W. Greene, of this 
city. Besides the above-mentioned companies, a third 
was formed, composed mainly of "adopted citi- 
zens." It was not deemed expedient, however, for 
them to be mustered into service at the time, and 
June 5, 1861, the city government voted that twelve 
dollars be paid to each member, and they were dis- 
banded. In September, 1861, a bounty of fifteen 
dollars was authorized to be paid to each volunteer 
who should join a company then forming, which 
was afterwards mustered into active service. 

The first Fall River soldier who fell in the struggle 
for the nation's life was Nathaniel S. Gerry, a private 
in Company A, Seventh Regiment Massachusetts 
Volunteers, and the first commissioned officer was 
Lieut. Jesse D. Bullock, of the same regiment, who 
died June 25, 1862, from wounds received at the 
battle of Fair Oaks. 

During the war the city furnished eighteen hundred 
and forty-five men, thirty-seven of whom were com- 
missioned officers. The roll of one hundred and 
sixty-three names of fallen heroes on the soldiers' 
monument in Oak Grove Cemetery shows in part 
only the sacrifice in human life made by Fall River 
in the struggle for national existence. 

The following is a summary of the different regi- 
ments in which Fall River men served : In the three 
years' regiments of Massachusetts volunteers, the city 
furnished Companies A and B of the Seventh Regi- 
ment; Company G, Twenty-sixth Regiment; a large 
portion of Companies F and G, Fifty-eighth Regi- 
ment; and a number of men for the Ninth, Eleventh, 
Twelfth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nine- 
teenth, Twentieth, Twenty-second, Twenty-fourth, 
Twenty-fifth, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Tliirty- 
second. Thirty-third, Thirty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, 
Fortieth, Fifty-fourth, and Fifty-seventh Regiments 
of infantry; also for the Fifth and Sixth Batteries of 
light artillery, Second and Third Regiments and 
First Battalion of heavy artillery ; and for the First, 
Second, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments of cavalry. Be- 
sides the above. Fall River men also served in the 
regular army, general service, signal service, and in 
regiments from Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, 
and Illinois. Four hundred and ninety-seven men 
from Fall River also served in the United States navv. 



FALL KIVER. 



3G5 



In the sliort-term service the city furnished Compan- 
ies C and D, Third Regiment (nine months) ; also a 
lumiher for the Eighth, Forty-third, Forly-sixtli, 
Forty -seventh, and Forty-eiglith Regiments (nine 
months) ; for the Sixty-flrst Regiment (one year) ; 
Company D, Sixteenth Regiment (one hundred days) ; 
Fifth Unattached Company (ninety days) ; Twenty- 
Srst Company (one liundred days) ; and also men for 
the Fifth, Fifteenth, Eighteenth^ and Twenty-fourth 
LTnattached Companies (one hundi'ed days). 

The amount of money appropriated and expended 
by the city ou account of the war, exclusive of State 
iid, was $107,828.03. The sums of money raised and 
sxpended by the city during the years of the war for 
State aid to soldiers' families, and which were repaid 
ay the commonwealth, were: In 1861,87262.2.5; in 
1862, $20,771.67 ; in 1863, $36,476.10 ; in 1864, $34,000; 
in 180.5, $20,000 ; total amount, $127,510.02. 

The city was fortunate in having for municipal 
officers, as well as in other places of power and trust, 
men of high integrity and undoubted patriotism, 
rhe mayor through the entire crisis was Hon. E. P. 
Buffinton. He was thoroughly acquainted with and 
commanded the confidence of the people, and his 
abors were incessant and untiring. The aldermen 
luring the years of the war, all of whom were sub- 
itantial and trustworthy citizens, and steadfastly co- 
operated with the mayor in his labors, were in 1861 
jeorge H. Eddy, Nathaniel B. Borden, Asa Pettey, 
Jr., John Mason, Jr., James Ford, Job B. Ashley; in 
L862, Joseph Borden, Nathaniel B. Borden, Asa Pet- 
;ey, Jr., John Mason, Jr., James Ford, Job B. Ashley; 
n 1863, Samuel Hathaway, Joseph Borden, Nathaniel 
B. Borden, Benjamin Covel, Charles O. Shove, Walter 
Paine (3d) ; in 1864, Weaver Osborn, Joshua Rem- 
ngton, Nathaniel B. Borden, Daniel Stillwell, Walter 
Paine (3d), Philip D. Borden ; in 1865, James Henry, 
loshua Remington, Nathaniel B. Borden, Daniel 
5tillwell, Walter Paine (3d), Philip D. Borden. 

The member of Congress from this district during 
;he war, and to whom the city is as largely indebted 
nerhaps as to any one man, was Hon. James Buffinton. 
Mr. Buffinton enlisted as a private in Company A, 
seventh Massachusetts Regiment, at an early hour of 
its organization, and positively declined to be elected 
;o any office therein. He took part in its preparatory 
irills and movements, marching in the ranks, and 
went with it when it was mustered into service. At 
Damp Brightwood, Washington, he was appointed 
idjutant of the regiment under Col. Couch. He per- 
formed the duties ofliis position until the fall session 
3f Congress in 1861, when his constituents demanded 
bis discharge and the resumption of his seat in Con- 
gress. 

Tlie women of Fall River during the struggle were 
ivorthy of the city and of the cause. ' As early as 
April 27, 1861, a ladies' sewing society was organ- 
ized. For six weeks the members met daily, working 
from morning until evening, and afterwards they 



usually came together one afternoon in each week. 
Many other meetings were held for work and con- 
sultation, and several ladies did their work for the 
society at their own dwellings. Mrs. Richard Bor- 
den was the president; Mrs. Avis Ames, vice-presi- 
dent; and Miss A. C. G. Canedy, secretary. The 
committee of arrangements comprised twenty-two of 
the prominent ladies of the town, and the society re- 
tained its organization from April 27, 1861, to July 28, 
1865, with some change in its officers, although Mrs. 
Borden remained its president during the entire 
period. Mrs. Caroline Borden, the treasurer, Mrs. 
Ames, Mrs. William Munday, Mrs. S. Angler Chace, 
Mrs. Mary A. Brayton, Mrs. Mary Young, Mrs. Fos- 
ter Hooper, Mrs. Mary Durfee, and many other ladies 
rendered valuable services. The society received 
during the time of its existence $3347.76 in cash, 
which was properly expended for materials to be 
made up for the soldiers. Among the articles fur- 
nished were 200 soldiers' uniforms, 231 bed-sacks, 
131 bed-quilts, 365 bed-conjforters, 87 blankets, 355 
sheets, 262 pillows, 307 pillow-cases, 167 cushions for 
wounds, 90 dressing-gowns, 380 cotton shins, 292 
flannel sliirts, 284 shirts, 209 drawers, 1164 pairs 
woolen hose, 1365 handkerchiefs, 2246 towels, 5589 
yards, 323 rolls, 1 box, and 4 bundles of bandages, 
127 boxes of lint, and a great number and variety of 
other articles, including pin-cushions, wines, jellies, 
pictures, newspapers, books, etc. A children's lint 
society was also kept up during the war, alternating 
its meetings at the different homes of the children. 

The following is a list of those who enlisted from 
Fall River during the late war of the Rebellion: 



Adama, Cliarles P. 
Allen, Ttieudure H. 
Allen, ObaiiM C. 
Anthony, Cliailea W". 
Anderson, Andrew. 
Anderson, John. 
Adams, William. 
Allhani, Thomas. 
Anderson, John. 
.\8hton, Thomas. 
Alty, Josiah S. 
Adams, George F. 
Aliliich, Asaltiel. 
Althani, George. 
Austin, Francis L. 
Andrews, Thomas A, 
Austin, Thomas A. 
Ash, Thomas. 
Alden, Frederick D. 
Albert. liicliard \V. 
Ardean, William. 
Ardean, Thomas. 
Anderson, James. 
Alien, Theodore A. 
Adams, Francis BI. 
Alliert, James. 
Albinsttn, James. 
Allen, George F. 
Alchorn, George, Jr. 
Arnold, Gilbert D, 
Adams, William. 
Albro, (George F. . 
Atwooil, Tisdale. 



Anstin, William H. 
Albro, Gardner D. 
.\lehorn, George. 
Alhro, Charles E. 
Althaui, George. 
Bnrt, John B. 
Boomer, Nathan H. 
IJowen, Earl I. 
Beaumont, Joseph. 
Borden, Artlinr R. 
Bennett, Henry B. 
Bnrgess, Elijah F. 
Bennett, Francis T. 
Burgess, Freennin R. 
Barker, Flank. 
Bramwood, William, 
Baldwin, Amos. 
Brightman, James L. 
Brady, Martin. 
Brayton, Thomas L. 
Brown, George W. 
Bnllock, Jesse D. 
Bnffinton, Israel. 
Brightman, Henry W. 
Burrows, Isaac H. 
Bigelow, Lucius T. 
Brocklehnist, John. 
Bullock, Job F. 
Brown, William A. 
Briggs, Andrew J. 
Beeis, Hiram L. 
Birtwell, Thomas E. 
Brown, Henry E. 



366 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Bulger, Joseph. 

Bostick, Samuel. 
Barker, Francis. 
Bntdy, James, Jr, 
Butler, "William H. 
Burke, Willi:ira. 
Beuuett, William H. 
Burns, Patrick. 
Brow, Aaron, Jr. 
Brown, Robert A. 
Bentley, (-ieorgo. 
Burt, Charles A. 
Boi-den, Clark P. 
Booth, George. 
Beck, John I. 
Brady, James. 
Booth, Richard. 
Benson, James T. 
Bassett, EUory. 
Buffani, Thomas J. 
Budd, Nathaniel. 
Brown, Henderson. 
Bullock. Moses A. 
Buchanuan, George T. 
Burke, Patrick. 
Boyle, Francis. 
Baldwin, James H. 
Boston, John. 
Borden, Stephen B. 
Butler, James. 
Borden, Alphonso. 
Borden, John A. 
Bucklin, George W. 
Brayton, Stephen F. 
Bowei-s, Joseph. 
Bohan, James. 
Bradbury, William. 
Brow, Frank E. 
Baker, Ahram M. 
Bradley, Pavid. 
Barker, Jeremiah D. 
Braley, Sierra L. 
Brifiibtnian, William B. 
Borden, Charles C, 
Borden, Asahiel. 
Brightman, James. 
Blown, Samuel. 
Bradbury, Robert. 
Briis.sell, Thomas. 
Bradliury, Samuel. 
Barnett, John. 
Blomley, Joseph. 
Broadbent, James 
Burke, Patrick. 
Butterwurtli, James. 
Broadbent, Charles N. 
Burt, Benjamin T. 
Brittnii, Edward. 
Bowden, Joseph. 
Burt. Ichabod B. 
Borden, Thomas Lawrence. 
Blake, Richard. 
Babbitt, Edward F. 
Butler, Henry. 
Burns, John. 
Borden, Joseph F. 
Beaumont. Samuel. 
Borden, George G. 
Burroughs, Samuel N. 
Brown, Cyius B. 
Bullock, Isaiah B. 
Browuell, Jonathan. 
Broailbent, Samuel. 
Bahcock, William. 
Babcock, John. 
Bliss, Charles G. 
Becton, James, 



Borden, Franklin. 

Bonney, Darius. 
Booth, John. 
Bannister, Wilson. 
Burns, Thomas. 
Bunting, William. 
Booth, William. 
Borden, Thomas J. 
Baker, William R. 
Buffinton, Charles. 
Biightnian, Charles I. 
Bowler, George. 
Booth, Joseph. 
Brown, William. 
Bourne, Joseph. 
Bowen, Joseph. 
Bridge, James. 
Batt, Cliarles R. 
Brownell, William T. 
Borden, George H, 
Briggs, Nathaniel. 
Bray, James. 
Bowon, Marcun. 
Barlow, James. 
Boynton, Samuel H. 
Barnett, Washington. 
Boomer, Ephraim. 
Boomer, David S. 
Borden, Prince S. 
Boweis, Alfred. 
Brayton, James. 
Brightman, Perez 0. 
Bush, Oliver P. 
Barnes, Joseph. 
Baylies, George. 
Boyden, Joseph C. 
Browufll, Charles. 
Brady, Thomas. 
Brow, Benjamin F. 
Brow, James. 
Brown, Albert T. 
Borden, James E. 
Borden, Henry S. 
Borden, William. 
Brady, John. 
Benner, Alexander. 
Boomer, David T. 
Brown, Patrick, 
Briggs, Charles R. 
Briggs, George W. 
Brown, Walter. 
Brown, William J. 
Baldwin, Charles H. 
Brow, William H. 
Brightman, Sheffield. 
Boynton, James A. 
Briggs, William A. 
Burns, Conrad. 
Burns, James. 
Brestlin, James. 
Berkinshaw, John. 
Bennett. Henry. 
Brayton, James. 
Borden, William H. 
Boideii, Isaac H. 
Borden, Hiram C. 
Brown, Daniel R. 
Brown, John. 
Bessey, Henry. 
Babbitt, Ehenezer. 
Belcher, Thomas E. 
Canoran, John. 
Cunningham, John. 
Coyle, Thomas. 
Cobb, John F. 
Clough', James. 
Carr, William W. 



Chace, Andrew J. 
Chace, Hiram. 
Connelly, Lawrence. 
Carr, George A. 
Gushing, John, 
Church, James G. 
Crompton, George. 
Calroon, James F. 
Carroll, Henry. 
Chace, Joseph H. 
Chace, Philip. 
CoRtello, Patrick. 
Campbell, John B. 
Clax'k, James. 
Conley, Timothy. 
Crowther, James. 
Connell, Charles. 
Collins, John E. 
Cuok, Horace M. 
Cutting, George S. 
Collins, Stephen. 
Cantwell, Patrick. 
Cook, William H. 
Cheetham, William. 
Clark, John S. 
Carey, Thomas. 
Carver, Charles H. 
Clapp, Owen. 
Chase, Hiram, Jr. 
Coleman, John. 
Churchill, Josiah S. 
Carr, John. 
Cushman, Nelson. 
Cahill, Thomas L. 
Chace, Baylies R. 
Chace, Joseph A. 
Cochrane, Daniel. 
Copeland, Charles D. 
Creighton, Thomas J. 
Clark, Henry. 
Clarkson, Edwin. 
Coggeshall, Edmund D. 
Caswell, Thomas N. 
Cunnern, James E. 
Cook. Charles H. 
Chace, George N. 
Crapo, Francis H. 
Coldwell, William. 
Cameron, Johu A. 
Cash, William. 
Crowley, Patrick. 
Clarkson, Thomas. 
Chase, Philip. 
Canedy, William J. 
Corgan, James. 
Curry, Michael. 
Cnrran, James. 
Cordingly, Thomas R. 
Catler, Israel. 
Connor, Dennis. 
Coogan, Joseph. 
Corcoran, Thomas. 
Cauedy, William B. 
Chace, William H. 
Campbell, Alexander. 
Collins, Bernard. 
Conroy, Daniel. 
Cottrell, William T. 
Carroll, Thomas. 
Campbell, Thomas. 
Cook, Henry Clay. 
Chace, George H. 
Connell, Peter. 
Coughlin, Michael. 
Chappell, Augustus G. 
Gushing, William H. 
Carey, Job S. 



Cottrell, Bcr^amin. 
Crumbell, Robert W. 
Cook, Isaac B. 
Cannon, Joseph. 
Curran, Bartholomew. 
Crapin, Elisha M. 
Coffee, William. 
Carroll, Henry. 
Currity, Daniel. 
Courtney, Timothy. 
Crowley, Timothy. 
Cook, Enos A. 
Conroy, Michael. 
Carey, Bartholomew J. 
Conway, Philip. 
Callahan, Jeremiah. 
Carroll, James. 
Christie, James. 
Clark, James. 
Clark, Alexander. 
Cannon, John. 
Copeland, Samuel. 
Collins, Albert. 
Cottrell, Benjamin G. 
Crotey, Dauiel. 
Cunningham, Maurice. 
Cormer, Jolin. 
Colbert, Edward. 
Colbert, Maurice. 
Cowen, Benjamin F. 
Conery, John. 
Connell, Theodore. 
Chace, Thomas W. 
Cavaliei', Walter S. 
Conway, Philip. 
Conely, Frank. 
Conway, .lohn. 
Corksey, Michael. 
Croty, Maurice. 
Church, George J. 
Carrigan, John. 
Cluney, Joseph. 
Collins, Peter. 
Coleman, Bartholomew. 
Coughlin, Charles. 
Castino, Adoniram. 
Dyer, David H. 
• Durfer, Thomas M. 
Dunham, Isaac, Jr. 
Davis, Antliony. 
Dickinson, John. 
Da vol, Leander A. 
Dunn, William A. 
Dunning, Ehen R. 
Deckerton, William. 
Dwigbt, Eugene. 
Davis, Edward E. 
Davis, Otis H. 
Doaue, Henry. 
Dunham, Ichabod H. 
Davis, Robert F. 
Donahoe, William. 
Dunn, Charles. 
Dyer, Edwin J. 
Desmond, Patrick. 
I)enny, Obadiah. 
Dunlap, Matthew. 
Dewhurst, Thomas. 
Dunley, Patrick. 
Duckworth, Alexander. 
Downing, Cornelius P. 
Donovan, John. 
Duckworth, James. 
Dunbar, William. 
Dunuell, Benjamin. 
Downing, James H. 
Doyle, Michael. 



FALL RIVER. 



367 



Dollard, Garret. 
Deplitch, William. 
Delnifige, James L. 
Dixon, James. 
Dolmau, Joseph. 
Durfee, Samuel T. 
Darling, John A. 
Da vol, John N. 
Davol, John, Jr. 
Davis, John R. 
Davis, John P. 
Donovan, Edward M. 
Dacey, Timothy. 
Dolan, Andrew. 
Dewire, Williiim, 
Dillon. J»diii. 
Dorsey, Edward. 
Davis, William L. 
Delaney, Janie5. 
Dunn, John. 
Desmond, Cornelius. 
Driver, William. 
Dean, Thomas S. 
Devine, Michael. 
Dugan, John. 
Drohan, John E. 
DnvuUy. John J. 
Doyle, Michael. 
Dailey, Thomas. 
Dwight, Delois. 
Durtee, Joseph. 
Duffy, Edward. 
Diiscoll, Edward 0. 
Durfee, Andrew. 
Dorley, Tliomas. 
Drennan, Richard. 
Dolan, Charles. 
DixoD, Thomas. 
Dean, George B. 
Drennan, John. 
Dimoran, Timothy. 
Downey, John. 
Deplitch, Jonathan. 
Dyer, Everett B. 
Davol, Bradford D. 
De Caro, Frank. 
Dennis, Robert S. 
Dunning, BlariUo P. 
Dailey, Archibald D. 
DaviB, Albert. 
Davis, Alonzo B. 
Dailey, John. 
Dennan, John C. 
Devine, John. 
Desmond, Dennis. 
Doherty, Thomas. 
Dougherty, Philip. 
Dougherty, Hugh. 
Driscoll^ Daniel. 
Driscoll, Michael. 
Dngan, Michael. 
Dugan, John. 
Downing, Thomas. 
Dailey, Thomas. 
Dewire, John. 
Dewire, Patrick. 
Dorman, John. 
Dnnovan, Patrick. 
Driscoll, Patrick. 
Dehiney, Thomas. 
Davis, Albert. 
Davis, William. 
Dearden, James. 
Daley, John. 
Droyer, Thomas. 
Desmond, Humphrey. 
Donnelly, James. 



Dunnivan. John. 
Delaney, James. 
Durfer, Richard. 
Eddy, Jesse F. 
Elsbrer, Frederick 0. 
Elsbrer, Edwin P. 
Eaton, Josiah J. 
Eaton, Henry A. 
Emmer, John B. 
Elsbrer, Almanza S. 
Evans, James. 
Eastham, William. 
Emerson, William. 
Edge, Samuel. 
Elsbrer, Joseph R. 
England, George. 
Emery, Benjamin. 
Eddy, James C. 
Easton, Alexander D. 
Earles, Newton R. 
Eccles, Thomas. 
Ellis. Simeon. 
Eltz, William. 
Evans, Fi'anklin. 
Eddy, George. 
Fish, John R. 
Farnsworth, William H. 
Finneran, John. 
Fleet, James. 
Farrar, Patrick F. 
Farnsworth, Henry. 
Flaherty, James. 
Fleet, George. 
Fitzgerald, James. 
Field, Daniel L. 
Foley, John. 
Flummery, Thomas. 
French, Asa B. 
Flynn, Nicholas. 
Ford, Nathaniel. 
Fiske, Benjamin L. 
Fitzgibbons, Thomas. 
Fielding, Robert. 
Farren, P. Henry S. 
Freelove, Richmond D. 
Frawley, Patrick. 
Francis, William. 
Folger, David J. 
Flaherty, John. 
Fay, Edward A. 
Fulce, James. 
Fiuley, William. 
French, William H. 
Foster, John. 
Fitzsimmons, Martin. 
Freeborn, Orlin J. 
Field, Charles F. 
Freelove, Henry B. 
Fagan, Robert. 
Frazier, Thomas. 
Franklin, George A. 
Frawley, Henry. 
Fish, Joseph H. 
Fairbank, George O. 
Ferguson, Andrew. 
French, Edward A. 
Frazier, John. 
Fish, Asa F. 
Flaherty, Thomas C. 
Frawley, John. 
Fielding, Michael. 
Fleet, John. 
Ford, John W". 
Fish, William. 
Fish, Andrew E. 
Fi.sh, William E. 
French, Geoige H. 



Greene, Chester W. 
Greenhalgh, John H. 
Greene, James E. 
Gerry, Benjamin F. 
Greene, John R. 
Gregory, Robert, 
Gerry, Nathaniel. 
Gifford, George W. 
Grinishaw, John. 
Goss, Walter S. 
Galligan, Bartley. 
Grinnell, Richard. 
Goslin, John. 
Grinnell, William T. 
Garvey, Andrew. 
Gardner, Sidney. 
Greene, Daniel. 
Greene, Joseph. 
Ghilden, Benjamin. 
Griffin, Thomas. 
Grant, Elihu. 
Grusli, George G. 
Graham, William. 
Gilbert, Thomas. 
Grant, Geoige A. 
Greene, Dennis. 
Crush, Frederick A. 
Goslin, James. 
Gleason, James. 
Guynian, Michael. 
Gordon. Charles. 
Griffin, Thomas. 
Garvey. John. 
Gordier, John. 
Griffiths, Thomas W. 
Grinnell, James E. 
Giflord, James F. 
Gregory, James. 
Greenhalgh, Joseph. 
Grady, Michael. 
Gavin, Patrick. 
Greenhalgh, James. 
Gage, Alexander. 
Greene, Benjamin. 
Gifford, Uavid S. 
Graham, George. 
Gray, Edward M. 
Gannon, Thomas. 
Canning, Thomas. 
Gifford, Joseph P. 
Gifford, Almanza P. 
Greene, Cornelius. 
Greene, Daniel S. 
Goodier, Samuel. 
Gifford, Asa W. 
Gerry, Charles. 
Gleason, Daniel. 
Goff, William F. 
Hayden, Frank B. 
Hall, diaries. 
Harding, Christopher. 
Herin, Patrick. 
Hill, William. 
Hampson, William. 
Harding, Lawrence. 
Hanier, John. 
Hazeltiiie, William. 
Hambly, John G. 
Hedge, Lemuel M. 
Holmes. Peter A. 
Hadfield, Thomas. 
Hathaway, Warren. 
Harrihan, Thomas. 
Hotehouse, James. 
Holehonse, John. 
Harding, James. 
Hogan, Patrick. 



Halden, James. 
Hoar, Charles P. 
Higginbottom, John. 
Harrington, Timothy. 
Hamtilin, William. 
Hariison, Joseph. 
Hoar, John. 
Hanly, Michael. 
Haggei ry. James. 
Hedge, Mortimer. 
Henrys, William. 
Hosmer, James L. 
Hart, Ferdinand B. 
Haggerty, John. 
Horsman, John. 
Horsman, Francis. 
Hart, Isaac L. 
Hill, Joseph. 
Hubbard, Russell. 
Hayston, Thomas. 
Hinckley, Samuel B. 
Holt, James. 
Hanson, George. 
Hackley, John. 
Harrington, Timothy. 
Harrington, Daniel. 
Hoolan, Michael. 
Harrington, John. 
Haywood, Abrara. 
Higham, William. 
Halmer, Theodore. 
Haley, Jeremiah C. 
Hunt, Albert B. 
Harding, Charles. 
Holden, George. 
Holland, Daniel. 
Holley, William. 
Handy, John. 
HarriLigton, Jeremiah. 
Hayes, John. 
Hastie, William A. 
Hill, Thomas. 
Hill.ChariesF. 
Harrington. Mark. 
Hanley, James. 
Howard. Charles A. 
Hayes, Quiulan. 
Healy, James. 
Hayee, Samuel A. 
Haekley, William. 
HoUoway, Abram P. 
Holland, Cornelius. 
Hill. Leander M. 
Howard, Oliver H. P. 
Hathaway, Thomas S. 
Hathaway, Charles W. 
Hallsworth, James. 
Hanson, Philip. 
Harvey, John. 
Harrington, James. 
Hayes, Patrick. 
Harris, Abraham. 
Hathaway, Henry W. 
Healy, Timothy. 
Henry, James. 
Hibbert, William. 
Hynes, John. 
Hibbert, Samuel. 
Hathaway, Edmund. 
Henry, James W. 
Hillard, Charles. 
Horsman, Joseph, 
Harroll, Richard. 
Hamilton, James. 
Hillard, Oscar A. 
Hargraves, William. 
Hathaway, Samuel W. 



36S 



HISTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hodgeson, Thoniaa. 


Kidd, Thomas. 


Lawrence, James. 


iMorey, William I. 


Huiley, Ricliard. 


Kelleher, William. 


Lawrence, William. 


Mnrphy, Timothy. 


Hallun, Thumaa. 


Kay, John. 


Laiigley, Henry. 


McGuinness, Edward. 


Hariiiigtiin, Jiilm. 


Kay, Thomas. 


Lolhrop, Cyrus S. 


McNaughton, Charles. 


Higiiey, Eihvard. 


Kenny, Lawrence. 


Luther, Eben, Jr. 


Miller, George. 


Harrington, William E. 


Kelleher, John B. 


Lawrence, Albert M, 


Mnnhall, John. 


Haskell, Thomas H. B. 


Kelly, Thomas. 


Leary, Thomas. 


McGowan, John. 


Haggerty, Patiick. 


Kelly, James. 


Leary, John. 


Manchester, Gilbert. 


Hawthorne, William. 


Kendrick, Jeremiah. 


Lynch, John, 


- Massy, David. 


H'^aley, David A. 


Kelly, Edward. 


Leary, John. 


Malone, John. 


Heiiigan, Jiimcs. 


Kendrick, John. 


Laley, Anthony. 


Melvin, John. 


Horiu', Michael. 


Kelly, Thomas H. 


Lonsdale, James. 


Madden, William. 


HulhitiJ, Michael. 


Kennedy, John. 


Lewis, Joseph. 


Maxwell, Patrick. 


Holland, Roheit C. 


Keefe, John. 


Lewis, Thonias R. 


BIcGuinness, Lawrence. ' 


Hullcy, Patrick. 


Kinsley, William M. 


Lane, Patrick. 


McAvoy, Frederick. 


Hurley, Timotliy. 


Kenyon, John S. 


Lawton, Robert B. 


McGrath, Lawrence. 


Henigjui, Tlioinaa. 


Kidd, James. 


McEwan, John. 


McFarland, Bernard. 


Hognn, J' dm. 


Kelly, Timothy. 


Mahoney, Daniel. 


Blacomber, Charles H. 


Hogiin, James. 


Keeling, \Villiam. 


Maitel. Edward T. 


Mooney, Thomas. 


Haiighlin, James. 


Kane, Jeremiah. 


Martin, Frank. 


Mahoney, Jeremiah. 


Haughlin, Jeremiah. 


Kent, Chancellor. 


McQuillan, Joseph. 


McMillan, James. 


Hilton, Fr^incis. 


Ktngsley, George F. 


Malone, Peter. 


Murphy, Michael. 


Hodnett, Philip. 


Kirhy, Joseph D. 


Manchester, William C. 


McGowan, Terence. 


Hariingron, Daniel. 


Keith, Taplep Q. 


Murphy, Thomas. 


McDonald, John. 


Hanley, James. 


Kcdly, John. 


Mather, Joseph. 


Mosier, Charle.i D. E. 


Hiiskins, Edward. 


Kelly, Patrick. 


Mitchell, Peleg. 


Mars, Thomas. 


Habitt, William. 


Kelly, Michael. 


MusBoti, Thomas. 


Mnrphy, William. 


Hamilton, Hunb. 


Kelly, Edward. 


Murphy, John. 


Mann, James F. 


Hearn, Patrick. 


Kelly, John. 


Mather, Thomas. 


Murphy, Jeremiah. 


Howard, William. 


King, Sylvester. 


Muhoney, William. 


Maloy, Thomas. 


Healy, Wdliam. 


Kn.eland, William. 


Manchester, Lorenzo D. 


Moriarty, Daniel J. 


Howe, Frank. 


Keith, Topley C. 


McLeod, William. 


Macumber, Lorenzo T. 


Haawell, George. 


Knee, George. 


Munro6, John H. 


McCarty, Daniel. 


Hicks, Cliarlea H. 


Kelly, Curley. 


Mather, Joseph. 


Morrison, Michael. 


Hoslord. Peter F. 


Kelly, Daniel. 


Monks, Major. 


Mooney, Timothy. 


HawUina, I'harles. 


Keenan, William W. 


Morse, Andrew. 


Myers, George W. 


Houghton, Edward J. 


Langford, Edward L. 


Meadowcroft, William. 


Moriariy, Philip. 


Hamilton, William. 


Lanford. James H. 


Marluw, Kinder. 


Murphy, Jerry. 


Holmes, Leonard. 


Lonsdale, Thomas. 


McCarty, Daniel. 


Marshall, Charles W. 


Hopkins, Edward A. 


Lawton, Andrew S. 


Mnrphy, Michael. 


Melville, Thonias D. 


Hart, George A. 


Leonard, William. 


Manchester, Borden. 


Murphy, Jeremiah T. 


Irving, Eli. 


Lang, Richard. 


Manchester, John W. 


Manchester, H. C. 


Isherwood, John. 


Lake. Alexander. 


McCarty, Dennis. 


Milne, William C. 


Jones, John A. 


Lotta, Robert. 


Moorehonse, SamueL 


Moriarty, John. 


Jackson, John. 


LanuHghan, John. 


McMenormy, John P. 


McAvoy, Michael. 


Johnson, James. 


Le Slunyon, Luther W. 


Murphy, Timothy. 


Murray, Bernard. 


Jones, Oswego. 


Leonard, Thomas. 


Meadowcroft, Edward. 


Miller, James W. 


Junes, Charles E. 


Lewis, Thomas. 


McNally, Patrick. 


Mason, Lavader. 


Jennings, Thomug J, 


Lawrence, John. 


Malady, George. 


Macomber, James P. 


Jennings, Cornelius D. 


Lewis, Joseph. 


Mellor, James. 


McCliutock, James. 


Jorden, James. 


Lawton, Abner M. 


McCluskey, Thomas. 


McKeunon, Thomas. 


Jameson, John. 


Lyons, Patrick. 


MoirisoM, John. 


McFarland, James. 


Jtines. Charles. 


Leary, James. 


Mahoney, William 0. 


Murphy, Jeremiah B. 


Jones, Robert. 


Ley, Thomas. 


McAvoy, Michael. 


Martin, George. 


Jolinson, Walter. 


Lee, Robert. 


McAllister, Levi. 


Blurdock, James. 


Johnson, James. 


Lincoln, David B. 


Miison, John L. 


Martin, John C. 


Jones, Joseph. 


Lawton, Joseph. 


McCIuskey, James. 


Manchester, Henry S. 


Kay, Henry E. 


Litchfield, George G. 


McMahon, John F. 


Manchester, Albert S. 


Kelly, Michael. 


Loftns, Nicholas. 


Munroe, Albert F. 


Manchester, William S. 


Kelly, Michael C. 


Lawrence, James. 


McKinnon, Thomas. 


Martin, Michael. 


Keenan, John. 


Lamson, Lester. 


McGuire, James. 


Manchester, Henry F. 


Kelly, James. 


Lawton, David. 


Manchester, Edwin F. 


Manchester, Albert. 


Keenan, Samuel R. 


Lewin, William H. 


Murphy, Dennis B, 


Manchester, William T. 


Keefe, J<din. 


Loi tl, George. 


Malone, Henry. 


Mahoney, John. 


Kennedy, Michael. 


Locke, John B. 


Mallison, John. 


McCloy, Jidiu. 


Keith, Chailes. 


Levatly, Benjamin W. 


Martin, George. 


McCoy, John. 


Keith, Ebenezer. 


Leary, James. 


Mars, Reuben. 


McKee, William. 


Keefe, Patrick. 


Ledwith, James. 


Miirtm, Peter. 


McArine, Cornelius. 


Karngli, John. 


Lewis, Lathrop H. 


Mottramni, John. 


McCarty, James. 


Kay. Ralph. 


Lyons, John. 


McFarland, Thcmas. 


McCarty. Jeremiah. 


Kendriik, John H. 


Lewin, George W. 


McKenny, Felix, Jr. 


McGee, John. 


KendricU, Miebael. 


Lewis, Thonias E. 


McDcrniott, Thomas. 


Merriweather, Thomas. 


Kertibaw, Samnel. 


Lindsey, Cyrus W. 


McDonald, Daniel. 


Mellen, Thomas. 


Keith, Sidney. 


Lewis, Thomas. 


McPhee, Thomas. 


Moriarty, Dennis. 


Keith, Sumner. 


Linahan. Daniel. 


McGraw, Francis. 


Moriarty, Thomas. 


Kenny, Thomas. 


Lynch, Patrick. 


Millerick, John. 


Morey, J'atrick. 


Kelly, Coi uelins. 


Luniey, Henry. 


Meller, Charles H. 


SIiir|iliy, James. 



FALL KIVER. 



369 



Murphy, John. 


Pierce, Oliver W. 


Rowbottom, James. 


Smith, James B. 


Mawhinney, Hugh. 


Potter, James H. 


Rowcroft, Thomas. 


Shehan, David. 


Miiwhiuney, Samuel. 


Pieice, Oliver. 


Riley, James. 


Sanford, Sylvestei'. 


Milli^an, .Tuhn. 


Powers, James. 


Radcliff, William. 


Sherman, William H. 


Murphy, Michael, 


Pierce, George R. 


Reynolds, Josiah K. 


Shea, Michael W, 


Murphy, John. 


Petere, Robert. 


Ray, William H. 


Sargent, John. 


Murphy, Jeremiah. 


Palmer, Matthew. 


Ricketson, Joseph R. 


Slade, Charies E. 


ManchesttT, Gilhert. 


Palmer, John, Jr. 


Rhuder, Charles H. 


Smith, Robert. 


Mauchester, 'WilHam. 


Perkins, Joseph. 


Rhoder, Augustus S. 


Siiaw, Chailes. 


Morsp, Albert. 


Paine, Charles F. 


Read, Augustus. 


Snow, Rev. Charles A. 


Murdock, James. 


Patterson, Harley W. 


Rooney, Thomas. 


Sanford, Leonard M. 


Mcfson, Orin F. 


Peck ham, Jacob T. 


Ryan, Timothy. 


Sliaw, James. 


McCarty, Johu. 


Pierce, William H.H. 


Reynolds, Peter C. 


Stowell, Joshua. 


McCarty, Thomas. 


Packard. Thaddeus M. 


Rigby, William. 


Slieddon, James. 


McCaity, Mortimer. 


Peterson, Seth S. 


Rider, Charies H. 


Short, Charles. 


McCue, Timothy. 


Peckham, William W. 


Richardson, William. 


Suyfler, Asa. 


McCann, Johu. 


Peckham, Peleg H. 


Katcliffe, Joseph. 


Shea, Stephen. 


Martin, Johu C. 


Phelan, John. 


Riley, Charles. 


Smith, Lyman R. 


Meesou, Edward. 


Pell, Jabish. 


Reed, Ferdinand S. 


Shaw, Clark S. 


Millally, Johu. 


Piatt, Edward. 


Remington, Stephen. 


Sullivan, James 0. 


Mautiny, Augustus A. 


Packard, William H. 


Read, Sidney H. 


Sullivan, John D. 


Murphy, Edward. 


Poole, Johu. 


Riley, Philip. 


Spooner, Horatio. 


McKiue, Jolin. 


Peters, John. 


Riley, Dennis. 


Sullivan, Patrick. 


McCarthy, Dennia, 


Piatt, Charles. 


Rogers, Justin. 


Sheedy, Thomas. 


Nye, William H. 


Perry, Valentine. 


Runnels, .lames. 


Sanford, Herbert D. 


Nichols, Henry W. 


Page, Hathaway B. 


Rowland, Michael. 


Snell, Albert H. 


Norton, Henry F. 


Pickles, James. 


Remington, Henry H. 


Sullivan, Thomas. 


Nash, William A. 


Petty, Hiram S. 


Reagan, William. 


Swert, Joseph S, 


Nowell, Francis S. 


Palmer, Benjamin. 


Riley, Daniel. 


Shurd, Joseph. 


N^giis, Robert C. 


Pollett, Willmm. 


Riley, John. 


Sanford, Joseph C. 


Nortou, Frederick A. 


Philips, William 0. 


Riley, Miles. 


Sanford, William. 


Nary, James. 


Powers, Edward. 


Ragan, William. 


Smith, George W. 


Newman, William. 


I*ower8, Johu. 


Ramabottom, Jumes. 


Sullivan, Morty. 


Nickerson, Heury 0. 


Pratt, William. 


Sheuhan, Robert. 


Sullivan, Daniel. 


Negus, Darius. 


Packard, George F. 


Sellers, John T. 


Shea, CorneliuB. 


Nulty, Tliomas. 


Pierce, George R. 


Sanderson, William H. 


Swain, Frederick. 


Nichols, Alpheue. 


Peckham, Edward M. 


Swan, Horace S. 


Sanford, Charies G. 


Negus, Joseph. 


Pratt, Phiueas M. 


Scott, William. 


Short, Joseph. 


Negus, Frederic C. 


Peckhaui, Ferdinand E. 


Smith, Patrick. 


Smith, George J. 


NickersoD, Freeman. 


Pritchard, Johu W. 


Slocum, Frederick A. 


Sherman, Cliarlee H. 


O'Brien, James. 


Prentiss, William. 


Smyth, Robert. 


Stransman, Adolphus. 


O'Neil, Daniel. 


Peudlebury, Robert. 


Smithies, Samuel. 


Sisson, Richard F. 


O'Neil, James. 


Petty, George A. 


Sullivan, Jeremiah. 


Sisson, James F. 


O'Neil, Robert. 


Purdy, Frederic W. 


Swindles, Joseph. 


Smith, Robert E. 


O'Brit-n, Patrick H. 


Palmer, George L. 


Smith, John. 


Sherman, William M. 


O'Neil, William. 


Percy, James. 


Shawcross, Bristo. 


Smith, George. 


O'Connell, Daniel. 


Quinlan, Daniel. 


Sullivan, Timothy. 


Smith, Thomas. 


O'Leary, Patrick. 


Qnigley, Patrick. 


Sullivan, Michael. 


Spencer, Nathaniel. 


Oerhleiu, George. 


Quigley, John. 


Slade, Amos A. 


Sanderson, Humphrey. 


Ogdeu, Henry. 


Quigley, Martin. 


Sullivan, Daniel. 


Sanford, Johu B. 


Owen, Edward. 


Read, Thomas A. 


Smith, Charles D. 


Sanford, Arnold B. 


Oliver, Joseph. 


Read, George U. 


Sullivan, Timothy. 


Simmons, Job S. 


O'Brien, Patrick. 


Ray, James. 


Snow, George E. 


Smith, Edward. 


O'Brien, John. 


Ryan, Lawrence. 


''Simous, William. 


Simpson, Johu. 


O'Brien, Jeremiah. 


Read, Gustavus L. 


Shaw, Joseph S. 


Sherman, George A. 


O'Neal, Thomas. 


Rose, Eli. 


Sullivan, Philip. 


Stearns, Benjamin U. 


Ogdeu, John. 


Regan, David. 


Sullivan, Barlholomew. 


Sullivan, Dennis. 


Omrod, Robert. 


Rusby, George. 


Smith, William H. 


Shaw, John C. 


Omrod, James. 


Ryau, Patrick. 


Smith, Thomas W. 


Smith, Richard. 


O'Brien, James. 


Rose, Joseph. 


Sherman, James A. 


Sheen. Alexander. 


O'Brien, Patrick H. 


Riley, Francis. 


Snow, Alfred A. 


Shay, Cornelius. 


O'Brien, Thomas. 


Rourke, Patrick, 


Sullivan, Johu. 


Simmons, William. 


O'Neil, Timothy. 


Ray, Eber A. 


Sanders, Edmund N. 


Short, Robert. 


O'Brien, Edward. 


Reynolds, Thomas. 


Sullivan, Daniel. 


Snowden, James H. 


O'Connor, Peter. 


Radigan, John. 


Smith, William H. 


Snell, Welcome B. 


O'Neil, James, 


Rourke, Johu. 


Smith, Israel. 


Swasey, Charles H. 


O'Brien, Edward. 


Ridgeway, William. 


Shaw, Addison J. 


Sullivan, Daniel. 


O'Brien, Dennis. 


Ryan, James. 


Sanford, .luhu D. 


Sullivan, Daniel. 


O'Brien, Jeiemiah. 


Redmau, Henry. 


Surgens, Edward S. 


Sullivan, Fletcher. 


O'Couuell, Peter. 


Roberts, Ebcnezer, " 


Staples, John D. 


Sullivan, Marcus M. 


O'Dounell, Johu C. 


RohertB, William P. 


Sullivan, Patrick. 


Sullivan, Diunis. 


Palmer, Albert S. 


Remington, Charles G. 


Smith, AdolphusP. 


Sullivan, Patrick. 


Peckham, John R. 


Reed, John F. 


Shove, Benjamin 0. 


Sullivan, Jtrreniiah. 


Pickford, Thomas. 


Reagan, Timothy. 


Smithbou, John. 


Sullivan, Jeremiah. 


Peckham, Daniel H. 


Reagan, Moity. 


Smith, Lafayette, 


Sullivan, Jeremiah. 


Pucell, William. 


Reynolds, George, Jr. 


Sharpies, Lawrence. 


Sullivan, Jeremiah. 


Patterson, John. 


Ryan, Jeremiah. 


Sidley, John P. 


Sullivan, John. 



24 



370 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Sullivan, Thomas. 
SuUivrtii, Timothy. 
Sulliviiii, Miehaol. 
Sullivan, Jdhn. 
Sullivan. Daniel. 
Sullivan, Dennis. 
Sanfurd, Alexander. 
Seahury, Philip A. 
Short, Thomas. 
SIsson, George. 
SpinlJM, John. 
Staff'trd, James C, 
Smith, WilliHm H. 
Sist-tm, Gi'orse C. 
Slatery, .John. 
Smitii, Silas. 
Smith, James. 
Smith, William. 
Snell, Barney. 
Snell, Francis. 
Simmons, Thomas. 
Slade, Henry. 
Shea, Daniel. 
Sheruiaii, AVilliam. 
Sullivan, Juhn. 
Sullivan, Cornelius. 
Sullivan, Patrick, 
Sullivan, Dennis. 
Sullivan, Tiniothy. 
Sullivan, Thomas R. 
Sullivan, JetTery. 
Sullivan, Timothy 0. 
Tootle, Kdwaid. 
Taylor. John. 
Teele, Robert. 
Tierney, Thomas. 
ThiimHS, Sidney M. 
Taylor, Henry. 
Taylor, John. 
Taylor, Isaac. 
Terry, Charles W. 
Thompsfin, Nalhan. 
Tierney, Michael. 
Thompson, Joseph P. 
Tinkham, Augustus G. 

Terry, Edward P. 

Thackery, William. 

Tracy, William. 

Tripp, (Charles F. 

Tvvealth, Henry. 

Thrasher. Charles A. 

Twiner, Rohert. 

Tompkins. James. 

Tillinghast, William M. 

Townseiid. Stephen. 

Thackery, George. 

Tompkins, Daniel. 

ThatUer. John F. 

Tansy, William F. 

Thackery, Richard. 

Townley, Edwin. 

Thackery, James. 

Thackery, William. 

Terry, Benjamin F. 

Thurston, P. Sanford. 

Thomas, Edward J. 

Thacker, Joseph. 

Tobin, John. 

Tuttle, Thomas. 

Thackery, Lewis. 

Tillinghast, Henry. 

Terry, CInirlea W. 

Taber, Henry D. 

Terry, George A. 

Taber, Gideon. 

Taylor, John. 

Tootles, Thomas. 



Tew, William H. 
Tillinghast, William. 
Uncles, William. 
Vocell, Jame- A. 
Vickery, William 8. 
Vickery, Charles P. 
White, G. Foster. 
Whalon, John. 
W'halon, James. 
Watson, Wales R. 
West, Edward P. 
Warhurst, William. 
Wilbur, Albert. 
Wallace, Thomas A. 
Wordell, Ephraim. 
White. William. 
Wilbur, Llnyd. 
Winsh.w, Abial W. 
Wright, James G. 
White, Francis A. 
Wilcox, Henry C. 
W'ard, John. 
Whitaker, William. 
Winsluw, George H. 
Whiteliead, Richard. 
Welch, James. 
Whalon, Patrick. 
Winterbnttnm, Thomas. 
Welden, Juseph. 
Wilkinson, Joseph. 
Wordell, James H. 
Wright, Ellington L. 
Willman, John A. 
Wright, David. 
White, William E. 
Wheeler, Edward B. 
Wallace, Martin R. 
Wiseman, Thomas. 
Weaver, Charles S. 
Walker, James. 
Wallace, Richard D. 
Whitehead, Thomas. 
Wright, Andrew R. 
Woodcock, Jonas. 
Wade, Vernon. 
Wright, William H. 
Wise, Whitlock. 
Wardwell, W^illiam. 
Walsh, Frank. 
Webb, Richard. 
Whitakt-r, John. 
Wrage, John. 
Walters, Edward. 
Wordell, George A. 
Wixon, Francis H. 
Whit<'head, George. 
Woodworth, William E. 
Wright, John. 
Wujnsley, William H. 
Womsley, Alexander. 
Woodcock, George. 
Walsh, William. 
Wild, William. 
Whipp, James B. 
Wordell, Francis A. 
Wood, John. 
Wilbur, Solomon. 
Wilbur, Otis U. 
Warren, Benjamin M. 
Walker, William H. 
Wilcox, James P. 
Whitehead, Edmund. 
Watts, Simon C. 
Welch, Thomas. 
Welch, Bartholomew. 
WiTiegar, Norman S. 
Walsh, William T. 



Williams, James H. 
Williams, Edmund. 
Wilbar, James H. 
Wilson, George. 
Wordell, Gardner K. 
Wyatt, Robert E. 
Walker, Thomas. 
Williams, Abiel. 



White, John. 

White, Patrick. 
Wooley, Alfred. 
Wood, Benjamin F. 
W^ood, Herbert A. 
Young, Joseph H. 
Young, George W. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

NATHANIEL BRIGGS BORDEN. 

Mr. Borden was a descendant in the seventh gener- 
ation of Richard Borden, who came from England in 
1635, and settled in 1638 in Portsmouth, R. I. The 
first English ancestor was from Bourdonnay, in Nor- 
mandy, and came to England as a soldier under Wil- 
liam the Conqueror. After the battle of Hastings 
(a.d. 1066) he was assigned lands in the county of 
Kent, where the family subsequently became wealthy 
and influential, and the village where they resided 
was named Borden. 

Early in the seventeenth century .John Borden re- 
moved to Wales, where his sons Richard and John 
were married, and after they had returned to their 
native town of Borden, in England, they embarked 
for America in May, 1635. The line of descent from 
Richard Borden, the first American ancestor, and from 
whom probably all of that name in this vicinity de- 
scended, is as follows: Richard', John'', Richard*, 
Joseph^, Abraham''', Simeon^, Nathaniel B.' 

Nathaniel Briggs Borden was born April 15, 1801, 
in Freetown, in that portion thereof subsequently set 
oft' and incorporated into a separate township by the 
name of Fall River, and he died in Fall River, April 
10, 1865, being five days less than sixty-four years old. 
He was born in the house which stood formerly on 
the west side of South Main Street, south of what is 
now Pocasset Street, and nearly opposite the south 
end of the present Pocasset Mill. The house had a 
local celebrity from the fact that two British soldiers 
were shot and killed at its eastern door when the 
British made their attack upon the village during the 
Revolutionary war. 

Simeon Borden, his father, was also born in Free- 
town in 1759, and continued to reside there until 
1806, when he removed to Tiverton, R. I., where he 
died Nov. 27, 1811. He was a man of generous im- 
pulses, possessed of a strong mind, and largely in- 
terested in the water-power at Fall River. The 
mother of Nathaniel, Amey Borden, nee Amey Briggs, 
was said to have been a woman of sterling traits of 
character and superior business qualifications. She 
was one of the original proprietors of the Troy Cot- 
ton and Woolen Manufactory, one of the earliest and 
largest manufacturing establishments in Fall River, 
then called Troy, incorporated in 1814. In consider- 
ation of a grant to the company of the land and U|)per 
fall, Upon which the mill was located, and by which 




c y ^cl 



k/^ 



FALL RIVER. 



371 



it obtained a relative control of the whole water- 
power, she received eleven of the one hundred shares 
constituting its capital stoclc. She died May 26, 
1817, leaving five children, of whom Nathaniel was 
the fourth. 

Nathaniel was but five year-s of age when his father 
removed to Tiverton, and only ten when he died. 
The greater part of his youth was spent there, upon 
the farm at what was called Nana Quaket. During 
the winter months he attended the country school, 
and assisted upon the farm the rest of the year. His 
mother sought to give him a liberal education, and 
for this purpose sent him to the Plainfield Academy 
in Connecticut, but as she died when he was only six- 
teen years of age this project had to be abandoned, 
and he returned home to enter thus early upon the 
busy conflict of life. Although his school education 
was indeed meagre, young Nathaniel made the best 
use of his opportunities, and his great interest in the 
success of the government of the then infant republic, 
kindled anew by his boyhood knowledge of the second 
war, led him to read and study well the best authors 
on government, paying particular attention to the 
writings and speeches of the statesmen of all coun- 
tries, especially to those of the fathers of our country. 

Having previously removed from Tiverton to Fall 
River, Mr. Borden associated himself with others in 
purchasing several mill-sites and adjoining lands, in- 
chiding the falls just west of Main Street, where the 
Granite Block and Pocasset Mills now stand. On 
the 15th of August, 1821, these associates held a meet- 
ing and organized as the Pocasset Manufacturing 
Company. Mr. Borden, though but a few mouths 
over twenty years of age, was chosen clerk and treas- 
urer of the corporation, and continued to hold these 
responsible positions to the entire satisfaction of the 
owners until January, 1838, when he resigned on ac- 
count of the pressure of public duties devolving upon 
him as a member of Congress. The Pocasset Manu- 
facturing Company, after its organization, proceeded 
it once to develop its property, voting at first to erect 
1 grist-mill, but subsequently changing its plans, 
srected what was known as the Old Bridge Mill, 
which was liuilt of stone, one hundred feet by forty 
feet, three stories high, and stood just north of the 
stream in front of the present Granite Block, on ter- 
ritory subsequently taken by the town in the widen- 
ing and straightening of Main Street. It seems to 
liave been one of the main purposes of the Pocasset 
Company in those days to encourage small manufac- 
turers, and to this end it erected buildings succes- 
iively for ten or fifteen years, which were leased to 
Jther parties. In 1825 the Satinet Mill, so called, 
was erected. In 1826 a stone building was erected on 
;he site of the present engine-room and picker-room 
5f the Pocasset Mill, where the old Quequechan 
Mill formerly stood. The next year still another 
stone building was put up, which was afterwards 
inown as the Massasoit, and now. as the Watuppa 



Mill. All the above buildings were let, the latter — 
which was thought to be so large that no one firm 
would want the whole of it, and consequently was 
built with a partition wall in its centre and two wheel- 
pits — being leased as a whole for fifteen years to that 
young master business-spirit of the time, Holder 
Borden. In this way the Pocasset Company fostered 
the early manufacturing enterprises of the town. 

And thus Mr. Borden, though scarcely twenty-five 
years of age, was continuously engaged in building 
operations, whether of dwellings, factories, or work- 
shops, in leasing the same, and in buying and con- 
veying real estate. 

In 1825, Mr. Borden, with others, obtained acts of 
incorporation from the Legislatures of Massachusetts 
and Rhode Island as the Watuppa Reservoir Com- 
pany, authorized to build a dam and make reserves 
of water in the Watuppa Ponds while yet the dam- 
ages for flowing the surrounding lands would be in- 
considerable, and realizing, it may be hoped, that 
some of the waters then in the ponds would ere long 
be wanted to quench the thirst of the population of 
the great and prosperous city that they conceived 
would grow up and occupy the territory betweeu the 
ponds and Mount Hope Bay. 

A man of large capacity, thus early schooled in 
taking responsible positions in the management of 
manifold industries, Mr. Borden's advice and aid 
were largely sought and highly appreciated. 

He was for many years in local public life as town 
clerk, selectman, assessor, and highway surveyor, be- 
lieving it to be the duty of every citizen to serve the 
public when called upon to occupy any oflicial posi- 
tion for which he was qualified. 

He was a member of the lower branch of the Mas- 
.sachusetts Legislature in 1831, 1834, 1851, and 1864, 
and was a member of the Senate in 1845 and 1847. 

At the time of the agitation of Freemasonry and 
Anti-Masonry he took decided grounds against secret 
institutions in a free country, believing them to be 
unnecessary and of no practical use in a country 
where the government is the people. Identified with 
the manufacturing interests from association and busi- 
ness, he acted in the earlier part of his adult life with 
the National Republican party, until the time when 
the Masonic question became a distinct issue, and 
then, as heretofore stated, he was found ojjposed to 
the Masonic fraternity. He advocated for those 
times a protective but not a stimulative tarifl', be- 
lieving that capital should be left free to invigorate 
all the industrial interests of the country. He was 
prominent among the early and personal friends of 
the slave, and made his house an asylum for the fugi- 
tives, many of whom he assisted, either directly or in- 
directly, on their way to Canada and freedom. In 
1834, at a time when it was fashionable to mob abol- 
itionists, he opened the Wasliington School-House, 
then his private property, in which to form an anti- 
slavery society. 



372 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In the winter of 1833-34 the questions of the re- I 
charter of the United States Bank and the removal of i 
the deposits were prominent subjects of public and 
private discussion, and Mr. Borden was found nearly 
in harmony with the Jackson party upon those ques- j 
tions. This led to his nomination as representative 
to Congress in the full of 1834, and he was suiiported j 
by both the Anti-Masonic and Jacksonian parties for 
that position. It was a spirited contest, and he was 
not elected until the third trial, being the first citizen 
of Fall River ever chosen to said office. In 1836 he 
was re-elected to the Twenty-fifth Congress by an 
overwhelming vote. The Twenty-fourth Congress 
comprised the last two years of the administration of 
Gen. Jackson, and the Twenty-fifth the first half of 
the administration of Martin Van Buren ; and besides 
the bank question, the tariff questions, and the em- 
barrassing questions of finance incident to the period 
of the most disastrous financial crisis through which 
the country has ever passed, the slavery question 
was even then dominant, and began to assume por- 
tentous magnitude. New Territories were being ac- 
quired, and new States were knocking at the "door of 
the Union, and in every instance the battle had to 
be fought over again whether they should be admitted 
unless their constitutions prohibited slavery. The pro- 
slavery party were seeking to annex Texas for the pur- 
pose of cutting it up into slave States, and the anti- 
slavery people of the North were pouring in a multitude 
of petitions for the abolition of slavery, only to be 
jeered at, and met by Congress with a rule that upon 
their presentation "all such petitions, without further 
action, should be laid on the table without being de- 
bated, printed, or referred." To Mr. Borden, whose 
heart was so earnest in the anti-slavery cause, it was 
a source of great satisfaction that in this severe con- 
flict, in influence, in committee, and in vote, if not in 
debate, he was privileged to ])articipate in the support 
of the "old man eloquent" in his triumphant battle 
for the right of petition. With him were such men 
as Joshua R. Giddings and Stephen C. Phillips and 
Levi Lincoln and George N. Briggs and Richard 
Fletcher and William B. Calhoun, whose names 
might well have been stereotyped into the multitude 
roll-calls, always in favor of the right of petition. 

In the election of 1838, in consequence of some 
modifications in his views relative to the United 
States Bank, for the purpose of relieving the finan- 
cial distress of the country, and his entire want of 
sympathy with the administration of Van Buren, and 
possibly his extreme anti-slavery principles, Mr. 
Borden was defeated, and the lion. Henry Williams, 
of Taunton, elected. 

But in 1840, Mr. Borden's friends again rallied to 
his support and elected him to the Twenty-seventh 
Congress, covering the period of the first half of the 
term for which President Plarrison was elected, but 
who, unlbrluuately for the country, soon died, and 
was succeeded by Vice-President Tyler, for whose 



administration no party seems to have had respect. 
Again the great struggle between slavery and freedom 
for the colored race was renewed, and while even 
then the pro-slavery party in Congress were plotting 
the destruction of the government, John Quincy 
Adams was threatened with expulsion by the House 
for presenting the petitions of the women of Massa- 
chusetts praying for the peaceable dissolution of the 
Union. Again Mr. Borden was only too glad to be 
there and stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Adams, 
whom he loved and venerated, until, after one of the 
most stormy conflicts, of eleven days' duration, such 
as even " our stormy hall of legislation" has rarely wit- 
nessed, the heroic old man's complete vindication 
and victory came, his assailants being discomfited 
and vanqui-shed, and their resolution ignoniiniously 
laid upon the table. 

At the close of the Twenty-seventh Congress, Mr. 
Borden declined a renomination. As a legislator he 
had extensive practical knowledge, a cool, deliberate 
judgment, and a firm purpose to do what he believed 
to be riglit regardless of personal or political conse- 
quences to himself. His convictions of duty were 
ever in advance of any real or supposed interests that 
were merely personal. 

Mr. Borden was a large owner of real estate, a good 
deal of which was situated in the very centre of the 
town, and when the great fire of 1843 visited the vil- 
lage he was one of the largest sufferers, having eleven 
buildings consumed, the loss of which was severely 
felt. His private residence on Second Street, nearly 
opposite the point where the fire started, was saved 
by the exertions of friends and neighbors, and was 
hospitably thrown open to those who had been less 
fortunate. Although somewhat disheartened his 
spirits rallied, and by the advice and eucouragement 
of his friends he immediately set about rebuilding in 
earnest. 

In 1846 the Fall River Railroad was opened as far 
as Myricks, and the next year it was extended to 
South Braintree, connecting there with the Old Col- 
ony Railroad. In 1847, Mr. Borden was chosen presi- 
dent, which position he held until 1854, when the 
Fall River Railroad was consolidated with the Old 
Colony Railroad, a measure to which he was opposed 
as being against the best interests of Fall River. 
During his connection with the railroad the Fall 
River steamboat line to New York was established, 
which added largely to his labors. Mr. Borden car- 
ried to this position the benefits of his large experi- 
ence, sound judgment, and practical knowledge, and 
discharged its (hitics with his accustomed zeal and 
efficiency. 

During the session of the State Legislature in IS.")!, 
the long and memorable contest for the election of a 
senator in Congress arose, wherein Robert C. Win- 
throp and Charles Sumner were the leading candi- 
dates. Mr. Borden was chosen to the Legislature on 
the Whig ticket, and to deal justly by his supporters 



FALL RIVER. 



373 



he continued to vote for his old friend and colleague 
in Congress, Mr. Winthrop, until by town meeting 
and by petitions from the people of his district, it 
appeared that a large majority were in favor of Sum- 
ner, whereupon he changed his vote, and has the 
credit of casting the one ballot which secured Sum- 
ner's election. As was natural, Mr. Borden's course 
was considerably criticised at the time, he was 
blamed for overlooking party lines in so acrimonious 
a contest, and >yas even charged with having been 
instrumental in procuring the expression of his 
townspeople in the mode it was given. But to Mr. 
Borden's credit be it said, that he was always a firm 
believer iu the right of the people to "give instruc- 
tions to their representatives," under Article XIX. 
of the Bill" of Rights of the Constitution of Massa- 
chusetts. He therefore, in cheerful obedience to the 
constitutional right of his constituents as well as in 
deference to his own personal preference, voted for 
Charles Sumner, and it is to be hoped that neither 
the people of Fall River nor of JIassachusetts ever 
had occasion to regret that vote. 

In 1856 he was chosen mayor of Fall River, and 
during the trying times of the winter of 1856-57, 
while the mills were stopped owing to the greatly de- 
pressed condition of the business of cotton manufac- 
ture, and hundreds were thrown out of employment 
and destitute, the constant and untiring efforts of 
Mr. Borden shone with a benevolence rarely sur- 
passed. He believed that starvation and suffering for 
want of food should never be permitted in a Chris- 
tian community having the means to alleviate them, 
and most nobly did he fulfill his duty. Employment 
was given to many of the idle laborers, having no 
legal settlement, at a very cheap rate in necessary 
work about the city. By this means great improve- 
ments were wrought upon the city farm and Oak 
Grove Cemetery, and in building new streets and re- 
pairing old ones at a very small cost to the tax- 
payers. Mr. Borden believed it to be a just and wise, 
as well as a humane policy, to provide for the wants 
of these people temporarily, and secure to the city at 
the same time the benefits of their cheap labor. 
They were thus retained at comparatively little ad- 
ditional expense to the city, where their useful ser- 
vices would again soon be in demand, and the ob- 
jectionable coui-se avoided of throwing them as a 
burden upon the State, with all the family disorder 
and social degradation consequent thereupon. If 
deeds of kindness and sympathy, coupled with well- 
directed charity, embalm a man's name in grateful 
remembrance, such will be the recollection of the 
name and character of Mr. Borden during this trying 
time. 

Mr. Borden was an alderman from 1859 until his 
death in 1865, and it mattered little what party or 
combination was formed against him in his own ward, 
the people there knew him, and that was sufficient to 
secure his election. He was president of the Fall 



River Union Bank, and of the Fall River Savings- 
Bank at the time of his death, positions which he 
had held for several years. 

In stature Mr. Borden was rather short and thick 
set, but not gross, with a genial countenance. Pos- 
sessed naturally of a happ)', cheerful disposition, he 
was a pleasant and agreeable companion, a kind and 
indulgent parent. 

In religious faith he was a Unitarian and a firm 
believer in both the justice and goodness of the 
Deity. He uniformly maintained that the best prep- 
aration for a happy future life was to do well here. 
Cant and pretence had little influence with him. 
"The doers of the word," and not the mere pretend- 
ers, were in his view Christians. "Show me thy 
faith without thy works, and I will show thee my 
faith by my works" was his favorite text and the rule 
of his conduct. 

And so by holiness in life and godliness in walk, 
he sought to be judged rather than by any show of 
the mere ceremonials of profession. Thus sought he 
his reward. It is what earth can neither give nor 
take away, " profitable unto all things, having prom- 
ise of the life that now is, and of that which is to 
come." 

Such a character is pleasant to contemplate. With 
a moral integrity unimpeached and unimpeachable, 
a large heart and generous sympathies, he passed 
through life, shedding light upon and assisting by 
kindly acts his fellow-man wherever found, without 
regard to the color of his skin, the place of his birth, 
or the nature of his creed. To oppression he was an 
enemy, to the oppressed a friend. 

At a special meeting of the City Council of Fall 
River, held on the day of his decease, the following 
preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

" mi'reas. It lias pleased Almighty God to call one of our pumber, 
the Hon. Natliauiel B. Borden, from the active Hrena of life to enter 
upon the untried scenes of eternity, one venerable in yeai-s, rich in ex- 
perience both in national, State, and municipal legislation, one who has 
filled the highest executive position in our city, it is therefore 

" Resolreil. That it is with feelings of solemnity and sorrow that we 
bow under this dispensation of His providence in severing from the 
midst of this board one whose services have so long been identified with 
its action, one whose long experience in the mtinicipal affairs of the city, 
together with his good judgment, enabled liim to give direction to its 
councils and decisions. 

" Refolved, That the members of this board sympathize with the family 
of the deceased in this theirsad bereavement, and commend them Uj the 
loving-kindness and compassion of our blessed Lord, wlio doth not wil- 
lingly afflict His children, but doeth all things, after the counsel of His 
own will, for our good. 

"i?e«o/ferf, That in token of our esteem for the deceased, we do attend 
his funeral in a body, and that the public oflfices of the city be closed on 
the afternoon of his funeral. 

" Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family 
of the deceased by the city clerk, and the same be published in the news- 
papers of the city." 

Resolutions of similar import were passed by the 
Fall River Savings-Bank, of which Mr. Borden was 
president at the time of his decease. 

Mr. Borden was four times married. By his first 
wife, Sarah Gray, he had five children, of wlvom two 



374 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



are still living. His second wife was Louisa Gray, 
to whom lie was married Dec. 10, 1840. She died 
June 4, 1842. 

On the 12th of February, 1843, he married for his 
third wife Sarah G. Buffum. By this marriage he 
had one son, still living. 

His fourth wife was Lydia A., daughter of William 
Slade, of Somerset, Mass., and widow of John Wilbur, 
of Fall River, whom he married March 14, 18.5.5. 
She is still living. 



COL. RICHARD BORDEN. 

The Borden family traces its ancestry through a 
long and honored lineage to the blood of the Norse- 
men, the fierce and warlike vikings of Scandinavia. 
Later on we find the ancestor of the Bordens of 
America a soldier with William the Conqueror, and 
was meted out his full share by that sanguinary 
chieftain of the spoils of war, and received his just 
distribution of the lands of the conquered Saxons. 
The ancestry of Col. Richard Borden is clearly 
traced to John Borden, of Kent County, England, 
who was a man of note in the realm. His sons, 
Richard and John, emigrated to America in 1635. 
John Borden and his descendants seem to have soon 
passed out of notice of their coteniporaries, but 
Richard Borden became prominently identified with 
the settlement of the northern portion of Rhode 
Island, and died May 25, 1671. From one of his 
sons, John Borden, a large number of the Bordens in 
this country are without doubt descended. His eld- 
est son, Richard, was born in 1671, died in 1732. 
The descent from this Richard Borden to Col. Rich- 
ard Borden, the subject of this memoir, is as follows: 
Richard', Tliomas'-, Richard', Thomas*, Richard". 
Thomas, father of Col. Richard, uuirried Mary Hath- 
away, and had thirteen children. 

Col. Richard Borden was born in what is now Fall 
River (then Freetown), April 12, 1795, and he was in 
his eighth year when Fall River was incorporated in 
1803. He was educated in the common schools in 
his native town, and after the period of boyhood, his 
early years were spent as a farmer, and to the end of 
life he continued his interest in that honorable pur- 
suit. But, step by step, he became identified with all 
the different leading business interests of the rajjidly- 
growing town, village, and city. He was early iden- 
tified with the maritime interests of the place, and 
gave fresh impulse to the local shipping pursuit when 
as yet it was but a rural village. While still a young 
man he ran a grist-mill (1812-20), which stood just 
west of the present Annawan Mill, where the corn of 
the whole region was ground. In company with his 
brother Jefferson, it was his custom to go down to 
Prudence and Conanicut Islands, in the sloop "Irene 
and Betsey," which carried about two hundred and 
fifty bushels of corn, and having secured a load, to 
return to Fall River and discharge it directly into the 



mill. The " Irene and Betsey" was also used as a 
packet between Fall River and the neighboring places, 
and the surplus meal was .sold in Warren, Bristol, or 
Providence, and a return freight secured of provisions, 
groceries, cotton, etc. Another mill was placed on 
the north bank of the creek, at the next fall above, 
where the Annawan Mill is now, and a tramway had 
been constructed from this mill (known as the Daven- 
port Mill, but owned by Richard Borden, the uncle of 
Col. Richard) to the shore, and a car run up and down 
this incline, drawn by a rope. This rope was wound 
on a drum, which connected by gearing with the 
water-wheel, and thus the water-power was made to 
do double service. The great strength of the colonel 
was always a marvel to the small boys sent on horse- 
back with a grist to grind, it being his ordinary feat, 
after putting two or three two-bushel bags of meal on 
the horse with the greatest ease, to take the boy and 
lift him to his place on top of all. It was about this 
period he joined Maj. Durfee in the construction of 
several small vessels, the lumber for which was pre- 
pared in a saw-mill adjoining the grist-mill. Here, 
too, the strength of the colonel found development, as 
single-handed he would roll into position great white- 
oak or mahogany butts, two feet through and twenty 
feet long. 

The year 1821 ushered in an important era in the 
history of Fall River. In that year was organized 
the Fall River Iron-Works Company, which for sixty 
years has been a powerful element in the financial 
operations of Fall River. In the organization of this 
company, that "earliest germ of the wealth of the 
city," Col. Borden took an active part, and was ap- 
pointed treasurer and agent, a position which he filled 
with distinguished ability up to the day of his final 
withdrawal from business, a period of over fifty years. 
The Iron-Works Company meeting with assured suc- 
cess almost from the start, soon turned its attention to 
the improvement of its landed estate, water-power, 
etc., and as part owners became largely interested in 
enterprises somewhat foreign to its own legitimate 
sphere of work. The agent of the company, as its 
representative, thus became an active participant in 
all these schemes, and the busine,ss tact and skill of 
Col. Borden were brought into fullest exercise. In 
this way the Iron-Works Company became owner in 
the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized in 1826; 
in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory ; in the 
Fall River Manufactory ; in the Annawan Mill, built 
by it in 1825 ; in the American Print-Works, whose 
buildings were all erected by the Iron-Works Com- 
pany in 1834, and leased to the Print-Works Com- 
pany ; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 1846 ; in the 
Fall River Railroad, opened in 1S46 ; in the Bay State 
Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; in the Fall River 
Gas- Works, built in 1847 ; as well as in the erection 
at various times of buildings which were leased to 
individuals for the establishment of business or pri- 
vate manufiicturing enterprises. 



FALL RIVER. 



375 



The care and development of the interests of these 
corporations brought into exercise those qualities 
which mark the highest order of business talent, and 
which in him were combined to a remarkable degree, 
namely, clearness of perception, excellent judgment, 
and great energy, together with the highest and purest 
moral integrity. Col. Borden was a thorough business 
man, and devoted himself untiringly to the trusts im- 
posed upon him. These were enough to crush any 
common man, but he possessed that happy faculty of 
dropping one subject completely and taking up an- 
other as occasion required, and when be left bis office 
he left his business there too, putting it oft' as an outer 
garment, so that in his home and in his family he was 
untrammelled and free from care, the loving father 
and grandparent, the genial host, the centre of the 
heart's warmest affections and highest esteem. 

It is not surprising, therefore, that be filled a most 
uncommon list of oflices of trust in the community 
and in the State. In the cotton manufacturing in- 
dustries of the city he was conspicuously interested, 
being identified with several companie.s either as 
originator or director. He was president and director 
of the American Print- Works, the American Linen 
Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, 
the Richard Borden Mill Company, and the Mount 
Hope Mill Company, and director of the Annawan 
and the Metacomet Mill Companies. He was presi- 
dent and director of the Fall River National Bank, 
director and treasurer of the Fall River Iron-Works, 
president of the Watuppa Reservoir Company, agent 
of the Fall River Furnace Company, and director of 
the Fall River Gas Company. In corporations oper- 
ating outside his own home his interests were also 
large and his administrative ability recognized. He 
was president of the Bay State Steamboat Company 
Providence Tool Company, Cape Cod Raihoad Com- 
pany, the Borden Mining Company of Frostburg, 
Md., and director in the Old Colony Railroad Com- 
pany. One of those men whom office has to seek, 
though his patriotism and conspicuous public service 
in an individual capacity might easily have secured 
him any position his ambition could have aspired to 
in bis native commonwealth, the legislative terms he 
filled both in the Senate' and House of Representa- 
tives were probably the most ungrateful duties of a 
long life of duty, and yet while the highest political 
position possessed no exaltation to attract him, his 
genuine appreciation of a citizen's duty would not 
allow him to refuse the humble town or village dig- 
nity of a.ssessor or highway surveyor, when his ser- 
vice seemed obviously needed. If there w'as one 
public recognition of his patriotism and public worthi- 
ness those who know him can fancy be took pleasure 
in, it was doubtless the honor accorded to him by the 



1 He \v;i3 elected to the Lower House in 1$71, and to the Senate in 
1S54. In the former he served on the Committee on Mercantile .\flairs 
and Insurance, and in tlie Senate on ttie Committee on Claims. 



people of casting one of the electoral votes of Massa- 
chusetts for the second time for Abraham Lincoln. 

Col. Borden's ship-building and boating experiences 
fitted him for further enterprise in the same line, and 
under the auspices of the Iron-Works Company a 
regular line of steamers was established between Fall 
River and Providence, commencing in 1827 with the 
steamer " Hancock." Other steamers had previously 
attempted to establish communication between Fall 
River and the neighboring places, but with only par- 
tial success. The " Hancock" was succeeded in 1832 
by the steamer " King Philip," the " King Philip" 
succeeded in 1845 by the steamer " Bradford Durfee," 
and in 1874 the steamer " Richard Borden" was also 
placed upon the route. 

One of the largest debts of gratitude which Fall 
River owes to Col. Borden is for the present admi- 
rable system of communication with New York and 
Boston. Up to 1846 there was no communication 
direct by steam with either city, though the traveler 
could, by going to Providence or Stonington, catch a 
train or a boat. At this time Col. Borden projected, 
and mainly by bis own effort constructed, a railroad 
from Fall River to Myrick's, to connect with the New 
Bedford and Taunton Railroad, and using the latter 
to join the Prov.dence Railroad and complete the 
route by rail to Boston. This was an eccentric way 
of reaching the State capital, and the next advance 
was consequently made to South Braintree, striking 
the Old Colony Railroad of that day. A satisfactory 
through route was thus secured ; but Col. Borden, not 
satisfied yet, was ambitious not only to have the com- 
munication opened for his favorite city, but to make 
it self-sustaining. With this view he organized the 
Cape Cod Railroad Company, of which he was presi- 
dent, and constructed a line from Middleborough 
down to the Cape, as a feeder for bis Fall River 
route. The care, administrative and executive abil- 
ity, and the financial involvement — for he was not 
only the designer but the banker of the enterprise- 
were excessive demands to be made upon one man in 
that comparatively early day; but Col. Borden's re- 
sources in all respects were equal to the exigency. It 
was bis good fortune soon to see bis railroad enter- 
prise at least relatively a success. His purpose in 
freeing Fall River from its isolation was at any rate 
accomplished, and in a year or two he was relieved of 
his new responsibility by a consolidation of the roads 
be bad constructed with the Old Colony. 

In the mean time, being the second year (1847) of 
the Fall River Railroad, observing the success of the 
two steamboat lines running between Stonington and 
Norwich (Conn.) and New York, Col. Borden deter- 
mined to inaugurate a similar water communication 
for Fall River. The capital appropriated was three 
hundred thousand dollars, and the line was started in 
1847 with the " Bay State," a fine craft for that day, 
built for the company, and the old "Massachusetts," 
chartered as an alternate boat. The following year 



376 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the " Empire State" was launched and put on the 
route, and in 1854 the mammoth "Metropolis," the 
most superb boat of lier period on Eastern waters. 
Both boats were paid for out of the earnings of the 
line, which was such a success as in 1850 to pay six 
per cent, monthly dividends for ten successive months. 

In 1864, dissatisfied with his connection witli Bos- 
ton via the Old Colony Railroad, Col. Borden obtained 
an act of organization and set about a second through 
route to Boston, starting from the west side of Mount 
Hope Bay, opposite Fall River. It was a great 
scheme, with a warranty of profitable result through 
its control of the New York boat connection, but en- 
tailing great eftbrt and care upon a man, however 
energetic and indefatigable, who was far advanced in 
life. Unquestionably the road would have been con- 
structed, but the Old Colony corporation could not 
permit a competing route to either terminus, and its 
policy, as it could not prevent the action of the new 
company, was to control it by a purcliase. The prop- 
osition was accordingly made to Col. Borden to trans- 
fer his charter to the Old Colony Company upon 
terms of a very favorable character to himself and 
his stockholders. Had he been in middle life, retain- 
ing the physical as he still did the mental vigor of 
maturity, it is doubtful if he would have entertained 
any proposition however favorable. In liis considera- 
tion of the business he determined to make it a con- 
dition of his acceptance that the Old Colony Rail- 
road Company should purchase the steamboat line to 
New York. With this proviso lie made known his 
acquiescence in the proposition, and after a short 
deliberation the Old Colony became possessed of the 
most profitable water route to New Y'ork, and at the 
same time secured relief from the certainty of a very 
dangerous competition. 

During the war of 1812, Col. Borden joined the 
local militia company as a private, and was jiromoted 
while yet in his minority. He was first commissioned 
ensign in a company of the Second Regiment of in- 
fantry July 30, 1814. Sept. 14, 1815, he was commis- 
sioned lieutenant in the same regiment. He received 
his first commission as captain April 11, 1818, and his 
second commission as captain May 2, 1822, both in 
the Fifth Regiment of infantry. He was made lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the same regiment June 28, 1823, 
and colonel March 12, 1828. After this promotion 
he withdrew from the service that others might gain 
for themselves as noble or higher honors. His pa- 
triotism during the late civil war, developed in a 
most active interest on behalf of the Union and an 
earnest care for the well-being of its defenders, will 
not be forgotten while tlie beautiful monument and 
grounds of the soldiers' burial-place, given by him, at 
the entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery, and the Rich- 
ard Borden Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
named in honor of his benevolence to the soldiers and 
their families in the trying days of the Rebellion, re- 
main to perpetuate liis memory. 



Personally, Richard Borden represented the best 
type of that pure, straightforward, stalwart Saxon 
virtue which has proven New England's best inherit- 
ance from the mother-country. His sympathies were 
given to all good things ; he was a man broad in his 
views, true and steadfast in his convictions and feel- 
ings. A sincere, outs|)oken"Christian in early life, 
identifying himself with those observant of the Sab- 
bath, the public services of the sanctuary and the 
requirements of the gospel, he became, in 1826, a 
member of the First Congregational Church of the 
city, and afterwards one of the leaders of the Central 
Congregational Church, which to his energy, liber- 
ality, piety, and judicious counsel is largely indebted 
for the success that has marked its subsequent history. 
In the mission Sabbath-school work he engaged with 
his characteristic energy, for a long time going seven 
miles out of the village for this purpose. His interest in 
this department of work continued so long as he lived. 
The benevolence of his nature flowed out as a deep and 
silent stream. He gave as to him had been given. 
None sought aid from him in vain when they presented 
a worthy cause. He was always willing to listen to 
the appeal of the needy, and sent none such empty 
away. " Home and foreign charities alike found him 
ready, yea, often waiting to attend on their calls, and 
among our institutions of learning not a few are ready 
to rise up and call him blessed for the timely aid ren- 
dered in the hour of their greatest need. Thus he 
came to be looked upon as the foremost citizen of the 
place, and his death left a void in the community 
which no one man will probably ever fill again. Gen- 
erous, noble-hearted, sagacious, enterprising, of un- 
tiring energy and spotless integrity, far-seeing, judi- 
cious, ever throwing his influence and his means on 
the right side, he presents a character for admiration 
and example which is fragrant witli all the best 
qualities of our New England life." 

'' Among his last contributions," says the Fall River 
Daily Eveniiir/ Nenis of Feb. 25, 1874, " w'as one of 
marked generosity to the State Temperance Alliance. 
The newly-dedicated Children's Home also counts 
him its most liberal benefactor. ... As one of the 
corporate members of the American Board of Com- 
missioners of Foreign Missions he w.is most highly 
esteemed, not only for his judicious counsel and genial 
fellowshiprbut also for his generous contributions." 

The cursory sketch of his business career which 
space has permitted will suggest the conspicuous 
qualities of Col. Borden's mind and temperament, as 
the world saw them and events caused them to de- 
velop. It is doubtful, liowever, if any qualities of his 
can be termed more conspicuous than others, among 
those who really knew him, so well rounded was his 
nature. His achievements were many and great, a 
few of them extraordinary in view of his resources 
and experience, yet he did not possess one spark of 
the so-called genius to which exceptional successes 
are generally ascribed. His brain was like his body, 



V 



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c^^:^x£elAxicC, 




^~sy ^pzn^-n^o<^. 



FALL RIVER. 



377 



robust and full of forces; his mental process direct 
and simple ; his faculties of perception and deduction 
more than the average in quickness and correctness 
of action ; his scope of observation and consideration 
general and yet eflective. He had, moreover, a thor- 
ough self-reliance and self-assertion, yet was not over- 
sanguine. The possession of such a mental structure 
always assures excellence of judgment and consequent 
success if combined with a suitable temperament, and 
such was the fact in the present instance. Col. Bor- 
den's nerve was strong and undisturbed by sudden or 
severe trials. Exceedingly honest of purpose, he was 
wonderfully persistent when his judgment supported 
his efforts, never giving up when legitimate means 
and thorough industry could compass an end he had 
started for. His industry was his conspicuous quality, 
if he had one. He was an indefatigable worker while 
the day lasted. • 

May 27, 1872, Col. Borden was stricken with paraly- 
sis, and from that day forward he was invalid. He 
sank to rest on the 2oth day of February, 1874, 

"Like one who wriips the drapery of his coudi 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams," 

Col. Richard Borden was a universally estefemed, 
beloved, and honored citizen, and his very memory 
is precious. 

Feb. 22, 1828, he united in marriage with Abby W., 
daughter of James Durfee, and their children are as 
follows: Caroline, Thomas J., Richard B., Edward 
P., William H. H., Matthew C. D., and Sarah W. 



DR. PHINE.^S W. LELAND. 

Dr. Phineas W. Leland w'as born in Grafton, Mass., 
in 1798. He entered Brown University, Providence, 
R. I., in 1821, but left college before the expiration of 
the usual term of four years, owing to ill health. He 
studied medicine with Dr. George C. Shattuck, of 
Boston, and received the degree of M.D. at Bowdoin 
College, Brunswick, Me., in 182(5, and practiced his 
profession for some time at Medfield, Mass., but 
abandoned it in 1834, and removed to Fall River, 
where he received the appointment of Collector of i 
Customs from President Jackson. This position he 
held in all about twenty years, being reappointed 
by the successive Democratic administrations. He { 
retired from this office in 1860, at the beginning of i 
President Lincoln's administration, and from that 
time until his death lived in retirement. In the fall 
of 1842, Dr. Leland was elected to the State Senate, 
and on taking his seat, in 1843, was elected jiresident 
of the Senate. Tliis is the only political office he 
ever held. He retained through life his early attach- : 
ment to the Democratic party, and was a constant 
attendant to the conventions of that party until his I 
retirement from public life. The excellence of Dr. 
Leland's personal character, his large public spirit, 
and above all the high standard of his literary attain- 



ments, gave him a marked individual prominence iu 
the community. He was always interested in every- 
thing, that tended to improve the literary taste of Fall 
River, and was identified with many plans to effect 
this result. He was one of the founders, and for 
many years president, of the Fall River Athenjcum, 
and when the Public Library was organized he was 
elected one of the trustees, a position he held until 
his death. He served on the building committee of 
the City Hall, and delivered the address on the occa- 
sion of its dedication in 1846. He was always active 
and ardent in all literary enterprises. Dr. Leland 
was for many years connected with the press, and 
liis writings were distinguished for a peculiar piquancy 
and brilliancy. He was the editor of the Fall River 
Patriot, a journal which was started iu 1836, and con- 
tinued four years. He was also the first editor of the 
Fall River WeeMij Neios, started in 1845, and after his 
connection with that journal was severed, he was an 
occasional and popular contributor. 

While a member of the State Senate he contributed 
a series of articles to tbe Boston Fost, entitled " Pen 
and Ink Sketches from the Gallery of the Senate 
Chamber," which werewLdely read and admired. He 
was always interested in the study of Indian history, 
and was thoroughly acquainted with all the Indian 
lore of this part of New England. For several years 
previous to his death he was very much of an invalid, 
and after many weeks of painful suffering he rested 
Jan. 22, 1870, aged seventy-one years. 



SAMUEL HATHAWAY. 

Samuel Hathaway was born in Freetown, Mass., 
Oct. 31, i807, his parents being Samuel Hathaway 
and Hannah Cook. Wlien he was ten years of age 
his mother, with her four children, of whom he was 
the eldest, removed to Fall River. His educational 
.advantages were limited, and at an early age he was 
obliged to leave school and assist in the support of 
the family. In 1824 he became employed at Robe- 
son's Print Works, where he learned the trade of a 
color-mixer, and became overseer of the color-shop. 
He subsequently became manager of the Print Works, 
which position he retained until 1848, when Mr. An- 
drew Robeson, Sr., then the principal proprietor, re- 
tired from business, and the establishment changed 
hands. Mr. Hathaway then severed his connection 
with the Print Works, and retired to agricultural 
pursuits in the suburbs of the city, a business to which 
he devoted most of the remaining portion of his life. 

Mr. Hathaway was one of the first to organize the 
Citizens Savings-Bank in 1851, and was ever after till 
his death one of its board of investment. In 1854 he 
assisted in organizing the Pocasset Bank, of which he 
was the rest of his life a director, and during his last 
ten or twelve years its president. As a banker he was 
noted for his sound judgment, strict integrity, and 
faithful performance of all the trusts reposed in him. 



378 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



He was also largely interested in tlie manufac- 
turing interests of Fall River, having been a prime 
mover in organizing the Robeson Mills, and an active i 
participant in the founding of the Stafford and Davol 1 
Mills. He was a director in the Watuppa, Granite, i 
Robeson, Davol, and Stafford Mills, from the time of 
their organization, and was the president of the Robe- [ 
son Mills and a director in the Manufacturers' Gas 
Company. I 

In all these responsible positions his judgment was j 
valued by his associates. For politics and office- 
holding he had little taste, though always earnest in 
the support of correct principles and the elevation of 
the most suitable men to office. He was a member of 
the board of aldermen for one year, declining a re- 
election at the expiration of his term. Though fre- 
quently importuned to become a candidate for the 
office of mayor, he always declined. 

For many years Mr. Hathaway was one of the 
foremost and most valued citizens of Fall River. 
Possessed of a rugge.d and independent character, he 
was always bold in his denunciation of shams and 
frauds, and earnest in the defense of what he consid- 
ered to be just and true. His uprightness and integ- 
rity were known to all men, and no one had a greater 
share of public confidence in all fiduciary relations. 
He was an earnest friend of temperance and active in 
all efforts for the moral welfare of his native city. He 
was a friend of the widow and orphan, an earnest 
hater of pretenses, and will long be remeinbered for 
the sterling virtues of his character. His life was 
well spent, and the memory of his good deeds and 
upright life will long survive him. 

Mr. Hathaway married Abby Warren, daughter of 
Joseph and Rhoda Warren, March 21, 1.832. She 
was born Aug. 10, 1811, in Fall River, and died Feb. 
10, 1869. They had ten children, four of whom died 
in infancy, and daughter Mary, at sixteen years of 
age. The surviving children are: Abbie, wife of 
Eleazer Waldron, of Fall River; Edward E. ; Marion 
A., wife of Henry Fry, of Providence; Samuel W., 
and Clarence M. 

Mr. Hathaway died on the 10th of April, 1873, aged 
sixty-five years and five months. 



HON. OLIVKR CHACE. 
Hon. Oliver Chace was born in Swansea, Mass., 
Nov. 11, 1812. He is descended in a direct line from 
William Chase, who was the first of the name settling 
in America, and who came from England in the fleet 
with Governor Winthrop in 1630, bringing with him 
his wife, Mary, and his eldest son, William, then a 
lad about eight years of age. The first residence of 
William Chase was in Roxbury (now Boston High- 
lands), Mass., where he lived until 1637. He vv-as a 
carpenter by trade, and in the winter of 1637-38 made 
a settlement with Stephen Bachiler and others in Yar- 
mouth, Barnstable Co., Mass., dwelling there until 



his death in May, 1659. The place of his residence 
in Yarmouth was near Stony Cove, and his " farm 
fence" is designated as a boundary in several deeds 
and other documents. 

William' Chase was born in England about 1622, 
came with his father to America, married and settled 
near Herring River, on tlie east side of the Bass 
River in Yarmouth, now Dennis or Harwich. His 
children, born from 1640 to 1672, were connected 
with the Society of Friends. He died in 1685. 

Joseph' Chase, son of William'', married Sarah 
Sherman, and reared a large family. He was a 
member of the Friends' Meeting at Sandwich, Mass., 
in 1681. In 1688 he was at Portsmouth, R. I., and 
was a prominent member of the Rhode Island 
Friends' Meeting until his death, in 1724, at Swan- 
sea, Mass. 

Job* Chase, son of Joseph', was born Aug. 21, 
1698, married Patience Bourne Sept. 6, 1718, and 
resided in Swansea. His will was proved Dec. 25, 
1766. The family name of his wife is variously 
spelled " Born," " Burne," " Bowen," and "Bourne," 
tradition and ancient records favoring the latter 
orthography. 

Jonathan* Chase, son of Job, was born May 11, 
1728. He married Mary Earle May 13, 1754, and 
had eleven children, of whom Oliver was the sev- 
enth. Oliver was born Aug. 24, 1769. He married 
Susanna Buffinton Sept. 15, 1796, by whom he had 
.seven children. He married (second) Mrs. Patience 
Robinson ; no issue. He enjoyed in early life few of 
the advantages of birth or circumstances. His father's 
patrimony was an extremely limited one, and the son's 
education correspondingly restricted, especially was 
this a result of the stormy period of the Revolution. 
Inured to toil and compelled to be industrious in early 
boyhood, he naturally became noted in after-life for his 
application and perseverance. In 1806 he took the 
agency of a small mill in Swansea, in which he became 
part owner, and commenced the manufacture of cot- 
ton yarns. In 1813 he removed to Fall River, and in 
company with Eber Slade, Sheft'el Weaver, Hezekiah 
Wilson, Benjamin Slade, Amey Borden, and others, 
erected the Troy Mill and became its agent. At that 
time Fall River was a village of but a few hundred 
inhabitants. It was mainly through his efforts that 
the Pocasset Company was projected and established 
in 1821, and for many years he controlled and man- 
aged its interests. He was remarkable for the pos- 
session of many prominent traits of character, among 
which may be mentioned clear and sound judgment, 
punctuality, industry, and integrity. He was the first 
to spell the family name "Chace." He died at Fall 
River in 1852. 

Hon. Oliver Chace came with his parents from 
Swansea to Fall River in 1813, when only one year of 
age. His education was obtained at the district 
schools in Fall River, and at the Friends' school in 
Providence, R. I. Upon leaving school he entered 




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En^^-byAH.BUiM<i 




dJj^^^-C'^ 



FALL RIVEK. 



379 



the variety store of Caleb Vickery, where he remained 
but a short time. He then accepted a clerkship in 
the office of the cotton manufactory of Chace & 
Luther, his brother being the senior partner. A few 
years latef he formed a copartnership with Israel Buf- 
fington, under the firm-name of Buffington & Chace, 
and engaged in the manufacture of cotton laps, which 
business he continued until 1838, when in company 
with Joseph C. Anthony, firm-name Chace & An- 
thony, he engaged in the manufacture of cotton yarns. 
In 1840 he erected the Mount Hope Mills, of which 
he was sole proprietor and business manager for more 
than twenty-five years. He also conducted a large 
farm located in that part of Tiverton, R. 1., now Fall 
River, Mass., including part of the Park and lands 
adjacent on the south. He was a director of the 
National Union Bank from 1842 to 1854. In 1851 he 
was prominent in establishing, and was one of the 
corporators of the Citizens' Savings-Bank, and was 
trustee and member of its board of investment until 
June 9, 1856. He was one of the corporators of the 
Poeasset National Bank in 1854, and was its president 
from the time of its incorporation until June 7, 1862. 
He was interested in various enterprises, and assisted 
in establishing and building up many of the great 
manufacturing concerns of Fall River, which stand 
to-day as monuments to the energy and enterprise of 
their founders. While his was eminently an active 
business life, he was repeatedly called by his fellow- 
citizens to fill important trusts. He was an assessor 
of taxes, an overseer of the poor, a member of the 
Town Council, and was several times elected to the 
General Assembly of Rhode Island, both as repre- 
sentative and senator. In politics he was a Whig and 
a Republican. 

He was the originator of the Fall River Manufac- 
turers' Mutual Insurance Company, which was estab- 
lished solely by his untiring zeal and persistent energy. 
He was its president from its organization until his 
death May 6, 1874, and devoted his time and strength 
to its management even to the detriment of his 
health. He was a birthright member of the Society 
of Friends. He married, Nov. 22, 1835, Mary E., 
daughter of William S. N. and Mahitable (Church) 
Allan, of Newport, R. I. She was born Oct. 4, 1813. 
Their children are Oliver, born Jan. 24, 1837 (died 
18371; Benjamin A., born March 19, 1840, married 
Sarah R. Durfee Jan. 27, 1864; Susan A., born Nov. 
20, 1842 (died 1800) ; Mary E., born Nov. 17, 1844, 
married Crawford E. Lindsey May 27, 1863, and Wil- 
liam O., born 1847 (died 1848). 

Mr. Chace was an outspoken and jiersistent oppo- 
nent of American slavery, an advocate of temperance 
and other reforms, and was to the full measure of his 
ability a helper of those around him who needed and 
deserved encouragement and assistance, and was a 
considerate and generous friend to the poor. He was 
a man of positive character, but kind and generous 
in his impulses, of quick perception and sound judg- 



ment. Public spirited to a fault, active and earnest 
in all he did, he brought to bear upon whatever he 
undertook great enthusiasm and the whole strength 
of his nature. 

COOK BORUHN. 

The Bordons from whom he is descended were 
originally from Bourdonnay, an ancient village in 
Normandy, France. The first of the name in Eng- 
land was a soldier under William the Conqueror, 
who, after the battle of Hastings (a.d. 1066), was as- 
signed lands in the County of Kent. Here the family 
subsequently acquired wealth and influence, and the 
village where they resided was named Borden. 

The father of Richard and John Borden, the first 
emigrants to America, removed to Wales in order to 
secure to his family larger religious liberty than they 
could enjoy in England. Richard and John married 
in Wales, and afterwards returned to Borden. Eng- 
land, with a view of emigrating to America, which 
they did in 1635, in the ship "Elizabeth," Roger 
Cooper, master. For a short time they resided near 
Boston, but preferring the greater freedom of Rhode 
Island, they chose that colony as their future home. 
. Richard) the elder brother, and progenitor of the 
family to which this writing refers, chose, with other 
pioneers, the north end of the island, and was one of 
three men to lay out the original town of Portsmouth, 
R. I. His so^ Matthew, born there in May, 1638, 
was the first white child born on the island of Rhode 
Island. 

John, the fifth son of Richard and Joan Borden, 
was born in Sej5tember, 1640 ; married Mary, daughter 
of William Earle, and died June 4, 1716. His wife, 
Mary, died in June, 1734, aged seventy-nine years. 
He was a prominent Friend, and was extensively 
known among the Friends at a distance as •' John 
Borden, of^ Quaker Hill, Portsmouth, R. I." 

Richard, of the third generation, was the eldest 
son of John Borden, and was born Oct. 24, 1671. 
He was a large land-owner in Tiverton. He and his 
brother Joseph bought of Capt. Benjamin Church 
twenty-six and a half thirtieths of the mill-stream 
and mill-lot at Fall River, which he bequeathed, 
with other lands, to his four sons, John, Thomas, 
Joseph, and Samuel. He died July 12, 1732. 

Thomas Borden, through whom the family line is 
continued, was born Dec. 8, 1697, and married Mary 
Gilford, 1721. He was a farmer and considerable 
land-owner in Tiverton, and owned a large interest in 
the Fall River stream. He died in 1739, in the 
forty-third year of his age. 

Richard Borden, of the fifth generation, was a 
farmer and mill-owner in Fall River. During the 
Revolution he was taken a prisoner by the British, 
and carried to Newport, R. I. While on his way a 
chain-shot from the American fort at Bristol killed 
two British soldiers who had him in charge, while he, 
lying close upon the deck, escaped unharmed. He 



380 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



died July 4, 1795, aged seventy-four years. This 
Richard was the graudfatlier of Cook Borden. His 
wife was Hope Cook, whom he married Marcli 12, 
1747. His sons were Tliomas and Richard, tlie last 
named being the father of the subject of this memoir. 

Richard Borden, of the sixth generation, married 
Patty Bowen, and had ten children, of whom Cook 
was the seventh in the order of birth. He was also 
the seventh in descent from the original Richard 
Borden, who came from England in 1635. Of the 
eleven children of the first Richard and his wife Joan, 
Mary, the youngest, married John Cook in 1684. 
Thus early the Bordens and Cook.s became intermar- 
ried, and from this came the given name of our sub- 
ject. The Cooks were among the early settlers of 
Rhode Island, and also of Eastern Massachusetts. 

Cook Borden was born in Fall River, Mass. (in that 
portion then Tiverton, R. I.), Jan. 18, 1810. He mar- 
ried Mary A. Bessey, Jan. 1, 1832, and about that time 
built a residence on his estate in Tiverton, where he 
spent the remainder of his life, and where his widow 
and sons now reside. By the change of boundary line 
it has since come into Fall River. Before the change 
Mr. Borden held the office of assessor in his town, and 
represented it one term in the Legislature. He was, 
however, a business man rather than a politician, and 
never souglit the honors or emoluments of office. He 
was a self-made man, and rose to the prominence 
which he attained chiefly by his own exertions. The 
weiglit of his character gave him position and respec- 
tability, although few men have been able to look 
back to a nobler line of ancestors. Few men have 
better illustrated the dignity of labor or the value of 
econo?ny in early manhood. 

His father died when he was about eighteen, and 
his first money was procured by liis own labor. When 
starting out in business he sold the portion of the 
farm left him by his father, situated west of Main 
Street, for a sum not exceeding twelve hundred dol- 
lars, and this was all the capital he had, except wliat 
he made for himself. Before he embarked in business 
on his own account he worked several years for Frost 
& Gurney, the original lumber dealers of Fall River. 
He then commenced the lumber business for himself 
near Lindsey's Wharf, on lands now occupied by the 
new freight depot of the Old Colony Railroad Com- 
pany. His business grew to be large and profitable, 
and in 1846 he bought Bowenville, and removed liis 
yard to the site which it now occupies. 

Mr. William Cogswell, cashier of the old Tiverton 
Bank, was his partner for many years from the first 
inception of the business, and he had other partners, 
until at last his sons, who had grown up in the busi- 
ness, took their places by his side, and have carried 
on the business since his death, the style of the firm, 
" Cook Borden & Co.," remaining unchanged. 

For some time Mr. Borden operated in lumbering 
in Western Pennsylvania, and at the same time car- 
ried on his business in Fall River. 



We have mentioned the marriage of Mr. Borden to 
Mary Bessey on the first day of the year 1832. Mrs. 
Borden still survives. Their children have been : (1) 
Mary J., died young ; (2) Mary J., married Dr. James 
W. Hartley, May 1, 1853; (3) Theodore W., married 
Mary L. Davol, June 10, 1859; (4) Avis, died young; 

(5) Philip H., married Ruth A. Dennis, Oct. 8, 1861 ; 

(6) Jerome C, died young; (7) Jerome C, married 
Emma E. Tetlow, June 28, 1870. 

Mr. Borden died Sept. 20, 1880, in the seventy-first 
year of his age. From notices published at the time 
of his death we select the following, which is no over- 
drawn estimate of his character and worth as a man 
and a citizen : 

" Mr. Borden from his birth, which occurred in this 
city in 1810, by his long business life and close asso- 
ciation with the varied industries of the city, was as 
intimately connected with Fall River, its peculiari- 
ties and aspirations, as a man well could be. Related 
by ties of blood to most of our old families, and ac- 
quainted by business associations with almost every- 
body in the city who had connections with our man- 
ufacturing and merciintile interests, he was one of the 
best known of our prominent men. His acquaintance 
was confined to no one class ; the operative, the laborer, 
the mechanic, the fisherman, the tradesman, the man- 
ufacturer, the professional man, the clergyman, all 
knew him; and in his long, large list of acquaint- 
ances there was not one that did not know him to 
respect him. Naturally reserved and reticent, he 
was better known upon closer acquaintance. There 
was nothing about him flashy or eager; he was solid, 
conservative, steady. 

"Mr. Borden was not selfish or avaricious. Many 
a man now lives in Fall River who has tested his 
kindness of heart and willingness to help one who 
was trying honorably to help himself. He was also 
a man of deep religious convictions, and for many 
years had been a consistent and earnest member of 
the First Baptist Church of Fall River. He was al- 
ways to be found in his seat on Sundays in the days 
of his health, and never tired in service or in giving. 
He was one of the largest contributors to his church 
and other religious agencies. 

"Mr. Borden was fond of out-of-door sports, espe- 
cially of fishing. He knew all about our coast and 
the best fishing-grounds. He was almost an authority 
on these matters. In pleasant weather he delighted 
to be on the water, and was an expert in the use of 
the fishing-line. 

"He always applied himself to business, and his 
life was one of labor and constant application. In 
his large lumber business, one of the best-known es- 
tablishments of the kind in this part of New England, 
he has lately been associated with his three sons. 
The business grew from a modest beginning into large 
dimensions. He has held a long list of offices of 
trust, and his death will leave many vacancies to be 
filled. He was president of the Union National 




CyO Ix.a^^i^.^^ 



FALL RIVER. 



381 



Bank, a member of the Board of Investment of the 
Union Savings-Bank, a director in the Chace, Richard 
Borden, and Tecumseh Mills. 

" His life «as gentle, and the elements so mixed in 
him that nature might stand up and say to all the 
world, 'This was a man.'" 



W. B. TRAFFORD. 
William B. Trafford, son of William Bradford and 
Sarah (Castinow) Trafford, was born in Dartmouth, 
Mass., Dec. 5, 1819. He was descended, in the sixth 
generation, from a prominent Protestant family of 
England, which, under the popish persecutions, suf- 
fered much in person and estate. The first Trafford 
ivho started for America was a wealthy gentleman 
living near London. He was selected as a victim for 
death during the last Catholic persecution in Eng- 
land, and was warned when the officers coming to 
irrest him were approaching his house, and not 
having time to escape he hastily put on his groom's 
clothes and engaged in labor in the stables. The 
officers came, found no one but the grooms, and de- 
parted. Trafford then left the place, and chartered a 
vessel to remove himself and family to America. 
Here he passes from our knowledge. Whether he 
(vas captured and was executed, or died while at sea, 
ire equally unknown to us. The vessel, however, 
came to America, and landed at Dartmouth, Mass., 
nbout 1690, bringing his two sons, one of whom was 
riiomas. The English estates were confiscated, and 
reverted to the crown. Thomas settled in Dartmouth, 
married, and had children. The other son settled in 
New Jersey, and his descendants are numerous in the 
Middle and Western States. From the landing at 
Dartmouth the Trafford family has been connected 
ivith the history of Bristol County. The oldest son 
Df Thomas and the only child attaining maturity was 
Philip. He had a son Joseph, who was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier under Washington. Tradition says 
that once, while he was standing guard, Washington 
endeavored to make the rounds without giving the 
countersign. He succeeded in pa.ssing two of the 
guards, but Trafford refused to let him pass until he 
had given the proper countersign. From that time 
Joseph Trafford was the one chosen for duties of 
great trust and especial responsibilities, and he was 
rapidly promoted, becoming one of the best officers 
in his division. He lived and died in Dartmouth, 
leaving seven children, Samuel, Joseph, William 
Bradford', Philip, Phebe, Euth, and Naomi. (We 
find in family records that Joseph had a brother 
Elihu, who with two others ran a vessel from New 
Bedford to New York and up the Connecticut River. 
While the vessel was moored at New Bedford, Elihu 
and two others started on foot to visit their friends in 
Dartmouth. When but a short distance out they ob- 
served British soldiers following them, when they 
shot at them, and the soldiers returning their fire in- 



stantly killed all three.) Joseph lived to a hale old 
age, and was esteemed for his strength of character 
and general worthiness. 

William Bradford Traflbrd, the first of this family 
to bear the name of the old colonial Governor, was 
born in Dartmouth, and was a mariner. He had two 
daughters, Ruth and Nancy A., and one son, William 
Bradford". (Nancy, born Feb. 11, 1811, is now living 
at Westport, Mass.) He left not much to record, as 
shortly before the birth of his son he went to sea, 
where he probably was lost, as he never returned, and 
no tidings ever came of him. 

William B. Trafford'- had very limited advantages 
of schools, and from the age of ten, when he began 
to work in the mills at Fall River, until his death he 
was constantly at work with hands and brain, and 
during his long and busy career no one ever won 
more or warmer friends. The support of his mother's 
family in time largely devolved on him, and well did 
he discharge the trust. (His mother is yet living at 
Westport, Mass., aged ninety-one. She married a 
second time a Mr. Lewis, and George and Elijah 
Lewis, so long connected with Mr. Trafford in the 
Westport Manufacturing Company, were her sons by 
this marriage. She was daughter of Raymond Cas- 
tinow, who emigrated to America from France, mar- 
ried Phebe Salisbury, resided in Westport, Mass., and 
had seven children, — Raymond, John, Phebe, Martha, 
Hannah, Barbara, and Sarah C, — and died aged sev- 
enty-six. Mrs. Castinow died aged forty-seven.) 
From his fifteenth year Mr. Trafford carried on busi- 
ness for himself, hiring machinery and working dili- 
gently, and developed those traits of economy and 
thrift so marked in later life. In the spring of 1846 
he entered into copartnership with a fellow-workman, 
Angustus Chace, as Chace & Trafford. They had 
only a small beginning, the savings from their wages 
as mill operatives. Mr. Chace contributed two thou- 
sand three hundred dollars, Mr. Trafford seven hun- 
dred dollars. With this capital they purchased a 
small lot and water privilege at Globe village, and 
put up a very small mill for spinning coarse yarn, for 
which their means would only allow the purchase of 
second-hand machinery. The machinery being in 
poor order it was not easy to hire operatives, but the 
partners were men whose capacity for work enabled 
them alone to achieve as much labor as six hired 
operatives. The stream was small, and as it furnished 
their only power, to avoid the waste of any water they 
very frequently ran their machinery night and day, 
and for a long period habitually they would work 
until two or three o'clock in the morning. To such 
labor there could only come one result, — ^wealth. 
After enlarging the capacity of this mill they pur- 
chased the Westport mill, Mr. Trafford taking the 
management of that, and settled in Westport in June, 
18-54. About 1861 the interests were divided, Mr. 
Trafford and his half-brothers, George and Elijah 
Lewis, who had been previously connected with the 



3812 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



business, taking the Westport Mills, which were or- 
ganized and operated by the Westport Manufacturing 
Company. Mr. Traffbrd continued as business man- 
ager until liis death, Feb. 4, 1880, having, however, 
returned to Fall River Sept. 16, 1876, where he con- 
tinued to reside till his death. His brothers attended 
as well to the mechanical departments as he to the 
financial, and all worked in harmony. Additions 
and extensive improvements were from time to time 
made, and the company has been very prosperous. 

Mr. Tratford married, first, Abby W. Borden, May 
15, 1842. She died Nov. 2, 1856. Their children 
were William C, Andrew R., Charles A., and Orrin 
F. April 19, 1858, he married Rachel M., daughter 
of Perry and Ruth (Macomber) Davis. Their chil- 
dren are Allison W., H. Lester, Perry D., and Ber- 
nard W. (A most wonderful and strong attachment 
exists between the four older children and the second 
wife of Mr. Trafford. She has nobly filled a mother's 
place in their young lives, and her care and attention 
has been fully appreciated by them. Her comfort is 
their first care.) All the children are living but 
Orrin F., who was thrown from a buggy Nov. 18, 
1880, and instantly killed. William C. succeeds his 
father as manager of the Westport Manufacturing 
Company. Andrew R. resides in Westport, and has 
three children,— Abby W., Orrin L, and Edith C; 
Orrin left two daughters, — Rachie B. and Oreua F. 
Charles A. and Allison W. reside in Providence, R. I. 
Charles has two children,— Minnie E. and William' 
Bradford. Henry L., Perry D., and Bernard W. are 
residing with their mother in Fall River. 

Mr. Trafford was a consistent member of the Frank- 
lin Street Christian Church, of Fall River. He was 
Republican in politics, and as such represented the 
town of Tiverton, R. I., in the State Legislature as 
senator in 1857. For many years he wa.s a director 
in the Fall River National Bank. A beautiful and 
costly monument marks his resting-place in the Oak 
Grove Cemetery at Fall River, but his memory will 
be kept green in the hearts of the many who learned 
to prize him for his unassuming worth, his pleasant 
ways, his sterling integrity, and his liberality to all 
worthy social, public, and religious causes. He was 
more than an ordinary man. Without early educa- 
tion, he rose, by the forpe of his own ability, to stand 
in the front rank of the business men of his day, and 
left a large estate as the result of his ability. In re- 
ligious, business, social, and family relations his death 
left a vacuum in many hearts that can never be filled 
by another. 

THOMAS ALMY. 
No sketch of the lives of men who have contributed 
to the upbuilding of the social and material growth 
of Fall River would be complete without mention of 
the late Thomas Almy. With his name more than 
tliat of any other citizen must always be associated 
the history of journalism in Fall River. His life 



spanned almost the entire period in which Fall River 
journalism grew from fitful and spasmodic ventures 
into a permanent and powerful influence in directing 
the thought and energies of the community. 

Thomas Almy's life was spent in this city, or within 
a few miles from it. He was born in the neighboring 
town of Tiverton, R. I., on Feb. 28, 1819. His par- 
ents were Deacon Thomas and Lydia (Bailey) Almy, 
and his early life was spent on a farm in iiis native 
State, where he developed that strong character and 
sturdy manliness which distinguished him in his more 
mature years. He enjoyed such advantages and edu- 
cation in his youth as substantial New England farm- 
ers there gave to their children. His affectionate dis- 
position and amiability of temper made him popular 
with his youthful associates, and many of the friend- 
ships made when he was a lad were maintained all his 
life. His willingnessto work and unwillingness toshirk 
his just share of the labor such as was then incidental 
to the life of a boy on a farm were exhibited throughout 
all his boyhood and youth, and afterwards, even under 
trying conditions and in ill-health, won distinguishing 
characteristics in all his relations of life. When he 
left the farm he went to Bristol, R. I., where he be- 
came apprenticed in the printing business to Hon. W. 
H. S. Bailey, at the office of the Bristol Phienix. In 
this establishment heJearned thoroughly the printer's 
trade. His next change was made by a removal to 
: Providence, R. I., where he was engaged as a compos- 
i Itor at the office of the Providence Journal. The coun- 
t fry lad soon was recognized as having much promise. 
His fidelity, integrity, and energy were manifested in 
both cities, and in later years he would speak with 
aftectionate admiration of his early employers and 
those who befriended him in his youth. After Mr. 
Almy had attained his majority he decided to start in 
business for himself, and his attention was called to 
Fall River, which had then acquired some promi- 
nence as a manufacturing town. He came to this 
city before 1840, and after working for a short time 
in the office of the Patriot, a small weekly paper, he 
associated himself in business with the late Louis 
Lapham, and commenced the publication, in 1841, of 
the weekly Archetype. This journal was subserpiently 
followed by the Weekly Argus, of which Mr. Almy and 
the late Jonathan Slade were the publishers, but, like 
its predecessor, this sheet had a fitful existence, and 
the young publisher had the misfortune of losing his 
office and material in the great fire of 1843. He was 
not disheartened by his loss, and soon after com- 
menced the publication of the Mechanic, and still 
later the Wampanoag. In all these ventures there 
was much hard work and anxiety, but the earnest, 
ambitious young printer was not so easily discour- 
aged. He played a manly part and was constantly 
making friends. These weeklies invariably incul- 
cated the importance of the temperance reform and 
the elevation of the working-classes. In 1845, when 
the old Whig and Democratic parties were wrestling 





^2^. 



7^. 



FALL RIVER. 



383 



"or the control of the country, a number of leading 
Democrats in Fall Eiver decided to start a weekly 
aewspaper which was to represent the principles of 
:hat party in this city. These gentlemen employed 
Mr. .\lmy and Mr. John C. Milne, also a young printer 
It that time, to manage the printing and publication 
jf their paper. 

In this way was born the Week!// iVVuw, with which 
f)aper all of Mr. Alniy's subsequent years were most 
Dtimately associated. The enterprise was arduous, 
aborious, and difficult. The responsibilities thrown 
ipon the two young publishers seemed very great, 
3ut industry and perseverance surmounted all obsta- 
;Ies. One by one the original proprietors sold their 
nterest to the firm of Almy & Milne, until they be- 
;ame the sole owners of the journal. Among their 
sarly contributors were Dr. Foster Hooper, Dr. 
Phineas W. Leland, Jonathan Slade, Esq., and the 
Rev. John Westall, who wijs ever afterwards Mr. 
Mirny's loved and trusted friend. The Week/;/ News 
•emained an adherent of the Democratic party until 
.hat organization became fatally entangled in the 
neshes of the slave power, and the publishers, after 
idopting the principles of the anti-slavery movement, 
)ecanie identified with the rising and growing Repuh- 
ican party. The increase of population in Fall River 
lemanded a daily paper, and in 1859, the year before 
he outbreak of the great civil war, the Daily News 
vas started, and its publication has been witnessed 
imultaneously ever since with that of the Weekly 
Vews. The co-partnership of Almy & Milne was 
lever dissolved until the death of Mr. Almy. In 
.8(i4 it became Almy, Milne & Co., by the addition 
)f 5Ir. Franklin L. Almy, who bad been an employe 
u tlie ottice from the very beginning. The prosper- 
ty of the paper was largely due to the sound judg- 
nent, excellent sense, and unwearied efforts of Mr. 
\^lmy, who never spared any honorable means to 
nake it worthy of sound popular approval. 

October 1, 1846, Mr. Almy was married to Han- 
lah T. Almy, a daughter of Langworthy and Edith 
J. Almy. The ceremony was performed by the late 
Rev. Benjamin Phelan. With gathering years Mr. 
\lmy's character became rounded and ripened into a 
iplendid manhood. He constantly grew into the uni- 
,'ersal respect and esteem of the community, and be- 
;ame known as a stanch, earnest, and true laborer in 
!very good cause. He identified himself with the 
nanufacturing interests of Fall River, and served as 
I director in the Osborne and Wampanoag Mills. He 
vas also a director in the Second National Bank, and 
vas a trustee and member of the board of investment 
)f the Five Cents Savings-Bank. He was for some 
,'ears secretary of the Children's Home, and was al- 
ways a liberal friend of that excellent charity. 

The moral side of Mr. Almy's character will longest 
je remembered. In him the temperance cause had a 
Jevoted friend. His church relations were sweet and 
seautiful. He wa-s a disciple of Emanuel Sweden- 



borg, and for many years was a member of the Church 
of the New Jerusalem. In this society his position 
was almost patriarchal. He loved its ministrations, 
its Sunday-school, and gatherings. His place was 
never vacant when his health allowed. His spir- 
itual and religious life, although modest and unosten- 
tatious, was deeply devout. Religion was in him a 
daily walk, his evening incense and morning devotion. 

His noble life made his faith respected. His charity 
and philanthropy were bounded only by his means. 
He was the friend of the poor and needy, of those iu 
sorrow, of the struggling young man or woman who 
came for assistance or advice. Like gathering sun- 
shine his good deeds gilded his life and sweetened his 
declining years. 

Mr. Almy's death occurred at the house of his bro- 
ther. Judge Joseph Almy, at San Rafael, Cal., May 
7, 1882. 

In search of health and needed rest, and in fulfill- 
ment of the dream of years, he, with his wife and 
his partner, Mr. Milne and wife, had joined an ex- 
cursion party for California, the month previous. Mr. 
Almy's health had been feeble for some time, and the 
long journey was too much for his weakened physical 
powers. He died shortly after reaching bis brother's 
house. His remains were brought to Fall River and 
interred in Oak Grove Cemetery, his beloved pastor, 
Rev. John Westall, conducting the funeral services. 

Words of praise seem almost out of place in writing 
of one whose modesty and self-forgetfulness would 
lead him, if alive, to shrink from panegyric. But 
memory loves to linger on the history of a man so 
thoroughly true and manly as Thomas Almy. 

His death was universally mourned. His beauti- 
ful and serene life was a legacy to the community 
where he lived, and will blossom in unknown paths 
and quiet places wherever his influence may have 
reached. 

Well did he act his part in life ; well did he win the 
crown of immortality. Though his name has not 
figured in the great fields of action which led to 
worldly renown, he none the less lived the life of a 
moral hero, and shrank not from the duty of the 
hour. 

To his friends and in the family circle loving and 
gentle; to the world retiring and unobtrusive, those 
who were admitted to his friendship will never forget 
in him "that best portion of a good man's life, his 
little nameless, unnumbered acts of kindness and of 
love." 

The various corporations and societies of which 
Mr. Almy was a member put upon record appropri- 
ate expressions of their esteem and respect for his 
memory. From the records of the directors of the 
Second National Bank, of Fall River, we copy the 
following : 

"Our late associate, director, and friend, Mr. 
Thomas Almy, having been suddenly called from 
this life while away from home seeking restoration 



384 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of failing health, we enter this day upon our records 
this tribute of esteem and respect to his memory. 

" Mr. Almy was one of the original directors of 
this bank, having been elected to that position Sept. 
23, 1856, while it was a State institution with the 
name of Wamsutta Bank, was re-elected under its 
present organization as the Second National Bank, 
March 19, 1864. He has therefore been connected 
with tlii.s institution nearly twenty-six years, — years 
of more than usual interest and responsibility, cov- 
ering times of great prosperity and corresponding 
adversity of peculiar trial and discipline. Through- 
out these years he has been a faithful, diligent 
officer, attending to his duties in a careful, conscien- 
tious, and gentlemanly manner, winning our affec- 
tionate regard by his kindly, honest, and efficient 
service. Firm when occasion demanded it, he was 
ever gentle in his deportment, and especially en- 
deared himself by his thoughtful consideration of the 
feelings of others. He had decided opinions of his 
own, but was always careful and modest in the ex- 
pression of them so as not to reflect or seem to re- 
flect upon the opinions of others, or wound their 
sensibilities; 

" We shall miss him from his seat at this board, 
where for so many years he has been a valued mem- 
ber, but we rejoice in the feeling that it is well with 
him in the larger life into which he has now entered. 
As friends we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the 
afflicted family in this their bereavement, and will join 
them in paying the last tribute of respect to his re- 
mains by attending his funeral services." 

The directors of the Wampanoag Company put 
upon their records a .similar tribute, saying among 
other things, "The passing away of such a man, 
whose long residence in this community, and inti- 
mate connection with its interests, moral as well as 
material, is an event that will be deplored wherever 
he was known." 

The Massachusetts Association, of which he was a 
member and often a delegate, adopted the following 
brief expression of their sense of his character and 
services to the church : 

'* IF/i^rt'rts, Since our last nieetinj^, Sir. Thuniab Almy, of Fall Rivpr, 
haB been removed to the spiritual world ; 

" Resolved, That this association lieieby records its high anpreciation 
of liis character, and its grateful acknowledgments of hia quiet but 
useful service to the church." 



JONATHAN T. LINCOLN. 

Prominent among the industries of Fall River, and 
one deserving more than a passing notice, is the ma- 
chine-works of Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. The success 
of this industry, the business history of which covSrs 
a period of nearly forty years, is largely due to* the 
mechanical ingenuity and business sagacity of Jona- 
than Thayer Lincoln. 

Mr. Lincoln was a member of one of the Taunton 
families of Lincoln, whose ancestors were among the 



earliest settlers in Bristol County. He was a son of 
Caleb and Mercy (Thayer) Lincoln, and was born in 
Taunton, Oct. 17, 1805. Their other children were 
Nellie (born 1788, died 1865), Nancy (born 1789, died 
1874), William (born 1790, died 1822), Betsey (born 
1792, died 1882), Hannah (born 1793, died 1874), 
Leontine (born 1796, died- 1820), Maria (born 1798, 
died 1822), Narcissa (born 1800, died 1827), Caleb 
Martin (born 1802, died 1855). Lorenzo (born 1803), 
and Mercy Emmeline (born 1810). Caleb Lincoln 
was a farmer and miller, living on a farm in the now 
village of Westville, Taunton, which had been in 
pos.session of his family since their settlement in the 
town about the year 1660, and which is still owned 
and occupied by one of his sons. He was a soldier 
in the Revolutionary war. Caleb's father was Wil- 
liam Lincoln, who married Hannah Wade. Children, 
— Zilphy, Sally, Lurana, Rebecca, Deborah, and 
Caleb. William's father was Thomas Lincoln, who 
married Rebecca Walker. Children, — William, Silas, 
Nathan, and Tabatha. 

The family came to Taunton from Hingham. It 
is an interesting fact that nearly all the Lincoln fam- 
ilies in the I'nited States trace, with more or le.ss dis- 
tinctness, their first settlement therein to Hingham. 
Hon. Solomon Lincoln, in a monograph on the Lin- 
coln families of Massachusetts, claims that all the 
Lincolns in Massachusetts are descendants of the 
Lincolns who settled in Hingham in 1636 and 1638. 
He says, " We have evidence of authentic records 
that the early settlers of Hingham of the name of 
Lincoln were four bearing the name of Thomas, dis- 
tinguished from each other by their occupations as 
miller, weaver, cooper, and hu.sbandman ; Stephen 
(brother of the husbandman), Daniel, and Samuel 
(brother of the weaver.)" He adds, "Our claim is 
that the early settlers of Hingham above enumerated 
were the progenitors of all the Lincolns of this coun- 
try." From Hingham the Lincolns trace their early 
home to Norfolk County, England. 

The subject of this sketch received the first rudi- 
ments of his school education at the old red school- 
house at Westville, and completed it at the age of 
sixteeen years at the private school of Rev. Alvin 
Cobb, a school which early in the century enjoyed 
considerable local fame. He then went to work for 
his brother William, who with a cousin, Benjamin 
Lincoln, had begun the business of cotton-spinning 
in what was called the Shovel-Cake Factory at West- 
ville. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to 
David Perry, who owned a machine-shop on the 
White Birch Stream in Dighton. Here he learned 
the machinist's trade, a trade which had been his 
choice from boyhood. 

AVhen out of his time, at the age of t»venty-ono, 
with a new suit of clothes and fifty dollars in money, 
then the usual "freedom" payment to an apprentice 
for his three years' service at his trade, he left Taun- 
ton for Pawtucket, where he found employment at the 




cy 




1^ 



FALL RIVER. 



385 



aehine-shop of David Wilkinson. Here he worked 
jout three years, and had for fellow-workmen David 
ales and Alvin Jenks, afterwards founders of the 
rm of Fales & Jenks, and Clark Tompkins, after- 
ards the successful machine-maker of Troy, N. Y. 
e next removed to Taunton, where he lived about a 
;ar. It was about this time that he was engaged to 
lange a single-color printing-machine to a multiple- 
dor machine, one of the first probably ever made in 
le country. 

He came to Fall River in 1829, and in 1831 was 
nployed as master-mechanic by the Massasoit Mill 
ompany, which then leased the mill property on 
ocasset Street owned by the Watuppa Manufacturijig 
ompany. In 1845-46 the Massasoit Company re- 
oved its machinery to its new mill on Davol Street. 
he Watuppa Company, of which Mr. Linden Cook 
as agent, decided to fill its mill with improved ma- 
linery for the raanulacture of cotton goods, and 
igaged Mr. Lincoln to build a part of the looms, 
liich he did in the machine-shop of the mill. The 
b of looms was divided into three parts. Mr. Lin- 
dn had at first a third, and Mr. John Kilburn a 
lird, with the understanding with the company that 
le one who completed his part first should have the 
maining third to make. Mr. Lincoln was the suc- 
issful competitor, and so made two-thirds of the 
oms. The style of loom then made was widely 
30wn as tlie " Fall River loom." 
In 1844, John Kilburn, a native of New Hampshire, 
;gan in Fall River the manufacture of cotton-looms 
id the Fourneyron turbine, the latter a French iu- 
mtion which was being introduced into the New 
ngland mills as a water-motor. He had been in 
isiness but a short time when his health failed, and 
; died in 1846. 

Shortly after his death a copartnership was formed, 
imprising his widow, his brother Elijah C, and Mr. 
incoln, which succeeded to the business he had been 
Igaged in establishing. The firm, which was called 
. C. Kilburn & Co., manufactured turbines, shaft- 
g, and various kinds of machinery for print-works 
id iron-mills. 

Mr. Kilburn had charge of the office-work, and Mr. 
incoln of the mechanical. Both were industrious, 
ird-working men, and they soon built up a flourisli- 
g business. The firm continued until 1856, when a 
jw firm, Kilburn, Lincoln & Son, was formed, con- 
sting of Mr. Kilburn, Mr. Lincoln, and his oldest 
n, Henry C. Lincoln. The younger Mr. Lincoln 
■ought tn the business a practical knowledge of me- 
lanicsand a thorough business training, having been 
sociated with his father in business in various ca- 
icities from early manhood. 

Although making many other kinds of machinery, 
le firm made a specialty of the " Fourneyron Tur- 
ne." This turbine, as improved by them, had a 
rge sale, displacing the lumbering breast-wheels, and 
;ilizing a percentage of ])ower the best of them never 
25 



rivaled. In 1859, Mr. Lincoln made an extensive 
business tour through the Southern States, his firm 
having built up a considerable business with the 
manufacturers of that section of our country. 

In 1867 it was found necessary to build a larger 
machine-shop, and it was decided to add an iron 
foundry to their works. To insure the new feature 
being a success, Mr. Charles P. Dring, who had been 
superintendent of the Fall River Iron- Works Com- 
pany's foundry for many years, became associated 
with them. The name was changed to Kilburn, Lin- 
coln & Co., and they became an incorporated com- 
pany in 186S, under the general incorporation act of 
Massachusetts. Mr. Lincoln's son-in-law, Andrew 
Luscomb, who had been engaged with them in the' 
manufacture of musket-ports for the United States 
government, was also admitted. The new works were 
completed on a tract of three hundred rods of land 
in an eligible location near railroads and tide-water, 
and comprised a machine-shop, iron foundry, brass 
foundry, pattern-house, paint-shops, warehouse, and 
setting-up shop. Mr. Lincoln was elected president 
of the corporation, and remained so until bis death. 
Mr. Kilburn was elected treasurer, which position he 
held until 1872. 

In January, 1869, Mr. Kilburn disposed of the 
larger part of his interest, and subsequently of all 
of it, to the other members, and in 1872 he was elected 
treasurer of the King Philip Mills, which position he 
-still holds. On his retirement Mr. Lincoln's young- 
est son, Leontine, was elected treasurer. 

In 1872 additions were made to the works with a 
view to the manufacture of looms on a large scale. 
Since then the company has been among the largest 
manufacturers of looms for cotton- and silk-weaving. 
It has a capacity for making fifty looms a week, be- 
sides the other kinds of machinery, such as shafting, 
pulleys, dye-works, and l)leachery machinery, of which 
it makes a specialty. When running full capacity two 
hundred and twenty-five hands are employed. 

Since Mr. Lincoln's death his interest has been 
held by his family. The company is now organized as 
follows : President, Henry C. Lincoln ; Treasurer, Le- 
ontine Lincoln ; Directors, Henry C. Lincoln, Leontine 
Lincoln, Andrew Luscomb, and Charles H. Drino-. 

In 1855, Mr. Lincoln became associated with his 
brother Lorenzo, his nephew James M., and his son 
Edward Lincoln, in the business of paper manufac- 
ture at North Dighton. The firm was called L. Lin- 
coln & Co., and succeeded to the business which was 
established in 1850 by Mr. Lincoln's brothers, Caleb 
M. and Lorenzo. He retired from the firm before his 
death, his son Edward taking his interest therein. 
He had the greatest faith in the success of Fall River 
as a centre for the cotton manufacturing inilustry, was 
one of the original stockholders in the Union Mill 
Company, an owner in several other corporations, and 
a director in the Tecumseh Mills from the time of the 
organization of that corporation. 



386 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Although he took a deep interest in public affairs, 
Mr. Lincoln was averse to holding public office, and 
never held but one, that of member of the Common 
Council of Fall River. He was one of the oldest 
members of the Mount Hope Lodge of Masons, of 
which organization he was treasurer for many years. 
In politics he was a Free-Soil Whig before the for- 
mation of the Republican party, when he became an 
earnest adherent to the principles of that party. 

He was a man of sunny temperament, earnest of 
purpose, charitable in judgment, and distinguished 
by acts of practical benevolence. The Fall, River 
Da'dij News closed an editorial notice of his death as 
follows: "Mr. Lincoln was held in great esteem and 
respect by his fellow-citizens generally. He had the 
reputation of being an ingenious and skillful me- 
chanic, and a business man whose integrity was un- 
questioned. He was a worthy and valuable citizen, 
whose loss must be felt." 



STEPHEN DAYOL. 
Stephen Davol, one of the oldest and most success- 
ful cotton manufacturers in New England, was born 
in Fall River, Nov. 22, 1807, where he has resided to 
the present time, and has been thoroughly identified 
with the rapid growth and development of the cotton 
industry and of the city in general. 

The beginning of Mr. Davol's career in connection 
with the cotton manufacture dates back to the year 
1818, when he entered the Troy Mills, working in the 
mills during the summer, and attending school in the 
winter. A few years later bleaching and calico-print- 
ing was started in this place by Daniel Wright & Co., 
and the treasurer of the company expressing a wish 
that young Davol should come with them and learn 
the business, his father apprenticed him to this firm 
for three years. The work there being irregular, one 
week on and two off, he was not satisfied with it, and 
returned, after a few months' trial of the printing 
business, to the Troy manufactory, and soon became 
an overseer of their spinning, dressing, and weaving, 
where he remained until 1833, when he was called to 
the superintendency of the Pocasset Mills, and con- 
tinued in that capacity until the death of the treas- 
urer of the mills, Mr. M. H. Ruggles, in 1857, when 
Mr. Davol succeeded him as treasurer, and continued 
in that capacity until 1877. It may be stated also 
that from 1843 to 18G0 he was treasurer of the Troy 
Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. 

At the time Mr. Davol entered the Pocasset Com- 
pany, as superintendent, in 1833, the company was 
operating 1000 to 1200 spindles in what was known as 
their Bridge Mill. This mill was burned in the great 
fire of 1843, and since that time Mills Nos. 1, 2, and 3 
have been erected, and this company now operates 
56,112 spindles, 1385 looms, and has a capital of 
$1,161,000. 

The skill and long experience of Mr. Davol as a 



cotton manufacturer have been largely called upon in 
these later years, and his opinions are sought on all 
occasions with reference to manufacturing changes 
and methods, for even in his practical retiracy he 
loves to mark the progress of his favorite business, 
which he has seen rise almost from its birth, with its 
crude devices and surroundings, and has lived to see 
the rapid improvements and ingenious applications 
which have resulted in making a modern cotton-mill 
one of the wonders of the nineteenth century. 

Although Mr. Davol has practically retired from 
active business life, still his experience and judgment 
in the cotton business are yet called into requisition, 
as. indicated by his remaining on the board of direc- 
tors of not less than seven or eight corporations. He 
is president of the Mechanics' Mills, and a director 
in this and the Pocasset, Troy, Wampanoag, and 
Barnard Manufacturing Companies, and in the Spool 
and Bobbin Company. He is also president of the 
Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company, and a director in the Blackstone and Mer- 
chants' Fire Insurance Companies of Providence, R. 
I., and in the Metacomet Bank of this city, and Wau- 
tuppa Reservoir Company. In this latter corpora- 
tion he has been a director over thirty years. 

May 18, 1840, Mr. Davol was united in marri.age 
with Sarah F. Chase, and their children were as fol- 
lows; Bradford Durfee, married Cornelia Wheeden 
Lincoln, Dec. 1, 1875; Sarah Louisa, married Joseph 
L. BufBngton, Sept. 21, 1864; Mary Anna, married 
Alexander Dorrance Easton, Sept. 27, 1865; James 
Clark Chase, married Mary Ellen Brownell ; George 
Stephen, married Mary Louisa Dean, Sept. 3, 1873 ; 
Harriette Remington, married Stephen Barnaby Ash- 
ley, Feb. 18, 1874 ; Abner Pardon, married Harriet 
J. Marvell ; Charles M. R. and Clara Freeborn. All 
living except Clara, who died in 1881. Mr. Davol is 
a public-spirited citizen, and all measures tending to 
the advancement of his native town find in him an 
earnest advocate. 



R. T. D.^VIS, M.D. 
Robert Thompson Davis, M.D., M.C., is a native of 
County Down, in the north of Ireland, and was born 
Aug. 28, 1823. His father was of Presbyterian edu- 
cation and ancestry, while his mother belonged to the 
Friends' Society. Coming to America when three 
years old, he passed his early life at Amesbury, Mass., 
where his father resided for half a century. He was 
educated at the Friends' school at Providence, R. L, 
and Amesbury Academy. Choosing the medical pro- 
fession for his life-work, he became a student of Dr. 
Thomas Wilbur, of Fall River, passed two years at 
Tremont Medical School, Boston, and was graduated 
from Harvard Medical Department in 1847. After a 
short experience as dispensary physician in Boston, he 
went to Waterville, Maine, and after three years came 
to Fall River in 1850, and permanently established 




^-=^ 





Ci^i 



FALL RIVER. 



387 



iiniself here in his profession. Excepting four years 
jf New York City life, Fall River has since been his 
lome. He at once became actively interested in the 
Bristol County South Medical Society, was again and 
igaiii elected its president, the youngest man at that 
;ime on whom the honor had been bestowed. He is 
I member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and 
las been frequently elected councilor of that honor- 
ible body. He is also a member of both the Ameri- 
;an Medical Association and National Public Health 
Association. He has been much in public aftairs, and 
Tom early life was strongly anti-slavery in sentiment, 
md was bold and earnest in advocacy of its cause, 
)eginning his public career in 1851, by a spirited and 
jlocjuent speech in favor of instructing the represen- 
atives of Fall River in the State Legislature to cast 
,heir votes for Charles Sumner for United States sen- 
ator. The vote was taken in harmony with the forci- 
)le presentation of Dr. Davis and the representative 
roted for Sumner, who was elected. Dr. Davis was a 
nemberof the Coustitutional Convention of the State 
n 1853. In 1858 and 1860 he was elected to repre- 
ent his district in the State Senate. No public mat- 
er came up during these troublous times on which 
Dr. Davis did not eloquently express his views, either 
)y speeches or written articles, and show a keen 
)ower of forecasting the future. He was instrumental 
n securing the line adopted and ratified by the Legis- 
atures of Rhode Island and Massachusetts as the 
)ouudary between those States, and clearly foresaw 
he value of such action to the prosperity of Fall 
Jiver. 

He was a delegate to the National Republican Coii- 
•ention in 1860 which nominated Abraham Lincoln, 
ind also a delegate to the one in 1876 that nominated 
lutlierford B. Hayes. Governor Andrews appointed 
lim, in 186.3, a member of the State Board of Charl- 
ies. In 1869, on the organization of the State Board 
if Health, he was appointed one of its members by 
Jovernor Claflin,,and by repeated appointments con- 
inued on the board during its existence. It was su- 
)erseded by the State Board of Health, Lunacy, and 
charity, and of this new body he was immediately 
nade a member by Governor Talbot, and was reap- 
)ointed by Governor Long. In 1873 he was elected 
aayor of Fall River, there being no opposing candi- 
late. His administration was in a great transition 
)eriod of the city, many large and expensive ini[)rove- 
nents were under way, and his inaugural was full of 
mportant recommendations that were, with few ex- 
ejjtions, adopted and carried out by the city. Among 
he improvements thus recommended and made was 
he erection of three large public school-buildings 
one of which was named " Davis School"), three 
:ngiue-houses and police-stations, the widening of 
I'leasant Street for a distance of two miles, laying out 
ind finishing many other streets. A plan of sewer- 
ige was adopted in accordance with his recommenda- 
ion ; also the City Hall was completed and dedicated 



under his administration, and Dr. Davis was the one 
who delivered the address. The mains, machinery, 
and buildings of the water-works were brought to 
coni|)letion sufficiently for use during the same period, 
and in the same year the city government adopted 
the State law, furnishing the pupils of the public 
schools text-books free of cost to them. Fall River 
was the first city in the State to do this, and the re- 
sult amply proves the wisdom of this action. Dr. 
Davis was mayor one year only, he declining a re- 
election. The salary of the office he donated to the 
" Children's Home." 

Always a friend and earnest worker in the cause of 
education, he has aided everything proposed for the 
good of the scholars and increasing their proficiency. 

He has been prominently and actively interested for 
years with the business prosperity of Fall River. He 
purchased real estate in the eastern portion of Fall 
River in 1869-70, and made investments in the various 
corporations having mills in that locality, and its 
rapid increase of business and population is much of 
it due to his enterprise and business sagacity. He is 
president of the Wampanoag Mills, a director in 
various other corporations, and was one of three to 
purchase the Globe Print-Works property, where two 
mills have since been put up. 

He is often called on to address public assemblies. 
He delivered in 1868 the first address made in the 
city on Decoration Day. At a public meeting, held 
in the fall of 1871, to relieve the sufferers by the 
Chicago fire. Dr. Davis, in a forcible speech, proposed 
and sustained resolutions pledging Fall River to give 
twenty-fiv.e thousand dollars for this purpose. They 
were adopted by the meeting, approved by the city 
authorities, and. the amount sent to Chicago. He de- 
livered, a centennial address Oct. 25, 1880, before the 
assembled scholars. of the higher grades of the public 
schools on the .one hundredth anniversary of the 
adoption of the constitution of Massachusetts. He 
closed with this practical and patriotic advice: " Now, 
my young friends, in closing, let me simply say that 
you are on the threshold of the duties and responsi- 
bilities of American citizens. The generation of 
which you form a part will see your own country the 
dominant power of the civilized world. It is of vast 
importance that that power shall be wielded in favor 
of free and good government. I have no fears that 
educated as you are in Massachusetts, inheritinu the 
traditions of your forefathers, and imbued with their 
spirit, you will not perform all your duties in this 
great regard. The present generation must transmit 
to its successors that which it has accomplished or 
inherited from the past. It must hold firmly aloft 
that glorious standard of free principles which your 
predecessors maintained so firmly and so long; that 
standard which waved before the armies of the Revo- 
lution and of the Union, and which led them on to 
conflict and to victory, giving us in the one case a 
country, and in the other preserving its liberties and 



388 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



its life. It is a standard consecrated by the efforts, sac- 
rifices, and memories of the noblest, best, and bravest 
names in our history. May it float forever, the un- 
questioned symbol not of national power and progress 
only, but of the eternal principles of freedom and 
justice." 

He was unanimously nominated in 1882 by the 
Kepublican Congressional Convention of the First 
District as its candidate, and was elected member 
of Congress by eleven thousand four hundred and 
seventy-five votes in his fiivor to five thousand five 
hundred and eighty-one cast for his opponent on the 
Democratic ticket. 

He married Oct. 1, 1848, Sarah, daughter of Dr. 
Thomas Wilbur, his instructor in medicine. She 
died in 1856, having survived their only child. He 
married, in June, 1862, Susan Ann Haight, of New 
Castle, N. Y. Tliey have one son. 

As an evidence of the pleasant social qualities of , 
Dr. Davis we will mention that on the organization 
of the Commercial Club of Fall River, an institution 
formed for sociality, Dr. Davis was elected president, 
and still liolds that oSice. 



EDMUND CHASE. 

Edmund Chase, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Fall River, June 14, 1818, and is the son of Edmund 
and Phebe Chase, who were prominent members of 
the Society of Friends. 

Edmund Chase, Sr., was the son of Obadiah and 
Eunice Chase, and was born in Somerset, Mass., April 
11, 1787. He learned the trade of a tanner, and com- 
menced business in Somerset, doing his first tanning 
in a half-liogshead. He married, Sept. 30, 1813, Phebe, 
daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Slade, of Swan- 
sea, Mass. 

Removing to Fall River in 1810, he purchased the 
place adjoining the present post-office building, where 
his son now carries on business, and where he for 
nearly fifty years conducted the business of a tanner 
and currier. 

His son, Edmund, was reared to the occupation of 
his father, and received his education at the common 
schools and the Friends' Boardiug-School, Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

July 2, 1843, came the " Big Fire," entirely destroy- 
ing his father's business, involving a loss often thou- 
sand dollars. He immediately rebuilt, taking his son 
as partner, so that by the end of the year the business 
was again in successful operation, the firm being 
Edmund Chase & Son, and so remained until the 
death of his father, which occurred July 4, 1859. 

From obituary notices, which were published at the 
time, we take the following: 

" For nearly half a century he has been the steady, 
industrious, and upright man of business, maintaining 
under all circumstances a character for strict integrity 
and probity, leaving behind him a reputation for the 



faithful performance of the varied duties of life rarely 
equaled, and very seldom surpassed. 

"He was one of our oldest and most respected citi- 
zens, a man of uprightness and integrity in all his 
business and social relations, and most careful and 
conscientious in his daily walk and conversation. 
Through a long life he maintained a character above 
reproach, and has left behind him wliat is more to be 
coveted than riches and honors, the record of a good 
example, not soon to be forgotten by those who en- 
joyed his friendship and confidence." 

After the death of his father, Mr. Chase began the 
manufacture of belts, and this has since been his 
principal business. He has been a director in the 
Granite and Stafford Mills from their organization, 
also director and president of the Bourne Mills, and 
director in the Massasoit National Bank since 1857. 
Besides these Jlr. Chase holds oflices of responsibility 
and trust in various other important relations. 

He has been twice married. His first wife was Amy 
C. Douglass, daughter of Daniel and Patience Doug- 
lass, whom he married Nov. 12, 1841. She died Oct. 
5, 1863. He married for his second wife Sarah B. 
Vickery, daughter of Caleb B. and Almira W. Vickery, 
May 30, 1865. 

He is a Republican in politics, and a Unitarian in 
his religious belief and associations. 



JOB B. FKENCH. 

Job B. French, son of Enoch and Sarah French, 
was born in Troy (now Fall River), March 6, 1806. 
He is a descendant of Ephraim French, who came 
from England about 1680 and settled in Raynham, 
Mass. One of the descendants of the latter, Ephraim, 
of Raynham (probably his grandson), married Eliza- 
beth Presbrey in 1775, and had two sons, Ephraim, 
born in 1777, and Enoch, born in 1779. Enoch was 
taken to Fall River by his mother at the time of her 
second marriage, the father having died a young 
man. He was soon after apprenticed to a tanner 
named James Read, whose youngest sister Sarah he 
married in 1799. The children of Enoch and Sarah 
were Asa P., George R., Stephen L., Richard C, Job 
B., Nancy, Abrara, William, James, and Eliza, — eight 
sons and two daughters. Soon after his marriage, 
Enoch, although not quite of age, bought the tan- 
nery and subsequently added a shoe manufactory. 
He also engaged quite extensively in farming. The 
sons worked on tlie farm and learned the trades of 
tanning and shoemaking. 

Bead's tannery, where Enoch French served his ap- 
prenticeship, was on what is now known as French's 
Hill, the name of the latter owner having entirely 
superseded that of the former. In 1820 he opened 
the first boot- and shoe-store in Fall River, on the 
corner of North Main and Central Streets, where the 
Durfee block now stands, Asa, Stephen, and Job act- 
ing as clerks. In 1822 he moved a few doors west on 





/;;^^^-^-^^-^<i-z^-zJ^ ^^<^ ^^<^ 



FALL RIVER. 



389 



Central Street, und in 1824 again moved to Main 
Street, a few doors south of the present location of 
the store of J. B. French & Sou. In 1822, Asa be- 
came a partner, the name of the firm being changed 
to Enoch French & Son. Stephen was admitted in 
1824 and Job in 1826. In 1832 the firm was dis- 
solved, Asa taking the tannery, Stephen the shoe- 
manufactory, and Job remaining in the store with his 
father, the firm-name being Enoch French & Co. 
Their store was destroyed by the fire of 1843, but 
they at once erected the brick block (Merchant's 
block), where they continued business until the 
senior partner died, in 1847, aged sixty-seven years. 

Mr. Enoch French was an influential and highly 
respected citizen. He was a selectman in the town 
of Fall River eight years, 1821-22, 1824-29, and was 
representative to the General Court, 1828-29 and 1840. 
He was one of the committee often appointed to dis- 
tribute funds sent to Fall River after the great fire of 
1843. He was a corporator of the Fall River Savings- 
Bank, and April 15, 1828, he was elected chairman of 
its first board of investment, a position which he held 
until his death, a period of nineteen years. 

The following will illustrate his high sense of busi- 
ness honor. His son Richard, when but fourteen 
years old, was engaged for a year to work for a man 
near Newport, R. I., but getting homesick be returned 
before the expiration of bis time of service, and plead 
so hard to be relieved that Job was sent to take his 
place, the father contending that the contract must 
be fulfilled by one of the boys. 

But it was not in the business or political aspects 
of his life that his character was most illustrious, 
although he discharged most honorably the duties of 
the various offices assigned him, and in a spirit so uni- 
formly kind to all with whom he associated as to se- 
cure universal esteem and respect. 

Id early youth he became a member of the First 
Baptist Church of Fall River, which was then small 
and feeble, and from that time until his death the 
enlargement and prosperity with which that church 
was blessed were inseparably connected with his his- 
tory. For more than forty years he served the church 
in the offices of deacon and treasurer. During the 
early part of this period he was accustomed to assist 
in conducting the public services, the pastor, the late 
Rev. Job Borden, being blind. At some seasons, 
when the church was dependent upon occasional 
supplies for the pulpit, he was called to discharge 
the duties belonging to the pastoral office. In many 
instances funeral services were conducted by him 
alone, or in connection with an associate deacon. 

Job B. French, the immediate subject of this 
notice, has been so intimately associated with his 
father and his brothers that it is impossible to con- 
sider his life as separate from theirs. Nor would it be 
desirable on his part could such a thing be done, for 
he modestly asks that to liis father especially should 
be given the more prominent place in this record. 



After his father's death, Job B. continued the busi- 
ness alone until Jan. 1, 1864, when he admitted his 
son, Edward A. French, into partnership. The firm 
since then has been J. B. French & Son. We have 
thus traced the business back to the beginning of the 
century, a little more than eighty years. 

Mr. French was a representative to the General 
Court in 1835 and 1841, and a member of the Com- 
mon Council of Fall River for several years, and he 
has also been an assessor. He has served as presi- 
dent of the Fall River Savings-Bank for sixteen 
years, and as trustee nearly forty years, a position 
which he still holds. He has been director of the 
Mechanics' Mills, and president of the Weetamoe 
Mills since its organization. He has been since 1830 
a member of the First Baptist Church of Fall 
River. He married for his first wife Abby, daughter 
of William S. N. Allan, of Newport, R. I., April 17, 
1831. She was born June 20, 1807, and died March 
17, 1870, in the sixty-third year of her age. She 
too joined the Baptist Church in 1830. Of this 
union there were born six children, whose names are 
as follows: (1) Mary E., wife of D. H. Dyer, of Fall 
River; (2) James R., deceased; (3) Sarah J., wife of 
William Lindsey ; (4) Edward A., business partner 
with his father, and who married Eliza A. Ricketson ; 
(5) Abby M. ; and (6) Julia W.; the latter two resid- 
ing at home. 

Mr. French married for his second wife, Aug. 19, 
1873, Mary B., daughter of Robert Cook, of Fall 
River. She was born in Wrentham, Mass., Sept. 15, 
1816, and died April 26, 1882. She was a member of 
the First Congregational Church of Fall River for 
many years. 

Although past seventy-seven years of age, Mr. 
French is a remarkably active man of unusually good 
judgment, and his advice is very frequently sought. 
He is a person of sterling integrity, and enjoys the 
respect and esteem of the community in which he 
lives. 



GEORGE READ FRENCH. 

George Reacl French, second son of Enoch and 
Sarah (Read) French, was born in Troy (now Fall 
River), Mass., on the 24th day of January, 1802. He 
is a descendant of Ephraim French, who came from 
England about the year 1680, and settled in Rayn- 
ham, Mass. One of the descendants of Ephraim 
French married Elizabeth Presbry in 1775, and had 
two sons, whose names were Ephraim (born in 1777) 
and Enoch (born in 1779). Enoch French located in 
Troy (now Fall River), and married Sarah Read in 
1799. To them were born ten children, — Asa P., 
George R., Stephen L., Richard C, Job B., Nancy, 
Abram, William, James, and Eliza. 

At the age of seventeen years George R. French 
became the manager of a leather- and shoe-factory at 
Oneysville (now a part of the city of Providence, R. 
I.), where he remained some six months, wlien, in 



390 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



consequence of failing health, he embarked in a sloop 
("Rosetta") for Darien, in the State of Georgia, 
where he engaged as clerk with Perry Davis, late of 
Providence, R. I., who at that time was conducting 
a mercantile business in said place under the firm- 
name of Davis & Kelly, and who was subsequently 
and more popularly known as proprietor of " Perry 
Davis' Pain-Killer." 

After residing in Georgia about ten mouths, Mr. 
French returned to his home, and in the autumn of 
1822 made another trip South, and located, in the 
town of Wilmington, N. C, where, under the firm of 
Hathaway & French, he entered into business with 
the late .John Hathaway (father of his lifelong friend 
Mr. James L. Hathaway, of New York City), dealing 
in lumber shipments and general merchandise, laying 
the foundation of his long and successful business 
career in the city of Wilmington. In the year 1828 
he opened a shoe-store in his own name, the firm of 
Hathaway & French being dissolved. 

On the 5th day of April, 1827, he was married to 
Sarah C. Weeks, of Wilmington, with whom he lived 
till her death on the 19th day of May, 1867. They 
had twelve children, — Sarah A., Susan M., George H., 
Georgianna C, William A., Margaret G., Caroline, 
George R., James McD., Charles E., Eliza D., and 
Josephine H. George H., Georgianna C., and Caro- 
line died in infancy and youth'. AH the others are_ 
still living, situated as follows : 

Sarah A. is wife of Col. E. J.Lutterloh, of Fayette-' 
ville, N. C, now residing at Cedar Keys, Fla^ 

Susan M. is wife of E. D. Nixon, of Edeuton, N. C.j 
now residing at Baltimore, Md. 

William A. married Harriet P. Timmons, of Tim- 
monsville, S. C, now resident of Wilmington, N. C. 

Margaret G. is wife of Rev. G. S. Jones, of Pasquo- 
tank County, N. C, now residing in Hendersonville, 
N. C. 

George R. married Cornelia M. Worth, of Wil- 
mington, N. C, now resident of the same city. . 

James McD. married Mattie Boykin, of Southamp- 
ton County, Va., who died leaving no children. His 
second marriage was with Edna Godwin, of Lumber- 
ton, N. C. 

Charles E. (still unmarried) is one of the proprie- 
tors of the Crown Rolling-Mills, in Minneapolis, 
Minn., where he resides. 

Eliza D. is the wife of Llewellyn Christian, of Ala- 
bama, now resident of Minneapolis, Minn. 

Josephine H. is the wife of M. C. Toms, of Bun- 
combe County, N. C, now residing in Hendersonville, 
N. C. From the date of his engagement in the shoe 
trade (1828) up to the beginning of the late civil 
war (1861) Mr. French was the sole manager of his 
business, which he successfully prosecuted with char- 
acteristic energy through the financial changes of 
that period, maintaining his mercantile credit and high 
standing, and so protecting his commercial honor 
that at no time was his paper dishonored or protested. 



Taught in his early youth to honor the flag of his 
country and cherish a patriotic adherence to the 
Union, he took a decided stand against the doctrines 
of secession, and during that entire struggle (although 
surrounded by friends and his family, who entertained 
opposite views politically) he adhered to his convic- 
tions as to the folly of appealing to arms for the set- 
tlement of the then existing differences, remaining 
true in his allegiance to his country. 

In the year 1865, by admitting his son William A. 
into copartnership, the firm of George R. French & 
Son was formed, and in 18GG, admitting George R., 
Jr., and James McD., the firm now known as George 
R. French & Sons was established. In 1879, James 
McD. retired from the firm and removed to Lumber- 
ton, N. C. 

In the year 1827, Mr. French became a member of 
the First Baptist Church in Wilmington. From that 
date to the present, through all the changes wrought 
in the history of this church, down through the past 
fifty-six eventful years to its present prosperous con- 
dition, the position occupied by Mr. French has been 
deservedly prominent, as evidenced by his early ordi- 
nation as deacon, his services as superintendent of 
the Sabbath-school, as chairman of committees in- 
trusted with the most important enterprises of the 
.church under its eight successive pastorates. To his 
personal etfbrts and contributions, in a large measure, 
are the Baptists in Wilmington indebted for their 
present handsome church edifice standing on the 
corner of Fifth and Market Streets. 

During his commercial career Mr. French has held 
positions of trust and honor in local corporations, — 
director in the bank of Cape Fear, director and also 
president of the Bank of Wilmington, director in 
the Wilmington Savings-Bank and the Bank of New 
Hanover, director in the Wilmington .Gas-Light 
Company, director and president of Oakdale Ceme- 
tery, president of the Seamen's Friend Society of 
the port of Wilmington. 

A warm friend and supporter of educational and 
religious institutions, he has served as trustee of 
Wake Forest College, as vice-president of the Board 
of Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention, and 
as vice-president of the American Sunday-School 
Union, of which he is a life member. 

Aug. 27, 1872, he married Mrs. Sophia M. Sawyer, 
of Fall River, Mass. 

Mr. French is now in his eighty-second year, re- 
markably vigorous and well-preserved in body and 
mind, and although having retired from active busi- 
ness, he still maintains his interest in the firm con- 
ducted by his sons. It is his custom now in his ripe 
old age to pass his time quietly enjoying the comforts 
of his Southern home in the winter season, and in 
summer he visits his three beloved brothers, residing 
in Fall River and vicinity, or shares the warm- 
hearted welcome awaiting him in the widely-sepa- 
rated homes of his devoted children. 





( 



FALL RIVER. 



390a 



JOHN JASON ARCHER. 

John Jason Archer, son of Dr. Jason H. and .Jen- 
nette (Bowen) Archer, was born in Fall River, Mass., 
Jul_v 26, 1845, and died at his residence in the'same 
city, Oct. 31, 1882. His paternal grandfather was 
Amos Archer, a resident of Wrentham, Mass., and was 
one of her most esteemed men. His father. Dr. Jason 
H. Archer, was a native of Wrentham, Mass., where 
he spent his youth and prepared for college at Day's 
Academy. He entered Brown University in 1812, 
and graduated in 1816. He immediately commenced 
the study of medicine with the celebrated Dr. Wil- 
liam Ingalls, of Boston, and after completing his 
medical studies, he very soon came to Fall River, 
where he continued to have a successful practice till 
May 12, 1852, when he returned to his native place, 
and resided there until his death, January, 1864. 

While a citizen of Fall River he took an active 
part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the 
town. Politically, he was a Whig and Republican. 
He was the first president of the Massasoit Bank, and 
continued to hold that position five years, until he 
severed his relations with the place. He received 
from the officers of the bank soon after his retirement 
a beautiful " service of silver" in recognition of his 
valuable services. During his residence at Wrentham 
he was a director in the Wrentham Bank. 

He married Jennette, daughter of Abraham and 
Ruth Bowen, and had four children, viz., Amanda 
M. ; Caroline A., wife of Frederick H. Gee ; Jennette 
F., died in infancy; and John Jason. Mrs. Archer's 
father, Abraham Bowen, was one of the first men in 
Fall River to commence the manufacture of cotton or 
woolen goods. (For a more detailed history on this 
subject, see history of Fall River.) 

Abraham Bowen, sou of Nathan Bowen, was one 
of Fall River's most intelligent and useful citizens. 
His heart was in every good work, and he did much to 
build up the rural and material interest of the town. 
His house was often the house for the weary traveler, 
and especially ministers of various denominations. 

He> was social, hospitable, and kind, and the poor 
found in him a w-arm and sympathizing friend. BIrs. 
Jennette (Bowen) Archer was born in Fall River, 
Oct. 16, 1805, and died at her residence in the same 
city, Jan. 19, 1883. 

From the Daily yews we append the following : 

" Death of John J. Archer, Esq. — One of the most liiglily-esteenied 
members of the bar of tliis city, Johu Jiison Archer, passed peacefully 
away between six and seven o'clock this morning. He bad been in fail- 
ing health for abont eighteen months, but was fully as well as he had 
recently been until about two weeks since, when he wiis attacked with 
fever with typhoid symptoms, and gradually sank until his death this 
morning. 

"Mr. Archer was the son of Dr. Jason H. and Jennette Archer. His 
father died a number of years since, but his mother has been spared to 
render sucli ministries to liim as only a devoted mother can fn the hours 
of suffering and mortal weakness. 

"He was bum in this city, whei-e he resided until the removal of his 
parents to Wrentham, from whence he went to Brown University and 
graduated in the class of 1866. Very bood after graduating he was ap- 
pointed an instructor in English literature in the Naval Academy at 



Annapolis, where he remained between one and two years, when he 
was attacked with measles, which were epidemic at the Academy at the 
time. On recovery from the disease his eyes were found to be so much 
affected as to prevent his performing the duties of his position, and he 
resigned and returned home. He soon after commenced the study of 
law, and was admitted to the bar of Norfolk County. On his return to 
this city he began practice, and has been for a number of years the 
senior member of the tirm of Archer & Jackson. He was also associate 
justice of our Distiict Court, and was for several years a member of the 
school committee. 

"In all the relations of life as son, brother, wise and honest coun- 
selor, friend, and good citizen, Mr. Archer has left a record that is 
eijualed by few and seldom surpassed. He was tliirty-seven years of 
age." 

The accompanying portrait represents him about 
eighteen or twenty years of age, and is the only good 
one extant. 

Nov. 1, 1882, the members of the Bristol County 
(Second District) bar, met in the court-room to take 
action on the death of the late John J. Archer, a.sso- 
ciate justice of the court. Hon. J. C. Blaisdell was 
appointed chairman, and A. B. Leonard, clerk. 

A committee, consisting of Hon. Mayor Braley, 
Milton Reed, and Andrew J. Jennings, wtis appointed 
to draft resolutions, and presented the following: 

" With unfeigned sorrow we assemble here to-day. The death of John 
J. Archer has removed from our bar one whose place cannot easily be 
filled. Intellectually and morally he had few, if any, superiors in our 
community. His scludarsl^ip was not only wide and varied, but also 
accurate and unpretentious. Thoroughly read in law and master of its 
fundamental principles, he was one of our safest and ablest counselors. 
No man had a keener sense of right or wrong, or stronger moral con- 
victions. Upright in all his ways, he ever had acharitalde word for the 
wrong-doer. His attainments commanded the respect, and his character 
the regard of all who knew him. 

"Uealizing tlie worth of such a man, not only to our profession, 
which he dignified and adorned, but to the conimnnity at large, which 
he influenced and elevated; 

" Hefolped, That we the members of the Fall River bar, most fully 
and keenly recognize tlie ability, worth, and high character of our de- 
ceased brother, John J. Archer, and with feelings of mingled pride and 
sadness attest his many virtues, his professional attainments, and his 
upright life ; that in him we have each lost a sympathizing friend, and 
one wliose intercourse witli us was ever marked by the greatest cour- 
tesy and kindness. 

"A. J. Jennings, 
"M. Reed, 

"H. K. BfiALEV." 

On motion of M. G. B. Swift, the following resolu- 
tion was adopted : 

"That the above resolutions be adopted as the sense of the bar and 
be presented the Second District Court to be spread upon its records, and 
that they be sent to the family of the deceased and to the press for pub- 
lication." 

A special session of the District Court was subse- 
quently held before his Honor Judge Blaisdell, at 
which A. J. Jennings, on behalf of the members of 
the bar, presented the resolutions adopted at their 
meeting. In a few remarks Mr. Jennings said, — 

" My heart responds to every word in the resolutions. It is a day when 
a bar like this should rejoice when they can write words of truth, as 
these words are, about any man who has been a member of it. I think 
we have a right to have something bright mingled with our sadness, 
when we can point to such a man as a member of the bar here, as one 
who has chosen our profession, as one whose every act and thought has 
simply tended to elevate, to raise it in the respect and esteem of the com- 
munity, and who gained for himself the love and respect of all his fel- 
low.members and the members of Ihe community in which he lived. 

" .\a far as my personal knowledge is concerned, the words of the reso- 



390b 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



lution and its preamble express to myself the cordial relation in which 
he stood to me. I never heard from his lips any words except those of 
truth, of justice, of honesty. I never heard from his lips any words in 
which he sought to belittle other men ; strong words he sometimes spoke 
against wrong and evil, but he always found there was some good in the 
man that committed the wrong. 

*' He seemed to be always looking for the best instead of for the worst, 
but always in the straight line of integrity, honesty, and uprightness, 
and all his words and acts conformed to it. He was very sparing of his 
speech to those who swerveil from the true path, and I say we should 
honor him for it, and should be proud of liini for it. 

" One of our younger members has been taken away and our ranks 
are broken, but I am glad we can assemble here and feel that the good 
acts done will live after him. His acts must still remain to e.vert their in- 
fluence upon us who have seen his life, been impressed by his thoughts 
and works, to make us better and truer men, better and truer members 
of the profession. I submit to the court tliese resolutions, and aslt tliat 
'they be spread upon its records." 

Hon. Mayor Braley, on seconding the re.solution, 
said, — 

"It seems to me that it is fitting for the bar to pause a moment in its 
career of business, and take notice of the death of one of its nienibers, — 
brother Archer. He delighted to mjike himself a master of law. He 
was a sound adviser, and was a legislator of this court for some time, 
and always presided with dignity, with impartiality, and with justice. 
In his iutei'course with the members of the bar he was always pleasant, 
always cordial, and also strictly true. Whatever he said might be relied 
on, and in his death we lose a faithful friend." 

Hon. M. Reed made a few remarks, and incidentally 
referred to the death of members of the bar since he 
was received. J. M. Wood, M. G. B. Swift, A. N. 
Lincoln, and H. A. Dubuque followed, each mention- 
ing some pleasing trait in the character of the de- 
parted. 

In accepting the resolutions on behalf of the court, 
Judge Blaisdell said, — 

" After hearing the eulogies pronounced by you, gentlemen of the 
bar, I can hut say that the occasion of our meeting is a most unusual 
one. ' A good man has fallen,' not simply a lawyer, not simply a neigh- 
l»or or kind friend, but a good citizen, with all that that term implies. 
My words must be few after so much has been said. In the life of Mr. 
Arclier, who has now passed on and gone before, we have a lesson for 
ourselves, a lesson for us to learn. He was a true nuiu in all the rela- 
tions of life. So far as I have knowledge of him, he was emphatically 
a true man. He never misled, neverdeceived, never permitted litigation 
for the sake of litigation. 

"I can only say that I only knew John .liison ,\rclier to respect him. 
As oneof the special justices of this court he discharged the duties with 
iitlelity, with truthfulness, with high motion before him to always do 
justly between party and party, and was conscientious in the discharge 
of his duty. 3Iore than a lawyer, his character, as I nmlerstand it, is 
engraven to-day not only upon our memories here, but it is ei.graven 
in matters of education, of good example here in our comnumity, going 
in and out before us an upright man. When such a man passes away 
we may well pause in our oidinary proceedings of life to pay tribute to 
the fallen. Try and jiay that tribute of respect which is due to such a 
man. It is the pleasure of tlie court to order that these resolutions be 
enrolled upon the records of the court." 



MILTON REED. 
Hon. Milton Reed was born in Haverhill, Mass., 
on Oct. 1, 1848. He is the second son of William 
and Sophia (Ladd) Reed, and through both father 
and mother descended from the first English colonists 
in the Merrimac Valley. In 1868, the youngest in 
his class, he was graduated with high honors from 
Harvard University, and came to Fall River as editor 



of the Daihj News soon after graduation, but subse- 
quently studied law at the Harvard Law School, and 
was admitted to practice in 1872. He opened an 
office in Fall River, and rapidly advanced to a high 
rank in his profession. He served several years as 
special justice of the Police and District Courts and 
city solicitor, in the latter capacity extending his 
reputation as a sound and able lawyer by his success 
with the important cases of the city. In 1880 he was 
chosen senator for the Second Bristol District, and 
rapidly made a reputation at the State House as a 
brilliant debator and sagacious legislator. He de- 
clined a renomination the following year. In 1881 
and 1882 he was the Republican nominee for mayor, 
and although defeated polled the highest vote ever 
given an unsuccessful candidate. Mr. Reed is a man 
of studious habits, great energy of character and 
business foresight, which have already reaped him a 
substantial reward. He is interested in many and a 
director in several of the largest corporations of the 
city, and for his age one of the most successful 
citizens of Fall River. 



EDWARD PURINGTON BDFFINTOX. 

Edward Purington Buffinton, son of Aaron and 
Rebecca Buffinton, was born in Westport, Mass., 
Nov. 10, 1814. His parents coming to Fall River 
when he was but a lad, he grew up personally in- 
terested in all that related to the prosperity of the 
growing town. Mr. Buffinton engaged in business 
for himself early in life as a market-man, at the 
corner of Main and Pocasset Streets until the erection 
of the town-hall and market-building in 1846, when 
he removed thither, and continued in the same pur- 
suit until the close of his life, being one of the lead- 
ing merchants in that department. In 1852 he was 
elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. 
In 1854, when Fall River changed its form of govern- 
ment and became a city, he was honored with an elec- 
tion to the Board of Aldermen, and in November, 
1855, was chosen mayor to fill the vacancy occasioned 
by the resignation of Hon. James Buffinton. Tlie 
following year, 1856, he was elected to the same 
office by the people. The three succeeding years he 
devoted to his business and private afliairs, during 
which he was free from the cares and responsibilities 
of official life, and happy in the change. In 1860, 
however, he was again elected to the mayoralty, and 
held the office for seven consecutive years. 

From the inauguration of the Rebellion to its close, 
Mr. Buffinton was at the head of the city government, 
and had an experience front which a man of weaker 
nerve would have shrunk discouraged. His labors 
were almost incessant day and night, but he never 
for a moment ialtered in the discharge of his duties, 
and his entire administration was distinguished for 
judiciousness, care, ecpnomy, and humanity. He died 
Oct. 2, 1871. 





7-2^^^ 



l^^ ,^.J-c?-^--^^ 



FALL RIVER. 



391 



WILLIAM LINDSEY. 

William Lindsey, son of Capt. Jonathan W. and 
Hannah Lindsey, was born in Bristol, R. I., Sept. 20, I 
1816. His grandfather, also William Lindsey, was a ' 
lifelong resident of Bristol, and died advanced in j 
years. Jonathan wa.s a liatter in early life, and after- 
wards going to sea rose to be shipmaster. He was \ 
born June 18, 1778, and married Hannah Easter- 
brooks, who was born in Bristol, Aug. IS, 1778. They 
had eleven children born in Bristol, — Sarah, Hannah, 
Martha, Mary, Lydia, Jonathan W., Catherine, Abby, 
William, Nancy W., and Nathaniel. All attained 
maturity, married, and all except Lydia had children. 
The combined ages of the eight now living is five 
hundred and sixty-six years. Mrs. Lindsey died in 
Bristol, March 21, 1851. Capt. Lindsey survived her 
three years, dying April 12, 1854. 

William Lindsey had but limited advantages for 
school education. At the age of seven he accom- 
panied his parents to Providence, and after working 
a short time on a farm, at the age of thirteen went to 
work in a hat-factory, thus early commencing the 
battle of life. He came to Fall River, then Troy, 
when he was fifteen, and entered the employ of G. 
Burr & Co., wholesale grocers and provision dealers, 
as clerk. Remaining with them until he was nine- 
teen, he acquired a full knowledge of the business, 
and purchased it from hLs employers. This was in 
1836. From that time Mr. Lindsey continued in 
trade, under the different firms of William Lindsey, J. 
W. & W. Lindsey, Lindsey & Brothers, and W. & N. 
Lindsey, until 1875. For forty-three years, from 1832 
to 1875, he was in constant oocupanc}' of the same 
location. He was prosperous, his industry and in- 
tegrity bringing satisfactory financial results and a 
well-deserved reputation for business capacity. Mr. 
Lindsey was for many years largely interested in 
whaling, coasting, and trading vessels, owning alone 
or in company with others quite a large number. 
In 1875, Mr. Lindsey became treasurer of the Weet- 
amoe Mills, of Fall River, and has held that office 
to the present writing. He has been a director of 
the Metacomet National Bank, of Fall River, since 
its organization, and its president since 1881. He 
has been a trustee of the Fall River Savings-Bank 
for more than forty years, and its president since 
1882. 

He is a stockholder and director in various cor- 
porations, notably. King Philip Mills, Globe Yarn- 
Mills, Weetamoe Mills, and Conanicut Mills. Po- 
litically, Mr. Lindsey was in former days a Whig, 
and since the organization of the Republican party 
a supporter of its principles, never, however, a bitter 
partisan, but caring more for the triumph of right 
principles and the election of good men than for 
party or personal gain. 

He has never sought political distinction, his time 
being fully employed in attending to business. With- 
out seeking the position, he was in 1871 elected a 



member of the first board of water commissioners of 
Fall River, and held that position during eight years, 
and until after the completion of the water-works, 
when, at the expiration of his third term of service, 
he declined a re-election. 

Mr. Lindsey has been three times married, — first 
to Eliza A., daughter of Deacon Enoch French, of 
Fall River. They had three children, — Crawford E. 
(twice elected mayor of Fall River), Charles B., and 
Sarah F. His second wife was Ariadne M., daughter 
of Leander P. Lovell, of Fall River. They had five 
children, — William, Maria L., Eliza, Anna B., and 
John H. His present wife, Sarah J., is daughter of 
Job B. French, of Fall River. 

From his twentieth year Mr. Lindsey has been a 
member of the Baptist Church, and identified with 
measures and means for the elevation and improve- 
ment of mankind. He is truly a self-made man, and 
his life has been steadily and actively devoted to 
business. He has a good knowledge of men and 
events, and a marked individuality of character. 
Cautious and prudent, of high honor as a man, rich 
in experience, faithful to all trusts, he has won and 
maintained a high place in the regards of his asso- 
ciates for his financial ability and his sound and 
wise judgment. Inheriting a vigorous constitution, 
strengthened by the labor of early years and method- 
ical habits of life, at an age when many men lay aside 
active business he performs his many duties with a 
vigor of mind and body which promises many years 
of usefulness. 



WILLIAM MASON. 



William Mason, son of Wm. and Nancy (Northum) 
Mason, was born in Swansea, Mass., Sept. 13, 1806. 
His father was a merchant in Swansea, where he re- 
sided till his death, which latter event occurred in 
April, 1816, when he was thirty-eight years of age. His 
mother was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Northum. 

William was brought up with limited opportunities 
for education, beginning at the early age of seven to 
work in a small cotton-mill near his home, and while 
in his eleventh year entering upon an apprenticeship 
to the shoemaker's trade, in which capacity he con- 
tinned until he was twenty-one, attending school but 
a few months each year. He, however, was a diligent 
student, as well as a thorough and active worker at 
his trade. 

After working a few months for Richard Chace, 
with whom he had served as an apprentice, he went 
to Fall River in November, 1827, and entered the 
employ of Leonard Garfield, a shoemaker, with whom 
he continued about six months, when he commenced 
doing work on his own account in a little shop which 
he had hired for that purpose. After a few months 
he entered into a copartnership with Gardner D. Cook 
in a store situated on the west side of Main Street, 
where the Granite Block now stands. Afterwards 



3»2 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



they liiul ii store on the east side of Main Street, nearly 
opposite the first. After some two years Mr. Mason 
pureliaseil his partner's interest and continued the 
business himself. His trade grew, and he employed 
several hands and made goods to order, besides deal- 
ing in ready-made boots and shoes. He continued 
this business until December, 1837, when he closed 
out, and in May, 183S, settled his family in Woon- 
sockct, R. I., where he went into the manufacture of 
soap with his brother, Stephen N. Mason, under the 
name of W. & S. N. M.ason. They continued till the 
spring of 1843, and on March Gth of that year Mr. 
Mason returned to Fall River, wliere he continued to 
manufacture soap on his own account, and after a few 
months formed a partnership with George S. Holmes 
(firm of Holmes & Mason), and at the expiration of 
about seven months they dissolved, and Mr. Mason 
renuiined in the business till about 1864. During this 
time he had Joshua Remington as a partner about two 
years. During a portion of this time he was also en- 
gaged in the grocery business, which he conducted 
after they had dissolved partnership. 

During this time (1859) he invested some money in 
the Union Mills, and was chosen a director, which 
position he held till he sold bis entire interest there- 
in. He also owned an original interest in the Granite 
Mills, was a director, and was chosen president of the 
company, which position he still holds. He is also a 
director in the Staflbrd Mills, a director in the Chace 
Mills many years, and a director in the Massasoit 
Bank about twenty years. He has also been engaged 
with Foster H. Stafford and Asahel T. Pierce, of Paw- 
tuxct, R. I., in the manufacture of yarn. They have 
three mills, — one in North Dighton, one in Norton, 
Mass., and one in Warwick, R. I., and they run a 
thread-mill in Pawtucket. Besides all these, Mr. 
Mason owns large interests in various manufactories 
of Fall River, and is a director in the Merino Jlanu- 
facturing Company. 

In politics he is a Republican, but he has a de- 
cided disinclination to office, although he allowed 
himself to be elected a member of the board of alder- 
men in 1857. He declined the nomination for mayor, 
preferring to give his undivided attention to his large 
and increasing business. 

He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church since February, 1823, when he joined at 
Soutii Somerset, Mass. Since that time he has been 
an ardent supporter and a worthy member of that 
largo and intluontial Cliristian body, in whicli he 
lias been a class-leader for more than half a century, 
Sunday-school superintendent, steward, trustee, etc. 
Ho was the first Sunday-school superintendent in St. 
Paul's Church. He has been, and is, a liberal sup- 
I)orter of the various church interests, while his sym- 
pathies and support extend to all matters which have 
for their object the good of the community in which 
he lives, and the elevation of humanity at large. 

On the 6th of January, 1831, Mr. Mason was 



married to Harriet, daughter of Jeremiah W. and 
Sarah Anthony. Six children sprang from this union, 
viz. : Sarah E., wife of Irani Smith ; William W., died 
in infancy; William W. (2d), Harriet A., died in in- 
fancy ; Edmund F., Charles T. 

Mrs. Mason (1st) died March 14, 1865, in her flfty- 
si.xth year. 

He married, second, Jan. 1, 1866, Lois Richmond 
Anthony, daughter of Jonathan and Lorana An- 
thony. She died May 23, 1867, in her thirty-eighth 
year, leaving an infant son, Louis R. A. Mason. 

His third and present wife was Emeline F., daugh- 
ter of George W. and Emeline E. Reed, of Fall River, 
to whom he was united Dec. 16, 180;). They have 
had three children, — George R.,. Stephen N. (died in 
infancy), and Emeline E. 

Mrs. Mason was born in Lowell, Mass., Sept. 25, 
1S39. 



IRAM SMITH. 

Irani Smith, son of Henry and Susan (Higgins) 
Smith, was born in Hampden, Me., Oct. 26, 1807. 
His father was a farmer and also a mason by trade, 
but the former was his principal occupation. He 
was a native of Cape Cod, and resided with an uncle 
by the name of Hinckley. He bad two children, — 
Irani and Susan, who married Jelferson Stubbs, of 
Hampden, Me., and liad several children, of whom 
only two daughters are living. Henry Smith died in 
ILimjjden, aged eighty-six years; liis wife died in 
1811. 

Irani, at the date of the death of his mother, was 
only four years old, too young to realize how great a 
loss he had sustained; for no father, however kind 
and wise, can fill the place of a good mother. He 
was reared by his father till eleven years of age, and 
then lived with a Mr. Mayliew, in Hampden, and 
Mr. Harding, at Cape Cod, until the age of nineteen, 
when he went to Du.xbury, Mass., and remained there 
till he was twenty-one. During this time he had 
learned the carpenter's trade, and liad acquired such 
education at the common schools as his limited cir- 
cumstances would permit. 

On Nov. 1, 1827, he went to Fall Iliver, Mass., 
where he has ever since remained. As an example 
of his true worth we give the following. His father 
was afHicted with a disease which incapacitated him 
for labor or for earning a livelihood, and, being poor, 
as soon as young Irani was old enough, he took the 
care of his father until his <leath. 

In 1827, the same day Mr. Smith arrived in Fall 
River, he entered the employ of Deacon Shaw, a con- 
tractor and builder. He soon after engaged with 
Andrew Robeson, with whom he remained till failing 
health compelled him to relinquish bis trade and seek 
some other mode of employment. In 1S.'{2 he put one 
thousand dollars, which he had saved from his five 
years' hard earnings, into a small grocery business, — 





V 



'^/^-//^ 



-7-71^ 



7? 



FALL KIVER. 



393 



)nly, however, to be swallowed up in less than a year, 
eaving him destitute but not disheartened. He was 
rouug and energetic, and by his talents and versatil- 
ty could easily retrieve his loss in some new enter- 
)rise. This proved to be the turning-point in his 
ife, for just then he had started a general variety 
itore, and made a special run on calicoes, which he 
;ould and did sell cheaper than any of his competi- 
ors. Tliough badly in del)t, with failure staring 
lim in the face, this good luck, or, perhaps, more 
)roperly, successful competition, brought him out 
afely, and, as the saying is, put him on his feet. He 
oves to associate with this also an important event 
n his religious life. His cheap calicoes were draw- 
ng many customers to his store, and the evening 
rade was especially valuable. It was class-meeting 
light, and he was the leader. What should he do in 
his conflict between interest and duty? He decided 
o ask his customers to come some other time, and 
vent to his class. They did come, and more with 
hem, impressed by the example he had set, so that 
le was undoubtedly a great gainer in a pecuniary 
loint of view, and what was more important on that 
iventful night, while at class, he received such evi- 
lence of his spiritual acceptance that it has ever 
leen looked back to as the bright epoch of his life, 
low small an act of self-sacrifice may exalt the 
pirit and bring it to a sweet consciousness of peace 
,nd joy. Through duty the soul is opened to the 
'visitations from on high," and the law of duty is 
hus revealed as the law of true life. Blessed' are 
hey who learn to follow it in youth. 

Mr. Smith continued in mercantile business about 
ive years, and then for about two years was engaged 
n whaling and fishing. 

Regaining his health, he entered trade as a dry- 
;oods merchant, which he continued till 1873, when 
le sold to his son, Iram N., and Mr. Jenney, since 
ifhich he has not been actively employed in busi- 
less, though he is identified with several manufac- 
uring interests. He is a director of the Granite 
,nd Stafford Mills; has been president of the Ma.ssa- 
oit Bank since 1878; has been a director of the same 
ince the organization, and is the only original direc- 
or now living. He is a member of the board of in- 
estment of the Fall River Five Cents Savings- 
Jan k. 

Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics. He cast his 
irst Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson in 1832, was 

member of the Liberal party in 1840, and voted for 
ames G. Birney for President and Thomas Earle for 
r^ice-President. He was one of the First Free-Soilers 
n Fall River. In 1839 he was a representative to the 
leneral Court, and has since served five times in that 
apacity, acting on several im])ortHnt committees. 

He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
826, and has been a class-leader more than half a 
entury, and during an equal period a teacher in Sun- 
lay-school. He is liberal, even generous, in the be- 



stowment of aid on all worthy objects, and an active 
supporter of education. For many years he has been 
a trustee of East Greenwich Academy, R. I. 

His first wife was Betsey L., daughter of Daniel 
and Patience Douglass, whom he married Aug. 15, 
1834. She was born Oct. 23, 1814, and died July, 
1859. Their children were: 1. Susan H.; 2. Henry 
D. (deceased); 3. Rhoda D. ; 4. Ellen A.; .5. Eliza- 
beth L. (deceased); 6. Iram N. ; 7. Emma E. ; 8. 
Charles H. (deceased). 

He married for his second wife, June 15, 1804, 
Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of William Mason, of Fall 
River. (See sketch of William Mason.) She was 
born in Fall River, Nov. 13, 1832. The children by 
this marriage are: 1. Harriet A.; 2. Annie M. ; 3. 
William H. ; 4. Charles E., — all living at home. 



COL. THOMAS J. BORDEN. 

Col. Thomas J. Borden, one of the leading business 
men of Southeastern Massachusetts, was born in Fall 
River, March 1, 1832. He was educated in the pri- 
vate select schools of his native town, and at the 
age of sixteen years entered the office of the Fall 
River Iron-Works Company, of which his father, 
Col. Richard Borden, was treasurer. After remain- 
ing here one year he entered the Lawrence Scientific 
School at Cambridge, ■ftdiere he completed a two 
years' course, studying engineering under Professor 
Eustis, and chemistry^ under Professor Horsford. 
TJie technical knowledge acquired at this institution 
proved invaluable to Col. Borden in his subsequent 
successful business career. 

He returned to Fall River in 1851, and re-entered 
the employ of the iron-works company, where he re- 
mained two years, developing business capacity of a 
high order. In the summer of 1853, being at that 
time only twenty-one years of age, he was appointed 
agent and treasurer of the Bay State Print- Works, a 
newly organized corporation. The financial panic of 
1857 led to the consolidation of these works with the 
American Print-Works, and Col. Borden was retained 
as manager of the new corporation. 

In February, 1860, he was appointed agent and 
treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufac- 
tory, and immediately commenced operations for the 
enlargement of the mills. The plans submitted by 
him were at once adopted, and in less than ten 
months the capacity of the Troy Mills was increased 
fourfold, and the property which was valued at two 
hundred thousand dollars in 1860, had risen in 1876 
to the value of eight hundred thousand dollars, and 
more than one million two hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars had been paid in dividends. Upon the or- 
ganization of the Mechanics' Mills, in 1868, Col. Bor- 
den was chosen president and agent, and officiated in 
that capacity about eighteen months, when he was 
elected treasurer, thus devolving upon him the entire 
management of the business. 



394 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In 1871 he organized the Richard Borden Manufac- 
turing Company, and was chosen treasurer of the 
corporation, and held that position until February, 
1876. He has been a director since its incorpora- 
tion, and president since the early part of 1874. 
Thus it will be seen that Col. Borden was i)ractically 
the controller from 1871 to 1876 of the Troy, the 
Mechanics', and the Richard Borden Mills, the three 
corporations embracing a total of one hundred and 
thirty-seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-six 
spindles and three thousand two hundred and twenty- 
eight looms. Although the management of this large 
interest caused a severe strain upon his mental and 
physical powers. Col. Borden proved himself equal to 
the labor imposed, discharging his duties with emi- 
nent ability, and these mills enlarged their operations 
and were financially successful under his skillful and 
judicious management. 

In 1876 he relinquished the active management of 
the three corporations mentioned above, and accepted 
the onerous |)osition of tresisurer, agent, and director 
of the American Print- Works (now American Print- 
ing Company), which he has held to the present 
time. The manufactory of tlie American Printing 
Company is one of the finest and most complete in 
the world that is devoted to the printing of cotton 
cloths. (See history on a former page.) 

Col. Borden has been a director in the Troy Cotton 
and Woolen Manufactory since 1860, in the Me- 
chanics' Mills Company since 1868, and in the Rich- 
ard Borden Manufacturing Company since 1871. He 
has also been treasurer of the Wautuppa Reservoir 
Company since 1864, and has been intrusted with the 
management of the vexatious litigation to which this 
company has been subjected. He has been a di- 
rector in the Metacomet Bank since its organization 
in 1864. He was elected a director in the Old Colony 
Railroad Company in January, 1874, and in the fol- 
lowing June was chosen a director in the Old Colony 
Steamboat Company. He has also been a director of 
the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance 
Company since 1870; of the Boston Manufacturers' 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1876 ; of the 
Worcester Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Com- 
pany since January, 1879; of the State Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company since 1878 ; and of the What- 
cheer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Provi- 
dence, R. I., since 1873. 

Col. Borden inherited from his honored father, Col. 
Richard Borden, his love for the military, and rose 
from first lieutenant in the Massachusetts militia to 
the rank of colonel. He was commissioned as first 
lieutenant of the Fall River Light Infantry Sept. 3, 
1863; as first lieutenant of the Fifth Unattached 
Company May 4, 1864; as captain of Company K, 
Third Regiment, Sept. 16, 1864 ; as lieutenant-colonel 
of the same regiment on Sept. 3, 1866; an<l as colonel 
on the 25th of June, 1868. He resigned the latter 
position in 1871. 



All measures tending to advance the welfare gen- 
erally of his native town have found in Col. Borden 
an earnest advocate. His efiicient service in the fire 
department, from 1865 to 1872, will not soon be for- 
gotten. He labored unremittingly to advance the 
efiiciency of the department, and upon retiring from 
the oflice of chief engineer, which he had held for the 
last three years, he left the department in most excel- 
lent condition. He has" been a trustee of the Fall 
River Savings-Bank since 1866, and in 1874 was made 
a director in the Borden Mining Company of Frost- 
burg, Md., which Col. Richard Borden had assisted 
in organizing. He is a prominent member of the 
Central Congregational Church, and was chairman of 
the building committee during the erection of the 
present imposing edifice of the society on Rock Street. 
He has also been a corporate member of the American 
Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions since 
1877. He was a member of the Common Council of 
the city of Fall River in 1874, and president of that 
body in 1875. 

Col. Borden's life has been one of steady and active 
devotion to business, and his great success has been 
the natural result of his ability to examine and readily 
compi-ehend any subject presented to him, power to 
decide promptly, and courage to act with vigor and 
persistency in accordance with his conviction. 

Feb. 20, 1855, Col. Borden united in marriage with 
Mary E., daughter of Ebenezer A. Hill, and their 
family has consisted as follows: Harriet M., Anna 
H., Carrie L., and Richard, all of whom are living 
except Richard, who died in early life. 



HON. CRAWFORD E. LINDSEY. 
Hon. Crawford E. Lindsey, son of William and 
Eliza A. (French) Lindsey, was born in Fall River, 
Aug. 19, 1838. His education was obtained in the 
public schools of Fall River, Mass., in Providence, 
R. I., and at Peirce Academy, in Middleborough, 
Mass. Upon leaving schooj in 1857, when in his 
nineteenth year, he entered the ofiioe of the Ameri- 
can Print-Works of Fall River in the capacity of 
clerk, and subsequently became book-keeper. A por- 
tion of the company's goods had always been sold in 
Boston by commission merchants, and it was mainly 
through the suggestions of Mr. Lindsey that in 1860 
a change was made, and this market supplied direct 
from the works He was appointed selling agent, 
which position he held until the suspension of the 
company in 1879, when his connection with the com- 
pany was dissolved. 

When a young man, Mr. Lindsey became actively 

identified with the industries of the city. He was one 

of the originators of the Merchants' Manufacturing 

Company, and was a director from its organization 

i until very recently. He was also until lately a di- 

1 rector of the Fall River Bleachery, being a member 

I of its first board of officers. He was largely instru- 




/IP ^,^s^^^l^<^^' 




^. ^.y^^^^^i/XJ^'^ 



FALL RIVEK. 



395 



lental in orgatiiziiig the King Philip Mills in 1871, 
nd was elected its first president, which position he 
ill retains. In 1880 he, with a few others, pur- 
lased what had been known as the Mount Hope 
[ill property. A corporation was organized under 
le name of Conanicut Mills, and Mr. Lindsey was 
ected treasurer, which position he now holds, 
nder his management, the property has been 
•eatly improved and enlarged, and devoted to the 
anufacture of fine cotton goods. 
He has long been interested in the welfare of the 
all River Savings-Bank, and is now one of its 
ustees. 

Mr. Lindsey's political associations have always 
!en with the Republican party. In 1869 and 1870 
3 was a member of the Common Council of the city 
■ Fall River, and the latter year was chosen presi- 
;nt of that body. In 1871 and 1872 he served as a 
ember of the Board of Aldermen, and in 1874 he 
as again a member and president of the Common 
auncil. In 1870, 1871, and 1872 he served as a 
ember of the school committee. In 1878 and 1879 
; was mayor of the city of Fall River, the second 
iar being elected with practically no opposition. The 
10 years during which he served as mayor were 
irk and trying ones in the history of Fall River, 
xtreme business depression prevailed throughout 
le country. The defalcations which were discov- 
ed during the first year, and which resulted in the 
lin of several corporations and a general suspension 
manufacturing, threw large numbers of heljiless 
leratives upon the city's charity. In 1879 an un- 
rtunate strike of mill operatives, the most serious 
hich has ever afflicted the city, and attended with 
insiderable disorder, rendered the second year also 
'Mr. T.indsey's administration peculiarly trying and 
flicult. His otiice hours were extended through the 
hole daj' and often into the night. The times de- 
anded firmness, and the greatest promptness and 
gor of action in the performance of official duties, 
id very often the executive authority failed to re- 
live the support of a majority of the Board of Alder- 
en, yet the mayor acquitted himself to the general 
)proval of his fellow-citizens. Since his retirement ! 
om the otiice of mayor he has held no public posi- 
3n, except that of trustee of the public library, to 
hich he was elected in 1882. 

On the 27th day of May, 1863, Mr. Lindsey was 
lited in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Hon. 
liver Ohace, of Fall River. 

Mr. Lindsey is now in the prime of life, and enjoys 
1 the community in which he resides the esteem and 
mfidence which he has won by his decided abilities, 
is persistent industry, and his strict and undeviating 
tegrity. 



ELIJAH C. KILBURN. 

The name of Kilburn is found among the English 
nobility as far back as Chaucer, and the line of de- 
scent can lie directly traced down to the present. 
Thomas Kilburn was the ancestor of the family in 
this country, and came from England in 1635, bring- 
ing with him his wife and. five children. One of his 
descendants of the fourth generation was John Kil- 
burn, the first settler of the town of Walpole, N. H. 
He settled there in 1749. He was born at Glaston- 
bury, Conn., in 1704, married Mehitable Bacon Oct. 
26, 1732, and had four children, of whom the only 
son was John, who accompanied his father to Wal- 
pole. This son is spoken of, in connection with his 
father, in an account of an Indian attack upon that 
town, recorded in Aldrich's " History of Walpole:" 

" Kilburn and his son John, in his eighteenth year, 
a man named Peak and his son were returning home 
from work about noon, Aug. 17, 1755, when one of 
them discovered the red legs of the Indians among 
the alders ' as thick as grasshoppers.' They instantly 
made for the house, fastened the doors, and began to 
make preparations for an obstinate defense. Besides 
these four men there were in the house Kilburn's 
wife and his daughter Hetty, who contributed not a 
little to encourage and assist their companions, as 
well as to keei) a watch on the movements of the 
enemy. . . . 

"The Indians next appeared on the eminence east 
of Kilburn's house, when the same 'old devil' Philip 
who had visited him the summer before came forward, 
and screening himself behind a tree called out to those 
in the house to surrender. ' Old John, young John,' 
says he, ' I know you ; come out here, we give you 
good quarter.' , 

"'Quarter!' vociferated old Kilburn with a voice 
of thunder that rang through every Indian heart and 
every hill and valley. ' You black rascals be gone, or 
we'll quarter you !' 

"Philip then returned to his companions, and after 
a few minutes' consultation the war-whoop was given. 
The Indians rushed forward to the work of destruc- 
tion, and probably no less than four hundred bullets 
were lodged in Kilburn's house at the first fire. . . . 
They had several guns in the house, which were kept 
hot by incessant firing. . . . The women, with true 
Grecian firmness, assisted in loading the guns. . . . The 
contest was kept up till nearly sundown, when the 
Indians began to disappear, and as the sun sank 
behind the western hills the sound of the guns and 
the cry of the war-whoop died away in silence." 

The account from which the above is quoted closes 
with these words, "Seldom has it fallen to the lot of 
our forefathers, by personal courage and valor, to 
reap a more brilliant crown of laurels than that won 
by Kilburn on that memorable day. . . . During the 
whole of the Indian and French war, whicli lasted 
till 1763, the Indians never afterwards made their 
appearance in Walpole." 



396 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The inscri]>tion on the gravestone of John Kilburn, 
in the Walpole buryhig-ground. is as follows: 

" In memory of 

John Kilbnrn, wlio departed 

this life for a better, April 8, 1789, 

in the 85 year of his age. 

He was the first settler of this town 

in 17411." 

Young John, or, as he was afterwards called, Capt. 
John, married Content, daughter of Rev. Ezra Car- 
penter, of Swansea, N. H. He died in Shrewsbury, 
Vt., July 20, 1819, leaving five children, of whom 
Elijah, the father of our .subject, was the youngest. 
He was born in Walpole, Sept. 30, 1772; married Re- 
becca Jennison, daughter of John and Sybil Jenni- 
son, in 1798. He died in 1847; his wife in 1849. 
They had nine children, all born in Walpole, viz. : 
(1) Harriet, died unmarried in 1830; (2) Mary, wife 
of Noah Smith ; (3) Josiah, married Emily Bonney ; 
(4) George, married Laura Hooper; removed to Fall 
River about 1840, and subsequently connected with 
the Lonsdale Manufacturing and Bleaching Com- 
pany, of which he was superintendent ; (5) John, mar- 
ried Maria E. Gage, and settled in Fall River, where 
he died Dec. 4, 1846; (6) Frederick, married Mary Ann 
Watkins ; represented Walpole in the General Court 
in 1858-59; a carpenter and millwright by occupa- 
tion; (7) Elijah C, the subject of our sketch; (8) Re- 
becca, wife of Rodney Smith ; (9) William .1.. a whole- 
sale merchant of Augusta, Me., firm of William J. 
Kilburn & Co. 

Elijah C. Kilburn, the immediate subject of this 
notice, was born in the town of Walpole, N. H., June 
10, 1811. His father was poor, with a large family to 
support, and the only income was from his daily labor 
as a carpenter. Hence as soon as the boys were able 
to oe of any service to their father in his business 
and could assist in the support of the family they 
were put to work. In this way Elijah had gained 
quite a knowledge of the carpenter's trade before he 
was nineteen years of age, and was getting what was 
considered good pay for the times, — about fifty cents 
per day and board. 

Previous to this time, as a lad, he had worked on 
the farm of one of his elder brothers in Walpole. 
His early school advantages were few ; the most he 
attended was during the three months of each winter, 
and some years not so much as that. 

When between nineteen and twenty years of age, 
in the year 1830, he left home and went to Boston, 
where his brother John bad been three years, and 
was then the proprietor of what had been Holland's 
CofTee-House. He was given employment by his 
brother at eleven dollars per month and board. By 
carefully saving wiiat money he earned, and what 
was given him by the boarders for odd jobs done for 
them, at the end of four years he had accumulated 
about five hundred dollars. Then borrowing of a 
friend the sum of two hundred dollars, he was able to 
buy of his brother a half-interest in the public-house, 



which became known as Kilburn's Coifee-House, sit- 
uated on Howard Street, and was well known in 
those days. It was the first temperance house in 
Boston. 

They had some twenty steady city boarders, and 
they catered for a class of transients who came into 
the city to attend the Legisl.iture in the winter, and 
country merchants who came to Boston to buy goods, 
.staying from one to two and sometimes three weeks. 
He remembers with a great deal of pride many men 
who used to stop at his house who have since become 
famous in the world of business and of letters. The 
first money he made he used in paying the two hun- 
dred dollars he had borrowed. 

While in this situation, on the 24th of September, 
1835, he united in marriage with Hannah S., daughter 
of Benjamin and Martha (Tilton) Carter. It may be 
as well here as elsewhere in this sketch to give the 
names and dates of birth of their children, which are 
as follows : Emily A., born April 1, 1839 ; Mary 
Theresa, born Aug. 3, 1841 (deceased) ; Charles W., 
born July 12, 1844 (deceased) ; Elias T., born June 
21, 1850." 

After being associated with his brother about three 
years in the hotel business, he sold his interest for 
about three thousand dollars, and in 1837 returned 
to Walpole and bought with his brother George a 
half-interest in a farm in that town known as the 
Major Jennison farm, which had previously belonged 
to his grandfather. On the farm was a famous .stock 
of fine Saxony sheep. They carried on the farm to- 
gether about one year, when his brother retiring, left 
him sole proprietor. He remained here about nine 
years, and in addition to the work of the farm he be- 
came quite a contractor, building highway bridges, 
doing masonry-work, and entering somewhat into 
the lumber business. In the year 1846 he repre- 
sented the town of Walpole in the General Court. 

In 1847, Mr. Kilburn removed to Fall River, Mass. 
His brother John, who had preceded him to Fall 
River and had established the machine business, 
entering largely into the manufacture of turbine 
water-wheels, died in 1846, leaving his widow execu- 
trix of his estate. Mr. Kilburn took charge of the 
business in 1847, and not being a practical machinist, 
associated with him Mr. Jonathan T. Lincoln, under 
the name of E. C. Kilburn & Co. The business was 
carried on under this name till 1856, when, on ac- 
count of the illness of Mr. Lincoln, his son, Henry 
C. Lincoln, was added to the firm, which then took 
the name of Kilburn, Lincoln & Son. They carried 
on business till 1867 in the old shops on the site of 
the present Fall River freiglit depot, between Water 
and Pond Streets. 

The present corporation of Kilburn, Lincoln & 
Co. is a joint-stock company, with a paid-up capital 
of eighty thousand dollars. It was incorporated in 
1867. At that time the new shops at the corner of 
Pocasset and Canal Streets were built. 



FALL RIVER. 



397 



Mr. Kilburn sold most of his interest in the ma- 
hine-shops in 1869, and in 1871 united with Craw- 
)rd E. Lindsey, of Fall River, Jonathan Chace, of 
'alley Falls, R. I., and others in organizing the 
;ing Philip Mills Company, of Fall River. After 
jveral interviews it was decided by these gentlemen 
) test the practicability of raising a capital stock of 
ve hundred thousand dollars for the erection of a 
[ill of about thirty-six thousand spindles for the 
lanufacture of fine cotton fabrics. Says the history 
F Fall River industries, "The matter was put in 
large of Mr. E. C. Kilburn, and within a fortnight 
le whole amount of five hundred thousand dollars 
as taken by forty-seven responsible persons, and an 
Jditional one hundred and sixty thousand dollars 
iked for; but at the first meeting of the subscribers, 
eld July 14, 1871, for organization, it was decided 
) limit the capital stock to five hundred thousand 
ollars." 

Mr. Kilburn was one of the original board of di- 
jctors, and was elected treasurer of the corporation, 
hich office he still holds. The company was incor- 
orated Sept. 15, 1871. The mill was built under the 
iperintendence of Mr. Kilburn, assisted by W. F. 
liernian and F. P. Sheldon, architects and draughts- 
len, and started in January, 1873. 

Mr. Kilburn was one of the original stockholders 
F the Union Mills, and upon the death of Mr. Hale 
.emington was elected a director, and remained in 
lat capacity until the suspension. He was also a 
irector in the Border City Mills, and is at present a 
irector in the following companies: Conanicut and 
/■eetamoe Mills, Union Belt Company, Fall River 
[anufacturers' Mutual Insurance Ccmipany. He 
as and is an original stockholder and director in the 
econd National Bank, an original trustee of the Five 
ent Savings-Bank, and about ten years past a mem- 
er of the Board of Investment. During the years 
360-63, 1866-67 he was a member of the Common 
ouncil of Fall River. 



DR. J. M. ALDRICH. 
James Mott Aldrich was born in the town of Smith- 
eld, R. I., Oct. 30, 1817. He is the son of Arnold 
.Idrich, who was the twelfth and youngest child of 
udge Caleb Aldrich, of the same town. He is the fifth 
eneratioff in descent from George Aldrich and his 
ife Catherine Seald, who came to this country from 
)erbyshire, England, in 1631 , and settled in the town 
f Mondon, Mass. George was one of the original 
urchasers of the town, and reared a family of eleven 
liildren. Moses, the grandson of George, and the 
ither of Caleb, became an eminent Quaker preacher, 
nd traveled quite extensively in prosecuting his divine 
lission. After suftering many petty persecutions and 
eprivations from the dominant religious sect of his i 
ative State on account of his religion, he moved to ' 
:ie freer atmosphere of Rhode Island, bringing with 



him and transmitting to his children such a hatred of 
religious tyranny and priestly domination that it has 
not .yet become extinct in his later descendants. 
James was the youngest of ten children, seven sons 
and tliree daughters, of whom he is the only one 
living. 

As an interesting evidence of the multiform branch- 
ing of the family tree, there is to be found on the 
headstone of his grandmother's grave the statement 
that at the time of her death she had living nine 
children, ninety-seven grandchildren, and one hun- 
dred and seventy great-grandchildren. 

He was of a somewhat delicate and sensitive or- 
ganization, and has never enjoyed the vigorous health 
which was shared by the other brothers of the family. 
His childhood and youth were spent on his father's 
farm, which was pleasantly situated about one mile 
south of Union village, near the main road to Provi- 
dence. 

After obtaining a knowledge of the common 
branches of education at the public and private 
neighborhood schools he entered the academy at 
Union village, which was then under the charge of 
James Bushee. Here he studied the higher branches 
taught in a select school, and during the time read 
ancient and modern history and the writings of the 
standard poets, of which he was particularly fond. 
He was a studious scholar, loved learning for its own 
sake, and took a high rank among his fellow-pupils. 
Another means of his education which should not be 
overlooked was the Debating Club, of which he was 
an active member. Here were discussed, and fre- 
quently by the most intelligent persons in the com- 
munity, the various prominent and public questions 
of the day, and as Mr. Aldrich was particularly fond 
of debate, he used all available means to enable him 
to discuss these questions intelligently, and being a 
ready and not unpleasant speaker, he became quite 
prominent in these friendly educational contests. 
Through these various methods, aided on the religious 
side of his nature by the instruction received from 
his Quaker parents, he arrived at the stage of man- 
hood with convictions matured beyond many of his 
years, and being naturally conscientious and of an 
active temperament, he soon identified himself with 
the earnest opponents of slavery, intemperance, capi- 
tal punishment, and restricted charter suffrage, the 
four questions which were just then disturbing the 
usual quiet of his State. To his great disgust the 
latter reform soon fell into the hands of unwise leaders, 
and he withdrew from all further connection with the 
party, not being inclined to place himself in rebellion 
against the de facto authorities of the State, though 
not the less convinced of the justice of the demand. 
From early childhood Mr. Aldrich had been a victim 
of gastric disease, which in his later youth increased 
in severity, and was occasionally accompanied with 
severe intestinal complications, which, with the de- 
bilitating efi'ects of the treatment considered necessarv 



398 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to give relief, greatly enfeebled his general health, 
and caused his friends much solicitude for the future. 
An entire change in the treatment was finally decided 
upon, and on the accession of one of these attacks a 
botanic physician was called, who gave him more 
speedy relief and with less exhaustion than he had 
previously experienced. The treatment finally re- 
sulted in the establishment of better health than he 
had ever before enjoyed. This gratifying result 
turned his attention to the study of medicine, and in 
the early part of the year 1839 he entered the office 
and infirmary of Dr. J. A. Brown, of Providence, R. I. 

With his usual ardor he entered upon his new 
course of study, also gaining a practical knowledge 
of the use and eifects of remedies at the bedside of 
the numerous patients treated in the infirmary. Here , 
he remained until the last of November, 1840, when 
he accepted an invitation to go to Fall River, Mass., 
to take the place of Dr. J. B. Woodward, who went 
South for the benefit of his health. Dr. Woodward 
returned in about a year, and Mr. Aldrich left to 
further pursue his studies. He attended a course of 
lectures in the Medical Department of Harvard Col- 
lege, and subsequently a course at the Botanic Medi- 
cal College in Cincinnati, where he received his di- 
ploma and was chosen valedictorian of his class. 
After practicing several months in Woonsocket, he 
removed to Fall River in November, 1843, again tak- 
ing the place of Dr. Woodward, then made vacant 
by his death, and now antedates by some years any 
other practitioner in the city, and has been the long- 
est in practice of any one of his school in Bristol 
County. He continues to adhere to the same princi- 
ples of sanitive medication he at first adopted, yet, 
profiting from his experience and keeping himself 
somewhat familiar with current medical literature, he 
is ever ready to adopt such changes in remedies and 
methods of application as his judgment approves. 

For the purpose of combating medical intolerance 
and prejudice, and giving to such as were disposed to 
inquire a knowledge of the reformed practice, Dr. 
Aldrich, in connection with Dr. T. W. Wood, A.M., 
of Middleborough, published for a year (in 1846-47) 
a monthly paper called the Medical Enquirer, of which 
several hundred copies were issued. In 1867, Dr. 
Aldrich was elected president of the Massachusetts 
Eclectic Medical Society, and subsequently delivered 
the annual address. The energy and perseverance 
required to overcome the peculiar obstacles incident 
to his independent position as a physician, added to 
the ordinary duties of a remunerative practice which 
he secured, did not prevent the doctor from taking an 
active part in some of the vital questions which have 
agitated the community. Indilierent to the odium 
which for a time was thrown upon the Abolitionists of 
the Garrison school, he early became one of the most 
active and earnest laborers in the anti-slavery cause 
to be found in the place. He circulated petitions, 
secured lecturers, presided at their meetings, con- 



ducted the correspondence, and was closely identified 
with the comparatively few of a similar faith and ac- 
cordant spirit. He has always been a strong advocate 
of total abstinence from all alcoholic beverages, was 
for years president of the Temperance Society, has 
frequently spoken at temperance meetings, and for 
many years has almost entirely discarded the use of 
alcohol as a curative agent. 

His early views on the suffrage question made him 
a ready advocate of woman's right to the ballot as a 
matter of justice and sound expediency. 

For some years he has held the ofiice of president 
of the Children's Home, a public institution designed 
to have charge of orphans and destitute childi-en, and 
in the success of which he has been much interested. 
He has also been the principal physician employed at 
the Home in cases of sickness. In 1852 the doctor 
was elected a member of the school committee, the 
only political ofiice he ever held, being loosely bound 
by party ties, though strongly in sympathy with the 
Republican organization. From 18.52 to 1879 he held 
the ofiice fifteen years, the last five of which he was 
elected chairman of the committee. He declined a 
further renomination, and after a year's interval his 
wife was elected to the position, which she still holds. 
The annual reports of the committee during his chair- 
manship indicate theintelligentinteresthe manifested 
in the discharge of his official duties. 

Dr. Aldrich continued his connection with the 
Society of Friends until the New England Yearly 
Meeting decided to forbid the opening of its houses 
of worship for anti-slavery meetings, and advised its 
members not to be identified with the Abolitionists, 
since which time he has ceased to regard himself as 
a member of the denomination, though never dis- 
owned by the society. 

The knowledge and experience gained during these 
years liberated his own mind from some religious 
assumptions and peculiarities which he formerly re- 
garded as important and led him to separate religion, 
which he defines as the vitalizing and guiding principle 
which exalts and dignifies the soul and consecrates it 
to noble uses, from the great body of theology which 
the human intellect has imposed upon it. In 1871 he 
united with the Unitarian Society, and was shortly 
after chosen a member of the standing committee, 
which office he still holds, and is ranked among the 
most active, liberal, and progressive members of the 
society. 

Dr. Aldrich was married. May 24, 1844, to Mary A. 
Allen, of Dedham, Mass. She was a teacher in the 
higher branches of instruction, and thoroughly in 
accord with her husband in social and reformatory 
questions. She never enjoyed vigorous health, and 
died of iidierited pulmonary disease Dec. 18, 1857. 
He was again married, Sept. 23, 1862, to Louisa G., 
youngest daughter of Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden, the 
atmosphere of whose home was permeated with those 
ideas of practical righteousness which underlie all 





t^7^^^..J J2^^,.i4^ 



II,. 




L ' ' 




'<-^ ^L-L^<^ 




Cc^' 



J 



FALL RIVER. 



399 



;hat is genuine in life and enduring in character, 
rhey liave a daughter and son, the former of whom 
las nearly completed her second year in Smith Col- 
ege, Northampton. 

For twenty-five years the doctor lived iu the Blossom 
louse, No. 77 North Main Street, on the corner of 
Franklin Street. In 1870 he purchased a pleasant 
lome on the corner of Hanover and Prospect Streets, 
ivhere he has since resided, but continues his office at 
,he old place on Main Street. 

We conclude this biography with the following ap- 
preciative tribute, written by a prominent and highly- 
•espected citizen of Fall River: 

" Dr. Aldrich has more than a reputation, he has a 
diaracter so well woven into the woof and warp of 
Liis every-day life as to present a degree of faultless- 
aess that has secured for him general confidence and 
•espect. He is a gentleman of strong convictions and 
narked individuality; has opinions of his own, and 
s not slow in defending them when it becomes ne- 
;es.sary for him to do so. Indeed, his combativeness is 
airly developed, and at times he loves controversy, 
ind wields a ready and caustic pen, as those have 
found who have crossed lances with him. While 
lonoring the profession of which he is a worthy mem- 
Der, he has found time for that general and select 
•eading which, as much as anything, develops, 
itreogthens, and makes the man As a physician. 
Dr. Aldrich is safe, reliable, and always to be trusted ; 
IS a citizen, gentlemanly in his bearing and deport- 
iient, and holds a high and well-merited place in the 
;ood will of the community. 

" His services on the school committee of Fall River, 
For which he is admirably adapted both by culture 
ind experience, have been valuable in many ways, 
ind his interest in general education and all that is 
jood and ennobling in life are well known and ap- 
preciated. We wish him the addition of many golden 
jfears to the silver summers of his life." 



DR. JEROME DWELLY. 
Dr. Jerome Dwelly was born in Tiverton, R. I., Jan. 
21, 1823, about four and one-half miles south from the 
sity of Fall River. His father, Daniel Dwelly", was 
i well-known and respectable farmer, and was a direct 
descendant of Richard Dwelly, who was one of the 
early settlers of Plymouth Colony, and who, about 
16G.5, settled in Scituate, Mass., having been in some 
af the neighboring towns as early as 16.54. He had 
a grant of land in Scituate from the colony for ser- 
vices rendered in King Philip's war in 1676. His 
grandson, Joshua Dwelly, being a ship-carpenter, 
emigrated from Scituate to Swansea, Mass., and about 
17(10 to Tiverton, R. I., and his grandson, Richard 
Dwelly', emigrated from Tiverton, R. I., to Manlius, 
N. Y., when his son, Daniel Dwelly-, was about eleven 
years of age, where the family remained, except the 
son Daniel, who returned to Tiverton and married the 



daughter of Jonathan Slade', formerly of Slade's 
Ferry. Jerome Dwelly, his son, having become 
lame when quite young, was sent to school at Fall 
River, and subsequently to Pierce Academy, at Mid- 
dleborough, Mass., to fit for college, with a view of 
becoming a lawyer. He remained there three years, 
and then, his health failing, he was obliged to suspend 
his studies for two or three years, after which his mind 
became diverted to the study of medicine. He then 
became a student in the office of the late Thomas 
Wilbur, of Fall River, and subsequently entered the 
offices of Dr. William E. Townsend and his father, 
Solomon D. Townsend, one of the surgeons of the 
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. He was 
graduated in medicine at the Harvard Medical Col- 
lege in 1847, and has been in the active practice of 
his profession in Fall River since that time, with the 
exception of two years spent iu California, from 1849 
to 18-51. He was for about twenty years a member of 
the school board of Fall River. 



AUGUSTUS UHACE. 

A man who entirely by his own eftbrts has risen 
to affluence and social position, and through all the 
changing events of an active business life has pre- 
served his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the 
pen of the historian. Such an one is Augustus Chace, 
the subject of this sketch. Without the advantages 
of inherited aid he has worked the problem of his own 
fortune, and lives to enjoy the fruition of a successful 
business career. 

Augustus Chace was born in Freetown, Mass., 
Sept. 20, 1813. While he was quite a small lad his 
parents removed to Valley Falls, R. I., where they 
remained about five years, and then removed to Fall 
River. His first work in a mill w-as at Valley Falls, 
where he received one dollar per week. Upon com- 
ing to Fall River he commenced work in the Print- 
Works, carrying cloth, and soon after went into what 
was long known as the "' yellow mill," stripping cards, 
receiving the meagre salary of fifty cents per day_ 
Here he remained about eight years, and then re- 
moved to Eagleville, and later to Newville or 
" Sucker Brook," as the locality is called. 

He had now became a thoroughly practical manu- 
facturer, and with that clear foresight which has ever 
been characteristic of the man, he saw the facilities 
afforded by Fall River for manufacturing purposes, 
and in 1845 he came here, and in company with the 
late William B. Trafford erected a small mill for the 
manufacture of yarns, etc., under the firm-name of 
Chace & Trafford. This partnership continued about 
fifteen years. The firm subsequently purchased the 
Westport Manufacturing Company, and after about 
six years the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Chace 
retaining the interest of the firm in the Fall River 
property, and Mr. Trafford taking the Westport pro- 
ject. The business was originally commenced in a 



400 



HISTORY OF BllISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



small way, the product being about eighty pounds of 
coarse yarn per day, employing six persons. It lias 
increased and developed until at the present time the 
production is three thousand six hundred pounds per 
day of cotton twines and carpet warps, — employing 
ninety persons. During the present year the capac- 
ity of the mill is to be largely increased. 

Mr. Chace has ever manifested a lively interest in 
all matters tending to advance the welfare of his 
adopted town, and may be ranked as one of the lead- 
ing mill dii'ectors and manufacturers in this famous 
manufacturing city. In addition to the Wyoming 
Mills, which are owned exclusively by him, he is 
president of the Tecumseh Mills, president of the 
Chace Mills, a director in the Fall River Spool and 
Bobbin Company, also in the Merchants' Mill Cor- 
poration, and is an owner iu the Barnaby Manufac- 
turing Company. He has been president of the 
Union Savings-Bank since its incorporation in 18(39. 
He was a member of the Legislature of Rhode Island 
when the town of Tiverton embraced a portion of 
the present city of Fall River, and has also been 
identified with the city government, serving iu the 
Common Council, and also in Board of Aldermen. 

Sept. 20, 1832, Mr. Chace united in marriage with 
Rhoda M. Lake, a native of Tiverton, R. I., and their 
family consisted of four children,— Augustus W. D., 
deceased ; Mary Maria, deceased ; Adoniram J., who 
is in his father's office; and Sarah L., wife of John 
J. Wood. 

Augustus Chace's career has ever been guided by a 
truly religious principle, and from that Sabbath 
morning while playing marbles in the streets of Val- 
ley Falls he heard the voice of the Christian woman 
inviting him to the Sunday-school, to the present 
time his life has been characterized by a consistent 
Christian spirit. He was a member of the Second 
Baptist Church of this city for forty years. 

Augustus Chace is essentially a self-made man. 
Early in life he learned that the way to success was 
by no royal road, but was open to stout hearts and 
willing hands. He has gained nothing by mere luck, 
but everything by perseverance and well-digested 
plans, and the intelligent application of his energies 
to the end in view. In social life he is gentlemanly 
and affable, and is one of Fall River's most enterpris- 
ing and honored citizens. 



WEAVER OSBORN. 



Weaver Osborn, son of Thomas and Anna (Durfee) 
Osborn, was born in Tiverton, R. I., May 23, 1815. 
He remained at home until he was eighteen, working 
on the farm and attending the common school, which 
furnished his early advantage for an education, except 
a few months' instruction at the seminary at Little 
West Hill, South Kingston, R. I. At eighteen he 
began to learn the blacksmith's trade in Fairhaven, 



Bristol Co., Mass., and having served his apprentice- 
ship pursued that occupation till 1871. 

In 1835, Mr. Osborn bought out Nathaniel Peirce, 
of Tiverton, and carried on his trade there about eight 
years, and in 1843 he removed to Providence, where 
he remained one year, when he returned to Tiverton. 
In 1844 he began to work tor Andrew Robeson as a 
journeyman, and continued in that capacity four 
years, when in 1848 he resumed business in his native 
town, continuing till January, 1855, when his sliop 
was destroyed by fire. In this juncture of affairs he 
removed to Fall River and entered into copartner- 
ship with James M. Osborn, his younger brother 
(firm of W. &. J. M. Osborn). Their shop was situ- 
ated where the new post-office now- stands, and the 
partnership lasted till 1871. 

Since then Mr. Osborn has been closely connected 
with manufactures and with the growth and develop- 
ment of Fall River. He was elected president of the 
Pocasset National Bank in 1873, an office which he 
still holds. He has been a director in the same bank 
since its organization in 1854, when it was known as 
the Pocasset Bank under the State laws. In 1873 
he was elected chairman of the board of investment, 
and still holds the position. He has been a member 
of the board since its organization in 1851, and, with 
the exception of William C. Chapin, of Providence, 
he is the only living member of that original board. 

Mr. Osborn is president and director of the Os- 
born Mills, which take his name. He was chiefly in- 
strumental in getting the stock taken and building 
the first mill in 1872. Since the last date he has also 
been a director in the Montaup Mills. He is a trus- 
tee of the Citizens' Savings-Bank of Fall River, one 
of the board of water commissioners, and one of the 
trustees of the State workhouse at Bridgewater, 
Mass. 

As a Whig in politics, he cast his first vote for 
Henry Clay, but became a Republican upon the or- 
ganization of the latter party in 1856. As such he 
was elected to represent the town of Fall River, R. I., 
in the State Senate in 1857, 1858, and 1859, and served 
on the military and other committees. He has since 
served in the Legislature of Massachusetts for the fol- 
lowing-named ye.ars, 1868, 1869, 1871, 1873, 1876, 1877, 
and in 1879 he was a member of the State Senate, and 
served on several im])ortant committees. 

As a military man, he has served through the va- 
rious grades from private to captain in the State 
militia, and was in the Dorr war. 

Mr. Osborn has had much experience in the settle- 
ment of estates, and his labors in that direction have 
given general satisfaction. He is a man of strict in- 
tegrity and sound practical judgment. 

He married, Jan. 7, 1837, Patience B. Dwelley, 
daughter of Daniel and Mary Slade. They have had 
four children, as follows: (1) Mary S. ; (2) Daniel 
W., died in his twenty-third year; (3) Thomas F., 
died aged nine; (4) Anna Jane, died aged nine. 




■-^:- 



^/yl'^^'^l^y'iU 6^i^Ct?'-2^. 



6^ 




CiynprZ44i 



rrL 



FALL RIVER. 



401 



Mrs. Osborn was born May 27, 1817, in Tiverton, 
R. I. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have been members of 
the Baptist Church since 1843. 

The nine children of Thomas and Anna (Diirfee) 
Osborn were (1) William, (2) Thomas, (3) Joseph, 
(4) Anna (deceased), (5) Wilson (deceased), (6) Pa- 
tience (deceased), (7) Eliza, (8) Weaver, (9) James M. 

Thomas Osborn died October, 1833, aged sixty-six. 
His wife died May 23, 1845, aged seventy-two. 



J. M. OSBORN. 

James Munroe Osborn, son of Thomas and Anna 
(Durfee) Osborn, was born at Tiverton, E. I., Aug. 
27, 1822. His grandfather, William Osband, was a 
native of Newport, R. I., where he was born Aug. IG, 
1729; he married Elizabeth Shriove in 17.51; had 
children. Weaver, Elizabeth, Patience (died young), 
Thomas, William, and Wilson, and died Oct. 29, 1810, 
aged eighty-one. Thomas Osborn, father of J. M., 
was born at Tiverton, R. I., March 81, 1766 ; was a 
ship's cooper, and when not on a voyage engaged in 
farming. He married Anna Durfee in 1797, had nine 
children, of whom James M. was the youngest. He 
died, aged sixty-seven, Oct. 7, 1833. His mother be- 
ing left a widow when James was eleven years old, 
he remained with her on the farm, availing himself 
for six years of such common-school advantages of 
education as were given by the town schools, when 
he learned the blacksmith trade of his brother. 
Weaver, with whom he stayed three years; he was 
then twenty. Going back to the form, he tried seine 
fishing with unsatisfactory results, and relinquishing 
this field of labor he resumed blacksmithing in Prov- 
idence and worked in other places until 184o,.wben 
he came to Fall River and entered the employ of 
John Kilburn, for whom he worked until the death 
of Mr. Kilburn, some eighteen months thereafter. 
Mr. Kilburn's shop was shortly after taken by Kil- 
burn & Lincoln, and Mr. Osborn began work for 
them and continued there until 1855. In February 
of that year he joined his brother. Weaver, in the 
purchase of the shop of Gideon Packard, No. 44 
Bedford Street, where they commenced business for 
themselves under the firm-title of W. & J. M. Os- 
born. 

In 1859 the incentive of making Fall River a lead- 
ing manufacturing centre of the State was given to 
the live business men of the city, and W. & J. M. 
Osborn became interested in and helped build the 
Union Mill, so soon to be followed b)' others. The 
firm afterwards took stock and were interested in the 
Granite Mill, and in 1867 invested largely in the 
Merchants' Manufacturing Company, in which corpo- 
ration Mr. Osborn was made a director. Companies 
desiring to establish themselves here soon saw that 
the assistance of this active and progressive firm was 
a step, and not an unimportant one, to success, and 
the members of it were soon associated with others in 
26 



the erection of the Staflx)rd Mill. By this time other 
and weightier duties superseded the business which 
the firm was organized to transact, and, retaining the 
firm-name, the blacksmithing was dropped. Mr. Os- 
born, in 1871, was elected director and treasurer of the 
Slade Mill, then organized, and devoted himself to the 
duties of that office, and superintended the building 
of the mill. The next corporation in which the 
brothers were interested was the Osborn Mill. The 
copartnership of W'. & J. M. Osborn continued until 
1880. They were interested in the Union Belt Com- 
pany, Fall River Bobbin Mills, Montaup Mills, and 
other corporations. 

Mr. Osborn married, Aug. 9, 1847, Mary B., daugh- 
ter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Buffinton) Chace, of 
Somerset. (See history of Chace family in history of 
Fall River in this volume.) They have had three 
children, only one of whom, James E., now survives. 
He was born Jan. 24, 1856, graduated at Fall River 
High School, married Delia S., daughter of William 
and Elizabeth (Durfee) Carr, and has one child, Ma- 
rion. 

Mr. Osborn is a director of the Globe Yarn-Mill, 
Merchants' Manufacturing Company, and a trustee 
of the Fall River Five Cents Savings-Bank. In poli- 
tics Whig and Republican. He has been from early 
life a temperance worker in connection with the 
order of Sons of Temperance. He has never used to- 
bacco or liquor. He has been a member of the city 
government, serving in both branches. He and his 
wife have been long connected with the Second Bap- 
tist Church of this city as members, and Mr. Osborn 
has been for several years and is now chairman of the 
standing committee of the society. Mr. Osborn 
erected the pleasant residence which is now his home 
in 1859, occupying it the same year. He is a pleasant, 
affable man, and has been truly the architect of his 
own fortune, and enjoys a warm place in the regards 
of manv friends. 



DANFORTH HORTON. 

Danforth Horton, son of Aaron and Bethaney 
(Baker) Horton and grandson of Solomon Horton, was 
born in the town of Dighton, Mass., Nov. 19, 1812. 
His grandfather, Solomon Horton, married Hannah 
Talbot, a native of Dighton, and bad ten children, 
seven sons and three daughters, — Aaron Horton, son 
of Solomon and Hannah (Talbot) Horton, was born in 
Dighton, Mass., in 1779 or 1780, and died Dec. 3, 1854, 
aged seventy-fouryears. He married Bethaney, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Baker, of Rehoboth, and had five sons 
and two daughters, viz.. Mason, deceased ; Danforih ; 
Hiram ; Nancy B., wife of Jarvis W. Eddy ; Na- 
thaniel B. ; Angelina, wife of Levi Baker; and Alvah, 
deceased. 

Mr. Horton married for his second wife Sally, 
daughter of Cromwell and Sarah (Mason) Burr, of 
Rehoboth. Danforth Horton spent his youth on his 



402 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



father's farm, and attended the common schools until 
about the age of nineteen, when he began to learn 
the trade of a mason with James Horton, of Reho- 
both. He subsequently worked at his trade in Provi- 
dence, Taunton, and New Bedford, and in 1833 set- 
tled in Fall River, where he has ever since resided. 

About one year after his arrival in Fall River he 
formed a copartnership with Lloyd S. Earle, which 
continued till 1860. As contractors and builders 
during that period they did a large amount of busi-. 
ness, erecting in whole or in part some of the most 
substantial buildings in the city, including many of 
the business blocks and dwellings. They carried on 
every kind of masonry, and as builders sustained a 
high reputation for the substantial and solid charac- 
ter of their work. 

In 1858, Mr. Horton was elected surveyor of high- 
ways, and two years afterwards superintendent of 
streets, which latter position he held till 1878, and 
for a considerable period of the time held the oflice 
of surveyor of highways. 

Mr. Horton was superintendent of lights for many 
years, and for some time had charge of the teams of 
the fire department. As superintendent of sewers 
he had charge of all those constructed prior to 1878. 

He is a director in the Robeson Mills, and presi- 
dent of the company since February, 1882. He has 
also been a director of the Bourne & Stafford Mills 
since the organization of the companies, and was a 
director for some time of the Merino and Tecumseh 
Mills, and of the Fall River Granite Company. He 
is at the present time a director of the Pocasset 
National Bank, and a trustee and vice-president of 
the Citizens' Savings-Bank, of Fall River. - , .• 

In his political principles he was in early life a 
Democrat, affiliating with the Free-Soil branch of the 
party in 1836 and subsequently, so that in 1856 it was 
easy for him to join the Republican movement, of 
which he has since been a stanch advocate, although 
never aspiring to political honors. 

He and Mrs. Horton have been members of the 
Baptist Church since 1840, nearly half a century. 

He married Sarah B., daughter of Carlton and 
Sarah (Brayton) Sherman, of Fall River, Jan. 29, 
1835. She was born in Fall River Feb. 18, 1810. 
Her father, Carlton Sherman, was a native of Free- 
town, a son of Silas Sherman, and had four children, — 
Benjamin B., Zeruiah A., Persis P., and Sarah B. 
He was a farmer and cabinet-maker, and died, in his 
seventy-fourth year, July 10, 1849. His wife died 
Jan. 15, 1845, aged seventy years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Horton's two children, Sarah and 
Charles, both died young. 

Danforth Horton is one of the self-made men of 
his time. Starting out a farmer's boy, with limited 
education, and with no capital save his own indomi- 
table energy and perseverance, he has made his way 
to a high standing among the men of character and 
business integrity of Fall River. 



LLOYD SLADE EARLE. 

Lloyd Slade Earle, son of Slade and Hannah (Gibbs) 
Earle, was born in Somerset, Mass., Dec. 11, 1812, 
and soon after settled in the town of Swansea. Slade 
Earle, his father, was a farmer iti that town, where he 
was born in 1791. He married, in 1812, Hannah 
Gibbs, daughter of Robert Gibbs, and had six chil- 
dren, viz. : Lloyd S., Gibbs, George W., Slade W., 
Hannah J. (Mrs. William Maxam, of Swansea), and 
John M. Slade Earle and his wife were members of 
the Bai>tist Church in Rehoboth. 

Lloyd S. spent his youthful days in Swansea. His 
advantages for an education were such as the common 
schools of his day afforded to farmers' boys who had 
to work during the summer, as our subject generally 
did, either on his father's farm or hired out to some 
neighboring farmer, till the age of seventeen. 

It was at this age, in 1829, that he went to New 
Bedford to learn the mason's trade. After serving an 
apprenticeship of four years with Pierce & Wheaton, 
contractors and builders, he went to Fall River in the 
summer of 1834, and found employment with Ephraim 
G. Woodman, and the fall of the same year entered 
into copartnershi]) with his brother-in-law, Danforth 
Horton, for the ]nirpose of carrying on the contract- 
ing and building business. Mr. Earle did not, how- 
ever, at once embark in business, but returned to 
Swansea, and taught school during the winter of 
1834-35 in his own district. The two following win- 
ters he taught in Dighton. The partnership with Mr. 
Horton continued till 1860, during which time they 
did a large business. After it was dissolved Mr. Earle 
continued to carry on a heavy business of his own, 
erecting some of the finest mills and houses in Fall 
River. He built sixteen mills, among which we may 
mention the Granite IMills, American Print-Works 
(twice, on account of fire), Flint Mills, American 
Linen Mill, Shove Mills, LTnion Mills (first). Bourne 
Mill, and Wampanoag Mill No. 2. He has been a 
very successful contractor for brick and stone work, 
and also for finishing, plastering, etc., the interiors of 
houses. 

In politics, Mr. Earle was first a Democrat, acting 
with the Free-Soil branch of the party, and has been 
a Republican since that organization was formed, in 
1856. He has taken some interest in local afl'airs. 
He served one year as a member of the Common 
Council of Fall River, and in 1860-61 he was a 
member of the General Court. He has always been a 
strong temperance man, having never used tobacco or 
liquors of any kind. 

He married Persis P., daughter of Carlton Sher- 
man and Sarah Brayton, in 1836. She was a daugh- 
ter of Carlton and Sarah (Brayton) Sherman, and 
was born in Fall River, Jan. 23, 1808. She had one 
brother and two sisters, viz., Benjamin B., Zeruiah 
A., and Sarah B. 

Mr. and Mrs. Earle had one son, Andrew B., born 
March 27, 1837. He married Hannah E. Borden, 




^/S'^/Y'/ gJ. boJU^ 




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FALL RIVER. 



403 



daughter of Durfee Borden, of Fall River, aud had 
three children, — Lloyd B., died in infancy; Emma 
P. and Mary A., with their mother, survive. Andrew 
B. Earle was a grocer. He died Jan. 12, 1867, aged 
twenty-nine years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd S. Earle are members of the 
First Baptist Church in Fall River. He has taken a 
deep interest in Sunday-school work, and has been a 
teacher, more or less, for nearly forty years. 

He is a director in the Shove, Wampanoag, Robe- 
son, and Bourne Mills, a trustee of the Citizens' 
Savings-Bank, and member of its board of invest- 
ment. 

Mr. Earle is actively connected with some of the 
leading enterprises of Fall River, and has taken a 
deep interest in all public improvements, as well as 
in all measures and institutions calculated to conserve 
the moral and intellectual welfare of the community. 

He is a self-made man, and the architect of his own 
fortune, having started in life a poor boy, and by his 
own unaided exertions made his way to the honorable 
standing which he holds among the substantial men 
of the city. Li all his business and social relations 
he has sustained a high reputation for honor and in- 
tegrity.' 

WILLIAM MARVEL. 

William Marvel was born in Swansea, Mass., on 
the 21st day of March, in the year 1800. His father, 
William Marvel, was a mason by trade, and the Mar- 
vels, Marbles, or Marbels, for these are different spell- 
ings of one family name, had been generally mechanics 
since they came to this country from Wales, about 
the year 1650. Charles and Joseph, brothers, and 
the first of the name in this part of the State, were 
ship-builders, and many of their descendants followed 
the same profession, building vessels for Newport, 
New Bedford, Warren, and neighboring ports. Pru- 
dence Mason, his mother, was descended from a family 
of Baptist Puritans, who fled to this country at the 
time of the Restoration. Many of the Masons were 
well-to-do farmers, but several are recorded as tanners 
and shoemakers. Is it to be wondered at that coming 
from such a stock, the child should have developed a 
remarkable love and aptitude for the mechanical 
arts? 

About the year 1805 or 1806 a small cotton-mill was 
started in what was then known as the " Mason neigh- 
berhood," now Swansea Factory, by those pioneers of 
manufacturing in this county, the Wheelers — Na- 
thaniel and Dexter — and Oliver Chace. When the 
mill was put in operation, William Marvel, then 
hardly six years old, was hired to tend the "breaker" 
or carding-machine. He remained here, employed in 
different parts of the mill, most of the time until 1812 
or 1813. His work was occasionally interrupted by 

^ For a more complete history of his ancestora, see biography of 
Weston Eurle, Dighton, 



attendance at school during the summer term, aud for 
a month or six weeks in winter, and by two longer 
intervals, when he was engaged in farming. In 1813 
he was hired to clean and repair the machinery of 
a small mill, situated in what was then a part of Ti- 
verton, now Globe village. At that time there were 
no spindles running in Fall River, but in the next 
year the Troy Mill was built. His services seem to 
have been demanded in all the earlier manufacturing 
enterprises in this city, for in 1814 he was employed 
in the Troy Mill, the next year as overseer in a small 
mill owned by Dexter Wheeler, and later hired by 
Benjamin ^^ Bennett, carding rolls for hand-spin- 
ning. He was constantly occupied in the mills either 
in Fall River or Swansea until 1819, when a long, 
severe illness prostrated him. Before he regained 
sufficient strength to endure the confinement and 
hard work of a factory, he learned the shoemakers' 
trade, and was occupied one season seining herring 
and shad at Dighton. 

In 1821 he returned to Fall River, and was overseer 
in the old Troy Mill until it was destroyed by fire in 
October of that year, and afterwards found work in 
the machine-shops of Oliver Chace, and Harris, 
Hawes & Co. 

Mr. Marvel was married oa the 4th of March, 
1827, to Lydja Giiford, daughter of Daniel Gilford, 
of this city. They had three children, — one son, died 
in infancy, and a daughter, died at the age of eighteen 
or nineteen, and a daughter, Ann E., married. May 
14, 1855, William W. Stewart, son of Anthony Stew- 
art, of Newport, 11. I. In 1824 the firm of Harris, 
Hawes & Co. was dissolved, but Oliver Hawes con- 
tinued the business, hiring William Marvel to build 
spinning-frames, and in 1825 the two formed a co- 
partnership. They not only built machines, but 
owned and ran a small mill, making satinet wraps 
for J. & J. Eddy. Finding their business increased 
beyond their facilities, in 1841 they hired a new shop 
of the Iron- Works Company, and at the same time 
took William C. Davol into partnership. Mr. Davol 
about this time obtained a patent on a speeder, and 
soon after introduced the "Sharp & Roberts' Self- 
Acting Mule," the first in this country. The posses- 
sion of these two patents brought a great amount of 
business to the firm, and for nearly forty years Marvel 
& Davol (Mr. Hawes withdrew in 1857) were em- 
ployed in building machinery for every department 
of cotton-manufiictory, besides looms for weaving 
linen-damask. Their machines were in demand 
through the whole country from Biddeford and the 
many factory-towns of Maine through all the New 
England States, New York, New Jersey, and as far 
south as Baltimore. They supplied all the spinning- 
machinery for the great Pacific Mills at Lawrence, 
and until within a few years no mill has been built 
in Fall River without their help in some of its equip- 
ments. Mr. Marvel withdrew from active participa- 
tion in the business about 1865, but it was not until 



404 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the works were destroyed by fire, April 14, 1876, that [ 
he finally severed his connection with the firm, which 
three years later sold out to the Iron- Works Company. 

Many positions of trust, requiring business ability 
and sound judgment, have been offered to Mr. Marvel 
at various times, but, naturally retiring and reluctant 
to accept responsibility, they were generally refused. 
He was for a short time director in the Metacomet 
Bank. In his earlier days he held numerous public [ 
offices, was chairman of the school committee, and sev- 
eral times elected fireward, holding a position similar j 
to that of our chief engineers. In connection with 
Thomas Durfee, he made the first hook'-and-ladder 
apparatus used in this city. He was for many years 
inspector of steamboats for Fall River, New Bedford, 
and Newport. In politics he has always voted the old 
Whig or Republican ticket, and in the war of 1812 
joined a volunteer company, but was never called into 
active service. 

Such is a brief outline of the busy life of an ener- 
getic, persevering man. Fall River is justly proud of 
her rapid growth andsupremacy in manufactures, and 
that supremacy is due to the labors of just such 
earnest, skillful, keen-sighted, hard-working men. It 
is the opinion of one of our oldest and moSt success- 
ful business men, whose portrait also appears in this 
book, that the name of William Marvel is more 
closely identified with the progress of manufactures 
in this city than that of any other man. 

The story of his life is a history of every advance 
and improvement in cotton manufacturing for more 
than fifty years, during 'wiiich he was employed, in 
building machinery. Eminently practical, he knew 
the whole business, from the earliest and simplest 
processes to the action of every steel nerve and iron 
muscle in the elaborate and complicated machines of 
the present day. His success in hischosen profession 
was due not only to his industry, ambition, and care- 
ful attention to the details of business, but to an un- 
usual talent for mathematics. Taught by himself, 
he mastered the deep principles of that science, and 
spent many hours solving the knotty problems in- 
volved in calculating the intricate movements of dif- 
ferent machines. As far as can be ascertained, he 
is the oldest cotton-spinner now living in Bristol 
County. Mr. Marvel is what is called a " self-made 
man." With far less than the advantages. that every 
child now enjoys, and obliged to assist in the sup- 
port of his father's family at an age when'many are 
scarcely out of the nursery, he has by his own un- 
aided efforts acquired an enviable position in the 
community, and now at eighty-three, still hale and 
vigorous, is enjoying his richly-deserved rest, re- 
spected by all for his clear judgment, unbending in- 
tegrity, and upright, useful life. 



SAMUEL MARTIN LUTHER. 

Samuel Martin Luther, son of Samuel and Abigail 
Luther, was born in the town of Swansea, Mass., Nov. 
1.5, 1806. His grandfather, Frederick Luther, was a 
native of Warren, R. I., where h6 lived and died at a 
ripe old. age. He was a farmer by occupation and 
had children, one of whom was Samuel, who was 
born in Warren and settled in Swansea, where he 
followed the occujjations of farmer and carpenter. 
He died in Fall River in the fall of 1843, and his 
wife Abigail died in 1858 or 1859. Tiieir children 
were: (1) Rebecca, married James Bowen; (2) Polly, 
married Willard Barney; (3) Abby, married James 
Richards; (4) Daniel B., followed the seas; (5) Pris- 
cilla, married John Bushee ; (C) Samuel M. ; and 
(7) Nancy, married John Baker. 

Samuel M. Luther had very limited advantages for 
an education. He attended the district school some 
three months every winter (when not otherwise en- 
gaged) until he was about seventeen years of age. He 
remained at home, working on the farm, till the 
spring of 1826, when he came to Fall River and com- 
menced as an apprentice at the mason's trade with 
John Pliinney, one of the early contractors and build- 
ers of Fall River. After serving his apprenticeship 
of three years, he continued to work for Mr. Phinney 
as a journeyman till 1831, when he began business 
for himself as a contractor and builder. The first 
work he did after starting for himself worthy of men- 
tion was the building of the stone church (Congrega- 
tional) situated on North Main Street, Fall River. 
Since that time he has had a hand, in whole or in 
part, in the construction of many of the most sub- 
stantial dwelling-houses and mills in this city. 
'.As a contractor and builder, Mr. Luther has been 
one of the most successful in Fall River. Being a 
practical workman himself, he has given his personal 
attention to all his more important jobs, and was 
ever careful to see that those whom he employed did 
their work well. He required no more of others than 
he was willing to do himself. He has been a director 
in various corporations in Fall River, and is at the 
present writing director in Robeson Mill. 

Politically, he is a Republican. He has been twice 
married, first to Abby M. Bosworth, of Warren, R. I. 
Of this union three children were born, all of whom 
died young. Mrs. Abby M. (Bosworth) Luther was 
born Feb. 21, 1809, and died July 11, 1854. Mr. 
Luther married for his second wife Harriet, daughter 
of William and Susanna (Spencer) Bateman, Nov. 
18, 1857. She was born July 8, 1817, in Newport, 
R. I. They have one son, Charles B., born Nov. 15, 
1860, in Fall River. He prepared for college at the 
High School in this city, and graduated from Brown 
University in the class of 1883. 

Mr. Luther commenced life a poor boy, but by his 
indomitable energy, keen perceptions, good sense, 
sound judgment, coupled with honesty and economy, 
he has accumulated a competency for old age. 




9- 



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^^^z/^^^MciL C ^^ 



FALL RIVER. 



405 



He detests anything that savors of shams, but 
honors all well-directed efforts which have for their 
object the good of society and the elevation of man- 
kind. 



JOHtf PALMER SLADE. 

John Palmer Slade, son of John and Mary Slade, 
was born in Somerset, Bristol Co., Mass., Nov. 13, 
1824. He is of Welsh descent, and traces his lineage 
back to Edward Slade, who was born in Wales and 
came to Newport, R. I., among the early settlers of 
that colony. William, the son of Edward, was the 
founder of the family at Slade's Ferry, in Somerset, 
and settled there in 1680. The line of descent is as 
follows: On the paternal side, Edward', William', Ed- 
ward^, Edward*, Baker', John^, John', and John P.'; 
on the maternal side, Edward', William'-, Edward', 
Edward*, Baker', Edward", Mary Slade', John P.' 

His grandfather, John Slade, on his father's side, 
and Edward, on his mother's side, who were brothers, 
lived in Swansea and Somerset, and were respectable 
farmers. John Slade married Phcebe Pierce, of Som- 
erset, and had sons, Pierce, John, and Edmund. 
Dying at the age of twenty-seven, his widow married 
Wing Eddy, by whom she had several children, and 
died at an advanced age. 

John Slade, son of John, was born in Swansea, and 
married Mary, daughter of Edward Slade, of Somer- 
set. They had children, — Winslow (lost at sea), John 
P., Edward and Mary (twins, died in infancy). The 
father died at the age of twenty- seven, and the mother 
at thirty-nine. 

John P. Slade, the subject of our sketch, was de- 
prived of his father at the early age of four years, and 
of his mother at fourteen. Being without a home, he 
went to live with Capt. Robert Gibbs, a farmer of Som- 
erset, Mass. He continued there until about the age 
of eighteen, wlien a desire for higher knowledge than 
he had been able to obtain in early boyhood at the 
common schools induced him to spend some six 
months at Myers Academy, in Warren, R. I. 

In the fall of 1841 he came to Fall River, Mass., as 
a clerk for Hale Remington, who was then engaged 
in the grocery and drug business. He remained in 
this capacity about eight months, when he accepted 
a clerkship with his cousin, F. P. Cummings, a cotton 
dealer and general merchant, located at Georgetown, 
S. C. At the end of the following eight months he 
entered into copartnership with Mr. Cummings, 
under the name and style of Cununings & Slade, 
and after some two years he purchased his part- 
ner's interest, settled up the business, and came to 
Fall River in the spring of 1848. For the next 
seven years he served as clerk and conductor for 
the Fall River Railroad Company, which was after- 
wards changed into the Old Colony. 

In 1855 he entered the office of Hale Remington, a 
general commission merchant, as clerk and salesman, 
and continued in his employ three years. 



In January, 1858, he formed a copartnership with 
A. B. Macy (firm of Slade, Macy & Co.) in wholesale 
commission and insurance business at Fall River. At 
the close of the first year the partnership was dis- 
solved, and Mr. Slade continued the business alone 
until January, 1879, when he associated with himself 
his eldest son, Leonard N. Slade (firm of John P. 
Slade & Son, engaged in the general commission and 
insurance business). 

Mr. Slade began life as a ppor boy, dependent upon 
his own unaided exertions for success in whatever 
branch of industry he might choose to pursue. He 
is in every respect a self-made man, and the architect 
of his own fortune. 

At the formation of the Granite Mills corporation 
in 1863 he was one of the original subscribers, and 
that corporation was organized in his office, and he 
was elected a director in 1873. At the organization 
of the Davol Mills in 1867 he was made a director. 
In 1872, at organization of Shove Mills, was made 
treasurer and director, and at the death of its presi- 
dent, Charles O. Shove, in 1875, was elected president, 
and served until 1880. He is also a director of the 
Weetamoe Mills, and president of Laurel Lake Mills. 

Oct. 25, 1856, soon after the organization of the 
Fall River Five Cents Savings-Bank, was elected its 
secretary, and still remains in that position. Has 
been a director of the Fall River National Bank since 
January, 1865. 

Mr. Slade has been married three times, — first to 
Sarah L. Lewin, daughter of Martin and Mary Lewin, 
of Somerset, Mass. She died of typhoid fever soon 
after marriage. Second, to Ruth Ann Gardner, daugh- 
ter of Preserved S. and Ann Maria Gardner, of Swan- 
sea, Mass., by whom he had two sons, Leonard N. 
and Abbott E. Slade, both living; the latter is now 
treasurer of Laurel Lake Mills. Third, to Lois A. 
Buffinton, daughter of Moses and Ruth B. Buffinton, 
of Swansea, Mass. They have had four children, 
viz., Mary E., Benjamin (deceased), John Milton (de- 
ceased), and Louis Palmer. 

Mr. Slade is a Republican in politics, and has been 
a member of the Roard of Aldermen and of the City 
Council of Fall River. 



BENJAMIN COVEL. 

Benjamin Covel, son of Benjamin and Polly 
(Newell) Covel, was born in the town of Berkley, 
Mass., March 2, 1818. His father was a native of 
Killingley, Conn., and was a farmer and ship-car- 
penter by occupation. He was twice married, — first 
to Polly Newell, and had children, Samuel and Ben- 
jamin ; second, to Susan Tinkham. He settled in 
Berkley previous to his first marriage, and continued 
to reside there until his death, March 15, 1848, aged 
si.Kty-four years. 

Benjamin Covel, the immediate subject of our 
sketch, received a common-school education. He 



I. 



406 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



remained at home, working upon his father's farm, 
until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to 
Fall River, and comnienced as an apprentice at the 
carpenter and joiner trade with Melvill Borden, a 
contractor and huilder in wood. He remained with 
him about a year and a half, when he went and fin- 
ished his apprenticeship with the firm of Pierce, 
Mason & Co., and continued in their employ till the 
summer of 1842. In September of that year he went 
to Boston as a boss-cajpenter to work for Samuel 
Sanford. Mr. Covel had the general oversight of all 
the repairing and erection of new tenement-houses 
put up by Mr. Sanford. In November of the same 
year he returned to his native town (Berkley), and 
remained there the winter following, and in the 
spring of 1843 went to Fall River, and in company 
with James Smith built the Pearl Street Church, 
Richardson House, Wilbur House, and many more. 
Mr. Covel has been constantly employed for the past 
forty years as a contractor and builder in wood, not 
alone in Fall River, but in Boston, Newport, R. I., 
and elsewhere. Among the finest buildings erected 
by him in Fall River we may mention the Troy 
Buildings, the Durfee Block, the residence of William 
C. Davol, Jr., A. S. Covel, and many others. At the 
time of the extension of the Old Colony Railroad 
from Fall River to Newport, he built all the bridges 
and depots on the line. At the present writing (1883) 
he is putting up a large freight-house in -Boston for 
the Old Colony Company, which, is sixty by three 
hundred and eighty feet. He has been president and 
director of the Crescent Mills since its organization, 
and vice-president and trustee of the Union Savings- 
Bauk. 

Politically he is a Republican. He has held vari- 
ous offices of trust and honor in his adopted city, and 
has been a delegate to County and State Conventions. 
On the 14th of December, 1841, he married Angeline, 
daughter of Halsey and Mercy (Allen) Baker, of 
Dartmouth, Mass. She was born Jan. 3, 1821, in 
Dartmouth. They have four children, — (l)Alphonso 
S., treasurer of Crescent Mills; (2) Benjamin F., a 
machinist; (3) Thomas D., a merchant under the 
firm-name of Sanford & Covel ; (4) Ina F., who died 
at two years of age. 

Mr. Covel commenced life a poor boy, but by his 
characteristic energy, indomitable will, quick per- 
ception, and resolute character he has surmounted 
all obstacles, and is now (1883) in good circum- 
stances, and is surrounded with all the comforts of a 
happy home. 



JAMES HENRY. 
Fall River owes an imperishable debt to such men 
as James Henry, who, with well-stored minds of prac- 
tical knowledge, have given large and comprehensive 
abilities, sterling integrity, and wise and sagacious 
industry to the development of those manufacturing 



interests that are the source of her wealth and pros- 
perity. Justice to the men who have spent long lives 
in her service demands that they be worthily men- 
tioned in her history, and we give an outline of the 
business career of one of its most prominent and use- 
ful representatives when we write of James Henry. 
He was born Aug. 5, 1805, in Clitheroe, England. 
Clitheroe is a busy cotton-manufacturing town on the 
Ribble, in the greatest cotton-manufacturing district 
of the world, Lancashire. 

Robert Henry, his father, was an overseer of calico- 
printing in the employ of James Thompson, who 
owned and managed the Primrose Print-Works. 
James Thompson was a famous manufacturer, known 
for his enterprise and liberality throughout Europe. 
He selected the best talent to instruct his ajiprentices, 
employing several scientific men and French chemists 
as practical teachers. The system of seven years' ap- 
prenticeship was, in his establishment, the best possi- 
ble educator. Of its immense advantages in the way 
of securing the most thorough knowledge and highest 
skill in the learner no one can doubt. Miles Brace- 
well, father of John Bracewell, for many years had 
charge of the " color department," and his son was 
apprenticed in the establishment, and both John 
Bracewell and James Henry are living arguments of 
the excellence of the apprentice system as existing in 
Clitheroe. 

Robert Henry married Sarah Ireland, and had six 
children, — Mary, James, Nannie, Catharine, William, 
•ajid Margaret. They all grew up, had families, and 
only James and Catharine are living. James was 
but eight years old when his father died, and his 
mother was left to struggle with poverty in bringing 
up her family. She was, however, a woman of rare 
strength of character, deep Christian fervor, and re- 
markable industry. Her courage and skill kept the 
family together, and her uprightness and womanly 
virtues made her a model mother, whose instructions 
! bore good fruit in succeeding years. 
' The most of the education received by James in 
j youth was acquired at Sunday-school, which he regu- 
I larly attended. At a very early age, soon after his 
j father's death, he commenced labor in the print- 
works as a " tier boy." He continued in this service 
I until he was about eleven, when he was employed for 
a short period in the department of machine print- 
ing, and then was apprenticed to learn " block print- 
ing." He began at the lowest round in the ladder 
of his advancement, and was long and rigidly held 
at each until he could safely mount the higher one. 
Seven years were thus passed in the acquisition of 
knowledge which afterwards made him so important 
a factor in the rise and fortunes of the American 
Print-Works and Globe Print-Works. After his aj)- 
prenticeship he worked for two years longer, when 
the subtile and irresistible influence of America drew 
him to her shores. He arrived in Boston Aug. 15, 
1829, in the ship "Hellespont," Pratt, master. 



L 





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FALL RIVER. 



407 



After a short visit to friends in Taunton, he went 
to Springvale, Me., where a number from his native 
town were engaged in color-printing, and engaged as 
color-maker. Staying there something more than a 
year, he went to Lowell, Mass., to work as a color- 
printer. Becoming ill, however, he went to Dover, 
N. H., for medical treatment, and stayed three 
months. Regaining his health shortly after his re- 
turn to Lowell in 1832, he was solicited to come to 
the infant town of Fall River, Mass., and take charge 
of the color department of the " Globe Print- Works." 
He accepted the position, and rapidly won a reputa- 
tion for ability, energy, and skill. From that time 
to the present, over fifty years, Mr. Henry has been 
identified with the growth and development of this 
city. He remained at the " Globe" as color-maker 
for two years, when he entered the employ of the 
" American Print- Works," then just organized, as 
head color-maker. This was under the administra- 
tion of Holder Borden, who had the tact of securing 
the best talent in every department. In 1837 he be- 
came manager of the American Print- Works, Jef- 
ferson Borden becoming agent, on the death of Holder 
Borden. Mr. Henry had as his assistant his brother, 
William Henry, who remained with him in that ca- 
pacity until his death in 1856. Mr. Henry about 
1850 was called to be superintendent of the Globe 
Mills also, and continued to ably direct the fortunes 
of the corporations under his superintendence. By 
his tireless perseverance, his quickness of insight, and 
his perfect command and knowledge of the minute 
details of every branch of his work he kept the repu- 
tation of the goods at the very head of their class, 
and did much toward establishing the permanent 
prosperity and reputation of these mills. He con- 
tinued in these responsible labors until apprised by 
failing health of the necessity of throwing the ardu- 
ous duties upon younger men, when, in 1873, he re- 
signed both positions, with the satisfaction of know- 
ing that his son Robert was to succeed him in both. 

Mr. Henry has built up a handsome property by 
his unwearied and faithful services and investments 
in manufacturing corporations. He has made everj' 
dollar he owns in the interests to which his life has 
been devoted, and is now stockholder in various cor- 
porations, both in Fall River and elsewhere. He has 
been president and director of the Merchants' Mill 
since its organization. He was a director of the King 
Philip and Chase Mills also until compelled to re- 
sign by failing health. 

Though born and educated in England, he became 
an American from the very day his feet touched 
American soil. His pride and hopes for this country 
are as intense as any native son's. His love for Fall 
River is as tender and steadfast as though its air was 
the first he breathed, and during his residence here 
he has endeared himself to all classes of people by 
his liberality and his keen personal interest in what- 
ever atTected the welfare of the city or the condition 



of its inhabitants. He has been Republican in po- 
litical sentiment, and was elected alderman in the 
first city election of Fall River. He has held that 
office eight years. He was quick to suggest and 
ready to assist any movement helpful to the material 
or moral advancement of the city. 

He united witli the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
the prime of life, under the pastorate of Rev. James 
D. Butler, and has been an ardent supporter of its 
institutions and every good cause in the community. 
He has long .served as Sunday-school teacher, class- 
leader, and steward, discharging those duties as 
pleasant labors of love. 

For over half a century, from the activities of 
early manhood to the well-developed years of old 
age, Mr. Henry has borne himself a gentleman, kind- 
hearted and liberal, and has ever stood high in the 
esteem of the better element of society. 



HOX. JOHN B. HATHAWAY. 

In looking over the past history of Fall River, we 
find some men now living who were in business over 
half a century ago, and have retired and are enjoying 
the fruits of their labor at a good old age. Of those 
now living who toiled in the past and worked their 
way up from small beginnings to ample fortunes by 
their persevering industry and close application we 
now mention Hon. John B. Hathaway. He was son 
of John and Amy (Read) Hathaway, and was born 
in Rochester, Mass., June 28, 1809. His parents 
moved to Assonet (Freetown) when he was but six 
years old, and from that time he has been identified 
with Bristol County. When he was eleven, his 
mother, then a widow, indentured him to a farmer in 
Berkley to serve five years. This service accomplished 
he learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked two 
years in Assonet. He was then requested to remove 
to Fall River by Gardner D. Cook, of that city, into 
whose employ he went for six months, receiving twelve 
dollars per month and board. Thus in a very modest 
way was his successful career commenced. 

In the spring of 1828 he went to work for Andrew 
Robeson at calico-printing, where he remained until 
1831, when be had to leave on account of ill health. 
He then hired a shoe-shop of Nathaniel B. Borden, 
located about where Trafton & Anthony's hardware- 
store now is in Borden Block. It was about fifteen 
by twenty feet* formerly used as a tailor-shop on the 
corner. It was moved three times to make room for 
other buildings, the first time for the French's build- 
ing, corner of South Main and Pleasant Streets ; the 
second to make room f(ir Edward Smith to put up a 
boarding-house, and the third for Westgate & Craigin 
to put up a building. 

In 1834 he went into Smith's building, and took 
his brother, Joseph R. Hathaway, into partnership, 
and added to the boot and shoe business groceries. 
They remained in company until 1841, when he was 



408 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



taken sick, and sold out to his brother Joseph. In 
about a year afterwards he started the wholesale gro- 
cery business in the basement of the old hotel build- 
ing, corner North Main and Bedford Streets, where 
he was burnt out in 1843. Unfortunately he was not 
insured, and lost every dollar he had in his business. 
He then put up the first building erected in the place 
after the fire. It was on Bedford Street, where David 
Wilcox is now located, and continued the same busi- 
ness until 1854, when he built on the corner of Bed- 
ford and Second Streets, where he removed and con- 
tinued until he sold out to Petty, Lawton & Co. in 
1864. 

He married Sept. 11, 1832, Mrs. Betsey F. Gray, 
daughter of Edward and Amy (Tripp) Phillips, of 
Westport, where she was born. They have no chil- 
dren. 

In spite of various disasters Mr. Hathaway was 
prosperous in business, accumulating a comfortable 
fortune. He was one of the city's most successful 
merchants, shrewd as a buyer, expert as a salesman, 
and with an easy affability of manner which attracted 
customers. He is now a director in Mechanics' Manu- 
facturing Company, Fall River. In politics he is 
Republican. He was a member of the Lower House of 
the State Legislature in 186(3-67, and of the Senate 
in 1869-70, serving his constituents with accepta- 
bility. 

He owns a pleasant home on the corner of Rock 
and Cherry Streets, also real estate in various parts 
of the city, besides a farm near Westport Point, which 
he has transformed from a rocky and almost barren 
place to a beautiful summer residence. The past ten 
years he has passed his winters in Florida. He keeps 
his eyes open, and has a good idea of what is going 
on around him. He is a genial companion, fond of a 
good joke, and has a keen appreciation of humor, and 
enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends. 



BENJAMIN EARL. 

The wise man said, many years ago, that " a good 
name is rather to be chosen than great riches." One 
of those who has been accorded this " good name" 
— not by seeking for it, but by the oft-expressed judg- 
ment of his fellow-citizens, based upon an upright 
and correct life through a long series of years, and 
in many public and private capacities — is the subject 
of this sketch. 

Benjamin Earl has been a resident of Fall River 
for nearly sixty years, coming to the then rapidly 
growing village in 1826. He was born at Taunton, 
Mass., Aug. 7, 1809, and was the third child of Hil- 
liard and Mary Ware Earl. His ancestors have 
always lived in this section of the State and Eastern 
Rhode Island. He is a direct descendant of Ralph 
Earle, who came to this country from the town of 
Exeter (probably), in England, between the years 
1633 and 1638, and settled at Portsmouth, on the 



island of Rhode Island. We find his name, with 
nineteen others, appended to a petition to the king, 
dated April 30, 1838, craving permission to form 
themselves into a body politic in that town. William 
Earle, the son of this Ralph, was' also of prominence 
in the town, and w-ith one other erected and main- 
tained the windmill (1668-85) on Windmill Hill, so 
called, and for this valuable service to the town he 
was given two tracts of land in the immediate vicin- 
ity. He also was owner of half a share of the thirty 
shares into which the land adjoining the " Queque- 
chan" or " Fall" River (at Fall River, Mass.) was 
divided, and his farm covered what is now one of the 
most populous and valuable districts of the city of 
Fall River. His well, which was long distinguished 
as a most excellent one, and was freely resorted to by 
the people of fifty years ago, was uncovered recently 
when putting in the curbing in front of the easterly 
buttress of the new post-oflice building. 

The descendants of these two men lived at Dart- 
mouth and in New Bedford, Mass. From thence 
Hilliard Earl, the father of Benjamin, went to Taun- 
ton, and, having married, established himself in busi- 
ness, and formed his circle of acquaintances among the 
first families of that ancient town. But that fell de- 
stroyer of New England life, consumption, soon 
seized him for its victim, aud he died at the early age 
of thirty-seven years, leaving a widow and six young 
children, the eldest but ten years of age. He had 
employed all his capital in carrying on his business, 
and in the settlement of his affairs but little remained 
for the family. The mother, nevertheless, courage- 
ously pressed on, and with prudence and economy 
successfully reared her young family, trained them in 
good habits, and gave them a fair common-school 
education. 

Benjamin, at the age of thirteen or fourteen years, 
made his first venture in life by shipping as cabin- 
boy on one of the numerous fleet of coasting-vessels 
hailing from Taunton. Like many a boy of our day 
he found life upon the sea abounding in stern real- 
ities, and a severe storm and gale off the coast of Cape 
Cod thoroughly weaned the young lad from the desire 
for a seafaring life. Returning to Taunton he became 
an apprentice to a wool-carder and cloth-dresser, one 
whose treatment of the orphan boy was such as caused 
him ever to be held in highest esteem and remem- 
brance. He continued in the business but a few 
years, when in May, 1826, he came to Fall River and 
found employment in Bennett's wool-carding mill, 
then located on Central Street, where now stands the 
massive and lofty North Mill of the Pocasset Manu- 
facturing Company. 

In the fall of the same year (1826) he entered the 
printing-office of the Fall River Monitor as an appren- 
tice, and became thoroughly acquainted with the 
business in all its detail as then conducted. His suc- 
cess was such that in the course of a few years, with 
the advice and assistance of friends, he was enabled 



FALL RIVER. 



409 



to purchase the entire establishment, both paper and 
office-material, and on July 1, 1830, not yet having 
quite attained his majority, he sent forth his first 
issue as proprietor. He continued the business of 
printing and publishing until March, 1838, when he 
sold out in order to devote his time and energies to 
the cognate branches of the book and stationery trade, 
into which he had entered a year or two before. The 
period covered by his pul)lication of the Monitor was 
an exciting one in the affairs byth of the town and the 
nation. The late James Ford, Esq., one of the oldest 
and most highly-esteemed members of the bar of this 
city, was editor, and its columns were often filled with 
spice which possibly, on occasions, was of a some- 
what personal character. It was the period of the 
great Morgan excitement on Masonry and anti-Ma- 
sonry, the paper assuming the Masonic side of the 
controversy, and its publisher, though never a mem- 
ber of any secret organization, became well known in 
this section by the sobriquet of " Jack Mason." It 
was at this time that politics ran high and the famous 
contest occurred in this Congressional district between 
Hodges and Ruggles, which required no less than seven 
elections before the question was settled in favor of 
the former. This time also covered the Presidential 
term of General Jackson with its days of " nullifica- 
tion" excitement. 

In the spring of 1836, Mr. Earl purchased the book- 
and stationery-store of Mr. S. L. Thaxter, and was 
the principal dealer in that department for many 
years. In the early years of this business, and also 
in the last two years of the publication of the Monitor, 
he had associated with him as partner Mr. J. S. Ham- 
mond, who at a later period became one of the pro- 
prietors of the Providence Journal. 

In the memorable great fire of 1843, which swept 
through the village with such destruction of property 
as to render man)' homeless and penniless, Mr. Earl 
lost his entire stock in trade, and but barely escaped 
with his life. He had packed his goods into cases, 
with the vain hope of their removal, and realizing 
that with their destruction went the savings of many 
long and laborious years, he lingered so long, while 
the fire traveled so rapidly, that almost before he was 
aware of it the buildings were in flames upon both 
sides of the street. He ran the fiery gauntlet, escaping 
with the smell of fire upon his garments. His stock 
of goods was entirely destroyed, and his insurance 
also came to naught by the failure of the insurance 
company, which could not meet so large a lo.ss at one 
time as that caused by the great fire of Fall River. 
But a good credit secured from his jobbers the volun- 
tary offer of a new stock of goods as soon as he could 
find a roof to cover them, and after a temporary rest- 
ing-place on Pleasant Street, where the Borden Block 
now stands, he was one of the first to select and oc- 
cupy a store in the Granite Block (erected in 1844), 
where he has continued business to the present time. 
In 1870 he admitted his son, Henry H. Earl, into 



partnership, and with the growth of the city the 
business was considerably enlarged and successfully 
prosecuted. 

While Mr. Earl was neither a politician nor a par- 
tisan in the objectionable sense of those terms, he has 
always taken a deep interest in jmblic afliiirs, and 
has been lionored by his fellow-citizens in elections 
and appointments to numerous official positions, cov- 
ering a period of more than forty years. 

He was town clerk from 18.36 to 184G ; treasurer 
and collector from 1843 to 1846; representative to 
the General Court in 1847 ; selectman from 1847 to 
1850; deputy collector of customs for the district of 
Fall River from 1849 to 1853; a member of the com- 
mittee on drafting a city charter, which was granted 
by the Legislature and accepted by the town in the 
spring of 1854 ; a member of the Common Council 
and president of the same in 1858; an alderman in 
1859; city auditor and collector from 1862 to 1867; 
and a member of the school committee from 1867 to 
1870. In 1848 he received a commission as justice 
of the peace, which he has held by renewals to the 
present time. In 1853, at the requests of the banks, 
he was appointed a notary public, and for many 
years was the principal notary for the financial in- 
stitutions of the city, holding his commissions by re- 
newals from that date to the present. In 1874 he 
was commissioned by the Governor (a life appoint- 
ment) " to qualify and administer the oaths of office 
to civil officers," and for the past six or eight years 
(until failing health prevented) has annually in- 
ducted into office the successive city governments of 
the city of Fall River. So that for forty-five years 
he has been almost constantly in one or more official 
positions, performing the duties of these diversified 
trusts with perfect fidelity and rare ability, and prov- 
ing the wi.sdom and insight of those who selected him 
for these varied responsibilities. 

He was elected a member of the Fall River Sav- 
ings-Bank corporation in 1841 ; the next year he was 
chosen one of the trustees, and in 1852 was placed on 
its board of investment, where he was continued by 
annual elections until 1882, when failing sight anli 
hearing caused him to decline further service in that 
position. He also served as secretary of the board 
from 1862 to 1880, when, by a change in the by-laws, 
the treasurer of the bank was made ex officio secre- 
tary. His interest in the successful management of 
this institution, one of the largest in the State, was 
very great, and during the trying times which came 
upon the city from 1877 to 1880, the critical periods 
in its history, excited his liveliest apprehensions, and 
rested like a great burden upon his mind day and 
night. None rejoiced more than he when the days 
of peril were passed and the customary course of 
financial transactions resumed their sway. 

His legislative service was under Governor George 
N. Briggs, with Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden for senator, 
and Gushing, Hayden, of the " Atlas." Banks, Bout- 



t 



410 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



well, Schouler, Bird, and others, as colleagues in the 
house. His aldermanic year under Mayor (now 
Judge) Josiah C. Blaisdell was distinguished as one 
in which the government kept within its appropria- 
tions for naunicipal purposes, a wise and conservative 
course of action, worthy to be followed by its successors. 
His faithful discharge of duty in his office of collector 
of taxes for the city is iudicated by the fact that while, 
for the six years previous to his term, the uncollected 
tiixes averaged some three and a half per cent., the 
average for his six years was reduced to one and 
three-fifths per cent., and this notwithstanding the 
tax-levy was increased $167,000, viz. : from .'?102,000 
in 1861 to $269,000 in 1867. Moreover, this period 
covered that of the civil war, with all its vicissi- 
tudes and the many and rapid changes in the popu- 
lation of a working community. 

In 1836, Mr. Earl was brought under more direct 
religious influences, and having made a public con- 
fession of his faith, united with the First (orthodox) 
Congregational Church of Fall River, then under the 
pastoral care of Rev. Orin Fowler. Upon the organi- 
zation of theCentral Congregational Church in Novem- 
ber, 1842, he became one of its original members, and 
in 1844 was elected its first deacon, an office which he 
has held to the present time. His fidelity in this posi- 
tion is again conspicuously illustrated by the statement 
that for thirty-three consecutive years he served as 
office-bearer in the celebration of every communion 
service, save one, when he was confined to his house 
by sickness. By reason of his prominence as an officer 
of the church, his tender sensibilities and kind and 
considerate action, he was repeatedly called upon by 
neighbors and friends and fellow-townsmen to super- 
intend the last sad rites to the dead; and this was 
continued to a comparatively recent period, when, 
with the growth of the place and the constant re- 
quirements of such service, others made it a special 
branch of business, and assumed that which before- 
time was demahded of neighborly kindness and re- 
spect. To within a few years he has also been called 
upon oftener, perhaps, than almost any other per.son 
tt) assist as bearer on such occasions. The experience 
gained in this service, prompted him many years ago 
to secure the construction of a tomb by the town upon 
the public burial-grounds — the first in the place — for 
use in stormy and wintry weather, and at such other 
times as occasion might require. Mr. Earl has filled 
various otiier offices in the church and society, as 
treasurer, njember of the standing committee, super- 
intendent of the Sabbath-school, etc. 

He took an active part also in the various local 
associations instituted in past years for the moral and 
social welfare of the community. An ardent lover of 
music, he identified himself with most of the musi- 
cal organizations formed during the first twenty-five | 
years of his residence in Fall River. As a member 
of church choirs he played upon several instruments 
— the rtute, clarionet, violin, and double-bass viol — 1 



previous to the introduction of the modern organ ; 
and when that came into use, continued his interest 
and services vocally, — a period of some thirty years 
from first to last. He was leader of a band of field 
music early in life, and besides seeing service in the 
military brigades of this section of the State, as- 
sisted in the reception to General and President 
Jackson on his visit to Massachusetts in 1833, — an 
event of great moment and distinguished honor in 
those times. 

Thus the measure of his days has been filled out 
in usefulness to others as well as in the care of him- 
self and his ; and whether in public or in private life, 
in the community as a citizen or as an officer in 
church, town, or State, at home or abroad, in the 
house or by the way, he has been faithful to the trusts 
committed to him ; has shown marked ability in the 
execution of his numerous and diversified duties, and 
has merited, as he has received, from a grateful com- 
munity the "good name" which "is rather to be 
chosen than great riches." 

Mr. Earl was married in Fall River, in 18.30, to 
Miss Nancy Simmons, eldest daughter of Capt. 
Nathan B. Simmons, then of Tiverton, R. I. They 
have had a family of six children, two of whom died 
in infancy, and four of whom are still living,- two 
sons and two daughters. In November, 1880, it com- 
ing to the knowledge of their church associates that 
the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding would occur 
early in the month of December of that year, ar- 
rangements were quietly made, and much to the sur- 
prise of the venerable couple, they were invited to 
celebrate their golden wedding in the parlors of the 
New Central Church, on the evening of December 
2d. A large gathering of old acquaintances, inter- 
spersed with many of a younger generation, graced 
the hapjiy gathering. Their pastor, the Rev. M. 
Burnham, made a congratulatory address, and placed 
in their hands an elegant solid silver vase, suitably 
inscribed as a memorial of the occasion. 

A lady friend voiced some of their earlier life ex- 
periences in poetical form, while the young men of 
the congregation brought forward a staff of life in 
the shape of a substantial gold-headed cane of black 
ebony. Mr. Earl made a characteristically modest 
and happy response in receiving these good wi.shes 
and elegaut and costly tokens of esteem, and ac- 
knowledged with heart-felt gratitude the leadings of 
Divine Providence in all these long years of resi- 
dence and service in the home of his adoption, to- 
gether with the measure of temporal prosperity 
which had attended them. 

Two years later, in July, 1882, he was seized with 
a severe and what appeared at first to be a fatal ill- 
ness. For some months previous his eyesight had 
been failing, and now the disease culminated in a 
partial paralysis of the optic nerve, together with a 
general weakness of body, which seemed to indicate 
a breaking down of the hitherto vigorous and healthy 



FALL RIVER. 



411 



constitution. But though prostrate at length upon a 
bed of sickness, from which he has never risen, and 
for the past few months sliut out from the blessed 
sunlight by the total loss of vision, he has, neverthe- 
less, retained his courageous spirit and happy, hopeful 
disposition. Clear in mind, while weak in body, he 
has found his faith sustained and strengthened in the 
promises of Him whose coming he awaits with the 
calmness of a Christian's hope and trust, and whether 
the time be long or short he has the assurance within 
of receiving his Master's salutation, " Well done, 
good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of 
thy Lord." 



JEFFERSON BORDEN. 

Jefferson Borden, the oldest living person of the 
residents of Fall River who have been identified with 
the inception, growth, and the present established 
supremacy of its distinctive industry, was born on 
the 28th of February, 1801, in the then village of 
Freetown. He was the twelfth of thirteen children 
of Thomas Borden, in the fourth generation from 
John Borden, the founder of the family in Fall 
Elver. His father's farm wa.s situated in the east 
part of the village, comprising a tract upon which 
have since been erected the Richard Borden, Chace, 
and other mills. Jefferson worked on the farm, going 
to school regularly as the local seasou commenced, until 
September, 1816, when, in his sixteenth year, he left 
home for the first time, and obtained a position as clerk 
in the provision-store of William Valentine, in Provi- 
dence. In 1819 he returned to Fall River, thoroughly 
educated in the routine details of a business of trade 
and barter, but already entertaining the ambitious 
vision of a commercial career that would recog- 
nize no limits of its operations. His brother Richard, 
six years his senior, was running the craft " Irene and 
Betsey" in trading trips, in connection with his grist- 
mill, located on the lower stream. For the ensuing 
year Jefferson, when not absolutely needed on the 
farm, joined Richard in the sloop expeditions to 
Conauicut and Prudence. In 1820 the two brothers 
bought out the small store of Holder Borden, and 
Jefferson was put in to conduct the business. In 
1821, upon the organization of the iron-works enter- 
prise, he was chosen clerk of the establishment. He 
retained this position till September of the following 
year, when the company opened a warehouse and 
salesroom in Providence, and the business experience 
and proclivities he had already demonstrated pointed 
him out as the most eligible representative of the grow- 
ing industry. Mr. Borden was a few months over his 
majority when he undertook the office of agent of the 
company at Providence, but the shrewd, sagacious 
promoters of the iron-works knew they had chosen 
the right man for the place. The event amply proved 
the correctness of tlieir judgment, the agent's wise, 
systematic control really directing the home produc- 



tion of the company, while his keen perception and 
clever manipulation of the market constantly ex- 
tended the field of its operations throughout the 
Union. 

For fifteen years Jefferson Borden remained at his 
place in Providence. In 1837 the ill health of his 
cousin Holder made a vacancy in the management 
of the American Print- Works, and he was recalled to 
Fall River. 

While in Providence, Mr. Borden had a high posi- 
tion as a business man, and was associated with the 
men who were then the leaders in business affairs. 
He is at present probably the last survivor of the 
board of directors of the old United States Branch 
Bank, and after that was abolished by Gen. Jackson, 
was a member of the board of directors of the Black- 
stone Canal Bank until he removed to Fall River. 

For thirty-nine years Mr. Borden was the executive 
officer and managing agent of the print-works, re- 
tiring from active control only during the spring of 
the present year. He assumed the position at a 
period which will not be forgotten in financial annals 
as the extreme test of industrial and commercial en- 
durance. No panic has been more severe and no de- 
pression of business more general than that of 1837, 
and its distressing stringency upon all elements of 
recuperative life was greater than it could ever again 
be, in the degree that all industry and enterprise was 
comparatively immature, the country itself lacking 
the great elasticity it now possesses in the wonderful 
development of its natural and productive resources. 
To undertake the work of carrying a great establish- 
ment successfully through such a period of embarrass- 
ment on every hand was a terrible trial of a business 
man's best powers, and it is undoubtedly safe to say 
that when an all-wise Providence removed Holder 
Borden, the projector and worker, from the control 
and direction of the enterprise, the only person thor- 
oughly fitted for the exigency by experience and 
managing power, and probably superior to Holder in 
his approved financial ability and estimation among 
capitalists, was wisely and fortunately chosen. 

His well-known reputation for business capacity in 
Providence was of great assistance in overcoming the 
difficulties at this most trying period, when not only 
was there great stricture in the money market, but 
several of the accredited agents of the company failed. 

During the panic of 1857 also Mr. Bordeu's finan- 
cial ability was severely tested, and at that time also 
some of the agents failed. Then, however, Mr. Bor- 
den was for weeks confined to his bed by sickness 
when the difficulties were greatest, but he still con- 
ducted his correspondence, dictating to a confidential 
clerk the replies to his letters, and directing all his 
business affairs. 

Upon the destruction of the American Print- Works 
by fire in 1SC7, Mr. Borden's extraordinary capacity 
for recuperation and support through a most trying 
])eriiid was again in forced requisition. The rapid 



412 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



restoration of the establishment in all its operative 
powers was truly remarkable. The eyes of all were 
able to observe with startled wonder the immediate 
re-erection of the great structure, the spacious rec- 
tangle of solid granite going up almost like the Khan's 
palace in Coleridge's phantasy, and the huge engines 
and machines reassuming their old places with a con- 
current promjitness; yet few appreciated or even 
guessed that greater difficulties than these mere mate- 
rial matters, difficulties calling for rare credit and un- 
questioned responsibility, had been met and overcome. 

Since his return to Fall River, Jefferson Borden 
has been largely concerned in the various enterprises 
that have marked the progress of the city. A partner 
of the deceased Col. Richard in the important special 
undertakings of his later years, he was with him in- 
terested in the old Bay State Steamboat Company (of 
which he at one time owned three-fifths of the stock), 
the Fall River Railroad Company, the Borden Mining 
Company, and other extensive operations. 

Another great trust which should be noted in con- 
nection with Mr. Jefferson Borden's business career 
is the management of the Valentine estate as trustee 
since 1839, at first in connection with Maj. Bradford 
Durfee, and later with Mr. Philip D. Borden. An 
eminent probate judge has said that there is scarcely 
another such case on record of an estate which at its 
first appraised valuation was less than two hundred 
thousand dollars, and from which there has already 
been divided more than ten times that amount among 
the different heirs as they became of legal age, besides 
providing for their support in the mean time. 

Mr. Borden's retirement from immediate connection 
with active business has not severed his close relation 
to the earnest life and progress of his native city. He 
is still president of the Fall River Iron-Works Com- 
pany, the Fall River Bleachery, the American Linen 
Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Company, 
director in Borden Mining Company, the Annawan 
Manufacturing Company, the Fall River Machine 
Company, Fall River and Providence Steamboat 
Company, the Metacomet Manufacturing Company, 
Fall River Iron-Works, and Fall River Gas Com- 
pany. He has also been for many years a trustee 
of Brown University, and until the weight of years 
made it impossible to attend to the business was an 
active member of the executive committee of that 
body, and officially concerned in other business or- 
ganizations. His long life, full from the start of 
honest purpose, intense application, and constantly 
hopeful energy, claims for him at last exemption from 
the cares of business routine, and Providence has 
yielded to its declining years the blessings such careers 
worthily demand, — competence, the serene joy of a 
beautiful home, and the affectionate esteem of the 
community. 



DR. XATHAN DURFEE. 

Dr. Nathan Durfee was born in Fall River, then 
Freetown, in 1799. He was a graduate (with hi> 
brother Thomas R.) of Brown I'niversity in 1824, 
they being the first college graduates from this town 
He studied medicine, and received the degree ol 
M.D. at Harvard University, but the practice of tht 
profession was not suited to his tastes, and he con- 
tinued in it but a brief period of time. He opened 
a drug-store on what is now Central Street, a litth 
distance west of Main, erecting for this purpose tht 
first brick building in the township. It was ver) 
small, but was then remarkable for its neatness anc 
beauty, and its adaptedness to the use for which it wai 
constructed. This he occupied until the erection o: 
his brick dwelling-house on the corner of Bank anc 
North Main Streets, where the Narragansett Hote 
now stands. The first story of this house he occu- 
pied for his store until he gave up the business, aftei 
a brief experience in it. 

He soon discovered an interest in the growing in 
dustries of the place, and though not entering directlj 
upon the management of any one business, was asso 
ciated with others in the general direction of manj 
new enterprises coincident with the progress of Fal 
River. In this way he became a director in the Fal 
River Iron-Works, American Print- Works, the olc 
Fall River Railroad, and the Cape Cod Railroad 
was one of the proprietors of the Bay State Steam 
boat Line; was largely interested in several of th( 
banks, and in later years entered heartily into th( 
new manufacturing projects of the city, and at hi: 
death was director in at least seven of the corporation: 
and president of three. In earlier times, as a mer 
cantile venture, he embarked in the whaling business 
fitting out, in company with other persons at thi: 
port, several vessels for the whale fishery, and estab 
lishing oil-works. The venture did not prove verj 
successful, however, and was finally abandoned. A 
more successful enterprise was a fiour-niill, which die 
an extensive business for many years. He was prin 
cipal owner of the Massasoit Steam Mill, for the man 
ufacture of print cloths, which were destroyed by fin 
in 1875. 

Besides filling various municipal offices. Dr. Dur 
fee was a representative to the General Court for sev 
eral years, and was always one of the most public 
spirited of citizens. After the "great fire" h( 
erected the Mount Hope Block for a public-house 
not as a profitable investment, but to give charactei 
and respectability to the then growing town. 

Dr. Durfee was a large land proprietor, owning 
nearly one thousand acres, a portion of it valuable 
for real estate purposes, in and about the city. 

Besides being for some years the president of the 
Bristol County Agricultural Society, he was the orig 
inator and president for a long period of the Bristo 
County Central Society, and contributed liberally 
both of money and zeal to its advancement. He was 



FALL KIVER. 



413 



a trustee of the State Agricultural College, and its 
treasurer until declining liealth necessitated his resig- 
nation. Kind-hearted and genial in his disposition, 
he was ever ready to help and encourage the unfor- 
tunate and despondent, the frequent losses sustained 
by him in his readiness to aid those seeking his as- 
sistance never chilling his sympathy or preventing his 
efficient action when again sought by any who needed 
a hel))ing hand. He was a strong advocate of the 
cause of temperance, and during the active period of 
his life was a public and efficient worker in it. 

The moral and spiritual welfare of his native town 
and city was ever prominent in the mind of Dr. Dur- 
fee, who was one of the earliest projectors of the 
Sunday-school work, and instrumental in establishing 
several suburban missiou schools. He was closely 
identified witli the Central Congregational Church, 
being an original member and contributor of one- 
rjuarterof the lot upon which the society's first house 
sf worship was erected. Always one of its most ac- 
tive and efficient members, he took an especially deep 
interest in its development, and, with the late Col. 
Richard Borden, furnished a large portion of the 
funds used in the construction of the new and elegant 
jdifice erected in 1875, and considered one of the most 
perfect ecclesiastical structures in the country. 

He died April 6, 1876. 



WILLIAM C. DA VOL. 
William C. Davol was born Jan. 5, 1806, in Fall 
River, and while yet a lad entered the Troy Mill, then 
ust commencing operations. He was made overseer 
)f the spinning in 1819, and superintendent in 1827, 
I position which he occupied until 1841, when he be- 
;ame ]iartner in the firm of Hawes, Marvel & Davol, 
ind engaged in the manufecture of cotton machinery. 
Be was an intimate friend of Holder Borden and 
Maj. Durfee, and when the latter went to Europe, in 
L838, to investigate the improvements in cotton and 
ron machinery, accompanied him. By letters of in- 
.roduction, a little Yankee ingenuity and persistence, 
le effected an arrangement with the owners of the 
Sharp & Roberts self-acting mule, to secure patents 
5or their manufacture in the United States, and the 
nanufacture of cotton and other kinds of machinery 
Tom the most approved patterns was entered upon at 
mce by the new firm of Hawes, Marvel & Davol. 
Mr. Davol soon projected improvements to beautify 
ind perfect the operation and durability of the self- 
icting mule, and from these patterns built one hun- 
ired and eighty thousand spindles. In 1847 a new 
iet of patterns were made, which superseded the old, 
md from which one hundred thousand spindles were 
lOon constructed. In 1852 and in 1854 other new 
nules were perfected with a combination of improved 
jrinciples for spinning fine yarn. At the same time 
Mr. Davol's inventive genius was at work upon other 
parts of cotton machinery, resulting in patent carders, 



speeders, and drawing-frames, by which the produc- 
tive power was quadrupled. The advantage to any 
manufacturing community to have among its number 
one such man cannot well be estimated, and the high 
opinion of Mr. Davol's practical worth may be gath- 
ered from the opinion of a well-known cotton manu- 
facturer, as expressed in the statement that " William 
C. Davol was worth more to Fall River, for the twenty 
years succeeding the building of the Metacomet Mill, 
than all others put together because of his improve- 
ments in cotton machinery." This is high praise, 
but is in some respects justified by the statement of 
anotlier noted manufacturer, who said, " There's more 
in the man than in the mill." 

The Davol Mills, for the manufacture of sheetings, 
shirtings, silesias, etc., were named after Mr. Davol, 
who was elected and still holds the position of presi- 
dent of the corporation. 



HON. WILLIAM STEDMAN GRKENE. 

Hon. William Stednian Greene, ex-mayor of Fall 
River, was born in Tremont, Tazewell Co., 111., April 
28, 1841, and removed with his parents to Fall River, 
Mass., in July, 1844. He was educated in the public 
schools of the city, and in the autumn of 1856 was 
employed in a fancy goods and millinery store, but 
only continued in that occupation six months. In 
March, 1858, he entered the employ of John P. Slade 
in the insurance business, and remained with him 
until May, 1865. 

He was married to Mary E. White, of Providence, 
R. I., in March, 1865, and they have three children, 
two sons and one daughter. In 1865 and 1866 was 
engaged in life insurance business in Providence, 
R. I., Buffalo, N. Y., and New York City. 

In June, 1866, returned to Fall River, Mass., and 
formed a copartnership with his father, transacting 
business as auctioneers, real-estate, stock, and insur- 
ance brokers under the name and firm of Greene & 
Son, of which firm he still remains an active member. 

In the fall of 1875, Mr. Greene was elected a mem- 
ber of the Common Council from Ward five, and served 
in that body during the years 1876, '77, '78, '79, and 
for the last three years named served as president. 

He has always been an active Republican, and in 
1876 was chosen chairman of the Republican City 
Committee. An active campaign was entered upon 
and a canvass of voters made and an estimate of the 
probable result made, predicting a Republican ma- 
jority of seven hundred and eighty-seven. The re- 
sult being that President Hayes had a majority of 
861, and the Republicans carried five of the six 
wards, and gave their senatorial candidate over one 
thousand majority, and elected their entire represen- 
tative ticket. In November, 1879, Mr. Greene was 
nominated by acclamation as the Republican candi- 
date for mayor, and was elected the following Decem- 
ber by four hundred and sixty-one majority. lu the 



414 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



State election on the first Tuesday in November, 1879, 
the Democratic candidate for Governor carried the 
city by twelve hundred and fifty-nine majority. In 
the face of this result the outlook for the election of 
so outspoken a Eepublican as Mr. Greene only one 
month later did not seem promising, but his friends 
worked actively and with determination, with the 
successful result before stated. 

His administration of the office was marked with 
firmness and economy. He vetoed two apjiropriations 
for three thousand five hundred dollars and two thou- 
sand five hundred dollars respectively, for the cele- 
bration of Fourth of July, both of which were sus- 
tained. He also vetoed an appropriation of seven 
thousand dollars for a city stable, but this veto was 
not sustained. During the year an ordinance was 
prepared under his direction creating the office of 
superintendent of public buildings and inspector of 
buildings, establishing a fire district and regulating 
the construction of buildings throughout the city ; 
also an ordinance creating the office of city engineer 
and defining his duties. 

In May, 1880, he was chosen an alternate delegate 
from the First Congressional District to the Republi- 
can National Convention, holden in Chicago in June, 
1880, and was present and participated in the delib- 
erations of the convention, which resulted in the 
nomination of Hon. James A. Garfield for the Presi- 
dency. In November, 1880, was unanimously re- 
nominated by acclamation by the Republicans as 
candidate for mayor, and was elected the following 
December by thirteen hundred and sixty-eight ma- 
jority. He entered upon his second term in Jan- 
uary, 1881, and in March, 1881, was appointed post- 
master by President Garfield, and on the 28th day of 
March, 1881, resigned the office of mayor, and as- 
sumed the position of postmaster, April 15, 1881. 
Under his administration of that office additional 
mail facilities have been obtained, mail messenger 
service has been established to and from the railroad 
depots, the number of letter carriers has been in- 
creased, and the routes for the collection and delivery 
of letters have been greatly extended, and few cities 
are now provided with better mail facilities. He is a 
member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which 
position he has held during the past five years. He is 
also a member of the board of trustees. He is a mem- 
ber of the Mount Hope Lodge of Free and Accepted 
Masons, Fall River Royal Arch Chapter, and Godfrey 
De Bouillon Commandery Knights Templar, but has 
never held any official position in either of these 
bodies. 

Mr. Greene is a public-spirited citizen, and all 
measures tending to advance the interests of Fall 
River have found in him an earnest advocate. 



E. T. LEONARD. 

Ebenezer Turell Leonard was born in Gardner, 
Mass., July 19, 1812. He commenced the study of 
medicine under Drs. Perry, Bowditch, Gould, and 
Wylie, of Boston, and afterwards studied at the Har- 
vard Medical School, graduating in 1836. He com- 
menced practice in Weymouth, Mass., in the spring 
of 1836, and remained there ten years. He removed 
to Fall River in 1846, and has labored here uninter- 
ruptedly until the present time. He graduated at 
Harvard Medical School in 1836. He has held the 
following offices in the South Massachusetts Medical 
Society: president two years, and vice-president and 
councilor two years. 

Dr. Leonard is one of the oldest practitioners in 
the State, and one of Fall River's most honored and 
esteemed citizens. 



HON. .TAMES BUFFINTON. 

Hon. James Buffinton was born on " Chaloner Hill," 
in Troy (now Fall River), Mass., March 16, 1817. 
His parents removed to Swansea, near the village of 
that name, in his infancy, where the first years of his 
childhood were passed, and where he commenced at- 
tending school ; but soon the interests of the family 
caused their return to his native village, which hence- 
forward became his home. His earlier years were 
those of self-denial and constraint, yet all through 
his boyhood and youth his promptness in thought 
and independence in action were indicative of the 
coming man. His parents were members of the So- 
ciety of Friends, his mother being an approved 
minister of that body of Christians for many years. 
She was careful in the training of her youngest born 
— the subject of this sketch — to inculcate in his mind 
the love of truth and virtue, to lay a foundation for 
the principles of honesty and uprightness, and to 
nurture him in a strict regard for the same. 

He attended public and private schools a part of 
each twelvemonth, until he was some fifteen years of 
age, when he was sent for two or three terms to the 
Friends' Boarding School in Providence, R. I., where 
he made good use of his privileges, and progressed 
satisfactorily in his studies. Here, as elsewhere, the 
activity of an irrepi'essible nature often led him to 
the front, and in sports and exercises of muscular 
power and skill he ever showed an ambition to lead. 
After leaving school he commenced the study of 
medicine with the late Dr. Thomas Wilbur, pursuing 
his investigations in this science successfully to the 
period when he should have attended medical lectures 
as a finishing step to make him a veritable M.D. 
Failing to obtain the necessary funds at the proper 
time satisfactorily to himself, he turned his attention 
to teaching, and spent two or three years as a precep- 
tor in public and private schools at Westport, and 
afterwards in Dartmouth, at or near Padanaram, the 
southern extremity of the town. Here, from constant 



FALL RIVER. 



415 



association with men interested in navigation, his 
thoughts were turned in this direction, and he finally 
shipped for a whaling voyage on board the ship 
" South Carolina," about to sail from that port. 

Making a successful voyage, he returned home, and 
engaged in business as a druggist. Subsequently 
abandoning this enterprise, he entered the dry-goods 
and millinery trade. About this time also he united 
in marriage with Miss Sarah Perkins. 

During these years he possessed the full confidence 
of his fellow-townsmen, who often by their suflrages 
acknowledged his qualifications, electing him to posi- 
tions of trust and usefulness. He was a prominent 
and eflicient member of the fire department, and in 
1851 was chosen selectman, being re-elected in 1852, 
md again in 1853. 

<_)n the adoption of a city charter in 1S54 he was 
elected mayor by a majority over all of three hundred 
and thirty-one, in an aggregate of twelve hundred and 
sixty-one votes. 

At the second city election, in 1855, he was re- 
elected mayor; but the same autumn, his executive 
abilities having become more generally known and 
appreciated, at a convention called to nominate a 
3andidate for representative in Congress, he was chosen 
by acclamation, and subsequently elected by a ma- 
jority of several thousand. When the Rebellion was 
being inaugurated, his attention in the House was, if 
possible, increased, and no effort was lost to advance 
the nation's cause and preserve her life and usefulness. 
On his return home early in the spring of 18(51, he 
immediately set influences at work to raise a company 
)f volunteers in person, joining the " Boys in Blue" 
in their drill, their marches through the street, and 
in all their preparations to become defenders of their 
country's life and integrity. 

In 1864 Mr. Buflinton, having declined a re-norai- 
aation for Congress, accepted an office in the Internal 
Revenue Department, tendered him during President 
Johnson's administration. 

The duties of this office — general treasury agent — 
were satisfactorily performed for a year or two, when 
be was appointed revenue collector for the First Dis- 
;rict of Massachusetts, which office he held until after 
the death of Mr. Eliot, his successor in Congress, in 
June, 1770, when he was again elected by those whom 
be had so faithfully served in previous years as their 
representative in the national councils. He served 
;wo terms, and was re-elected for a third, when death 
intervened. Thus was spent the remainder of his 
jseful life, the last few weeks in distress of bodj', yet 
DO the last with the same alert mind, anxious to do 
bis whole duty, prompt in his attendance upon each 
session of the House, and finally dying with the har- 
ness on. He remained in his seat, against the wishes 
jf his friends, until the adjournment of Congress, 
when he came home to die in less than one hour after 
jeing welcomed by his beloved domestic circle, Sab- 
3ath morning, March 6, 1874. 



His funeral obsequies were attended by a large con- 
course of relatives and friends, residents of this and 
nianv other towns in the State. 



CHARLES H. UEAN. 

Charles H. Dean, whose portrait accompanies this 
sketch, was born in the town of Freetown, Mass., 
Nov. 29, 1821, and died at his residence in Fall 
River, Mass., July 22, 1882. He was seventh in de- 
scent from Walter Deane, his paternal American 
ancestor, and ninth in regular descent from Walter 
Deane, who lived a few miles from Taunton, England. 

This first Walter Deane had several children, but 
only one son, William Deane. Nothing is known 
of Walter Dearie, except that he died in England, in 
1591. His son William was born there, and died 
there. He died in 1634. He had nine children, 
the three youngest of whom, John, Walter, Mar- 
garet, we know came to America, and were first 
at Dorchester in 1636 or 1687, and in Taunton in 
1637-38. " Walter Deane married Eleanor Strong, 
and had six children, but we know the names only 
Benjamin, Ezra, and Joseph. He was a representa- 
tive to the General Court as early as 1640, and was a 
selectman in Taunton for many years, and with his 
wife wiis living as late :is 1(!93." (See history of 
pioneers of Taunton.) 

Benjamin Deane,' son of Walter and Eleanor 
(Sti-ong) Deane, was married to Sarah Williams, Jan. 
6, 1680 or '81. They settled in Taunton, Mass, and had 
children,— Naomi, Hannah, Israel (born Feb. 2, 1685), 
Mary, Damaris, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mehitable, Benja- 
min (born July 31, 1699), Ebenezer (born Feb. 24, 
1702), Lydia, and Josiah (born Oct. 23, 1707). His 
will was made Feb. 2, 1723, and probated April 14 
1725. 

Ebenezer Deane, third son of Benjamin Deane, 
married Rachel Allen, of Rehoboth, Jan. 19, 1709 or 
'10. He had several children, among whom were 
Joshua and Ebenezer. He marched with his son 
Joshua in defense of their country against the French 
and Indians. He was captain of a company, and 
served with distinction in that war. 

Ebenezer Dean, Jr., son of Capt. Ebenezer, Sr., 
was born about 1730, and died Jan. 5, 1819, in his 
ninetieth year. He was known as Deacon Dean. He 
married Prudence, daughter of John King, of Rayn- 
ham. She died March 10, 1787, in her fifty-fifth year. 
Their children were ten in number, of whom we know 
of Ebenezer, Abiather, Enos, Levi, and Apollos. 

Mr. Dean resided in Taunton, but purchased a tract 
of land in Freetown, and gave to his sons Levi and 
Apollos. . Gen. Peirce, of Assonet, says, "There was 
a small house on the farm of Levi Dean, which was 



1 The name was usually written with an e final, but for several gener- 
ations past many have dropped the e. 



416 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



raised and enlarged," but many new buildings had to 
be put up and other improvements made. 

Levi Dean, son of Deacon Ebenezer and Prudence 
(King) Dean, was born in Taunton, Dec. 13, 1767, and 
died Nov. 1, 1840. He settled in Freetown on a farm 
given to him by his father, and the farm is now (1883) 
in the family. He married Betsey Dean in 1792. She 
was born Feb. 27, 1770, and died Aug. 22, 1836. Their 
children were King, Eliza, Gains, and Prudence, all 
born in Freetown, Mass. 

King Dean, son of Levi, was born in Freetown, 
Sept. 24, 179.5, married Betsey Lawton, Oct. 20, 1817, 
and had five children, — Anna E., Benjamin D., 
Charles H. (deceased), George W., and James O. (de- 
ceased). 

Mr. Dean was a farmer during the earlier jjart of 
his life in Freetown. About 1830-33, however, he 
settled with his family in Fall Elver, where he was 
engaged in farming at first, then he worked in the 
packing department of the Robinson Print- Works for 
many years. Finally in 1849 he went to California, 
and returned via the Isthmus of Panama, at which 
place he contracted a fever from the effects of which 
he died at New Orleans, Dec. 26, 1850. Mrs. King 
Dean died Jan. 30, 1872, aged seventy-four years. 
The line of descent from Walter Deane, of England, 
to Charles H. Dean, the subject of our immediate 
sketch, has been Walter', William^ Walter^ (the 
first of the name of this line in America). Benjamin*, 
Ebenezer', Ebenezer*, Levi', King^, and Charles H.' 

"Charles H. Dean came to Fall River very young, 
and became interested in the dry-goods business, and 
started for himself in 1847, which he continued until 
his death. As a merchant he was generally liked. 
In his business he was strictly honorable to everyone, 
being no respecter of persons ; the rich and poor were 
used alike. He was always the courteous gentleman 
that won the respect and admiration of all. He was 
a thoroughly Christian man, and a woriinr/ member of 
the First Baptist Church in this city. His kind words 
and counsels were often heard in the way of doing 
good to his fellows, no matter in what station in life. 
He was liberal to the worthy poor, and yet he always 
had enough and to spare. Mr. Dean was largely in- 
terested in manufactures, being a stockholder and di- 
rector in several of the cotton-mills of Fall River, 
among which we may mention the King Philip, Mer- 
chant, Osborn, a-nd Weetamoo Mills. He took a 
considerable interest in the municipal affairs of the 
city, and was a director in the Globe Railroad Com- 
pany. He was a man of large and broad views on all 
things that pertained to the welfare of the com- 
munity, and being a man of more than ordinary intel- 
lect, he was the better able to deal with the great, 
important questions of the day in a most intelligent 
audsatisfiictory way. Politically he was a Republican, 
but he did not seek political honors, but preferred to 
attend to his legitimate business. 

" Mr. Dean possessed qualities of head and heart 



which endeared him to all, and if in daily life he was 
unostentatious and quiet, he was always as genial and 
pleasant, and in this way not only won the respect 
but secured the friendship of all whose friendship 
was worth having. He was, too, a man of refined 
and generous sympathies, and these found expression 
in kind, cheerful words where cheer and comfort were 
most needed. He was a gentleman by nature and 
social intercourse, and a Christian from convictions. 
Goodness of heart was as natural to him as song to 
the bird or sweetness to the flower." 

He was one of the best of husbands and fathers, 
and it was in his home life that he appeared to the 
best advantage. Mr. Dean was a man who will long 
be remembered for his many nameless acts of kind- 
ness to those who needed them. He will be remem- 
bered for his general courteousness of manners and 
for his many virtues. Truly a good man has gone 
home to rest. 

Oct. 19, 1847, he married Louisa M., daughter of 
David and Louisa (Chase) Peirce, of Somerset, Mass. 
She was born in Somerset, Jan. 26, 1824, and died 
April 9, 1877. 

Their only child, Mary L., married, Sept. 3, 1873, 
George S. Davol, of Fall River, and has three chil- 
dren, — Stephen B., Louisa D., and Charles D. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



EASTON.' 



The town of Easton is situated in the northeast 
corner of Bristol County. It is bounded on the north 
by Stoughton and Sharon, on the east by Brockton 
and West Bridgewater, on the south by Raynham, 
Taunton, and Norton, and on the west by Norton 
and Mansfield. It derived its name from its location 
with reference to the town of Norton, of which it 
originally formed a part; it was the East Precinct of 
that town, and became the East Town, or Easton. Its 
area is twenty-nine square miles, or, more precisely, 
eighteen thousand five hundred and eighty-four 
square acres, of which three hundred and seventy 
acres are water. The underlying geological forma- 
tion is in the northerly half sienite, and in the 
southern half a conglomerate sometimes called gray- 
wacke. There are a number of acres, perhaps two 
or three hundred, in which bog-iron ore is found, 
and where it has been dug with profit. The surface 
of Easton is quite level, the north part of the town 
having, however, a pleasant variety of elevation. 
Considerable swamp-land exists, especially in the 
southern portion, where is located what is known as 
the Great Cedar Swamp. There are some ponds 

1 By Eev. Willmm L. Clmfflu. 



EASTON. 



417 



artificially made for manufacturing purposes, and oc- 
cupying altogether about three hundred and seventy 
acres. Tlie two largest streams are Leach's Stream, 
once called Mulberry Meadow Brook, in the west 
part, and Queset River, which is in the northeastern 
part, and on which stand the Ames Shovel-Works. 
The soil is not above the average quality for this 
section. Wise management and hard work are 
needed to make farming pay even a small profit. 

The population of Easton is about four thousand. 
At the census of 1880 it was precisely three thousand 
nine hundred and one. Easton Centre is twenty-four 
miles south of Boston, twelve north of Taunton, 
and twenty-seven north of Fall River. It is twenty- 
two miles from the sea-shore in a direct line. It is on 
the Old Colony Railroad, on the main line from 
Boston to Fall River and Newport, and has two rail- 
road stations. It has three villages, each with a 
post-ofilce. The principal village is North Easton, 
which contained a population of two thousand one 
hundred and fifty-six in 1880, considerably over 
half of the whole population of the town. The 
other villages are Easton, or the Furnace village, and 
South Easton. The chief industry of North Easton, 
the industry in fact which has built up this village, 
is shovel-making. Another important business here 
is the manufacture of hinges. There are two boot- 
and shoe-factories, and the New England Specialty 
Company, which manufactures screw-drivers and a 
variety of similar articles. There are also twelve 
stores, including markets, drug-store, etc. South 
Easton has the cotton-thread factory of E. J. W. 
Morse & Co., a grist-mill, machine-shop, two shoe- 
factories, a wheelwright-shop, and two stores. The 
Furnace village (post-oflice address, Easton) has 
two foundries or furnaces, two saw-mills, and two 
stores. In the southeast part of the town mathe- 
matical and scientific instruments are manufactured. 
These is also a small grist-mill in the west part, 
and one in the northeast part. All these industries 
of the town are merely alluded to here; they will 
be more particularly described farther on. 

North Easton village presents many points of 
special interest and attraction. There are several 
costly and other handsome dwelling-houses, among 
which may be mentioned those of F. L. Ames, Oliver 
Ames, Oakes A. Ames, Mrs. Oliver Ames, E. W. Gil- 
more, George W. Kennedy, and Unity Church par- 
sonage. The residences of F. L. Ames and Oliver 
Ames are within a large and beautiful park, which is 
open to the public for driving and walking, a privi- 
lege that is highly appreciated. An immense green- 
house filled with rare and costly plants, and contain- 
ing a collection of orchids hardly second to any in 
the United States, forms a great attraction. At one 
of the entrances to these grounds has been recently 
erected a most unique and interesting lodge-house. 
It is built of large, roundish, moss-covered stones taken 
from stone walls or from the surface of the ground 
27 



and cemented together. Its two sections are con- 
nected by a massive and splendid archway which 
forms the entrance to the park. The walls are low, 
the chimneys large and of stone like the walls, and 
the roof is covered with red tiles. 

Some of the public buildings of this village are 
costly and handsome. The school-Iiouse is a large 
three-story building, in which are eleven large and 
convenient school-rooms. Besides the extensive green- 
houses of F. L. Ames, excellent green-houses are 
owned by Mrs. Oliver Ames, E. W. Gilmore, and 
Oakes A. Ames. Unity Church is a beautiful stone 
edifice, Gothic in style, cruciform in shape, with a 
solid stone spire surmounted by a stone cross. It has 
a chapel connected with it, and below the auditorium 
is a church-parlor. This church was dedicated in 
August, 1875. It was built by Hon. Oliver Ames two 
years before his death, and was by him presented as a 
free gift to the Unitarian Society. John A. Mitchell 
was the architect. 

The public library building is also an attractive 
edifice, built of the native stone, a pinkisli granite 
called sienite, with brown sandstone trimmings. It 
is elaborately finished jnside with polished butternut 
and black-walnut woods. Over ten thousand books 
were provided, and the library opened to the public 
March 10, 1883. This library was founded by a 
bequest of Hon. Oliver Ames just mentioned. Near 
the library building, a little higher up on the hill, is 
the massive and handsome public hall, built as a 
memorial to Oakes Ames by his children. It stands 
on the solid foundation of a natural ledge, from the 
northeast corner of which rises the tower. It has in 
front an arcade with heavy pillars and arches, and 
is approached by wide stone staircases terminating on 
stone platforms, and so combined with the natural 
stonework as to present an imposing appearance. In 
this building on the first floor are two small halls, the 
large hall on the second floor, and a beautifully-deco- 
rated and furnished Masonic Hall in the third story. 
H. H. Richardson was the architect of this hall and 
of the library. In front of this hall is a triangular 
piece of ground, upon which the Ames corporation 
are now building, from designs of Frederick Law 
Olmstead, an extensive cairn or rockwork two hun- 
dred and fifty feet long and twenty-five feet high at 
one end, with an archway passing underneath. This 
will eventually be covered with vines and shrubbery, 
and will, with the lawn, flower-beds, and walks which 
will surround it, add much to the beauty and attrac- 
tiveness of this locality. 

There are three church edifices in this village, — 
Unity Church, already spoken of, a large Catholic 
Church, and a Methodist Church. On Washington 
Street, one mile east of the village, is another Meth- 
odist Church. In the centre of the town is the Eas- 
ton Unitarian Church, now closed except for occa- 
sional services, the lower story of which is used for a 
town hall. The church of the Evangelical Society 



418 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was destroyed by fire in 1882, and a new building will 
be erected this year (1883). Between these churches 
stands the new soldiers' monument, erected in 1882 at 
a cost of five thousand dollars, upon which are in- 
scribed the names of forty-seven townsmen who were 
killed in the war of the Rebellion. 

There are in North Easton a national bank and a 
savings-bank. One is known as the First iSIational 
Bank of Easton, the other as the North Easton Sa- 
vings-Bank. Of these Frederic L. Ames is president 
and P. A. Giftbrd cashier. The savings-bank has 
considerable influence in promoting thrifty habits 
among the working-people, many of whom frequently 
deposit jjortions of their wages therein. The town 
has its proportion of social and other organizations. 
Besides those connected with the churches may be 
mentioned the Paul Dean Lodge of Masons, of which 
George K. Davis is the present Master ; the Mizpah 
Star Lodge of the Daughters of Eebekah, the A. B. 
Randall Post, No. 52, Grand Army of the Republic, 
Ellis Holbrook commander ; a division of the Sons of 
Temperance, an organization of the Knights of Honor, 
etc., the headquarters of all the above being at North 
Easton, except that of the army post, which is at South 
Easton. 

The town of Easton is represented in the State gov- 
ernment for this year by Hon. Oliver Ames, Lieuten- 
ant-Governor; Hon. L. S. Drake, State senator; and 
Mr. George A. Lackey, representative to the State 
Legislature. 

The assessed value of real estate in Easton for May 
1,1882, was $1,158,800; the assessed value of per- 
sonal property $2,212,537. The corporation tax was 
$8617.85, national bank tax $3545.20, State tax $3320, 
county tax $2924.92, town tax .$13,717.92. The rate 
of taxation was $5.50 on $1000; the number of dwell- 
ing-houses taxed was 730 ; acres of land taxed, 16,- 
165; horses taxed, 410; cows taxed, 425. The num- 
ber of polls was 1068. There was appropriated for 
the poor $5000, for schools $8577.92, for roads $2000, 
but for school and road purposes there are large 
special funds available. The number of births reg- 
istered for 1882 was eighty-nine, the number of nuir- 
riages forty-one, the number of deaths one hundred 
and eleven. The board of selectmen, assessors, and 
overseers of the poor, the board of school committee, 
and that of road commissioners numbers three men 
each. 

The town of Easton is singularly fortunate in re- 
gard to the means at its disposal for educational and 
other purposes. The educational privileges will be 
spoken of farther on. A fund of fifty thousand dol- 
lars was left by the late Hon. Oliver Ames for the im- 
provement of roads. The income of this fund, four 
thousand dollars, in addition to the amount annually 
appropriated by the town, will soon provide roads 
that will equal if not surpass those of any town in the 
commonwealth. For a place of the size of Easton 
the public library is large, and is exceptionally fine. 



Taxes are very low, being for 1882 but five dollars 
and fifty cents on one thousand dollars, and less than 
that for 1883. It is less than an hour's ride from Bos- 
ton, and has increasing attractions and advantages 
that render it a very desirable place of residence. 

History. — The town of Easton was incorporated 
Dec. 21, 1725. It was previously a part of the town 
of Norton, which was incorporated in 1711, and of 
which, in 1718, it was made the East Precinct, being 
set apart for the maintenance of a minister. Previous 
to this time it was part of a tract of land called Taun- 
ton North Purchase. This tract included the whole 
of what is now Easton, nearly all of Mansfield, and 
about a third of Norton. When first incorporated 
Norton included all this tract and considerably more, 
Easton being the older and Mansfield the younger 
child of that town. The North Purchase was bought 
by fifty-three of the citizens of Taunton of the agents 
of Plymouth Colony. 

The first town-meeting of Easton was held March 
2, 1726. It will be best to consider this subject, the 
history of Easton, under several different divisions. 

Industrial History. — The limits assigned to this 
sketch of the history of Easton will not allow any 
very detailed narrative of the growth and decline oi 
the various business enterprises that existed here pre- 
vious to the present century. At the time of the in- 
corporation of the town (December, 1725) there were 
certainly two, probably three, iron forges in opera- 
tion. One was established in 1724, at what was then 
known as Cranberry Meadow Pond, and is now called 
the Dean farm, owned by F. L. Ames. The other was 
established by the Leonards, who were celebrated 
iron-workers, and was in successful operation before 
1724, but how long before has not yet been deter- 
mined. This forge was in what is now North Easton, 
at the lower end of Stone's Pond. Several saw-mills 
were running at the same time in different parts ol 
the town. There was at least one grist-mill, and 
probably more. The forge business at the Dean farm 
place continued until about 1750. A saw-mill was 
then built to take its place. About the same time 
the furnace at Furnace village was established. At 
the time of the Revolutionary war this furnace was 
owned by Capt. James Perry, who manufactured 
among other things cannon and cannon-balls. It 
afterwards passed into the hands of Gen. Shepard 
Leach, by whom a flourishing business was carried 
on. Large quantities of bog-iron ore were dug from 
the swampy lands in the west part of town, and were 
used at this furnace. 

In the northeast part of the town the forge business 
continued through the last century. Before its close 
two forges were in operation there, the second one 
being on what is known as the Quaker Leonard road, 
In the year 1775 or 1776 the manufacture of steel was 
begun in Easton by Eliphalet Leonard, who was grand- 
son to James, the founder of the first forge in town, 
Jonathan Leonard, son of the Eliphalet just named, 



EASTON. 



419 



is authority for the statement that this was the first 
attempt to manufacture steel in this country. Such 
statements must, however, be received with great cau- 
tion. Eliphalet Leonard was led to that attempt by 
the great scarcity of steel in this country, then in 
great demand for the manufacture of firearms, which 
were needed for the defense of our liberties. He con- 
structed several furnaces, and was able to supply him- 
self and his neighbors with steel. In 1787, Jonathan 
Leonard having, by means of extraordinary shrewd- 
ness, of which curious things are told, " obtained 
further insight into this business, erected at Easton a 
furnace capable of making three tons at a batch." 
In ISOS he erected another furnace here of over 
three times the capacity of the first. The Leonards 
manufactured fii-earms, which are well remembered 
by our old inhabitants. In 1792, Calvin Brett erected 
a small factory in the south part of the town for the 
mauufecture of linseed-oil. It was built as a wind- 
mill, but did not prove a success. 

Since the year 1800 a great many business enter- 
prises have been undertaken, have had their day, 
and have passed away. To take up and give in de- 
tail the account of these enterprises would be inter- 
esting, but will be impossible in this brief historic 
sketch. Of the earlier ones the mere mention must 
suffice. At what is now the Morse privilege at South 
Easton there was at the beginning of the century a 
saw-mill owned by Josiah Copeland. He afterwards 
with others ran an oil-mill. About 1805 the same 
parties started a factory for the manufacture of cot- 
ton yarn, and afterwards of cotton cloth. It con- 
tinued until 1834, when E. J. W. Morse, a native of 
Dedham, Mass., commenced the cotton thread busi- 
ness. Under the name E. J. W. Morse & Co., South 
Easton, cotton thread manufacturers, this business 
became successful, and has continued uninterruptedly 
down to the present time. This company employs 
about fifty hands. 

At the privilege next below, now the property of 
T. H. and J. O. Dean, some kind of active enterprise 
has been going on for nearly two centuries. From a 
time preceding the incorporation of the town until now 
the grist-mill business has been carried on there. Not 
much else seems to have been done there until about 
1810, when Elijah Howard & Co. started the forge 
business, and manufactured bar-iron, nail rods, etc. 
But a disastrous fire, which burned an amount of 
charcoal worth more than the whole capital invested 
in the business, brought this enterprise to a close. 
The same company then began the manufacture of 
cut nails, at that time a new invention. This con- 
tinued until about 1823. In 1825 or 1826, Elijah 
Howard and Capt. Barzillai Dean began to make 
cotton cloth. In 1836 or 1837, Capt. Dean bought 
the entire interest, and manufactured cotton print 
goods of light texture. Capt. Dean died by accident 
in 1848, and from that time this factory, since en- 
larged, has been a machine-shop, and, with the grist- 



mill, is the property of T. H. and J. 0. Dean. In 
the machine-shop are manufactured pianoforte ma- 
chinery, wood slipper heels, etc. 

The privilege next below was once used for saw- 
mill purposes, but soon after the beginning of the 
present century a carding-mill was started there. It 
then was used for a fulling-mill. vSubsequently in 
one building satinet was manufactured, and in an- 
other cotton yarn. Asa R. Howard made hoes there. 
The manufacture of shoe-pegs was engaged in, and 
in 1848 Solomon W. Morse bought the whole privi- 
lege and made cotton cloth. It was then purchased 
by E. J. W. Morse, and has since lain idle most of 
the time. 

At the Furnace village at the opening of the cen- 
tury Gen. Shepard Leach carried on a successful 
furnace business. In 1837, Capt. Lincoln Drake es- 
tablished the malleable iron works, under the firm- 
name of A. Boyden & Co. It went under that name 
for about two years, and was under the superintend- 
ence of Mr. Boyden. Daniel Belcher then took charge 
of the business for Capt. Drake. About the year 1840 
brass castings were for a while also made. In 1849, 
Daniel Belcher bought out the business, and since 
that time it has run constantly, except for a few 
weeks after the works were destroyed by fire. The 
castings are for agricultural implements, carriage and 
saddlery castings, cotton and woolen machinery, and 
many similar things that take the place of difficult 
forgings. These castings are sent all over the coun- 
try. This firm, known as the Daniel Belcher Mal- 
leable Iron Works, enjoys a high reputation for the 
excellence of its work. It employs thirty men. Near 
by is the foundry of L. S. and A. L. Drake, successors, 
in 1872, to Capt. Lincoln Drake, who organized this 
business in 1833. This firm employs twenty-five men. 
Its castings in 1881 were of about seven hundred tons 
weight, and they are largely for machine purposes, 
school-house work, hot-water heating apparatus, etc. 
In this village, farther south, and not far from 1830, 
there was an oil-mill. In 1854, Keith, Rotch & Co. 
were running a thread-factory. Pratt, Belclier & Co. 
carried on the same kind of business. In 1844 the 
first belt saw-mill erected in this vicinity was built 
by Lewis Williams and his son, Edward D. Williams. 
It has been running .since that time, and is the prop- 
erty of the latter at this time. James Belcher also 
runs a saw-mill now in this village on the old grist- 
mill privilege. 

In the south part of the town, in the year 1828, J. 
and H. M. Poole began the manufacture of mathe- 
matical instruments on a small scale. A strong prej- 
udice for foreign-made instruments was only slowly 
overcome. Poole's work was found not only to equal 
but to excel the imported. In 1878, John M. Poole, 
who had for twenty-five years been foreman, succeeded 
to the business. He manufactures surveyors' transits, 
builders' levels, land and telescopic compasses, and 
many other instruments of this kind. 



420 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



John Poole was, after a while, associated with 
Charles Poole in the manufacture of thermometers. 
Farther north, on the turnpike, Guilford White, in 
1850, began the manufacture of shoes, and continued it 
for six years. For several years afterwards the same 
business was conducted by Horatio Thayer and Na- 
thaniel R. Packard. At the same time Lewis Tliayer 
manufactured shoes, and so continued from 18.56 to 
1870. Irving and Emory Packard began the manu- 
facture of shoes there in 1864-65, and their business 
still continues. On the other road, just south of the 
Dean Works, Samuel Simpson has for years carried 
on the wheelwright business. 

At the beginning of the century industrial enter- 
prises of some importance were conducted in the 
northeast part of Easton. Northwest of the present 
site of the Ames Shovel-Works, near what is called 
the Picker field, there was a grist-mill. There was 
also a cotton-picking machine in operation. Capt. 
John Ames manufactured knives there, and at what 
is called the "Hoe-Shop" Nathan Pratt manufactures 
hoes. Clo.se to the present location of the Ames 
office was another grist-mill, and still lower down 
was the cotton-factory of the Easton Manufacturing 
Company. At the lower end of Stone's Pond steel 
was being manufactured when the century began. 
Soon a grist-mill was added, afterwards there was 
a nail-factory ; then William G. Andrews and Eli- 
jah Howard began the manufacture of cotton yarn. 
After a while they provided looms and made cotton 
sheeting. Gurden Stone succeeded William G. An- 
drews in the business, which was carried on until 
1837, when Jason G. Howard bought out Mr. Stone. 
In 1839 nine tack-machines were put in and the tack 
business was begun. Edward J. W. Morse subse- 
quently rented a part of the works and manufac- 
tured knitting-cotton. In 1852, Mr. Howard sold 
the place to Oliver Ames, by whom it was used, as 
it is still used, for shovel-works. Steel was also being 
made in 1800 at the now Calvin Marshall place, 
where firearms were manufactured. Jonathan Leon- 
ard and his father were here, and this was the scene 
of the disastrous attempt at lead-mining. At this place 
was also a mill for breaking flax. 

At the lower end of what is now called Shovel 
Shop Pond there was a dam with a grist-mill, nailer's 
shop, and iron forge with trip-hammer, etc. This prop- 
erty was purchased by Oliver Ames, the founder of 
the great shovel business. He had manufactured hoes 
and shovels here before this time, but had moved to 
Plymouth. He subsequently returned, and began in 
a small way the establishment of the now world-fa- 
mous Ames' shovel business. Having built a new dam 
and enlarged the Shovel Shop Pond, he renewed at 
the lower end of this pond the manufacture he had 
engaged in some years before farther up the stream. 
It is but repeating a familiar story to say that shovels 
were slowly made at first, a few at a time, that the 
first made were carried to market in a one-horse 



wagon when one load was almost sufficient to glut the 
market, that the one-horse wagon gave place to the 
six-horse team until the railroad was available. 
Oliver Ames purchased land farther up the stream. 
In 1852 the factory at the lower end of Shovel Shop 
Poud proved too small to accommodate the increasing 
business, and a substantial two-story stone building 
was erected five hundred and thirty feet long, to 
which additions were subsequently made. Several 
other shops were afterwards erected near by, and 
there are others in different parts of the village where 
water-power is available. Steam-power is, however, 
the main reliance. Every description of shovel is 
made, — long and short handled, square and round- 
point shovels, spades, grain and coal scoops, post-hole 
diggers, and other varieties. These are sent not only 
throughout the United States, but to South America, 
to parts of Asia and Africa, and to Australia. 

An intelligent Englishman visited these works 
with the writer, and was curious to know how the 
raw material, steel and iron, could be imported and 
duties paid thereon, and yet shovels be exported to 
English provinces, to Australia for instance. Stand- 
ing before an ingenious machine, he exclaimed, "I 
see clearly enough how it is, it is your wonderful 
labor-saving machines. If such a machine as that 
were set up in one of our shovel-works, our trades 
unions would have the building in ashes before the 
next morning, though in so doing they drive business 
away, and hence injure the working men they pro- 
fess to benefit. Our manufacturers, too, are very 
conservative, and are slow to adopt improvements." 
Those who desire to read a detailed description of 
the whole process of shovel-making in these works 
may find it in an article published in the Atlantic 
Monthly of about 1870, written by Azel Ames, Jr. 
The Ames corporation have additional shops in Can- 
ton, South Braintree, and West Bridgewater. If all 
the stone shops which they use for the shovel busi- 
ness were placed end to end they would reach about 
twenty-five hundred feet, or nearly half a mile. Five 
hundred men are employed in this shovel business. 
They manufacture from 110,000 to 125,000 dozens of 
shovels per year. Taking the average of these fig- 
ures, 117,500 dozens, we have the incredible number 
of 1,410,000 shovels per year, or 27,115 per week, 
4519 per day, 451 per hour. From 1200 to 1500 tons 
of Swedish iron, and from 1200 to 1400 tons of steel 
are annually used in this manufacture. 

The business of next importance in town is the 
manufacture of hinges by E. W. Gilmore. In 1854 
the firm of E. W. Gilmore & Co., the other partners 
being Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, began in a 
small way the manufacture of strap- and T-hinges, 
ship-scrapers, wrought iron washers, and other arti- 
cles. This business was begun in the building for- 
merly used by the Ames Company for the manutacture 
of shovels. In 1871, E. W. Gilmore bought out the 
Ames' interest in the business first named. He then 



EASTON. 



421 



built the large works which he now occupies, and 
moved into them in January, 1872. His power is 
furnished by a sixty horse-power Corliss engine. 
Mr. Gilmore is a practical and ingenious machinist, 
and from time to time has invented and introduced 
important improvements in the way of machinery and 
labor-saving processes. By this means, by hard work 
of brain and hand, he achieved success. When full 
of work he employs about seventy-five men and boys, 
making about fifteen thousand strap- and T-hinges 
per day, besides other articles. 

In 1851 was organized in North Easton the firm of 
A. A. Gilmore & Co., the other members of the firm 
being Elisha T. Andrews and Oakes A. Ames. They 
manufactured fine calf-skin boots in a building owned 
by Cyrus Lothrop. Oakes Ames succeeded to the in- 
terest first owned by Oakes A. Ames. In 1870, 
Messrs. Gilmore and Andrews bought out Oakes 
Ames. This firm, which for some time did quite an 
extensive business, gave up the manufacture of boots 
in 1879, but the firm did not dissolve until death 
broke up the long partnership, Mr. Andrews dying 
in 1883. 

In 185.5, William Andrews built what is known 
as the Brett Shop, and went into the business of 
shoe manufacture with Ward L. Foster; but the 
business crisis of 1857 made this attempt a failure. 
The firm of Pratt, Foster & Co. manufiictured for a 
while in the same building. In 1863, George Brett 
manufactured ladies' shoes in this building for E. H. 
Johnson, of Lynn. In 1855 he went into business in 
the .same place for himself, and continued it for ten 
years, when it was closed. 

In 1865 John B. King with P. A. GiflTord as part- 
ner began to make boots and shoes. In 1871 Mr. 
King bought out his partner's interest, and has con- 
ducted a successful business ever since. He now em- 
ploys about fifty hands in his work; his goods go 
chiefly West and Northwest. In the fall of 1880, D. 
H. Packard began the manufacture of shoes in North 
Easton. The firm is now D. H. Packard & Co. They 
employ about fifty hands. In March, 1880, A. J. 
Leavitt established a business which goes under the 
name of the New England Specialty Company. He 
manufactures a large variety of such articles as screw- 
drivers, can openers, sewing-macliine trimmings, steel 
keys, etc. William King owns a small factory where 
he makes awls, various kinds of cement, and other 
goods. 

This long journey through the various manufac- 
tures of the three principal villages of the town where 
nearly everything has been or is made, brings us at 
last to " The Centre," where, in 1880, Reed & Lin- 
coln began the manufacture of quite a variety of 
shoes. At the present time this firm employs twenty- 
five hands. 

Educational. — The history of school matters in an 
ordinary counti-y town does not furnish material for 
an extended or for a very interesting narrative. Our 



ancestors were much more interested in churches than 
in schools, and they expended very much more for 
their religious than for their educational privileges. 
But they were not unmindful of the latter, and they 
illustrated the need of it, for some even of the prom- 
inent men, and more of the women, were unable to 
write, and were obliged on old deeds, wills, surveys, 
etc., which the writer has seen, to " make their mark." 
It was provided in the articles of incorporation of the 
town of Easton that, within six months from the time 
of the publication of such articles, the town should 
" procure and maintain a school-master to instruct 
their youth in writing and reading." Th-e town 
records do not show, however, any very liberal provi- 
sion for education, even taking into account the char- 
acter of the times. The following verbatim extract 
from the town records will suffice to illustrate the too 
common spirit of town-meeting legislation upon the 
subject : " Easton March the thirty-first day 1727 at a 
Leagall meeting of the Inhabitants of said town for 
to make choice of a schoUmaster and to rais money 
to pay him and to appoint a place for the schoU to be 
kept : &c. 1 we made choice of Josiah Keith Mod- 
erator for said meeting. 21y a vote was called for to 
give fourty pounds to a schoUmaster for one year to 
keep scholl but not voted. Sly a vote was called for 
to give twenty pounds schoUmaster to keep schoU one 
year but not voted. 41y a vote was called for to give 
ten pounds to a schoUmaster to keep scholl for one 
year but not voted. 51y a vote was called for to give 
five pounds to a schoUmaster to keep scholl for one 
year but not voted. 61y voted and agreed to give 
three pounds to a schoUmaster for one year to teach 
youths to Read and to writ and to keep it at his own 
House and to find himself diet." 

What a change in school affairs from the time when 
the school-master of Easton must provide a school- 
room, do the teaching, and board himself for fifteen 
dollars a year, and to-day, when he gets fifteen hun- 
dred dollars ! 

There is nothing, down to a very recent date, of 
sufiicient interest to enter into a narrative of this 
kind. The High School of Easton was organized in 
1868, first as a peripatetic institution, moving into 
different sections of the town for different terms ; but 
before long it was permanently located at North 
Easton, because more than half the scholars were 
there. The district system was abolished in 1869, 
and this change, here as elsewhere, has had a bene- 
ficial result. 

On May 1, 1882, there were in Easton (population, 
3901) 822 children between five and fifteen years of 
age. On the school registers for that year there were 
enrolled the names of 903 different scholars. Of these 
99 were over fifteen years of age, and 11 were under 
five years. The amount appropriated for the support 
of schools for the same year was $8577.92. This 
amount is the exact average per scholar of the appro- 
priation for schools for all the towns in Massachu- 



ft 



422 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



setts, not includiug the cities, for the preceding year. 
Tlie average attendance of scliolars for the year was 
620, and the percentage of attendance was .79. There 
are twenty schools in town, eleven of tliem, including 
the High School, being at North Easton, and two at 
the Furnace village, all of which are graded schools, 
the remaining seven being mixed schools. 

In pecuniary means for educational purposes the 
town of Easton probably stands first in the list of 
towns in the State. By the will of Hon. Oliver 
Ames, who died in 1877, it was endowed with the 
large bequest of fifty thousand dollars for the support 
of schools. In order that such a fund might not tempt 
the town to reduce its appropriations, the will pro- 
vides that it shall be forfeited unless the town shall 
every year appropriate for the support of schools an 
amount per scholar equal to the average amount per 
scholar appropriated by all the towns of the State. 
The income of this fund is four thousand dollars per 
year, and it is used for general school purposes. Be- 
sides this, there is another fund of fifty thousand dol- 
lars, left by Hdu. Oakes Ames, for the benefit of the 
children of North Easton village. By the aid of this 
fund the High School is being furnished with excel- 
lent apparatus, various chemical and mechanical in- 
struments, including microscope with numerous speci- 
mens, a skeleton, and a manikin recently sent from 
Paris. 

Courses of lectures, chiefly illustrated, are given in 
the large Ames' Memorial Hall. These, though pri- 
marily for the benefit of the children, are open to 
the general public, have been enjoyed by large audi- 
ences, and cannot but be attended with excellent 
results. With the income of this fund magazines 
appropriate to the ages of different scholars are sub- 
scribed for nearly every family of children in North 
Easton ; and in order that all the children in town 
may have the same privilege, Lieutenant-Governor 
Ames pays for the subscription of magazines for chil- 
dren in parts of the town outside of this village. 
Over three hundred copies of the Saint Nicholas alone 
come into town, and a magazine of some kind goes 
into every family where there are children attending 
the public schools. 

The liberal funds provided enable the school com- 
mittee to secure teachers of exceptional ability, to 
provide supplementary books and other means for 
conducting the schools in the best manner. Music 
and drawing have been taught by a special teacher, 
and in the North Easton schools sewing has been 
taught for several years, with most marked beneficial 
results. The excellent public library just opened 
with over ten thousand carefully-selected books fur- 
nishes an important auxiliary to the educational ad- 
vantages of the place, and it will be the fault of the 
school committee if these are not in time of the high- 
est order. 



CHAPTER XXXL 

EASTON.— (Co!,/r-/!iie</.) 
MILITARY— ECCLESIASTICAL, ETC. 

As the town of Easton was incorporated long after 
King Philip's war, there is nothing to record in re- 
gard to any warfare with the Indians. We have but 
little knowledge of the part taken by the citizens of 
Easton in the French and Indian war of 1754-63. 
The most prominent figure of that time is Capt. Na- 
thaniel Perry, who raised a company of men for the 
defense of the eastern frontier. His commission as 
captain was dated June 6, 1754, and signed by Gover- 
nor Shirley. He enlisted a company of ninety-six men, 
of whom only sixteen were from Easton. Easton was 
then waging an ecclesiastical w.ar in its own borders 
of the most violent and embittered kind, and there- 
fore came to the question of the French and Indian 
war with exhausted energies. Capt. Perry saw con- 
siderable active service in Nova Scotia, assisted under 
Gen. Shirley in the capture of Fort Cumberland, and 
in 1756 was mustered out by death. Easton was very 
active during the Revolutionary war, and sustained 
her part in that memorable struggle. The town 
records of this period are full of allusions to the sub- 
ject, and are, indeed, largely composed of reports of 
the business of the town related to the war. The first 
of such records bears the date of April 3, 1775. It 
was then voted to raise fifty minute-men, twenty-five 
out of each military company in town. The battle 
of Lexington occurred April 19, 1775, and on this day 
these fifty minute-men, under the command of Capt. 
Macey Williams, started for the seat of war. Being 
enlisted merely as minute-men for what was called 
" the Lexington alarm," they were out for only a 
brief service, viz., nine days. On the 4th of May 
another town-meeting is called. A bounty is voted 
every soldier who has enlisted or shall enlist and 
who will provide himself with a blanket. A com- 
mittee is chosen to procure blankets for those who re- 
fuse or neglect to procure them for themselves. 

Town-meetings follow each other in quick succes- 
sion. The change of feeling towards the king is in- 
dicated by the significant fact that the term "Maj- 
esty," which had previously been prefixed to his 
j name, is now dropped, and he is simply called 
; " George the Third." Even that term soon disap- 
pears, and we have no more allusion to royal author- 
ity. Our citizens partake of the common excitement 
that stirred our countrymen after the battle of Bunker 
Hill. Every available offiensive weapon is hunted up 
and brought into service. Investigation shows that 
the town is short of ammunition, and one of the citi- 
zens, David Manley, is despatched to Newport for 
powder, ball, and flints. The Boston Port Bill had 
impoverished many of the Bostonians, some of whom 
had to be sent for support to surrounding towns. 

In February, 1776, a committee of three is ap- 



EASTON. 



423 



pointed to take care of such of the " poor of Boston" 

as were then in town. A committee of " correspond- 
ence and inspection" toolv general charge of war mat- 
ters here. A committee was chosen " to incorage the 
manufacturin of Sault Peter in this town." On the 
first anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, in a 
notable town-meeting, the citizens vote that " if the 
Honerubel Continantal Congress, for the safety of the 
United Colonies, Declare themselves indepandent of 
Great Breton, we ingage Even at the Eesque of life 
and fotin to do Whatever is in our Power to soport 
them in sd. measure." Soon followed the declaration 
of independence, and Rev. Archibald Campbell, the 
minister of Easton, read that heart-stirring document 
to a large and eagerly-listening a.ssembly on Sunday 
next after July 17, 1776. It was then handed to 
Blatthew Hayward, who, like every other town clerk 
in Massachusetts, proudly recorded it in his town 
records. 

Among the military offit'ers from Easton one of the 
most prominent was Col. Abial Mitchell. He was 
appointed major May 19, 1775, and received his com- 
mission as colonel June 17, 1779. He was prominent 
in town atfairsj and served as representative to the 
General Court for twenty-one years. He served in 
the army until the close of the Revolutionary war, 
and many interesting incidents are told of his courage 
and prowess. These incidents, interesting as they are, 
cannot be narrated here, as they would too much 
lengthen this necessarily brief sketch. 

Another of Easton's heroes in the war was Capt. 
Elisha Harvey. He was in the artillery service, and 
as he did not die until 1821, he is still (188.3) held in 
remembrance by some of the older inhabitants of the 
town. He was the hero of a brave action at the battle 
of Brooklyn Heights, where, in face of the advancing 
enemy and after his men had deserted their guns, he 
touched off two loaded cannon, and then turned the 
gun-carriages about and sent them rolling down the 
bluff into the water. He then rushed down the cliff, 
entered a boat, and made for the opposite shore, which 
he reached, notwithstanding the hot fire that was 
poured after liim. The action was witnessed by the 
troops on both sides, and was soon reported to Gen. 
Washington, by whom it was highly complimented. 
He was present at the execution of Maj. Andre. He 
was sergeant in Drury's company of Knox's artil- 
lery in May, 1776. He was commissioned first lieu- 
tenant in Lamb's artillery regiment June 28, 1778, 
and was made captain in 1780. He died in Easton, 
Feb. 11, 1821. 

Another man who saw considerable service was 
Capt. James Perry, who raised a company of soldiers 
as early as 1776. He departed for the seat of war with 
a company of sixty men. He served in the army of 
Gen. Washington, was at the battles of Trenton and 
Princeton, and returned home some time in 1779. His 
service was not confined to the field ; he owned a fur- 
nace at home, where he manufactured cannon and 



cannon-balls. At the same time firearms were being 
manufactured by the Leonards in the northeast part 
of the town, where in 1785 or 1786 Eliphalet Leonard 
began the making of steel. Capt. Josiah Keith raised 
a company of soldiers, thirty-three of whom were 
from Easton, and served with them for a while in Col. 
John Daggett's regiment. Subsequently, for three 
years dating from January, 1777, he served as cap- 
tain in Col. Michael Jackson's Eighth Regiment. 
He was then made major in the same regiment, in 
which capacity he served during the year 1780. A 
comparatively large number of men from Easton 
served in the Revolutionary war, many enlisting in 
the company of Capt. Francis Luscomb, of Taunton, 
in Capt. Keith's, in Capt. John Allen's company of 
Col. Carpenter's regiment, in Capt. Macey Williams' 
company, and there were some scattered through 
various other companies. Easton had reason to be 
proud of her record in that great struggle for national 
independence. 

The war of 1812 did not create much enthusiasm, 
and there are no facts concerning Easton's connec- 
tion with it to call for any special notice in this 
sketch. On the breaking out of the war of the Re- 
bellion there was in town a military company com- 
manded by Capt. Milo M. Williams, known as Com- 
pany B of the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts 
Volunteer Militia. A call for troops was made by 
Governor Andrew. This company received the order, 
and reported with other companies of the regiment 
on the very next day. The day after this the regi- 
ment was sent to Fortress Monroe, where it remained 
for three months. Easton furnished three hundred 
and thirty-four men for the army and navy, and ex- 
pended more than forty thousand dollars for war pur- 
poses. Besides this large subscriptions were made 
by citizens, and there were here, as in other towns of 
the State, large contributions, for camp and hospital 
stores. The following is the list of the patriots of 
Easton who died in the service of their country, and 
whose names are inscribed ui>on the soldiers' monu- 
ment, which was dedicated on Memorial-day, 1882: 



Capt. Ansel B. Randall. 
Lieut. Albert Tildeu. 
Mnson A. Hill. 
Thomas Dufty. 
John Goiihiiiig. 
Peleg F. Eaiidall. 
Setli Ramsdell. 
Addison A, Lothmp. 
Cornelius Slattery. 
John D. Ilaney. 
Siimuel H. Gilmoie. 
Edward W. Hansel. 
Charles H. Willis. ' 
Minot E. Phillips. 
Theodore Mitchell. 
Phineas A. Randall. 
Major Crockett. 
Henry T. Drew. 
John Mullen. 
John Phillips, 
^lartin Cunningham. 



Hosea S. I'ackard. 
Patrick JlcCourt. 
Michael E. Itoach. 
John Duffy. 
Seth T. Dunbar. 
J. Stanley Tinkhani. 
(Carles L, Britton, Jr. 
Daniel Donovan. 
Richard Seavers. 
James McCuIlough. 
Charles Bellows. 
James A. Humphrey. 
Michael Milleric. 
Calvin A. Marshall. 
George H. Davis. 
Benjamin Boodry. 
John Randall. 
William A. Lothrop. 
George A. Tildeu. 
William M. Packard. 
John Richards. 



424 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



E. Granville Howard. 
Franklin Godfrey. 
H, Franlt Poole. 



Charles S. Torrey. 
Jason F. Eldridge. 



Ecclesiastical. — From 1711 to 1725 the territory 
now euibraced in the town of Easton was part of the 
town of Norton. In 1717 the inhabitants of thi.s ter- 
ritory, being in sufficient number, as they judged, to 
establish a religious society and to support a minister, 
petitioned the General Court to be set apart as a sep- 
arate precinct. This permission was subsequently 
granted, and on June 6, 1718, what is now the town 
of Easton was set apart as the East Precinct of the 
town of Norton. Soon afterwards a church was built. 
Instead of being, as at first proposed, in the centre of 
the town, it was built near the easterly boundary of 
the town, the reason for this being that many of the 
parish lived over the Bridgewater line. It was the 
most central of any place, so far as the population 
was concerned, for the east part of the town was 
more generally settled earlier than the west part. 
But this question of the location of the meeting- 
house is the great bone of contention which caused 
trouble for many years, at one time creating a bitter 
contention in the parish, dividing tlie church, and 
even threatening to permanently divide the town. 
The meeting-house was soon built, and after some 
time spent in hearing candidates the church and 
parish settled upon Rev. Matthew Short as the min- 
ister of the Church of Christ in the East Precinct. 
Rev. Matthew Short was born at Newberry, March 
14, 1688. He graduated from Harvard University in 
1707. In November, 1712, he was ordained a min- 
ister at Attleborough, and remained there three years. 
Subsequently he preached in Saco and Biddeford, 
Me., and was settled in the aforesaid East Precinct 
of Norton about 1722. Three years after this, in 
December, 1725, this pfecinct was incorporated as a 
town with the name of Easton. The rapid increase 
of inhabitants soon made it necessary to build a new 
church. Work was begun in 1728, and the new meet- 
ing-house was slowly constructed, and after consider- 
able altercation concerning the management of the 
committee appointed to oversee the work it was fin- 
islied. This was in 1730. Two years before a severe 
epidemic passed over this section. Mr. Short was 
brouglrt near to death's door, and after his recovery 
he preached two sermons, which he calls " A Thank- 
ful Memorial of God's Sparing Mercy." These were 
published, and one copy of them has been in the 
hands of the writer. Mr. Short died in Easton, 
April 16, 1731, in the forty-fourth year of his age, 
after a peaceful ministry of about nine years. 

He was succeeded in his ministry in Easton by Rev. 
Joseph Belcher, who was probably from Braintree, 
and who graduated from college in 1723. He was set- 
tled here Oct. 6, 1731. Not much is known of him 
or of his life in this town. He began after a while to 
show signs of insanity, one of his peculiarities being 
that of preaching several sermons in immediate suc- 



cession, regardless of the fact that his congregation 
had gradually dispersed, leaving him addressing the 
bare walls. On the 16th of April, 1744, after a pas- 
torate of nearly thirteen years, he was dismissed from 
the church. He lived several ye&rs afterwards. 

At this time there began the most earnest conten- 
tion relative to the location of the meeting-house. 
The west part of the town had increased in the num- 
ber of inhabitants, and when it was necessary to build 
a new place of worship they very naturally desired 
that it should be located nearer them. On May 24, 
1744, an exciting town-meeting is held. Two factions 
are developed, which are designated respectively as 
the " town party" and the " party of the east part." 
The town party proves the stronger. It is voted to 
build the meeting-house in the centre of the town. 
It is voted to make a survey in order to determine the 
centre, and fearing no committee of Easton men 
would be sufficiently unprejudiced to be trustworthy, 
a committee of Taunton, -Bridgewater, and Norton 
men is chosen. The survey is made at a cost of two 
pounds, nine shillings, and sixpence. 

At a town-meeting in January, 1745, it is voted to 
build the new meeting-house " at or'within twenty 
rods of ye senter," and that it shall be finished in 
two years. But the disagreement is so strong that 
nothing is done about it until 1749. Meantime the 
church and parish had agreed in giving a call to 
Rev. Solomon Prentice. Mr. Prentice was born at 
Cambridge, May 11, 1705, and graduated from Har- 
vard College in 1725, in a class in which were Hutch- 
inson and Trumbull, afterwards Governors. He was 
settled in Grafton in 1731. Had the Church of Christ 
in Easton consulted the antecedents of Mr. Prentice 
before giving him a call, they would have learned 
that he was no man to pour oil on the troubled 
waters and to reconcile and unite the two factions 
that were developing here. He was a man of mark, 
positive in his character, and belonged to the party 
at that time known as " New Lights." These were 
the persons who sympathized with Whitefield, con- 
cerning whose merits, doctrines, and methods the 
New England clergy were in great disagreement. 
Mr. Prentice warmly espoused his cause, invited him 
into the Grafton pulpit, and scandalized his people 
not only by inviting itinerants to preach for him, but 
also on account of the extreme and fanatical opinions 
he avowed. Councils were called, the breach healed 
for a while, but no lasting union could be etiected, 
and accordingly on July 10, 1747, he was dismissed. 
Only two months afterwards, on September 14th, he 
received a call at Easton, and was installed pastor 
November 18th. He finds things at loose ends here, 
and immediately begins to set them right. The 
church records, if any had been kept by his prede- 
cessor, are not discoverable. He immediately begins 
new records. No covenant can be found. He imme- 
diately draws one up, and it is signed by one hun- 
dred and thirteen persons. The question as to who 



EASTON. 



425 



are proper subjects of baptism is then earnestly dis- 
cussed and disposed of. Various personal dissen- 
sions are adjudicated. Then with these minor mat- 
ters out of the way, the field is -clear for the great 
conflict concerning tlie location of the meeting- 
house. The new house is ready for occupancy, and 
the town party, by summary action, pull down the 
old one, that no more services may be held there. A 
majority of the church, but a minority of the whole 
parish, vote that services shall be held in private 
houses, and not at the new meeting-house. Though 
Mr. Prentice, with the advice of a council that had 
been called to heal this difficulty, had once agreed to 
worship there, he changed his mind. The town 
party sends a petition to the General Court. A coun- 
ter petition follows from the party of the east part. 
The General Court appoints a committee to come 
and view the situation. Tliis committee re])orts that 
the meeting-house is already in the most convenient 
place for the whole town. A proposition is then 
made to divide the town, and a .survey is made for 
that purpose. The proposition is defeated. Mr. 
Prentice then refuses to preach in the new meeting- 
house and preaches in private houses. 

The party of the east part then, acting under the 
determined lead of Mr. Prentice, separate from the 
town parish and form a new church after the model 
of Scotch Presbyterianism. They begin to build a 
meeting-house, raise the frame, cover it in, but never 
finish it. Mr. Prentice finally gets into trouble with 
the Presbytery, and is deposed in 1754. His church 
gradually died out. This controversy led to many 
personal altercations, some of which involved a good 
deal of church discipline, and it left the religious life 
of the people at a very low ebb. Religion suffered 
most in the house of its friends. Mr. Prentice left 
town in 1755. For several years before this the meet- 
ing-house at the centre had for much of the time 
been unoccupied. In 1754, while Mr. Prentice was 
preaching to his Presbyterians, on pleasant days in 
the unfinished Presbyterian meeting-house, and on 
stormy days at private houses, Mr. George Farrar sup- 
plied the regular pulpit. He had been a schoolmaster 
at Dighton, and was just beginning to preach. Mr. 
Farrar was born in Lincoln (then a part of Concord), 
Mass., on Nov. 23, 1730. He was ordained at Easton, 
March 26, 1755, though not without a vigorous protest 
on the part of the Presbyterians. He was minister 
of the church for nearly two years, but died at Lin- 
coln, Sept. 17, 1756, at his father's home. 

Still the bitter contention goes on. Town-meetings 
are disorderly. At one of them the two factions or- 
ganize, each claiming to be the regular meeting. By 
petition and counter petition the subject is referred to 
the General Court ; a committee is appointed, and 
decision is rendered again adverse to the party of the 
east part and favorably for the town party, who are 
fortunate in having Edward Hayward, Esq., as a 
leader, a man who headed the opposition at all times 



against Mr. Prentice. Rev. Messrs. Vesey and Vinal, 
who preach temporarily during the aforesaid church 
difficulties, are without their pay for several years; 
the schoolmaster asks for his wages in vain, and the 
town-meetings give ample evidence that the town is 
badly demoralized. This state of things lasts for over 
thirteen years. 

In March, 1763, after a day spent in solemn fast- 
ing and prayer, a call was given to Rev. Archibald 
Campbell. He was ordained August 17th. Mr. 
Prentice has carried away his church records (which 
were, however, recovered some years later), and a 
new book was begun. A new covenant was drawn 
up and signed, but it is signed by only about half 
the number that had signed the covenant of sixteen 
years before. There is nothing especially eventful 
in the ministry of Mr. Campbell until near its close. 
Trouble, of course, there must be. An opposition 
gradually developed, one element of which was a vile 
slander against his character. He was a man more 
sinned against than sinning, was unfortunate in his 
wife, and in a son who was said to have been hung 
while on the St. Clair expedition. Mr. Campbell left 
Easton December, 1782, and preached temporarily in 
various places. But his spirit was broken, and, un- 
fortunately, he had neither philosophy nor religion 
enough to enable him to stem the tide of ill fortune 
that had set against him. He and his wife were said 
to have fallen into intemperate ways. He died a 
pauper in Stockbridge, Vt., July 15, 1818. 

The next ministry of Easton was peaceful and 
profitable. The minister chosen for Mr. Campbell's 
successor was Rev. William Reed. He was born 
June 8, 1755. In 1776 he enlisted as a soldier in the 
Continental army. Two years afterwards he entered 
Harvard University, and graduated in 1782. In 
August, 1783, he was invited to settle as minister 
in Easton, and was ordained there April 21, 1784. 
One of the best proofs of the good character and 
success of his ministry is that there is so little of 
interest for the historian to record. He was an earn- 
est, practical preacher, with a character not only 
above reproach, but strong also in moral and sympa- 
thetic power. His ministry in Easton closed only at 
his death, which occurred Nov. 16, 1809. His esti- 
mable wife lived to the age of eighty-three. Her death 
occurred March 26, 1850, and " her eight surviving 
children, at the average age of fifty-four, after thirty- 
five years of separation, gathered around her bier at 
the old liomestead to mingle their tears and prayers, 
and to lay her precious dust beside that of their hon- 
ored and lamented father." 

Before speaking of his successor we must retrace 
our steps to 1762, when a Baptist Society was formed 
in what js now North Easton. At that time Rev. 
Ebenezer Stearns was ordained as minister of this 
society. It had only a struggling existence, but it 
made itself felt in town affiiirs, first by protests against 
being assessed for the support of the preaching in the 



I 



426 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



town rneeting-house, and secondly by a lawsuit grow- 
ing out of the refusal to pay the ministerial tax. In 
this lawsuit the town was worsted, and an agreement 
was made that all those Baptists who were in covenant 
relations with the Baptist Society should be exempt 
from the payment of the ordinary ministerial tax. 
As the expenses of the Baptist Church were very low, 
there was a temptation to enter into those relations 
simply to evade that tax. Eseck Carr succeeded to 
the ministry of this society, a service which was not 
sufficiently exhausting to prevent his conducting the 
coopering business during the week. In fact, his 
cooper-shop served on Sunday as a meeting-house for 
his little flock. This movement dragged on until two 
or three years before Mr. Carr's death, which occurred 
in 1794. At this time the Methodist movement was 
beginning, and as it had more elements of real life in 
it, and served equally well the purpose of evading the 
town ministerial tax, it absorbed the Baptist Society, 
and we hear nothing further about the latter. 

In the town church and parish. Rev. Luther Shel- 
don was the successor of Rev. Mr. Reed. Mr. Shel- 
don was a native of Rupert, Vt. ; was born in 1785, 
graduated at Middlebury College in 1808, and was or- 
dained at Easton, Oct. 24, 1810. He was a man of 
strong character and exceptional ability; was con- 
servative in his theology, resolute and tenacious in 
support of any jirinciple and method that he had 
adopted. 

In 1816 a new meeting-house was built, a little way 
behind where the church stood that was erected in 
1750. The old building was moved away and used 
for a town hall. At the time of Mr. Sheldon's settle- 
ment the movement was in progress, which, some 
years later, resulted in the division of the old churches 
of Massachusetts into two parties. There was a 
steady growth of sentiment adverse to the rigid Cal- 
vinism that had so long held sway in New England, 
there being a so-called liberal and conservative party 
in nearly all the churches. These two elements were 
long in coming into any open collision. But the 
ministers of the two opposing parties began to under- 
stand each other, and to draw more and more aloof. 
The conservatives were naturally and conscientiously, 
of course, very reluctant to allow those who held what 
they esteemed unsound and dangerous doctrines to 
preach in their pulpits. 

In the neighboring town of Norton was a minister, 
Rev. Pitt Clarke, who had been accustomed to ex- 
change with Mr. Reed. He had espoused the so- 
called liberal idea.s, and Mr. Sheldon was unwilling 
for this reason to exchange with him. This displeased 
a portion of the Easton congregation, who much ad- 
mired Mr. Clarke, and June 8, 1830, the following 
action was taken : " Voted, that it is the wish of the 
Parish that neighboring Congregational ministers in 
regular standing should minister with this society as 
■was formerly the practice." As this vote had no 
efi'ect, in November of 1881 the parish formally re- 



quested their minister " to exchange pulpit services 
with neighboring Congregational ministers indis- 
criminately, agreeably to the practice that prevailed 
at the time of his settlement." A committee was ap- 
pointed to wait upon Mr. Sheldon, and they reported 
that he refused to reply to them, and he did not make 
the exchange as requested. This was now April, 
1832. The dissension increased. The parish pro- 
posed a mutual council in order that the connection 
between pastor and people might be dissolved. As 
Mr. Sheldon took no notice of this proposal, his op- 
ponents called an ex-parte council, who voted that 
sufficient cause existed for the dismissal of the minis- 
ter. Mr. Sheldon denied the jurisdiction of the coun- 
cil. His opposers, however, notified him that his ser- 
vices would be dispensed with, and provided another 
clergyman to preach on the following Sunday. Fully 
believing that he was not legally dismissed, a belief 
justified by the final result, Mr. Sheldon prepared to 
maintain his position. Fifteen minutes before the 
usual time of service he took possession of the pulpit 
and began the services. In the afternoon the other 
clergyman was first in the pulpit, and when Mr. 
Sheldon appeared and would have gone into the pul- 
pit his approach thereto was blocked by a man as de- 
termined as himself. He thereupon called upon his 
adherents to follow him to the chapel near by. A 
large part of the audience, including the major part 
of the church members, followed him, and thus the 
open rupture was eflected. It must be stated that at 
all times a majority of tliose who were in the habit 
of attending church favored Mr. Sheldon, while a 
majority of those legally entitled to vote upon parish 
matters were found among his opponents. These 
were, however, in some cases those who had no in- 
terest in the parish. There were a few such who 
voted upon the other side, each party summoning all 
the votes it could by any means secure. 

This open rupture did not cure the strife. The 
parish voted to discontinue the salary of Mr. Shel- 
don. At the beginning of 1834 he brought suit 
against the trustees for the payment of his salary. 
This suit was hotly contested, but went against the 
trustees. Finding themselves obliged to pay his 
salary, the parish demanded his services, hoping to 
embarrass his connection with his own flock, to 
whom, since the division, he had been preaching. 
Such a state of things was too exasperating to con- 
tinue ; and, in 1838, the parish accepted a propo- 
sition, made by Mr. Sheldon, as a basis of settlement. 
In consideration of the sum of three thousand dol- 
lars, he and his friends discharged the parish from 
all liabilities and claims they might have against it. 
On Nov. 19, 1838, forty-one members of the parish 
formally withdrew all connection with it and organ- 
ized themselves into the " Evangelical Congrega- 
tional Society of Easton." The legal aspects of 
this controversy were very important and interest- 
ing. The underlying question was, " Whether a 



EASTON. 



427 



refusal to exchange with another minister could be 
made a just ground for refusing to pay a minister's 
salary or for dismissing him." Mr. Sheldon acted 
in accordance with the advice of the association of 
orthodox ministers. Some of the best legal talent 
in the State urged him to take this position, and what 
seemed like obstinate silence on his part was merely 
obeying the instruction of his lawyer. Though his 
opponents appealed from the first decisions, which 
were adverse to them, these decisions were sustained 
by the full bench, a majority composing which were 
Unitarians and opposed to Mr. Sheldon's theological 
position. 

The concluding history of the old parish is easily 
told. It became at last distinctively Unitarian. In 
183i), Kev. William H. Taylor received and accepted 
a call. Mindful of the past, the parish make a three 
months' notice (after the first year) the only neces- 
sary condition for dissolving the pa.storal connection. 
Mr. Taylor did not remain long. In 1845 the church 
was remodeled and rededicated, Kev. Paul Dean hav- 
ing been settled the same year. He continued pastor 
for five years, and was succeeded in 1851 by Rev. 
William Whitwell, wlio preached here for seven years. 
Rev. George G. Withington was settled in 1858, and 
remained pastor of the church for twelve years, re- 
signing in 1870. Regular services were henceforward 
discontinued, except that occasionally in summer 
preaching has been sustained for a while. 

The nucleus of the Evangelical Society was the 
majority of the members of the original church and 
of the customary attendants upon public worship. 
This society organized in 1839, but those composing 
it had been worshiping in the church built by them 
in 1833. In 1855, Mr. Sheldon relinquished his salary 
and his active duties, but remained senior pastor until 
his death, which occurred in 181)6. The successor to 
his active duties was Rev. Lyman Clark, who was 
pastor seven years. Rev. Charles E. Lord was settled 
two years. Rev. Charles Mills somewhat longer, Rev. 
Mr. Richardson four years, and Rev. Mr. Hudson a 
year and a half. Rev. Luther Sheldon, son of the 
first pastor, preached as acting pastor about three 
years, since which time, 1877, the society was without 
a regular pastor until, in 1882, the present pastor. Rev. 
William H. Dowden, became the minister. In 1882 the 
church building of this society was destroyed by fire, 
and a new church was built in 1883. 

The Methodist movement began in town about 
1790. The first society was organized about 1796 
in tlie northeast part of the town. Isaac Stokes, 
a nailer by trade and a kind of local preacher, was 
one of its founders. The celebrated Jesse Lee and 
the eccentric Lorenzo Dow occasionally preached 
here in those early days, the latter within the recol- 
lection of many now living. The first Methodist 
Church was built on Washington Street, where the 
present building now stands. It stood until 1830, 
when it was replaced by a new one. This society 



was at first on the old Warren Circuit, but shortly 
after 1800 a new circuit was formed including Easton, 
Stoughton, and four other towns. The first reguLar 
preacher sent here by the Conference is said to have 
been Nehemiah Coy. He was followed by Thomas 
Perry, and afterwards by Samuel Cutler. Then in 
1810 Rev. John Tinkham was minister. Under his 
administration the church flourished. He was re- 
turned for another year, at the end of which he de- 
termined to locate here. He died in 1824 universally 
respected and beloved, and his remains rest in the 
Washington Street Cemetery. During his ministry 
instrumental music was introduced into the service 
of the sanctuary, much to the indignation of some 
who regarded all innovations in the old-fashioned 
usages as likely to disturb the peace and mar the 
prosperity of Zion. There were various supplies 
until 1829, when Lewis Bates, familiarly known as 
" Father" Bates, was appointed for this station. 
During his stay a great revival prevailed. Father 
Bates was not an educated man, and even boasted 
that he did not come out of an " old gospel-shop." 
About this time Universalists were occasionally 
allowed to preach in the new building, which had 
been liberally subscribed to by several persons who 
sympathized with Universalist sentiments. This led 
to serious trouble, and was finally prevented by having 
the church deeded to the Conference. 

The revival under Mr. Bates had been followed by 
a corresponding period of spiritual decline, and in 
1840 and 1841, other revivals under Rev. Nathan 
Payne and Rev. Edward Lyons occurred. About 
1843 a portion of the congregation, dissatisfied with 
the Episcopal form of government, withdrew and 
formed a Protestant Methodist Church. For about 
ten years- previous to 1856 the Washington Street 
Society had hardly any connection with the Confer- 
ence, and the church records state that the " church 
experienced rather turbulent times." During a part 
of 1855-56, Rev. Luther Sheldon supplied the pulpit, 
and then the church was closed. In 1857 it was re- 
opened with Rev. John B. Hunt pastor. He inau- 
gurated a powerful revival, the effects of which upon 
one individual at least will not soou be forgotton. 

In 1861, under Rev. L. B. Bates, a division of the 
society occurred, the minister leading or following 
those who preferred to have services held in the vil- 
lage. The village society built a church on Main 
Street, and worshiped there until 1876. At that time 
they moved into the church formerly occupied by the 
North Easton Unitarian Society, which had been pre- 
sented to tlie Methodists by Hon. Oliver Ames. The 
two Methodist societies supported separate ministers 
until a few years ago, when they united to support one 
pastor, who should minister to both societies. This 
arrangement still continues. 

In North Easton village the growing shovel busi- 
ness called together an increasing number of work- 
men, many of whom were foreigners and Catholics. 



428 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



In 1850 the first Catholic Church, now called " The 
Chapel," was built upon land preseuted to the church 
b_v Oliver Ames & Sons. The present commodious 
church was erected in 1865. It was thoroughly re- 
modeled in 1873. The names of the pastors in their 
order are Fathers Fitzsimmons, Roach, McNulty, 
Quinu, Fitzgerald, Carroll, and the present pastor, 
Father McComb. This church is large and flourish- 
ing. 

In 1843 the Protestant Methodist Society was or- 
ganized. Services were held for a while in Torrey's 
Hall. In the year 1845 a church was built. Preach- 
ing was maintained for about five years, when the in- 
terest in this movement became small. An attempt 
was made for a while to sustain Episcopal Methodist 
services. About 1855 an interest was manifested in 
Unitarian preaL-hing, and proved a permanent in- 
terest. The North Easton Unitarian Society was or- 
ganized in 1857. After a long season of transient 
preaching, in 1860 Rev. C. C. Hussey was invited to 
become pastor. He accepted and filled that oflice 
for six years. In the autumn of 1867, Rev. William 
L. Chaflin received a call from this society, which he 
accepted. He began preaching as its pastor on the 
first Sunday of 1868. In August, 1875, the society 
moved into the beautiful church built by the late 
Hon. Oliver Ames, and presented by him to the so- 
ciety. At that time it reorganized, and assumed the 
name of Unity Church. 

So brief a sketch as the above, giving, as it neces- 
sarily does, only a bare outline of the history of 
Easton, omits much that deserves to be chronicled. 
Many things of a more personal nature, which would 
have made this a more readable narrative, have been 
reluctantly omitted, and have had to be sacrificed to 
a general statement of facts. If only a few of the 
more widely-known citizens have been selected for 
special biographical notice, it is not because there 
have not been others ; indeed, there have been many 
others who well deserved more special mention than 
they have received. As the writer, though warmly 
attached to this home of his adoption, has been a 
resident here for only about sixteen years, very few 
of the individuals alluded to were personally known 
to him. But the impression they have made upon 
the town and upon the memories of citizens now 
living justify such a reference to them. Among them 
well known in other days as men of mark and char- 
acter were Daniel Wheaton, Elijah Howard, Martin 
Wilde, Howard Lothrop, Dr. Caleb Swan, Gen. Shep- 
ard Leach, and Rev. Luther Sheldon. Other names 
will readily occur to those who have been at all famil- 
iar with the history of the town. Easton may well 
be proud of her industries ; she has more reason to 
be proud of the men and women she has given to the 
world. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



OLIVER AMES, Sr. 

Hon. Oliver Ames, the founder of the great manu- 
facturing firm of O. Ames & Sons, was born at Ply- 
mouth, Mass., April 11, 1779, being the youngest son 
of Capt. John and Susannah Ames, and was a lineal 
descendant of William Ames, who came to this coun- 
try in 1638 and settled in Braintree, Mass. His early 
education was gained by ordinary common-school 
instruction, and by the practical experience of hard 
work in his father's blacksmith-shop. These fur- 
nished him the groundwork of a .sober judgment, in- 
dustrious habits, and a stable and energetic charac- 
ter. At the age of eighteen he went to Springfield, 
where he learned the trade of gunsmith. In April, 
1803, he married Susannah Angler, and by this mar- 
riage two distinct branches of the English family of 
Ames which had sent representatives to this country 
were united ; for Susannah Angler was a descend- 
ant of Dr. William Ames, a famous author and pro- 
fessor. Very soon after his marriage Mr. Ames re- 
moved from Bridgewater to Easton, and commenced 
the manufacture of shovels. After a stay of over 
two years at Easton, he removed to Plymouth to 
manufiicture shovels for Messrs. Russell, Davis & Co., 
and he continued there until about 1813, when he 
returned to Easton. He had determined upon this 
return previous to this time, had purchased land and 
a good water-privilege, and had begun the erection 
of a dwelling-house. He was one of a company to 
build a cotton-factory for the manufacture of cotton 
fabrics. He had manufactured hoes and shovels 
during his first stay in Easton, but on his second ar- 
rival he began again the business that has now be- 
come world-famed. Difficulties and embarrassments 
that would have defeated any one but a man of great 
ability and persistent energy beset him in these early 
days. The cotton-factory burned ; the war of 1812 
had had a disastrous effect upon business ; he was 
endeavoring to restore the business of his father to a 
prosperous condition; and he had made great outlays 
in getting established at Easton. But his credit was 
good and his courage strong ; his character and abil- 
ity alike inspired unlimited confidence ; and he 
worked steadily on to a sure and lasting success. 

With only a humble beginning, shovels being made 
by hand and carried to market upon a one-horse 
wagon, the business steadily increased, shop being 
added to shop, workmen increasing by scores, until it 
has become by far the largest and most prosperous 
shovel business in the world. He would never allow 
any work to be sent to the market that was imperfect, 
and he thus laid the foundation for the great reputa- 
tion which the Ames shovel has borne, and which it 
continues to bear. 

In 1828-29 he represented his town in the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature, serving with marked ability 




All)tTty|).>;— Fi.rbr- Co., Bos(. 



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EASTON. 



429 



upon the Committee on Manufactures. In 1845 he 
was elected, contrary to his desires, and bj' a large 
vote, to the Massachusetts Senate. He was, however, 
no lover of office, and desired only that he might 
have the charge of the highways of his town intrusted 
to him, a charge he took pride in, and faithfully ful- 
filled. He was a man of strong and resolute will, of 
great force of character, indomitable energy, and per- 
severing industry. He was the possessor of aspleudid 
physique, and easily bore oft" the palm in all feats of 
strength and skill, especially in wrestling, of which 
he was very fond. His manly and dignified bearing 
gave every one who saw him the impression that they 
looked upon a man of mark. He was such a man 
as a stranger, meeting upon the street, would turn 
to look at a second time. Born of the people, he was 
always very simple in his tastes and democratic in 
his feelings and principles. In his likes and dislikeS 
he was equally decided, but his judgments were based 
upon what he believed to be the real worth of any one, 
without reference to his station or condition. He was 
consequently greatly respected and beloved by his 
neighbors and fellow-townsmen. He was enthusi- 
astically fond of fanning, and, like Daniel Webster, 
was especially fond of fine oxen, always obtaining 
the best, and taking great pleasure in their manage- 
ment. He took an early stand, both as a matter of 
principle and practice, in favor of temperance, and 
brought up his family according to total abstinence 
principles. He was a decided Unitarian in his re- 
ligious convictions, having a cordial dislike to the 
rigid tenets of the Calvinism of his day. He was 
liberal in his aid of religious institutions, to which he 
also gave the sanction of his personal attendance. 
His charities were large, and they were not bounded 
by the limits of his sect or neighborhood. His de- 
fects were such as pertained merely to his limited 
culture and to the stern conflict and discipline of his 
early life. Mr. Ames lived to the ripe old age of 
eighty-four years, dying at North Easton, Sept, 11, 
1863. 

OAKES AMES. 

Hon. Oakes Ames ife the most widely known of any 
of the citizens of Easton, and the one who has had 
the greatest influence upon the. fortunes and affairs of 
the country. To him more than to any other man 
belongs the great credit of accomplishing one of the 
grandest enterprises of this generation, the building 
of the Union Pacific Jlailroad. For that work, which 
has been of incalculable benefit to the country in 
many ways, he deserves the gratitude of all its citi- 
zens, and his name will always be associated with 
that splendid achievement. 

Oakes Ames was the oldest son of Oliver and Su- 
sannah Ames, and was born in Easton, Mass., Jan. 
10, 1804. He passed his youth there, a,cquiring a 
common-school education, and assisting his father in 
the workshop and on the farm. He gained a thor- 



ough knowledge of the shovel business, in which his 
father was engaged, and he devoted to it for years a 
laborious industry and great energy, early becoming 
its overseer. In 1844 his father, having reached the 
age of sixty-five, withdrew from all active participa- 
tion in the business, turning it over to his sons, Oakes 
and Oliver, and from this date the firm bore tlie name 
of Oliver Ames & Sons. The discovery of gold in 
California and Australia, and the vast increase of 
railroad building, gave a new impetus to the shovel 
business, and it rapidly grew to extensive proportions, 
and became very profitable. It was managed with 
great enterprise, and weathered the financial storm 
of 1857 without serious disturbance, and went on to 
increasing success. 

In 1860 Oakes Ames was elected councilor from the 
Bristol district, and served with great efficiency as 
one of the cabinet officers of Governor Andrew, by 
whom he was highly esteemed. He was soon solicited 
to become candidate for Congress from the Second 
District. On the informal ballot at the nominating 
convention he received two-thirds of all the votes 
cast. He was elected by a large popular vote. This 
was for the Thirty-eighth Congress, and he was re- 
elected for the four succeeding Congresses, serving 
ten years altogether. During these ten years he was 
a member of the several Committees on Manufactures, 
on the Pacific Railroad, on Revolutionary Claims, 
and on Roads and Canals, and his business experience 
and sound practical judgment rendered his services 
valuable upon these several committees. He was a 
warm friend of President Lincoln, and enjoyed his 
personal confidence. 

It was as a member of the Committee on Railroads 
that he first became interested in the government 
project of building a road to the Pacific. In July, 
1862, Congress passed an act authorizing and making 
some provision for the construction of a railroad and 
telegraph line from the Missouri to the Pacific. 
Scarcely anything, however, was done about it. In 
July, 1864, the need of such a line of communication 
between the East and the West was imperatively felt 
and Congress passed a second act more liberal than 
the first, doubling the land-grant, authorizing the 
issue of mortgage bonds to the same amount as the 
government bonds, and making the latter a second 
mortgage, and offering to withhold only one-half the 
money the road might earn for government transpor- 
tation. One attempt to construct the road under this 
new arrangement signally failed. Oakes Ames was 
then looked to as the man competent to undertake 
and complete this gigantic work. Many prominent 
men, among them President Lincoln, urged him to 
undertake it for the pubfic good. After nearly a year 
of such solicitation, and after careful deliberation, he 
decided to do it, and thus to connect his name im- 
perishably with the greatest public work of the cen- 
tury in this country. 
1 It is impossible in the necessary limits of this brief 



430 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sketch to trace even in outline tlie progress and suc- 
cessful completion of that great work, or to do more 
than allude to the famous Credit Mnbilier affair which 
engaged such general attention and created such 
absurd excitement. Once undertaken, Cakes Ames 
gave to the work all his accustomed energy. He in- 
vested a million dollars and hazarded his entire for- 
tune in the enterprise. He invited his friends to join 
him and invest their capital, men in and out of Con- 
gress being invited to engage in it on the same terms. 

The obstacles to be overcome, both physical and 
financial, were immense. But they were overcome, 
and on May 10, 1869, the rails of the Union Pacific 
and Central Pacific were joined at Promontory Point, 
and the Pacific Road was complete ; the East and West 
were united, and this was seven years earlier than the 
terms of the contract required. As to the Credit Mo- 
bilier affair, those have been freest to condemn it who 
knew least about it. It is safe to assert that not one 
in a hundred of those who used that term as a symbol 
of business iniquity really knew what it meant. It 
was for this very reason a convenient and powerful 
weapon to wield in a time of great political excite- 
ment. It suggested unknown horrors and depths of 
iniquity. In fact, however, it was a construction com- 
pany. Roads had been built by the same method be- 
fore ; they are commonly built in the same way in the 
West to-day. 

It was not until this matter was given a political 
turn that anything wrong was suspected. It was 
found that several congressmen had a financial inter- 
est in it, and it was asserted that Mr. Ames had inter- 
ested them with corrupt intent in order to influence 
their legislation, and they were accused of taking 
bribes. Yielding to popular clamor. Congress de- 
manded investigation. Two committees were ap- 
pointed to make it. They sat for months, made their 
reports to Congress, and on the 28th day of February 
the House passed a resolution condemning the con- 
duct of Mr. Ames " in seeking" — so reads the resolve — 
" to procure congressional attention to the affairs of a 
corporation in which he was interested," etc. He 
alone must bear the brunt of the storm and be offered 
up as a scapegoat, where in reality no sacrifice was 
needed. He was charged with bribery when it did 
not appear that any man had been bribed. The charge 
rested upon the assertion of one man, and that man 
an interested party, whose word was good for nothing 
in the face of Mr. Ames' denial. In fact, no legisla- 
tion was desired or even looked for. Mr. Ames, for 
the good of the enterprise, endeavored to enlist the 
influence of prominent men in dift'erent parts of the 
country. There was far less reason why ownership 
in the stock referred to shoukl embarrass a congress- 
man than his ownership of stock in a national bank, 
an iron furnace, a woolen-mill, or even in government 
bonds. Those congressmen who openly declared their 
ownership in the Credit Mobilier stock and regretted 
they had so little, are held iu honor to-day. But those 



who, fearful of the result of such confession upon their 
political chances, sought to evade the matter, have 
been permanently disgraced ; but from that day to 
this, in proportion as the case is understood and liis 
services appreciated, Oakes Ames has risen in i)opular 
regard. 

The Massachusetts Legislature, May 7, 1883, passed 
a resolve relating to the above-named vote of censure, 
acknowledging "the great services of Oakes Ames," 
" his unflinching truthfulness and honesty," the public 
confidence in his integrity and honor, and ending 
thus : " Therefore the Legislature of Massachusetts 
hereby expresses its gratitude for his work and its 
faith in his integrity of purpose and character, and 
asks for like recognition thereof on the part of the 
national Congress." 

Oakes Ames was a man of large and powerful 
frame, — "the broad-shouldered Ames," as Mr. Lin- 
coln called him. He was courageous and enter- 
prising in business affairs, with a special liking for 
large undertakings. The Pacific Railroad suited his 
liking and ca|)acity for great and adventurous tasks. 
He was very temperate, a total abstinent from all in- 
toxicating drinks, and was simple and democratic in 
his tastes, caring little for the luxuries that usually 
accompany great wealth. His business integrity was 
unquestioned. Under a rugged exterior he carried a 
kind heart, and after his death scores of letters from 
various quarters told his friends of numerous kind- 
nesses until then unknown to them. In 1828 he 
married Eveline O., daughter of Joshua Gilmore, of 
Easton. Of this union there were born Oakes An- 
gler, April 1.5, 1829; Oliver, born Feb. 4, 1831; 
Frank Morton, born Aug. 14, 1833: Henry, born 
April, 1839, and died in September, 1841 ; and Susan ' 
Eveline, born May 12, 1841. He was stricken with 
paralysis on the 5th day of May, and on Thursday, 
the 8th day of May, 1873, he died. 



OLIVER AMES, Jr. 
Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, was 
the third son of Hon. Oliver and Susannah Ames. 
He was born at Plymouth, Mass., Nov. 5, 1807. In 
1814 he became a resident of Easton by his father's 
removal to this place, since which time Easton has 
been his home. In his youth his time was divided 
between attending school and employment in the 
shovel-works. He became an expert workman, and 
was thorough in every branch of the shovel manu- 
facture. He also showed great aptitude for study, 
and in 1828, being disabled for active labor by a se- 
vere fall, he entered an academy at North Andover, 
Mass., intending to prepare for college, and ultimately 
to study law, for which pursuit his talents peculiarly 
fitted him ; but, after spending a year and a half at 
the academy, he entered as a law student the oflice of 
William Baylies, Esq., of West Bridgewater. This 
proved unfavorable to his health, and with the in- 
creasing demands of business at home led him to 




(yvo^^n^'jnAi^-z^c.^ 



11 





V^^j'^' 



EASTON. 



431 



cast in his lot witli that of his father and his brother 

June, 1833, he married Sarah, daughter of Hon. 
ard Lothrop, of Easton. In 1844 he entered into 

partnership with his father and brotlier, forming the 
house of O. Ames & Sons, and became a most efficient 
co-laborer with them. As early as 1826 he became 
much interested in the temperance movement, sup- 
porting the cause of total abstinence, of which from 
that time he was a consistent and earnest advocate, 
serving it actively and contributing to it largely. He 
was a member of the Whig party, and, at its dissolu- 
tion, joined the Republican party, taking a lively in- 
terest in its principles and measures. In 1852 he was 
elected to the Senate of Massachusetts by the Legis- 
lature, there being no choice by the people, and he 
did excellent service upon several important commit- 
tees. In 1857 he was elected to the State Senate by 
popular vote. In some of the campaigns he made 
effective speeches upon the issues of the hour. In 
1855 the Messrs. Ames built the Easton Branch Rail- 
road, and after this became interested in those im- 
portant railroad enterprises in which the two brothers 
became so deservedly famous. The achievement of 
building the Union Pacific Railroad, which was, 
mainly accomplished by their united efforts, is now 
common history. In 1806, Oliver Ames was elected 
president of that railroad, an office he held with sig- 
nal ability until March, 1871. During this time the 
road passed through some of its stormiest days and 
severest trials. His sound judgment, great business 
capacity, and inflexible integrity were of immense 
service in carrying this great enterprise safely through 
difficulty and peril to final success. 

Oliver Ames held many positions of trust and re- 
sponsibility, of which a few may be mentioned. He 
was a trustee in the Taunton Insane Asylum, for 
about twenty years; he has been president of the 
National Bank of Easton, of the Ames Plow Com- 
pany, and the Kinsley Iron and Machine Company; 
a director in the Union Pacific, Atlantic and Pacific, 
Kansas Pacific, Denver Pacific, Colorado Central, Old 
Colony and Newport, and other railroads ; also of the 
Bristol County National Bank, and other corporations. 
His public spirit led him to take great interest in 
enterprises of education, philanthropy, and reform. 
He was identified with agricultural, historical, and 
other societies, and willingly served for years on the 
board of school committee of Easton. He was always 
interested in the Unitarian Churches of Easton and 
North Easton, was constant in his attendance upon 
religious services, and for several years was a Sunday- 
school superintendent. He died at North Easton, 
March 9, 1877. 

Oliver Ames stood among the foremost in his repu- 
tation for a manly and unblemished character, and 
for business ability, — a reputation he well deserved. 
No one could be with him without seeing that he was 
a strong, substantial, able, and honorable man. His 



name was felt to be a sufficient indorsement of the 
worth and promise of any enterprise. Though Oakes 
Ames, with characteristic courage, took the initiative 
in the magnificent undertaking of constructing the 
Union Pacific Railroad, his brother, by the co-opera- 
tion of his sound judgment as well as by his financial 
support; shares in the honor of that splendid achieve- 
ment. Business cares were not, however, allowed to 
engross all his attention. He continued, to the last, 
his interest in literature, kept himself familiar with 
the great questions that agitate thought and life, en- 
joyed the society of cidtivated persons, and often sur- 
prised them by the clearness and comprehensiveness 
of his carefully-formed opinions. In his character 
there were blended an admirable simplicity and a 
most cordial fellow-feeling with a real dignity and 
refinement. He was noted ibr his generosity. No help 
was denied any object that commanded his confi- 
dence; but he shrank from all publicity in his benefac- 
tions. He had a high sense of honor that was prompt 
to rebuke anything mean and dishonorable. He was 
not only a philanthropic, but he w.as also a religious 
man, with a strong faith in God and in immortality, — ■ 
a faith that at the last ripened into glad anticipation. 
All his benefactions will never' be known, but those 
' he was" known to hive bestowed were most wisely 
made, and .are doing a, good that is incalculable. 
-Reference has already been made in the sketch of 
Easton to some of his large bequests, to his gifts of a 
fund, of fifty thousand dollars each for the schools, 
the roads, and for a free public library, as well as his 
gift of the beautiful and co.stly church to the Uni- 
tarian Society. Besides these may be mentioned his 
gift of about thirty-five thousand dollars for the 
Plymouth monument, ten thousand for building 
Unity Church parsonage, and two other bequests of 
the same amount to keep the church, parsonage, and 
cemetery in repair. In these gifts, and by the influ- 
ence of his noble character, he has signally blessed 
his town, and has left behind him a perpetual memo- 
rial of good. Oliver Ames' children were Frederick 
Lothrop Ames, born June 8, 1835, and Helen Angler 
Ames, born Nov. 11, 1836, and died Dec. 13, 1882. 



E. J. W. MORSE. 
Edward J. W. Slorse was a descendant in the 
eighth generation from Samuel Morse, who was of a 
Norman family of high antiquity, and was born in 
Devonshire, England, in 1585, and came to New Eng- 
land in ship "Increase," April 15, 1635, settled first 
in Watertown, in 1637 in Dedham, and died at Med- 
field, Mass., June 20, 1654. In 1635 he was one of a 
company who settled a tract of land south of the 
Charles River. The next year they changed the 
name of their town from Contentment to Dedham, 
the General Court passing an act Sept. 10, 1636, in- 
corporating it. In this movement Samuel Morse was 
the leader, and was chosen collector. "The first set- 



432 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tiers of Dedham were a remarkable collection of 
people. Tradition brings down a high character at- 
tached to most of the names on its early records, and 
their public and private acts fully confirm it. Or- 
derly and industrious in their habits, they allowed no 
one to remain in the community who was not engaged 
in some regular occupation. Any violation of rules 
was followed by a penalty, yet the most exact strict- 
ness was accompanied by equally unfailing kindness." 
Samuel was townsman (selectman), 1640^2; treas- 
urer, collector, etc. A monument to his memory and 
others of his family stands in the town of Medfield. 
He married his wife Elizabeth in England, and their 
seven children were jjrobably all born there. 

His son John (second generation), born 1611, in- 
herited the homestead in Dedham. This he soon 
sold, and went to Boston to become a merchant tailor. 
In 1655 he went to England, making his will the 
same year. He died in 1657, leaving his widow, 
Annis, with forty pounds. His other property, in- 
ventoried at three hundred and eighty-seven pounds, 
nine shillings, five pence, was to be equally divided 
among his eight surviving children. One of these 
was Joseph (third generation). He married, Nov. 12, 
1668, Priscilla Colburne, and settled in Medford, near 
"Death's Bridge," where he "built a house in the 
time of King Philip's war," and died in 1689. His 
second son, Joseph (fourth generation), graduated at 
Harvard in 1695, became A.M., and was pastor of the 
church in Canton for twenty years from 1707. He 
was persecuted out of the pulpit, but remained a 
member until his death, in 1749, at seventy-one years. 
His estate was inventoried at seventeen hundred and 
sixty-three pounds, five shillings, six pence, his 
library at thirty-five pounds, and his plate at thirty- 
seven pounds, ten shillings. By his wife Amity he 
had six children. Henry (fifth generation) married 
Abigail Clapp, at Stoughton; had six children, one 
of whom was Asa (sixth generation). He was born 
Nov. 7, 1752, married Hannah Griggs, of Roxbury, 
in 1778, resided in Canton, and had seven children, 
one being James (seventh generation). He married 
Lucy Whiting, lived in Dedham, was a musician and 
clerk of a military company, and a hatter by occupa- 
tion. 

Edward J. W. Morse was born in Dedham, Mass., 
and had a common school education, and from an early 
age worked in cotton-mills in Mansfield and Ded- 
ham as mule-spinner, and from a low round on for- 
tune's ladder rose step by step to occupy a high 
financial standing by his attentive industry and the 
force of his strong individuality. He came to Easton 
about 1828 to take charge of a cotton-cloth factory as 
agent and manager at the early age of nineteen, and 
ever after made his home here. He was connected 
with business in the same building in which he com- 
menced his labors at the time of his death. (It was 
built in 1802, and is still standing.) 

About 1833 he began the manufacture of cotton 



thread, under the firm-name of E. J. W. Morse & Co. 
This name is still continued in the business, which is 
now conducted by his son, Edward N. Morse, and 
his grandsons. He established his business in eight 
other places, and was a general 'partner in each man- 
ufactory. Six were in Easton, one in Kingston, Mass., 
one in Portsmouth, N. H., and one in Milford, N. H. 
The building up of this enormous business in twenty- 
three years indicates something of the push and busi- 
ness ability of Mr. Morse. At the time of his death, 
Aug. 17, 1865, he was the largest land-owner in Easton, 
and was but fifty-six years old. He was uniformly suc- 
cessful in his undertakings, and, although a Whig in 
politics, attended to his business strictly, leaving to 
those who cared for them the emoluments and honors 
of official place. He joined the Congregational Church 
at the age of seventeen, and continued in its fellowship 
during life. He had decided musical tastes. When 
but eighteen was a member of the Medfield Brass 
Band, w-as leader of the church choir of Easton for 
years, bought for the church its first organ and was 
its organist, and retained the same position when the 
larger one was introduced. 

He was liberal to all good objects, social and full of 
humor in his associations with others, and, wliile very 
afiable and courteous, was of prompt decision and res- 
olute character. He could and would say " No" to all 
plans or schemes which his judgment did not approve. 
Positive in his own convictions, he was very consider- 
ate of the opinions of others, did much to mold pub- 
lic opinion, and had many warm and stanch friends. 

He married Eliza C, daughter of Daniel and Cath- 
arine Newcomb. She was a direct descendant of 
Francis Newcomb, the emigrant. (See biography of 
Nathaniel Newcomb, of Norton.) She first came to 
Easton on the day of her marriage to Mr. Morse, May 
17, 1830, and shortly after united with the Congrega- 
tional Church, with which she was in communion for 
many years and until her death, at the ripe age of 
seventy-seven years, April 9, 1883. The last few 
years of her life she was prevented by poor health 
from taking the active part in the church and benev- 
olent causes which she had been wont to take, but 
her interest was unabated, her zeal never flagged, 
and her heartfelt sympathy and generous assistance 
were given to every call for aid. "She stretched out 
her hand to the poor; yea, she stretched out her 
hand to the needy." 

Mr. Morse had two children, Edward N. and Car- 
oline E., who died unmarried. 

Edward N. Morse, born Oct. 12, 1831, succeeded 
to his father in manufacturing, married, Oct. 4, 1854, 
Hannah Alice, daughter of Deacon John and Eliza- 
beth (Bassett) Bryant, of New Bedford, Mass. Their 
children are Caroline A. (married Abner J. Towne, 
of Boston), Edward J. W. and Gertrude B. (twins), 
Alfred B., Grace N. (deceased), Justin N., and Flor- 
ence W. 





^'^^^- 



EASTON. 



433 



JOHN KIMBALL. 
The Kimball family is one of the oldest in New 
England. It sprang from Richard Kimball, who, 
with his wife Ursula and seven children, left their 
home in England, braved the dangers of a stormy 
ocean, landed on the inhospitable shores of an un- 
broken wilderness, and commenced a new life, de- 
prived of the comforts and luxuries of civilization, 
but blest with civil and religious liberty. He came 
from the old tbwn of Ipswich, England, on the ship 
" Elizabeth," and in 1634, at the age of thirty-nine, 
settled in Ipswich, in Massachusetts Bay Colony. 
The next year he was admitted a freeman, which fact 
proves him a Puritan in good standing. He was the 
father of eleven children, and died June 22, 1675. 
From this patriarch most of the New England Kim- 
balls are descended. 

John Kimball, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Evans) 
Kimball, was born in Easton, Mass., Jan. 1, 1810, in 
the building now (1883) occupied by his son George 
as a store. His father was born in Easton, Sept. 18, 
1770, married Nov. 15, 1797, Rebecca Evans, born in 
South Reading, Oct. 15, 1776. They began house- 
keeping where John was born. Isaac was a trader, 
in early life a carpenter, and built the house spoken 
of, and kept it as an inn and small store. It was a 
stage station, where the aristocratic and pretentious 
coaches changed horses, and in those days the " inn- 
keeper" was a man of consequence. Isaac and Rebecca 
had four children who grew up. Betsey (second wife 
of Barzillia Drake), Rebecca (first wife of Barzillia 
Drake), John, and Sarah, who married Calvin Keith. 
Mr. Kimball died Aug. 28,1848, aged seventy-six. 
His wife died April 21, 1813. Ammi Kimball, father 
of Isaac, came to Easton in early life, and was a 
laboring man, attaining a good length of days. 

John Kimball had a common-school education 
merely, remained with his father as clerk from the 
age of ten, and finally succeeded him in business in 
1834. For twenty-one years he was in trade, devot- 
ing himself closely to business, and was prosperous 
withal. In 1855 he retired from merchandising with 
wealth, and was succeeded by Drake & Goward, who 
were in trade eleven years. In 1866, Jolin T. Kim- 
ball succeeded them, and after six years he was suc- 
ceeded (in 1872) by his brother, George L., who now 
occupies his father's and grandfather's stand. Mr. 
John Kimball is Republican in politics, and was 
postmaster for nineteen years from 1863 to 1882, was 
town clerk and treasurer from 1853 to 1872, selectman 
and overseer of the poor from 1860 to 1872, and was 
representative from Easton to the Massachusetts Leg- 
islature in 1857. He married, April 30, 1833, Lu- 
sanna Williams, who was born in Easton, Aug. 5, 
1814. She was daughter of Lieut. Seth and Sarah 
(Mitchell) Williams, and is a lineal descendant of 
Richard Williams, the early settler of Taunton. 
(See history of Taunton.) The descent and brief 
history of her immediate ancestors is this : Benjamin 
28 



Williams settled in Easton, Mass. ; Josiah settled at 
Bridgewater, where Seth Williams, great-grandfather 
of Mrs. Kimball, was born May 21, 1722. At the age 
of eighteen he came to Easton, and took up one 
thousand acres of government land. He married 
Susannah Forbes, of Bridgewater, and built the 
homestead now in possession of his descendants. His 
son Edward married Sarah Lothrop, of Bridgewater, 
in 1772, and lived on the homestead where Lieut. 
Seth was born, Jan. 29, 1776. He was a tanner by 
trade, and took part in the war of 1812. He married 
Sarah Mitchell, daughter of Col. Mitchell, of Bridge- 
water, Oct. 23, 1800. Col. Mitchell was a very active 
man in the Revolution, and for many years was 
member of the Legislature from Easton. Lieut. 
Seth lived near the old homestead, and had eight 
children, viz. : Nathan (deceased), Julia (deceased), 
Sarah (deceased), Sally, Harriet (deceased), Seth, 
Lusanna, Charles, and George. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kimball have had the following chil- 
dren : Lusanna W., married J. D. Howard, has one 
child, Nelly, who married Frank Foster, and has one 
child, Howard Kimball ; Harriet, married George 
Copeland, of South Easton, and has three children, 
Marion A., Ethel H., and George Hubert ; John 
T., married Belle G. Heath, has one child, Florence 
B. ; Cieorge L., married Sarah E. Heath, sister to 
Belle, and is engaged in trade as mentioned above. 

Among the representative citizens of Easton, who 
enjoy the confidence of the community, we can 
safely place John Kimball. 



BARZILLIA AND THOMAS H. DEAN. 
Thomas Holmes Dean was born in Taunton, Mass., 
Nov. 28, 1819. (For early ancestral history see his- 
tory of Taunton in this volume.) His grandfather, 
Nathaniel Dean, was born July 5, 1747, in Raynham, 
where he always resided. He married Elizabeth Car- 
ver, and reared a family of nine children on his farm 
in that town. Of these Barzillia was the youngest, 
and was born Nov. 25, 1794. He was first a grocer in 
Taunton, and afterwards was interested in cotton 
manufacturing in Somerset or Dighton with his 
brother Asa. He was also drafted as a soldier in the 
war of 1812. From Dighton he went to Pawtucket, 
R. I., and became a machinist, working for Avery, 
Ives & Wilkinson. In 1824 he came to Easton as a 
machinist, to superintend the putting in operation of 
a cotton-mill near the present Easton depot. Re- 
maining here one year, he engaged "in business as a 
cotton manufacturer at South Easton, and followed 
this business successfully until his death June 29, 
1848, in the prime of life, which was caused by the 
falling upon him of the roof of a tomb in which 
he was at work. He was an active man, strong and 
resolute, and uncompromising in his nature, with 
great force of character. He was a Whig in politics, 
and a Congregational ist in religious sentiment. He 



434 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 




"^^rf^^-^^^^^c^ 



married Deborah, daughter of Thouuis and Sylvia 
(Shaw) Hohnes, of Taunton. Her father was a con- 
sequential man in public afiairs during the Revolu- 
tionary period, held various important positions, not 
the least of which was that of tithingman (an office 
conferring much dignity at that day, but now known 
only in history). Bar/.illia and Deborah Dean had 
eight clnldrcn, — Henry H. (deceased), Sarah F. (Mrs. 
Adouijah White, deceased), Thomas H., Susan W. 
(Mrs. William Blanchard, deceased), Elizabeth H. 
(Mrs. N. B. Dana), Mary R. (deceased), Sylvia S. 
(Mrs. F. G. Gushee, deceased), and John O. 

Thomas H. Dean had a common-school education, 
which was improved upon by attendance at Deacon 
Heman Packard's select school at Nortli Bridgewater, 
now Brockton. Upon leaving school he went to Fall 
River to learn the machinist's trade of an uncle, who 
afterwards moved to Taunton to work there. Thomas 
accompanied him, and stayed with him there one year, 
when, desiring to see more of the world, the young 
man went to Matteawan (Fishkill), N. Y.,and worked 
at his trade there one year. Returning to Easton in 
1838, he connected himself with his father in cotton 
manufacturing, and also carried on a machine-shop 
iu connection with this. The fluctuations in busi- 
ness arising from agitation, and the unsettled condi- 
tion of the tariff question in the frequent Presidential 
campaigns, caused Mr. Dean to relinquish the cotton 
business soon after his father's death, and for the last 
twenty-five years his principal business has been to 
make tools and other hardware for the piano-forte 



makers of Boston. Iu this he is now engaged, and 
may be found, as in the days of long ago, hard at 
work personally in any department where he thinks 
his service is needed, showing by his practice that, 
although possessed of a good property, he does not 
despise the means by which his wealth was made. 
He is also connected with his brother, John 0., under 
the firm-name of T. H. & J. O. Dean, in a flour, grain, 
and coal business, which is quite extensive. 

In politics, Mr. Dean has been a Whig, and since 
the Republican party was organized a stanch sup- 
porter of its candidates. 

Mr. Dean married, Nov. 12, 1843, Eliz.abetli C, 
daughter of Philip and Sarah (Johnson) Willis, of 
Easton. Their only child, Herbert B., born Sept. 24, 
18.51, died March 23, 1868. He was a briglit and 
promising youth, a good student, and of an ingenious 
and mechanical turn of mind. 



II. P. DRAKE. 
Hiram P. Drake, son of Phineas and Fanny Drake, 
was born in Easton, within one-fourth of a mile from 
where he now resides, Nov. 17, 1814. He had very 
limited school advantages, as he was a poor boy and 
compelled to labor, and what education he did secure 
was " picked up." His father labored at farming, 
but owned no land. Hiram went to work for one 
Reed to learn shoemaking, but was used so badly 
that he only stayed one year. He remained at home 
with his father for several years thereafter, and at 







^^ 



':?^^//l^^ 



MANSFIELD. 



435 



last was bound out to Gen. Shepard Leach to learn 
the trade of molder ; two older brothers being al- 
ready engaged there. Gen. Leach died before Hiram 
completed his apprenticeship, but the works were 
carried on by Lincoln Drake, who succeeded to the 
ownership. For thirty years Hiram worked here 
after learning his trade. lu March, 1869, he went to 
Maine, and settled in Sherman, Aroostook Co., as a 
farmer, where he continued for seventeen years, and 
was prospered. He returned to Easton in 1875, and 
built the house be now occupies the next year. For 
the last seven years he has lived a retired life by 
reason of failing health. He has been in succession 
Whig, Free-Soiler, and Republican in politics. He 
has been for many years a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, joining it at eighteen years of age. 
He has held various positions in connection with his 
church, class-leader, steward, Sunday-school teacher, 
treasurer, and superintendent for many years. He is 
no longer connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and affiliates with the Wesleyan Jlethodists. 
He is a great reader of wholesome and valuable litera- 
ture. He has taken great interest in Freemasonry, has 
been treasurer of Blolunkas Lodge, Sherman, Me., 
and now is a member of Paul Dean Lodge of North 
Easton, and Keystone Royal Arch Chapter of Fox- 
borough. He is actuated by truly Masonic princi- 
ples, and, with his wife, gives freely to every church 
and benevolent object and cause. 

He married (1), Feb. 1, 1836, Nancy, daughter of 
Greenfield and Bethiah Williams, a descendant of the 
old Taunton family of that name. (See Taunton 
history in this volume.) She was born May 26, 1814, 
and died Nov. 1, 1845. They had five children, — 
Nancy M. (died young), Lenura A., Hiram S., Nancy 
H. (twins, of whom Nancy died young), Hiram (who 
is living in Canada, engaged in lumbering), and Sarah 
L. (died young). He married (2) Mary L. Morey 
March 5, 1864. She was the daughter of Augustus L. 
and Mary L. (Billings) Morey. She was born Aug. 
19, 1813, at Woodstock, Conn. She had one son, 
Aaron C, who died in infancy. By the death of a 
brother in Norwich, Conn., Mrs. Drake inherited a 
handsome property with which she is, in an unosten- 
tatious way, doing much good. 

Phineas Drake, father of Hiram and son of Thomas, 
was born on the old Drake homestead in Easton, always 
resided here, and died at the age of seventy-two. He 
had eight children, — Phineas, Rachel, Thomas, El- 
mina, Hiram P., Fanny H., Charity, and William K. 
His father, Thomas Drake, was for many years a resi- 
dent of Easton, where he was born, and died an old 
man after rearing a family often children, the last of 
whom, George Washington, was buried March 1, 1883. 

From " Centre Items" of the Euitoii Journal of 
March 9, 1883, we extract this in reference to him : 

" The old hermit, George Washington Drake, who 
for sixty years lived alone in a little hut in the woods, 
died recently. He was well known in this and ad- 



joining towns. He was a very religious man, and 
would travel miles to church, and would pray and 
exhort in prayer-meeting. In early life he fell des- 
perately in love, but the fair damsel broke his heart 
by a refusal to marry him, and ever afterwards he 
avoided the society of women, and would cross the 
street rather than meet them. About the same time 
he was converted to the Metliodist faith and sought 
an opjjortunity to preach, which was denied him. 
Before these two disappointments he had been a man 
of vigorous intellect and good judgment, but these 
blows to his aspirations seemed to unsettle his mind, 
and since then he has been eccentric and peculiar. 
He was a constant reader of the Bible, and a most 
rigid observer of the Sabbath. He sought to gain a 
livelihood by chopping wood for the farmers, who 
had a great respect for him. He was a patient, inno- 
cent, and conscientious man, and was the recipient of 
many charitable attentions from the people in the 
neighborhood, and his nephew, Hiram P. Drake, did 
much towards mitigating the severities of his lonely 
and comfortless existence. Especially during his last 
illness has this nephew been unremitting in his atten- 
tions to his aged and unfortunate relative. The ne- 
cessary expenses of his uncle's illness and funeral 
were likewise borne by Mr. Drake." 



CHAPTER XXXIL 

MANSFIELD.i 

Mansfield lies in the northern part of the county, 
and is bounded as follows : On the north by Norfolk 
County, on the east by Easton, on the south by 
Norton, and on the west by Attleborough. 

The most important structures to the early settlers 
were the meeting-house and the grist- or corn-mill. 
The first must have been a terribly cheerless and for- 
bidding place, located upon some hill or large open 
common, receiving in full force tfie north wind and 
the noonday sun ; stoveless, blindless, with its white- 
oak seats, high and straight back, with its long ser- 
mons upon the closest theological points. They were 
strict disciplinarians in the old days, and men must 
give good reason for the faith and belief they pro- 
fessed or they would be condemned by both the 
clergy and people. This strictness would be irksome 
to us of to-day, but it might be the better for us. 
The mill was always a cheery place. Farmers met 
there and discussed the merits of the last Sunday's 
sermon, told stories of the winter's storms, told of 
the ravages of the red man and of the encroachments 
of the beasts of prey, discussed the prospects of the 
crops, and rehearsed the items gathered from some 
newspaper which some one of them had heard read 

1 By E, M. Keecl. 



436 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in Boston or Taunton, or Plymouth or Medfleld. In 
1732 the Groves and Skinners, and Wellmans and 
Leonards, and Williams and others, to the number 
of twenty-five or thirty families, having for many 
years attended meeting in Taunton, Norton, orWren- 
tham, determined to separate themselves from the 
Norton Church or Norton North Purchase, and they 
mustered all the heads of families and all permitted 
to vote in parish affairs, and started for Norton meet- 
ing-house, where the question was to be put whether 
a separate parish should be established in what we 
call Mansfield. They had been often upon the same 
errand, but had theretofore met always with defeat. 
This day in 1732 noses had been counted, and as the 
fathers presented their nays they felt sure of the suc- 
cess they attained, and on that day it was voted that 
Mansfield be a parish and maintain its own preach- 
ing. They already had a meal-mill near " Cobbler's 
Corner," but a little way from the grist-mill we call 
Fisher's. This " Cobbler's Corner" is frequently 
made mention of in old deeds, and it is supposed that 
at some time beyond the " historic period" an itinerant 
shoe-mender located there for a brief period. At any 
rate it was of such note and importance as that it is 
made a boundary or point in several old deeds of 
land in that locality, being located south to west, a 
little distance from the present residence of James 
W. Cable. 

Mansfield was a parish, and the next thing was to 
get a meeting-house. Various meetings were lield. 
The money for this object was raised by tax upon the 
ratable polls and estates of the inhabitants of said 
precinct. The lumber was cut from the ministerial 
land. The meetings where this important matter was 
discussed were held at the house of David Wellman, 
and the votes were recorded by Benjamin Williams, 
clerk. At a meeting, legally warned, on the 30th day 
of June, 1732, " for to do what may be proper as to 
the hiring a minister to preach in said precinct, and 
to raise money to pay him, and to do what may be 
proper concerning finishing the outside of the meet- 
ing-house, met at the house of Isaac Wellman, of 
said precinct, first they made choice of Mr. Eph- 
raim Leonard to be moderator of said meeting; sec- 
ondly, they made choice, of Mr. Thomas Skinner, 
Deacon Nicholas White, and Mr. Ephraim Grover to 
hire a minister or ministers to preach in said precinct, 
as they shall think proper; thirdly, they voted to 
raise the sum of twenty pounds upon the polls and 
ratable estates in said precinct, according to law, for 
the payment of the ministry in said precinct. Re- 
corded by me, Benjamin Williams." At the same 
house another meeting was held June 27, 1733, to see 
what to do about hiring a minister and finishing the 
meeting-house. Thomas Skinner was chosen mod- 
erator, Capt. Ephraim Leonard, Andrew Grover, and 
Ephraim Grover were chosen a committee, and em- 
powered to hire a minister for the balance of the 
year. At a meeting held Aug. 19, 1734, the moderator 



called for a vote by paper ballots for the choice of a 
minister, "and they broght in thayer vots, and made 
choyce of the Reverend Mr. Abial Hayward, of Bridge- 
water, to be theyr minister without one negative 
vote." They then voted to pay their newly-elected 
minister the sum of one hundred pounds annually in 
money or bills of credit, or yearly, during his abode 
in the work of the ministry in said precinct. They 
made choice of " Deacon Nicholas B. White, Ephraim 
Grover ye I'" and Benjamin Williams, all of said pre- 
cinct, to be a committy to treat with the Reverend 
Mr. Abial Hayward in the above read afl'airs." This 
vote made a disturbance, for it is upon record that 
on the 7th of October, 1734, at an adjournment of a 
meeting in Norton, North Precinct, referring to the 
settling of a minister, "We, whose names are under 
written, do enter our i)rotest against the proceedings 
of that day, Samuel Brintwell, Thomas Skinner, John 
Skinner, Isaac Wellman, Solomon Skinner, Ebenezer 
Brintwell, Samuel Wellman, John Skinner, Joseph 
Skinner, Nathaniel Brintwell, Ebenezer Skinner, 
Benjamin Wellman, Samuel Skinner, Benjamin Skin- 
ner." 

The following letter was received from Rev. Mr. 
Hayward, dated Bridgewater, Nov. 30, 1734 : 

" Deak Beethhen and Gentlemen. 

" Inasmuch as it has plea-sed God to incline your Hearts to give me an 
Invitation to settle in tlie work of the Gospel ntinistry in your precinct, 
I do hereby with hearty thankfulness acknowledge your Love and Re- 
gard ; but since there is a number among yon (whose souls are precious) 
which are dissatisfied with your proceedings, and not well satisfied with 
my ministry, and thinking it unlikely that I should be very serviceable 
to them unless their heaita are turned towards me, and trusting that 
they will fall in and unite with yon in a future choice, which possibly 
may be more for your comfort and their spiritual interest, I must declare 
that at present I cannot see my way clear to accept your call, and there- 
fore accept my love, earnestly praying that God, through infinite Riches 
of free Grace, would be pleased to bless you all with a happy and ser- 
viceable ministry, witli peace and plenty in this world, and Eternal 
Glory and Happiness in the world to come. 

" Abial Hayward." 

At meeting held April 30, 1734, they voted to hire 
a minister for three months, provided he commenced 
June 1st following. 

At a meeting of the precinct, held in the meeting- 
house on the 5th May, 1735, but adjourned to the 
12th day of the same, very important business was 
transacted ; they voted to settle a minister, and made 
choice by paper votes, without a dissenting vote, of 
Rev. Atherton Wales; they voted to build a pulpit 
in their meeting-house suitable for a minister to 
preach in; they voted to Ijuild the seats below in 
said meeting-house, and to have a convenient alley 
between the men's seats and the women's seats. Mr. 
Wales declined the oflTer. 

On the 29th day of December, 1735, another meet- 
ing was held in the meeting-house to see about set- 
tling a minister in the work of the Lord, and the)' 
made choice of Rev. Samuel Tobey, of Sandwich; 
they appointed a committee to wait upon Mr. Tobey, 
and the committee made several journeys to Sand- 
wich. The meeting was adjourned several times. 



MANSFIELD. 



43T 



The freeholders were anxiously waiting the report, 
but waited in vain until March 1, 1736, when the 
committee reported that "Mr. Tobey declined to ac- 
cept the brilliant ofter made because of his being 
' young in years.' " This report was " excepted," and 
the moderator dismissed said meeting. 

On the 7th day of September, 1736, another meet- 
ing was held in the meeting-house to make choice of 
and settle a gospel minister. A vote was called for 
by paper votes, and they brought them in and made 
unanimous choice of " Rev. Mr. Ebenezer White, of 
Brookline, to be their minister to follow in the work 
of the gospel ministry in said precinct, according to 
the Congregational platform," and voted to pay him 
"one hundred pounds annually or yearly." A com- 
mittee was eliosen to wait upon Mr. White, and he 
returned the following reply : 

" To (he Honorable Committee of Norton, North Precinct : 

" Sirs, — Having taken into serious consideration your invitation to me 
in tile name of your precinct to settle with you in tlie work of the min- 
istry, and your proposals in order ... I have at length come to con- 
clude in the athrniative, admiring the subsequent alte ration of the follow- 
ing article: Whereas, you have voted one hundred pounds for my annual 
support, considering the diflfereut e.xpenses you will be at on the account 
of finishing your meeting-house, ministers, settlement, &c., I accept it 
for the first and second years of my settlement with you, provided tliat 
the third year it be advanced to one hundred and ten, the fourth year to 
one hundred and twenty pounds, and that as supply I be annually pro- 
vided with a sufficient quantity of tirewood ; provided also that money 
be in equal value, as it is in its present currency, and if it increases or 
diminishes in its value my salary increases or lessens accordingly. 
" Your true friend and humble servant, 

"Edenezeh White." 

At an adjourned meeting it was voted to comply 
with Mr. White's request as to increase in salary, not, 
however, unanimously, for a protest to the same was 
entered by Josiah Pratt, Nathaniel Brintou, Samuel 
Skinner, and Benjamin Skinner. 

At a meeting held Jan. 3, 1736, it was voted the 
sum of fifteen pounds to defray the expenses of Mr. 
White's ordination. This was to be expended for the 
entertainment of the ministers at said ordination. 

Mr. White was ordained probably soon after; and 
the fifteen pounds were no doubt all spent. The names 
of his church members it is impo.ssible to ascertain 
with any certainty, but the following-named persons 
withdrew from Mr. Avery's church, at Norton, and 
as everybod}' went to meeting in those days, it is fair 
to presume that they constituted the main member- 
ship of Mr. White's church : Nicholas White, John 
Hall, Thomas Skinner, Sr., John Skinner, Sr., 
Ephraim Grover, Sr., Benjamin Williams, Seth 
Dorman, Josiah Pratt, Thomas Tillebrown, Joshua 
Atherton, Stephen Blanshar, William Pain, Benja- 
min Lam, William Dean, Jonathan Pratt, Joshua 
Williams, Andrew Grover, Thomas Grover, Sr., 
Ezra Skinner. Nearly all these surnames are now 
familiar and borne by many in the town. They 
found no fault with their treatment in the Norton 
Church, and left with the benediction of the mother 
church upon them. 

Rev. Mr. White stayed but a few years with the 



Mansfield people. His health gave out, and he was 
frequently prevented from attending to his parochial 
duties by reason of ill health, and it has been in- 
ferred that fault was found with the interpretation 
of the Word by him, but no foundation for such an 
opinion is apparent from the records. That the 
people were very uneasy and dissatisfied is shown by 
the numerous town-meetings held, at which the ques- 
tion of his dismission was discussed. His opponents 
were unable to have passed a vote dismissing him 
until prejudice was awakened against him, upon the 
ground that he had not ruled and governed the 
church "according to the platform of church disci- 
pline which said church has voted to be their rule 
of discipline." In September, 1760, Mr. White wrote 
to his parish that he would be no hindrance in the 
settling of a "learned and orthodox minister." The 
town and church voted the same year his dismission, 
he receiving pay only as he preached, and the parish 
gave themselves up to hearing candidates. 

On Jan. 12, 1761, the parish and church concurred 
in extending a call to Rev. Mr. Roland Green, and 
while the people were waiting the candidate's reply 
to the call, Jan. 18, 1761, Rev. Mr. White died, in his 
forty-eighth year, and in the twenty-fourth year of 
his ministry. His death may well have stirred up 
their consciences to an acknowledgment that their 
judgment may have been too hasty and far from just. 

Mr. White married Lydia Gennison, of Maiden; 
she died March 28, 1749, aged thirty-six years. His 
second wife was Hannah Richards, of Milton. She 
survived him nearly forty years, and died in widow- 
hood, Dec. 1, 1800, aged eighty-three years. His 
body and those of his two wives are buried in the old 
yard, near the site of the old church. Around his 
grave has sprung up a thriving, busy village, and 
hundreds pass and repass his burying-place without 
a thought of him or of his work, but the seed he 
sowed has perhaps brought forth abundant fruit. 

The residence of Mr. White was where the family 
of the late Capt. Ira Richardson now live; it is one 
of the oldest houses in town, "gambrel roof," built 
close up to the line of the road, about one and one- 
half miles from the site of the old meeting-house, and 
one-fourth of a mile from " Cobbler's Corner." It 
passed into the possession of Capt. Ira Richardson, 
who was at one time captain of the Norton Artillery, 
a military company of good local repute. At the 
time of Lafayette's second visit to America, and as 
he was passing through Pawtucket, then a portion of 
Massachusetts, this company was ordered to report 
there and do salute duty. The captain, in consequence 
of some not very complimentary remarks which had 
before been made about their field-pieces, ordered 
them loaded to the muzzles, and upon the first dis- 
charge of the pieces the buildings in the neighbor- 
hood shook and the glass rattled from the windows. 
The captain was waited upon by the authorities and 
asked to desist, but his reply was that the colonel 



438 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ordered him to fire, and he should do so, at the same 
time ordering his men to fire away. During the Gar- 
field campaign the captain, although very aged, ap- 
peared at his door and reviewed the Garfield and 
Arthur torch-light procession. He was for many 
years sexton of the town. He was shingling his 
house one day as the writer passed, and upon inquir- 
ing of him how long it would prohably take him to 
finish it he replied that he couldn't tell, as so soon as 
he got to work somebody died, and he had to leave 
his work and take care of them. Capt. Richardson 
died in 1882. 

Rev. Roland Green, the second settled minister of 
Mansfield, was born in Maiden, April 10, 1737. There 
was a little difterence of opinion about "calling" Mr. 
Green, as he did not quite indorse the full platform, 
but after correspondence he declared his intentions to 
follow the platform, "so far as it is agreeable to the 
Word of God." None could object to this, and his 
ordination was fixed for Aug. 26, 1761, and £13 Gs. 8d. 
was voted to defray the expenses of the ordination. 
Twelve churches were invited, viz., two in Maiden, 
two in Attleborough, two in Stoughton, two in Dedham, 
one each in Taunton, Walpole, Norton, and Wren- 
tham. The council met at Col. Ephraim Leonard's. 
The ordination exercises were performed under the 
wide-spreading limbs of the venerable elm-trees 
which stood west of the meeting-house. No record 
of the interesting exercises is now to be found. 
Mr. Green died July 4, 1808, in the seventy-first year 
of his age, and in tlie forty-seventh year of his min- 
istry. He was a faithful. God-fearing man, beloved 
by his whole congregation ; fearless and outspoken, 
plain and emphatic in his teachings, he was kind, 
cheerful, and .sympathetic. He was buried on the 6th 
of July, and a large concourse attended the services, 
and moved to the grove in the following order : Band, 
playing a funeral dirge, male members of the church, 
bearers, corpse, pall supported l)y Rev. Messrs. 
Thatcher, Mowry, Reed, Palmer, Richmond, Clark, 
Fiske, and Whittaker, mourners, particular friends 
of the deceased, female members of the church, sing- 
ing society, members of the congregation, strangers, 
and he was buried in the burying-ground near the 
church, by the side of his predecessor, where also his 
wife is buried. 

The following record of him is found, made by a 
committee of the Bristol Association : " In the appro- 
priate duties of his profession he was punctual, ener- 
getic, and faithful ; he possessed the gift of prayer in 
a happy degree, and on special occasions his thoughts 
were ready, pertinent, and impressive. In the jiublic 
services of the sanctuary he used plainness of speech, 
and his general strain of instruction was evangelical 
and practical. He professed One only to be his mas- 
ter, even Christ, and disdained to teach for doctrines 
the commandments of men. He went not to human 
creeds, but to the Word of God for doctrine, reproof, 
and instruction." 



Rev. Roland Green built and lived in the house 
now occupied by Mr. De Wolf, on the north side of 
West Street. What he believed to be Scripture he 
boldly inculcated and enforced. Founding his 
opinions on what he believed to be the true sense of 
the gospel, he was strong in the faith and valiant in 
the truth ; he never disguised his sentiments through 
fear or favor of men, but what he believed he openly 
avowed. The voice of hypocrisy was a stranger to 
his heart, and we have reason to hope that his en- 
deavors to promote the cause of his Redeemer con- 
stitute a bright gem in the crown of his present 
rejoicing. 

The pulpit was without a settled minister until 
April 13, 1809, when a call was forwarded from 
church and society to Rev. Richard Biggs. Mr. 
Biggs' reply in the afiirmative quickly followed, and 
he was ordained May 24, 1809. The introductory 
prayer was by Rev. Mr. Morey, of Walpole ; sermon 
by Rev. M. Richmond, of Stoughton ; ordaining 
prayer by Rev. Dr. Reed, of Bridgewater; charge by 
Rev. D. Sanger, of Bridgewater ; right hand of fel- 
lowship. Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton ; concluding 
prayer, Rev. Mr. Briggs, of Boxford. 

Rev. Mr. Briggs was born in Halifax, March 2, 1782; 
graduated at Brown University in 1804; studied 
theology with Rev. Dr. Richmond, of Stoughton; 
arrived in Mansfield Dec. 31, 1808; preached the fol- 
lowing Sunday. He continued in the active and ac- 
ceptable discharge of his duties until 1833, when he 
was disabled by sickness. He preached for the last 
time Jan. 20, 1833, twenty-five years after his first 
sermon. He was dismissed Dec. 8, 1834, and died 
after four years of feebleness and disease July 5, 1837. 
No printed sermon of Mr. Briggs exists. The follow- 
ing sketch, written by one who heard him during his 
entire ministry, is evidence of the esteem his people 
had for him: "Mr. Briggs' character as a man was 
irreproachable. He was kind, sympathetic, and gen- 
erous. He was emphatically a philanthropist, and 
seemed to feel for all the woes of mankind. He was 
peculiarly fond of children, always addressing them 
with tenderness, and often bestowing upon them some 
small token of approbation. Perhaps the most promi- 
nent trait in his character was benerolence, — an un- 
tiring assiduity in administering to the wants of all 
with whom he had intercourse in the world. He was 
accustomed to speak of the 'luxury of doing good,' as 
if it was the very height of earthly enjoyment, and 
this was probably the sincere expression of his per- 
sonal feelings. It is believed that all who were ac- 
quainted with Mr. Briggs will agree in saying that he 
had not, at least while residing in this place, one 
personal enemy." 

Mr. Briggs married Miss Fanny D. Billings, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Benjamin Billings, of this town. His 
widow survived him many years. She was a woman 
of generous impulses, a great lover of society, and of 
large hospitality. She occupied the house built by 



MANSFIELD. 



439 



her father, at the corner of South Main and West 
Streets. On Sunday the worshipers at the old church 
where her husljiuid preached would repair to her house 
to eat their lunch. Alter the death of her father and 
husband, Dr. Horace Palmer occupied the premises 
with her. He removed to the West, and Dr. William 
G. Allen had his office for several years there. 

Upon the failure of Mr. Briggs' ability to preach, 
the pulpit was supplied for a while by Rev. Nathan 
Holman, of Attleborough, until June 16, 1833, alter- 
nating with Kev. D. Saunders, ofMedfield. This divis- 
ion of labor was caused by a difterence in the minds of 
the worshipers upon some theological matters. On the 
30th of January, 1835, Mr. James H. Sayward arrived, 
and preached on the following Sunday very accept- 
ably to his hearers, and on the 27th April, same year, 
a call was extended to him to become their spiritual 
adviser, at a salary of five hundred dollars per year 
for three years. His affirmative answer was received 
upon the same day. He was ordained upon the 17th of 
June, but remained only two years with the society, 
asking his dismission, which was granted, and he was 
dismi-ssed June 17, 1837. He married May B. Pratt, 
daughter of Hon. Solomon Pratt. He died at the 
age of thirty-six in Fitzwilliam, N. H., and is buried 
in the same yard with liis predecessors. He was an 
active, earnest worker in all reforms, was anxious to 
secure unanimity among his people, visited much, 
held weekly meetings for prayer at private houses, 
quite sensitive, and resigned because of the growing 
dissension among his people, arising from a desire 
upon the part of some to liberalize the creed. 

As in all othertowns, so here a portion of the church 
withdrew and formed an orthodox Congregational 
Society. This was on May 9, 1838, and on October 
6th of the same year the society was duly organized. 

The " original compact" is dated May 9, 1838, and 
is as follows : " We, the undersigned, do hereby agree 
to form ourselves into a society or association for the 
purpose of procuring and supporting orthodox preach- 
ing in this place," and is signed by Isaac Skinner, 
Daniel Williams, Jr., Julius Skinner, Daniel Wil- 
liams, John Rogers, Elijah Copeland, Jr., Benjamin 
Williams, David Williams, Harvey Corey, Amasa 
Copeland, Apollos Skinner, Apollos Skinner, Jr., 
Elkanah Bates, Isaac Paine, Isaac White, Hermon 
Hall, Erastus Givins, James E. Paine, Elijah Cope- 
land, James L. Corey, James H. Reilly, Leonard 
Corey, Loring C. Shaw, Avery O. Dunham, Mahlon 
Williams, Homer Skinner, John E. Corey, William 

A. Paine, Avery D. Allen, Joseph S. Corey, Elisha 
Hodges, Alvin Robinson, Adoniram Skinner, Hosea 
Grover, William White, Ruel Mills, Nelson Paine, 
Willard Billings, Levi Skinner, Jacob Bailey, Charles 

B. Corey, Joseph Skinner, Isaac Skinner, Jr., Eliiis 
Skinner, Jacob A. Blake, William B. Baker, Amasa 
Pratt, Amasa Grover, Almond Copeland, Otis Allen, 
Charles Turner, Jesse Hodges, Luther E. Skinner, 
George E. Bailey. 



The new society at once commenced worship in a 

school-house near the old church, and the first min- 
ister was Rev. N. Holman, of Attleborough ; they 
afterwards hired a hall in the Mulberry Tavern, which 
stood where the Methodist Church now stands. 

Rev. Mr. Hunt, who afterwards became private 
secretary of the Hon. Henry Wilson, and died a few 
years since in Attleborough, supplied the pulpit for a 
short time, when the church and society extended 
a call to Rev. Mortimer Blake, of Franklin, who 
graduated at Amherst in 1835 ; he accepted, and was 
ordained Dec. 4, 1839. The society built a new 
meeting-house in 1839, which has since been thor- 
oughly remodeled and enlarged. Rev. Mr. Blake re- 
mained with the society until 18.55, when he became 
pastor of the Winslow Church in Taunton, where he 
has ever since been. The society, under Mr. Blake's 
administration, grew rapidly, and pastor and people 
were strongly united, and it was with sad hearts the 
sacred ties were severed. After Mr. Blake's removal 
the Rev. Jacob Ide, Jr., of Medway, son of Rev. Dr. 
Ide, and grandson of Rev. Dr. Emmons, accepted the 
call extended to him, and was ordained in 1856, and 
has remained with the society ever since ; and won- 
derful unanimity has all the time existed in the 
church and society, and there has never been the 
slightest rupture between pastor and people. After 
the death of Rev. Mr. Briggs, Rev. James L. Stone, 
of Brown University, accepted a call to become pastor 
of the old society, and was ordained in 1840, October 
28th. He was dismissed in 1844, subsequently taught 
school in Foxborough, then became agent for a life 
insurance company, and died a few years since at 
Taunton. 

After his dismission the pulpit was occupied by 
supplies up to 1850, when Rev. Daniel W. Stevens, of 
Marlborough, graduate of Harvard University, was 
ordained as pastor, which position he occupied with 
great accejjtance up to 1857, when he ceased preach- 
ing ; for a time opened a select school in the basement 
of the old church, which he continued for several 
years as a teacher. He ranked high, as friends and 
scholars were fully .satisfied with his success. Heat 
the close of the school here removed to Fall River, 
where he was superintendent of schools two years, 
then removed to Vineyard Haven, where he has ever 
since resided, engaged in preaching and caring for a 
library used by the many seamen who visit that har- 
bor. 

Since Mr. Stevens vacated the pulpit in the old 
church different ministers have occupied it, and it is 
now filled by Rev. Donald Frazer, who has also under 
his charge the Universalist Society of Foxborough. 

In 1837 the Calvin Baptists organized a society and 
built a church in the centre of the town ; had no set- 
tled minister until about 1853, when Rev. Mr. Wel- 
come Lewis was settled. He remained with the so- 
ciety a few years, then moved to the State of New York, 
and the society engaged Rev. Mr. Gardner ; and since 



440 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the close of Mr. Gardner's services, which lasted but 
a short time, the society have employed Rev. Mr. 
Blain, Rev. Mr. Lewis again, Rev. Mr. Pope, Rev. Mr. 
Russell, and others. At the present time Rev. Dr. 
John Duncan is preacliing to the society. Rev. Mr. 
Lewis married Hannah, daughter of Marshal Shaw, 
an old resident of this place. His wife died several 
years since. Mr. Lewis was compelled by ill health 
to resign his ministerial duties, and is now dwelling 
in New York with friends. The society is now under 
the charge of Rev. Dr. John Duncan. 

Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church was organ- 
ized in 1860 with sixteen members; the first meeting 
was held in the hall over Rayerson's store April 8, 
1860, Rev. E. F. Hicks supplying the pulpit. Wor- 
ship was continued there until January, 1861, from 
which time to April, 1864, there were no public ser- 
vices held. At that time the old meeting-house was 
hired, and services held therein for two years under 
charge of Rev. Mr. Alderman. After an interval of 
five years meetings were again commenced, this time 
in Lovell's Hall, in 1871, under the charge of Rev. 
Mr. W. J. Smith, who remained with the society one 
year. Services have been continued ever since, and 
the ministers have been F. C. Newall, J. H. Hum- 
phrey, W. H. Turkinton, J. Oldham, Thomas J. Ev- 
erett, E. W. Goodier, and the present pastor is Rev. 
Mr. Jorden. In 1876 the society built an attractive 
place of worship on the corner of North Main and 
West Streets, on a lot donated to them by Charles T. 
Borden, Esq., a prominent member of the church. 

A society of Friends was organized at West Mans- 
field in 1809. They built a meeting-house which now 
stands a model of neatness, and regular meetings are 
now held there upon each " First Day," and occasion- 
ally other meetings are held. Rev. Brother Thomas 
Grover is the preacher. 

In 1830 a Christian Baptist Society was organized, 
and a small church built at West Mansfield. A new 
church has since been built near the depot at West 
Mansfield, and the society is now prospering under 
the faithful ministrations of Rev. Gustin, of Attle- 
borough. 

The " Mansfield and Foxborough Society of the 
New Jerusalem" was organized in 1838. They had 
no regular place of worship, but met at the houses of 
the members, of which the more prominent are David 
Fisher, Sr. (now deceased), Capt. Ira Richardson, 
Frederick A. Mason, Peyton Hodges, George L. 
Stearns, and others. In 1871 they built a neat and 
convenient church on a lot given to them by Dr. Wil- 
liam F. Perry, located on the south side of West 
Street, and have since then held regular Sabbath ser- 
vices therein. They have had no regularly settled 
minister. 

Parish Votes. — At parish meeting in 1788 it was 
voted to build and sell four pews in meeting-house, 
and with the proceeds to paint the house. At subse- 
quent meeting, same year, voted to sell the pews at I 



vendue, and that if they did not bring the average 
price the bids to be void, and Cobb White was chosen 
vendue-master. At the adjournment it was voted 
that all votes and bids made at meeting be declared 
void. At another meeting, same'year, voted to raise 
thirty pounds to paint and repair meeting-house. At 
a meeting held a month after this vote was reconsid- 
ered, and it was voted to sell the ground for four pews, 
and Cobb White was chosen vendue-master, and that 
the purchasers could give their notes payable loth of 
October, and to have the privilege of buying the 
joint stock and putting it on the notes. The pews 
were then sold as follows : Isaac White bid ofl' the 
first pew on the men's side at nine pounds one shil- 
ling; Jesse Hodges bid off second pew men's side at 
six pounds four shillings ; Lieut. Joseph Leonard 
bid off the first pew on the women's side at ten 
pounds two shillings; Jonathan Nevvland, Jr., bid off 
second pew women's side at nine pounds. At the 
meeting in 1789, voted twenty jjounds to build steps 
for meeting-house. 

In 1791 Dwight Dean was chosen collector, and 
Ames White engaged verbally in said meeting as 
bondsman for said Dean's faithful performance of his 
duties. In 1804 it was voted to put window-springs 
in all the windows of the meeting-house. At meet- 
ing, in 1808, to see about ministerial affairs, it was 
voted that means be used to continue the preaching 
of the gospel in said parish, and there was chosen at 
that meeting to see that the pulpit was supplied, 
Deacon Abijah Leonard, Deacon Daniel Williams, 
and Dr. Rolland Green. Voted that Mr. Simeon Dag- 
gett should have an invitation to preach one Sabbath. 
Instructed committee not to pay over eight dollars 
per week to any minister. Instructed committee to 
see those persons who belong to the town and have 
separated themselves from the parish if they will 
come in again and help support a minister. Voted 
that said committee be requested to relate what they 
had heard relative to a man in the country, which 
was understood to be Mr. Chandler, of Shelburn. 
After hearing what was related by them respecting 
him the question was put to see if the parish would 
have him, and it was voted to hear him if he could 
be obtained without any cost to the parish in sending 
him or in fetching him down. 

I conclude Mr. Chandler would not come down 
upon these terms, as at an adjourned meeting it was 
voted to hire Rev. Mr. Briggs to supply the pulpit. 

At the meeting in 1809 it was voted to call Rev. 
Mr. Briggs to settle, provided he " would come on 
reasonable terms," and they appointed a committee 
of fifteen to decide what sum to offer Rev. Mr. Briggs. 
That committee consisted of Benjamin Bates, Esq., 
and Moses Copeland. Both of these gentlemen de- 
clined serving; then chose John Williams, Nathaniel 
Brintnell, Capt. John Hodge, Lemuel White, William 
Copeland, Solomon Pratt, James Andros, Seth Shep- 
ard, Jr., Jacob Dean, Isaac Skinner, Elkanah Bates, 



MANSFIELD. 



441 



Ephraim Pond, Capt. Joseph Lane, Ebenezer Ware, 
and Dr. Roland Green. The meeting took a recess 
of one hour, at the end of which they reported that 
four hundred and fifty dollars was the proper sum to 
pay Rev. Mr. Briggs per annum. The report was ac- 
cepted, and signed Solomon Pratt, chairman ; R. 
Green, scribe. 

Benjamin White was treasurer of parish in 1770, 
also in 1771 ; Lieut. Isaac Dean was treasurer in 
1772-77; in 1778, Maj. Isaac Dean, treasurer; and 
in 1779 and in 1780, Col. Isaac Dean was chosen; in 
1783 it was Isaac Dean, Esq. ; in 1785, Thomas Shaw ; 
in 1786, Lieut. Elijah Hodges; 1787, Isaac Lowell, 
Jr.; 1792, Isaac Dean; 1793, Jonathan Newcomb. 

In 1792 it was voted that all the meeting-house 
doors have decent steps, and a committee of seven 
was chosen to conduct the business of getting up said 
door-steps ; John Knapp, Jesse Hodges, Thomas 
Skinner, William Copeland, John Cobb, Jacob Skin- 
ner, and Col. Isaac White for said committee. Voted 
that said steps be " dun" in three months. At a 
meeting in 1798 it was voted that the parish com- 
mittee lease the land in the burying-ground at their 
discretion. In 1789 voted to repair meeting-house, 
and at meeting in 1801 eighty dollars was appro- 
priated to shingle north side of meeting-house roof, 
as well as the south side, and that William Copeland 
procure shingles at the eastward, as he has fairly bar- 
gained for them. This rule was favorably reconsid- 
ered at a subsequent meeting, and it was voted to set 
up the shingles at vendue ; and it was moved that he 
who doeth said shingling shall have the old shingles 
and the nails. Michael Allen bid off the shingling at 
ninety dollars. He was the only bidder. 

The parish officers for 1809 were Isaac Skinner, 
clerk; David Gilbert, Esq., treasurer; Lemuel White, 
Isaac Stearns, and William Co])eland, committee; 
John Williams, Isaac Skinner, and Asahel Williams, 
assessors. 

In 1814 it was voted that the " burying-ground 
should not be pastured the present year." 

In 1816 voted to build by subscription a pew in 
Mansfield meeting-house for the singers, proposed 
to be the length of the front gallery. 

Voted to mend the plastering and point the under- 
pinning of said meeting-house. 

In 1818 the following pews were "vendued:" 
The first pew struck off to Benjamin Williams for 
$36 ; the second pew struck off to John Williams for 
$60 ; the third pew struck off to David Gilbert, Esq., 
for $63; the fourth pew struck of}' to Benjamin Bates, 
Esq., for $50. 

In 1768 or thereabouts the good people residing in 
the North Precinct, after doubtless severe discussion 
and agitation, decided they would make strenuous 
eflbrts to dissolve their municipal relations with the 
South Precinct. Previous to this from 1764, one-third 
of the town-meetings had been held at the North 
meeting-house, but in 1767 it was voted to hold no 



more there, and the North Precinct voters accordingly 
petitioned the Great and General Court to be set off 
as a separate district, and in April, 1770, this prayer 
was granted, and Mansfield became a " district." 
This gave them all the powers of towns, except the 
separate choice of a representative. In a few years 
this restriction was removed, and Mansfield became a 
full-fiedged town. The old town (Norton) bid them 
God-speed in these words, " Voted, whereas the North 
Precinct of the town of Norton has desired said town 
to vote them off a district, the said town doth hereby 
signify their consent to the same, if the General Court 
shall think proper to set ofi' and make s'' precinct a 
separate district; s'' North Precinct taking their pro- 
portionable part of the poor of said town, and also 
their proportionable part of the town stock." 

The first town-meeting was held in March, 1771, 
and the warrant is as follows : 

" Bristol, sa. To either of the ConsUdiles of the District of Mansfield in 
said Coutitij, Greeting : 

" In hie Majestie's name yon are hereby required fortliwitli to notify 
and warn all the freeholders and other persona of the district of Mans- 
field that are qualified according to law to vote in town affairs, to meet and 
assemble together at the puhlick meeting-house, in said Manslield, on 
Monday, the eighteenth day of March, instant, at twelve of the clock 
of said day, then and there first to clioose a moderator to manage and 
carry on said meeting; secondly, to choose a district clerk for the en- 
suing year, and selectmen and all other officers that towns are obliged 
by law to choose annually in the month of March; thirdly, to vote if 
they will think proper tliat swine may run at large, being ringed and 
yoked according to law ; fourthly, to vote for coupty treasurer ; fifthly, 
to vote to accept of a rode, if they think proper, which is laid out by 
the selectmen, leading from line near where Abiether Babbot now 
dwells to the rode that leadeth from Ephraim Leonard's, Esq., to B. 
Clapp'a and another rode from Easton line, along near the house of 
Walle Southward, agreeable to a returne in said uleetingto be produced ; 
hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant and your doings 
to either of us, the subscribers, timely in said meeting. Given under 
our hands and seals this fourth day of Marcli, in the eleventh year of 
his majesty's reign, Anno Domini, 1771. 

" Kpu'm Leonaed. 
" Geokge Wheaton, 

" Selectmen of Slansjield, 

" Recorded the 29th of March, 1771, by me. 

" Isaac Dean, Clerks 

Doings of the Meetinij. — Chose William Dean to be 
a moderator to carry on and manage the meeting ; 
chose Isaac Dean their district clerk ; chose Dr. 
George Wheaton, Mr. Benjamin Williams, and 
Thomas Skinner for selectmen. They each took 
the oath relating to the " government bills" before 
Ephraim Leonard, Esq., justice of the peace, in pub- 
lic meeting. They chose Samuel White, Dr. George 
Wheaton, and William Dean, Jr., for assessors for 
ensuing year; chose Samuel Tillebrown for one of 
the constables, and accepted Samuel White in place 
of Samuel Tillebrown as constable for the ensuing 
year; chose Abijah Beeley for one of the constables, 
and accepted of Elijah Dean in the room of said 
Beeley. They made choice of Benjamin White for 
treasurer; chose Alfred Leonard and John White 
for wardens. They chose Nehemiah White and Ben- 
jamin Sweet for hog-reeves. They voted that swine 
may run at large, being yoked and ringed according 



I 



442 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to law. They voted to adjourn. Met according to 
adjournment, and chose Lieut. Job Hodges and 
Reuben Titus for to keep the river clear, for the free 
passage of the fish for the ensuing year, and they 
accepted the " rodes," and voted for county treasurer, 
and the doings recorded by Isaac Dean, clerk. The 
next town-meeting was to see if the town would 
vote reasons to the Great and General Court why 
Eleaser Robbins and others of Stoughton, who were 
annexed to Mansfield, should not be taken from said 
Mansfield, and they chose a committee to aid the 
Stoughton people in their efforts to withdraw from 
Mansfield. 

At a meeting in November, 1771, called to vote 
what they shall think proper relating to the schools 
in the district of Mansfield, it was voted 

" that the one month's school which has been lately kept at the dwell- 
ing-house of Nathan Williams, Jr., should be reckoned to the whole 
district, and go towards the present year's schooling. Tbey vot^d not 
to have three schools at once during the present winter, but they did 
vote to have two schools. Voted to have the schools kept at or near the 
same places where they were kept last year." 

In 1775 the sum of fifteen pounds was voted for the 
supjiort of the schools. The same year they voted to 
Capt. William Howes as their part of his pay in Con- 
gress the sum of nine pounds and two shillings, and 
to Eleazer Clapp for the same purpose the sum of two 
pounds and sixteen shillings. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of 
Mansfield, legally Avarned pursuant to a resolve 
passed in the honorable House of Representatives on 
the 17th of September, in order to consider and de- 
termine whether they will give their consent that the 
present House of Kepresentatives of this State of the 
Massachusetts Bay, together with the Council, should 
consult upon and enact a form of government for 
said State, and, taking the same into their most ma- 
ture consideration, came under the following votes: j 

" lly. Voted that the establishing a good form of government abso- i 
lutely necessary in order to lay a foundation for the future safety, '• 
happiness, and welfare of a people. i 

"21y. Voted that, as the end of government is the good of the people, ' 
80 the power and rightof forming and establishing a plan thereof exists 
essentially in them. ; 

"3ly. Voted that, as this State is at present without a form of govern- 
meut, it is highly necessary that one should soon be formed. 

'MIy. Voted that we cannot give our consent to the proposal of the 
Honorable House in their Resolve of the 17th Sept. last past, that the 
present Hon. House, with the Hon' Council, should enact a form of 
Government for this State, for these Reasons, viz. : 

" lly. That the present house and council was not separately elected ' 
by the people for that special purpose, which we think is highly rea- 
sonable tbey should be in a matter of great importance. 

"2ly. That it is the undoubted right of many of the inhabitants of ' 
this State to have a voice in the establishing a form of government that 
was not allowed to vote in the choice of the present House of Repre- 
sentatives. I 

"5Iy. Voted we humbly conceive that it would conduce much to the , 
peace and cjuite of the people of the State, and we hope would be a sal- 
utary measure to obtain the ends proposed, if each County should meet : 
by their delegates with an Equal Representation from the several 
towns and consult what form of government they may think it would ' 
be Best for this State to come into, and when they have no desire to ' 
lay the result of their several meetings before a State Convention to , 
be chosen by said County Conventions, and the Slate Convention to se- ^ 



lect from the whole such a form of government as shall by them be 

thought most likely to terminate in the safety, peace, and happiness of 

the people. 

*' 61y. That it appears to us absolutely necessary for the liberty and 

I safety of this State that the plan of government when formed should 

' be published for the perusal of the people 9.nd not established without 

I their approbation. 

" 71y. Voted that we think that it would be very proper and expedi> 
ent for the present Honorablp Huiise of Representatives to give out 
precepts or orders for the choice of said Conventions. 

"Sly. Voted that the dark of this town should lodge a copy of the 
votes passed in the meeting in the Secretary's office. 
" Recorded by me, 

"John White, Clark." 

At town-meeting held Feb. 25, 1777, it was voted 
to give a bounty of twenty-five pounds to all those 
who enlisted in service of the United States for three 
years or during the war. 

In March, 1777, the following prices for labor, etc., 
were fixed, in pursuance of an act of the General As- 
sembly : 



d. /. 



Farming labor in the summer, found as usual, shall not 

exceed 3 

Good wheat, per bushel 7 

Indian corn, per bushel 3 

Rie, good rje, per bushel 4 

Good sheep's wool, per pound 2 

Good fresh pork, per pound 

Salt polk, clear of bone, per pound 

Good grass-fed beef, per pound 

Good stall-fed, ditto 

Good raw hides, per pound, other skins in the same propor- 
tion 

Good cheese, maid in town, per pound 

Good butter, per pi.und 

Good beans, per bushel 6 

Good Spanish potatoes, in the fall of the year, i»er bushel 1 

Ditto, in the spring, per bushel, and othersorts in proportion, 

iiccording to their quality 1 

Men's slu^es, made by the best neat leather 8 

Gilts, good oats, per bushel 2 

Good tried tallow, per pound 

Beef tallow, tit for suet, per pound 

Varn cloth, yard wide, the best sort, flannel, yard wide, of the 

best quality, per yard 3 

Cotton and linnen home-made cloth, best quality, per yard 3 

Mutton, lamb, and veal, per pound 

Good new milk, from December 1st to March Ist, per quart 

" " Rest of year 

English hay, in field 2 

Tobacco in lief, of the best 

Carpenters' pay, per day, found 

Spinnin by tlie skein, taken home 

Woman's tailor, per day, found 

Woman's shoes, made of calfskin, per pair 

Victualing at tavern, with good l>oyled or roast meat, with 

«ose, per meal 1 

Lodging, for one night 3 

Boarding a laboring man, per week 5 

Keeping,per day 3 6 

Best blue all-wool cloth, % yard wide, well dyed 10 

Shoemaking in familys, be finding bis wax, per pair 2 

The above prices made by the Selectmen and committy. Recorded by 
me, John White, 

Toim Clerk. 
April 7, 1777. 

A town-meeting was called June 16, 1777, to '* pre- 
sent tories," and the warrant warns the voters in the 
name and government of Massachusetts Bay, 

" To 2dly to chuse a man to procure and lay before the court hear- 
upon described, the evidence that he had of the inimical expression of 
any person towards this or any United States. 3dly, act and proceed 
with any persons that have Ben Inimical to their country, according to 
a late act of the grate and Genenil Corte, and to act upon the bole as 
they shall think proper." IsaJic Dean was chosen moderator. Made 
choce of Elijah Dean to procure evidence against any such persons as 
described in warrant. 3dly, the Selectnum, Reverend Zephaniah Hogges, 
as a person Dangerous to our cause, and eff'ort was made to relieve Mr. 
Hogges of this "soft impeaclmient," but not a sing.e voter would con- 
sent to it, and it was ordered that he "should be tried by a special court 
for that purpose." 



10 

6 U 



At the March meeting, 1778, it was 



MANSFIELD. 



443 



"Voted to 8«nd to each of the soldiers in the Continental eervisfor 
the Town of Mansfield, and which engaged for the Town's Bounty, one 
Short, one pair of Trowsers, and four stockings and one pair of shoes." 

In May, 1778, Town had a meeting in " favor of Government." Voted 
additional Bounty to all men who would volunteer, and voted " To clear 
or indemnify the commission offices for said town for any damage or 
fines which may be laid upon them for not Drafting men for the ser- 
vice." 

In 1780 two warrants were issued by the selectmen ; 
one directed the constable to notify all the voters on 
the east side of Rumford River, and the other directed 
him to notify all the voters on the westerly side of 
said river, to meet at the public meeting-house, 
then and there to act on certain articles enumerated 
in a former warrant, which were not acted upon by 
reason of the " late alarm which prevented the said 
meeting being holden." A town-meeting warrant was 
issued same year directing the officer " to warn all the 
male persons being twenty-one years of age, and resi- 
dents of said town for the space of one year, or that 
have their usual homes in said town, having a free- 
hold estate in said town of the annual income of three 
pounds, or other estate than a personal or mixed of 
the value of sixty pounds, computed in silver at 
6s. S(l. per ounce, to meet or assemble the 13th day of 
October, 1780, to elect a person who is an inhabitant 
of said town and secured in his own right of a free- 
hold of the value of one hundred pounds, or any 
valuable estate of the value of two hundred pounds, 
within said town, to be computed in silver as afore- 
said, to serve for and represent them in the Great 
and General Court." And at this meeting Capt. 
Samuel White was unanimously made choice of as 
the representative, and he was given by the town 
clerk and selectmen a " fair certificate," and Con- 
stable Skinner summoned and warned the said White 
to appear and to attend to the service for which he 
was chosen. 

Probably the largest appropriation in figures ever 
made at any town-meeting was at the December, 1780, 
meeting, when for town purposes and some few inci- 
dentals there was appropriated the sum oX fiftij-fhree 
thousand three hundred and forty-seren pounds, and this 
fact will give us some idea of the value of a paper 
currency. At this time John Pratt was the constable, 
and Benjamin Bates was the town clerk. 

At the town-meeting held April, 1786, the vote for 
Governor stood : the Hon. John Hancock had twenty- 
seven, the Hon. James Bodwine had two. At a meeting 
held just previous to the preceding, it was voted to pay 
their representative the sum of four shillings per day 
out of the town treasury, and Capt. Benjamin Bates 
was chosen representative. 

The town was called together in the name of the 
commonwealth of Massachusetts on Monday, Feb. 5, 
1787,— 

"To Reade and hear the address of the General Courte lately pub- 
lished. To take into consideratioti the piesent calamities in this com- 
monwealth and to see if the town will petition the General Court to 
recall those troops under the command of General Lincoln, who have 
marched to the counties of Worcester and Hampshire, in order to pre- 



vent the further effusion of Blood and the calamity of a Domestic War, 
and also that the Honorable General Court Repeal the .\ct passed the 
last session suspending the Habeas Corpus act, or for the town to pass 
any vote or votes Relative to the before mentioned premises they may 
think proper." 

At this meeting it was voted '" not to read the 
address lately published by the General Court," and 
it was voted that a copy of the petition drawn up by 
Capt. Pratt be sent by the town clerk somewhere, 
probably to the General Court. At this time Jona- 
than Newcomb was town clerk, Elijah Dean and 
Jonathan Newcomb were the selectmen who signed 
the warrant, and William Copeland was the constable 
who served the warrant. 

At a meeting held on 5th November, 1787, it was 
voted " that the poor of the town shall be set up at 
publick vendue to them that will keep them the 
cheapest." At this time Thomas Skinner and Jona- 
than Williams were selectmen, and Stephen Bond 
constable, and Jonathan Newcomb town clerk. 

At the "Governor's meeting," in 1778, John Han- 
cock had forty-five votes, Elbridge Gary had forty- 
three votes, James Warren had one. 

One article in the warrant calling the meeting for 
September, 1783, is to "see if the town will vote to 
choose a committee to act with the committee chosen 
in other towns in this county for the puri)ose of peti- 
tioning to the General Court for the better regulating 
of fishing in Taunton Grove River, and Capt. John 
Pratt was duly chosen." 

At the December town meeting, 1788, for voting for 
representative to Congress, the district consisting of 
Bristol County, Dukes County, and Nantucket, the 
Hon. George Leonard, Esq., had twenty votes, the 
Hon. David Cobb had thirty-six. The vote for elec- 
tor stood : Elisha May had thirty-sis, Samuel Tobey 
had thirty-six. 

At a meeting held Sept. 29, 1789, it was voted, "To 
build a stone pound 30 feet square within the walls, 
six feet high, with a stick of Timber all Round said 
wall to a Dubble Wall three feet wide at the Botom 
and carried up the 6 feet in proportion." 

Extracts from the proceedings at the town meetings 
might be made to a great extent, which would prove 
of value and of much interest, but the limits allowed 
for this sketch will not permit it. 

Early Settlers.—" Very Worshipful Ephraira 
Leonard, Esq.," was probably the most distin- 
guished man who ever lived in Mansfield. His 
residence was in the house at East Mansfield, 
formerly owned by Mr. Calvin Thomas, now owned 
by George Thomas, located on the easterly side 
of the road, near Flint's saw-mill. The old house 
in its wide entry and staircase, in its high rooms, 
gives evidence of its former grandeur. He was ap- 
pointed judge of Court of Common Pleas in 1747, 
and was in office until after the Revolution. He 
was born Jan. 16, 1705-6. He was a leader in the 
town, a man of great energy ; held the confidence and 
esteem of his fellow-citizens; held the office of col- 



444 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



onel in the militia during the old French and Indian 
war. He was a man of eminent piety, and the 
wealtliie-st man in the region. His name is often 
found upon the old records of both town and parish. 
His grave, with those of three of his wives (he was 
married four times), are in the woods a short distance 
from his former residence ; the slate slabs indicating 
tlieir burial-places are flat upon the ground, and it is 
extremely difHcult to decipher any of the lettering 
upon them. There are evidences near these graves 
of other burials, but the stories of the men and women 
who found their last resting-place are only known to 
the Recording Angel, and probably their names will 
never more be mentioned upon earth. He had a son, 
Daniel, born May 18, 1740, graduated at Harvard 
University in 1760, at the age of twenty years. Studied 
law, and was a man of brilliant abilities. Became a 
Loyalist, and w.as appointed by Governor Hutchinson 
a mandamus counselor in 1774; practiced his profes- 
sion atXaunton Grove, but the honest yeomanry would 
not tolerate him. Left Taunton and went to Boston, 
thence to Halifax, thence to England, and was after- 
wards chief justice of Bermuda Islands. The house 
in which he lived still stands just north of the court- 
house in Taunton, and the marks of the bullets still 
remain to testify to the animosity which the people 
felt towards the sentiments he held. His personal 
popularity, however, was great. His father be- 
queathed to him a large portion of his estate, pro- 
vided he was allowed to return and enjoy it, and also 
be allowed the rights of citizenship; but if not, then 
to any of Daniel's children who should come to Amer- 
ica and become citizens. A son, Charles, did come, 
took possession of the property, entered Harvard 
College, but did not graduate ; was subsequently 
placed under guardianship, and was found dead May 
4, 1831, in the road near Burrowsville. 

Mr. Ephraim Leonard gave the land to the parish 
now used as a burying-ground at East Mansfield. 

John Caswell, Sr., settled at East Mansfield. His 
son John, Jr., lived near him. He was a lieutenant 
and ensign in " the King's service." He died 18th 
December, 1773. His wife died July 6, 17(59, in her 
eighty-first year. They had ten children. 

Benjamin Caswell and James Caswell, it is sup- 
posed, lived at East Mansfield. There is now no per- 
son in town bearing the name of Caswell. 

Seth Dorman settled in East Mansfield, and was 
one of the original members of the Norton Church. 

Joseph Elliot lived at East Mansfield. He died in 
1752. 

Thomas Brintnell, with his family, made a settle- 
ment in the northwesterly part of Mansfield, a few rods 
easterly of Wading Kiver, short distance from the 
lines of the two colonies, near the Obadiah Brintnell 
place. He built a rude shelter, partly of wood and 
partly of stone, wherein, with his two muskets, he felt 
safe against the unfriendly red men. He came from 
Boston. His descendants are numerous, some of which 



have resided in town continuously since the settlement 
by their ancestor. 

Samuel Buzby, who lived at East Mansfield, mar- 
ried, Aug. 28, 1711, Elizabeth Caswell. They had 
eight or nine children. 

Capt. Samuel Brintnell, son of Thomas and Esther, 
lives at his father's house. He was a man of note, 
and his voice was often heard in the discussion of 
parish and town affairs. He was often selectman, and 
was also representative to the General Court. He was 
married three times, and in his will names six chil- 
dren. 

Samuel Brintnell, Jr., son of Samuel, lives near 
the old homestead. He married twice and had three 
children. 

Thomas Grover, born March, 1668. He settled at 
AVest Mansfield. He built a house near the " Tobitt" 
place. Andrew, his brother, built a house where Mr. 
Sherman now lives, formerly occupied by Elder Chad- 
wick. Ephraim, another brother, built a house near 
what is now Mr. John Bailey's. He was a deacon of 
the church in North Precinct. 

John Hall lived near Cobbler's Corner, and at one 
time was interested in the grist-mill near the Corner. 
He had a brother Ebenezer. 

Ephraim Sheldon lived at West Mansfield a short 
time, then moved to Attleborough. 

Thomas Skinner .settled at West Mansfield. He 
was one of the original members of the North Church, 
and was the first schoolmaster who lived to be ninety 
years of age. 

John Skinner, brother of Thomas, lives at West 
Mansfield. 

Deacon Nicholas White built the old house now 
owned by Charles N. Hall, Esq., on the south side of 
Hall Street, until lately occupied by Mr. Hall. He 
was a very prominent man in town and ])arish affairs. 
He was one of the selectmen eleven years, member 
of General Court, and deacon of the church. A man 
of much importance, whose opinion was much relied 
upon by his neighbors both in town and parish meet- 
ings. He was buried upon his farm, near the resi- 
dence of Mr. Elkanah Hall. His grave, like the 
graves of many of the early settlers, it is now impos- 
sible to find. 

Marcus White lived near his brother. Deacon Nich- 
olas. 

Deacon Benjamin Williams lived where Charles 
Henry Williams now lives, from whom the last 
named descended. He was a man of great influence 
in town, and was often chosen to parish and town 
oflice, and was a man of good mind, careful judg- 
ment, and sound sense. 

Public Buildings. — The first meeting-house was 
never completed. In 1752 the freeholders voted to 
" the very worshipful Col. Ephraim Leonard, Esq., 
the privilege and liberty to build a pew in the 
meeting-house for the comfort and convenience of 
himself and family, to extend from the public stairs 



MANSFIELD. 



445 



half-way to the west wall of the said meeting-house." 
At the same meeting the privilege was given " to 
Lieut. Josiah Pratt to build a pew extending from 
the northeast corner of said meeting-house to the min- 
isterial pew, even to front with the same pew." In 
1752, Xathan Williams, " for locking and onlocking 
the meeting-house doors, and sweeping the meeting- 
house, was voted in lawful money, or rye at three 
shillings per bushel, or Indian corn at two shillings 
per bushel, the sum of six pounds." 

A part of this ministerial land w'as on "Dorches- 
ter plain, so called," and six acres of it was " near a 
lot of laud which Brian Hall owneth." It was 
granted by the proprietors of "Taunton North Pur- 
chase, for the maintenance of the congregational 
ministry." The land as granted was divided between 
Norton and Mansfield Jan. 9, 1778, Isaac Hodges, 
John King, and Seth Smith, acting for Norton; 
Benjamin White, Samuel Tillebrown, and Isaac Dean, 
for Mansfield. There was also another tract of min- 
isterial land in Taunton Cedar Swamp. 

" At a legal meeting liuKlen by the freeholders and others, inliabitants 
of Norton, North Prei;inct, at the public meeting-houae in said jirecinct, 
on Wednesday, ye 3Uth day of May, A.D. 1765. 

"Firstly, they made choice of Capt. William Dean for a moderator to 
carry on and manage said meeting. 

" Secondly, they voted to bnild a new meeting-house on the meeting- 
house lot, near where the meeting-house now stands. 

" Thirdly, they voted to liuild said house on the ground, sixty feet in 
length and forty-four feet wide. 

" Fourthly, they voted to begin to build said meeting-house in Octo- 
ber next. 

" Fiftlily, they voted to get the timber for the frame of said meeting- 
house on the mioisteiial lot. 

" Sixthly, the moderator with the vote of the assembly adjourned the 
meeting until the first Monday in October next ensuing, at one of tiie 
clock in the afternoon, and then they voted that said meeting-huuse 
should be in height in proportion with the length and breadth. 

" They voted to raise two hundred and fifty pounds to provide for the 
building of said house. 

"They voted that the walls of said house should be studded and 
boarded and shingled. 

"They voted that sum of two hundred and fifty pounds should be 
paid into the treasury on or before first day of September next en- 
suitig. 

"They made choice of Capt. William Dean, and Deacon Benjamin 
Skinner, Nathan Willianta, and Job Hodges for a committee to carry on~ 
and manage the building said meeting-house. The moderator with a 
vote of the assembly dismissed the meeting. 

"Recorded by me. 

" Benjamin Williams, Precinct Clerk.*- 

The bell in the meeting-house tower was presented 
to the town July 25, 1829, by Hon. Asa Clapp, and in 
a letter to Dr. Benjamin Billings of that date he says, 
" In consideration of your wishes and the early and 
sincere aftectiou I bear to my native town, I i)resent 
this bell to them in hope that it will tend to unite the 
good people more in one scheme of worshiping God. 
. . . The scheme is not of so much consequence to 
man as a willing mind and humble heart." 

The location of the second meeting-house has been 
changed since its erection, and it now stands on the 
west side of Union Street. The graveyard at the 
centre is, and the church formerly stood upon land set 
off by the original proprietors to be used as " buring 



field, hurrying and other public uses by the parish." 
The inevitable controversy arose in after -years 
whether this land belonged to the town or to the 
" old society." This gave rise to several law-suits and 
very much bad ieeling was being engendered, when 
the counsel employed by the town suggested to the 
counsel upon the other side an amicable settlement of 
the whole controversy. This was adopted, and the 
town voted to the society a sum of money which 
enabled them to purchase and remove the church to 
a suitable lot, upon which it now stands. It also 
made ample appropriation for the grading and fencing 
of the vacant lot as a common, and we have now a 
" breathing-place" in the centre of the town, which 
with its fast-growing maple-trees, its well-kept walks 
and green grass, will soon for beauty rival famous 
Taunton Green. 

During all the existence of the town it has held its 
meetings as a town in the meeting-house, latterly 
hiring the use of the same of the Unitarian society. 
Several years after the subject of a building for town 
and high school purposes, and a vote was passed to 
build one, but that vote was soon after, at a special 
meeting, reconsidered, and the matter has remained 
quiet up to the March meeting of 1882, when, as ap- 
pears from the following article from the Mansfield 
News of Feb. 16, 1883, it was voted to erect such a 
building. Too much credit and praise cannot be 
giveu to Rev. Jacob Ide for his indefatigable and per- 
sistent eflbrts in the interest of the town for the town- 
hall, and for every other enterprise and undertaking 
tending to advance the interest of the town as a cor- 
poration or of its citizens. 

Mansfield's New Town-House.— Mansfield is soon 
to dedicate her town-house, and for the information 
of our readers we purpose giving at this time a de- 
tailed description of the structure. , The need of a 
town-house has been felt and admitted by most of 
our citizens for some years past, and at different times 
projects have been entertained and considered for 
building. The matter took definite shape at the an- 
nual town-meeting in March last, when the committee, 
appointed at a preceding town-meeting, " to see about 
a location and plans for a building for a town hall, 
and for the High School," presented its report. At 
this meeting Rev. Jacob Ide read a letter from a 
former resident of the town, Mr. W. O. Grover, of 
Boston, who offered to give five thousand dollars to 
aid in building a town hall. The offer was at once 
accepted by the town, and it was also voted that the 
sum of ten thousand dollars be raised and appropri- 
ated for the object. The choice of location was 
divided between a piece of land on North Main 
Street, tendered by Mr. J. W. Rogers, and the 
" Heater piece" on West Street, owned by the town. 
From the first the " Heater piece" seemed to be the 
choice of the majority, and at an adjourned town- 
meeting in April following that location was adopted 
by the town. As its many advantages become more 



446 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and more apparent the choice gives general satisfac- 
tion. At this meeting several plans were exhibited 
by a committee appointed for that purpose. That 
submitted by Mr. John L. Faxon, of 7 Exchange 
Place, Boston, was recommended by the committee 
and adopted by the town. Mr. Faxon was employed 
as the architect, and to his taste and intelligent super- 
vision during the whole progress of the work are we 
indebted for the fine proportions and the thorough 
construction of the building now before us. The fol- 
lowing gentlemen were appointed a building com- 
mittee : Messrs. A. C. Hardon, E. M. Reed, and A. V. 
Rogerson. The contract for building was awarded to 
Messrs. S. M. and H. A. Chcsley, of Boston, for about 
thirteen thousand dollars, including everything above 
the granite wall ; no allowance, however, being made 
for gas-fixtures, frescoing, or clock. Ground was 
broken in July, and by the terms of the contract the 
building was to be finished Feb. 14, 1883. In spite 
of some vexatious delays this has been accomplished, 
and, except the grading and some minor matters, 
nothing now remains but to furnish the building. 

Let us take a look at the building as it stands com- 
pleted, first considering the outside. The designs 
were original with Mr. Faxon, wliile the style of ar- 
chitecture is colonial. The building is of wood, with 
a brick underpinning all around about three feet in 
height above the stone-work. The bricks are laid in 
black mortar, and a heavy granite base gives a sub- 
stantial finish to the whole. The rough-stone work, 
which can be seen from the cellar, is thorouglily done, 
and is the work of Mr. E. G. Miller, of this town. 
The front steps are of granite, with brick buttresses 
capped with granite, and the back steps, which are of 
hard pine, also have brick buttresses capped with 
granite. There is no outside door to the cellar, but a 
large bulkhead serves instead. The granite-work, 
which is among the finest jobs on the building, was 
laid by Mr. Stephen Blaisdell, of Foxborough. It is 
a matter for congratulation that Mansfield can boast 
so man}' good workmen, and that so large a part of 
the best work on this building was performed by our 
own mechanics. Prominent among these is Mr. 
George W. Keith, who was assisted by Mr. J. Har- 
kins, of Quincy, who did the brick-work and plaster- 
ing, and whose labor has been praised by natives and 
strangers alike who have seen it and are competent to 
judge of its excellence. 

The building is in the form of a cro.ss, this form 
admitting of a more pleasing architectural appear- 
ance than would have been the case with a plain 
rectangular edifice, and the transept affording needed 
room to the apartments in the lower story. The depth 
of the building from front to rear is ninety-seven feet ; 
the width of the main building is fifty feet, and the 
extreme width of the transept is sixty feet, which 
leaves a projection on either side of five feet. The 
height of the main walls of the buildings from bot- 
tom of sills to top of plate is thirty-four feet. It is 



fifty-eight feet from bottom of sills to top of ridge or 
saddle-boards, while from the top of the belfry or 
clock-tower to the bottom of sills is eighty feet, or 
eighty-four feet to the ground. The building is clap- 
boarded and finished with corner-boards. Instead of 
the old-fashioned water-table, a heavy moulded base 
caps the brick-work. Around the building, between 
the lower and upper stories, runs a moulded belt, 
which relieves any appearance of bareness which 
the plain clapboarding might convey. The frieze is 
divided off into short panels of diagonally-laid nar- 
row sheathing. The roof, which is shingled, is capped 
with an ornamental cresting, and with its valleys and 
hips presents a picturesque appearance. The clock- 
tower is finished in keeping with the rest of the build- 
ing, and is provided with a circular window on each 
of its four sides, which will give place to the dials 
whenever a clock may be put in. Glass slats are sub- 
stituted for wood or iron in order that the inside may 
be well lighted. The tower is surmounted by an 
octagonal dome of galvanized iron, and this in turn 
by a gilded metallic weather-vane. The front eleva- 
tion facing on the common, and the north side facing 
on West Street, are of course the most highly orna- 
mented. Over the front platform is a fine portico, 
supported by moulded columns, from which an ellip- 
tic arcli is sprung. On each front corner over the 
arch is the raised letter " M," inclosed in carved 
wreaths, while on either end, in raised figures, is the 
date of building, "1882." The portico is shingled 
to conform to the general appearance. There are no 
windows on the lower story front, but in their place, 
one on either side of the portico, are wide tablets or 
panels finished with ornamental architraves and pedi- 
ment caps. These tablets, which are now left blank, 
are to be inscribed at some future day. The main 
roof is relieved by a large jiediment or gable with or- 
namental verge-boards, which was designed to make 
room for a stained-glass window which lights the 
gallery. The groundwork for the face of this gable 
is of rough-cast stones and cement, and being painted 
in old gold, presents a pleasing appearance. The 
same effect is produced on the gables of the north and 
south sides, in the centre of which a large panel bears 
the words in large raised letters, "Mansfield Tov/n 
Hall." A striking feature on the sides are the cluster 
of windows in the lower story of the transept. They 
are what are called " triplets," and are crowned with 
a handsome elliptic arch, filled in with a large num- 
ber of small square lights. In the second story the 
triplets are finished with square heads, over which 
are stained -glass windows. The painting was awarded 
to Mr. M. H. Robinson, of Boston, and under the 
superintendence of the foreman, Mr. Charles Traverse, 
it has been most tastefully executed. The outside 
colors are four, — the groundwork or body is Venetian 
red, the main trimmings are a bronze green, the 
panels on the frieze and upper part of the building, 
together with the concrete-work before alluded to, are 



MANSFIELD. 



447 



in old gold, and the roof is painted a burnt sienna color 
with bronze green trimmings. In addition to these 
colors the rosettes, wreaths, letters, figures, and other 
ornaments are gilded. 

Without spending more time on the outside let us 
enter, for after all the inside is the essential part. 
Beginning at the cellar, we find this department well 
lighted and roomy, with a height of eight feet. Three 
Chilson furnaces here give heat to the building; 
ample coal-bins are provided; the gas-machine and 
gasoline will be located here. Numerous brick piers 
give evidence that the superstructure is well sup- 
ported. Cells or " lock-ups" are here noticeable for 
their absence, and may it be a long time before they 
are needed. Stairways lead to the floor above at both 
front and rear. Ascending the front one we find our- 
selves in the main vestibule. Entrance is made to 
this from the portico through double doors which 
swing out, seven feet wide and seven and one-half 
high, with stained-glass border lights on each side 
and on top. This story measures eleven feet high in 
the clear. The floors throughout the building are of 
hard pine, well laid, and the wood finish is white- 
wood, except the front stairways, which are of ash, 
and the rear one, which is of hard pine with ash 
trimmings. As we come into the vestibule, the first 
objects of attraction are the fine ash stairways on 
either side, which lead to the floor above. These are 
without exception the finest work in the building, 
with their scroll-work and hand-worked newel-posts. 
From the vestibule a wide entry-way leads to the dif- 
ferent rooms. Conspicuous on the right hand wall 
at the entrance is a large marble tablet, finished about 
with fluted columns, with capitals and a handsomely- 
carved cap and base. Chiseled into the stone is the 
following inscription, which is gilded : 

Mansfield Town Hall, 
Erected 1882. 



A. C. Haebon, 

E. M. Keed, 

A. V. KOGERSON, 

Buildiug Committee. 

S. M. it H. A. Chesley, 
Builders. 



John Lyman Faxon, 

Arcliitect. 

Immediately opposite is a small room, provided 
with desk, etc., and a window for taking or selling 
tickets. Beyond this is the school committee's room, 
and next a reception-room opening into the High 
School room. Opposite these rooms is the selectmen's 
room, with two anterooms, one of which is for a 
dressing-room, and the other one is designed for the 
fire-proof safe. At the end of the entry is the large 
High School room, which measures thirty-five feet 
six inches by forty-nine feet, occupying the full width 
of the building. Leading out of the school-room to- 
wards the rear are wardrobes on either side, while a 



door in the middle opens into the back entry. This 
back entrance will be used by the scholars from dav 
to day, and will be the common entrance, tlius saving 
the main front entrance. The school-room is sheathed 
to the height of three feet, has a base, and the sheath- 
ing is capped with a hollow moulding to hold chalk, 
as a continuous line of blackboard runs around the 
room, which is well lighted. A small platform has 
been provided for the teacher, and " Paragon" desks, 
said to be the best in use, will be put in for the use of 
the scholars. Ascending the front stairs, a fine lobby 
is reached, from which on either side a flight of stairs 
leads to the gallery. At the back of this gallery is 
the stained-glass window already mentioned. The 
floor rises in steps from front to rear, that all may 
have an equally good chance to view the stage. From 
the lobby a double set of doors, swinging both ways, 
open into the large hall, which, with the gallery, has 
a seating capacity of seven hundred and fifty. The 
height of this hall is twenty-one feet six inches. The 
size of the hall is sixty-three feet four inches in depth, 
and fifty feet in width, while at the transept it is sixty 
feet wide. The gallery is twenty -one by fifty feet, and 
the stage is eighteen by twenty-four feet. On either 
side of the stage is a dressing-room, each of which 
opens into the stage, into the hall, and into the rear 
entry, from which descends a flight of stairs to the lower 
rear entry. In one of these rooms a place is provided 
for turning on and turning off the gas, while a small 
sliding panel in the wall enables the janitor to see at 
once the effect of his efforts in this direction. The 
stage descends from rear to front, and a narrow sunken 
channel at the front edge affords opportunity for foot- 
lights. The front is circular, and is handsomely pan- 
eled and moulded. The two large centre panels can 
be pulled out, affording opportunity to store away a 
large amount of scenery, etc., under the stage. The 
stage is framed with an elaborately ornate elliptical 
proscenium arch and supporting columns, the key- 
stone of which is a female head, representing "The 
Fair Maid of Mansfield." This is set off by branches 
of oak, the whole forming a novel and pleasing de- 
sign. The front of the gallery is sheathed diagonally, 
and the whole hall sheathed vertically to the height 
of three feet, with a moulded base besides. The win- 
dows are of plate-glass, and are " twin windows," ex- 
cept in each end of the tran.sept, in which are the 
" triplets," over which are the stained-glass windows. 
Over each window is a small sliding ventilator, which 
is easily opened or shut, afibrding at any time a cur- 
rent of pure air without opening the windows, while 
the impure air is carried oft' through four large circu- 
lar ventilators in the ceiling of the hall. The large 
hard-pine trusses are left exposed and given two coats 
of oil, which shows the fine natural grain to advantage 
and the iron-work is painted red. These trusses are 
supported at each end by a heavy hard-pine bracket, 
on each side of which is a conventional sunflower. 
The windows and doors are finished throughout with 



448 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



moulded architraves, and the doors, which are of white- 
wood, are supplied with bronze trimmings. Through- 
out the inside of the building the painters have given 
the wood-work a "dead" or "wax" finish of three 
coats, which is afterwards rubbed with pumice-stone 
and oil, making it very smooth. The building is 
piped for gas throughout, and is warmed with furnace 
heat. The plaster is skimmed throughout, except in 
the hall, where it is prepared rough for frescoing. 
Over the stage is an aperture, through which by means 
of a ladder admission is had to the garret, where can 
be seen the thorough manner in which the roof is 
built and covered with matched boards. Much credit 
is due Mr. James B. Henry, the foreman on the job, 
for the thoroughness and skill displayed in the prose- 
cution of the work. A fine clock, which will soon be 
put into the tower, is the gift of Thomas H. Wood, 
Esq., of New York, whose wife is a native of this 
town. As there is at present no town clock in our 
village, this gift will be highly appreciated by our 
citizens. A five-hundred-pound bell has been pur- 
chased to ring out the hours. The contract to furnish 
the gas-fixtures has been awarded to the firm of Shreve, 
Crump & Lowe, of Boston. The school furniture and 
the settees for the large hall have been purchased, 
and work will soon begin upon the frescoing. Last, 
but not least, we feel safe in saying that the generosity 
of W. O. Grover, Esq., will not soon be forgotten, 
for his munificent gift set the ball of improvement to 
rolling. 

The first moneyed institution in Mansfield was or- 
ganized the present year (1883), under the name of 
the Mansfield Co-operative Saving Fund and Loan 
Association, the ofiicers of which are as follows : 
President, Charles A. McAlpine; Vice-President, 
David E. Harding ; Secretary, Alfred B. Day ; Treas- 
urer, James E. White ; Directors, D. S. Spauldiug, 
John Birkenhead, A. W. Cobb, Howard Perkins, F. 
Wl Shepard, L. R. King, W. B. Rogerson, John 
Somers, S. C. Lovell, George L. Foster, S. A. Green, 
William C. Winter, F. L. Cady, William White; 
Auditors, A. V. Rogerson, F. W. Spaulding, C. T. 
Borden. 

Iron and Coal. — In the early history of the town 
iron ore was dug in considerable amounts from cer- 
tain localities in East Mansfield, and the excavations 
are now to be seen. That there is a large amount of 
ore in the soil of the town there is no doubt, but it 
probably cannot for years, if ever, be profitably taken 
therefrom. Much has been done in the coal business. 
Several corporations have been formed for the pur- 
pose of seeking for coal in this town, and at one time, 
about thirty years ago, under the superintendence of 
B. F. Sawyer, Esq., who is now a lawyer in New 
York, and was lately mayor of Jersey City, N. J., a 
large sum of money was expended in sinking a shaft 
at West Mansfield. Coal was found, but not in suffi- 
cient quantities and of good quality enough to en- 
courage the stockholders, and the money being ex- 



hausted, operations ceased, though it was the opinion 

of eminent geologists that had the shaft been sunk 
deeper (.as it was only sunk about sixty feet) coal in 
paying quantities and of good quality would be found. 
A shaft was also sunk to the depth of about forty feet 
in the rear of Mr. E. B. Goodwin's present residence, 
but with the same result. Several years ago the land- 
owners in theCopeland and Fisher neighborhood held 
several meetings in school-house of District No. 3, to 
discuss the feasibility of drilling for coal, but the pro- 
ject was abandoned as likely to prove expensive and 
profitless. 

Tasker Bryant, Esq., was a leading mover in the 
coal business at the start. He took up his residence 
here, and was well acquainted with mining operations 
in Pennsylvania. He is still alive, and has never 
abandoned the hope and belief that at some time coal 
would be mined here in large quantities, with profit 
to the operators. Mr. Bryant has been one of the 
most active of citizens in all town affairs, and orig- 
inated the " free school" movement of twenty years 
ago. The agitation of coal-mining here has again 
commenced, as will be seen from the following article 
taken from the Boston Journal of Feb. 23, 1883, and it 
is hoped for the benefit of all that the efforts of the 
new projectors may be successful : 

The Mansfield Coal-Mines.— The excitement 
over the reported discovery of coal in Mansfield has 
increased, and steps are being taken to have the dis- 
trict thoroughly prospected. Professor Shaler, of 
Harvard College, is one of the most prominent men 
connected with the enterprise. One thousand acres 
of land owned by Messrs. Edmund Briggs, John 
Bailey, George E. Bailey, Hugh Smith, George C. 
Sherman and others have been leased on these condi- 
tions : They shall have the right to prospect for three 
years, paying twenty-five cents per acre for acreage; 
at the end of that time if coal is found in sufficient 
quantities to work, the company shall pay fifty cents 
per acre, and shall pay ten cents per ton for all coal 
mined. The lease runs for ninety-nine years. 

Mining experts from England have examined the 
land and say that there is a rich deposit of coal. Three 
times within the last half-century attempts have been 
made to mine the coal, but each one has failed. The 
coal near the surface contains so much slate that it is 
not worth mining. After reaching this stratum the 
claim was abandoned. The projectors of the present 
movement propose to go below this layer, and expect 
to reach a large vein of good coal. It is claimed that 
this is a continuation of the vein which is now being 
profitably worked in Rhode Iskmd. Geologists have 
for years known that coal could be found in this 
vicinity. In the geological survey of Massachusetts, 
made by Dr. Hitchcock, of Amherst College, about 
forty years ago, he stated th^t coal measures existed 
in Mansfield, and predicted that in the near future, 
when other fuel would command high prices, this 
coal would be used. Its quality is not thought to be 



MANSFIELD. 



449 



of the finest, but it is believed that the mine can be 
worlced to advantage. Boring will at once be begun, 
and the actual value of the coal will soon be learned. 
Cattle Marks. — To distinguish one man's sheep 
and cattle from another's, each owner adopted some 
peculiar mark, a description of which was recorded by 
the town clerk upon the town books. 

"The mark of Mr. James Gilbert's creatures is a square crop off tlie 
eud of tlie right ear- Recorded May 18, 1779, by Benjamin Bates, town 
lerk." 

" Tlie mark of Jesse Hodges' creatures is a crop off the left ear. Re- 
corded June 6, 1789, by Benjurain Bates, town clerk." 

" The mark of Elias White's sheep is a square piece cut out of tlie 
underside of the left ear. Entered July 17, 1790. Benjamin Bates, 
clerk." 

" The mark of Mr. Elkanah Bates' creatures is a crop off the left ear 
and a !.lit in the same. 

" Recorded June the 1st, 1804, by Isaac Skinner, town clerk." 

"The Rev. Rolaud Green's mark for all his creatures one halfpenny 
cut out of the upper and under side of the Rite Ear, and a crop off from 
the eud of the same ear, and a slit in the end of the left ear. 

" Recorded April the 8th, 1771, by me, Isaac Dean, district clerk." 

" Wolley Soullard's mark for his creatures is the top cut off the left 
ear, and two sclits in the top of the came ear. 

" Recorded 3d February, 1772." 

"The mark for Dr. Daniel Parker's creatures is a square crop off of 
the left ear, and a sclit in the ends of both ears. 

"Entered Aug. 10, 1778." 

" The maik for Micah Allen's creatures is the end of each ear in the 
form of the letter W. 

" Entered December y 23d, 1778." 

"The marks for Thomas Grover's creatures is a Slanting crop off" of 
the upper side of the left ear, and a sclit in the end of the same. 

" Entered 27th April, 1778." 

" The artificial mark for Calvin "Wheatou's creatures is a slanting 
sclit in the under aide of the right ear, upwards. 

" Entered this first day April, A.D. 1794*. Isaac Dean, town clerk." 

" The mark for Isaac Steam's creatures is a crop off of the top of the 
left ear, and a halfpenny out of the upper side of the same. 

" Recorded tho 4th day of December, 1800, by me, Isaac Dean, town 
clerk." 

" The artificial mark for ApoUas Frances' creatures is a half crop off 
the under side of the right ear, and a hole through the left ear. 

" Recorded the 8th day of August, a.d. 1801, by me, Isaac Dean, town 
clerk."* 

"Sarah Wellman's artificial mark for her creatures is a crop off of 
the left ear and a slit in the same, and a hole through the right ear. 

" Recorded Sept. 21, 1S02, by me, Isaac Dean, town clerk." 

Lawyers. — Ephraim Leonard, Esq., Dr. George 
Wheaton, Isaac Dean (the old town clerk), Benjamin 
White (the selectman), were all men of learning and 
sound judgment, and what legal business our fathers 
wanted doubtless was by these gentlemen performed 
acceptably by them for years, and the first lawyer 
who settled here was David Gilbert, Esq., who lived 
in the house on South Main Street next south of 
James L. Hodges' residence, was town clerk, and had 
at one time a large practice, and I am told by the 
Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough, who knew him, 
that he was a clear-headed and safe lawyer. His con- 
versational powers were good, and no doubt he took 
well his part in the pure wit and satire of the law- 
yers of other days as they gathered around the fire- 
place in the old Cohannet tavern at Taunton during 
the evenings of the court days. Mr. Gilbert married, 
Feb. 17, 1800, Deborah, daughter of Rev. Roland 
Green, and they had seCen children, — Henry Hamil- 
29 



ton, Gustavus, Hannah Grover, David Humphrey, 
William Augustus, Deborah Mariah, and Sophia 
Maria. The last child was born July 30, 1812, and 
lived in this town up to her death, which occurred a 
short time since. 

Mr. Gilbert was town treasurer many years, and 
held many ofiices of trust and importance in town 
and parish affairs. He died suddenly in 1842. 

Hon. Horatio Pratt commenced practice in this 
town about 1830. His office was near where Bessom's 
store now stands, but soon removed to Taunton, 
where for many years he had a large and lucrative 
practice. He retired from practice in 185.5, which he 
told the writer of this was the greatest mistake of his 
life. He was exceedingly frail in appearance, and hi^ 
health was always very poor, but he had a clear 
mind, and was called one of the sharpest of lawyers. 
He was collector of the port of Dighton under Gen. 
Jackson, which office he resigned, as it was required 
of him to move to Fall River; was at one time dis- 
trict attorney, a master in chancery, and was a mem- 
ber of the Massachusetts Senate three years. He was 
the son of Solomon, the prominent manufacturer, 
and he died at Taunton in 1872, leaving a widow and 
several children. 

An old gentleman from Maine named Warren, and 
a descendant of Gen. Warren, alternated between 
here and Foxborough for a short time previous to 
1855. He was an old-fashioned, courtly gentleman, 
and a well-read lawyer, and in the olden time a 
prominent school-master. During the rebellion he 
went South and resided with a son, after which he 
returned, and a short time since died in Wrentham. 

Erastus M. Reed, born July 28, 1832, at Taunton, 
studied law in the office of Bassett & Reed in that 
town (now city), was admitted to practice at the April 
term of the Supreme Judicial Court 1856, commenced 
practice in Mansfield May 13, 1856, was appointed 
trial justice 1858, and held the appointment until 
1873, when the First District Court of Bristol County 
was erected, and he was appointed special justice of 
said court, and holds daily at Attleborough a session 
of said court; was a member of the Legislature in 
1866-67. He has served many years as town clerk, 
and as one of the school committee. He married 
Aug. 21, 1857, Sarah J. Crockette, of Middletown, 
Conn., had one child. Bertha H., born March 10, 
1867. 

William A. Copeland, Esq., son of Almond and 
Elizabeth, born 1855; graduated at Amherst, 1877; 
was admitted to practice in 1880 ; opened an office 
here and also in Boston at about the same time ; is 
now a member of the Legislature (1883) and also of 
the school committee ; is grandson of Elijah Cope- 
land, Sr., who was a large farmer and owned and 
worked a large farm in the southerly part of the 
town ; upon mother's side his grandfather was Dea- 
con Otis Allen. 

Thomas E. Grover, Esq., a son of Thomas the 



450 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Friend, was here during 1866 or 1867 ; then removed 
to Canton, where he now resides ; has been trial jus- 
tice and notary public for many years. 

Dr. Samuel Caswell, a " Practitioner of Physick," 
was born Oct. 6, 1695, settled within the present 
limits of Mansfield, near Benjamin E. Sweet's present 
residence ; died about the year 1747. 

Dr. Nicholas White was born 1705 ; alternated be- 
tween the north precinct (Mansfield) and south pre- 
cinct (Norton) ; died in the north precinct June 21, 
1751. 

Dr. Lewis Sweeting migrated between Mansfield 
and Norton ; was one the committee of correspondence 
and safety in Mansfield in 1776. He married Abiah 
Cobb, by whom he had ten cliildren, and he must have 
had a large practice to have kept his own family well. 

Dr. George Wheaton was born Aug. 18,1728; he 
bought the place previously owned by Dr. Caswell. 
After the incorporation of Mansfield he removed to 
Norton; he was prominent in town aflairs while he 
resided here. 

Dr. Jonathan Pratt was born Oct. 17, 1729 ; he 
lived southeast from the centre ; died Oct. 13, 1771. 

Dr. Daniel Parker was here in 1777 ; his name is 
found in the parish records. 

Dr. Hezekiah Skinner owned and lived for many 
years in the dwelling-house at West Mansfield in 
which Mr. Brayton Sherman now lives. He had a 
large practice, and had the reputation of being skill- 
ful in his profession. He died Aug. 24, 1848. 

Dr. Roland Green, son of the second minister, in 
early life settled here, built and lived in the house 
now occupied by Dr. Carpenter in West Street. He 
had a large practice at one time. Dr. Charles Talbot, 
afterwards the well-known Dighton physician, lived 
and studied with Dr. Green. Dr. Green married 
Hannah Talbot. They had no children. He died 
Oct. 1, 1841, aged seventy-five years. 

Dr. Benjamin Billings built and lived in the house 
now occupied by S. C. Lovell. He married, Dec. 7, 
7, 1780, Sibell Dean. They had children as follows: 
Fanny D., Ferdinand, Benjamin, and Sibel E. He 
had a large practice and much influence in town and 
parish. His eldest daughter married Rev. Mr. Briggs. 
He had a jovial, kindly disposition, and fought dis- 
ease cheerfully and hopefully and successfully. He' 
died Oct. 9, 1842, aged eighty-two years. 

Dr. William G. Allen, born in Rehoboth Dec. 16, 
1833, married Martha M. Matherson, of Pawtucket. 
He graduated at the Albany Medical School, studied 
in the oiBce of Dr. Miller, of Providence, settled here 
in 1857, and has continued here ever since. Have 
had one child, William Howard, born in February, 
1868. 

Dr. Frederick L. Perry, son of Dr. William F. 
Perry, at his iiither's decease took his practice, and 
lives in house upon south side of West Street, near 
his late father's residence. 

Dr. John B. Wilson, born in Easton Oct. 19, 1837, 



married Susan, daughter of Jephtha Buck, of Easton ; 
commenced practice there in 1857, removed to this 
place in 1870, and has ever since resided here; and 
children have been born to them as follows : Brad- 
ford W., born February, 1860 ; Eugene, born in 1865; 
Ida, born in 1869; Willimena, born in 1874; EfBeJ., 
born in 1881. 

Dr. Charles Young was here during the years 1875 
and 1876. He removed to Stoughton, where he now 
is. 

Dr. Sanford was here a short time about 1880. 

Masons. — Saint James' Lodge of Masons was char- 
tered March 9, a.d. 1865. The charter members were 
William G. Allen, William B.Bates, William Graves, 
Daniel W. Stevens, E. M. Reed, Ellis Fairbanks, 
Charles M. Dean, William N. Hamblet, Simeon J. 
Clark, Charles Hcllitt. JohnRogers, Ziiclieus Fletclur. 

Biographical Sketches. — Deacon Otis Allen, for 
many years one of the deacons of the Orthodo.'c Con- 
gregational Society, clerk in the cotton mills, a man 
much given to the preservation of the deeds of mar- 
riages, births, and deaths, a God-fearing, holy man, 
lived for many years in the house now occupied by 
his son, Lloyd A. Allen. He lived a peaceful, natural 
life, and died regretted and mourned by all who 
knew him, at the advanced age of ninety years and 
five months, Aug. 30, 1874. He was a constant at- 
tendant at church, and a great help and support to 
his pastors, the Rev. Mr. Blake and Rev. Mr. Ide. 

Charles Day, for many years deputy sheriff', col- 
lector of taxes, constable, etc., was at one time in 
business at East Mansfield. During the " abolition" 
period he was one of the first to announce his oppo- 
sstion to slavery, and his house was a sort of a station 
of the " Underground Railroad," where fugitives 
could find a warm friend and a hospitable roof. At one 
time Frederick Douglass rested at his house. Capt. 
Day was a conscientious member of the Orthodox 
Congregational Society. At the time of his death he 
lived in a house erected by his children on the south 
side of Park Street. During the Garfield and Arthur 
campaign, Capt. Day appeared in the uniform of the 
Garfield Club of this town, and marched with it 
whenever it paraded. A photograph of him in his 
uniform was sent to President Garfield, which the 
President acknowledged, and sent to Mr. Day a 
photograph of himself. Mr. Day died Nov. 19, 1881, 
aged eighty-five years. 

Edward Kingman, Esq., at one time a prominent 
citizen, was representative to General Court and se- 
lectman, justice of the peace, etc. Formerly kept the 
" Old Lamb Tavern" in Boston, a most noted hotel. 
Afterwards kept hotel in Baltimore; was a member of 
the Columbia Lodge of Masons of Boston, was in the 
grocery business here, and died April 9, 1871. He 
had a kind, generous disposition, was very emphatic 
at times in expression of opinions. At one time a 
rum case was being tried before him, and the counsel 
for the prisoner was pleading for mild treatment, upon 



MANSFIELD. 



451 



the assurance that the prisoner would quit the busi- 
ness. The squire turned to him and said that he 
would let him off easy this time, but he must quit rum- 
selling d — d quick. 

Elijah Hodges, Esq., a prominent politician, early 
espousing the principles of the Democratic party, and 
clinging to them with great tenacity to the time of his 
death. He was a man of good judgment, a most fluent 
conversationalist, and his wife told the writer that her 
husband never would go to a "sewing circle," because 
the women wanted to do all the talking. He was 
justice of the peace many years, at one time clerk in 
Pratt's store, did something in straw business, held 
many public oiEces, was a prominent and active mem- 
ber of the Unitarian Society, a pleasant and accom- 
modating neighbor, was for many years unable to do 
any business by reason of ill liealth, built and lived 
for many years in the house on the east side of South 
Main Street, now occupied by Alfred Grover. He 
died Dec. 16, 1871, aged eighty-two years. 

Jacob Dean lived in the house north of Lloyd A. 
Allen's house, now owned by Mr. Chase. He was a 
farmer and owned a large tract of land. He early 
gave attention to cultivation of apples, of which he 
raised a large variety, sending some years to the 
annual cattle show at Taunton, in which he took a 
deep interest, one hundred and sixteen varieties. He 
was a quiet, modest man, a good citizen, a man of 
more than ordinary intelligence. He died July 15, 
1871, aged ninety years and seven months. 

William Reed Dean, son of Jacob, a distinguished 
antiquarian, published several genealogical works. 
Died at his father's house, June 16, 1871, aged sixty- 
one years and ten months. 

Darwin Dean, Esq., for many years justice of the 
peace, settled a large number of estates, was select- 
man, member of the "Old Society," a farmer, and 
lived near Jacob Dean. Was a man often consulted 
by the townspeople, of good judgment, died Nov. 8, 
1882, aged seventy-seven years, leaving a daughter, 
who married Walter L. White. They live upon the 
old place. In ancient deeds the street running by 
his late residence is called " the road leading from 
Taunton to Mansfield." 

Ebenezer Williams, a large land-owner, prominent 
in town and parish matters, a conscientious, upright 
man, lived in the house on th« west side of North 
Main Street, now owned by his son, Charles P. Wil- 
liams. He died Nov. 7, 1851, aged seventy-five years 
and nine months. 

Hon. John Rogers, in early life, started in a small 
way the collection of straw braid from the women of this 
and the surrounding towns ; afterwards commenced 
the manufacture of straw goods, in which he was very 
successful, the business rapidly increasing until it 
gave employment to a large number, both male and 
female. He built the sho]) upon the south side of 
Park Street, and the house upon the east side South 
Main Street, both of which are now occupied by his 



son. He was much interested in politics, formerly a 
Democrat, afterwards a prominent member of the 
"Know-Nothing" or American movement, then join- 
ing the Republican party, of which he was an active 
member to the time of his death. He was a member 
of the Constitutional State Convention, represented 
this town in the Legislature, and this senatorial dis- 
trict in the Massachusetts Senate. He was a leader 
in politics, much interested in all political conven- 
tions; a successful business man, one who gave lib- 
erally to all worthy objects; a prominent member of 
the orthodox Congregational Society, and presented 
that society with the organ now in their church, as 
well as the bell now in the tower of the 8am6 church. 
He was a kind and pleasant neighbor, a good citizen, 
and an honest and upright man. He died March 31, 
1873, aged sixty-six years and four months, leaving 
three children, — Ellen M., wife of Rev. Jacob Ide; 
Frances E., wife of Daniel E. Harding; and John W., 
who is now, with a partner, engaged in the straw 
business in the shop his father built. 

William B. Bates, Esq., son of the prominent man- 
ufacturer, Maj. Elkanah Bates, held the offices 6f 
town clerk, selectman, representative to the Legisla- 
ture, trial justice, justice of the peace, postmaster, 
etc. No man ever lived in Mansfield in whom more 
people had confidence than in Mr. Bates. He was 
administrator, executor, referee, guardian, and trustee 
in very many estates, managed his own business well, 
and managed other people's affairs just as well ; was 
the " right-hand man" of his pastors, Rev. Mr. Blake 
and Rev. Mr. Ide ; contributed largely in behalf of 
every worthy object; was a charter member of St. 
James Lodge of Masons, and an officer of it for many 
years; was a kind, sociable, pleasant, and accommo- 
dating neighbor, prominent in the temperance move- 
ment, a member of the Republican party from its 
birth; erected and lived in the house now occupied 
by his son-in-law, George H. Hallett, on the east side 
North Main Street. Died June 10, 1880, aged sixty- 
nine years and eleven months, leaving two children, 
— Alfred W., in business in New York, and Marrigen 
H., who married Mr. Hallett. 

Benjamin Bates, formerly a well-known Boston 
banker, and founder of Bates' College, of Maine, 
l)rother of William B., died a short time previous to 
the death of William B. 

Elkanah Bates, another brother, was at one time in 
business in Boston, from which he withdrew many 
years before his death, and spent the winters in Boston, 
but a portion of every summer he spent here with his 
brother. He died a short time after his brother, Wil- 
liam B., in Boston. The three brothers all died sud- 
denly of heart-disease. 

James Green was one of the most active and influ- 
ential members of the " old society." For manv 
years, up to his death, was station agent in the em- 
ploy of the Boston and Providence and Taunton 
Branch Railroads. He was the son of Simeon Green 



452 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and grandson of Roland Green, the second settled 
minister of the town. He was a large land-owner. 
His funeral sermon, which was published, was 
preached by his pastor. Rev. Daniel W. Stevens. 
He died Oct. 6, 1869; his age was fifty-two years and 
eleven months. 

Capt. Ellis Fairbanks, at one time captain of a 
military company, a charter member of St. James 
Lodge of Masons, for many years secretary of the 
lodge, prominent member of the " old society," died 
Oct. 27, 1871, aged seventy-one years. 

Elijah Copeland, one of the largest farmers, owning 
many acres in the south part of the town. His old 
house stood on the present site of the residence of his 
sons. He subsequently built the Copeland House, a 
little south of the old house. He was very successful 
in his business. A quiet, modest man, never took an 
active part in any public meetings: a constant at- 
tendant upon divine worship, was reckoned as the 
"salt of the earth" by his pastors, Rev. Mr. Blake 
and Rev. Mr. Ide. He died Aug. 3, 1872, aged eighty- 
seven years and four months, leaving two sons, Elijah, 
Who now works a portion of the old farm, and Al- 
mond, who has died since his father did, and several 
daughters. 

Elbridge Sweet lived at West Mansfield, was a 
farmer and mill-owner, doing a large business in his 
grist- and saw-mill. He was many years one of the 
selectmen of the town, a man of good judgment, 
honorable in his dealings, a deacon in the Christian 
Baptist Society; died Feb. 2, 1876, aged sisty-four 
years, five months. 

Isaac Skinner, a man with a great fund of histori- 
cal matter and deeds relating to the early history of 
the town and to the individuals who up to his death 
had lived here, a prominent and active member of the 
Orthodox Congregational Society, very modest and 
retiring; of far more than ordinary intelligence; 
great student of the Bible, which he, though never 
having more than ordinary school advantages, was 
able to read in its original language; upright and 
honorable in all business transactions. He died 
April 19, 1873, aged seventy-nine years, six months. 

Gardner Chillson started a furnace here in 1852 for 
the manufacture of his own furnaces, stoves, and 
ranges, with salesroom in Boston. He was an active 
member of the Baptist Church, was previous to his 
removina; here a representative to the General Court 
from Boston, was a liberal contributor to religious 
charities, and left the bulk of his large estate to the 
several Baptist missionary organizations. He died 
Nov. 21, 1877. 

Rev. John Blain, a Baptist clergyman, and once 
settled over the Baptist society, afterwards gave his 
time to the work of an evangelist, in which he was 
very successful. He was for many years without a 
settlement ; built the house now owned by S. W. 
Cord; died here Dec. 26, 1879, aged eighty-four 
years and ten months. He was "tall of stature," of 



robust health, and never took a vacation during his 
j life. He made large donations for missionary pur- 
poses, and left the greater part of his property at his 
j death to such uses. 

Business. — For a town so well located, with its 
railroad facilities and its proximity to the trade cen- 
tres, Mansfield has not had its just share of mercan- 
tile interests. This may be attributable to several 
causes, the principal of which is. perhaps the value 
set upon valuable land by its owners. Thirty-five 
years ago a scheme was devised to sell nearly all the 
lands in the immediate vicinity of the depot at a 
large price. The whole area was laid out (upon 
paper) into house-lots, streets, and parks, and ficti- 
tious and exorbitant prices set upon the lots. The 
scheme failed for the want of purchasers, but the 
prices then asked clung to the land like an incum- 
brance, and have proved something more than a 
" shadow," but owners of land are now offering it in 
favorable localities at reasonable prices. 

Very prominent among the business men of the 
town stands the name of Solomon Pratt, who com- 
menced business in the early part of the present 
century, at the age of twenty years. He was a man 
of very large business capacity, owned largely of real 
estate, and was in his day the most active and indus- 
trious man in the town. He opened a general store 
in a building which stood where Borden's drug-store 
now stands, which was afterwards moved to Sodem, 
and now stands near BIr. Cabot's factory and is a 
part of his estate. He built the building for a store 
after the removal of the old one, which now is owned 
by William C. Bessom, and stands at the corner of 
South Main Street and Webb Place. Mr. Pratt 
opened the first store in the Centre village, and it 
was the favorite resort for all the local politicians 
and theologians. The hall overhead, on the after- 
noon of the election, was resorted to by the voters, 
who were treated by the successful candidate. 

Mr. Pratt was engaged in the iron business, — that is, 
he delivered the iron to different persons who took it 
home and worked it by hand into nails, and returned 
the nails to him ; in the straw business, buying straw 
braid from all the women within thirty miles, which 
he had sewed into bonnets. At one time braid ac- 
cumulated to such an amount that he manufac- 
tured fifteen thousand bonnets from the amount on 
hand, and it was said by his clerk, Elijah Hodges, 
that there was a profit of two dollars on each bonnet. 

In 1811 was built the Middle Factory, by a corpo- 
ration of which Mr. Pratt was an active member, for 
the manufacture of woolen goods, which was success- 
fully operated until by some mismanagement on the 
part of the agent, and the corporation was sold to 
Mr. Pratt, who assumed the entire business, assisted 
by his sons Charles and Harrison. In 1830 the mill 
was burned, with six thousand dollars' worth of 
stock therein. Upon neither stock nor mill was there 
anv insurance. This financial loss would have dis- 



,tJ 



6^^' 



.^ 



MANSFIELD. 



453 



couraged many men, but Mr. Pratt, full of resolu- 
tion and pluck, rebuilt at once the mill, filled it with 
machinery from Cracken & Richmonds, of Taunton, 
and the year the factory was completed it made 
money enough for its owner to pay the cost of both 
factory and machinery. 

He was also a partner of Elkanah Bates, another 
of Mansfield's eminent men, and together they op- 
erated the factory known as the "Knife Shop." After 
the death of Mr. Bates, Mr. Pratt bought his interest 
and ran the mill alone. He was also owner in the 
mill at East Mansfield owned by a manufacturing 
corporation composed mostly of Boston parties; had 
a large farm which he supervised. In person he was 
tall and commanding; in conversation dictatorial; 
held many ofllces in town, and represented the town 
in the Legislature. He died in April, 1848, aged 
seventy years. 

About the year 1857 the matter of building a fac- 
tory, to be used for the manufacture of jewelry, was 
discussed among the citizens, and there was formed 
an association, and the jewelry-shop, corner of North 
Main and Pratt Streets, was built by this association, 
and soon after its completion it was let to the Sturdy 
Brothers, of Attleborough, who came here and com- 
menced operations, and did a large and profitable 
business for several years. The investment in the 
building did not prove a success to the stockholders, 
and they were anxious to dispose of the property, and 
it was sold to Merritt & Draper, who were manufac- 
turing in Attleborough, but came here and commenced 
the making of shell jewelry (made from tortoise shell), 
and manufactured it in large quantities, and were 
very successful. Subsequently Mr. Merritt with- 
drew and formed a partnership with John Shepard- 
son, and they, in the upper part of the shop, began 
making a general line of goods, plated and solid, 
silver and gold. They continued in the business 
several years, when they, much to the regret of the 
citizens, moved their business to Attleborough. Mr. 
Draper took in as partner D. S. Spaulding, and they 
continued the shell business for a number of years, 
when Mr. Draper withdrew and left the whole busi- 
ness to Mr. Spaulding, who has continued it ever 
since. The business has all the time been steadily 
increasing. Mr. Spaulding united the making of 
chain and other jewelry from gold plate and coin to 
his shell business, and it now requires the whole shop 
with a large addition, which has the present year 
been built, to do the business in giving employment 
to one hundred and twenty-five hands. Mr. Spauld- 
ing has an agency in New York city, and runs an 
extensive jewelry store in the City of Mexico. He is 
a live business man, and we feel certain that as long 
as any jewelry business is done anywhere, and Mr. 
Spaulding lives, it will be done in Mansfield. Mr. 
Spaulding has associated with him as special part- 
ner Mr. Charles P. Williams, an old citizen of the 
place. 



In 1863, Francis G. Hodges, of Attleborough, com- 
menced the making of bracelets in a corner of Henry 
W. ftttyraan's barn, located in the rear of his dwell- 
ing-house upon North Main Street. His beginnings 
were very small, and the power he used was literally 
/wrse-power. He made haste slowly for a year or 
two. In the mean time had seen some specimens of 
horn jewelry, and went to work getting out samples 
made from cattle horn, and after completion started 
for the New York market with his little sample case 
containing them, and was the first man who ever ex- 
hibited samples of horn jewelry. He subsequently 
formed a partnership with Mr. Benjamin Frank 
Shaw, who was then in New Jersey, and two other 
gentlemen, and commenced the horn business here, 
and the firm manufactured largely and sold the 
goods readily, Mr. Shaw doing the selling, and King- 
man & Hodges the manufacturing. This firm lasted 
but a short time, Kingman & Hodges assuming the 
business, which rapidly grew beyond the capacity 
of the barn, and they bought of the estate of Charles 
Morse the " Middle Factory," so called, upon Rum- 
ford River, and there for years continued the busi- 
ness successfully up to about 1876, when the demand 
for this style of jewelry ceased. 

Mr. Shaw, after withdrawing from the firm hereto- 
fore mentioned, formed a copartnership with Willard 
O. Coferem and Harrison A. Williams, and this firm 
commenced making fine jewelry at Mr. Cabot's 
factory in Sodem, being what was formerly known 
as the lower factory. Early in the present century 
Mr. Simeon White commenced the manufacture of 
shoe-nails and tacks in that part of Mansfield now 
called Whiteville. It was a very small trade at the 
beginning, but during his life it was greatly en- 
larged. At his death Mr. F. A. White, a son, con- 
tinued the business, which then gave work to a large 
number of hands. Mr. F. A. White and his brothers, 
Charles P., Hiram, Adoniram J., and Henry, were 
engaged in the business, which had become large and 
lucrative, and continued to improve up to the time 
of the formation of a combination a few years since, 
and Mr. White was shut out, and being unable to 
obtain stock, was obliged to stop the manufacturing. 
So wliat was twenty years ago the most prosperous 
village in Mansfield is now without bu.siness. Mr. 
Charles P. White represented the town once in the 
Legislature. Simeon, the father, died July, 1845. 

In 1842, Robert McMoran and Robert Fulton com- 
menced the manufacture of shoe-knives and awls in 
the factory on the west side of Water Street. They 
made good articles and soon built up a large business. 
The firm was dissolved in 1S62. Mr. Fulton con- 
tinued the business at the old place. Mr. McMoran 
formed a copartnership with his son-in-law, George 
A. Robinson, and his grandson, William N. McMoran, 
and commenced the same business at the old Wil- 
liams privilege at West Mansfield. Mr. McMoran 
soon after died, and the grandson withdrew from the 



454 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



firm, and the business has since been conducted under 
the name of George A. Robinson & Co. 

Mr. Fulton died March 3, 1865, and liis business 
was continued for three years by his executor, at 
which time Mr. Matthew George, who married Mrs. 
Fulton, succeeded to the business, and has continued 
it ever since. 

The basket business has always been a leading in- 
dustry in town, and it now gives employment to nearly 
one hundred persons. As long as the oldest inhabi- 
tants can remember, this branch of business has been 
followed. Mr. James L. Hodges is probably the 
largest manufacturer in town ; his shop is near the 
Ferryman & Hodges claim, though he gives employ- 
ment to many outside of his shop. His baskets are 
all sold in the New York market. 

Mr. Henry Shepard is a large dealer in b.askets; 
he buys of the small manufacturers and supplies the 
Boston market. Mr. Isaac G. Hodges manufiictures 
in his shop west from Main Street. Mr. James E. 
Paine does a large business at his shop on West 
Street. JVIr. V. B. Hodges manufactures in the shop 
west of Card & Co.'s machine-shop, and there are a 
number of others in town who devote a part of their 
houses or barns or sheds to the making of baskets. 

Fifty years ago Capt. Schuyler Shepard, a man of 
influence in town affairs, began the manufacture of 
soap, and his son Albert S. has continued the business. 
Mr. James W. Cobb commenced the making of soap 
at his residence some years ago. Its virtues are said 
to be manifold; certain it is that he sells it in very 
large quantities, and carries it with his teams great 
distances. In the summer of 1882 he canvassed suc- 
cessfully the Canadas. Mr. R. H. Belcher and Mr. 
Rufus Paine are also severally engaged largely in the 
manufacture of this valuable household article. 

A corporation formed under the laws of Rhode Is- 
land called the " Manton Steam Windlass Company," 
signified their willingness to settle in this town if the 
citizens would furnish them with a building. "Sir. 8. 
A. Green, a son of the late James Green, offered the 
land to put a suitable building on. His offer was ac- 
cepted, and a sufficient amount was raised from indi- 
viduals to erect the building. It is located near the 
foundry building of the Ryder Brothers, and the new 
company commenced business in it April 1, 1883. 

Mr. S. W, Card commenced some ten years ago in 
the basement of the Murphy shop in the making of 
taps and dies. The reputation of his goods became so 
good he was obliged to increase his facilities, and 
hired additional room in the same building, where he 
continued until three years ago, when the shop 
burned. A new shop was built, and Mr. Card asso- 
ciated with him Mr. David E. Harding, and the firm 
purchased the building and the water privilege, and 
they are now doing a very large and prosperous busi- 
ness. 

Near where the depot now stands there stood in 
very early times an old saw-mill, owned by Williams, 



and what is now the road on the south side of the 
depot was used as the saw-mill yard. 

Mr. John Birkenhead ten years ago removed from 
Canton to this place, and began the making of spin- 
dles. He is very ingenious, and conceived of several 
improvements which he got patented, and which very 
much aided him in the sale of his goods. His busi- 
ness rapidly increased, and he gave employment to a 
large number. He went to Europe and disposed of 
his patents in several foreign countries. He has now 
united lathe-making with his other business. His 
shop is in the rear of the Chilson's Furnaces. He 
built and now lives in a house on the north side of 
Pratt Street, near Spaulding's jewelry -shop. 

Mr. F. M. Cabot some ten years ago purchased 
the Lower Factory on Rumford River, and removed 
here from Attleborough, and brought with him his 
business of coffin trimmings, which has ever since 
been continued by him. Thirty-five years ago Mr. 
George E. Bayley commenced in a small way the 
baking business at his father's residence, about one 
mile west from the centre. He had the usual ups and 
downs which attend a new enterprise, but finally 
became firmly established, and the business assumed 
great proportions ; now he gives employment to a 
large number of hands, has salesmen in New York 
City, Boston, Newport, Fall River, and Taunton, and 
with him are now associated his two sons. 

Several years ago Mr. William Bird built a foundry 
building on the west side of the Boston and Provi- 
dence Railroad, and during his life the business in- 
creased, and at his death, which occurred soon after 
the building was completed, his widow and grand- 
children (Ryders) have continued the business with 
very fair returns. 

Mr. Wilbur, from Foxborough, has just pur- 
chased what was formerly a repair-shop on the east 
side of the Boston and Providence Railroad, which he 
is fixing up as a furnace. 

Mansfield is watered by three rivers. Canoe River, 
which rises in Sharon, flows through the easterly 
part of Mansfield and empties into Winneconnet 
Pond in Norton. Upon this stream are located the 
north factory, formerly a woolen-mill, then a shoddy- 
mill, now used to manufacture saleratus in. 

The American Awl Blade Company, manufac- 
turing taps and dies, awls, and other small tools. 

Flint's saw-mill, where formerly stood Hartwell's 
thread-factory, in which a large and successful busi- 
ness was carried on up to the death of Mr. Hartwell, 
nearly twenty-five years ago. This factory was 
burned. 

There is a small stream in the northeasterly part of 
the town, which supplies the power used by the tack- 
shop in Whiteville, then flows into Canoe River. 

Rumford River, sometimes called Ten-Mile River, 
rises in Sharon, flows through the centre of Mansfield 
and Norton, uniting with Wading River. Upon this 
river are located S. W. Card & Co.'s tap and die 



MANSFIELD. 



455 



manufactory, formerly a woolen-mill, which was 
burned ; then Schenk's shop for making planes, also 
burned ; then a jewelry- and machine-shop, also 
burned. 

George's knife- and awl-shop, formerly a woolen- 
mill, which was burned. 

Kingman & Hodge's jewelry-shop, formerly by a 
woolen-mill, which was burned; then a mill used as 
a woolen-mill at one time, afterwards as shoddy-mill ; 
then a jewelry-shop, also burned. 

Cabot's coffin-trimming shop, which was formerly 
occupied as woolen-mill, then a tack-shop. 

Fisher's grist-mill, which for generations has been 
owned by the same family. 

Lower down upon the stream can now be seen the 
remnants of an old dam, and it was the site of a mill 
which was burned some thirty years ago. 

Wading River flows through the westerly part of 
the town. It rises in Shepard's Pond, near Wren- 
tham. Upon this stream is located the knife-works 
of George A. Robinson & Co., and a leather-board 
manufactory, a grist- and saw-mill of the Briggs 
Brothers. Where now stands the Robinson mill 
formerly stood the woolen-mill of Friend Marcus 
Williams, a prominent man in business and town 
affairs, a large land-owner, who died, leaving four 
children, — Richard, who was a physician in Maine, 
now dead ; Adeline, who is practicing medicine in 
Worcester ; Nancy, who is practicing the same pro- 
fession in Augusta, Me. ; and Marcey, who read law 
with the Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough, but 
who died before she was admitted to practice. Mar- 
cus Williams died March 7, 1847. Upon this stream 
formerly stood the Sweet's flour- and grain-mill, 
owned and run by Elbridge Sweet. Upon his de- 
cease parties from Attleborough commenced the 
manufacture of jewelry, but the mill burned soon 
after, and it has not been rebuilt. 

Mansfield is located in the north ))art of Bristol 
County ; its north line is the northerly line of the 
county. It is bounded north by Foxborough, in Nor- 
folk County, east by Easton, south by Norton, and 
west by Attleborough. It is the junction of the Bos- 
ton and Providence Railroad and the Northern Divi- 
sion of the Old Colony Railroad, and close on to fifty 
trains pass through daily. It has the following vil- 
lages : the Centre,containing seven stores, five churches, 
town hall, school-house, barber-shop, billiard-saloon, 
etc., and is by far the largest village; the west part 
contains fifty houses, store, three churches, post-office, 
and the coal-mines, which, if operated successfully, 
will cause a speedy growth in business and building 
there ; the east part contains about the same number 
of houses as the west part, and here is located the 
monumental works and Flint's saw- and grist-mill. 

Whiteville, a small village in the northeasterly 
part of the town. Much business was formerly done 
there in the manufacture of tacks and shoe-nails, but 
now little is done there. 



The number of acres in Mansfield is twelve thou- 
sand nine hundred and thirteen, from which about 
three hundred acres may be deducted for roads and 
ponds. 

The population in 1800 was 1016 

•' " " 1810 " 1030 

" " 1820 •■ 1225 

" " " 1830 " 1172 

" " " 1875 " 2656 

" " " 1S8U " 2765 

The number of polls in 1880, 671, and the valua- 
tion was $1,187,158. Mansfield belongs to the first 
Bristol senatorial and representative districts, and is 
within the jurisdiction of the first Bristol District 
Court. Its present board of officers (1883) is Alfred 
V. Rogerson, town clerk and treasurer; Howard Per- 
kins, James L. Hodges, William B. Rogerson, select- 
men and assessors and overseers of the poor; William 
A. Copeland, Mr. Lucas, W. L. Robinson, school 
committee; Rufus H. Davis, tax collector; Howard 
Perkins, George 31. Austin, Alonzo Reed, highway 
surveyors ; A. W. Cobb is deputy sherifl"; Samuel C. 
Lovell, postmaster at Centre ; Albert Perry, post- 
master at West Mansfield ; J. A. Blake, A. W. Cobb, 
and R. Jinks Paine, auctioneers. 

Carpenters and Builders.— L. M. and H. G. 
Hodges, Win. H. Angell. 

Business Men. — Rogerson Bros., general store ; S. 
C Lovell, groceries, boots, shoes, etc.; W. and W. L. 
Robinson, dry-goods; Charles T. Borden, drug-store; 
J. B.Wilson, M.D., drug-store; T. M. George, Jr., 
grocery ; H. B. Lillebridge, groceries; C. M. Tibbitts, 
groceries; Wm. C. Bessom, market; S. H. Sherman, 
market; C. H. Pratt, market; F. M. Washburn, 
watches and jewelry; N. and N. G. Whittemore, gun- 
makers ; Mrs. Louisa Hodges, millinery; Mrs. Charles 
H. Morey, millinery; Andrew AVilson, harnesses; 
Lewis R. Prentiss, bootmaker ; Harvey Lincoln, 
bootmaker; Pratt & White, printers and publishers. 
They issue the Mnnsfield News and three other papers 
from their steam-printing office. John Fo.x, tailor 
and ready-made clothing ; A. C. Hardon, bonnet 
block manufacturer ; Frederick Paine, station agent ; 
Edward P. Paine, ticket agent ; William H. Skinner, 
restaurant; A. D. King, coal dealer; Le Roy King, 
livery and sale stable; Elbridge G. Miller, stone- 
mason and contractor; Prince A. Drew, stone-masop 
and contractor; Mrs. Wilson, hotel-keeper at depot ; 
Mr. Clapp, hotel-keeper at Centre ; S. W. Card & 
Co., tap and die manufacturers; John Moorhouse, 
tap and die manufacturer; M. George, knife and 
awl manufacturer ; George A. Robinson & Co., knife 
and awl manufacturers ; D. S. Spaulding, jewelry 
manufacturer; F. W. Barnard, jewelry manufac- 
turer ; H. A. Williams & Co., jewelry manufac- 
turers; J. B. Draper, jewelry manufacturer; Rogers 
Comey & Co., straw-goods manufacturers; F. W. 
Cabbot, coffin trimmings ; Fisher Brothers, grist- 
mill ; W. W. Taylor, screw-drivers and small tools; 
George E. Bailey & Sons, bakers ; Charles Wilbur, 
furnace ; J. E. Ryder & Brother, furnace ; Manton 



456 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Steam Windlass Company ; John Murphey, small 
tools ; G. F. & C. M. Austin^ poultry. 

The following is a list of the volunteers during the 
Rebellion of 1861 upon the quota of Mansfield: 



Charles W. Belcber. 
James Bliinctuird. 
John Blancliard. 
William C. Belcher. 
W. T. Brittoii. 
Ciilvin Brigga. 
James Bislick. 
Oti8 Baily. 
J. Curtis. 
M. Brown. 
Alsoa W. Cobb. 
George S. Cook. 
William A.M.Cobb. 
Williaiu S. Clapp. 
Charles E. Cady. 
J. S. Colby. 
William Coleman. 
John S. Chadwick. 
E. R. Chadwick. 

C. A. Carter. 
R. S. Cook. 
William R. Cooper. 

D. Crompton. 
Ethan E. Cobb. 
Thomas W. D. Dean. 
Edmund Davis. 
Samuel W, Day. 
William Daunt. 

E. S. Deaue. 
Joseph Estes. 
David Flahaven. 
William F. Frazer. 
Henry H. Fairbanks. 
J. W. Fisher. 

John Fox. 
William B. Foster. 
E. 0. Farrington. 
Vernon E Grover. 
Samuel H. Goocb. 
John Gorman. 
E. A. Goodwin. 
Tliomas M. George, Jr. 
Edward George, 
H. W. Gorman. 
Joseph B. Goflf. 
E. Luther Gay. 
Thomas High. 
T. H. Hunnewell. 
E. F. Hall. 
George D. HodgeB. 
James W, R. Holland. 
William H. Holmes. 
John G. HaU. 
H. W. Hodges. 
Preston Hulbrook. 
William U. Harriss. 
Alanson C. Keenan. 
A. S. Kittrell. 
James P. Kitiell. 
Benjamin Knight, Jr. 
Horatio 31. Lawton. 
Samuel C. Lovell. 
Henry Lamb. 
Frost Lord. 
D. F. Leonard. 
John W. JMartin. 
Charles H. Morse. 
Edward McDonald. 
Henry D. Melville. 
J.H. 3IcGavett. 
James W, Morriuon. 



Joseph IMiliiesH. 
William JlcCauseland. 
William Henry Patten. 
James Prime. 
H. W. Packard. 
J. P. Parker. 
James C. J. Phillips. 
M. C. Pierce. 
Maurice Pendergrass. 
Reuben Purdey. 
John W. Rogere. 
Evon H. Rounds. 
Charles D. Robinson. 
Charles A. Robinson. 
Hiram B. Reed. 
William W. Robinson. 
Daniel B, Reynolds. 
William H. Richardson. 
Nathan M. Sliaw. 
Alonzo M. Shaw. 

0. S. Stearns. 
Jesse W. Smith. 
H. W. Smith. 

1. E. Shepardson. 
Joseph Stephenson. 
H. A. Snow. 
George E. Snow. 

E. 0. Shepardson. 
R. E. Sherman. 
George L. Sweet. 
Timothy Shield.'). 
Henry W. Stearns. 
Albert S. Sbepard. 
Herbert L. Shepard. 
D. P. Sherman. 

H. B. Tftus. 
R. H. L. Talcott. 
J. W. Talcott. 
William J. Thompson. 
John S. Treen. 
John L. Tobitt. 
AUiert A. Tillson. 
Joliu D. Tucker. 
Elisha Tillison. 
William E. Thomas. 
James Thompson. 
Archiliald Thompson. 
John R. Whitcomb. 
William F. White. 
Sumner H. AVetherell. 
Roland Thomas White. 
Albert W. Williams. 
Otis Willams. 
N. C. Wood. 
Roland White. 
Benjamin F. Wood. 
Ebenezer Willard. 
James F. Wiggins. 
Henry B. Wright. 
C. B. Wood. 
Oliver M. White. 
William W. Wilson. 
Simeon S. Wood. 
William H. Smith. 
Josiah Williams. 

F. M. Cabot. 
S. B. Austin. 
William H. Atwood, 
William H. Adams. 
Isaac R. Burchard. 
John Briggs. 



Levi Brown. 
Barney McCort. 
John Downing. 
Francis Drake. 
Michael Egan. 
William Gray. 
Andrew McGee. 
S. B. Gammons 
Edward Gallegan. 
M. A. Hill. 
George C. Hunt. 
Alvin W. P. Holmes. 
Elkanah Ingalia. 
George H. Ide. 
Richard H. King. 
William Kerr. 
Charles W. Knowles. 
Hiram L. Martin. 
William Martin. 
Owen O'Malley. 
Stillman F. Morse. 
James S. Palmer. 
Chandler J. Pike. 
Francis Rose. 
Charles H . Seagraves. 
George H. Shepard. 
Adolphus P. Smith. 
Philip Smith. 
Alexander F. Vallett. 
Frederick Wink. 
Frank Wink. 
John F. Morrison. 
George Albert Brown. 
Samuel Johnson. 
Patrick McKennes. 
Ralph Gibbs. 
George R. Keyes. 
Thomas Leonard. 
Paul Waters. 
Henry Downs. 
Peter Snider. 
Eli Merrill. 
George Fox. 
George Middleton. 
William A. Cromwell. 
George Fisher. 
Charles Demounde. 
Lewi.^ Miller. 
James Davis. 
Charles M. Packard. 
John Smith. 
Charles J. Clapp. 
Edward S. Champney. 
Robert H. Belcher. 
Obed Cobbett. 
Frank W. Kravitt. 
Josiah A. Whitman. 
Harrison Doty. 
Charles E. Miller. 
Rufus P. Hardon. 



Andrew Drake. 
Henry B. Pratt. 
Jerald Brennan. 
John Flahaven. 
William Moorhouse. 
William H. HunnewelL 
Franklin E. Paull. 
Frank Buckley. 
John Smith. 
Charles F. Daley. 
Charles Brown. 
Henry Hai-vey. 
James H. Pennery. 
Isaac Briggs. 
F. A. Brown. 
William H. Bentley. 
William H. Kenney. 
L. A. Chadwick. 
Edwin Hodges. 
Henry Hodges. 
Robert E. Harris. 
Daniel Whitmore. 
Andrew D. King. 
H. W. Gammons. 
Archibald Sinclair. 
Charles Proser. 
John 0. McCormick. 
Benjamin Lofitte. 
Terrauce Reane. 
David Boache. 
William Daniels. 
James How. 
Alfred Burrows. 
R. J. Kennedy. 
William B. Buckwood. 
Jacob Blank. 
John Collins. 
John McGivena. 
Charles Morgan. 
Byron Bice. 
George E. Thomas. 
Henry M. White. 
Willard L. White. 
Herbert A. White. 
Saniord A. Morse. 
George B. Brown. 
Harrison L. Phillips. 
Elijah W. Stearns. 

F. Cobb. 
Laban P. Smith. 

G. E. Sanborn. 
Lyman C. Smith. 
Charles M. Hodges. 
R. I. BriggB. 

E. B. Fishei-. 
E. Dunbar. 
Alfred D. White. 
H. L. Grover. 
A. R. White. 



The following persons served in the navy : 

Frederick D. Walker, Lloyd E. Richardson, George A. Fisher, David 
Fisher, Charles W. Pond, John G. Smith. 

The time allowed me for the preparation of this 
article was very scanty and altogether too short, and 
of its manifold imperfections I am fully aware. I do 
not view it as approaching completion. In its prepa- 
ration I have been greatly aided by Mr. Emery's 
** Ministry of Taunton," and Mr. Clark's *' History of 
Norton."' 

1 (In consequence of an unfortunate delay in transmitting proof be- 
tween author and publishers, corrections will be found in en-a (a.— Editor.) 





iii 



MANSFIELD. 



457 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JOHN ROGERS. 

Probably no one better deserves a permanent place 
in the history of Mansfield than the Hon. John Rogers. 
He was the oldest son of Benjamin and Mary (Blan- 
chard) Rogers, adescendant of John, of Scituate, 1G44, 
and was born in Mansfield, Nov. 2, 1806. He married, 
Oct. 15, 1833, Miss Eliza A. Williams (born JIarch 
21, 1810), daughter of Joseph C. and Sally Williams, 
of Easton. Their children were Ellen M., wife of 
Rev. Jacob Ide, present pastor of the orthodox 
church ; Frances E., wife of David E. Harding, Esq. ; 
John W., successor in his father's business; and 
Charlotte G., who died in her twenty-first year. 
After the lamented death of his wife, Sept. 16, 1866, 
Mr. Rogers married Miss Mary E. Gage, daughter of 
Joshua and Anstress Gage, of Waterville, Me. His 
own death occurred suddenly March 31, 1873, in his 
sixty seventh year, to the deep sorrow of the whole 
community, as attested by the crowded assembly at 
his funeral. 

In his youth Mr. Rogers enjoyed only a public 
school education. But his natural quickness of per- 
ception, his acute observation, and retentive memory 
compensated his lack of early opportunities by giving 
him a large practical culture in all things necessary 
to a successful life and a wide influence. He was an 
extensive reader, especially of modern histories, and 
was familiar with the connection of events in Europe 
as well as in his own country. His acquaintance with 
all political questions was thorough and intelligent. 
The intervals in his business were much occupied in 
familiarizing himself with public topics. When, 
therefore, his increasing wealth allowed him to remit 
the closeness of his personal application and surren- 
der the details of his large affairs to others, and to 
give himself more to his congenial tastes, his general 
qualifications and his genial interest had already 
secured the confidence of the community in his sound 
judgment and integrity, and they bestowed upon him 
the highest civic honors in the gift of the town. 

Mr. Rogers was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of 1853, of the House of Representatives 
of 1855, and of the State Senate of 1856. In all these 
positions he was on the side of every wise and valu- 
able reform, and was emphatically both in office and 
in private a strenuous advocate of prohibition. After 
his refusal of further public service the public had 
such confidence in his judgment that his advice was 
widely sought and regarded, and his aid was as widely 
rendered to every measure he believed to be for the 
public good. He became a member of the Sons of 
Temperance, a vigilant watchman against violations 
of law, and a generous helper to lift up the victims of 
strong drink. His influence with young men was 
decided and often decisive in favor of their total ab- 
stinence. His contribution could always be counted 



upon generously to every good word and work. He 
was also one of the first members of the Masonic 
lodge, and made it the medium of many an untold 
gift and deed of helpfulness. No worthy cause ever 
went away begging from his always generous hand. 

Mr. Rogers accumulated his abundant wealth en- 
tirely by his close and skillful devotion to his busi- 
ness at a time when honest work and personal integ- 
rity commanded a premium in the market. He was 
among the first manufacturers of straw goods in this 
region. He began upon a small and safe basis. He 
secured reliable hand-sewers in families, and per- 
sonally collected and sold his bonnets in New York, 
as the custom then was. By fair dealing in honest 
articles he rapidly enlarged the demand for his man- 
ufactures, and soon secured such a profitable trade 
that he was early able to transfer his large business 
to his son and son-in-law and retire with a well- 
earned income, ample for his simple tastes and for 
the deeds of benevolence he so much enjoyed. 
Though not uniting with the church, he became a 
member of the orthodox Congregational Society 
soon after its organization, and was one of its most 
liberal subscribers in its early weakness, when help- 
ers were few. Being an ardent lover of singing and 
a most excellent singer, he was the leader of its choir, 
and served it gratuitously so long as he felt able to 
fulfill its duties. He gave largely to the first organ 
in the church, and on the rebuilding of the house of 
worship, of which he bore the chief expense, he re- 
placed the old organ by a large and fine instrument, 
superior to any in the vicinity, and at his own ex- 
pense. The fine-toned bell of the church was also 
his gift. As was truly said of him in the sermon at 
his funeral, " He was a prompt and generous helper 
in every movement which he approved." Families 
in need, sickness, or trouble received always prompt 
aid from him, of which the public never knew, until 
his heart and hand were alike stopped by his sudden 
death. 

Mr. Rogers, like all men, had his peculiarities and 
his imperfections, which as a public man were per- 
haps sometimes magnified for effect, but they were 
balanced by some decided excellences of character. 
He was positive in his convictions, but he did not 
oftensively push them. He rather withdrew entirely 
his co-operation where he could not approve. His 
resentments against whatever he thought to be im- 
proper were quick and strong, but he indulged them 
in silence, and signified them by his absence. He 
could not endure or palliate any ever so plausible 
meanness, but he was among the first to counteract 
its results. He could not calmly encounter opposi- 
tion, but he did not drop his interest in measures 
which he could not carry. He showed sometimes 
contrary surface currents, but the under-tide of his 
feeling and labor always steadily flowed toward his 
ideal of the best good of his church and his commu- 
nity. As was truly and aptly said of him in a public 



458 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



printed notice of his death, " He was a good man for 
the town, so anxious to advance all its interests; a 
good man for society, so frank and honest, so free 
from hypocrisy and duplicity ; a good man for a 
neighbor, so kind and obliging and sympathizing; 
a good man for a friend, so true and faithful and 
willing. His place cannot be filled. He is missed 
by everybody, for he had a hearty greeting, a kind 
word, a pleasant smile for us all." 



DR. iriLLIAM F. PERRY. 

The Perry family were of English origin, and re- 
lated to the ancestral line of Commodore Perry. The 
great-great-grandfather, Josiah Perry', was born July 
13, 1712. We find it recorded that he was father of 
Capt. Nathaniel Perry^, of wliora it was said that 
he received a captain's commission, signed by Gov- 
ernor Shirley, June 0, 1754, as captain of Company 
10, in Col. John Winslow's regiment, and had a war- 
rant to enlist soldiers. In 1754 raised ninety men ; 
served in Nova Scotia ; was at the taking of Cumber- 
land ; died in Nova Scotia, 1756. His son, James 
Perry', grandfather of William F. Perry, was born 
in 1745, in Easton, Mass. Was a man of wealth 
and influence ; owner of the iron foundry in Easton, 
which was afterwards owned by Gen. Shepard Leach. 
He was active in the Eevolutionary war. He equipped 
a company of men at his own expense, and volun- 
teered as their commander in the emergency at Con- 
cord and Lexington. He was afterwards made cap- 
tain in the army of Washington ; was in service three 
years ; was in the battles of Princeton and Trenton ; 
but as the army was in want of ordnance, it was 
thought he could serve his country more efiiciently 
by manufacturing cannon and balls. He came home 
to Easton and superintended the castings, furnished 
the needed supplies, and was paid in Continental 
money, which caused his failure. One of his work- 
men (Benjamin Buck, of Easton) said he saw a bushel- 
basket full at one time in Capt. Perry's possession of 
Continental money. He never received any remu- 
neration for his loss by pension or otherwise. He was 
a stalwart man of commanding appearance. He died 
suddenly of lockjaw July 3, 1808, aged sixty-three. 
He left four sons, — Abner, Leonard, Simeon, and 
James (afterwards Dr. James). 

The fourth son. Dr. James Perry*, was born in 
1767 ; was five feet seven inches in height, black hair 
and eyes, with florid complexion. He had a long 
head for its width; was a man of keen intellect and 
quick perception. His wife was Adah Sheperson, of 
Mansfield. The children of this marriage were three 
sons and three daughters, — James Leonard Perry, 
D.D.S., Ada, Harriet, Eliza, Jonathan Pratt Perry, 
and William F. Perry. 

Dr. James* was a physician of some note, espe- 
cially in typhus fevers. During the prevalence of 
what was then called the " cold plague," which was 



fatal to the majority of its victims, his services were 
in constant requisition. His exposure and over- 
exertion and loss of sleep broke down his constitu- 
tion so that he was an invalid the remaining part of 
his life. He died May 2, 1825, aged fifty-eight years. 

AVilliam F. was then in his sixteenth year. Soon 
after his father's death he decided to study medicine, 
but as his resources were limited he depended mostly 
on himself, and worked on the farm and studied alter- 
nately with Dr. Swan, of Easton. 

He acquired the classical education requisite to 
enter college at Middleborough, Mass. In the spring 
of 1831 he commenced a course of medical lectures 
at Bowdoin College, attended one course at Harvard 
Medical School in the fall of 1832, and in 1833 another 
course at Bowdoin, making three courses in all. He 
graduated and took his diploma at Bowdoin. After 
graduation he became assistant to Dr. Peck, of Fox- 
borough. While there he lost, by the burning of Dr. 
Peck's house, his books, instruments, and clothes. 
He then returned to his mother's home in West 
Easton, where he lived till the summer of 1835. 
During those two years he attended very closely to 
the study of medicine and surgery, and practiced 
occasionally in the neighborhood and vicinity. In 
the summer of 1835 he was invited by some promi- 
nent citizens of Mansfield to settle among them. 
There were at that time two practicing physicians in 
Mansfield, one at West Mansfield, Dr. Skinner, who, 
from age and neuralgia, could not be depended on, 
except in pleasant weather, and Dr. Billings, at the 
Centre, who was nearly eighty years old, but still vig- 
orous and unwilling to give up practice, so that Dr. 
Perry often visited their patients in the night and in 
stormy weather gratis, they thinking the experience 
thus gained suflicient remuneration. 

He has been heard by the writer of this to say that 
he could not have stayed in Mansfield had it not been 
for the prevalence of the measles and a storm at that 
time, which covered the ground everywhere with ice 
and prevented the older physicians from going out. 
This was his first introduction to practice, which was 
somewhat opposed by Thomsonianism, which was 
rife at that time in Mansfield and other adjoining 
towns for two years or more. 

On Dec. 22, 1839, he married Miss Emeline B. 
Davis, of New Market, N. H., daughter of Capt. 
Samuel C. Davis, a man who was highly esteemed 
by his fellow-townsmen, and on whom they conferred 
many offices of trust. The children of this marriage 
were seven sons and one daugliter : 

William Hunter, born Oct. 25, 1840; died May 2, 
1868, while a student in medicine at Harvard Uni- 
versity. 

James Leonard, A.B., C.E., M.D., born Feb. 3, 1842; 
graduate of Harvard College ; graduate of the Law- 
rence Scientific School as civil engineer; graduate of 
Bellevue Hospital Medical College in medicine ; 
graduate of Bellevue Hospital as interne; graduate of 




TCz^^ 7! 




MANSFIELD. 



459 



New York State Woman's Hospital for Diseases of 
Women as surgeon. 

Frederic Davis, D.D.S. and M.D., born Dec. 20, 
1843; graduate in dentistry, Pliiladelpliia; graduate 
in medicine at Harvard Medical School. 

Edward Everett, graduate of Harvard Medical 
School, born July 9, 1845. 

Samuel Freeman, born Nov. 10, 1847 ; died in in- 
fancy. 

Harriet Emeline, graduate of Salem Normal School 
in 1874, since which time she has been an efficient 
and acceptable teacher in her native town. 

Dana Duane, born .July 10, 1859; graduate in 
medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New 
York, March, 1882. 

It will be noticed that the son who graduated as 
C.E., after two years in that profession, studied medi- 
cine; also the dentist, after practicing his profession 
a few years successfully ; so that all five of the sfms 
studied niediciue, and the father and grandfather were 
physicians. 

It may not be out of place here to state that there 
was no high school or academy in Mansfield at the 
time when his children, three of them, could have 
been benefited by it, and the elementary instruction 
was very limited, so that when they were at the age 
of thirteen and a half and fourteen, the doctor was 
obliged to send them from home to obtain the prepar- 
atory education for their professional studies. This 
was a great draft on the doctor's uncertain income, 
and required strict economy and self-denial. 

Edward E. practiced medicine in Boston six years, 
and died in 1875. The following notice of his death 
will serve to show something of the esteem in which 
he was held : " Dr. Edward E. Perry died at his home 
in Mansfield after a short illness on the morning of 
Sept. 14, 1875. He was a graduate in medicine at 
Harvard, and began practice in Cross Street, Boston, 
in 1868. From the first he was successful. Kind, 
courteous, and genial, he made friends of all with 
whom he came in contact. Generous and liberal to 
the poor, he always supplied their wants with a liberal 
hand. He soon had an extensive practice, which was 
not limited to the city, but extended in all directions 
for many miles. At the time of his death he was the 
most popular physician at the north end. Few phy- 
sicians have died as much lamented as young Dr. 
Perry. For several years he has had attacks of he- 
patic colic, caused by biliary calculi ; his death oc- 
curred suddenly after a severe paroxysm. Hundreds 
called at his oflice during his illness to inquire for 
him, and on learning of his death burst into tears, 
and expressed the most devoted friendship and pro- 
found sorrow." 

Of the living children J. L. practices in New York 
City ; F. D. succeeds to his father's practice in Mans- 
field. 

The imperfect picture which must unfortunately 
accompany this sketch gives only a correct idea of 



that part of the face above the nose and his eyes, and 
would have been withheld if his biography could 
have been accepted without it. He never sat for a 
picture intentionally, — we regret it ; but he will be re- 
membered by his contemporaries as a handsome and 
distinguished-looking man, whose presence was calcu- 
lated to inspire confidence and hope. Dr. Perry had 
black curly hair, dark expressive eyes, fine teeth, and 
clear dark complexion ; was slight when young, was 
five feet ten inches in height, and weighed later in life 
one hundred and eighty-four pounds. 

For thirty-eight years he had an extensive practice 
in Mansfield and the adjoining towns, more laborious 
than remunerative. During that time he was never 
laid aside by illness which prevented his visiting his 
patients but two days, and never absent from home 
on business or pleasure but twice in that time. He 
was absent on business once in 18-58, when he took a 
ten days' Western trip, and in 1873 spent a few days 
in New York. 

He was earnest and devoted to his patients; was 
absolutely pure and honest both in public and private 
life. He often used the expression, " I mean to be 
honest before God." He had strong convictions and 
pronounced opinions on matters religious and politi- 
cal, and being tempered with rare good judgment and 
foresight, his opinions were always worthy of respect. 

He utterly detested immorality and vice, and was 
so outspoken in such matters that he was both by ex- 
ample and precept one of the best teachers of mo- 
rality. He had a large brain and strong memory, 
well stored with the history of men prominent in 
politics or eminent in science, and especially medical 
science. 

He possessed an analytical mind ; was a close ob- 
server; in fact, nothing seemed to escape his observa- 
tion. 

In the reading of character he was quick and .almost 
unequaled. A learned and skilled physician, with 
whom he was called in consultation, said of him, " Dr. 
Perry was one of the best country physicians I ever 
knew, combining rare powers of diagnosis with the 
most varied and thorough knowledge of drugs." He 
was by nature, by study, and by observation, a chemist 
and a tlierapeutist. He w.as ingenious and fertile in 
mechanical appliances, and, being ready in the use of 
instruments, was a careful surgeon and a good oper- 
ator. He was sincere, conscientious and faithful, and 
being modest shrank from notoriety or office-holding, 
except in the cause of education, which he labored 
zealously to promote. 

Dr. Perry was liberal beyond his means, kind and 
considerate to the poor; was often called the "poor 
man's friend," and, dying as he lived, his last act 
was a charity, for he died suddenly Oct. 17, 1873, 
while visiting a poor family, of whom he said he 
must go or they would suffer. The following tribute 
by jMr. Ide justly expressed the feelings of the 
public: 



460 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" His sudden death was a great shock not only to 
his family, but to the community at large. He had 
for many years been most confidently relied on for 
medical aid, and his loss was widely and deeply de- 
plored. He had so distinguished himself by inva- 
riable promptness in responding to the call of the 
sick, taking no thought for himself while others were 
suffering, that when his strong system gave way 
under the continuous strain, the public generally 
became mourners. 

"At his funeral the large gathering, the sad and 
tearful faces, the touching and honorary tribute paid 
to his memory, showed how deeply the sense of a 
gre.at and irreparable loss had impressed itself upon 
Mansfield. No public utterances, however appreci- 
ative of his character and skill, could tell tlie grief 
which his death had caused. In the homes which 
even now sadly miss his comforting presence, there 
are frequently heard voices of sorrow at his de- 
parture, which are the truest and most valuable 
testimonials to his worth. His death was not an 
occasion for any mere material monument, for his 
noble and self-denying life had built up many and 
more precious ones in living and loving hearts." 

Tiie accompanying elegy was composed by one of 
his friends and neighbor. Miss Adelaide Pettee : 



BLEGT AT THE GRAVE OF WILLIAM PERRY, M.D., MANS- 
FIELD, MASS. 

'Tis winter dread, 
Yet earth, arrayed in robes of spotless white, 
Seems fur a hridal dressed, while morning bright 
O'er hill and dale her banner wide unfurls. 
And forests sparkle with unnumbered pearls 
Save where I stand, her mantle 'neath my feet. 
Seems but one vast, unbroken winding sheet 

That wraps the dead. 

Beneath this mound, 
Deep buried from the world's ignoble strife. 
Rests one whose only aim it was in life 
To find in ocean cave, on mount, or plain 
Some soothing remedy for mortal pain. 
sacred, heaven-born purpose ! — wondrous skill 
That never faltered till the heart was still, 

Low iu the ground ! 

Yet not in vain 
Thy mission here ! many shall pause and shed 
The silent tear-drop on thy dreamless bed. 
The good begun by thee shall onward flow, 
And mnn shall still seek on himself to know. 
Time shall perpetuate the work begun. 
And thy dear image in each noble son l 

Shall live again. 

Rest, spirit, rest! 
We leave thee in the bosom of our God 
Till we the rugged paths of life have trod. 
We seek the unseen Father's guiding hand 
Till we shall join tiiee in the better land. 
And the great niyateries of life shall cease 
In that sweet home where all is light and peace. 

Home of the blest ! 

Addie. 

1 He left three sons, who are physicians. 



GEORGE EDSON BAILEY. 

John Bailey^, the first American ancestor, resided 
in Scituate, Mass., as early as 1670. He married, in 
1672, Sarah White, and upon her decease he married, 
in 1699, Kuth Clothier. He died in 1718. His son 
Samuel- was born in 1690, married Elizabeth Caswell, 
and had, among other children, Abijah^, who, Nov. 
20, 1765, married Sarah Grover. They had six chil- 
dren, of whom Abner' was one. Abner married, Nov. 
30, 1797, Deborah Lovell, by whom he had two chil- 
dren, Jacob^ and Caroline. He married as his second 
wife Sarah Brintnell, June 6, 1819, and upon her de- 
cease he married Jemima Skinner, June 12, 1828. 
There was no issue by either the two latter marriages. 
His daughter Caroline married Joseph Brintnell, and 
is now (1883) residing in Connecticut in her eighty- 
fourth year. Jacob was born April 5, 1801. He 
married, July 27, 1827, Sally S. Skinner, daughter of 
James and Sarah (Sumner) Skinner. She was born 
Jan. 29, 1807. To them were born two children, — 
George E. and Deborah Caroline. She was born 
July 23, 18.30, married Charles A. Turner, June 14, 
1851. She died May 22, 1878. She had four chil- 
dren, of whom one died in infancy, the others grew 
up to maturity. 

George Edson Bailey, sixth in descent from the 
original John Bailey, of Scituate, was born in Mans- 
field, Mass., Jan. 1, 1829. In addition to the advan- 
tages afforded by the common schools of his town, he 
attended for a period of about two years a select or 
private academy. He was brought up a farmer's son, 
and early taught to labor, and laid the foundation for 
a rugged constitution by abundant out-door exercise. 
At about the age of nineteen he entered upon that 
branch of business which he has followed through 
life, and which, by reason of inventions connected 
therewith, and which will be noticed hereafter, has 
made his name known throughout the land. He es- 
tablished a small bakery, hired men to do the work, 
and by applying himself to the practical part of the 
business soon learned from his employes the morhts 
operandi of the trade. This was in 1848. Mr. Bailey 
soon established himself in the confidence of the peo- 
ple, and the circle of his trade gradually widened. 
There were at the time of which we write a number 
of small bakeries in the adjacent towns, but one after 
another gave up the business, and in a few years Mr. 
Bailey controlled the trade. From his early boyhood 
Mr. Bailey was noted for an investigating and inven- 
tive turn of mind. It was no argument to his mind 
that a particular method of doing a thing was the 
best way simply because it was the usual way. Never 
content with conventional methods, he was always 
seeking for tlie most simple, rapid, and effective means 
of accomplishing whatever he had in hand, and to 
this trait or faculty may be attributed his success in 
life. 

At the time when he first engaged in the baking 
business the ovens then in use were very crude and 





^fc^ 



h 




t^/«^^« o^cu^^-^Ju 



MANSFIELD. 



461 



imperfect. There was no such thing as obtaining and 
maintaining a regular temperature, both of which were 
essential to the best results. His inventive faculties 
were brought to bear on the solution of this problem, 
and " Bailey's patent oven" was the result. Years of 
patient thought, experiment, and labor were expended, 
however, before the desired results were obtained; 
but as is usually the case where diligent application 
is coupled with intelligent direction, he at last suc- 
ceeded in perfecting an oven which combines every 
essential advantage, — economy of fuel, convenience 
of arrangement, and an equal distribution of tem- 
perature, the degree of which is completely under 
the control of the operator. Dec. 5, 1871, letters 
patent were issued to Mr. Bailey for his invention, 
and July 16, 1872, another patent was granted him 
for an improvement on the same. As soon as his oven 
was in satisfactory working order he began using it in 
his own shop, and was enabled by its use to offer to 
customers advantages, both in price and quality of 
production, that no one using the old-fashioned ovens 
could possibly offer. He appointed Charles B. Good- 
rich, of Charleston, Mass., agent for his invention in 
the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and 
Massachusetts, and Jesse A. Locke, of New York, 
agent for the rest of the United States. Through 
them his invention became widely known and exten- 
sively used. It is now in use in many of the public 
institutions and bakeries throughout the United 
States, and in many parts of Canada. This oven is 
particularly adapted to baking bread, cake, and pas- 
try. He has also in use in his establishment many 
other accessories to his business, involving improve- 
ments upon old ideas, as well as the practical appli- 
cation of new ones, which he has never had patented, 
and does not care to make public. From the time of 
the invention of his " oven" he began enlarging the 
sphere of his operations and rapidly extending his 
business. He has now a regular delivery team of his 
own in Boston, Providence, Taunton, Fall River, and 
Lowell. In addition to this he has agents in many 
of the principal cities and towns of New England 
who handle his goods exclusively. 

Mr. Bailey is a good illustration of what may be 
accomplished in this progressive age by an earnest, 
enterprising, intelligent man, — one who brings to 
bear in the every-day affairs of his business life all 
the energies and faculties with which he has been 
endowed, and who is ever on the alert to grasp any 
idea which may aid in the development of the par- 
ticular industry he has chosen as his life's work. He 
is one of those men who, seeing all around him evi- 
dences that "the world is moving on," believes in 
moving on with it. He is continually seeking for 
the development of new ideas and new methods, 
which shall improve upon and supersede the old, and 
that this is the true pathway to success his prosperity 
attests. 

George E. Bailey married, Oct. 16, 1851, Ellen Au- 



gusta Hall, daughter of Hermon and Fanny (Cope- 
land) Hall, of Mansfield. She was born June 25, 
1832. To them were born five children, — Marion Au- 
gusta, born Oct. 3, 1852 (now Mrs. W. I. Dudley, of 
West Salem, Wis.) ; Carrie Edson, born March 29, 
1854 (now Mrs. Alexander H. McRae, of Mansfield) ; 
Harriet Sumner, born Sept. 29, 1855 (now Mrs. C. 
Boylston, of Milton, Mass.); George Palmer, born 
Sept. 7, 1857 (married Mary O. Birkenhead, of Mans- 
j field, and is in business with his father) ; Frank Her- 
mon, born June 9, 1859 (also in business with his 
father). Mrs. Bailey died April 8, 1861. Mr. Bailey 
married as his second wife Sarah Sjirague, of Dux- 
bury, Mass., June 17, 1862. They bad one child, 
Sarah Sprague, born Feb. 15, 1873. Mrs. Bailey died 
Feb. 17, 1873. Mr. Bailey's present wife was Mrs. 
Susan H. Stratton, nee Shepard, daughter of Elijah 
H. Shepard, of Mansfield. 

He is a Republican in politics, though not an 
active politician. He has chosen to concentrate his 
energies and apply his powers to the prosecution of 
his business, and the promotion of happiness around 
his fireside, rather than seek office or position. He 
is a genial, pleasant companion, of quick perception, 
active mind, and generous impulses, decisive in his 
judgments, and prompt in his actions. 

He and his family are noted in their community 
for their musical talent. All perform on some one or 
more instruments, and are good vocalists. Mansfield 
has a reputation as quite a musical town, and its 
status in that particular is largely owing to Mr. 
Bailey's exertions in cultivating a love for that art. 



SABIN' COBBETT. 

James and Josiah Cobbett, brothers, came to New 
England from London, England, in 1633, in the ship 
" Elizabeth and Ann," Roger Cooper, master. They 
are the original American ancestors of the Cobbett 
family in this country. From the best authorities on 
the subject we obtain reasonable data from which to 
infer that the names Cobbett and Corbett were orig- 
inally identical. The Cobbetts have been a family of 
considerable importance both in this country and 
Europe. 

Philip Cobliett was born in Boston, Mass., Aug. 8, 

1744. He married Marcy , of Dedham, Mass. 

She was born Dec. 5, 1748. Their children were 
Isaac, born Oct. 3, 1774; Jacob, born June 4, 1777; 
Thomas, born Dec. 17, 1779; Margaret, born Feb. 14, 
1783 ; Joseph, born Nov. 28, 1785 : Abigail, born Oct! 
10, 1788; Lewis, born Oct. 19, 1790. 

Philip died Oct. 6, 1817, and Marcy, his wife, April 
13, 1821. 

Thomas, their son, was a brick-mason and plasterer. 
He married Peggy Cobb, of Dedham. She was born 
April 1, 1782. Their children were Nancy, born 
March 3, 1802; Willard, born Oct. 25, 1804; Lavinia, 
born Oct. 18, 1806; Thomas, born Oct. 17, 1808; 



462 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Louisa, born Dec. 8, 1810 ; Abner Lewis, born Feb. 
15, 1813; Dorinda, born July 6, 1815; Sabin, born I 
Oct. 12, 1818; Obed, born Dec. 6, 1820; Amanda, I 
born Marcb 14, 1823. All of these lived to maturity, j 
Nancy died September, 1881. Willard is now (1883) 
living in Stoughton, Mass. Lavinia died October, 
1854. Thomas resides in Hyde Park, Mass. Louisa 
married Asher Parker, of Pepperell, had Ave children, 
and died 1863. Abner Lewis died January, 1859, 
leaving a widow and three children in Stoughton. 
Obed lives in Sharon, Mass. Amanda married Elisha 
F. Guild, of Duxbury. Upon his death she married 
Henry E. Stratton, of Mansfield. 

Thomas, about 1803, removed to Wardsboro', Vt., 
resided there a short time, returned to Dedham, and 
after a time removed to Boston. About 1814 he once 
more made Wardsboro' his home. About 1822 he 
came to Walpole, Mass. Four or five years later he 
returned to Dedham, which place he made his home 
to within a few years of his death, when he came to 
Mansfield, Mass., where he died Feb. 10, 1866. He 
was a Democrat in politics prior to organization of 
the Republican party, after which time he affiliated 
with the latter party. In religion he was a Baptist. 
Mrs. Cobbett died April 2, 1851. 

Sabin Cobbett had but limited educational advan- 
tages ; his parents were poor, and at an early age he 
was placed in a fiictory to work. 

After his eighteenth year he turned his attention to 
farming, which occuj-iation he has followed through 
life. He is a hard-working, honest, frugal man, and 
is entitled to much credit for having fought the battle 
of life with so much success, laboring as he did under 
serious difliculties and disadvantages. 

Most of his life he has been burdened with a large 
family, and he remained unmarried in order to care 
and provide for his maiden sisters. 

By earnest and diligent labor and proper economy 
he has managed to make himself one of the foremost 
farmers of his section, and while he has not amassed 
wealth, yet he has a competence for his old age. He 
has devoted himself exclusively to agriculture, never 
engaging in either manufacturing or speculation. 

He is a Republican in politics, has been county 
surveyor, served on juries, etc., and is a respected 
citizen of his town. 



ALBERT PERRY. 
The Perry family came from England to America 
in the early days of the New England colonies. 
Ichahod^ Perry was among the first settlers of Attle- 
borough, Mass., to which place he came from Taunton. 
He located in the southeastern part of the town. He 
was born about 1700. He married Sarah Haskins, of 
Roxbury, and had three children, — Ichabod, Nathan, 
and Sarah. The two sons married and settled in 
Norton. Ichabod had two children, IchabocV and 
Lemuel. Nathan had five, — Nathan, Annie, Alvin, 



Sophia, and one name unknown. Sarah Perry mar- 
ried Timothy Conant, of Rehoboth. Upon the de- 
cease of his first wife, Ichabod married for his second 
wife Ruth Fisher, of Norton, by whom he had six 
children, — Abiel, Ruth, Isaa<fi, Hannah, Lucy, and 
Ephraim. Ichabod's third wife was Experience Bra- 
man, of Norton. Abiel Perry settled in New Hamp- 
shire. Ruth married A. Lincoln and settled in Taun- 
ton. Isaa<? married, first, Philena Lincoln, of Taunton, 
by whom he had two children, Isaac and Polly. Mrs. 
Perry died in 1785. He married as his second wife, 
Elizabeth Perry, 1786. They had five children, — 
Polly-, Stephen, Betsey, Caleb, and Achsah. Of 
these children, Isaac, Jr., moved to Savoy, Mass., was 
a farmer and dairyman. Polly resided with him. 
Betsey married Calvin Drake, of Sharon, Mass., 
afterwards removed to Seneca Lake, N. Y., where 
she died 1865, leaving one child. Ach.sah married Wil- 
liam Conant, of Rehoboth, resided in Attleborough, 
had five children, and died in 1851. Caleb married 
Wealthy Macomber, of Norton, and had three chil- 
dren. Stephen* was a farmer, and resided at the old 
homestead. He married Rowena W. Lincoln, daugh- 
ter of Sanford W. and Phebe Lincoln, of Taunton. 
Their children were Rowena W., Stephen C, Achsah 
A., Harriet, Albert, and Ezra. Of these, Stephen C. 
married Susan B. Monroe, and resides in Rehoboth. 
Rowena W. married Thomas Grover, of Mansfield, a 
Quaker minister. Achsah A. married Edmund 
Briggs, of Norton, and resides there. Harriet mar- 
ried Albert Shaw, of Blansfield. Both she and her 
husband are deceased. Ezra married, first, Mary M. 
Balcom, and upon her decease married Diana B. Cor- 
nell, and resides in Attleborough. He is by occupa- 
tion a farmer. 

Albert Perry^ was brought up as a farmer on the old 
Perry homestead in Attleborough, and resided there 
until he was thirty-two years of age, having inherited, 
together with his brother, the ancestral acres. He, 
however, sold his interest in the home farm, removed 
to Norton, purchased another farm, and for the fol- 
lowing four years engaged in agriculture. He then 
accepted a position with the Taunton Copper Com- 
pany as weigher and caser of goods, in which posi- 
tion he continued eight years. In January, 1868, he 
purchased the store at West Mansfield, and since that 
time has been engaged in merchandising at that 
place. He is also postmaster. In former years he 
did considerable lumber business in connection with 
his farming operations. He married, July 4, 1850, 
Alice T., daughter of Joshua White, of Raynham. 
She is descended from Peregrine White. There were 
two children (twins), Albert E. and Alice E., boru 
March 24, 1851. Mrs. Perry died Aug. 2, 1876. Mr. 
Perry married as his second wife Mary P., daughter 
of John and Amy (Hodges) Smith, of Mansfield. 
They were married Oct. 2, 1877. Mrs. Perry is de- 
scended from a New Hampshire family. There is no 
issue by second marriage ; both children by first wife 



REHOBOTH. 



463 



are married. Albert E. married M. Maria Reed, 
daughter of Lorenzo R. and Martha Reed, of Mans- 
field. They have three children, — Everett, Emma, 
and Ernest. Alice married John S. Briggs, of At- 
tleborough. They have two children, Nellie A. and 
Mabel. Mr. Perry is neutral in politics, always 
voting in local elections for the candidate whom he 
esteems as the ^est man. He has not voted for 
President since 1848. He attends Friends' meeting, 
has been selectmen of his town four years, and chair- 
man of the board last year. An honest, highly re- 
spected citizen. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

REHOBOTH. 

Geographical — Indian Purchase — Original Bounds — The First Purchase 
—The Second Purchase— The North Purchase— The First White Set- 
tlers — First Meeting of Original Plantei-s — Valuation of Original 
Lands — Names of Proprietors — Early Townsmen— Documentary His- 
tory — Deed from King Philii* — Names of Inhabitants in IGS'J. 

The town of Rehoboth lies in the western part of 
Bristol County, and is bounded as follows : On the 
north by Attleborough and Norton, on the east by 
Taunton, Dighton, and Swansea, and on the south by 
Swansea. 

The original town of Rehoboth embraced, in addi- 
tion to its present territory, the present towns of See- 
konk, Pawtucket, Attleborough, East Providence, 
Cumberland, and that part of Swansea and Barring- 
ton which was called by the Indians Wannamoiset. 

The first purchase of land was made of Massasoit 
in 1641, and embraced a tract ten miles square, com- 
prising the present towns of Rehoboth, Seekonk, 
Pawtucket, and East Providence. 

The second purchase was the tract called by the 
English Wannamoiset, forming a part of Swansea 
and Barrington. 

The third and last purchase was a tract embracing 
the present towns of Attleborough, Mass., and Cum- 
berland, R. I. This was known as the " North Pur- 
chase." 

The town retained its original area until 1G67, when 
Swansea (Wannamoiset) was incorporated, including, 
besides the present town, that of Somerset, Mass., 
Cumberland, R. I., and the greater part of Warren, 
R. I. In 1694 it was further decreased by the incor- 
poration of Attleborough, and in 1812 Seekonk was 
set ofl'. 

The first white settler within the bounds of the orig- 
inal town of Rehoboth was William Blackstone, in 
what is now Cumberland, R. I. He was a Non-Con- 
formist minister of England, who fled from his native 
land and sought an asylum in the wilds of America. 
He was the first white man who lived on the penin- 
sula where the city of Boston now stands. The next 
white settler here was the famous Roger Williams. 



He, however, remained but a short time, and subse- 
quently became the founder of Rhode Island. 

The real founder of the original town of Rehoboth 
was the Rev. Samuel Newman, who came with numer- 
ous other persons from Weymouth and settled here 
(Seekonk) in 1644. 

The records, however, show that as early as 1642 
one John Hazell was residing at "Seacunck.'' 

"John Hassell" (afterwards written Hazell in the 
town records) " doeth acknowledge himself to owe 
the king, to be leveyed of his lands, goods and chat- 
tels, &c. £XX. if he fayle in the condicon following: 
The condicon that the said John Hassell shall either 
take the oath of allegiance to the King, and fidelitie 
to the Government, betwixt this and March Court 
next, or els remove his dwelling from Seacunk." 
[Plym. Col. Rec, vol. ii. p. 67.] 

The twenty pounds which he acknowledged him- 
self to owe the king was a fine for contempt of court, 
as appears from the following : 

" August 2, 1642. It is ordered that a warrant be 
sent to fetch John Hassell, that lives at Sickuncke, 
to answer his contempts at the General Court : which 
was made and signed by all the assistants present." 
[Plym. Col. Rec, vol. ii. p. 55.] 

John Hazell continued to reside at "Seacunk," 
where he had lands granted him in 1669. And he 
appears to have owned largely before, for in describ- 
ing the bounds of the grant mention is made of " his 
other allotment, being six hundred acres, bounded on 
the east with his fresh meadow and a little run of 
water and a cedar swamp ; on the west side Patucet 
River ; on the north side the woods ; on the south 
side the towne land; only the Island and little up- 
land above mentioned is part of the six hundred 
acres." [Plym. Col. Rec, vol. ii. p. 193.] 

"Seacunck," we have seen, was first granted to 
people of Hingham, but they were soon joined by Mr. 
Newman and a majority of his church at Weymouth, 
in their projected settlement ; and it is even possible 
that some of the people of Weymouth were among 
the original grantees of 1641, though none of them 
are among the names mentioned. It appears, how- 
ever, that those whose names are given were a com- 
mittee acting for " themselves and divers others." 

The first meeting of the original planters of Reho- 
both to be found on record is dated at " Weiraoth 
the 24th of the 8th month [October], 164.3." The 
record is as follows : " At a general meeting of the 
plantores of Seacunk, it was ordered : 

" (1) That the [illegible] lottes shall not exceed tlie nuniher of sixty 
and five, and in case anny of those that have these lottes granted al- 
ready fale, that Goodman [illegible] of Cambridge to be admitted if he 
please; and in case so mauuy fale as may limit to sixty then not to ex- 
ceed sixty lottes." 

" (2) It is agreed that the ground that is most fit to be planted and 
hopefull for corne for the present to be planted and fenced by such as 
possess it according to [illegible.]" 

*' (3) It is ordered that those that have lottes granted and are [illegi- 
ble] inhabitants shall fence the one end of their lottes and their part in 
the comon fence, in the same time, by the 20th day of April next or 



4G4 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



else forflt tlieir lottes to the disposal of the plantation ; and likewise to 
remove themselves and family to inhabit [torn offj by this time twelves- 
month, or else forfite their lottes againe to the plantation, allow! nge 
them their necessary improvements, as they in their discretion shall 
think meet." 

"(4) That if anny damages shale fale out by anny man's particular 
fence, the owner of the fence shale pay the damage, and if [torn off] 
generall fence, then those persons that one the fence to pay [lorn off.]" 
[Kehoboth Eec. vol. i. p. 1.] 

Tlie next meeting of the proprietors was held at 
Weymouth, "the 10th day of the 10th month" [De- 
cember], when regulations were made as to the plant- 
ing of corn. The teacher to have a certain portion 
from each settler. Servants after four years to be in- 
habitants and entitled to their privileges. Richard 
Wright employed to build a corn-mill. 

During the year 1643, and probably before any 
other division of land had been made other than for 
house-lots, the proprietors were required individually 
to give in the value of their estates, in order that the 
allotments of land might be made accordingly, as ap- 
pears from the Proprietors' Records : " About the 
year 1643, a joynt agreement was made by the inhab- 
itants of Scaconk alias Rehoboth, fibr the bringing in 
of their estates ; that soe men's lotments might be 
taken up according to person and estate, as alsoe for 
the carrieing on of all publick chardges both for pres- 
ent and future ; furthermore the means and interest 
of what is heare expressed is that by which lands, 
now granted by the Court of Plymouth to the towne, 
is to be divided according to person and estate, as is 
expressed in this following list: 



1. Mrs. Bur 

Buth Ingram accepted 
in her place. 
•I. Widdow Walker 

3. John Read 

4. John Cooke 

which still is in the 

town's hands. 

5. The Schoolmaster.... 

6. Will Oheesbrook 

7. Mr. Winchester 

8. Uichard Wiiglit 

9. Mr. Newman 

10. Wdl Smith 

11. Walter Palmer 

VI. James Clark, now 

John Perrum's 

l:i. Kalph Shephard, 
nt)w Jas. Redewaye's.. 

14. Zachariali Roads 

15. John Matliewes 

l(i. John Perrum 

17. John Millar 

18. Sand. Butterwortb... 

19. George Kendrick 

'M. Abram Martin 

21. The Teacher 

22. Edward Seale 

2;l. John Browne 

24. Mr. Howward 

25. Mr. Peck 

26. Mr. Obed. Holmes, 
now Roht. Wlieatuu's. 

27. Edward Smith 

28. Job Lane, now Rob- 
ert Abell's 

29. Thomas Hitt 

30. James Walker, now 
John ffitche's 



£ s. d. 
100 00 UO 



60 00 00 
3U0 00 00 
300 00 00 



50 00 00 
450 00 00 
195 00 00 
834 00 00 
330 00 00 
191) 10 00 
419 00 00 

71 00 00 

121 10 00 
50 00 00 
40 OO 00 
67 00 00 
69 10 00 
50 00 00 
50 00 00 
60 10 00 

100 00 00 
81 00 OO 
60 00 00 

260 00 00 
635 00 00 

! loo 00 00 
252 00 00 

. 50 00 00 

101 00 00 

60 00 00 



£ s. d. 

31. Thomas Blyss 153 00 00 

32. The Governor's lot, 
now Richard Bul- 
lock's 200 00 00 

33. Isaack Martin, now 
Thomas Wilmot's 60 00 00 

34. Roljert Morris 94 10 00 

35. Ed. Ben net, now 
Richard Boweu's, Jr... 134 10 00 

36. The Pastor 100 00 00 

37. Mr. Henry Smith.... 260 00 00 

38. Mathew Pratt 239 00 00 

39. John Megg's 120 00 00 

40. Thorn. Clifton, now 
Stephen Payne's Jr... 160 00 00 

41. Joseph Torry, now 

John Peck's 134 00 00 

42. Thomas Cooper 367 00 00 

43. Robert fi'ullor 150 00 00 

44. John Allen 156 00 00 

46. Ralph Allen 270 00 00 

46. Kd. Gillman, now 

Joseph Peck's 306 00 00 

47. Thomas Houlbrook . 186 10 00 

48. William Carpenter... 254 10 00 

49. John Houlbrook, 

now Nicholas Ide's.... 186 10 00 

60. Robert Titus, now 

Robeit Jones's 156 10 00 

61. William Sablu 53 00 00 

52. Stephen Payne 535 00 00 

63. Mr. Browne 600 00 00 

64. Ed. I'attesou, now 

John Woodcock's 60 00 00 

65. Peter Hunt 327 00 00 

66. Robert Maiiiu 228 10 00 

67. Robert Sliarp, but 

now Rice Leonard's... 106 00 00 
I 58. Richard Bowen 270 00 00 



At a meeting of the proprietors of Seekonk (the 
date of which is torn off, though it was probably 
among the first) it was voted that nine men should 
be chosen to order the prudential afiairs of the plan- 



tation, who should have power to dispose of the lands 

" in lots of twelve, eight, or six acres, as in their dis- 
cretion they think the quality of the estate of the 
person do require." This applied to house-lots. It 
was further ordered " that all other lots to be divided 
according to person and estate. One person to be 
valued at twelve pounds sterling in the division of 
lands, and that no person should ^U his improve- 
ments but to such as the towne shall accept of;" also 
voted " that the meeting-house shall stand in the 
midst of the town." 

On " the 21st of the 4th month" [June] a town 
meeting was holden, but the records of it are so mu- 
tilated as to be mostly illegible. It appears, how- 
ever, to relate to a new division of land. It was re- 
solved that on every fortieth day a meeting should 
be holden by all the inhabitants " for the considera- 
tion and acting of such necessary affairs as concern 
the plantation." 

" At a town meeting, the 31st day of the 4th month 
[June], 1644, lots were drawu for a division of the 
woodland between the plain and the town. Shares 
were drawn to the number of fifty-eight, as follows : 



1. 


Mr. Winchester. 


30. 


The Pastor's. 


2. 


Mr. Leonard. 


31. 


Stephen Payne. 


3. 


Peter Hunt. 


32. 


Edward Smith. 


4. 


William Cheesborough. 


33. 


William Smith. 


5. 


Ralph AUin. 


34. 


James Clark. 


6. 


John Holbrook. 


35. 


The Governour. 


7. 


John Perram. 


36. 


Edward Bennett. 


8. 


The .Schoolmaster. 


37. 


Obadiah Holmes 


9. 


Matthew Pratt. 


38. 


Mr. Browue. 


10. 


William Carpenter. 


39. 


Thomas Cooper. \j 


11. 


Ephniim Hunt. 


40. 


Thomas Holbrooke 


12. 


Samuel Butterworth. 


41. 


Thomas Hitt. 


13. 


Edward Patterson. 


42. 


Joliii .\llin. 


14. 


James Browue. 


43. 


John Meggs. 


15. 


Richard Bowiu. 


44. 


William Sabin. 


10. 


Mr. Newman. 


45. 


Mr. Henry Smith. 


17. 


Mr. Peck. 


46. 


Zacheiy Koades. 


18. 


Walter Palmer. 


47. 


Edward Gilman, 


19. 


Abraham Martin. 


48 


Thomas Clifton. 


20. 


John Sulton. 


49. 


Joseph Torrey. 


21. 


Robert Morris. 


60 


Thomas Dunn. 


22 


John Matthewes. 


51 


Robert Martin. 


23 


Isaac Martin. 


62 


Widow Walker, 


24 


James Walker. 


.53 


Joliu Miller. 




Robert Titus. 


64 








26 


Edward Seale. 


55 


The Teacher. 


27 


George Kendrick. 


66 


John Cooke. 


28 


1 


57 


Ralph Shepherd. 


29 


Thomas Bliss. 


68 


John Reade. 



On "the 3d of the 5th month [5\\\y], 1644," the 
inhabitants signed a compact in the following words : 

*'Tbi8 combination, eutered into by the general consent of all the in- 
habitants, after general notice given the 23d of the 4th month. 

"We whose names are underwritten, being, by the providence ot 
God, inhabitants of Seacunk, intending there tn settle, do covenant and 
bind ourselves one to another to subject our persons [torn offj (accord- 
ing to law and equity) to uiue persons, any five of the nine which shall 
be chosen by the majur part of the inliabitants of this plantation, and 
we [torn off] to be subject to all wholesome [torn off] by them, and to 
assist them, according to our ability and estate, and to give timely no- 
tice unto them of any such thing as in our conscience may prove dan- 

1 Oblitenited. 



EEHOBOTH. 



465 



gerous unto the plantation, and this combination to continue untill we 
shall subject oiireelves jointly to some otiier government." 

Walter Palmer. 

Edward Smith. 

Edward Bennett. 

Robert Titne. 

Abraham Martin. 

Jolin Matttiewes. 

Edward Sale. 

Ralph Shepherd. 

Samuel Newman. 

Williaiii Cheeaborough. Alex. Wincliester. 

Richard Wright. Henry Smith. 

Robert Martin. Stephen Payne. 

Richard Bowen. Ralph Alin. 

Joseph Torrey. Thomas Bliss. 

James Clark. George Kendricke. 

Ephraim Hunt. John Allen. 

Peter Hunt, William Sabin. 

William Smith. Thomas Cooper. 

John Peren. 

Zachery Rhoades. 

Job Lane. 

"The I2ih of the 5th month [July], 1644. At a meeting upon public 
notice given, it is ordered that Buch as shall have allotments iti the 
three divisions of lands presently to be laid out by Mr. Oliver and his 
partner, Joseph Fisher, and shall not pay the surveying of it, by the 
28th of the 8th month [October] next, at Boston or Dedhani, according 
to the proposition of Mr. Oliver, shall forfeit all such lands laid out in 
the three aforesaid divisions, into the hands of the nine men entrusted 
with the town affairs, who are desired to undertake with Mr. Oliver to 
satisfy hioi for the laying out of the aforesaid divisions. 

"It is further ordered, the day above written, that Will. Cheesbor- 
ough is to liave division in all lands of Seaknnk for a hundred and fifty- 
three pounds besides what he is to have for his own proportion, and that 
in way of ci>nslderation for the pains and charges he hath been at for 
selling off this plantation." 

** At a general meeting of the town of Seacunk, being the 9th of the 
10th month [December], 1644, at lawful warning given, by reason of 
many meetings and other strong causes for the easing of the great 
trouble and for the [illegible) and tlie deciding of controversies between 
party and party, as well as the proposing of men's levies to be made 
and paid, and for the well ordering of the town aflfairs, its may stand 
with future equity, according to our former combination, the inhabit 
tants of said place have choose these men here named :" 



Alexander Winchester, 
Richard Wright, 
Henry Smith, 
Edward Smith, 
Walter Palmer, 



William Smith, 
Stephen Payne, 
Richard Bowen, 
Robert Martin. 



The first meeting of these townsmen, as they were styled, was on 
" the 3d day of the 11th mo. [January] 1644," when they voted to give 
Robert Morris, "in consideration for the spare lot he hath taken," the 
first lot in the next division. 

"The 26th of the loth mo. [December], 1644, at a meeting of the town 
it w&a ordered, that, for time past, and for time to come, that all work- 
men that have or shall work in any common work, or shall work for 
any particular men, shall have for their wages for each day's work as 
followeth : for each laborer, from the first day of November until the 
first day of February, 18d. a day, and for the rest uf the year 20d, a day 
except the harvest, that is to say while men are reaping harvests." 

" It is ordered that the work of 4 oxen and a man for a day [torn off], 
shilling and sixpense ; and that for six oxen and a man seven shillings; 
and for eight oxen and a man, eight shillings." 

"The llith of the llth mo. [January], 1644, at a meeting of the towns- 
men it was agreed upon that all those that are underwritten have for- 
feited their lots for m t fencing, or not removing their families accord- 
ing to a former order, made the '24th of the 8th month, 1643 ; therefore 
we do enter upon lliRra for, and in the behalf of the tuwn, to be dis- 
posed of as the town shall think meet, only paying them for their 
necessary charges, according to a former order :" 



The Governour's lot, 
Matthew Pratt, 
Thomas Dvinn, 
John Meggs, 
Thomas Cooper, 
John Sutton, 



Edward Gilman, 
Tho. Holbrooke, 
John Holbrooke, 
Mr. Browne, 
Edward Patteson, 
Ephraim Hunt. 



Ralph Shepherd, 
James Browne, 
Mr. Leonard, 
30 



Mr. Peck, 
Obediah Holmes, 
James Walker, 



"It is ordered, the day and year above written, at a town meeting, 
that all men tiiat have lots granted upon the neck of land, shall 
fence so much fence as the number of bis acres cometh to, by the I5th 
day of the 2d month, or pay 2s. for every rod that shall mA be fenced." 

"It is ordered that no man simll fall any tree or trees within the 
space of eiglit rods of the road and of house-lot, upon the forfeit of 6s. 
8d. for every tree fallen without the consent of the owner of the lot." 

" It is agreed that Edward Bennett bhall have the ground that his 
house standeth upon, and so much of the breadlh of the ground as he 
hath railed in to the edge of the hill towards the brook." 

"The 17th day of the 12th mo. [February], 1G44, at a town-meeting 
it was agreed upon, that whoever hatli not convenient land to plant, 
for present getting of corn, shall be allowed to plant so much as they 
can break up this year, and shall have it six years, and then to fall to 
the town again, either upon Manton's neck or else upon the hack side 
of the lots on the southeast side of the town." 

"The 2Cth of the 12th mo. [February], 1644, at a meeting of the 
townsmen, Richard Wright, Richard Bowen, Alexander Winchester, 
Walter Palmer, William Smith, Edward Smith, being present, it is or- 
dered that the recording of any man's land in the town-book shall be to 
him and his heirs a sufficient assurance forever." 

" The same day it is ordered that no man's lands shall be recorded 
until he sliall bring to the town clerk a note for his lauds, butted and 
bounded." 

It will be observed that the records thus far bear 
the date of " Seacunk" or "Seakuuk." Though the 
proprietors purchased their land of the Plymouth 
Colony, yet it appears from the compact signed by 
them on becoming inhabitants of "Seacunk" that 
they considered themselves independent of any juris- 
diction but their own, though they were afterwards 
claimed by both Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay. 
In 1645 they submitted themselves to the jurisdiction 
of the Plymouth court, or rather were assigned to that 
by the Commissioners of the United Colonies, and 
were incorporated by the scripture name of Rehoboth, 
a name selected by Mr. Newman; for said he, " The 
Lord hath made room for us." 

Next on the town records follow the registers of the 
lauds of the proprietors. Here we find the following 
names: Mr. Alexander Winchester, Mr. Howard, 
Peter Hunt, William Cheesborough, Ralph Allin, 
John Holbrooke, John Peram, the Schoolmaster, 
Matthew Pratt, William Carpenter, Samuel Butter- 
worth, Edward Patteson, James Browne, Richard 
Bowen, Mr. Samuel Newman, Mr. Peck, Abraham 
Martin, John Sutton, Robert Morris, John Mat- 
thewes, John Fitch, Robert Titus, George Kendricke, 
Robert Sharp, Thomas Bliss, the Pastor, Stephen 
Paine, Edward Smith, James Clarke, William Smith, 
the Governour, Edward Bennett, Obadiah Holmes, 
Mr. John Browne, Thomas Cooper, Thomas Hol- 
brooke, Thomas Hett, John Allin, John Meggs, Wil- 
liam Sabin, Henry Smith, Zachary Roades, Edward 
Gilman, Sr., Thomas Clifton, Joseph Torrey, Widow 
Walker, Richard Ingram (now Ingraham), the 
Teacher, Thomas Loring, Ralph Shepherd, John 
Reade, John Miller, Richard Wright. 

Baylies, in his " Memoir of Plymouth Colony," has 



466 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



inserted Robert Fuller iu the above list, but the date 
of the registry of his land is not till 1652, though it 
stands on the record in the i-lace he has assigned to 
it. The name of Thomas Wilmot (now written 
Willmarth) is also found in the same list, though I 
am confident that there were none of that name in 
town at so early a period as 1645 ; and another name 
appears to have been erased, and this written over it 
in a handwriting of more modern date. 

" The 16th of the 1st mo. [March |, 1645, at a gen- 
eral meeting of the towne upon public notice given 
it was agreed that all the fence in the general field 
shall be fenced bv the 23d of this present month ; and 
whosoever shall be negligent, and not repair or set 
up his fence bv the day above written, shall pay si.k- 
pence for every rod deficient, and the damage that shall 
come to any man by the same." 

"The same day, the men after mentioned were 
made choice of to view the fences and to judge of the 
sufiiciencv of them, viz.: Richard Bowen, Robert 
Titus William Smith, Capt. Wright, Alexander 
Winchester, Thomas Bliss, Stephen Payne, and 
Thomas Copper." 

"The same day were made choice of tor townsmen 
those men whose names are underwritten, for one 
whole year, viz. : 



39. Edward Patteson. 

40. John Reatie. 

41. John Miitthews. 

42. Matthew Pratt. 

43. Robert Sharpe. 

44. Epliroim & Peter Hunt. 

45. Zachary Roades. 

46. John Meggs. 

47. John Miller. 

48. Thomas Holbrooke. 

49. The Schoolmaster. 
60. Mr. Peck. 

51. Richard Ingram. 

52. Isaac Martin. 

53. John Allin. 

64. Mr. Henry Smith. 

65. Mr. Kewman. 

56. The Pastor. 

57. Obadiah Holmee. 
08. Robert Morris. 



Thomas Cooper. ^ 
William Carpenter. 
Edward Smith." 



Mr. Browne. 
Stephen Payne. 
Mr. Henry Smith. 

Kobert Martin. 1 

" The 16th of the 1st mo. [March], 1645, it was agreed j 
upon by the towne that the towne shall be divided 
into two parts for the making of the foot bridges and 
the keeping of them, and the highways leading to 
them to be done by the whole town; the division to 
begin at the Widow Walker's, and so on to Will. 
Carpenter's and so on to half; and Robert Martin and 
Thomas Cooper were made choice of to be surveyors 
to oversee to work." 

" The 9th of the 4th mo. [June], 1645, at a meeting 
of the town upon public notice given, those seven men 
underwritten were chosen to order the prudential 
affairs of the town for half a year, viz. : 
Mr John Browne, sen. William Cheesborough. 
Stephen Payne. Mr. Alex. Winchester. 

Richard Wright. Edward Smith." 

Walter Palmer. . 

" The same day lots were drawn for the great plain, 
beginning upon the west .side; and he that is first 
upon the west side shall he last upon the east." 

The lots were drawn by the following persons in 
the following order, viz. : 

10. Robert Titus. 

11. Walter I'ahner. 

12. James Walker. 

13. Alexander Winchester. 

14. Samuel liulterwortli. 

15. William Sabin. 



19. Thomas Clifton. 

20. John Cooke. 

21. Mr. Browne. 

22. William Cheesborough. 

23. Ralph Allin. 

24. James Hrowne. 

25. The Governour. 

26. William Smith. 

27. John Sutton. 

28. Job Laine. 

29. Thorn. Cooper. 

30. Thomas Bliss. 

31. John I'cram. 

32. Joseph Torrey. 

33. John Holbrooke. 

34. James Clarke. 

35. Edward Sale. 
3G. George Kendricko. 

37. Mr. Leonard. 

38. Richard liowen. 

"26th of the 10th month [December], 1645, at a 
meeting of the townsmen, it was voted that the house- 
lot and the rest of the accommodations that was laid 
out for John Sutton, forasmuch as he hath not come 
to live amongst us, nor fulfilled the order agreed upon, 
and bearing date the 24th of the 8th month, 1643, be 
granted to William Devell." 

It was also voted the same day " that a fence shall 
be made between the Indian lands, at the marked 
tree, from sea to sea, by the last day of the 2d 
month next, and the fence of five rails to be laid out 
by Robert Martin and Edward Smith and 2 more, 
and thev shall begin at the east side of the neck, and 
so to the west. Walter Palmer shall do the first fence, 
I Abraham Martin the second, and so accordingly as 
' the house-lots fall in order round the town ;' and if 
any man shall fiiil, or be negligent to set up his fence 
by' the day fixed, he shall forfeit for every rod not set 
up, two shillings, to be employed for the use of the 
town by the townsmen [one line here illegible], and 
those that are employed for the setting up the fence 
shall have an abatement in their fence so much as 
comes to their labor." 

"The 18th of the 12th mo. [February], 1646, at a 
meeting of the towne, it was agreed to draw lots for 
the new meadow, and to be divided according to per- 
son and estate, only those that were under £150 
estate to be made up 150. They were drawn as fol- 
loweth : 



1. Stephen Payne. 

2. Widow Walker. 

3. Robert Martin. 

4. Edward Gilnum. 
6. Ralph Sliephcrd. 
C. Richard Wright. 



" 1. Robert Sharp. 

2. Nicholas Ide. 

3. Isaac Martin. 

4. Ml-. Newman. 
6. Thomas Clifton. 

6. Ralph Allin. 

7. Kobert Fuller. 

8. Edward Sale. 

9. Joseph Torrey. 

10. John Fitch. 

11. Abraham Martin. 

12. Walter Palmer. 



15. William Devill. 
14. Edward Gilnnin. 

16. Richard Bowin. 

16. Robert Titus. 

17. Robert Martin. 

18. Widow Walker. 

19. George Robinson. 

20. Thomas Cooper. 

21. Obadiah Holmes. 

22. Stephen Paine. 

23. James Redwaie. 

24. William Sabin. 



7. Abraham Martin. 

8. The Teacher. 

9. Will. Carpenter. 



16. Thomas Uitt. 

17. Edward .Smith. 

18. Edward Bennett. 



1 The town was built in a semicircular form, around what is now 
Seekonk Comnwn (the south extremity of the plain), with tlie meeting- 
liouse and parsonage in the centre, the semicircle opening towards 
Seekonk or Pawtucket Kiver. This circle was afterwards called "the 
ring of the town." 



REHOBOTH. 



467 



25. Robert Wheatoii. 36. 

26. Thomas Blisa. 37. 
2.1. Widow Bennet. 38. 

28. Mr. Henry Smith. 39. 

29. Edward Sniith. 40. 

30. Ademia Morris. 41. 

31. John Peram. 42. 
.12. Peter Hunt. 43. 

33. John Miller. 44. 

34. Richard Ingram. 4o. 
3f). Mr. Alexander Winchester. 46. 



George Wriglit. 
Zachary Koitdes. 
George Kendricke. 
John Malthewse. 
John Dogget. -^ 
Robert Atell. 
William Carpenter. 
Mr. Peck. 
John Allin. 

William Cheesborongh. 
William Smith." 



, those men 



'* The 24th of the 4th mo. [June], 1650, at a town-meetii 
underwritten were chosen townsmen for this year : 

" Mr. Browne. Richard Bowen. 

Mr. Peck. William Sniith. 

Stephen Payne. Robert Martin." 

Thomas Cooper. 
*' At the same meeting the town gave peiiuission to these mun chosen 
to call a lown-iiieeting so often as need sliall require." 

" The loth mo. [December], 1C50, the county rate was agreed on." 

At the same meeting it was voted " to have a con- 
venient way, four rods wide (to be made by Edward 
Smith), to be for the town's use, or any that shall 
have occasion to pass from town to Providence, or to 
Mr. Blackstone's." 

"The 15th day of the 1st mo. [March], 1651, at a towne meeting, it 
was agreed on that Peter Hunt should accompany Mr. Browne to Plym- 
outh to nuike agreement about the Indian complaints." 

"The 19th day of the 3d mo. [May], 1651, chosen deputies Stephen 
Payne and Richard Bowen, for the Court at Plymouth ; Walter Palmer 
and Peter Hunt to be grand jurymen. Surveyors for the highways, 
William Smith and John Bead." 
" The 18th of October, 1651, these were chosen townsmen, viz. : 
" Mr. Browne. Thomas Cooper. 

Mr. Peck. Richard Bowen. 

Stephen Payne. Robert Martin." 

Peter Hunt. 
*' At the same time Peter Hunt was chosen Town Clerk." 
"At a town-meeting lawfully warned, the 12th of December, in the 
year 1653, voted that the price of corn should be 5«. ; wiieat, Ss. ; rye, 4«. ; 
and Indian corn, Ss. (provided that the corn be current and niorchant- 
able corn)." 

"At the same time those men were chosen to be townsmen, viz. : 
" Mr. Blown. Thomas Cooper. William Smith. 

Stephen Payne. William Carpenter. Robert Martin." 

Richard Bowen. 
"The luth of the 11th mo. [January], 1623. Voted that the Indians 
that kill any wolves are to be paid out of the rate by the constable." 

"June the 26th, 1655. At a town-meeting it was agreed upon that 
Mr. Newman, our teacher, should have tifty pounds a year ; and those 
seven men whose names are hereto appended were chosen committees 
for the levying of a rate according to person and estate for the raising 
of said maiutenance: 

"Joseph Peck. Robert Martin. 

Thomas Cooper. Peter Hunt. 

Richard Bowen. Will. Sabin." 

Stephen Payno. 
Feb. 22, 1658. "The following persons are accepted as freemen of 
the town, to take up their freedom, namely : Joseph Peck, John Peck, 
Henry Smith, Robert Fuller, John Fitch. Stephen Paine, Jonathan Bliss, 
William Buckland, Rice Leonard." 

June 22, 1658. '* At a town-meeting lawfully warned, lots were drawn 
for the meiidows that lie on the north side of the town, iu ordei; as fol- 
lowetli, according to person and estate: 



" 1. John Peck. 

2. George Robinson. 

3. Robert Abell. 

4. Nicholas Ide. 

5. James Reddeway. 

6. Jonathan Bliss. 

7. Mr. Winchester's children. 

8. Mr. Newman. 

9. George Kendrick. 



10. Stephen Payne, sen. 

11. John Butterworth. 

12. John Read. 

13. Thomas Wilmolh. 
14 John Fitch. 

15. Henry Sniilli. 

16. Will. Carpenter, sen. 

17. John Millard, jun. 

18. Robert Wheaton. 



19. Richard Bullock. 

20. Robert Martin. 

21. John Perrum. 

22. Richard Bowen, sen. 

23. Obadiah Bowen, 

24. Anthony Perry. 

25. Joseph Peck, 

26. John Matthews. 

27. John Allin. 

28. John Sutton. 

29. Peter Hunt. 

30. Tho. Cooper, jr 

31. Will. Sabin. 

32. Philip Walker. 

33. Daniel Smith. 

34. John Dogget. 



35. Nicholas Peck. 

36. Rice Leonard. 

37. Robert Jones. 

38. Francis Stevens. 

39. Thomas Cooper, sen. 

40. John Woodcock. 

41. Edwnrd Hall. 

42. Stephen Payne, jun. 

43. Roger Amadowne. 

44. Richard Bowen, jr. 
4.1. Robert Fuller. 

40. Will. Bucklin. 

47. Mr. Peck. 

48. John W'illard, son. 
40. Will. Carpenter, jun.' 



ftuit-Claim Deed from King Philip.— On the 
30th of March, 1668, Philip, who had succeeded his 
brother Alexander as sachem of the Wampanoags or 
Pokanokets, as they are sometimes called, confirmed 
to the town the purchase of the " eight miles square" 
made of Massasoit, or Ossamequin, his father, in 
1641, and relinquished all claim and title to the same 
by giving the town a quit-claim warrantee deed. 

The following is a list of the names of the inhabit- 
ants and proprietors of the Towne of Rehoboth having 
Rights and Titles to the Measuages, Tenements and 
Lands contained in the quit-claim deed of William 
Bradford to the town of Rehoboth, which hath been 
reade and allowed in a full Towne Meeting, ffebruary 
the 7th, 1689: Mr, Samuel Angier, Decon Thomas 
Cooper, Joseph Peck, sen'r, John ffitch, John Wood- 
cock, sen'r, Serj. Thomas Reade, George Kenricke, 
Nichollas Ide, sen'r, George Robinson, sen'r, Robert 
Wheaton, Richard Martia, John Peren, Jonathan 
ffuller, sen'r, Enoch Hunt, John Hunt, Ephrahim 
Hunt, Rice Leonard, Sam'l, Butterworth, Philip Wal- 
ker, ffrancis Stevens, sen'r, John Ormsby, Nathaniel 
Chafi^ee^Samuel Sabin, Serj. Preserved Able, Daniell 
Reade, Israll Reade,*" James Sabin, ^ohn Sabin,'^Noah 
Sabin, The Hieres of Thomas Kenrick, Samuel Rob- 
inson, Mosses Reade, Mr. Christopher Sanders, Jonah 
Palmer, sen'r, Samuell Palmer, Noah Mason, Samuell 
Mason, Nicholas Ide, jun'r, Sam'l Millerd, sen'r, 
Sam'l Millerd, jr., Johe Hall, John Redway, Sam'l 
Carpenter, John Tittus, Samuell Tittus, Joseph Tit- 
tus, John Carpenter, Thomas Grant, John Willmath, 
Samuel Blise, Jonathan Blise, Joseph Buckland, 
Samuell Paine, Joseph Browne, William Carpenter, 
jr., Isack Allen, Thomas Willmath, jr., John Wood- 
cock, jun'r, Iserall Woodcock, Thomas Woodcock, 
Jonathan Woodcock, Samuel Newman, jr., John 
Kinsley, Timothy Ide, Jonathan ffuller, jun., Jeremiah 
Wheaton, John Shawe, V. Joseph Sabine, Richard 
Whiteaker, Samuel Bullock, Thoma.s Ormsby, Thomas 
Man, Robert Millerd, sen'r, Mr. Henry Sweeting, 
Jathniell Peck, Joshua Smith, John Smith, Richard 
Evens, James Thurber, Sam'l Bowen, Jonathan Will- 
math, John flrench, Joseph Borsworth, Joseph Peck, 
jun^r, Hezekiah Pecke, Richard Bowen, Thomas 
Bowen, sen'r, John Marten, Jonah Palmer, jun'r, 
Samuel Cooper, Nathaniell Perry, John Daggett, 



463 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Thomas Cooper, Joseph Daorgctt, Nathaniell Da gge tt, 
Nathaniell VVhitaker, Eprahim Wheaton, Abiah Car- 
penter, James Carpenter, Samson Mason, Joseph 
Mason, Joseph Buckhmd, jun'r, Baruk Buckland, 
Sillas Titus, Nath. Paine, jun'r, William Robenson, 
Josiah Carpenter, ff'rancis Stevens, jun'r, Richard 
Bowen, jun'r, Joseph Millerd, Benjamin Millerd, 
John Boweu, Benjamin Robinson, David Newman, 
David fiuller, John Jenkings, John Jonson, Daniell 
Shepard, sen., David ffreeman, James Wilson, James 
Welch, John Bullock, John Callender, John Bartlet's 
heires. 

Orphans. — Thomas Cooper and Nathaniell Cooper, 
sons of Nath. Cooper, The Heires of Benjamin Buck- 
land, Samuell ffuller, The Heires of Eldad Kinsley, 
Jonathan Carpenter, David Carpenter, Sollomon Car- 
penter, Zacheriah Carpenter, Abraham Carpenter, 
The Heires of Robert Joanes, Daniell Sabin, son of 
Nehemiah Sabin, John flfuller, Abiall ffuller, Benja- 
min Paine, George Robinson, Jr., Isake Mason, 
Thomas Bowen. 



CHAPTER XXXIV.' 

REHOBOTH.— ( C'jiKiinifrf.) 

INDIAN HISTORY.= 

Eehobolb in the War— Ganisou-Houses — Burning of the Town — Pierce's 
Fight — Philip Slain at Mount Hope — Capture of Annawan — Anna- 
wan's Bock — Col. Benjamin Church 
Capture. 



- UiH Account of Annawan's 



Indian War. — In 1675 commenced the bloody and 
destructive Indian war known by the name of 
" Philip's war." Of the miseries of this war Reho- 
both, from its proximity to Mount Hope, the residence 
of Philip, or Pometacom, the prime mover of the war, 
was destined to suffer its full share. The first blood 
was spilled within the original jurisdiction of Reho- 
both, and the last of Philip's generals, the stern and 
intrepid old warrior and counselor Annawan, was 
captured within the present limits of the same town. 
During this war, which lasted nearly two years, the 
inhabitants of Rehoboth were kept in almost constant 
alarm ; a number of them were at different times 
slain, and the whole town, the garrison-houses ex- 
cepted, was at one time laid in ashes. This town was 
also the scene of Pierce's fight, one of the most dis- 
astrous battles to the English that occurred during 
the whole war. 

The " three houses" into which " the inhabitants of 
both towns" (Rehoboth and Swansea) were gathered, 
and where they rendezvoused during the war, were 
called garrison-houses. They were fortified and con- 
tinually guarded in time of danger, and were some- 



1 Condensed from Bliss' History of Rehoboth. 

2 See Chapter II., where will he found the Indian history of the 
county. Also, see history of Attleborough for Indian history of this 
eectioD. 



times so strong as to enable a few men to sustain a 
long siege against a large body of savages. The three 
principal garrison-houses maintained in Rehoboth 
and Swansea during Philip's war, and which were 
probably meant by the writer laSt quoted, were one 
in Rehoboth North Purchase (now Attleborough), 
called " Woodcock's Garrison," another on the south 
end of Seekonk Plain (now Seekonk Common), and 
the third near Miles' Bridge, in the northern part of 
Swansea ; this last was called " Miles' Garrison," from 
the Rev. John Miles, the minister of Swansea, whose 
house was garrisoned. It stood a short distance west 
of Miles' Bridge,' probably near the site of the tavern 
of Mason Barney, Esq.* Woodcock's Garrison was 
named from John Woodcock, who built the house 
and occupied it before the war and after it during 
his life for a public tavern. The following is the 
record of the license granted him for this purpose by 
the court of Plymouth : " July 5, 1670. John Wood- 
cock is allowed by the Court to keep an Ordinary at 
the ten-mile river (so called), which is in the way 
from Rehoboth to the Bay ; and likewise enjoined to 
keep good order, that no unruliness nor ribaldry be 
permitted there." (Plymouth Colony Record.) 

This garrison was in Attleborough, near the Bap- 
tist meeting-house. 

The principal garrison-house at Seekonk stood on 
the southeast side of the common. 

Several other houses were occupied temporarily as 
garrisons, but the three described were the strongest, 
and were always resorted to in times of the greatest 
danger. 

Church mentions a Maj. Brown's Garrison, where 
a part of the Plymouth forces on their arrival at 
Swansea were posted. Where this garrison stood it is 
impossible now to determine, though I have the im- 
pression, from the fact that Mr. Brown's father owned 
land very largely at Wannamoiset, which had now 
descended to his son, that it was in the same part of 
Swansea with Miles' Garrison. 

Mr. Baylies, in his " Memoir of Plymouth Colony," 
vol. ii., pt. 3, p. 33, mentions a garrison at the house of 
one Bourn, at Mattapoisett, twelve miles distant from 
Swansea. Though in this he follows Hubbard (133), 
yet this distance, " twelve miles," is undoubtedly an 
error. Hubbard in another place calls Mattapoisett 
" a small neck of land in the bottom of Taunton 
Bay, in the midway between Mount Hope and Po- 
casset Neck," and mentions it as being twelve miles 
from Rehoboth? This would make the distance be- 



3 This bridge is over Palmer's River, about three miles north of War- 
ren, R. I. 

■• III the year 1S33, in digging or enlarging a cellar on this spot, a large 
nnmbt'r of cannon-balls were dug out of tlie ground, wliich leads me to 
suppose that this was the site of the garrison. I( is not mentioned by 
any historian that cannon were used by the English at Swansea at the 
time of Philip's war. But I know of no other purpose for wliich Uiese 
balls could have been deposited there. The place where they were 
found I conjecture to have been the spot of Mr. Miles' cellar. 

^ Hubbard's Narrative, p. 70. 



REHOBOTH. 



469 



^ween Miles' Garrison and Mattapoisett six miles, the 
former being six miles distant from Rehoboth, and 
in the direction of the latter. Mattapoisett Neck is the 
same as is now called Gardner's Neck, in Swansea, 
which runs into Mount Hope Bay, early called Taun- 
ton Bay. 

March the 28th, 1676, two days after Pierce's fight,' 
a party of the Indians, crossing the river, laid the 
town in ashes, burning forty houses and thirty barns.-' 
These houses were around the " Ring of the Town," 
now called " Seekonk Common." Only two houses 
were left standing, the garrison house, which stood 
on the spot where the house of Phanuel Bishop now 
stands, and another house on the south end of the 
common, which was preserved by black sticks having 
been arranged around it, so as to give it at a distance 
the appearance of being strongly guarded. The 
houses were set on fire, as tradition informs us, early 
in the evening, and when the sun arose the next 
morning it beheld only a line of smoking ruins. 

The town records give the name of only one 
person slain by the Indians at this time: "Robert 
Beers, slain y" 28 March, 1676." He was an Irish- 
man, and a brick-maker by trade. It is said that he 
was a religious but eccentric and superstitious man, 
and that on the approach of the Indians he refused 
to go into the garrison house, but sat down in his 
own house with his Bible in his hand, believing that 
while he continued reading it nothing could harm 
him. He was shot through the window, and fell 
with his Bible in his hand. 

The following mention of the burning of the town 
by the Indians on the 28th of March is made in a 
letter written at that time by the council of war at 
Plymouth to Governor Leverett, of Massachusetts 
Colony. The copy, found among the Winslow papers, 
has no date, but from the contents it is inferred that 
it was written on the 31st of March, 1676 : " Another 
messenger with sad tidings, at the heels of the other, 
from Rehoboth ; that town in flames, 28 instant, soon 
after daylight, the enemy having fech't away sundry 
cattle the day before, and lay all night in their hear- 
ing, burnt sixty houses and barns, ap])pared very nu- 
merous, and continued lurking thereabout after it." 

The next notice of the Indians relative to Reho- 
both found in history is that "in the road to Reho- 
both (in their march from Wrentham) they assaulted 
one Woodcock's house, killed one man and one of his 
sons, wounded another, and burned his son's house." 

The Indian war in this quarter was now fast draw- 
ing to a close. Philip, the prime mover of the war, 
was slain on Saturday morning, Aug. 12, 1676, at 
Mount Hope, and Annawan, the last and bravest of 
his generals, was taken captive on Monday evening 
of the 28th, in Rehoboth. The rock where he was 
taken is still known to all the country round by the 
name of " Annawan's rock." This rock lies in the 



^ See Attleborough. 



2 Huliliard'e Narrative, p. 125. 



southeasterly part of Rehoboth, near the confines of 
Dighton, a few rods south of the new turnpike from 
Taunton to Providence, about eight miles from the 
former and ten miles from the latter place. It is on 
the northern border of a great swamp called Squan- 
nakonk, by which it is rendered inaccessible except on 
the northern side. This side can be seen from the 
turnpike, and is easily ascended, sloping gradually 
away from its summit to its base, at an angle of about 
35°. The whole rock extends northeast and south- 
west seventy or eighty feet, and its height is twenty- 
five or thirty feet. It is composed of sand and peb- 
bles. A part of its southeast side projects a little 
over its base, while on the northeast it seems at no 
very distant period to have tumbled down in large 
clefts. Near its southeast extremity is an opening of 
an angular form, resembling the corner of a room, 
with sides nearly perpendicular. In this, it is said, 
Annawan and his men had encamped. In one of 
the perpendicular sides of this opening is an excava- 
tion or fissure, narrow at the bottom, and widening 
gradually upwards, and commencing so near the 
ground as to make a very convenient seat. This is 
called " Annawan's chair," for it is said that in this 
Annawan used to sit. Within the large angular 
opening or corner, some years since, stood a large 
tree, covered for several feet from the ground with 
the names of many who had visited the rock, and 
whose passion for immortality had prompted them 
"to give in trust their names" to this reverend senti- 
nel of the place. But the "September gale" of 1815 
prostrated this ancient chronicler of the rock, and an 
uprooted stump now marks the place where it stood. 
It is probable that this tree grew since the days of 
Annawan, as it occupied a large share of the angle. 
Small bushes still grow from the seams on the top 
and in the steep side of the rock, as in the days of 
Church. Till lately a thin scattering wood grew 
around it, and near to the east and south was a tliick 
forest, which .seemed to make it even then a fitting 
abode for savages. But these have within a year or 
two all yielded to "the woodman's axe," and the re- 
treat of Annawan now looks lonely and desolate. It 
is frequently visited by the curious and the gay, and 
the rock where the rude Indian once trod is now 
often pressed by the soft foot of the American fair. 
The nearest inhabitant to this rock is Deacon Asahel 
Bliss. (Bliss in 1838.) 

Annawan was of the tribe of the Wampanoags, 
and had been greatly distinguished as a warrior and 
counselor under Massasoit, and was "Philip's great 
captain" in this war. He is first mentioned in the 
annals of Philip's war by Church, in describing the 
skirmish in which Philip was slain : " One of the " 
enemy, who seemed to be a great surly old fellow, 
hallooed with a loud voice, and often called out, 
"lootash, lootash!" Capt. Church called to his In- 
dian, Peter, and asked him who that was called so. 
He answered that it was old Annawan, Philip's great 



470 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



captain, calling to his soldiers to stand to it, and fight 
stoutly." The best authority for the circumstances of 
the capture of Aunawan is found in the account writ- 
ten under the direction of the old warrior,' to whose 
valor the glory of the achievement belongs. 

" Capt. Church," says the narrative, " had been but 
a little while at Plimouth (after the death of Philip) 
before a post from Rehobotli came to inform the 
Governour that old Annawan, Philip's chief captain, 
was with his company ranging about their woods, 
and was very offensive and pernicious to Rehoboth 
and Swanzey. Capt. Church was immediately sent 
for again, and treated with to engage in one expedi- 
tion more. He told them their encouragement was 
so poor he feared his soldiers would be dull aljout 
going again. But being a hearty friend to the cause, 
he rallied again, goes to Mr. Jabez Howland, his old 
lieutenant, and some of his soldiers that used to go 
out with him, told them how the case was circum- 
stanced, and that he had intelligence of old Anna- 
wan's walk and haunt, and wanted hands to hunt 
him. They did not want mucli entreating, but told 
him they would go with him as long as there was one 
Indian left in the woods. He moved and ranged 
through the woods to Pocasset. 

" It being the latter end of the week, he proposed 
to go on to Rhode Island and rest until Monday ; but 
on the Lord's day morning'' there came a post to 
inform the captain that early the same morning a 
canoe with several Indians in it passed from Pru- 
dence Island' to Poppasquash* Neck. Capt. Church 
thought if he could possibly surprise them he might 
probably gain some intelligence of more game, there- 
fore he made all possible speed after them. The ferry- 
boat being out of the way he made use of canoes. 
But by that time they had made two freights and had 
got over about fifteen or sixteen of his Indians the 
wind sprung up with such violence that canoes could 
no more pass. • The captain seeing it was impossible 
for any more of his soldiers to come to him, he told 
his Indians if they were willing to go with him he 
would go to Poppasquash and see if they could catch 
some of the enemy Indians. They were willing to go 
but were sorry they had no English soldiers.^ So 
they marched through the thickets that they might 



1 Col. Beiijamiu Church waa born at Duxbury, Mass., in 1639, and died 
Jan. 17, 1717, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, at Little Compton, 
R. I. He married Miss .\lice Southwurth, and had five sons and a 
daughter. His daring and intrepidity can scarce find an equal in our 
annals. He was particularly distinguished in Philip's war, and was after- 
wards sent on an expedition against the Eastern Indians. (Church's Hist. 
Of Philip's war.) William Church, Esq., of Providence, R. I., and Church 
Gray, Esq., of Seekonk, are lineal descendants of this hero, the former 
by the father's and the latter by the mother's side. 

2 August '27th. 

^ .\n island in Narragansett Bay, to the southwest of Warren and Bris- 
tol, about six miles in length. 

* A long narrow neck or peninsula, extending into the Narragansett 
Bay, on the west of Bristol, and between Bristol and Warren. 

s They had one or more Englishmen in their company, as will be 
presently seen. 



not be discovered, until they came unto the salt 
meadow to the northward of Bristol town, that now 
is, then they heard a gun ; the captain looked about, 
not knowing but it might be some of his own com- 
pany in the rear. So halting till they all came up, 
he found it was none of his company that fired. 

"Now, though he had but a few men, he was 
minded to send some of them out on a scout. He 
moved it to Capt. Lightfoot to go with three more on 
a scout; he said he was willing, provided the cap- 
tain's man, Nathaniel (which was an Indian they had 
lately taken), might be one of them, because he was 
well acquainted with the Neck, and coming lately 
from among them knew how to call them. 

"The captain bid him choose his three companions 
and go, and if they came across any of the enemy not 
to kill if they could possibly be taken alive, that they 
might gain intelligence concerning Annawan. The 
captain with the rest of his company moved but a 
little way further toward Poppa.squash before they 
heard another gun, which seemed to be the same 
way with the other, but farther off; but they made 
no halt until they came unto the narrow of Poppa- 
squash Neck, where Capt. Church left three men 
more to watch if any should come out of the Neck 
and to inform the scout when they returned which 
way he was gone. 

"He posted the remainder of his company, half on 
one side of the Neck, and the other with himself went 
on the other side, until they met, and, meeting with 
neither Indians nor canoes, returned with big expec- 
tations of tidings by their scout. But when they came 
back to the three men at the narrow of the Neck, they 
told their captain the scout was not returned and had 
heard nor seen anything of them ; this filled them 
with thoughts of what should become of them. By 
that time they had sat and waited an hour longer ; 
it was very dark and they despaired of their return- 
ing to them. 

" Some of the Indians told their captain they feared 
his new man, Nathaniel, had met with his old Mount 
Hope friends and was turned rogue. They concluded 
to make no fires that night (and indeed they had no 
great need of any), for they had no victuals to cook, 
not so much as a morsel of bread with them. 

" They took up their lodgings scattering, that if pos- 
sibly their scout should come in the night and whistle 
(which was their sign) some or other of thein might 
hear them. They had a very solitary, hungry night, 
and as soon as the day broke* they drew off through 
the brush to a hill without the Neck, and looking 
about them they espied one Indian man come run- 
ning somewhat towards them. The captain ordered 
one man to step out and show himself Upon this 
the Indian ran right to him. And who should it be 
but Capt. Lightfoot, to their great joy. Capt. Church 
asked him what news'? He answered, 'Good news'; 

Monday, August 28th. 



REHOBOTH. 



471 



they were all well, and had catched ten Indians ; and 
that they guarded them all night in oneof the flankers 
of the old English garrison;' that their prisoners were 
a part of Annawan's company, and that they had left 
their families in a swamp above Metapoiset Neck,- 
and as they were marching towards the old garrison 
Lightfoot gave Capt. Church a particular account of 
their exploit, viz.: that presently after they left him 
they heard another gun, which seemed towards the 
Indian burying-place, and moving that way they dis- 
covered two of the enemy flaying of a horse. The 
scout clapping into the brush, Nathaniel bid them 
sit down, and he would present!}' call all the Indians 
thereabout him. They hid, and he went a little dis- 
tance back from them and set up his note and howled 
like a wolf. One of the two immediately left his horse i 
and came running to see who was there ; but Nathan- 
iel, howling lower and lower, drew him in between 
those that lay in wait for him, who seized him. 
Nathaniel continuing the same note, the other left 
the horse also, following his mate, and met with the 
same. When they caught these two they examined 
them apart and found them to agree in their story, — 
that there were eight more of them come down into 
the Neck to get provisions, and had agreed to meet 
at the burying-place that evening. These two being 
some of Nathaniel's old acquaintance, he had great 
influence upon them, aud with his enticing story 
(telling what a brave captain he had, how bravely 
he lived since he had been with him, and how much 
they might better their condition by turning to him, 
etc.), persuaded and engaged them to be on his side, 
which, indeed, now began to be the better side of the 
hedge. They waited but a little while before they 
espied the rest of theirs coming up to the burying- 
place; and Nathaniel soon howled them in, as he had 
done their mates before. 

" When Capt. Church came to the garrison he met 
his lieutenant^ and the rest of his company. And 
then making up good fires they fell to roasting their 
horse beef, enough to last them a whole day, but had 
not a morsel of bread, but though salt they had 
(which they always carried in their pockets, which 
at this time was very acceptable to them). 

" Their next motion was towards the place where 
the prisoners told them they had left their women and 
children, and surprised them all and some others that 
were newly come to them. And upon examination 
they held to one story, that it was hard to tell where 
to find Annawan, for he never roosted twice in a place. 

" Now a certain Indian soldier that Capt. Church 
had gained over to be on his side prayed that he 



1 This fort was built id June, 1675, by the Boston and Plymouth troops, 
who were sent to the defense of Swansea on the first breaking out of the 
war. 

- In Swansea. 

3 Mr. Jabez Ilowland. From this it appears that Church had at least 
one Englishman with him in this expedition, and we shall presently see 
that he had another. 



might have liberty to go and fetch his father, who, he 
said, was about four miles from that place in a swamp, 
with no other than a young squaw. Capt. Church 
inclined to go with him, thinking it might be in his 
way to gain some intelligence of Annawan, and so 
taking one Englishman and a few Indians with him, 
leaving the rest there, he went with his new soldier to 
look after his father. 

" When he came to the swamp he bid the Indian go 
to see if he could find his father. He was no sooner 
gone but Church discovered a track coming down out 
of the woods, upon which he and his little company 
lay close, some on one side of the track and some on 
the other. They heard the Indian soldier making a 
howling for his father, and at length somebody an- 
swered him ; but while they were listening they 
thought they heard somebody coming towards them ; 
presently they saw an old man coming up with a gun 
on his shoulder aud a young woman following in the 
track in which they lay by. They let them come up 
between them, and then started up and laid hold of 
them both. Capt. Cliurch immediately examined 
them apart, telling them what they must trust to if 
they told false stories. He asked the young woman 
what company they came from last? She said, ' From 
Capt. Annawan's.' He asked her how many there 
were in company with him when she left him ? She 
said, ' Fifty or sixty.' He asked her how many miles 
it was to the place where she left him? She said she 
did not understand miles, but that he was up in 
Squaunaconk Swamp.* 

" The old man, who had been one of Philip's Coun- 
cil, upon examination, gave exactly the same account. 
Capt. Church asked him if they could get there that 
night? He said if they went presently and traveled 
stoutly they might get there by sunset. He asked 
whither he was going? He answered that Annawan 
had sent him down to look for some Indians that were 
gone down into Mount Hope Neck to kill provisions. 
Capt. Church let him know that these Indians were 
all his prisoners. 

" By this time came the Indian soldier and brought 
his father and one Indian more. The captain was 
now in a great strait of mind what to do next ; he had 
a mind to give Annawan a visit now he knew where 
to find him. But his company was very small, but 
half a dozen men beside himself, and was under a 
necessity to send somebody back to acquaint his lieu- 
tenant and company with his proceedings. However, 
he asked his small company that were with him 
whether they would willingly go with him and give 
Annawan a visit? They told him they were always 
ready to obey his commands, etc., but, withal, told 
him that they knew this Capt. Annawan was a great 
soldier, that he had been a valiant captain under 
Asuhmequin,* Philip's father, and that he had been 

* This is a large swamp in the southeasterly part of Rehoboth, 
^ His name has been variously written as Asuhmequin, Ossamequin 
or Osamequin, Oosamequen, Osamekin, Owsaniequin, Ousamequine, Cs- 



472 



HlSTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Philip's chieftan all this war. A very subtile man, of 
great resolution, ami had often said that he would 
never be taken alive by the English. And, more- 
over, they knew that the men that were with him 
were resolute fellows, some of Philip's chief soldiers, 
and therefore feared whether it was practicable to 
make an attempt upon him with so small a handful 
of assailants as were now with him. Told him fur- 
ther that it would be a pity that, after all the great 
things he had done, he should throw away his life at 
last. Upon which he replied that he doubted not 
Annawan was a subtile and valiant man ; that he had 
a long time, but in vain, sought for him, and never 
till now could find his quarters, and he was very loth 
to miss of the opportunity; and doubted not but that 
if they would cheerfully go with him the same Al- 
mighty Providence that had hitherto protected and 
befriended them would do so still, etc. 

" Upon this with one consent they said they would 
go. Capt. Church then turned to one Cook, of Plym- 
outh (the only Englishman then with him), and 
asked him what he thought of it. He replied, 'Sir, 
I am never afraid of going anywhere when you are 
with me.' Then Capt. Church asked the old Indian 
if he could carry his horse with him. (For he con- 
veyed a horse thus far with him.) He replied that it 
was impossible for a horse to pass the swamps. There- 
fore he sent away his new Indian .soldier with his 
father and the captain's horse to his lieutenant, and 
orders for him to move to Taunton with the prisoners, 
to secure them there, and to come out in the Reho- 
both road, in which he might expect to meet him if 
he were alive and had success. 

" The captain then asked the old fellow if he 
would pilot him unto Annawan. He answered 
that he having given him his life, he was obliged 
to serve him. He bid him move on, and they fol- 
lowed. The old man would out-travel them so far 
sometimes that they were almost out of sight. Look- 
ing over his shoulder and seeing them behind he 
would halt. 

'' Just as the sun was setting the old man made a 
full stop and sat down. The company coming up 
also sat down, being all weary. Capt. Church asked, 
' What news ?' He answered, that about that time in 
the evening Capt. Annawan sent out his scouts to see 
if the coast were clear, and as soon as it began to 
grow dark the scouts returned, ' and then,' said he, 
' we may move securely.' When it began to grow 
dark the old man stood up again, and Capt. Church 
asked him if he would take a gun and fight for him. 
He bowed very low, and prayed him not to impose 
such a thing upon him as to fight against Capt. An- 
nawan, his old friend. ' But,' says he, ' I will go along 
with you and be helpful to you, and will lay hands on 
any man that shall offer to hurt you.' " 



eameqiien, AVassamegin, etc. But the name by which he is most com- 
monly known in iiistory is Ma.ssassoit or Massasoit. For an account of 
the life of this " good old chief," see Drake's " Book of the Indians." 



It being now pretty dark, they moved close together. 
Anon they heard a noise. The captain stayed the old 
man with his hand and asked his own men what noise 
they thought it might be? They concluded it to be 
the pounding of a mortar. The old man had given 
Capt. Church a description of the place where Anna- 
wan now lay, and of the difficulty of getting at him. 
Being sensible that they were pretty near them, with 
two of his Indians he creeps to the edge of the rocks, 
from whence he could see their camps. He saw three 
companies of Indians at a little distance from each 
other, being easy to be discovered by the light of their 
fires. He saw also the great Annawan and his com- 
pany, who had formed his camp or kenneling-place 
by felling a tree under the side of the great clifts of 
rocks and setting a row of birch- bushes up against it, 
where he himself, his son, and some of his chiefs had 
taken up lodgings, and made great fires without them, 
and had their |)Ots and kettles boiling and spits roast- 
ing. Their arms also he discovered, all set together 
in a place fitted for the purpose, standing up on end 
against a stick lodged in two crotches, and a mat 
placed over them to keep them from the wet or dew. 
The old Annawan's feet and his son's head were so 
near the arms as almost to touch them. 

" The rocks were so steep that it was imi)ossible 
to get down, only as they lowered themselves by the 
boughs and the bushes that grew in the cracks of the 
rocks. Capt. Church, creeping back again to the old 
man, asked him if there were no possibility of getting 
at them some other way. He answered, ' No.' That 
he and all that belonged to Annawan were ordered to 
come that way, and none could come any otiier way 
without difficulty or danger of being shot. 

" Capt. Church then ordered the old man and his 
daughter to go down foremost with their baskets at 
their backs, that when Annawan saw them with their 
baskets he should not mistrust the intrigue. Capt. 
Church and his handful of soldiers crept down also 
under the shadow of those two and their baskets. 
The captain himself crept close behind the old man, 
with his hatchet in his hand, and stepped over the 
young man's head to the arms. The young Anna- 
wan discovering of him, whipped his blanket over 
his head and shrunk up in a heap. The old Capt. 
Annawan started up and cried out ' Howoh !' ' And 
despairing of escape, threw himself back again and 
lay silent until Capt. Church had secured all the 
arms, etc' And having secured that company, he 
sent his Indian soldiers to the other fires and com- 
panies, giving them instructions what to do and say. 
Accordingly they went into the midst of them. When 
they discovered themselves who they were, they told 
them that their Capt. Annawan was taken, and it 
would be best for them quietly and peaceably to sur- 

1 This word signified welcovie. Among the tribes of the West the same 

word is now used to signify approbation. Thus when a speech is made 
which pleases them, at the end of each paragraph they exclaim, " Uoah ! 
Hoah !" — Weld's Travels Hi America, 



KEHOBOTH. 



473 



render themselves, which would procure good quar- 
ters for them. Otherwise, if they should pretend to 
resist or make their escape, it would be in vain, and 
they could expect no other but that Capt. Church, 
with his great army, who had now entrapped them, 
would cut them to i)ieces. Told them also if they 
would submit themselves and deliver up all their 
arms unto them and keep every man in his place 
until it was day, they would assure them that their 
Capt. Church, who had been so k-ind to themselves 
when they surrendered to him, should be as kind to 
them. Now they being old acquaintance, and many 
of them relations, did much the readier give heed to 
what they said, complied and surrendered up their 
arms unto them, both their guns and hatchets, etc., 
and were forthwith carried to Capt. Church. 

" Things being so far settled, Capt. Church asked 
Annawan 'what he had for supper? For,' said he, 
' I am come to sup with you.' ' Taiibuf.', ' said Anna- 
wan, with a big voice, and looking about upon his 
women bid them hasten and get Capt. Church and 
his company some supper. He then turned to Capt. 
Church and asked him whether he would eat cow 
beef or horse beef The captain told him cow beef 
would be the most acceptable. It was soon got ready, 
and pulling his little bag of salt out of his pocket, 
which was all the provision he had brought with 
him, this seasoned his cow beef. So that with it and 
the dried corn, which the old squaw was pounding in 
the mortar while they were sliding down the rocks, 
he made a very hearty supper. And this pounding 
in the mortar proved lucky for Capt. Church's getting 
down the rocks, for when the old squaw pounded they 
moved, and when she ceased to turn the corn they 
ceased creeping. The noise of the mortar prevented 
the enemy's hearing their creeping, and the corn be- 
ing now dressed, supplied the want of bread and 
gave a fine relish with the cow beef. 

" Supper being over, Capt. Church sent two of his 
men to inform the other companies that he had killed 
Philip and taken their friends in Mount Hope Neck, 
but had spared their lives, and that he had subdued 
now all the enemy (hesupposed) except this company 
of Annawan, and now if they would be orderly and 
keep their places until morning they should have good 
quarter, and that he would carry them to Taunton, 
where they might see their friends again, etc. 

" The messengers returned that the Indians yielded 
to his proposals. 

" Capt. Church thought it was now time for him to 
take a nap, having had no sleep in two days and one 
night before. So he told his men that if they would 
let him sleep two hours they should sleep all the rest 
of the night. He laid himself down and endeavored 
to sleep, but all disposition to sleep departed from 
him. 

" After he had lain a little while he looked up to 

1 This word Hubbard has interpreted to mean " thauk you." 



see how his watch managed, but found them all fast 
asleep. Now Capt. Church had told Capt. Annawan's 
company, as he had ordered his Indians to tell the 
others, that their lives should all be spared excepting 
Capt. Annawan's, and it was not in his power to 
promise him his life, but he must carry him to his 
masters at Plymouth and he would entreat them for 
his life. 

" Now when Capt. Church found not only his own 
men, but all the Indians fast asleep, Annawan only 
excepted, who, he perceived, was broad awake as 
himself, and so they lay looking one upon the other 
perhaps an hour. 

"At length Annawan raised himself up, cast off his 
blanket, and with no more clothes than his small 
breeches walked a little way back from the company." 
. . . " By and by he was gone out of sight and 
hearing, and then Capt. Church began to suspect 
some ill design in him, and got all the guns close to 
him and crowded himself close under young Anna- 
wan, that if he should anywhere get a gun he should 
not make a shot at him without endangering his son. 
Lying very still awhile, waiting for the event, at 
length he heard somebody coming the same way that 
Annawan went. The moon now shining bright, he 
saw him at a distance coming with something in his 
hands ; and coming up to Capt. Church he fell upon 
his knees before him and offered him what he had 
brought, and, speaking in plain English, said, 'Great 
Captain, you have killed Philip and conquered his 
country, for I believe that I and my company are the 
last that war against the English, so suppose the war 
is ended by your means, and therefore these things 
belong to you.' Then opening his pack, he pulled 
out Philip's belt, curiously wrought with wampum, 
being nine inches broad, wrought with black and 
white wampum, in various figures and flowers and 
pictures of many birds and beasts. This, when 
hanged upon Capt. Church's shoulders, reached his 
ankles ; and another belt of wampum he presented 
him with, wrought after the former manner, which 
Philip was wont to put upon his head. It had two 
flags on the back part, which hung down on his back, 
and another small belt with a star upon the end of it 
which he used to hang on his breast, and they were 
all edged with red hair, which Annawan said he got 
in the Mohog's (Mohawk's) country. Then he pulled 
out tftfo horns of glazed powder and a red cloth 
blanket. He told Capt. Church these were Philip's 
royalties, which he was wont to adorn himself with 
when he sat in state ; that he thought himself happy 
that he had an opportunity to present them to Capt. 
Church, who had won them, etc. They spent the re- 
mainder of the night in discourse, and Capt. Anna- 
wan gave an account of what mighty success he had 
formerly in wars against many nations of Indians 
when he served Asumhequin, Philip's father, etc. 

" In the morning, as soon as it was light, the cap- 
tain marched with his prisoners out of that swampy 



474 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Gilbort Brooks, David Smith, James Redeway, sen., Preserved Abell, 
William Biickland, Benjamin Buckliind (with the loss of a gun), Sam- 
uel Peck, John Fitch (with the loss of a gun), Tlioniaa Willmarth, sen., 
Francis Stephens, Joseph Peck, David Beers, John Savage, Kichard 
Martin, Thomas Grant, Deacon Nathaniel Cooper, Robert Miller, Wid. 
Mason, Wid. Rachael Read (with a gun loft), John Kingsley, Moses 
Reade, John Reade, sen., NWilliam Sabin, Nathaniel Paine, Samuel 
■Reade, Thomas Willmarth, jun., John Willmarth, Joseph Ohaffec, Sam- 
Vvuel Bullock, Jolin Carpenter, John Titus, jun., Natlmniel Chaffee, Rob- 
ert Fnller, Richard Bowen, Rebecca Hunt, John Hall,>Sam\ipl Sabin, 
I Eldad Kingsley, Wid. Carpenter, Daniel Allen, Samuel Homes, Noah 
! Slason, John Jonson, Jeremiah Wheaton, Obadiah Bowen, Nathaniel 
Foulsoni, Eheu. Amidown, John Ciossman, ^Benjamin Sabin, James 
Redeway, jun., William'Blanding, Daniel Smith, John Peck, Deacon 
Walker. John Allen, jun., John Dogget, Samuel Newman. 



country towards Taunton. He met his lieutenant 
and company about four miles out of town, who ex- 
pressed a great deal of joy to see him again, and said 
it was more than ever they expected. They went 
into Taunton, were civilly and kindly treated by the 
inhabitants. Here they refreshed and rested them- 
selves that night. 

" Early next morning the captain took old Anna- 
wan and half a dozen of his Indian soldiers and his 
own man and went to Rhode Island, sending the rest 
of his company and his prisoners by his lieutenant to 
Plymouth. Tarrying two or three days upon the 
island, he then went to Plymouth, and carried his 
wife and his two children with him." 

Thus was the most daring enterprise successfully 
achieved by the prowess of a single man. Annawan, 
being unable to deny but that he had tortured Eng- 
lish captives, found no mercy with the English, and 
in spite of the intercessions of Church, he was be- 
headed. This was done while Church was absent 
from Plymouth. Tispaquin, or Tuspaquin, a noble 
chief of the Narragansett tribe, whose capture by 
Church immediately succeeded that of Annawan, 
was beheaded with him. The grief and chagrin of 
Church were great on finding all his prayers and en- 
treaties for the life of Annawan utterly disregarded, 
and the faith of the government pledged by him to 
Tispaquin that his life should be spared thus shame- 
fully and barbarously trampled upon. " When Capt. 
Church," says his historian, "returned from Boston 
he found to his great grief the heads of Annawan, 
Tispaquin, etc., cut off, which were the last of Philip's 
friends." 

Thus fell "the last of Philip's friends," and the 
last noble chieftains of two once powerful and war- 
like tribes. 

After the death of Annawan but little worthy of 
not(? occurred in this quarter relating to the Indians. 
Nearly all the hostile Indians had been either cap- 
tured or killed, or had submitted themselves to the 
English, and expeditions against them were consid- 
ered rather as hunting excursions than dangerous 
enterprises. A few Indians lurking around Rehoboth 
and Seekonk were all that were heard of in Plymouth 
colony. 

Soldiers in King Philip's War.— The following 
from Rehoboth served in Philip's war: 

John Fitch, Jonathan Wilmarth, Jasiel Perry, Thomas Kendrick, 
V Jonathan Sabin, .lobn Carpenter, John Redeway, John Martin, John 
Hall, John Miller, Jun., John Ide, Joseph Dogge tt, Sampson Mason, 
Jun., Preserved Abell, Samuel Perry, Stephen Paine, Jun., Samuel Mil- 
ler, Silas T. Alin, Samuel Palniei , James Redeway, Enoch Hunt', Samuel 
Walker, Nicholas Ide, Noah MasoriVSamuel Sabin, Thomas Read, Israel 
Bead. George Robinson, Nathaniel Wilmarth. 

The following advanced money to sustain the war: 

George Kendrick, Jonathan Fuller, Jo. Miller, sen., Joseph Buck- 
land, Wid. Abraham Perem, Rice Leonard, James Gilson, An. Perry, 
George Uobinson, John Perem, William Carpenter, John Titus, sen,, 
Samuel Carp6nter,"SviJow Sabin, John Ormsby, Josiah Palmer, John , 1 Condensed front Bliss' excellent •« History of Rehoboth. 
Bulterworth, jun., Thomas Bead, Stephen Paine, jun.> Joseph Sabin, I work written by Leonard Bliss, Jr., in 18:16. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

REHOBOTH.— (ConfiMiierf.) 
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.! 

The first vote in the old town records concerning 
the war of the Revolution is under date of July 25, 
1774, as follows : 

" July 2.5, 1774. Voted by a great majority, that the sum of £5 3s. Sd. 
be drawn out of the town treasury for the use of the committee of this 
province, that are to meet in the General Congress; it being Rehoboth's 
proportionable part of the money to be ordered out of the treasury by 
the selectmen." 

" Voted not to purchase any goods imported from Great Britain after 
the :ilstday of August next, until the act for blocking up the harbour 
of Boston be repealed, and the government bo restored to its former 
privileges." "Likewise voted that the town clerk transmit a copy of 
the transactions of this meeting to the clerk of the Corresponding Com- 
mittee in Boston." 

"September 19, 1774. The town chose Maj. Timothy Walker and 
Capt. John Wheeler delegates to attend the proposed Provincial Con- 
gress on the second Tuesday of October next, at Concord, or any other 
time or place that the major part of the delegates of said province may 
agree upon." 

" October 3, 1774. The town chose Capt. Thomas Carpenter a delegate 
for the Provincial Congress in the room of Capt. John Wheeler that is 
dismissed." 

" November 21, 1774. Voted to accept of, and abide by, the results of 
the Provincial Congress." " Voted that every constable, collector, or 
person who have in their hands, oi- that may hereafter have any of the 
province's monies that they pay the same to Henry Gardner, Esq., of 
Stow, instead of the Hon. Harrison Gray, Esq., and that tliey produce 
his receipt which shall be a full and effectual discharge for the same 
agreeable to a resolve of the Provincial Congress, October 28tli, 1774 : to 
the whole of which resolve we promise and engage faithfully to adhere 
in all its parts." 

"January 2, 1776. The town chose Maj. Timothy Walker and Capt. 
Thomas Carpenter delegates to attend the Provincial Congress t.i be 
holden at Cambridge on the first day of February next." 

The Rev. Ephraim Hyde's parish (then the first 
Congregational society in Rehoboth, now the first in 
Seekonk) contributed £6 " for the relief and support 
of the poor of Boston, sufferers by means of the Bos- 
ton Port Bill." 

The receipt of £10 is acknowledged by Heury 
Gardner, Esq., treasurer of the Provincial Congress, 
as a " part of the province's tax set on the town of 
Rehoboth by the General Court." 



' a valuable 



REHOBOTH. 



475 



" May 26, 1775. Voted to raise two companies in this town to be ready 
on any special alarm; one company to be raised in tbe westerly pait 
and the other in llie easterly part of sni<l town. Likewise vut«d that 
every soldier enlisting to be minute-nmn, on alarm shall have three 
shillings a day. he finding himself, if called into service, nntil they come 
fro draw provisions ont of the piovision stores; and then to have two 
shilliiiga a day fur eacli day nntil they retnrn homo again except they 
shall be paid by the province." *• Also voted that the selectmen divide 
the town stock of ammunition, the one-half for the west part of the 
town, the other half for the east part." 

"June i;^, 1776. Voted that the selectmen provide for the poor of the 
town of Boston, that are or sliall be sent to this town, upon the town's 
credit." '* Also voted that there be fifty men in each special alarm com- 
pany, exclusive of officers; and that the captains of eacli company pro- 
vide a man with a hoise-cart and two horses in order to carry the bag- 
gage of the companies in case of alarm." 

November 6, 1775. Tlie town "voted to borrow 
four pieces of caunon of Capt. John Lyon and Mr. 
Nathan Daggett;" and voted '* the sum of £60 to de- 
fray the charges of mounting said cannon and pro- 
viding ammunition and other utensils that shall be 
needful for the same." Also chose " a committee to 
wait on a committee of the town of Providence to 
consult on fortifying Hog-pen Point." 

" November 13, 1775. Voted it expedient to fortify Hog-pen Point, and 
chose a comnnttee to oversee the business." This point is in Seekonk, 
and traces of the fortification are still to be seen. 

"January 1, 177G. The town voted to raise the sum of £118 1\m. to 
procure a town stock of powder and small arms." 

" February 12, 1776. Voted to euLOurage the manufacturing of salt- 
petre in private families, by affording them the mateiials they can get 
without doing dam:ige."' 

Considerable quantities of saltpetre, it is said, were 
manufactured in the town during the period of the 
Revolution, and a manufactory was set up near the 
Cove Factory, in Seekonk, for the purpose of making 
it. 

"April 14, 1774. Voted to raise a bounty of £20 to every soldier that 
shall enlist into the continental army for three years or during the war, 
provided they enlist into the said army within ten days." This bounty, 
by vote of tlie town May 19, 1777, was extended to every soldier that 
had enlisted for the same term, since the former vote, or who should en- 
list within twenty days of the last date. And by another vote, passed 
June :iOth, the same bunuty was further extended to all who should en- 
list into the coiitinentul army «ithin two months from that date. 

" May l.s, 1778. Voted to raise the sum of £720 for the raising of 
soldiers for the continental army for nine months." 

"September 7, 1T7S. Voted to grant the sum of £463 As. for clothing, 
purchased l-y the selectmen, agreeable to an order of Court, for the con- 
tinental soUliers that enlisted into the service." 

" April 19, 1779. A committee was appointed by the town, to provide 
for the soldiers' families." 

"May 5, 1779. V.ited that the sum of £1200 be raised by a tax this 
spring and paid into the town treasury, to be ordered out of said treas- 
ury by the selectmeti to the committee that take care of the soldiers' 
families, if needed." 

" May 19, 1779. Voted to raise the snm of £3000 for providing men, 
■when called fur from the authority, to go into the service as soldiers." 

"October 23, 17.^0. Voted to raise the sum of £26,400 for the pnr- 
pose of raising the town's quota of beef." This quota was 42,106 pounds. 
These immense sums were required to be raised, in consequence of the 
great depreciation of the value of the paper currency issued by the Con- 
tinental Congress. The whole amount of money raised by the town 
this year for its necessary charges was the sum of £50,527 is. 

"April 1, 1782. Voted that the town treasurer be instructed to sell 
the new emission money, three dollai-s for one hard dollar." 

This year, from the town, "The Hon. John Hancock had 23 votes for 
Governour," and " Doct. Joseph Bridgham had 11 votes fur Governour." 

From the " Journals and Resolves of Massachu- 
setts" we glean the few following additional particu- 



lars respecting the number of men, etc., to be fur- 
nished by Rehoboth at several of the different times 
when drafts of men were called for: For the rein- 
forcement voted to be raised in Massachusetts and 
**sent to the camp at Cambridge or Roxbury, as his 
Excellency General Washington shall direct," the 
proportion of Rehoboth was seventy-four men; the 
proportion of Rehoboth of the men raised by Massa- 
chusetts " for filling and completing the fifteen bat- 
talions of Continental troops" was twenty-four; 
Rehoboth's proportion of the men to be raised '* for 
reinforcing the Continental army," according to a 
resolve passed June 8, 1779, was twenty-two. In 
1781, Massachusetts was ordered to raise 4,626,178 
pounds of beef, of which the proportion of Rehoboth 
was 42,106 pounds. Of the 4726 men voted to be 
raised by Massachusetts, June, 1780, for three months, 
for reinforcing the Continental army, the proportion 
of Rehoboth was 60. 

"A muster-roll of Capt. Samuel Bliss' company of 
minute-men from Rehoboth, from the 19th of April 
to the 27th, — each eight days' service: 

"Samuel Bliss, captain ; Aaron Walker, lieutenant; Joseph Allen, 
ensign; Aaron Read, sergeant ; James Bullock, sergeant ; Noah Allen, 
sergeant; Christopher Ormsbee, sergeant; Nathan Wheeler, Jonathan 
Nash, Elijah Perry, Peter Read, John Brown, Samuel Monroe, William 
Fairbrother, Benjamin Comer, William Allen, Oliver Jones, Samuel 
Allen, Joseph Ingals, Thomas Campbell, John Dryer, Christopher Bland- 
ing, Nathan Turner, Nathaniel Turner, Ephraim Bliss, Levi Lewis, 
Valentine Wheeler, Jonathan Macomber, Abel Hix, Preserved Bullock, 
Laban Lake, Jonathan Drowne, Ezekiel Hix, Joseph Allen, Jacob Fnller, 
Comfort Stanley, Oliver Peck, Amos Bliss, Philip Peck, Solomon Peck, 
Elnathan Lake, Josiah Perry. Ichabod Wade." 

"A muster-roll of Capt, John Perry's company of 
minute-men, from 19th of April to the 27th, 1775: 

"John Peri-y, captain ; John Paine, lieutenant; James Bucklin, en- 
sign ; John Wilson, sergeant; John Smith, sergeant; Miles Shorey, 
Aaron'Lyon, P'reserved"jCl)ell, Caleb Walker, James Hill, William Bridg- 
ham, Richard Fairbrother, Jonathan Read, Samuel Jones, Enos Walker, 
Amos Goff, Comfort Hill, William Ingraham, Lemuel Perin, Demos 
Bishop, James Campbell, Peter Whitaker, Ezra Read, John Williams, 
drummer; Isaac Fuller, Joseph Wheaton, Jonathan Barney, Simeon 
Bowen, John Ingraham, Elkanah French, Barzaleel Bowen, James Med- 
bury, Robert Abell, Eleazer Bowen, Amos Read, William Carpenter." 

The following is a list of the officers in Col. Timothy 
Walker's regiment, enlisted for eight months from 
April and May of 1775. Col. Walker belonged to 
Rehoboth, and also a part of his officers: 

"S(rt/ 0/?(cer«.— Timothy Walker, Esq., colonel ; Nathaniel Leonard, 
lieutenant-colonel; Abiel Mitchell, major. 

Captain".— J yj\\n Perry, Samuel Bliss, Silas Cobb, Francis Liscomb, 
Marcy WilJiams, Peter Pitts, Caleb Richardson, John King, Oliver Soper, 
Samuel Tuhbs, Jr., Mason Shaw, Jacob Fuller, Daniel Parker. 

JAenlenants.— John Paine, Aaron Walker, Isa;ic Smith, Matthew Ran- 
dall, Samuel Lane,Ze>edee Raiden, Enoch Robinson, Noah Hall, Simeon 
Cobb, John Shaw. 

^Twir/ns.— Thomas Bucklin, Joseph Allen, Isaac Fisher, Soth Pratt, 
John Cook, Henry Briggs, Solomon Stanley, Abraham Hathaway, 
Thomat* Williams, Joel Tubbs. 

The following are lists of two companies in this 
regiment from Rehoboth : 

"A list of men under Capt. Samuel Bli.ss, who 
enlisted for eight months from April to May, 1775, in 
Col. Timothy Walker's regiment: 



476 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Ill 



Samuel Bliss, ciiptHin ; Aaron Wheeler, lieutenatrt; Joseph Allen, en- 
sign ; Aaron Read, Jaiiips Bullock, Noah Allen, Cliristoplier Onnsbee, 
sergpants; Nathaniel Bliss. Nathan Wheeler, .lonatlian Maconiber, Elijah 
Perry, corporals; James Wheeler, ilrunimer; Cyriel Smith, fifer; Joseph 
Allen, Samuel Allen, William Allen, Ephr.iim Bliss, Charles Bliss, David 
Bliss, Levi Baldwin, Thomas Baldwin, Preserved Bnllock, Isaac Bnrr, 
Samuel Baker, Christopher Blanding, Elipluilet Corhin, James Cole, 
Thomas Campbell, John Dryer, William Fairbrother, Simon Goff, Ahel 
Hix, Joseph Ingals, Ide, Oliver Jones, Laban Lake, Levi Lewis, Sam- 
uel Monroe, Jonathan Nash, David Perry, Sylvester Peck, Peter Read, Na- 
thaniel Round, Richard Round, Comfort Robinson, David Turner, Nathan 
Turner, Valentine Willniot, Jonathan Drown." 

" This roll," says a note appended to it, " was made 
up to the 1st of August, 1775, and paid by the State, 
and afterwards was ]>aid by the United States for the 
other five months." 

Samuel Allen was the only one that deserted from 
this company ; he deserted June 27, 1775. 

" A muster roll of the company under command of 
Capt. John Perry, in Col. Timothy Walker's regiment 
[torn off], to the 1st of August, 1775, enlisted for 
eight months : 

John Perry, captain ; John Paine, lieutenant ; James Bucklin, ensign ; 
John Wilson, John Smith, Miles Shorey, Robert Sutton, sergeants; 
AmosGoff, Lemuel Perrin, James Hill, David Lawrence, corporals; John 
Williams, drummer ; James Ely fifer; Preserved Abell, James Alger, 
George Allen, Squire Allen, William Bridgham, Demos Bishop, Isaac 
Bowers, Charles Bowers, Asa Bowers, Gideon Brown, Sylvester Bowers, 
Jonathan Barney, Rufus Bucklin, Josiah Blake, Bar/.ilhi Bowen, Bar- 
zaleel Bowen, James Camiihell, Thomas Cole, Shuhel Chaffee, William 
Daggett, Ricliard Fairbrother, Isaac Fuller, William Fuller, Jonathan 
French, Sylvester Fuller, Jonathan Hays, Stephen Hill, Comfort Hill, 
William Ingraham, Samuel Jones, Aaron Lyon, John Medbiiiy, John 
McMullen, Amos Richardson, Ezra Read, Enos Walker, Peter W^hitaker, 
Joseph Wheaton, John Walker, Peter Walker, Caieh Walker, Ephraim 
W'hitaker." 

In September, 1776, a regiment was raised in this 
town and some of the adjoining towns, and marched, 
under the command of Col. Thomas Carpenter, of 
Rehoboth, to join the army of Washington at White 
Plains. 

Previous to the battle of White Plains a trifling 
skirmish occurred between a small detachment of the 
British and Col. Carpenter's regiment, a few particu- 
lars of which I had from the surgeon's mate,' who 
was present and witnessed it. Col. Carpenter's regi- 
ment was stationed on a gently elevated hill to watch 
the movements of a detachment of the British army. 

Col. Carpenter's regiment were out on service at 
this time only three months. One of the companies 
in this regiment was raised partly in Attleborough 
and partly in Norton, and was under the command of 
Capt. Elisha May, of the former town. 

From the time that the British first took possession 
of Rhode Island, in December, 1776, till they finally 
evacuated it, a period of more than two years, the 
militia of this town and vicinity were subject to fre- 
quent drafts of men, and were frequently called out 
on alarms. Drafts were made in January, February, 
March, May, June, July, and August of the year 

1 These facts I had from my grandfather, the late Dr. James Bliss, of 
Kehoboth, who performed the duty of surgeon's mate in this regiment 

(Bliss). 



1777. The men were stationed principally at How- 
land's Ferry (Tiverton) and at Warwick. One com- 
pany, if not more, marched from this town to Rhode 
Island in October, 1777, and served one month in 
Spencer's "secret expedition." 

In Sullivan^s expedition on Rhode Isand in August, 

1778, Col. Carpenter, with a large detachment of his 
regiment, marched to join Sullivan's army on the 
island, and distinguished themselves for their bravery. 

Several of the soldiers of Col. Carpenter's regiment 
belonging to Rehoboth were killed during this expe- 
dition. The names of three of them were Medbury, 
Peck, and John Dryer. These three fell on one spot. 
Benjamin 8mitl>, of Swansea, was wounded by the 
bursting of a bomb-shell. 

From the " list of the six months' men raised to re- 
inforce the Continental army in the year 1780," we 
have the following list of names from Rehoboth; they 
marched to West Point, and served under Continen- 
tal officers : 

Peter Bannister, llth division. Samuel Edwards, lltb division. 

Jonathan Bobirison, " Nathan Walker, 12th " 

Comfort Bishop, " Ephraim Read, " 

Shubael Peck (fifer), " Samuel Shorey, " 

Sylvaims Bishop, '* Obed Robinson, _ " 

Nathan Monroe, " Remember Carpenter, " 

Job Freeman, " Timothy Titus, " 

Constant Perry, " Jesse Whitaker, " 

Joseph Dagt'-'tt, " Ezra Guff, " 

Jacob Tngalls, *' Benjamin Tujip, " 

John Pierce, ** Thomas Campbell, 32d " 

Isaac Bowen, " Spencer Bears, " 

Thomas Pierce, *' Cato Hunt (negro), " 

Ephraim Emerson, " John Healy, " 

Francis Fuller, " David (negro), " 

Arthur Thurber, " John McLean, " 

Nathan Turner (serg.), ** Obadiah Bowen, " 

Gideon Brown, *' Ephraim Bowen, " 

Samuel Cranston, " The. Carpenter [2d) " 

Francis Mesuzon, " 

The following is a list of those who entered the 
Continental army from Rehoboth, with names of the 
captains under whom they served: 

Names. ' Captains. Time. 

Bnrney, Nathaniel Slade. ;i years. 

Brown, Benjamin " During war. 

Bliss,- Samuel " 3 years. 

Bliss, Allen Cole. " 

Bliss, Samuel, jr '* " 

Bliss, Joshua " *' 

Brown, Daniel '* " 

Bullock, Comfort " ' '* 

Bullock, Jacob " " 

Buflington, Benjamin *' " 

Bnllock, Daviil " 15 months. 

Bullock, Jonathan " " 

Bly, James Carpenter. 3 years. 

Burn, Mosefi " '* 

Bicknell, Turner '* " 

Barney, Paul '* ** 

Bliss, Elisha Martin. '* 

Bliss, David " " 

Baker, Samuel " " 

Bishop, Oliver .Hull. " 

Boweu, Isaac " *' 

Bowen, Thomas *' 8 months. 

Carpenter, John Hix. 3 years. 

Cole, Isaac Cole. *' 

Cole, Jacob " " 

Cole, James. " '* 

2 Samuel Bliss, who afterwards bore the title of captain, was Gen. 
Washington's steward at Morristown in the winter of 1777. (Bliss* His- 
tory.) 



REHOBOTH. 



477 



Names. Captains. Time. 

Cole, Zephaniah .\.Bullock. 15 mouths. 

Canipljyll, Thomas Carpenter. 3 yt^ars. 

Cliafiee, Shubuel " During war. 

Chaffee, Comfort " 3 years. 

Cbaffee, Noah '* " 

Carpenter, William *' " 

Campln-!!, John " ** 

Corps, John '* *' 

Dryer, Israel Cole. " 

Dryer, .loimihan " " 

Deland, Edwurd Carpenter. " 

Franklin, William " During war. 

Fuller, Amos Cole. 3 years. 

Fairl)rotlier, Richard Carpenter. " 

GlHdiiiiig. James Hix. " 

Gladding, Jiimes, jr '* " 

Gladding, Ebenewr " " 

Goff, Isrufl " " 

Greenwood, Thomas Hill. " 

Hortun, William .>...Biilk.ck. '* 

Hicks, Chase " 15 months. 

Hindel, John Carpenter. During war. 

Hill, Stejihen Hill. 3 yeare. 

Iiigalls. Joseph Hix. '* 

Ide, Nathan Carpenter. *' 

Jones, John Bullock. ** 

Lewis, Levi Hix. " 

Lyndley, Juhrf, jr «.. Bui lock. " 

Lynn, Aaron " " 

Medburv, Buii Franklin. ** 

Mitchell, Bullock. " 

McMellen, John Hill. 

Negri", Csesar ^Cole. " 

New tun, Francis „ Bullock. " 

Newton, John Martin. " 

Ornishee, Juseph " " 

Peck, Sylvester. Hix. 8 months. 

PeiTy, Samuel Cole. 3 yeara. 

Pierce, Jesse Bullock. " 

Peck, Gains Carpenter. During war. 

Perry, Jesse " " 

Pearce, Philip Martin. " 

Perry, Samuel Hill. 8 months. 

Round, John Hix. 3 years. 

Round, IsaMC Cole. " 

Round, Wm Bullock. " 

Round, Oin Martin. " 

Renough, Charles Hill. " 

Ryle. Nicholas " " 

Reves, Pom]iey " " 

Smith, ..." Peck. '* 

Saunders, Jesse " " 

Smiih, Sam Hix. " 

Srtge, James Cole. " 

Turner, tlonstant Hix. *' 

Tnrnei', Amos " *' 

Turner, Nat " " 

Thresher, Noah Bullock. " 

Thresher, Joseph *' " 

Thompson, Edward " " 

Thresher, Charles " " 

Turner, Allen " " 

True, Sidomnn Hix. " 

Whit taker, Nat Franklin. " 

Wheeler, Sam Hix. " . 

Wheeler, Jesse " '* 

WiUniarth, Valentine " *' 

Willmarth, Benj " 8 mouths. 

Waldren, James, jr Bullock. 3 years. 

Whittaker', Jo ,. Carpenter. " 

Wheeler, Jauies Martin, " 

Whelen, Luther «.. Bullock. 15 months. 

White, J«lie/, Hix. 3 years. 

Walker, Natlian " " 

Wilford, Nicholas " " 

M'eeks, Moses *' During war. 

Wil-ion. Jno " 3 years. 

Whittaker, Rufus " " 

VoTKS, ETC — In 1784 the town voted, "in ad<lition to the money already 
granted for schooling, £"J0 for a granimer scliool." 

"Decemher 25,1786. The town voted that they wished to have an 

alteration in the present system of government in the commonwealth 
of Massactiusetts, by a majority of 110 of wluit then voted." 

"January 22,1787. Voted that the selectmen be instructed to re- 
move the powder and other town stock, that is now at Col. Thomas Car- 
penter's, as soon as conveniently may be." Col. Carpenter was a stanch 
friend of the government. 

"The name? of the following* peisons are registered in tlie town 
records as having taken the I'iitli of allegiance to the comnutnwealth, 
and delivered up their arms during March of 17H7. These men be- 
longed to the party of Shays, and had probably taken arms against the 
government : 

" Joseph Porter, Simeon Round, Nathan Hix {2di, Cyril Sniith, Heze- 

kiah Smith, Oliver Smith, Benjamin Bowen, Jacob Cole, Ezra Thayer, 
Jacob Bliss, Israel Hicks, Abiel Horton, Joseph Buwon, James Cole, 



Timothy Fuller, Jacob Bliss, Jr., Square Goff, Jr., Benjamin Monroe, 
Jabez Round (3d), Charles Round, James Martin, Isaac Burr, Laben 
Briggs, Amos Cole. William Fairbrotlier, Laben Lake, Nathaniel Thur- 
ber, Daniel Short, James Bullock, Nathan Newman, Samuel Carpenter, 
Jarvis Peck, Luke Bowen, Asa Bowen, John Hopkins." 

November 26, 1787. The town chose Capt. Phanuel Bishop, Maj. 
Frederick Drown, and William Windsor, Esq., delegates to the State 
Convention, to meet at Boston the second Wednesday of January, 1788, 
"to consult on the Federal Constitution recommended by tlie late Fed- 
eral Convejition, which set at Philadelphia the summer past." 

This year " voted to raise £120 for schooling, £2U to be applied to the 
support of a grammar school." 

" March 17, 1788. Voted to provide a work-house for the accommoda- 
tion of the poor of this town." 

April 2, 1792. The town raised for the support of schools, " including 
the Latin school," £150. Also '* voted that the selectmen be empowered 
to procure such grammar schools as shall answer tlie law, in the dif- 
ferent parts of the town, for learning the Latin and Greek languages." 

April 1, 1793. The town voted to raise for the sujiport of schools, 
£150. 

" October 6, 1794. Voted that the treasurer of this town be directed 
to pay to each non-commissioned officer and sohiier raised for this 
town's quota of eighty thousand men, ordered by Congress to be raised, 
forty shillings each, when they are ordered to march out of this town 
on a campaign, and forty shillings each to every man aforesaid for 
every month they shall continue in the camp after one month from the 
time they shall march, the money to be paid in one month after their 
return from service." 

This army of "eighty thousand men" were raised to repel the threat- 
ened invasion of France, and Washington was placed at their head. 

"February 24, 1794. Voted to remonstiate with the Legislature of 
Rhode Island against a bridge being built over Kelley's Ferry, near 
Warren." 

May 6, 1795. A motion for petitioning the General Court to incor- 
porate the west precinct of Rehobotli into a separate town was cariied 
by a vote in the negative. Voted to raise £17o for the support of schools, 
of which £25 was to be ai>propiiated to a grammar school. 

In 179fi the town voted fi'r the support of grammar and common 
schools, 1^666.66. The sum of ^666 was thence raised yearly for the sup- 
port of schools till 1804. In 18U4, 1805, and 1806, SB66.77 was raised for 
the same purpose, and in 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, $701) was raised, and in 
1811, S800. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

REHOBOTH.— ((;oM(/H»e(^.) 
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.! 

First Congregational Church — Oak Swamp Church — The Ilornebine 
Church — The Irons Church — Methodist Episcopal Church — The 
Union Baptist Church. 

The following sketches are necessarily imperfect. 
The writer was given only a few weeks for their 
preparation, and the work has been done under the 
constant pressure of professional duties. The diffi- 
culty has also been increased by the loss in every in- 
stance of the early records of the older churches. It 
is probable that some of these have been carried out 
of town, and it is hoped that they may yet come to 
light. 

First Congreg-ational Church.— In the year 1643, 
Rev. Samuel Newman came to the place which is now 
East Providence, R. I., with a colony from Weymouth, 
Mass, He gave to this region the name Rehoboth 
(enlargement), and here the church was established 



.^ 



By Rev. G. H. Tilton. 



478 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



(now the First Congregational Church in East Provi- 
dence). 

In the year 1721 the inhabitants in the neighbor- 
hood of Palmer's Eiver built a meeting-house about 
half a mile north of the Orleans Factory. The spot 
is now marked by the remains of the " old burying- 
ground." The lot included three acres of land given 
by Jethniel Peck, Capt. Samuel Peck, and Jonathan 
Bliss. The parent church had been granted by the 
General Court two hundred and fifty pounds for 
building a new meeting-house. Of this they relin- 
quished fifty pounds to aid the church at Palmer's 
River; they also gave the facing of the galleries and 
the pulpit of their old meeting-house. 

The church was organized Nov. 29, 1721, consist- 
ing of ten members, — David Turner (pastor), Elisha 
May, Thomas Ormsby (deacons), Jethniel Peck, 
Samuel Peck, Benjamin Willson, Solomon Millard, 
Samuel Fuller, William Blanding, and Joseph Will- 
son. 

Rev. David Turner, the first pastor, was a native 
of Scituate. He received one hundred pounds for a 
settlement. His annual salary averaged about eighty- 
five pounds. During his pastorate of thirty-six years 
one hundred and seventy persons were added to the 
church. Mr. Turner graduated at Harvard College 
in 1718. He afterwards studied medicine, apd prac- 
ticed to some extent during his ministry. He was 
talented and witty, but eccentric. He had children 
and grandchildren, but they brought no honor to the 
name, and it is now extinct. He died Aug. 9, 1757, 
in his sixty-third year, and was buried in his church- 
yard, now grown over with trees and bushes. His 
tombstone bears the following inscription : 

"In Blemury of 

the Reverend Mr. 

David Turner, 

Pastor of tlie Second 

Church in Rehoboth, 

who departed tliis 

Life on y" 9th Day of 

August, A.D. 1757, in 

y: ead year of his Age. 

" Watch and Pray because 

You linow not the liour." 

Mr. Turner resided about one mile north of his 
church, in a house which stood on the spot now oc- 
cupied by the house of Mr. Nathan Wheeler. 

Until the year 1759 the whole town managed the 
business and bore the expenses of both churches. 
On January 2d of that year this church and congre- 
gation was incorporated by an act of the General 
Court into a separate society by the name of the 
Second Precinct in Rehoboth. 

Feb. 26, 1759, the precinct united with the church 
in calling the Rev. Robert Rogerson to be their pas- 
tor, and voted to give him seventy pounds settle- 
ment, and sixty pounds for his annual salary. He 
agreed to take one-third part of his salary "in the 
produce of the country, provided they bring me such 
articles as I have occasion for." 



March 18, 1773, the precinct "voted that the old 
meeting-house should be sold or pulled down, pro- 
vided that a new one can be built upon the plane 
near Timothy Headways. " The. site chosen is now 
known as the village cemetery. 

The new house, fifty feet by forty, was built the 
following summer, and the pews were sold at public 
auction Oct. 25, 1773. They were forty in number, 
and brought in the aggregate £462 10s. 

In 1776 a valuable legacy was bequeathed to the 
precinct for the support of the pastor by Lieut. 
Ephraim Hunt. 

In 1792 a number of the inhabitants of the pre- 
cinct were incorporated under the name of the Cath- 
olic Congregational Church and Society. 

Mr. Rogerson continued to be pastor of this church 
until his death, March 20, 1799. His remains lie 
buried in the older part of the village cemetery. On 
his tombstone of blue slate is this inscription : 

"In Blemory of 

The Rev^ Rol>ert Rogerson, 

wlio descended from a respectable 

Family in Great Britain. 

Renouncing the Honors & Emoluments 

of this world, he devoted himself to the 

Christian Ministry, from a conviction 

of its truth & importance. 

In a pious, exemplary, & faithful discharge 

of that office he continued near 40 years, 

And in the hope 

of a blessed immortality 

He departed this life in the 78th year 

of his Age, March 20th, 1799." 

At the age of nineteen, Mr. Rogerson came to 
America, as an assistant to the collector of the reve- 
nue in Virginia. In this capacity he served one year, 
after which he taught school several years in the 
eastern part of that State, prosecuting in the mean 
time the study of divinity. Coming to New Eng- 
land, he received in 1765 the degree of Master of 
Arts at Harvard University. He commenced his 
ministry in Brookline, where he preached one year. 
He then came to Rehoboth, and preached one year 
in the First Congregational Church, in what is now 
East Providence, R. I. The next year he began his 
ministry in this church, and was ordained July 2, 
1759. While at East Providence he married a daugh- 
ter of Col. Thomas Bowen, of that place, then Mrs.. 
Betsey Sweet, a young widow with one child. They 
had three sons and three daughters. The sons were 
Robert, Thomas, and John. Robert was a physician^. 
Thomas a wealthy planter in Virginia, and Capt. 
John Rogerson resided on his father's estate, for- 
merly the home of Rev. David Turner, till his death 
in 1835. 

Mr. Rogerson was a man of learning and piety, 
and under his long ministry the church and society 
were united and prosperous. 

Mr. Rogerson was succeeded by Rev. Otis Thomp- 
son, who was ordained pastor of tliis church Sept. 24,. 
1800, and continued in the pastoral office twenty-five 



REHOBOTH. 



479 



years. He was born in Middleborough, Mass., Sept. 
14, 1776, and graduated at Brown University in 1798, 
where he remained two years as tutor. During this 
period he doubtless applied himself to the study of 
theology. His call to this church and society was 
unanimous, and he entered upon his work under the 
most favorable conditions. He had "u hundred 
pounds settlement" and a salary of three hundred 
and fifty dollars, which in 1816 was increased to five 
hundred dollars. The entire community were at once 
awakened in religious matters, and forty persons 
joined the church the first year of his ministry. 

For more than twenty years the church and society 
were eminently prospered. Mr. Thompson's century 
sermon, preached in 1821, states that the number of 
members at that time was fifty-six, of whom eighteen 
were males and thirty-eight females. The whole 
number that had been enrolled in the list of its mem- 
bers during the century was three hundred and three. 
Of those who joined the church under his pastorate 
only two are living, — Mrs. Abby Carpenter in 1820, 
and Mrs. Sally Horton in 1822. 

In 1825 a serious difficulty arose which greatly dis- 
turbed the harmony of the church and society. It 
grew out of a breach of promise suit brought by Mr. 
Thompson on his daughter's behalf against a gentle- 
man belonging to one of the foremost families of the 
church. The people immediately took sides, some for 
and others against the pastor, and all attempts to 
reconcile the parties were vain. Two or three eccle- 
siastical councils were called by the church which 
advised the dissolution of the pastoral relation, but 
as Mr. Thompson was settled for life, he paid no at- 
tention to their advice. The meeting-house was 
closed against him, but he continued to hold a service 
every Sabbath, preaching for one year at Wheaton's 
Hall and afterwards either at his home or in the old 
red school-house near by. He sued the society for 
his salary, which they were obliged to pay. Finally 
he agreed with the society to relinquish all further 
claims upon it for the sum of one thousand dollars. 
He afterwards, however, endeavored to revive the old 
precinct, and to get possession of other funds belong- 
ing to the society, but without success. 

After he stopped preaching at the meeting-house, 
Mr. Thompson taught a select school for several terms. 
Quite a number of theological students also studied 
with him during his Rehoboth pastorate. He was an 
excellent scholar; besides editing the Hopkinsian 
" Magazine" for several years, he published " A Re- 
view of Mr. Andras' Essay on Divine Agency," and 
had printed several funeral and ordination sermons. 

Mr. Thompson's first wife was Miss Rachel Chand- 
ler, of Plympton, Mass., who died Sept. 16, 1827, aged 
forty-seven, and by whom he had four sons and five 
daughters. Of these, three sons and two daughters 
are now living. 

His second wife was Miss Charlotte Fales, of Bris- 
tol, R. I., to whom he was married Sept. 30, 1828. 



She died Dec. 12, 1848. Mr. Thompson continued to 
reside in Rehoboth until 1840, when he received a 
call to preach at Litchfield, N. Y., whicji he accepted, 
and labored with the church in that place till 1850. 
In May of that year he was married to Miss Polly 
Shaw, of North Abington, Mass., where he resided 
until his death, which occurred June 26, 1859, at the 
age of eighty-two. His widow died Feb. 3, 1874. 

Thesuccessor of Mr. Thompson was the Rev. Thomas 
Vernon, son of Samuel Vernon, of Newport, R. I. He 
was ordained over this church Sept. 13, 1826. His 
annual salary was five hundred dollars. At this time 
a large portion of the salary was paid from the |)ro- 
ceeds of the "Ministerial farm," from which some 
three or four hundred dollars worth of wood and tim- 
ber were sold annually. 

Mr. Vernon was born in Newport, R. I., Dec. 20, 
1797. He graduated at Browu University in 1816, 
and studied theology at Andover Seminary. 

In 1831 he married Miss Adelaide A. Winthrop, of 
Bristol, R. I. They had six children, of whom three 
— one son and two daughters — are living. The son, 
Mr. John W. Vernon, is an officer in the Merchants' 
National Bank, Providence, R. I. Mr. Vernon was 
dismissed from his pastorate April 12, 1837, having 
labored successfully for eleven years. He found the 
church torn with dissensions ; he left it enlarged and 
united. He was a man of excellent spirit, sound in 
doctrine and judicious in management. He greatly 
endeared himself to all the people. During his minis- 
try the Sunday-school was inaugurated, and many of 
the young united with the church. Mr. Vernon re- 
sided in the village in Mrs. Otis Goff's chambers. 
After leaving Rehoboth he preached a while at Kings- 
ton, R. I. He was soon compelled to give up the 
ministry on account of a severe bronchial affection. 
He then engaged in the practice of medicine at Perth 
Amboy, N. J., and other places. 

The last few years of his life were spent in retire- 
ment at Providence, R. I., where he died May 9, 1876, 
of acute bronchiti.s, in his seventy-ninth year, and 
lies buried in the old family ground at Newport, R. I. 
His widow is still living in Providence, in her seventy- 
fifth year. The successor of Mr. Vernon and the fifth 
pastor of this church was the Rev. John Chester 
Paine, who was ordained over the church June 6, 
1838. The ordination sermon was preached by his 
brother. Rev. William P. Paine, D.D., of Holden. 
On the first day of September following the society 
passed a vote to build a new meeting-house. A mi- 
nority, however, were strongly opposed to this move- 
ment. The building committee consisted of Abiah 
Bliss, Jr., William K. Bullock, John R. Rogerson, 
and Cyrus M. Wheaton. It was decided to locate the 
new house in the village on the lot where Jonathan 
Wheaton's barn stood. Mr. Wheaton gave the small 
plot which belonged to him, and the GofT brothers, 
Darius and Nelson, gave the remainder. The church 
edifice was erected and dedicated the following year, 



480 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1839. It is sixty feet long by forty wide, and cost 
three thousand eight hundred dollars. Its seating 
capacity is about three hundred and twenty. 

After the dedication of the new liouse, the disaf- 
fected members of the church and the society joined 
witli other families in town, who were Baptists in 
belief, in holding a series of religious meetings at 
Ijewis' tavern. This resulted in the formation of the 
Union Baptist Church. 

The " old yellow meeting-house," which had stood 
on the village cemetery lot for sixty-six years, was 
finally sold to Mr. Otis Goff, who moved the materials 
home, and reconstructed them into a barn, which is 
now standing. 

Mr. Paine was an excellent preacher, and a very 
useful man in the community. He was born at Ash- 
field, Mass., Jan. 28, 1800. He was the seventh gen- 
eration in direct line from Stephen Paine, one of the 
early settlers of Eehoboth. He was educated at 
Amherst and Princeton Colleges, and received the 
degree of A.M. from the latter in 1843. He grad- 
uated from the theological seminary at East Windsor, 
Conn., in 1836. He was married April, 1839, to Miss 
Eliza Folger, of Nantucket. He was dismissed from 
this church April 5, 1847, having served the church 
faithfully for nine years. After leaving Rehoboth he 
preached at Gardner, Sandwich, Dracut, and Grove- 
land, Mass. In the places where he was settled he 
was chairman of the school committee many years. 
He died at Groveland of typhoid pneumonia, March 
10, 1880, in his seventy-fifth year. His widow sur- 
vives him at the age of sixty-four. There are two 
children, — Charles F. Payne, a lawyer in Boston, and 
Harriet E. Paine, who has been jireceptress of Oread 
Female Seminary, at Worcester, Mass. She now re- 
sides with her mother in Groveland. 

Mr. Paine was succeeded by Rev. Charles P. Gros- 
venor, who was acting pastor of this church from 
September, 1847, to September, 1856, just nine years. 
Mr. Grosvenor was born Aug. 12, 1804, at Pomfret, 
Conn. ; graduated at Yale College in 1827 ; spent one 
year in the service of the American Sunday-School 
Union in Illinois and Missouri, and graduated at 
Yale Theological Seminary in 1831. For two years 
he was secretary and agent of the Connecticut Sun- 
day-School Union and editor of the Suiidai/-School 
JRecoi-d, published in New Haven. He was ordained 
at Blackstone, Mass., July 16, 1834. Before coming 
to Rehoboth he preached at Kingston and North 
Scituate, R. I. After leaving Rehoboth he preached 
at Stoneham and East Randolph, Mass., and at Can- 
terbury, East Woodstock, and Ashfield, Conn. His 
eyesight failing, he closed his ministerial labors 
March 31, 1881. Mr. Grosvenor's first wife was Cor- 
delia Mathewson, of Pomfret, Conn. They were mar- 
ried June 24, 1835. She died the following year. On 
the 9th of April, 1838, he married Hannah H. Wells, 
of Kingston, R. I., who died Nov. 6, 1S40. His third 
wife was Elizabeth E. Foster, of Brooklyn, N. Y., to 



whom he was married May 19, 1842. They cele- 
brated the fortieth anniversary of their marriage at 
Pomfret, Conn., May 19, 1882, Deacon E. A. Brown 
being present as the representative from this church. 

Mr. Grosvenor was a man of sterling sense and deep 
piety, and was greatly beloved by all the people. 

In 1851 the following names were honored by re- 
ceiving a diploma, signed by Mr. Grosvenor, for com- 
mitting to memory the " Westminster Shorter Cate- 
chism ;" Edward P. Brown, Arnold De F. Brown, 
Amanda M. Brown, Rebecca Bliss, Sarah A. Carpen- 
ter, Rachel Carpenter, Hattie A. Carpenter, Lydia J. 
Peck, Dexter W. Horton, William H. Luther, Nellie 
M. Marsh, and Elizabeth B. Pierce. 

A powerful revival occurred in the church in the 
fall of 1855, when Rev. Norris Day, the evangelist, 
assisted the pastor. On the 2d of March, 1856, thirty- 
one persons united with the church, all by profession 
except one. In 1849 the present parsonage was built, 
Mr. Grosvenor furnishing the plan. 

In a recent letter from Pomfret, Conn., Mr. Gros- 
venor writes, "I have very many pleasant memories 
and but few of a ditferent character in connection 
with my fields of labor. Rehoboth stands first on 
the list in the number and richness of its reminis- 
cences. I often wonder that I left a people who loved 
me so well, and to whom I was and am still so strongly 
attached." 

The successor of Mr. Grosvenor was Rev. Walter 
P. Doe, who supplied the pulpit two years, beginning 
with the spring of 1857. Mr. Doe resided in Provi- 
dence, R. I., but came to Rehoboth on the Sabbath, 
and occasionally spent several days visiting among 
the people and holding neighborhood prayer-meet- 
ings. In this way the church was kept awake, and 
several persons were hopefully converted. Mr. Doe 
was born at Wilton, N. Y., March 30, 1813. He 
graduated at Union College in 1844, and at Andover 
Theological Seminary in 1847. He was ordained at 
River Point, R. I., the same year. Aug. 1, 1849, he 
was married to Miss Sophia S. Knight, of Providence, 
R. I. Mr. Doe still resides in Providence, preaching 
occasionally, but is unable to study on account of the 
inflamed state of his eyes. 

The next acting pastor of this ch\irch was Rev. 
Alexander C. Childs, from Jan. 1, 1860, to April 1, 
1862. Mr. Childs was born at iNantucket, Aug. 31, 
1823. He graduated at Yale College in 1845, and 
Union Theological Seminary in 1849. Aug. 17, 1857, 
he married Miss Eunice H. Barney, of Nantucket. 
They have four children. Mr. Childs has had several 
fields of labor, and is now preaching at West Glouces- 
ter, Mass. 

Rev. S. Y. Lum was the next acting pastor, who 
came here in July, 1862, and continued two years. 

Mr. Lum was born at New Providence, N. J., May 
6, 1821 ; studied at Oberlin College, and graduated at 
Union Theological Seminary in 1848. He was or- 
dained at Middletown, N. Y., Jan. 13, 1852. 



REHOBOTH. 



481 



Mr. Lum went to Kansas in 1854, and organized the 
first church in the new Territory; remained there as 
home missionary and missionary superintendent until 
1861, through all the "Border Euffian war." On 
leaving Rehoboth he preached at Groton, N. Y., and 
returned to Kansas in 1869, remaining until 1875. 
Since then be has preached at Mannsville, N. Y., and 
at Rocky Hill and New Fairfield, Conn., where he 
now resides. 

Rev. Francis H. Boynton was ordained pastor of 
this church Oct. 20, 1864, and continued his work 
here until Aug. 30, 1867. During bis pastorale the 
church was greatly i-evived, and more than fifty per- 
sons were added to its membership. 

Mr. Boynton was born in Troy, N. Y., M.arch 14, 
1839. He graduated at Amherst College in 1861, and 
at Andover Theological Seminary in 1864. He mar- 
ried Miss Emily A. Clark, of Amherst, Mass., May 
24, 1866. They have four children. 

Since leaving Rehoboth, Mr. Boynton has traveled 
in the East, visiting Egypt, Palestine, and other coun- 
tries. He has preached at Assonet, New Marlborough, 
Raynham, and Essex, Mass., and is now at Rye, 
N. H. 

Mr. Boynton was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Henry 
Johnson, who was acting pastor from October, 1868, 
to October, 1869. He was born March 24, 1824, at 
Portland, Me. He studied and taught at the Mission 
Institute, Quincy, 111., under the charge of the Rev. 
David Nelson. He was ordained at La Harpe, 111., in 
April, 1853 ; was married the following December to 
Miss Martha A. Brooks, of Dalton, N. H. ; they have 
two children. Mr. Johnson now resides at New Bruns- 
wick, N. J. 

Mr. Johnson was succeeded by Rev. Henry D. 
Woodworth, who was acting pastor of this church 
from December, 1869, to October, 1872. He was born 
in Lebanon, Conn., Feb. 18, 1826. He graduated at 
Amherst College in 1855, and at Andover Theological 
Seminary in 1860; was ordained at East Bridgewater 
in September of the same year. He was married Aug. 
14, 1855, to Miss Sarah E. Carkin, of Brookfield, Mass. 
They have three children. Since leaving Rehoboth, 
Mr. Woodworth has been engaged in the jewelry 
business in Boston. 

Rev. Isaac R. Prior was the ne.xt acting pastor. 
He began his labors for this church July 13, 1873, and 
remained until October, 1877. Mr. Prior was born in 
Ohio, July 22, 1840. He graduated at Adrian Col- 
lege, Michigan, in 1863, at the University of Law at 
Albany, N. Y., in 1865, and at Union Theological 
Seminary in 1870. He was married, Sept. 29, 1874, 
to Miss Ruth E. Manton, of Providence, R. I. Since 
1877, Mr. Prior has preached at Kingston, R. I., and 
at Alma, Fredonia, and Great Bend, Kan. 

The present pastor is Rev. George H. Tilton, whose 
services to this church began in January, 1878. He 
was installed as its jiastor Nov. 2, 1882. 

During the first century of its history this church 
31 



had only three pastors. Within the sixty-two years 
already passed of its second century it has had eleven- 
ministers, four of whom were installed as pastors. 

Within the last twenty-six years there have been 
eight ministers, of whom only two were pastors. It 
is much to be doubted whether this tendency towards 
short pastorates has proved beneficial either to the 
church or its ministers. 

The church has always been supplied with two or 
more deacons, the whole number of whom, since its 
organization, is twenty-five. We give below a list of 
their names and the year of their appointment : 

Thomas Ormsby, Elisha May, 1721 ; John Wil- 
marth, 1731 ; Abiah Carpenter, 1738 ; Joshua Smith 
1744 ; Thomas Carpenter, 1744 ; Stephen Moulton 

1750; Ephraini Bliss, 1762; Joshua Smith, 

Daniel Bliss, ; John Brown, 1791 ; Calvin Ja 

cobs, 1801 ; Asahel Bliss, 1808; Chase Moulton, 1811 
Ezra Perry, 1814; Asahel Bliss, 1827; Elijah A 
Reed, 1832; Eleazer A. Brown, 1842; Elisha A 
King, 1842; Josephus B. Smith, 1851 ; Asaph Carpen- 
ter, 1858; Gustavus A. Reed, 1863; David Taylor, 
Francis A. Bliss, William H. Luther, 1877. 

Oak Swamp Church. — This church at first be- 
longed to the Six-Principle Baptists, and was gath- 
ered by Rev. John Comer in 1732. He was installed 
its pastor July 26th of that year. The installation 
sermon was preached by Rev. Ephraim Wheaton, of 
Swansea, from 1 Thess. v. 12, 13. 

Mr. Comer was a very able preacher and gathered 
many into the church. In November following he 
baptized fifteen persons in one day, and within a year 
from its commencement it numbered nearly one hun- 
dred members. 

Mr. Comer was born in Boston, Aug. 1, 1704. 
From a very early age he delighted in books, and 
composed a discourse when only fifteen. He at- 
tempted to learn a glover's trade, but his passion for 
study was so strong that he prevailed on his grand- 
father to send him to school. 

In 1723 he was admitted to Yale College, and in 
1724 studied with Rev. Mr. Barnard, a Congrega- 
tional minister of Andover. After reading "Stennett 
on Baptism" he became an ardent Baptist. In 1725 
he went to Swansea to teach school, and while there 
assisted Rev. Ephraim Wheaton in the services of the 
Sabbath. In 1726 he received a call to preach in the 
First Baptist Church at Newport. After preaching 
to this church about a year as colleague with the Rev. 
William Peckham, he came out and advocated the 
Six-Principle theory. In consequence of this act he 
was dismissed from the First Church, and became 
colleague with Elder Daniel Wightman, of the Sec- 
ond Baptist Church, where he remained two years, 
preaching with remarkable success. 

He was married Jan. 20, 1726, to Miss Sarah Rogers, 
of Newport, by whom he had three children. On 
coming to Rehoboth he labored with such zeal that 
he undermined his health, and died of consumption 



482 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



May 23, 1734, in his tliirtietli year. He was buried 
in the old yard at South Rehoboth, where his tomb- 
stone of blue slate may still be seen, bearing this 
brief inscription, — 

" Here lies Interred 

ye Body of y« Rev* 

Mr. John Comer 

Dec>< May y 23'i 

1734 in y« SO* 

year of Age." 

Mr. Comer had formed the design of writing the 
history of the American Baptists, and had collected 
valuable materials, which were used subsequently by 
both Backus and Benedict in their histories. 

Mr. Comer's successor was Nathaniel Millard, who 
was ordained June 24, 1736 ; but he proved unworthy 
of his trust, and was dismissed in 1742. 

Elder Samuel Maxwell was the next pastor, and 
was installed in October, 1745. Having preached to 
this church for several years, he became a Congrega- 
tionalist, and took up the pen against the Baptists. 
The church, thus unfortunate in its pastors, became 
discouraged and scattered, and many of its members 
eventually joined other churches. 

Some of them, however, held together, and secured 
the services of Elder Richard Round, one of Mr. 
Comer's converts, who had organized a church in the 
northeast part of the town. Mr. Round preached to 
the Oak Swamp Church till his death. May 18, 1768. 
His tombstone may be seen near Elder John Comer's 
in the old burying-ground, about a mile southeast of 
the Orleans Factory. 

The original Oak Swamp meeting-house stood on 
the corner lot at the junction of the two roads which 
meet a short distance south of Mr. Edward Horton's 
store, now the South Rehoboth post-office. This 
house was framed on the old cemetery lot, where 
Elders Comer and Round were buried, but it was 
taken away in the night by the Oak Swamp people, 
and raised on the spot above mentioned. After the 
death of Elder Round the church no longer existed 
under the "Six Principle" creed. In 1773 another 
church was organized, with open communion princi- 
ples. Some of its members had come out from Elder 
John Hix's church, a close-communion Baptist, and 
others had been converted and baptized by Rev. 
Elhanan Winchester, a traveling preacher, while 
others still had belonged to the original church 
founded by Rev. John Comer. This new church or- 
dained Mr. Jacob Hix as their pastor, Jan. 20, 1773, 
and held their services in the Oak Swamp meeting- 
house. Elder Jacob Hix was born Jan. 1, 1740. He 
was the sou of Elder John Hix, and brother of Elder 
Daniel Hix, of Dartmouth. He owned a farm and 
part of a mill, which, with some help from the church, 
enabled him to live comfortably. He had no chil- 
dren. He died March 30, 1809, aged sixty-nine 
years. 

The successor of Elder Hix was Elder Childs Lu- 



ther, who was pastor of this church for many years. 
The present house of worship was erected during his 
pastorate. It was built by a joint-stock company, 
Mr. Nathan Hix taking the contract for one thousand 
dollars. It was dedicated May 28, 1834. Soon after 
the old house was torn down and made over into a 
barn. Elder Luther continued his labors among this 
people until about the year 1841, having preached to 
them more than thirty years. In the latter part of 
his pastorate a division occurred in the church on 
account of the temperance question. He was in- 
clined to be conservative, while some of his people 
became vehement supporters of the principle of total 
abstinence. This breach was made wider by the 
Millerite excitement, for which Elder Luther had no 
sympathy. He was born Feb. 6, 1780, and was mar- 
ried to Miss Lucy Kilton, Dec. 10, 1797. He also 
married a second wife, Mrs. Mehitable Goff, Oct. 21, 
1827. He died July 3, 1859, in his eightieth year. 
His only surviving son, Mr. Nathan C. Luther, resides 
in Attleborough. 

For a number of years Elder George Kelton as- 
sisted Mr. Luther as colleague. 

In the year 1829 there was an extensive revival in 
connection with the labors of Elder Joseph Black- 
mar, of New York, an itinerant preacher. He spent 
about a year in this town, and baptized in all forty- 
eight converts. On the first day of January, 1830, 
he immersed sixteen persons in the pond just below 
the site of the present meeting-house ; for this pur- 
pose a way was cut through the ice, which was four- 
teen inches thick. 

Elder Blackmar spent his last years in Boston and 
died there in October, 1878, aged seventy-eight years. 

In the year 1842, Elder M. E. Gammons came from 
Westport to this place and began to preach the doc- 
trines of Millerism, and many were carried away with 
excitement. Quite a number of the people, mostly 
members of the old church under Elder Luther, met 
together and formed themselves into a new body but 
adopting the same general creed. Many of the sub- 
stantial old members, however, refused to join in this 
movement and were left without any church connec- 
tion. 

The second advent excitement proved a great injury 
to the church. The people soon became dissatisfied 
with Elder Gammons, and some of the members ab- 
sented themselves from all religious services. The 
congregations were small, and they had no regular 
pastor for several years. The pulpit was supplied by 
Deacon Herman Wood and Elders Luther Baker, J. 
S. Thompson, and O. P. Tuckerman. 

In November, 1848, Elder James Pierce began to 
preach to this church. A protracted meeting was 
held in which Mr. Pierce was assisted by Elder Al- 
bert G. Morton, and quite a number were converted. 
Thirteen converts were baptized Feb. 25, 1849. Mr. 
Pierce was ordained over the church June 12, 1849, 
and was dismissed in August, 1850. The chiirch was 



KEHOBOTH. 



433 



supplied for the following year by Elders Waterman 
Pierce and Otis Bliss. 

Elder J. W. Osborne, of Swansea, supplied this 
pulpit in connection with that of the Christian 
Church in Swansea for eleven and a half years, 
from 1865 until April, 1877. Another revival oc- 
curred in 1870-71, and several persons were baptized. 
Elder Osborne still preaches at Swansea. 

Elder William Miller, of Swansea, preaclied at this 
church most of the time from Jan. 1, 1878, to April 
1, 1882. Mr. Miller has had several pastorates, and 
now preaches at the Hornbine Church in this town. 

The Oak Swamji Church has had a hard struggle 
to live. It has never paid a larger salary than two 1 
hundred dollars. At the present time no regular 
services are held, and the outlook is not hopeful. 

The Hornbine Church. — This church is in the 
southeast jiart of Kehoboth, and belongs to the order 
of the " Six-Principle Baptists." Their creed is con- 
tained in Hebrews, the sixth chapter, first and second [ 
verses. The name "Hornbine" is a corruption of 
Hornbeam, and was given to the church because 
there were many trees of this species in its vicinity. 

About thirty members of the Second Baptist Church 
in Swansea formed tliemselves into a church in Ke- 
hoboth, and ordained Mr. Daniel Martin as their pas- 
tor Feb. 8, 1753.' Elder Martin was the eldest son 
of Deacon Melatiah Martin, of Swansea. He was 
born Sept. 23, 1702, followed the trade of a house car- 
penter, and died Nov. 18, 1781, aged seventy-nine. 
He had nine children. In 1770 he published a dis- 
course against particular election and efficacious grace 
in conversion, to which tiie Rev. Isaac Backus pub- 
lished an answer the following year. Soon after the 
settlement of Elder Martin over this church. Elder 
Nathan Pierce was ordained as his colleague, and 
continued to preach to this people for forty years. 

Mr. Pierce was born in Warwick, R. I., in 1716. In 
1738 he married Lydia Martin, of Barrington, R. I., 
by whom he had sixteen children, ten sons and six 
daughters. Mr. Pierce died April 14, 1793,^ in his 
seventy-eighth year. His mortal remains lie buried 
in the family yard in the Horton neighborhood, where | 
many of his descendants are interred. 

During his ministry the church increased in num- 
bers and strength. 

Some years before the death of Elder Pierce, Elder 
Thomas Seamans was ordained as his colleague. Mr. 
Seanians was a farmer by occupation, and possessed 
great physical vigor. He preached a sermon in this 
church after he was one hundred years of age, and 
died in 1826, at the advanced age of one hundred and 
four years, five months, and fifteen days, probably the 
oldest person that ever died in Rehoboth. He spent 
the last few years of his life with his son, Mr. Com- 
fort Seamans, who owned a farm about a mile north 



1 This is the date given by Backus. 

* The date given iu tbe old family Bible. 



of the church. His remains lie buried in a little 
plot on the farm inclosed by a strong wall, but over- 
grown with shrubs. An elm and two cedars of con- 
siderable size stand within the plot. The rude stones 
that mark the grave are without inscription. Beside 
him are buried his son and several members of his 
family. Elder Seamans' grandson, Josiah Simmons, 
was an honored deacon in this church for many years. 

During Elder Seamans' pastorate he was assisted 
by several colleagues. Elder Benjamin Mason, of 
Swansea, preached to this church for a time. In the 
year 1800, Elder Preserved Pierce and Elder Philip 
Pierce were ordained as associate pastors with Elder 
Seamans. Concerning Elder Philip Pierce but little 
can be gathered. After preaching a while to this 
church he went West for several years. He spent his 
last years in Dighton, Mass. 

Elder Preserved Pierce was the son of Elder Nathan 
Pierce, and was born July 23, 1 758. He married Sarah 
Lewis, of Rehoboth, by whom he had a large family 
of children. During his pastorate no salary was paid 
by the church, the minister was expected to earn his 
bread by the sweat of his brow. Mr. Pierce used to 
say that the only money he received for his services 
was fifty cents a year, which sum a good lady, Miss 
Molly Miller, slipped into his fingers while shaking 
hands with him. A large number of members were 
added to the church during his ministry, which con- 
tinued till his death, June 29, 1828, in the seventieth 
year of his age. After the death of Elder Pierce the 
church was supplied by Elder William Manchester, 
Elder Joseph Blackman, and others, until 1834, wlien 
Elder Otis Potter, of Cranston, R. I., became their 
minister. 

On the first Sabbath in May of that year Elder 
Potter organized the Sunday-school, consisting of 
thirty or forty youth, which he superintended himself. 
It soon increased to more than one hundred members. 
He resided at Swansea Factory, and preached a part 
of the time to the Swansea Church at the house of 
Deacon Ellery Wood. During the first year of Elder 
Potter's pastorate there was a revival, and sixty per- 
sons joined the church on profession of faith. 

Elder Potter was a strong advocate for temperance, 
and an uncompromising abolitionist. At the time of 
the Dorr disturbance in Rhode Island, he took a rigid 
stand against the Dorr party, much to the displeasure 
of certain members of his church. On going into 
his pulpit one Sabbath, having the week before ex- 
pressed himself strongly on this point, he found sus- 
pended there a gun, knapsack, bayonet, sword, and 
various other implements of war. 

Finding that he had in various ways aroused con- 
siderable opposition to himself, he left Rehoboth in 
1841 or 1842 and preached at Cranston, R. I., until 
1848, when he returned to his former charge in Reho- 
both, where he remained four years longer. After 
that he moved to Providence and went into the book 
business, still preaching as he had opportunity. He 



484 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



died May 27, 1857, of consumption. His widow sur- 
vives iiini. His three children are also living, two 
sonsand a daughter. One of hissons isElderXhomas 
Potter, who preaches in Fresno, Cal. 

After Elder Potter resigned his pastorate the church 
was supplied by Elders Warner and Morton, and Elder 
Samuel Knight, of Swansea. 

Elder Waterman Pierce also preached to this people 
for several years. He was ordained at this church in 
1837 (?). Most of his ministerial life has been spent 
in behalf of the Free- Will Baptist Church at Barney- 
ville, Swansea, which he gathered about forty years 

ago- 
Elder Welcome G. Conistock was acting pastor of 
this church for about fourteen years, beginning in 
1862. He was a kind, jovial man, and an entertain- 
ing speaker, but a poor financier. 

From 1876 to 1880, Rev. Jances L. Pierce was acting 
pastor of this church. During this time there was a 
revival, in which Mr. Pierce was assisted by Dr. M. 
L. Rossvalley, a converted Jew. The church received 
some additions and was much strengthened. Mr. 
Pierce now resides in South Eehoboth without charge, 
having preached at various places for more than thirty 
years. 

The present acting pastor of this church is Rev. 
William Miller, of Swansea, who began his labors 
here April 1, 1880. 

Elders Miller and Pierce are both members of the 
Christian Baptist denomination, and tlie Hornebine 
Church has virtually abandoned the "Six-Principle" 
theory, though it still retains the old creed, to which 
a few of the oldest members cling. 

About twenty years ago the people attending 
church at the Hornebine formed themselves into an 
organizati<ui which they designated as The First Bap- 
fist Church and Society. Under the direction of this 
society yearly clam-bakes are held in a grove near 
the church. These clam-bakes have become very 
popular. On the day of this annual feast nearly 
three thousand people are wont to assemble, coming 
from the surrounding cities and towns. Many of 
them have parents or relatives living in the neighbor- 
hood, and the day is to them an occasion of a grand 
reunion. More than a thousand dollars has been 
taken in a single day. 

The Irons Church. — This church is situated in the 
north part of the town. It belongs to the Free-Will 
Baptist order, and was organized Oct. 2, 1777, with 
thirty-one members. For three years they had no 
pastor. The church very early connected itself with 
the Groton Conference. Mr. James Sheldon, of 
Providence, R. I., was ordained their pastor Sept. 6, 
1680. He was dismissed July 21, 1792, and removed 
to the State of New York. The church obtained oc- 
casional supplies till Mr. Jeremiah Irons came to be 
their pastor. He was ordained over this church Sept. 
24, 1795. He continued his pastoral labors with 
great acceptance until his dismission, June 26, 1799. 



He was born in Gloucester, R. I., Oct. 14, 1765. 
After leaving Rehoboth he preached many years at 
the West. For several years after the removal of Mr. 
Irons the church was supplied by Elders William 
Northrup, Daniel Hix, and others, until 1808, when 
Elder Samuel Northrup became acting pastor until 
his death, which occurred July 21, 1812. 

Elder Northrup was born in North Kingston, R. I. 
He was a most faithful and devout man, and the 
church was greatly prospered during his ministry. 

Again the church was left without a regular pastor 
for a number of years. Elder Sylvester Round 
preached occasionally and administered the sacra- 
ment. 

The church was also supplied by Elders Childs 
Luther, Daniel Hix, Levi Hathaway, and Reuben 
Allen. 

The church enjoyed its greatest revival in the years 
1820-22, under the labors of Elders David Sweet and 
Levi Hathaway, and a large number of worthy mem- 
bers were gathered into the church. 

From this time the church became connected with 
the Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting, and was sup- 
plied largel)' with ministers from that association. 

In 1830-31 the church enjoyed another interesting 
revival, under the preaching of Elder John Yeam- 
shaw, when twenty-five more persons joined its mem- 
bership. 

In 1834-35, Elder Junia S. Mowry was acting pas- 
tor. He was succeeded by Mr. David Steere, who 
was ordained pastor of this church in September, 
1836. His father was a Quaker, who died leaving 
him, a young lad, with a large fortune. This he soon 
wasted with riotous living, and worked for a time in 
a paper-mill in Cumberland, R. I. He was converted 
in a bar-room. As he was putting a glass of rum to 
his lips, he seemed to hear a voice saying to him, 
plainly, " David, if you drink that cup, you drink 
your eternal damnation." He dropped the glass, fell 
on his knees, and cried to God for mercy. From that 
hour he was an active Christian. He remained with 
this church till 1840, when he was dismissed, and 
went to Newport, R. I. 

Mr. John W. Colwell was ordained pastor of this 
church in October, 1841, and continued for four years. 
For several years he was overseer in the factory at 
Hebronville. He preached a while in California, and 
on his return died at Panama. He left several chil- 
dren. One of his sons is Rev. John W. Colwell, a 
Congregational clergyman. 

Mr. Colwell was succeeded by Elder Joshua Stet- 
son, who was ordained over the church in August, 
1845, and labored in all about two years, when he 
removed to Taunton. 

Mr. Stetson's successor was Elder Gardner Clarke, 
who was acting pastor from July, 1846, until 1853, 
during which time there was a revival, and several 
names were added to the church. Mr. Clarke was 
born at Highgate, Vt, Aug. 21, 1812. He spent his 



KEHOBOTH. 



485 



early days mostly at Bradford, Vt., and received a 
good education from the academies of his native State. 
He was ordained at Cabot, Vt., in 184.3. He was 
married in 1837 to Miss Jane R. Deming, of Weth- 
ersfield, Conn., by whom he had three daughters. 
Mr. Clarke resides in Attleborough. He was suc- 
ceeded by Elder Lowell Parker, of Charlestown, 
R. I., who remained with the church from 1853 to 
1858, when he removed to Portsmouth, N. H. ; 1859- 
62, Elder George W. Wallace; 1863-64, Elder John 
Pratt, of Newport, R. I. ; 1865, Elder Handy. After 
1866 the church was supplied for a number of years 
with students from Brown University. 

In 1875 there were only seven active members. 

In 1880-82, Elder Gardner Clarke preached to this 
people a second time. The church at this time is 
nearly extinct. The Methodists now hold one service 
each Sabbath in this meeting-house. 

The following is the list of deacons since the or- 
ganization of the church : Jacob Bliss, David Perry, 
Edmund Mason, Cyril C. Peck, William Cole, Milton 
Freeman, George H. Thrasher, William Lane. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— A Baptist Church 
was formed in the northeast part of the town about 
the year 1740. It started with forty members, and 
ordained Mr. Richard Round as its pastor July 13, 
1743. He died May 18, 1768, and his tombstone may 
be seen near Rev. John Comer's in the South Reho- 
both burying-ground. After his death there was no 
regular preaching for many years. 

In the year 1789 the church was revived under the 
efficient labors of Mr. Sylvester Round and Deacon 
Aaron Wheeler. They were ordained as associate 
pastors on the 20th of April of that year. Elder 
Wheeler died in 1800, but Elder Round continued 
its pastor till his death, Oct. 26, 1824. He was a very 
able and influential man. He was born in this town 
April 10, 1762, and was married to Mehitable Perry 
in 1780. About the year 1800 he built the old tavern- 
house, now used as a parsonage, for his son. 

The church at this time belonged to the Six-Prin- 
ciple Baptists. The house of worship stood where 
the school-house now stands. In 1824, the old meet- 
ing-house having fallen into decay, a new one was 
built on the corner of the road leading to Norton. 

In 1826, Rev. Lorenzo Dow Johnson, a Reformed 
Methodist from Vermont, visited this place and 
preached the gospel with great power ; this church 
was revived and joined the denomination to which 
Mr. Johnson belonged. It soon became prosperous, 
and under the preaching of Rev. Benjamin McCloth, 
Rev. Joseph Eldridge, and others, was favored with 
several revivals of religion, until in 1834 it had 
seventy-seven members. 

In 1843 the present house of worship was erected, 
largely through the influence of Mr. Granville 
Stephens. Rev. Charles Hammond now became 
pastor, and remained for several years. After Mr. 
Hammond left, the Reformed Methodists were mostly 



merged in the Wesleyan Methodists, and the church 
could not find preachers for the pulpit. At length 
certain persons applied to the Providence Annual 
Conference, and the Rev. William Cone was sent to 
them in 1849. 

Now began a new era in the history of the church. 
It appears that about the year 1798, Rev. John Brod- 
head, a Methodist preacher, had organized a Method- 
ist class, which in 1810 had forty-five members. Rev. 
Thomas Perry and his wife were among the earliest 
members of this class, as was also Mrs. Rebecca 
Perry and Mrs. Noah Bliss. When Mr. Cone came 
here he succeeded in uniting the remnant of this old 
class with a few of the members of the Methodist 
Reformed Church, together with others who had 
been converted through his own labors, so that at 
the close of his first year he returned a membership 
of forty-four. 

Mr. Cone was succeeded in 1850 by Rev. J. E. 
Giflibrd, a zealous laborer, who brought the member- 
ship up to sixty-five in 1852. The church debt was 
wholly paid under his pastorate. 

In 1856-57 there was a powerful revival, owing to 
the efficient labors of Rev. Henry H. Smith, assisted 
by the Rev. Moses Chace, and many worthy members 
were added to the church. There have been twenty 
different pastors during the thirty-four years of its 
history. 

A successful Sunday-school has been sustained 
from the first. The church has usually held a 
monthly meeting of prayer for missions, and has 
contributed liberally for this great work. The 
church at the present time has forty-five members. 

The preachers and the date of their service have 
been as follows : 1849, William Cone ; 1850-51, J. E. 
Giff'ord; 1852-63, W. H. Richards; 1854-55, Arnold 
Adams ; 1856-57, Henry H. Smith ; 1858-59, Samuel 
Fox ; 1860, Edward A. Lyon ; 1861-62, Abel Gard- 
ner; 1863, S. W. Coggshall ; 1864-65, Charles Morse; 
1866-67, B. K. Bosworth ; 1868, Caleb S. Sanford ; 
1869-70, John Q.Adams; 1871-72, Richard Poney ; 
1873, Elijah F. Smith ; 1874-75, De Witt C. House; 
1876-77, S. V. B. Cross; 1878, S. P. Snow; 1879, 
Charles Stokes; 1880-83, J. A. Rood. 

One of these preachers. Rev. Abel Gardner, at the 
close of his second year was seized with a mortal ill- 
ness, and died May 2, 1863, aged forty-seven years, 
the first pastor who has died in this place since the 
death of Elder Round in 1824. 

The Union Baptist Church (Annawan).— In the 
year 1839 the Congregational Society left their old 
meeting-house on the village cemetery lot and entered 
their new house of worship in the village. Several 
of the older members, however, including some of 
the trustees, were unwilling to make the change, and 
withdrew from the society. 

At this time there were a few families of the Bap- 
tist belief living in Rehoboth who were members of 
Elder Goff's Church, on Long Hill, in Dighton. As 



48G 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the latter church liad greatly declined in numbers 
and power, making it difficult to sustain regular ser- 
vices, it was thought a favorable time to form a new 
Baptist Church within the limits of Rehoboth. This 
plan was strongly favored by Elder J. L. Whittemore, 
of the Dighton Church. Accordingly it was pro- 
po.sed that these brethren join with the disaffected 
members of the Congregational Society in holding a 
series of meetings with reference to forming a new 
church. 

The first meeting was held on the first Sabbath in 
January, 1840, at the house of Mr. Isaac Lewis. A 
large number were present, and the congregation con- 
tinued to increase from Sabbath to Sabbath, till the 
hall overflowed. After the first few meetings, which 
were conducted by Messrs. Whittemore and Brentley, 
the people secured the services of Mr. Caleb Blood, a 
talented young man from the freshman class of Brown 
University. 

Early in the spring of this year The Union Baptist 
Society^ was organized. A committee was appointed, 
consisting of Richard GofF, Otis Peck, and Joseph 
Bowen, to erect a meeting-house upon the lot appro- 
priated for that purpose by Darius Horton, near 
Lewis' tavern, on the Providence and Taunton turn- 
pike. 

On the 12th of March, Mr. C. Blood presented 
eight articles of faith, embodying the strict principles 
of the Calvinistic Baptists. These articles were signed 
by the following persons, who thereby constituted 
themselves a church : Seth Talbot, Isaiah Allen, Ben- 
jamin Monroe, Charles C. Monroe, Sally Talbot, Ann 
F. Allen, Ruth Munro, Sybil Peck, Peddy Peck, Jo- 
anna Horton, Polly Bowen, Nancy Bowen, Fanny L. 
Williams, Olive Wheeler, Joanna Wheeler, Lucy 
Horton, and Jane Snow. 

This church was publicly recognized by an ecclesi- 
astical council whicli assembled at the house of Mr. 
Isaac Lewis, April 1, 1840; sermon by Rev. A. Fisher, 
of Swansea. The following day was set apart by the 
church as a day of special fasting and prayer, and 
meetings were held almost daily for several weeks, 
resulting in numerous conversions. 

April 26th, Danforth G. Horton, John Davis, Jr., 
Thomas Carpenter, and several others were baptized. 

On the 3d of June Mr. Caleb Blood was ordained 
by an ecclesiastical council which met at Lewis' 
tavern. Rev. Asa Bronson, of Fall River, preaching 
the sermon. Mr. Blood was engaged to supply the 
pulpit for the sum of three hundred dollars per 
annum. His pastoral labors were greatly blessed. 
The church at the close of the first year numbered 
forty-three members. Mr. Blood was born July 4, 
1815, at Rodman, N. Y. He graduated at Brown 
University in 1844; was married April 10, 1844, to 
Mi.ss Martha Baker, of Rehoboth, by whom he had 



1 In 1843 this society gave a deed of all its property into the liandB of 
the cbtircb and ceased to exist. 



five children. He died Nov. 21, 1881, at Independ- 
ence, Mo. While pastor of this church, Mr. Blood 
organized the Sabbath-school, which has been main- 
tained successfully to the present time. 

The new meeting-house was d'edicated Nov. 25, 
( 1840 ; sermon by Rev. C. Blood, from the text Isaiah 
Ix. 13. 

During the forty-three years since this church 
began it has had fifteen different pastorates, aver- 
aging about three years each. We give below a list 
of the p.astors' names and the years of their service. 
This church designates all its ministers as pastors, 
whether installed or not: Rev. Caleb Blood, 1840-41 
(died Nov. 21, 1881) ; Rev. David M. Burdick, 1841- 
43 (died); Rev. Henry C. Coombs, 1843-47; Rev. 
Silas Hall, 1847-49 (died) ; Rev. Samuel A. Collins, 
1850-52 (died) ; Rev. Zalmon Tobey, 1852-53 (died) ; 
Rev. J. J. Thatcher, 1854-59 (died); Rev. Henry C. 
Coombs, 1860-64 ; Rev. Samuel C. Cheever, 1865-68 ; 
Rev. John Coombs, 1868-69 ; Rev. J. M. Mace, 1870 
-73; Rev. Norman B.Wilson, 1873-76; Rev. L. F. 
Shepherdson, 1875-78 ; Rev. O. P. Bessey, 1878-80 ; 
Rev. D. C. Bixby, 1880-83. 

Deacons.— '&Qth Talbot, 1840; John Davis, Jr., 
1840; Sylvester Hunt, 1845; Gilbert Bullock, 1867; 
Hale S. Luther, 1883 ; G. Gardner Bullock, 1883. 

In 1870 the church was presented with a house and 
lot for a parsonage, the gift of Mrs. Delight C. Reed, 
of Taunton, only child of the late Christopher Car- 
])enter, of Rehoboth. In 1878 the church received a 
bequest of five hundred dollars from Mrs. Nancy 
Baker. 

An important revival was enjoyed under the labors 
of Rev. Samuel A. Collins, and many were added to 
the church. Another revival occurred during the 
pastorate of Mr. Bessey, in the winter of 1879-80, the 
Baptist and Congregational Churches holding union 
services during the season. 

This church, though small, has shown great vital- 
ity, and in the earlier part of its career at least main- 
tained an excellent discipline. 

Deputies and Representatives from 1646 to 
1883 have been as follows : 

DEPUTIES TO PLYMOUTH COURT FROM REHOBOTH. 



1640. Walter Palmer, 

1647. Walter Palmer. 
Stephen Paiue. 

1648. Robert Titus. 
John Doggett. ^^^ 

1649-50. RohertTrrtus. 

Stephen Paine. 
1651. Stephen Paine. 

Richard Bowen. 
1662-63. Stephen Paine. 

Thomas Cooper. 
1654-56. Stephen Paine. 

Peter Hunt. 

1656. Stephen Paine. 
William Carpenter. 

1657. Stephen Paine. 
\William Sabin. 

1658. Stephen Paiue. 
Thomas Cooper. 



1659. Stephen Paine. 
\WiIliam Sabin. 
1660-61. William Sabin. 

Peter Hunt.l 
1662. Peter Hunt. 

Henry Smith. 
1663-65. Peter Hunt. 

Stephen Paine. 
1666. Stephen Paine. 

James Brown. 
1667-68. Peter Hunt. 

Henry Smith. 
1669. Philip Walker. 

Nicholas Peck. 
1670-71. Stephen Paine. 
_^ William Sabin. 

1672. Peter Hunt. 
Daniel Smith. 

1673. Peter Hunt. 



REHOBOTH. 



487 



1673. Anlhiiny Perry. 
1674-75. Ensign Henry Smith. 

Daniel Smith. 
1676-77. Daniel Smith. 

Nathaniel Paine. 

Daniel Smith. 

Nicholas Peck. 

Nicholas Peck. 

Gilbert Brooks. 

Nicholas Peck. 

Peter Hunt. 
1681. Ensign Nicholas Peck. 

Gilbert Brooks. 
1682-83. Ensign Nicholas Peck. 



1678. 



1679. 



1680. 



1682-83. Capt. Peter Hunt. 
1684-86. Lieut. Nicholas Peck. 

Gilbert Brooks. 

1687. -. 

1CS8. . 

16S9. Lieut. Nicholas Peck. 

Samuel Peck. 

1690. Gilbert Brooks. 
Christopher Saunders. 

1691. Christopher Saunders. 
John Woodcock. 

1692. Christopher Saunders. 
Mr. Samuel Peck. 



REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT. 



1693. Mr. Samuel Peck. 
Joseph Browne. 

1694. Stephen Paine. 

1695. Deacon Samuel Peck. 
1696-98. Deacon Samuel Newman. 
1699 John Hunt. 

1700. Mr. John Peck. 
1701. . 

1702. Sergt. Moses Reade. 

1703. Stephen Paine. 

1704. Benjamin .\llen. 

1705. Col. Samviel Walker. 
1706. . 

1707. John Brooks. 

1708. Ensign Moses Reade. 

1709. Mr. Daniel Smith. 

1710. Ensign Tiniotliylde. 

1711. Mr. Daniel Smith. 

1712. Lieut. Noah Peel;. 
1713-15. Lieut. Moses Reade. 
1710. Capt. Moses Reade. 

1717. Mr. Nathan Browne. 

1718. Mr. Daniel Smith, Esq. 
1719-20. Daniel Carpenter. 
1721-23. Mr. Jetlinial Peck. 

1724. Mr. Francis Willsou. 

1725. Mr. Joseph Peck. 
1726-31. Mr.Jethnial Peck. 
1732. Samuel Browne, Esq. 
1733-34. Mr. James Bowen. 
1736. Mr. John Hunt. 

1736. Mr. Joseph Peck. 

1737. Mr. James Bowen. 

1738. Mr. Joseph liosworth. 

1739. Mr. Jonathan Kingaley. 

1740. Mr. Joseph Peck. 

1741. Mr. Daniel Barney. 

1742. Capt. Joselih Wheaton. 

1743. Mr. Daniel Barney, 

1744. Capt. Daniel Carpenter. 
1745-47. Mr. Daniel Barney. 

1748. Daniel Carpenter, Esq. 

1749. Mr. Daniel Barney. 
1750-51. Mr. Nathaniel Smith. 
1752-53. Mr. Israel Nichols. 
1754. Mr. Aaron Kingsley. 
1755-5G. Capt. Aaron Kingsle.v. 
1757-5!i. Capt. Timothy Walker. 
1760-61. Mr. Noah Sabin, Jr. 
1762. Aaron Kingsley, Esq. 
1763-69. Capt. James Clay. 
1770-73. Capt. Joseph Barney. 
1774. . 

1775. Mr, Eph. Starkweather. 

Capt Thomas Carpenter. 

1770. . 

1777. . 

1778. Mr. Eph. Starkweather. 

Col. Shubael Peck. 

1779. . 

1780. Mr. S. I'eck. 



1781. Shubael Peck, Esq. 
Mr. Daniel Carpenter. 

1782. Capt. Stephen Bullock. 

1783. Stephen Bullock, Esq. 
Daniel Carpenter, Esq. 

1784-86. Stephen Bullock, Esq. 

1787. Mr. Phanuel Bishop. 
Mr. Frederick Drown. 
Mr. William Winsor. 

1788. Capt. Phanuel Bishop. 
Maj. Frederick Drown. 
Capt. John Bishop. 

1789-91. Maj. Frederick Drown. 
1792-94. Hon. Phanuel Bishop. 
1795-96. Stephen Bullock, Esq. 
1797-98. Hon. Phanuel Bishop. 
1709-1804. Frederick Drowne. 

1805. David Perry. 

1806. David Perry, Jr. 
1807-8. Elkanah French, Jr. 

1809. Peter Hunt. 

1810. David Perry. 
Elkanah French. 
Timothy Walker. 
John Medbury. 
Sebray Lawton. 

1811. Elkanah French. 
Timothy Walker. 
John Medbury. 
Sebray Lawton. 
Caleb Abell. 

1812. Samuel Bliss. 
Hezekiah Martin. 
Joseph Wheaton. 

1813. Hezekiah JIartiu. 
Joseph Wheatun. 
Samuel Bliss ^2d). 

1814. Peter Carpenter. 
1815-16. Dr. James Bliss. 

1817. Jeremiah Wheeler. 

1818. Thomas Carpenter {2d), 

1819. David Perry. 

1820. Dr. James Bliss. 

1821. David Perry. 
1822-23. None, 
1824-25. Lemuel Morae, 
1826, None, 

1827-28. Joseph Nichols. 
1829-30. Samuel Bullock. 

Caleb Cushing. 

Joseph Nichols. 
1831. None. 
1832-33. Lloyd Bosworth. 

1834. Lloyd Bosworth. 
Samuel Bullock. 

1835. None. 

1836. Capt. Richard Go£f, Jr. 
Abel Hoar. 

1837. Richard Goff. 

1838. William Marvel (2d). 
Caleb Cushing. 



1858. John C. Marvel. 

1859. Ira T. Baker. 

1860. George B. Bliss. 
1862-04.- Nathaniel B. Hortou. 
1867. William A. King. 

1869. Elisha Davis. 
1873.3 Cyrus M. Wheaton. 
1876. Hale S. Luther. 
1880. Remember Smith. 



1839. William Marvel (2d). 
1840-43. Childs Luther. 
1844-45. Granville Stevens. 
1847, Thomas Perry. 
1849-61. Sylvester Hunt. 

1853. George H. Allyn. 

1854. George H. Carpenter. 
1863.1 Nelson Goff. 
1856. Charles M. Dean, 

Town, Clerks. — No town clerk is mentioned by 
name in tlie town records till the year 1651, when 
Peter Hunt was chosen to the office. But previous 
to this date the records appear to have been written 
by the same hand, and it appears, from various re- 
turns made by the town clerk and on record at Plym- 
outh, that the first who filled that office in Rehoboth 
was William Carpenter, and that he retained it from 
the date of the commencement of the town records, 
in October, 1643, till 1649, when Mr. Hunt was prob- 
ably chosen. 

Richard Bowen was chosen town clerk in Septem- 
ber, 1654, Richard Bullock in January, 1659, and 
agreed to perform the office " for 16«. a year, and to 
be paid for births, burials, and marriages besides." 
William Carpenter (probably son of William Car- 
penter who served at first) was chosen town clerk in 
May, 1668, and served, with the exception of 1693, 
when Stephen Paine supplied his place till March, 
1703. Daniel Carpenter was chosen in 1703, and held 
the office three years. In March, 1706, Daniel Smith 
was chosen, and in March, 1708, Daniel Carpenter 
was again chosen, and continued to fill the office till 
1730. In 1730, Ezekiel Read was chosen, and con- 
tinued in the office, with the exception of 1751, '52, 
and '53, till 1762. In March, 1762, Jesse Perrin was 
chosen, and continued till 1787. In March, 1787, 
Lieut, (afterwards Capt.) Philip Walker was chosen, 
and continued until 1801, Capt. Caleb Abell from 
1801 to 1812. 

MILITARY RECORD, 1861-65. 

Three Months' Men. 

Otis A. Baker, Co. A, 1st Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. April 16, 1861; 

wounded in arm at first Bull Run battle ; disch. at expiration of 

term. 
James P. Brown, Co. C, 10th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. May, 1862 ; 

disch. at expiration of term. 
Arnold DeF. Brown, Co. B, loth Rhode Man. I Regt. ; enl. May 26, 

1862; disch. at expiration of term. 
John F. Horton, loth Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. May, 1862; disch. at ex- 
piration of term. 
Charles D, Horton, 10th Rhode Island Regt,; enl. May, 1862 ; disch. at 

expiration of term, 
Joseph W. Lake, Co. C, 10th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. May, 1862 ; disch. 

at expiration of term. 

Eighteenth Massachusetts U.nattached (One Hundred Days). 
Otis A. Baker, capt., enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov, 14, 1864. 
Joshua S. Bliss, sergt,, enl, Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
David W. Francis, Corp., enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 

1 In 1855 a new representative district, consisting of Relioboth and 
Seekonk, was formed. 

- In 1865 a new district, called the Fifth Bristol District, was formed, 
composed of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Dighlon, and Berkley. 

« In 1875 the district was again changed and called'the Tenth Bristol 
District, composed of the towns of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Dighton, and 
Swansea. 



488 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



William H. Luther, Corp., onl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Charles D. Hurtoii, Corp., enl. Aug. 1, 18G4; discli. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Andrew ,1. Goff, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Henry C. Goff, elll. Aug. 1, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Alhert W. Goff, enl. Aug. 1, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
William D. Goff, eul. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Edward Hanley, eul. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864, 
James Hanley, enl. .\ug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
John F. Hicks, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Freeman F. Horton, enl. Aug. 1. 1864 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Alfred A. Horton, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Joseph F. Leonard, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, IS64. 
Daniel H. Oldridge, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
William F. Pierce, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
Henry C. Trenn, eul. Aug. 1, 1S64; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 
James J. Thatcher, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 

TwENTT-SeCOND M.VSSACHtJSETTS UNATTACHED COMPANY. 

Herhert A. Whitaker, musician: enl. Aug. 10, 1864; disch. Nov. 26, 

1864. 

Nine Months' Men. 
Company H, Third Massachttsetts. 
Otis A. Baker, capt., enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Arnold DeF. Brown, sergt., enl. Sept. 13, 1802 ; diach. June 26, 186:!. 
Henry H. Lothrop, corp , enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Joshua S. Bliss, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Gilbert D. Bullock, enl. Oct. 1, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
George E. Curtis, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Dominick F.arroI, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
David \V. Francis, enl. Sept. IS, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Darius P. Francis, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Jason W. Fuller, enl. Sept. 18, 1862: disch. for disability March 27, 

1863 
Andrew J. Goff, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
George Green, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Daniel Harrington, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Andrew Hanley, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Edward Hanley, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
John F. Hicks, enl. Sept. 18,1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Thomas Hill, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Alfred A, Horton, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Alba B. Kent, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Hale S. Luther, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 : disch. June 26, 1863. 
William H. Lutlier, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Allen B. Luther, drummer, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
James F. Moulton, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Abraham Pierce, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
James Roach, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863 
George A. Tripp, eul. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Jeremiah Tliurber, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
George H. Viall, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. 
Caleb Williams, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1862. 

Other Nine Months' Men. 
Thomas Bliss, Co. G, 4th Mass. Begt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; died May 18, 

1863, at Burwick City, La. 
Gilbert S. Bliss, Co. E, 12th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. Oct. 1,1862; disch. 

July, 1863. 
Isaac H. Carpenter, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18,1862; disch. 

September, 1863. 
Cyrus F. Copeland, Co. K, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. 

July 30, 1863., 
Aaron S. Harlow, Co. K,43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. 

July 30, 1863. 
John S. Perry. Co. K, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. July 

30, 1863. 
Benjamin F. Paull, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. 

September, 1863. 
John M. Reynolds, Co. G, 11th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. September, 

1862; disch, July, 1863. 
Charles W. Tilton, Co. K, 43d Ma.ss. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. 

July 30, 1863. 
Lorenzo J. Thayer, Co. C, 47th Mass. Regt.; enl. September, 1862; died 

Aug. 16, 1863, while on his passage home. 
Albert F. Smith, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt,; enl. September, 1862; died 

Aug. 12, 1863. at Cairo, III., while on passage home. 
Samuel H. Viall, Co. A, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Oct. 4, 1862 ; disch. July 
30, 1863. 



Three Years' Men. 

Stephen F. Andrews, Co. H, 39th Mass. Kegt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Edward Appleby, drafted July 15, 1863; disch. at close of war. 

Otis A. Baker,Co. A, 4th Rhode Island Begt,; enl. September, 1861; pro. 

to 2d lieut. Nov. 20, 1861 ; res. Sept. II, 1862. 
Francis A. Bliss, Co. I, 1st Mass. Cav. ; enl. October, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 

1, 1864; disch. Nov. 27, 1866. 
Francis V. Bliss, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded 
in battle at Tliatcher's Farm, Va., May 20, 1864; disch. June 23, 
1865. 
Richmond Barrett, Co. H, 39th Ma38. Regt. ; eul. Aug. 14, 1862. 
William W. Blanchett, enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Airiold DeF. Brown, sergt.-maj., 3d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. Aug. 7, 

1863; pro. to 2d lieut. Feb. 6, 1864; disch. at close of war. 
Edward P. Brown, 2d lieut., Co. I, 4th Rhode Island Regt. ; eul. Aug. 27, 
1862; pro to 1st lieut. Jan. 13, 1863; to capt. March 2, 1863; brev- 
etted major of volunteers for gallant conduct at Fort Sedgwick and 
Petersburg; mustered out at his request, by order of Secretary of 
War, June 6, 1865. 
James P. Brown, 2d lieut., 14th Rhode Island H. Art.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863; 

died at Doualdsonville, La., of congestive cliills Aug. 23, 1865. 
Gardner D. Bosworth, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Begt.; enl. Dec. 31, 1861 ; 

disch. April 1, 1865. 
James Bradigan, Co. D,3d Rhode Island Begt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1861 ; disch. 

Oct. 5, 1864. 
Augustus W. Carpenter, Co. I, Ist Mass. Cav.; enl. November, 1861 ; re- 

eul. Jan. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 27, 1865. 
Willard Chaffee, Co. E, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. 1861 ; killed in bat- 
tle of James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
Jonathan Chaffee, Co. E, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. 1861 ; disch. Aug. 

31, 1864. 
Francis G. Cole, Co. H, 40th Mass. Begt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 

16, 1866. 
Francis A. Cooper, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Peter Conelly, 38th Mass. Begt. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862. 
James C. Davis, Bat. F, Rliode Island Vol. ; enl. November, 1862 ; killed 

in battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864. 
George L. Davis, drafted July 16, 1863; died at Willet's Point, L. I., July 
26, 1864, of fever occasioned by wound in the hip received near 
Petersburg, Va. 
Irving Dickerman, Co. G, 24th Mass. Begt.; enl. 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 

1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866. 
Ezra L. Dickerman, Co. H, 22d Miiss. Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; disch. for dis- 
ability Feb. 7, 1864. 
Cbailes E. Douglass, sergt. Co, B, 5th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; pro. 

to 2d lieut. Co. F Feb. 14, 1863; disch. Dec. 22, 1864. 
Hiram H. Drown, drafted July 16, 1863 ; died in camp near Brandy 

Station, Va., Jan. 7, 1864. 
John Daley, 2d Mass. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
George M. Ecclestone, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
George E. Fuller, Battery F, 1st Rhode Island Art.; eul. Oct. 19, 1861; 
wounded at Newberne, N. C, and taken prisoner; exchanged and 
discharged in 1862 for disability. 
Henry W. Francis, Co. F, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; disch. Octo- 
ber, 1864. 
Henry F. Frost, Co. G, 2d New York Begt. ; enl. 1861 ; died of diphtheria 

at Fort Smith, Feb. 28, 1864. 
Henry Freelove, 2d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. lS62;.died in Andersonville 

prison, Georgia, 1864. 
Alfred H. Goff, Co C, 2d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Nov. 15, 1861 ; wounded 

in battle of Salem Heights, May 3, 1863; disch. Nov. 16, 1864. 
Willard J. Goff, Co. B, 127th New York Begt.; enl. August, 1S62; disch. 

August, 1865. 
George O. Goff, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861 ; disch. 

April 1, 1865, 
Gamaliel B. Goff, Battery E, let Rhode Island Art. ; enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; 

disch. Jan. 29, 1863, for disability. 
Henry A. Goff, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861 ; disch. 

April 1,1866. 
Jabez L. Harris, Co. C, 4tb Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861 ; disch. 

for disability Feb. 7, 1863. 
Daniel Harrington, Co. C, 3d Rhode Island Cav. ; enl. Oct. 10, 1863 ; disch. 

1865. 
Andrew Hanley, 3d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. Oct. 10, 1863; disch. 1865. 
John Haley, Co. F, 3d Rhode Island Begt. ; eul. August, 1861 ; disch. 
September, 1864. 



REHOBOTH. 



489 



Nahutn C. Hall, Co. H, 39th Mass. Itegt. ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Robert W. Hayden, Co. H, liOtli Muss. Eegt.; eul. Aug. 15, 1863. 
William E. Ilorton, Co. H, 39tli Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 15, 186-2. 
Nathan B. Horton, Co. H, 40lh Mass. Regt. ; onl. Aug. 14, 1802 ; died 

while on a furlough, Oct. 19, 1864. 
Seth A. Horton, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch.July 

12, 1865. 
Edwin R. M. Horton, Co. A, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; ml. Aug. 20, 1861 ; 

died of t.vphoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 17, 1862. 
Francis W. Horton, Co. A, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; 
re-enl. Feb. 9, 1,S64; wounded and taken prisoner at Gainesville, 
Fla., Aug. 17, 1864; disch. Aug. 31, 1864. 
Michael Higgins, Co. A, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. September, 1861 ; 
pro. to 2d lieut. May 23, 1863; pro. to Ist lieut. February, 1864; 
disch. March 16, 1866. 
Ebenezer Lane, drafted July 15, 1S63 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court- 

House May 12, 1864. 
James M. Lewis, 2d Rhode Island Cav. ; enl. October, 1862 ; disch. 

1866. 
Elbridge J. Martin, Co. C, 7Ih Mass. Regt. ; eul. May, 1861. 
Kingsley Martin, Co. C, 7th Ma.'ss. Regt.; enl. May, 1861. 
Hiram L. Martin, enl. May, 1861 ; dropped from rolls April 26, 1864. 
John D. Martin, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Benjamin Magill, drafted July 15, 1803. 

Kennedy L. Macelroy, ;:J8th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 19,1862. 
Benjamin C. Monroe, Co. B,58th Mass. Regt.; killed May 15, 1864, near 

Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Edward P. Murphy, 2d Mass. Cav.; eul. Aug. 29,1862. 
Thomas F. Mahan, enl. Aug. 24, 1S64. 
Stephen C. Moulton, Co. I, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. Sept. 23, 1864; disch. 

Nov. 22, 1865. 
George W. Parker, Battery F, 1st Rhode Island Art.; enl. Oct. 29, 1861; 

disch. Oct. 28, 1864. 
Dexter D. Pierce, enl. June 6, 1861; disch. June 17, 1864. 
James M. Perry, Co. I, 7th Maes. Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; died of wounds re- 
ceived in battle of Wilderness, July 28, 1864. 
Edwin A. Peck, Co. H, 4litli Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; died of 

diphtheria at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 5, 1864. 
Wheaton Pierce, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; killed by 

shell at battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, 1864. 
George G. Peck, Co. D, 7th Mass. Regt.; enl. May, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Sept. 30, 1863. 
Alden Potter, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
John C. Paine, 4th Mass. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865. 
Gersnom R. Rounds, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. Sept. 10, 1864, for disa- 
bility. 
Francis H. Simmons, Co. F, 29th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1862; died of 

fever at Harpei's Ferry, "N'a., Oct. 12, 1862. 
Edward P. L. Sherman, Co. H. 4lJth Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died 

at Fort Independence, Boston, 1863. 
John Q. A. Sylvester, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 18, 1862. 
John Slianahan, 38th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 19, 1802. 
John J. Thayer, Co. I, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. May, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 29, 

1863, for diiability. 
Francis W. Thurber, Co. H, 40th Moss. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. 

July 3, 1805. 
Nathaniel Thurber, Co. G, 20th Muss. Regt.; enl. Dec. 9, 1861; disch. 

Feb. 12, 18li3, for disability. 
George H. Thrasher, Co. B, 6»th Mass. Regt.; enl. Dec. 29, 1863; disch. 

June 20, 1865. 
Ale.xander F. Valett, Co. H, 7th Mass. Kegt. ; enl. Maj-, 1861; disch. 

July 5, 1864. 
Cyrus M. Wheaton, Jr., 1st lieut. Co. B, 18th Mass. Regt. ; enl. July 

10, 1861 : died at ProvideTice, R. I., June 26, 1862. 
Parmenus E. Wheeler, 24th Mass. Regt. 
Arnold A. Walker, 1st Rhode Island Battery ; eul. May, 1861 ; died in 

hospital in Washingt.ui, Feb. 19, 1863. 
Erastus F. Williams, Co. H, 40lh Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. 
Sept. 5, 1864, for disability. 

Seamen. 
Alexander Davis, enl. Sept. 18,1862, on flag-ship " Lancaster;" disch. 

Sept. 22. 1863. 
William H. Rounds, enl. 1862, ship "Colorado;" disch. Feb. 11), 1864. 

Eighteenth Mass.\chdsetts tU.NATT.^cHED), One Yeae. 
Otis A. Baker, capt., enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. 
Joshua S. Bliss, let sergt., enl. Dec. II), 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. 



William H. Lnther, sergt., enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. 

Joseph W. Lake, Corp , enl. Dec. 10, 1864 : disch. May 12, 1865. 
' Herbert A. Whitaker, drummer, enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; dinch. May 12, 1865. 
George E. Curtis, enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. 
Thomas Hill, enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. 
John Haley, enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. 
Melvin G. Leonard, enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. 
James J. Thacker, eul. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. 

Otheb O.NE Year's Men. 
William A. Browidy, 7tli Mass. Batt. ; enl. Dec. 1, 1864. 
Henry J. Brown, filst Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. 
George W. Bennett, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. IS, 1864. 
George H. Bosworth, 5th Mass. Cav.; enl. March 4, 1864. 
John J. Clark, 61et Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864. 
David Crane, Ist Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 
Martin V. Drury, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 23, 1864. 
John Dwelly, 2d Mass. H. A. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864. 
Alvanus F. Davis, 6Ist Mass. Regt.; enl. .lug. 29, 1864. 
Patrick Foran, lOlh Mass. Batt.; enl. Nov. 22, 1864. 
Sylvanus Frost, 1st Mass. H. A. ; enl. Aug. 26, 1864. 
William H. Fay, 2Sth Mass. Regt.; enl. March 18, 1864. 
Lewis Full6n,5th Mass. Cav.; eid. March 4, 1864. 
James F. Gillspie, 23d Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 25, 1864. 
George Hayward, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. August, 1864. 
Patrick Hanvan, H. A.; enl. Aug. 26, 1864. 
Charles Hill, 3d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 16, 1864. 
L. Jansen, 3d Mass. Cav.; enl. March 18, 1S64. 
Charles Lasson, 28th Mass. Regt.; enl. March 10, 1864. 
Clarence McAllister, 6l8t Mass. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864. 
Paul McHenry, 3d Mass. H. A. ; eul. Nov. 16, 1864. 
Charles W. Magoon, 16th Un. H. A.; enl. Aug. 25, 1864. 
John Macdonald, 61st Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
Edward McKenney, 3d Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
John O'Brien, 6l6t Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 21, 1864. 
Jens Oslen, 3d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 18, 1864. 
George M. Pay, 6Ist Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 1864. 
Alonzo A. Peacock, enl. Aug. 18, 1864. 
Alexander Philips, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug. 9, 1864. 
Theodore Slienels, 19th Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 18, 1864. 
John Thorp, enl, Nov. 15, 1864. 

John W. Towle, 61st Miias. Regt.; eul. Aug. 29, 1864. 
John M. Tucker, 2d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 16, 1864. 
William H. Prissell, 3d Mass. Cav.; enl. March 17, 1864. 
Charl Ulribren, 3d M.-iss. Cav.; enl. March 18, 1864. 

Drafted Men July 15, 1863. 

James B. Horton, Hiram H. Brown, Taylor Phillips, Charles H. Ilortou, 
William J. Tren, Dexter J. Horton, Parvis B. Horton, Christopher T. 
Brown, Jabe/, L. Harris, James Baker, George T. Davis, John D. 
Thatcher, George H. Kent, Henry C. Gofl, Granville S. Bower, Albert 
S. Horton, John II. Earle, Josephus W. Ht)rton, Benjamin Magili, 
George Horton, Samuel B. Haskins, Daniel S. Cole, Daniel H. Hor- 
ton, Nathan W. Pierce, Charles H. Goft", John Baker (2d), George C. 
GofF, William H. Marvel, Henry W. Barney, Albert Bowen, Gilbert 
Horton, George L. Davis, Frederic H. Brown, Edward Apply, Eph- 
raim Tripp, Charles Horton, Calvin J. W. Bullock, Ruins P. Hor- 
tou, Lloyd B. Pierce, Constant P. Gofl, George S. Barney, Ebenezer 
Lane. 

Nathaniel B. florten, enrolling and recruiting officer. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM W. BLANDING. 
William W. Blanding is descended from one of the 
oldest families of Rehoboth. William Blanding, 
LL.D., of San Francisco, Cal., has contributed the 
following facts concerning the ancestral history of 
the Blanding family: William Blanding, who was 
probably the progenitor of those who bear the name 
in this country, came from Upton, county of Wor- 



490 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



cester, England, in 1640. He settled in Boston, and 
was made a freeman in 1641. He owned lands in 
that part of Boston now Brookline, and was interested 
in the iron-works of Taunton. In 1643 and 1648 he 
was a member of the Grand Inquest of the colony, 
and in 1646 and 1651 was a deputy to the Plymouth 
Colony Court. He had a brother Joseph, who was 
one of the most active shipmasters of that time, and 
in 1645 commanded the ship "Lyon," of London, 
and brought many emigrants to this country. 

William Blanding in his will refers to another 
brother, Ralph, residing in Upton-on-Severn, Wor- 
cestershire, England. William married Phwbe . 

They had three cliildren, two daughters — Mary and 
Phcebe, who inherited most of his property — and one 
son, William. 

This son married Bethia Wheaton, Sept. 4, 1674. 
Their children were William, born May 2, 1676; 
Samuel, born April 11, 1680 ; Obadiah, born April 15, 
1683 ; Daniel, born Oct. 25, 1685 ; John, born June 20, 
1687; Ephraim, born Oct. 20, 1689; and Noah, born 
in 1690. We find, upon consulting the town rec- 
ords of Rehoboth, that this William Blanding, Jr., 
and Elizabeth Perry were married October, 1708. 
Their children were Elizabeth, born Jan. 12, 1710; 
William, born Dec. 17, 1712; Esther, born Sept. 20, 
1714; Mehitable, born Dec. 11, 1717; Bethia, born 
Oct. 26, 1719; Sybil, born Sept. 16, 1721; Rachel, 
born Sept. 3, 1723. William Blanding died Nov. 25, 

1724. His son William married Sarah . Their 

children were Lois, born Feb. 1, 1741 or 1742; Eben- 
ezer, born April 2, 1744; Lucy, born March 8, 1745 or 
1746 ; William, born Feb. 27, 1747 or 1748 ; Shubael, 
born Sept. 19, 1750; Ebenezer, born Feb. 26, 1754; 
Christopher, born Nov. 1, 1756. His son William 
married Lydia Ormsbee, July 5, 1772. Their chil- 
dren were William, born Feb. 7, 1773; Abraham, 
born Nov. 18, 1775 ; Lydia, born Feb. 22, 1778 ; James, 
born Oct. 12, 1781 ; Lucy, born Oct. 31, 1783; Reu- 
ben, March 17, 1786; Reuben (2d), born Feb. 6, 
1789 ; Susannah, born March 8, 1790 ; Lephe, born 
April 12, 1798. He was by occupation a shoemaker. 
He was a much-respected citizen of the community, 
and was for several years steward of Brown Uni- 
versity, at which institution two of his sons, William 
and Abraham, graduated. He died June 12, 1830. 
His wife died Aug. 30, 1835, at the age of eighty-five. 
Of their children, William became a physician and 
also an enthusiastic naturalist; he died Oct. 12, 1857. 

James Blanding was married April 24, 1811, to 
Elizabeth Carpenter, daughter of Caleb and Eliza- 
beth (Bullock) Carpenter. Their children were 
Susannah C, born March 12, 1812; Elizabeth P., 
born April 6, 1814; Nancy A., born May 13, 1816; 
Juliet M., born May 8, 1818; William W., born 
Nov. 1, 1820; Abraham O., born April 28, 1823; 
Lephe H., born Feb. 9, 1825 ; Sarah M., born June 
21, 1827. 

James Blanding, though receiving in his youth 



only a common school education, yet he became a 

man of decided literary tastes and a great reader. 
He was also a man of good business qualification and 
ability. By occupation a surveyor, he made a num- 
ber of important surveys in his native town, and also 
did much in that line in adjacent towns. He was also 
a farmer, and was town clerk of Rehoboth about thirty 
years. In politics he was a Whig, and in religious 
belief a Congregationalist, though not a member of 
any church organization. He was a liberal supporter 
of the public press, and a man of advanced ideas. 
Though his years were spent in the quiet walks of a 
private life, yet he left an enduring monument be- 
hind him in the hearts of his fellow-men. He died 
June 28, 1870, and Mrs. Blanding died Nov. 16, 
1865. 

William W. Blanding, as before remarked, is de- 
scended from one of our oldest families. This is 
doubly true, for on the maternal side the line of an- 
cestry is perhaps even more ancient and prominent. 
Few names in the history of early colonial days ap- 
pear more frequently or with more honorable men- 
tion than that of Carpenter. They are also a family 
noted for their longevity. Elizabeth Carpenter, Mr. 
Blanding's grandmother, at the time of her death 
(1838) was in her one hundred and first year, and of 
eight of her children living at time of her decease 
their ages ranged from fifty-four years to seventy- 
seven years. (For ancient history of Carpenter 
family see another part of this volume.) 

William W. received the usual common school ad- 
vantages, and also attended one or two terms a select 
school. Owing to financial embarrassments in the 
property affairs of his father, caused by indorsing 
paper for others, young Blanding had early to con- 
tribute his quota of labor on the homestead, and thus 
render practical aid in the support of the family. In 
1846, Wiilliam Blanding (uncle of William W.) re- 
moved to the Blanding homestead, having formerly 
purchased the same, and William W. made his home 
^yith this uncle, and took care of him until his death. 
In fact, Mr. Blanding's life has been mainly devoted 
to the care and support of other members of his 
family, and this is the principal reason why he has 
remained unmarried to the present time. 

Upon the demise of his uncle, 1857, he came into 
the possession of the homestead, then a compara- 
tively worthless estate. Since that time, through 
Mr. Blanding's enterprise and industry, it has been 
made one of the most beautiful and desirable homes 
in the town. From an unproductive and unprofit- 
able expanse of hill and dale he has converted it 
into a iprtile, paying, and valuable farm. If the oft- 
quoted saying be true that " he who causes two blades 
of grass to grow where only one grew before is a pub- 
lic benefactor," then Mr. Blanding is certainly enti- 
tled to credit for the work he has done. He has not 
been a seeker of official honors, yet his fellow-citizens 
have honored him with a number of public trusts. 




V/l^lc/.C^ -pTL 



^A '^'^^-^^^^i-^L^^^l^'l^^ 



REHOBOTH. 



491 



He has been selectman, assessor, and overseer of the 
poor, town and church treasurer, etc. He is an 
active member of the Congregational Church of 
Eehoboth, and in political creed a Republican. He 
has proved himself a loving and self-sacrificing 
brother and son, and is esteemed as a useful citizen 
of the community. 



OAPT. GEORGE W. BLISS. 
Capt. George W. Bliss is the son of Capt. Asaph Bliss, 
of Rehoboth, and Abigail, daughter of George and 
Mercy Williams ; she was born Jan. 30, 1781, and died 
Nov. 4, 1825. He (Capt. Asaph ) was born Dec. 5, 1772, 
and died Sept. 14, 1857. They were married Nov. 25, 
1803. Their children were Abby, born 1804, died in in- 
fancy; Abby Williams, born March 19, 1805, married, 
June 13, 1826, Abel Carpenter, by whom she had four 
children ; Asaph Leonard, born July 13, 1806, died 
Dec. 6, 1861; George ir///n««s (subject of illustration) ; 
Nelson Smith, born Sept. 19, 1813, by occupation a 
carpenter, died at Mobile, Ala., Sept. 5, 1839; and 
Rosina, born Dec. 4, 1816, married Erwin J. Baker, 
of Utica, N. Y., resides in Seekonk, Mass., and has 
five children living. Capt. Asaph's father was Deacon 
Jacob Bliss, of Rehoboth, born Feb. 16, 1732, died 
March 3, 1807. His mother was Judith Smith, born 
April 19, 1732, and died Oct. 1, 1815. ■ Deacon Jacob 
had seven children, ^Chloe, Judith, Bethiah, Jacob, 
Rachel, Lucy, and Asaph. Deacon Jacob was a son 
of Daniel Bliss, of Rehoboth, and Miriam Carpenter. 
(For a more extended genealogj' of the Bliss family, 
see another part of this volume ; also a most excellent 
work by John Homer Bliss entitled, " Genealogy of 
the Bliss Family in America.") 

Capt. Gem-ije W. Bliss was born Sept. 3, 1810, was 
reared a farmer's son, and taught to labor in that 
vocation. He had the usual advantages of the schools 
of his neighborhood, supplemented by a course at 
Pawtucket Academy. After leaving school he re- 
sumed his farm labor, working on the farm during 
the summer season and teaching school winters. This 
he continued ten years. At the age of twenty-nine 
he left his native State and went to Florida, where 
he became engaged somewhat extensively in the 
lumber business, building a saw-mill in copartnership 
with his brother-in-law, Caleb Bowen. They were 
quite successful in the prosecution of their busiuess, 
but Mr. Bowen died, and upon his demise Mr. Bliss 
sold out his business and returned to his native Reho- 
both, where he purchased the interests of the other 
heirs to his father's estate, and engaged in farming. 
About two years after his return from Florida he es- 
tablished a meat-market at Pawtucket, which he 
continued five years, when he relinquished this pur- 
suit and once more devoted his entire attention to 
agriculture, which business he has since followed un- 
remittingly through life. In business affairs Capt. 
Bliss has been a successful man, and now in his old 



age is surrounded by all the comforts of life, and en- 
joys what is better still, the esteem and friendship of 
all who know him. He was a militiaman of the old 
school, when honor was attached to the calling, and 
when rank and appointment were evidence of superior 
ability and merit. At the age of twenty-two he was 
chosen captain, and served in that capacity six years. 
He was the chosen major of the regiment, which 
position he held at the time of his migration to 
Florida. 

The title of captain has clung to him through life. 
As an instructor of youth he was ranked among the 
best. He has held the positions of selectmen, as- 
sessor, and overseer of the poor eight years each, 
and has been justice of the peace thirty-one years. 
He was married, Oct. 6, 1834, to Betsey, daughter of 
Uriah and Sally (Carpenter) Bowen, of Attleborough, 
Mass. She was born July 30, 1812, and died Jan. 23, 
1853. Their children are George William, born Oct. 
18, 1835 ; Wheaion Leonard, born Dec. 22, 1837 ; 
Warren Smith, born June 9, 1840; Warren Sinilh-, 
born Jan. 1, 1845 ; James Waller, born Jan. 27, 
1847 ; and Henrij Winslow, born Oct. 29, 1849. Capt. 
Bliss married for his second wife Julia Ann Car- 
penter, of Rehoboth, Oct. 26, 1853. She was born 
March 30, 1808, and died Dec. 15, 1865. They had 
one child, Betsy Ann, born March 20, 1856. Capt. 
Bliss married as his third wife Julia Ann (daughter 
of Joseph A. and Eunice C.) Tiffany, June 4, 1867. 
She was born April 16, 1825. Both are yet living 
(1882). Of Capt. Bliss' children, the eldest, George 
William, married, Sept. 8, 1859, to Mary K., daugh- 
ter of Jefferson and Hannah Daggett, of Pawtucket, 
where she was born, 1837. Their children are Susie 
P., Eva W., George Edwin, and Mary Williams. 
Wheaton Leonard served two years in Company A, 
Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, during the great 
Rebellion. He was married, April 21, 1867, to Laura 

A. P., daughter of Noah and Olive (Medbery) Bliss, 
; of Rehoboth. They have no children. He is a far- 
mer in Attleborough, Mass. Warren SmitJi^ died in 
childhood. Warren Smit/i' married, in Nantucket, 
Mass., July, 1872, Mary F., daughter of George W. 
and Mary Jenks. He died at Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 
1, 1876. They had two children, one who died in 
infancy, and Mabel Warren. The widow resides in 
Nantucket. J. Walter resides with his father at the 
old homestead, and is unmarried. ITenry Wilson 
married, Oct. 10, 1873, Annie Goff, of Providence, 
where he now resides. He is by occupation a tin- 
smith. Betsey Ann married, Feb. 20, 1879, William 

B. Colwell, of Johnston, R. I. 



OTIS PEKRT. 
Daniel Perry was one of the first settlers of Reho- 
both. His son Ezra was by occupation a mechanic 
and manufacturer of nails. He was a man of much 
mechanical ingenuity and of an inventiye turn of 



492 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



mind. He was the inventor of a certain proce.ss for 
manufacturing nails and utilizing windmill power 
for the same. His invention was considered of so 
much value that the Blackstone Factory Company 
(quite a large concern) offered him their privilege on 
the Blackstone for his little primitive windmill. He 
married Jemima Titus, by whom he reared quite a 
large family,' all of whom except his son, Deacon 
Ezra, emigrated from Rehoboth to other parts of the 
country. His second wife was Patty Ide. By this 
union there was no offspring. Deacon Ezra inherited 
largely his father's mechanical genius, and though he 
was always the proprietor of a farm, yet his time was 
chiefly given to various mechanical pursuits, such as 
carpentering, turning, and blacksmithing in its vari- 
ous branches. He was noted throughout the country 
for his diversified skill and versatile capabilities. He 
was a captain of militia, a deacon of the orthodox 
Presbyterian Church, and a valued citizen. His wife 
was Betsey Bliss, daughter of Daniel Bliss and sister 
of Dr. James Bliss, of Rehoboth. Of their children, 
Ezra went to Brimfield, was a manufacturer and a 
prominent man there; Betsey married Cyril Bullock, 
of Rehoboth ; Hezekiah was a cotton manufacturer 
in Munson ; Sarah married Elijah Bliss, of Rehoboth ; 
James was a mechanic ; Otis' died in infancy ; Daniel 
was a manufacturer in his native town ; Mina married 
Nathan Carpenter, of Rehoboth ; Nancy B. married 
Aseph Bliss, of Rehoboth ; William was a machinist 
at Taunton. Of all this numerous family only Otk, 
whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is now living. 
The Perrys were the first manufacturers in the United 
States of bobbins for cotton-factories. They manu- 
factured the bobbins for Slater's, the first factory es- 
tablished in America. 

Otis Perry was born at the ancestral home of the 
Perrys in Rehoboth, Feb. 17, 1807. When a lad he 
worked in the turning-shop and on the farm of his 
father. After attaining his majority he left his father's 
homestead and established at the place where he now 
resides a factory similar to his father's. This busi- 
ness he continued many years. About 1850 he com- 
menced sawing lumber, manufacturing shingles, and 
grinding meal, and has continued the business to the 
present time. In the quiet walk of life which he 
cho.se he has been a successful man. In politics he 
has always been a Whig and Republican, and is 
stanch and true to his political principles.' 



NATHANIEL B. HORTON. 



Nathaniel B. Horton, son of Aaron and Bethany 
Baker Horton, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., July 2.5, 
1820. Aaron, his father, son of Solomon and Han- 
nah (Talbot) Horton, was born in Dighton, Mass., 



^ See genealogy. 

- For data coiicerniug the aucestoreof Uie Perry family, see Appeudix. 



and was a farmer. He married (1st) Bethany, daugh' 
ter of Samuel Baker (a farmer of Rehoboth, who also 
manufactured shoe-buckles, a wealthy man of that 
period, and a soldier of the Revolution). They had 
seven children, — Mason, Danforth, Nancy, Hiram, 
Nathaniel B., Angeline, and Alvah. She died Jan. 
31, 1840, in her fifty-sixth year. He married (2d) 
Sarah Burr, who survives him. He died Dec. 3, 
1854, in his seventy-fourth year. Nathaniel was edu- 
cated at the .schools of his native town, and remained 
on his father's farm until he was eighteen, when he 
went to Fall River and learned the mason's trade of 
Earle & Horton, of that city, and worked at the trade 
twenty years. He then, about 1856, purchased the 
old homestead of his father in Rehoboth (about one 
hundred acres), which had been in the possession of 
his ancestors for several generations. To this he has 
since added one hundred acres by purchase. From 
that time this has been bis home, and his avocation 
that of a farmer. He married, Jan. 11, 1844, Mary M., 
daughter of James and Mary H. (Mason) Eddy. 
She was born Aug. 25, 1824, in Swansea. Their only 
child, Arthur, born Aug. 24, 1847, died aged six 
! years. Mrs. Horton died, April 14, 1850. He mar- 
! ried, Dec. 23, 18.54, Mary J., daughter of Hale and 
Patience (Bosworth) BuflSnton, of Rehoboth. She 
was born July 18, 1832. They have four children, — 
Adhi B., born Nov. 7, 1855, married Hannah Hale, 
lives in Rehoboth, has two children ; Mary M., born 
Oct. 31, 1857, married Frank N. Martin, lives in East 
Providence, R. I., has one child; Arabelle .B., born 
Aug. 20, 1863 ; and Arthur E., born Aug. 6, 1870, 
who live with their parents. Mr. Horton has been 
an active and energetic man, and prominently iden- 
tified with every aft'air of interest in his town since 
his residence there. He has held every office of im- 
portance in the gift of his townsmen, — selectman, 
treasurer, collector, etc. He represented Seekonk 
and Rehoboth two sessions in the State Legislature. 
During the civil war he was agent for the town in 
filling its quota for military service ; was also recruit- 
ing oflicer and enrolling ofiicer, and placed in service 
for Rehoboth about one hundred and ninety enlisted 
men, traveling in that service through various States 
and as far south as Virginia. Perhaps very few men 
in the town ever have held more responsible posi- 
tions, or discharged their duties with more ability or 
acceptance to their constituents. He was formerly a 
Democrat, but afterward became a FreeSoiler, and 
since 1856 has affiliated with the Republican party. 

Mr. Horton has been connected with various cor- 
porations and business interests. He is a stockholder 
in Pocasset National Bank, Wamsutta Bank, and 
Fall River Union Bank, in Fall River; Weetamoe 
Mills, Osborn Mills, and Chace Mills, in Fall River. 
He has often been called upon to administer an es- 
tate, and has the reputation of being not only, an able 
business man, but an agreeable and very social gen- 
tleman with a large following of friends. 




(^^^^, 



t^ 





ys f^.^'y/^ 




^y^^ A^ 



KEHOBOTH. 



493 



ABIAH BLISS. 

The Bliss family in Rehoboth, Mass., are descended 
from Thomas Bliss, of Belstone parish, county of 
Devonshire, England. This Thomas Bliss was a 
wealthy land-owner, and belonged to the class de- 
nominated Puritans on account of the purity and 
simplicity of their forms of worship. He was perse- 
cuted by civil and religious authorities under direc- 
tion of Archbishop Laud, and finally became broken 
down in health and estate through the maltreatment 
of the intolerant party then dominant. He and his 
sons sutfered long imprisonment. One of them died 
in prison, the other two emigrated to America in 1C35. 
From Jonathan, of Belstone, is descended Abiah Bliss, 
whose portrait is in this volume. The line of descent 
is as follows : Thomas', Jonathan^, Thomas', Jona- 
than*, Jonathan^, Ephraim'', Abiah', Abiah". Of 
these Thomas' was born in Belstone, England, emi- 
grated to America in 1636, and after residing at Brain- 
tree, Mass., Hartford, Conn., and Weymouth, Mass., 
finally removed, in 1643, with many others, to what 
is now Rehoboth, and commenced a settlement there. 
He was a man of influence in the new colony, died 
in 1649. His son Jonathan was born in England 
about 1625. It is probable that he came to Rehoboth 
about 1647. In 1648 he married Miriam Harmon. 
They had ten children. He died in 1687. His son 
Jonathan (who like his father was a blacksmith) was 
born Sept. 17, 1666, became a man of standing and 
influence in his native town, accumulated property, 
held many offices, etc. He was married June 23, 
1691, to Miriam Carpenter, daughter of William 
Carpenter and Miriam Searles. They had eight chil- i 
dren, of whom Ephraim was one. Mrs. Bliss died 
May 21, 1706. He then married, April 10, 1711, 1 
Mary French, by whom he had four children. He ] 
died Oct. 16, 1719. ' 

Lieut. Ephraim was born Aug. 15, 1699, married, 
Dec. 5, 1723, Rachel Carpenter, by whom he had 
twelve children. He was a lieutenant of militia. 
Abiah, his son,' was born Jan. 26, 1730, and married, 
Dec. 21, 1752, Judith Moulton ; she died Oct. 19, 1755. 
He afterwards married, April 22, 1756, Mary Smith, 
by whom he had six children. Mrs. Bliss died Feb. 
25, 1771. He then married, Nov. 28, 1771, Eliza- 
beth Lane. He died Jan. 25, 1825. Col. Abiah, his 
son, was born May 20, 1768, married, March 22, 1792, 
Rebecca Kent. She was born Dec. 23, 1771, died 
April 30, 1856. They had eleven children, — Rebecca, 
born March 28, 1794; Mary, born June 10, 1795; 
Lita, born March 8, 1797 ; Amanda, born Oct. 3, 1798 ; 
Abiah, born March 6, 1800 ; Rufus, born March 7, 
1802; Eiiza, born Jan. 6, 1804; Ruth, born Dec. 7, 
1805; Horatio Nelson, horn Aug. 17, 1808; Harriet, 
born Sept. 20, 1810 ; and Rachd, born Oct. 28, 1812. 
Mrs. Bliss died April 30, 1856. He died Aug. 12, 1858. 

The present Abiah was born on the old Bliss home- 
stead, which has been in possession of the family 
since 1666 ; had common-school education, but very 



fair for that day. When About twenty-five years of 
age he purchased a half-interest in his father's farm. 
The principal duties pertaining to management of the 
farm devolved upon him, and at his father's death he 
inherited the rest of the homestead. On Nov. 11, 
1834, he married Julia Ann Sturtevant, daughter of 
Francis Sturtevant, of Rhode Island. Their children 
are Rebecca, born Oct. 27, 1835; Francis A., born 
Nov. 18, 1837; Albert Henry, born Feb. 27, 1840; 
Thomas, born May 21, 1842; William, born Jan. 23, 
1844; and Adaline, born Aug. 28, 1846. Of these, 
Albert Henry died Aug. 31, 1842. Thomas grew up 
to manhood, enlisted in Company G, Fourth Massa- 
chusetts Infantry, and died in Brazier City, La., May 
20, 1862. 

William, upon arriving at his majority, emigrated 
to the West, and spent five years in Illinois farming 
and teaching ; then returned home, where he remained 
about a year, when he again went westward, this time 
to California via Panama. He remained five years, 
most of which time was spent in the mining regions 
of Nevada. Again returning home, he spent two 
years on the old homestead farming. Then he re- 
moved to Pawtucket, where he resided two years, 
when lie had an offer, which he accepted, to go to 
Maine to superintend a silver-mine in that State, 
which position he now fills. He married Mary Hall, 
of Brockton, Mass. They have no children. Abiah 
Bliss is a fair specimen of the quiet, unobtrusive, 
thrifty New England farmer. Never an oflice-seeker 
or political agitator, yet he has always been a stanch 
Republican. His ancestors for generations have been 
members of the Congregational Church, and he has 
followed in their footsteps. Mr. Bliss has made him- 
self thoroughly familiar with the topography of most 
of the counties of Vermont, New Hampshire, and a 
part of Connecticut by having frequently traversed 
them buying and selling cattle in the days before our 
country was covered with a net-work of railroads, and 
when droves of cattle were bought in the interior and 
driven to the cities and seaboard-towns for shipment 
to other markets. In this business he was actively 
engaged a part of each year for more than twenty- 
five years. About 1850 he accepted a position as sales- 
man or agent for a manufacturing company (whose 
proprietor was a kinsman of his), and traveled through 
Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa. With 
these exceptions he has confined himself to agricul- 
tural pursuits on the homestead of his fathers, and is 
now an active and well-preserved man for one of his 
advanced age. His son. Deacon Francis A. Bliss, 
married Frances M., daughter of Ira and Mary Ann 
Carpenter, of Rehoboth, Dec. 25, 1807. She was born 
Nov. 16, 1840. They have five children, — Albert 
Abiah, born Nov. 4, 1868 ; Martha Bird, born Aug. 
28, 1871; Adaline Hall, born Oct. 26, 1874; Mary 
Carpenter, born Sept. 26, 1879; and Thomas Kent, 
born Nov. 2, 1881. Mr. Bliss had the usual district 
schooling, supplemented by au attendance at Thetford 



494 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, xMASSACHUSETTS. 



Academy, Vt., and Providence Conference Seminary, 
East Greenwich, R. I. After leaving scliool he en- 
gaged in teaching two winter terms in his native town. 

In October, 18(51, he enlisted in Company I, First 
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, under 
Col. Robert Williams. They went directly to the 
seat of war in South Carolina, where they participated 
in numerous engagements, some of them of great se- 
verity. In the battle at Pocotaligo, S. C, Mr. Bliss 
was wounded in the right arm, which disabled him 
for duty lor a period of two months. (It may be 
proper to state here, in explanation of what may 
otherwise appear as a discrepancy to those not familiar 
with the facts, that the First Massachusetts Cavalry 
was ordered about this time to the Department of 
Virginia. Two battalions went, the third, to which 
Mr. Bliss belonged, was detained by order of Gen. 
Mitchell for escort and special duty, and remained 
South during the three years of their enlistment, 
while the First Regiment, upon arriving in Virginia 
was recruited to its original number. The battalion 
which remained South was commanded by Maj. Ste- 
vens, and was styled "The Independent Battalion 
Massachusetts Cavalry.") Upon the expiration of 
the three years for which they had enlisted, Mr. Bliss, 
together with most of his comrades, re-enlisted. So 
many of this battalion re-enlisted that it still retained 
its original name and organization. They were now 
ordered to Florida, where, among other engagements, 
they took part with Gen. Seymour in the desperate 
but disastrous battle of Olusta. They were soon after 
this ordered to Virginia, where they arrived in time 
to participate in the famous battle of the Wilderness. 
About this time they were combined with the Second 
Battalion of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry to com- 
plete the Fourth Regiment, under which organization 
they continued till the close of the war. Mr. Bli.ss 
was present at the surrender of Lee, and has as a 
souvenir a piece of the apple-tree under which that 
memorable event took place. He was in active duty 
nearly all the time from his enlistment till his dis- 
charge, which occurred December, 1865. After the 
amalgamation of his battalion with the Fourth Regi- 
ment he was transferred from Company I to Com- 
pany F, and appointed quartermaster-sergeant. Upon 
returning home he took control and arranged for the 
purchase of his lather's farm, and has since given his 
attention to its superintendence. 

He is a Republican in politics, a member of the 
board of school committee, a member of the Congre- 
gational Church, and has been superintendent of the 
Sunday-school for about eighteen years. 



CHAPTER XXXVI L 

SEEKONK.i 

Geographical — Incorporation of the Town — Act of Incorporation — The 
First Town-Meeting — Documentary History; — Fortification at Kettle 
Point — Representatives — Senators — Changing of Boundary — Military 
History — Names of Soldiers. 

Seekonk lies in the northwestern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows : On tlie north 
by Attleborough, on the east by Rehoboth, on the 
south by Swansea, and on the west by East Providence 
and Pawtucket. The territory embraced within the 
present town of Seekonk originally formed a portion 
of the ancient town of Rehoboth, where the record 
history, names of early settlers, etc., will be found. 

Incorporation of Seekonk. — Seekonk was set off 
from Relioboth and incorporated as a separate town 
Feb. 26, 1812. The following is the act of incorpo- 
ration : 

''Sec. 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives in 
Genei-al Court asseinhted, and by the anthorili/ of the same. That the west- 
erly part of Rehoboth, of the county of Bristol, as described within the 
following bounds, witli the inhabitants therein, be and they are hereby 
incorporated into a separate town by the name of Seekonk, viz.: Be- 

j ginning at a rock in the line between the towns of Attli'borough and 
Rehoboth, which is the northeast corner boundary of the west precinct 
in said Rehoboth; thence south four degrees west until it strikes the 
line between the towns of Swanzey and Rehoboth ; thence westerly by 
Swanzey linetill it strikes the line between the said Rehoholh and the 
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; thence following 
the line between the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 

' and said Rehoboth till it conies to the southwest corner of the town of 
Attleborough; thence easterly by the line between the towns of Attle- 
borough and Rehoboth to the first mentioned bounds. And the said 
town of Rehoboth is hereby vested with all the powers and privileges, 
rights and immunities, and subject to all the duties to which other 
towns are entitled and subjected by the Constitution or laws of this 
commonwealth. 

! " Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That of all State and county taxes which 

' shall be levied and required of said towns previous to a new valuation 
the said town of Seekonk shall pay one-half thereof. 

*' Sec. 3. Be itfurtlter enacted. That all the expenses arising for the 
support of the poor of said town of Rehoboth, with which it is now 
chargeable, together with such poor as have removed out of said town 

I prior to this act of incorporation, but who may hereafter be lawfully 
returned to said town for support, shall be equally divided between the 
towns of Seekonk and Rehoboth ; and when the said town of Seekonk 

I shall be organized, the paupers, whether the same bfe supported in whole 
or in part only, shall be divided as nearly as may be, and one-half of the 
number delivered over to the overseers of the poor of that town, to be 
by them in future suppoited. 

"Sec 4. Be it further enacted, That Elkunah French, Esq., be and he 
is heieby authorized to issue his warrant, directed to some suitable in- 
habitant of Seekonk, reqtiiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants 

: thereof, qualified to vote for town otficers, to meet at such convenient 
time and place as shall be expressed in said warrant, to choose all such 
otficers as towns are by law authoiized to choose in the months of March 
or April annually. And that the said Elkanah French, Esq., be and he 
is hereby authorized and empowered to preside at said meetings during 
the election of a moderator, to exercise all the powers and to do all the 
duties which town clerks by law have and do perform in the election of 
moderators of tuwii-nieelings." 

The First Town-Meeting in pursuance of this act 
was held in the old meeting-house March 16, 1812, 
when Caleb Abell was chosen moderator and town 
clerk, and Capt. Allen Cole town treasurer. 

^ The editor acknowledges his indebtedness in the compilation of the 
history of this town to Deacon Joseph Brown, whose invaluable assist- 
ance lias greatly lessened his labor in the prepui'ation of this work. 



SEEKONK. 



495 



At a meeting held on the 23d of the same month, 
Peter Hunt, Worcester Carpenter, and Allen Monroe 
were chosen selectmen. 

At this meeting it was also " voted to choose a 
committee of tliree to join a committe chosen by the 
town of Eehoboth to make a settlement with the late 
town treasurer, and by vote Messrs. Calvin Martin, 
James Ellis, and Benjamin Ormsbee were said com- 
mittee. 

Documentary History. — At the town-meeting 
held Jtarch 23, 1812, it was 

" voted to choose Messrs. Lewis Wade and Jamee BlisB constables for the 
ensuing year. 

"Voted that the town-meeting in Seekonk be notified in the usnal 
mode and manner that town-meetings wert* notified before the division 
of the town of Rehobuth, till furtlier order be tulien thereon. 

"April 6, 1812. — The town voted to choose two constables in addition 
to the two chosen at a former meeting, and by vote Messrs. Amos Read 
and Nallianiel Viall." 

At tlie same meeting were chosen "surveyors of highways," " fence- 
vieweis," "surveyors of plank and timber and cordeis of wood and 
water," and "field-viewers." 

"Voted that the present selectmen be overseers of the poor and 
assessors for ttie ensuing. 

Oct. 5, 181:i. — " Vuted to put up the collection of taxes, to be bid off by 
those that would collect the lowest, they giving bonds to said town 
agreeable to a vote." 

Nov. 12, 1812, it was "voted to choose by nomination a committee of 
three to divide all public personal property that belongs to the towns of 
Seekonk and Kehuboth, and poor persons, agreeable to the act of the 
General Court of this commonwealth incorporating Seekonk, and choose 
James Ellis, Esq., and Deacon Jose]>h Bucklin as said committee." 

Sept. 7, 1812, " motion being miide and seconded to give to each de- 
tached non-comniisnioned oflicerand soldier belonging to Seekonk five 
dollar« per month in addition to what the general government allows 
as wages, vote being taken thereon, declared in the negative." 

October, 1812, the sum of $350 was voted for 
the support of schools; in 1813, $350 ; in 1814, $350 ; 
from 1815 to 1824, $400 was voted each year ; in 1824 
$500 was voted, etc. 

April 5, 1813, it was " voted to put out the poor 
persons belonging to the town of Seekonk at auction 
to the lowest bidder." 

Fortification at Kettle Point.— Oct. 3, 1814, a 
committee from the town of Providence, consisting 
of Tristam Burgess, William Church, and Richmond 
Bullock, requested liberty to build a breastwork on 
land belonging to the town of Seekonk and Reho- 
both, at a place called " Kettle Point," and to solicit 
the citizens of Seekonk to assist in building said for- 
tification. " By vote granted the request of said 
committee so far as related to Seekonk, and choose a 
committee of seven to request the citizens to assist in 
raising the fortification." 

The New Town-House. — The new town-house 
was erected in 1814, and the first meeting was held 
here Nov. 7, 1814. 

In 1824 it was " voted to purchase a hearse and 
harness, a large and small pall, and a suitable house 
to keep them in." 

In 1826 the town voted that it was not expedient to 
build a jail in New Bedford at the county expense, and 
in 1827 voted against the petition of the inhabitants of 
Pawtucket village to be set ofi' into a separate town. 



Rum and Railroads. — At a meeting held April 
28, 1834, it was " voted that the public good and con- 
venience require that there should be innholders and 
retailers of ardent spirits in the town of Seekonk;" 
and also by vote passed the following resolutions, viz. : 

" fiefio/ued, That the town of Sf eliouk approve of the doings of their 
selectmen in returning innholders and retailers to the county commis- 
sioners to he licensed ; also 

" Uetolved, Tliat the town of Seekonk disapproves of the doings of the 
count.v commissioners of the county of Bristol in refusing to grant any 
licenses to iTinholders and retailers for the sale of ardent spirits in said 
county, and consider it an usurpation of power and contrary to the 
spirit of the law of this Commonwealth." 

Aug. 11, 1834, the town "voted that the selectmen 
of this town for the time being be a committee to see 
that the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation 
make no encroachments on any property belonging 
to said town, and to conduct for said town as they 
may think proper." 

In the following November it was " voted that if the 
Boston and Providence Railroad Company will build 
a bridge over the railroad near the common, and cause 
all the necessary roads leading to it to be laid out at 
their expense, and give the town a bonus of one thou- 
sand dollars, in that case the selectmen are authorized 
to make a contract with the proper agent of the rail- 
road." 

Representatives from 1812 to 1883.— The follow- 
ing is a list of the representatives from the incorpora- 
tion of the town in 1812 to the present time : 



1812-14, 18161-18. Oliver Stark- 
weather. 
1813, 1820-21. Peter Hunt. 
1819. George W. Walker. 
1822. Calvin Martin. 
1823-28. Rohert Daggett.' 
1829. Westou Carpenter, 
1830-31. Wooster Carpenter. 
1830-32. Seth Whitniarsh. 
1833-35. Church Gray. 
1836. Capt. Lewis Walker. 

William D. Hunt. 
1837-38. Lewis Walker. 

Calrh ChaflL-e. 
1839^0. William Ide. 

Caleh Chaffee. 
1841-42. William Ide. 

1843. Seth Whitniarsh. 

1844. Viall Medhury. 
184.5. Cyril Bead. 

1846. Leonard Walker. 

1847. Calvin Carpenter. 
1S48. Leonard Walker. 
1849. Arthur W. Aldrich. 
1860. David Anthony. 

1851. John Gregory. 

1852. William Ide. 

1853. None. 

]854-5.'i. Henry G. Stewart. 
1856. Francis Armington. 



1857. Sydney Daggett. 
1868 2-59. Joel Marble. 

1860. Ira Baker, Rehoboth. 

1861. From Kehobotli. 
18G2. Joseph Brown. 

1863. From Rehoholh. 

1864. Joseph Brown. 

1865. Zamakiu VV. Horton, Reho- 

both. 

1866. John Hnnt. 

1807.3 James H. Codding, Dighton. 
18C8. William A. King, Rehoboth. 

1869. Ehenezer Dawes, Dighton. 

1870. Elisha Davis, Rt-hoboth. 

1871. Solon Carpenter, Seekonk. 

1872. Thomas 1>. Burt, Berkley. 

1873. Charles Talbot, Dightou. 

1874. Cyrus Wheaton, Rehoboth. 

1875. Thomas Rich, Seekonk. 

1876. Herbert A. Dean, Berkley. 
1677. Hale S. Luther, Rehoboth. 
1878. John A. Lewis, Digbton. 
1879.< Jas. E. Easterbrook, Swan- 
sea. 

1880. .\ndrew N. Medbury, See- 

konk. 

1881. Eemember Smith, Rehoboth. 

1882. Francis A. Horr, Digbton. 

1883. James H. Mason, Swansea. 



1 In 1815, none. 

2 This town, now in connection with Rehoboth, forms one represen- 
tative district, 

8 The towns of Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton, and Berkley now com- 
pose one representative district. 

* The towns of Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton, and Swansea now make 
one dirstrict, * 



496 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Senators have been as follows : 

1815-17. James Ellis. ' 1833-36. Setli ■miitmarsh. 

1821-23. Oliver Starkweather. 

March 1, 1862, the town of East Providence was 
taken off from Seekonk, leaving the town with a 
population of only eight hundred, almost wholly 
farmers. The interest of the town is agricultural, 
and from 1862 to 1880 the population increased from 
eight hundred to more than twelve hundred. There 
had been a long dispute between the States of Rhode 
Island and Massachusetts in relation to the boundary 
line. The case was in the United States Supreme 
Court, but by agreement betwsen them it was taken 
from the court and referred to a commission from 
Rhode Island and the Governor and Executive Coun- 
cil on the part of Massachusetts, when a conventional 
line was adopted, setting the whole of Pawtucket and 
that portion of Seekonk now East Providence into 
Rhode Island, while Massachusetts received territory 
from Rhode Island adjacent to Fall River. 

The inhabitants of the present town of Seekonk 
almost universally opposed the act as injurious to 
their interest, but the influence of Providence and 
Fall River prevailed. 

The inhabitants opposed the division of the town 
and new State line by which the town of East Provi- 
dence was organized in another State, for thereby 
the Congregational and First Baptist Churches, in 
which they worshiped, were transferred to another 
town and State, also the town hall, and seriously 
deranged the several school districts. 

The manufacturing part of the town was transferred 
to Rhode Island, leaving the present town of Seekonk 
nearly without manufactures and wholly agricultural. 
It set into Rhode Island about two-thirds of the valu- 
ation and more than two-thirds of the population, 
and about one-half of the territory. 

Military Record, 1861-65.— The town of Seekonk 
responded promptly to the call for troops during the 
late Rebellion, both in men and means. July 24, 
1862, the town voted to pay one hundred and twenty- 
five dollars to each volunteer, not to exceed ten in 
number, when accepted and sworn into service on the 
call for fifteen thousand men from the State. Aug. 
14, 1862, the town voted to pay four hundred dollars 
bounty to each volunteer, seven being the number 
required; also voted to pay three hundred dollars 
bounty to all volunteers and drafted men under the 
first levy. 

Aug. 38, 18G2. Voted to pay two hundred dollars 
bounty for volunteers for nine months' service to fill 
the town's quota. 

Sept. 2, 1862. The town voted to pay the expenses 
of those volunteers who were rejected. Voted that 
the recruiting officer be instructed to recruit or enlist 
any man of proper age not enrolled in any other town. 

Sept. 24, 1862. The town voted to instruct the re- 
cruiting officer to enlist not exceeding eighteen vol- 
unteers*for nine months. 



Oct. 8, 1862. Voted that the treasurer be author- 
ized to hire money sufficient to aid the families of 
volunteers from this town. Voted twelve hundred 
dollars for bounties. 

Dec. 10, 1863. The town authorized the recruiting 
officer to pay three hundred and twenty-five dollars 
bounty for the quota of volunteers called for. 

April 4, 1864. Voted to pay eleven hundred and 
twenty-five dollars to reimburse those that have vol- 
untarily contributed to pay bounties to fill the town's 
quota on the call for five hundred thousand men. 
Also voted to appropriate one hundred and twenty- 
five dollars for each recruit for this town that maybe 
enlisted under the call for March 15, 1864, and also 
that may be enlisted under future calls of the Presi- 
dent before March 1, 1865. 

June 25, 1864. Voted to authorize the treasurer to 
pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars to every man 
enlisted in anticipation of the next call of the Presi- 
dent, but the officer not to enlist over ten men. 

Sept. 3, 1864. The recruiting officer reported to the 
town that the town's quota was filled, at the expense 
of four thousand nine hundred and seventy-five 
dollars. 

Oct. 22, 1864. Voted th.at the treasurer pay one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars for the eighteen men, 
and also for each of tlie two surplus men. 

Nov. 26, 1864. Voted that the recruiting officer 
enlist nine men for filling the town's quota in antici- 
pation of another call for men. Voted that the select- 
men order the treasurer to pay out eleven hundred 
and twenty-five dollars in anticipation of enlisting 
the above number of men. 

The following enlisted from this town : 



W. L. Bliss. 
Nelson Boweo. 
George Burke. 
Charles Bourns. 
C. v. Brown. 
Warren L. Chaffee. 
Benjamin F. Clement, 
Henry Davis. 
Edward M. Downey. 
John G. Doak. 
John Elderkin. 
Jonathan R. Elderkin. 
John Fitzgerald. 
Martin S. Granger. 
Charles C. Handy. 
Martin V. Hill. 
Charles Horton. 
Almond Harding. 
William Johnson. 
George Lanuon. 



Sylvester Lumhert. 
James Mason. 
Theophilns Medbery. 
George E. Miller. 
Sylvanus Martin. 
John W. Miller. 
Caleb Miller. 
Francis Millard. 
William H. Miller. 
Hugh McGuire. 
Charles F. Ormsbee. 
William Riley. 
James Stone. 
Albert S. Strait. 
Abner P. Smith. 
William H. H. Smith. 
Albert Wood. 
William H. Wood. 
John F.Wood. 



Seekonk filled her quota in full. 

As this town is a border tow^n and adjacent to 
Providence, a large number of its citizens enlisted 
into Rhode Island regiments, and several into the 
quota of other towns in the State. 

The following enlisted from this town in other 
places : 

Thomas Read; John A. Medbery, Myron Short, 1st Rhode Island Cav- 
alry; John W. Feck, seven years in U. S. regular army; Samue 



SEEKONK. 



497 



J. Smith, cnpt. in Rhode Island regiment, and killed id firet hattle 
of Bull Run; James M. Munroe, in California regiment; Edward 
Dunliar, Rhode Island regiment, killed in battle; T. Peck, enlisted 
in Cambridge. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

SEEKONK.— (Crwthiued.) 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Congrej^fttional Chuich— The Baptist Churcli— The Hebron Church. 

Congregational Church. — The original proprie- 
tors of this town were Congregational ists, who, with 
their pastor, Rev. Samuel Newman, and a majority of 
his church, migrated from Weymouth, Mass., and 
settled in this place in the year 1643. 

The town was called Rehoboth by the pastor ; by 
the Indians Seekonk. On the division of the town 
one part retained the civil name, the other the Indian. 

Tlie following are the names, etc., of the successive 
pastors : 

Rev. Samuel Newman was born in' Blandford, in 
IGOO ; educated at Oxford, England; came to New 
England 1638, and died, pastor of this church, July 
6, 1663. 

Rev. Noah Newman, son of Rev. Samuel Newman, 
was ordained 1668, died April 16, 1676. 

Rev. Samuel Angier was born in Cambridge, 1655; 
graduated at Harvard University, 1673; became pas- 
tor 1679; dismissed from ill health 1692, and died at 
Waltham, Jan. 21, 1717. 

Rev. Thomas Greenwood was born in Weymouth, 
1670 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1690 ; or- 
dained October, 1693, and died Sept. 8, 1720. 

Rev. John Greenwood, son of Rev. Thomas Green- 
wood, was born May 20, 1697 ; graduated at Harvard 
University, 1717; ordained 1721, and died Dec. 1, 
1766. 

Rev. John Cams was born in Boston, 1724; grad- 
uated at Harvard University, 1762; installed April 
18, 1759 ; dismissed Dec. 4, 1764, and died at Lynn, 
Mass., Oct. 12, 1802. 

Rev. Ephraim Hyde was born in Pomfret, Conn., 
1738 ; graduated at Yale College, 1758 ; ordained May 
14. 1766, and died Oct. 11, 1783. 

Rev. John Ellis was born in Cambridge, 1727; 
graduated at Harvard University, 1750; installed 
March, 1785 ; dismissed, at his request, 1796 ; returned 
to Norwich, Conn., where he had been previously 
settled, and died in 1805. 

Rev. John Hill was born in Lewiston, Del., Feb. 11, 
1759 ; installed over this church Sept. 22, 1802, and 
died 1816. 

Rev. James O. Barney was born in Providence, 
E. I., Sept. 30, 1795 ; graduated at Brown University, 
September, 1821, and ordained Feb. 4, 1824. 

Although this church was established in this town 
as early as 1644, the church holds no records that 
32 



date back previous to 1693. The earliest records of 
this church are supposed to have been, and probably 
were, destroyed when King Philip burned the town, 
when all the houses in this vicinity except the garrison 
were destroyed. 

Again, from the installation of Rev. John Ellis, in 
1785, to the settlement of Rev. James O. Barney, in 
1824, the records are lost. 

Rev. Mr. Barney remained as pastor and acting pas- 
tor until May 1, 1867, except he labored a few months 
among the seamen in the city of Providence and for 
the American Sunday-School Union in the State of 
Iowa. This church enjoyed an extensive revival 
during the winter of 1855-56, when a series of meet- 
ings were held, in which Rev. Mr. Barney was assisted 
by Rev. Norris Day, an evangelist. Forty-four united 
with the church in a few weeks. The spring of 1861 
was marked by another revival, when thirty-six united 
with the church in one day. Again, in 1867, forty- 
seven united themselves with this church between 
the months of March and August. Rev. Mr. Barney, 
having previously notified the church and society 
that he should resign the pastorate on May 1, 1867, 
preached his farewell sermon on the 28th day of 
April, after having preached to this people nearly 
forty-three years. He remarked in his discourse that 
a generation had passed away since he came among 
them, and scarcely a person was living in the parish 
who was a head of a family when he commenced his 
pastorate. 

At a meeting of the church held May 2, 1867, the 
following resolutions were unanimcmsly adopted : 

'' Uesolved, Tliat this church fuUy concur with thy Congrogutiunal So- 
ciety of Seekonk in the resolutions passed by them tliis day in the ex- 
pression of their confidence in the Rev. James O. Barney as a man, a 
Christian, and a pastor. 

*' Resolved, Tiiat in view of tile long and meritorious services of the 
Rev. James 0. Barney as pastor of this church, and the lively interest 
lie ever manifested in our spiritual welfare, we tender to him our thanks 
and assure him that wherever his lot may be cast he has our sympathies 
and prayers for his welfare." 

After the decease of his wife he removed to Hyde 
Park, Mass., and afterwards to Lincoln, R. I., where 
he deceased in March, 1880, universally respected by 
all with whom he had associated. 

April 22, 1868, the church and society extended a 
unanimous call to the Rev. Samuel E. Evans to be- 
come their pastor. He accepted the call, and was 
installed pastor of this church June 3, 1868. On 
March 2, 1871, he resigned the pastorate, when the 
following resolutions were unanimously adopted by 
the church : 

" Resolved, That it is with unfeigned sorrow that we accept the resig- 
nation of our pastor, the Rev. Samuel E. Evans. 

^* Resolved, That we publicly express our acknowledgments for his 
faithfuluess and fidelity to the cause of Christ while pastor of thiB 
church, and that we shall bear his memory in grateful remembrance for 
the earnestness in which he labored for the good of this pecple, and the 
blessings which we as individual Christians have received through the 
inBtrumeutality of his instructions, by preaching the gospel in its full- 
ness and purity, holding up the promises of God through Jesus Clirist 
for our encouragement and hope, and that we bid him God speed (2 John, 
10) in whatever field he may be called to labor." 



498 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Rev. E. A. Spence, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was 
then engaged as acting pastor, but owing to poor 
health was obliged to resign. He was succeeded by 
Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, who labored as acting pastor 
for seven years, until May 1, 1879, the church com- 
mending him as a Christian minister and gentleman 
unto whatever community in which he may be called 
to lalior. During his pastorate tlie church erected an 
elegant parsonage adjacent to their meeting-house. 

Aug. 28, 1879, a unanimous call was extended by 
church and society to Rev. J. A. Hanna, of Thomp- 
son, Conn., but was declined. 

Nov. 12, 1879, it was voted unanimously that an 
invitation be extended to Rev. Leverett S. Wood- 
worth, of Campello, Mass., to become the pastor and 
teacher of this church and society. 

Rev. Mr. Woodworth, having accepted the invita- 
tion, was duly installed as pastor of this church June 
23, 1880, which office he now holds. In 1882 a large 
and excellent organ was purchased for the church. 

The communion service of this church consists of 
four silver platters, marked R. C. ; one silver cup, 
presented by Capt. Willet in 1674; one silver cup, 
presented by Rev. Noah Newman in 1678; one silver 
cup, presented by Mrs. Mary Walker in 1747 ; one 
silver cup, presented by Deacon Samuel Newman in 
1748; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Edward 
Glover in 1751 ; one silver cup, presented by Mr. 
Daniel Perrin in 1754; one silver cup, presented by 
Capt. John Lyon, without date; one silver cup, pre- 
sented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1826 ; one 
silver cup, presented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, 
in 1828 ; one silver flagon, presented by Mrs. Sarah 
Bishop in 1727 ; one silver flagon, presented by Fran- 
cis Stephens in 1732. 

Rev. J. O. Barney acted as clerk of the church 
from the year of his ordination, 1824, to Aug. 31, 
1837, when Deacon Peter H. Brown was chosen clerk, 
who served until Nov. 2, 1858, when Deacon Joseph 
Brown was elected, who has served to the present 
time. 

Beacons.— July 2;», 1824, Peter H. Wheaton and 
William Ellis were elected; Feb. 28, 1839, John 
Shory and Peter H. Brown ; Sept. 30, 1858, Robert 
M. Pearse and Joseph Brown ; Nov. 3, 1870, William 
W. Ellis and Albert R. Read. 

Rev. Samuel Newman's Concordance of the Bible, 
including the Apocrypha, is a work of the rarest 
merit, and is truly a monument of biblical learning 
and research, not surpassed, if excelled, in any coun- 
try or age. It is not only one of the largest and 
most extensive of any work of that class through all 
its parts, but it was the first extensive work pubtixhcd. 
Authors of' similar works since that date have been 
able to copy from him and enjoy the benefit of his 
researches. There are but few copies of his revised 
and enlarged edition (third), published in London, 
1G58, known to be extant. There is a copy in the 
library at Oxford, England ; one in the Athenieum 



in Boston, presented by King William III. ; and one 
belonging to the Congregational Church of Seekonk 
(of which Deacon Joseph Brown is custodian as clerk 
of the church), the history of which is as follows: 

The author, the founder of this church, reserved 
this cojjy for himself, and bequeathed it to his son 
and successor. Rev. Noah Newman, in 1668; to his 
successor. Rev. Samuel Algier, 1679 ; to his successor, 
Rev. Thomas Greenwood, 1693 ; to his son and suc- 
ce.ssor. Rev. John Greenwood, 1721 ; from him to his 
theological student, Rev. John Burt, who became the 
iifth pastor of the Congregational Church in Bristol, 
R. I., 1741. In 1742, Mr. Burt rebound it; after his 
death it fell to his successor. Rev. Henry Wight, 1785. 
Dr. Wight died in 1837, and left this work to his chil- 
dren. In 1858, at the suggestion of Hon. Nathaniel 
Bullock and Governor Diman, of Bristol, the heirs of 
Dr. Wight bestowed it to S. C. Newman, A.M., a lineal 
descendant of the author, and he in turn has bestowed 
it to the Congregational Church of Seekonk. 

Oct. 12, 1830, at a conference of churches of Taun- 
ton and vicinity, held in the Congregational Church 
of Seekonk, a county society was formed auxiliary to 
the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign 
Missions. 

March 6, 1832, a protracted meeting was commenced 
this day, and continued four days. Clergymen present 
Rev. Mr. Fisk, of Wrentham, Ide, of Medway, Chapin 
and Ferguson, of Attleborough, Raymond, of Free- 
town, Cummings, of Dighton, Vernon, of Rehoboth, 
Hopkins, of Pawtucket, Burdette, of East Greenwich, 
and Pease, of Barrington. The meeting was attended 
with the most happy consequences, many indulging 
hope of piety, and rejoicing in hope. The church 
unanimously adopted the following resolution : 

Besohed, That no person shall hereafter be ad- 
mitted a member of this church who will not abstain 
entirely and forever from the use of ardent spirits ex- 
ceptintj as a medicine, 

Nov. 30, 1847, Rev. J. O. Barney, J. C. Brown, and 
Deacon P. H. Brown were chosen a committee to re- 
vise the articles of faith and covenant and report at 
a future meeting. 

March 2, 1848, the above-named committee made 
their report, which was accepted and adopted. 

April 27, 1848, Voted, to so amend the fourth ar- 
ticle of the covenant that no member of this church 
may traffic in intoxicating drinks as a beverage. 

Number received into the church during the pas- 
torate of Rev. Mr. Barney, 308 ; during the pastorate 
of Rev. S. E. Evans, 21 ; during the pastorate of Rev. 
Hiram E. Johnson, 51 ; during the pastorate of Rev. 
L. S. Woodworth, 24. 

The Baptist Church. — The first meeting to con- 
sider the subject of forming a separate church in the 
First Precinct of Rehoboth was held Dec. 5, 1793, 
which was adjourned from time to time until Nov. 27, 
1794, it being the tenth meeting, which resulted in 
forming a church styled the Baptist Church of Jesus 



SEEKONK. 



499 



Christ of First Precinct, Rehoboth, and the covenant 
and articles of faith were unanimously assented to 
and subscribed by every member, as follows : Caleb 
Mason, Charles Peck, John Brown, John Medbery, 
Miles Shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry, Molly Walker, 
Abigail Winsor, Abigail Wilson, Syble Ingrahani, 
Sarah Shorey, Hannah Hays, Eunice Hading, Ee- I 
becca Braly, Susanna Mason, Molly Cole, Silence Car- 
penter, and Johanna Mason. 

Dec. 13, 1794. The church appointed Brethren Caleb 
Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons, and 
requested Brother John P. Jones, who had been 
preaching for them ten months, to qualify himself to 
become their pastor, but they all wished for further 
time to consider so important an undertaking; chose 
John Medbery clerk. 

March 18, 170o. Brother John P. Jones was or- 
dained to the work of the evangelical gospel ministry, 
and Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the 
office of deacons. i 

April 23, 1797. On account of the ill health of El- j 
der Jones, Elder John Pitman was called to assist ' 
him, and preached part of the time. 

Dee. 26, 1807. Chose Brother Joseph Bucklin as ! 
third deacon. 

March 26, 1808. Chose Brother Samuel Brown as 
fourth deacon. 

June 27, 1812. The name of the church was changed 
to that of Baptist Church of Seekonk, as the west 
part of Kehoboth had by act of Legislature been in- 
corporated into a town by that name in February, 
1812. 

Aug. 27, 1814. Elder John Pitman (who had served 
us since 1797), having moved his family to this town 
from Providence, produced a letter to this church 
from the First Baptist Church in Providence, and was 
joyfully received a member and teacher. 

April 30, 1S15. Brother Pitman took leave of this 
church for the present, being under a necessity to re- 
move from this place. This removal of our beloved 
brother and teacher was painful to the church, and 
apparently grievous to the society, but they did, not I 
feel able to support him, and he had no means of sup- 
porting himself and family here. 

June, 1815. Elder Jason Livemore commenced his 
labors with us, which were blessed with a gracious 
revival, and additions were made to the church for 
several months. 

August 27th. Brother Livemore came to this meet- 
ing with a letter of recommendation as a worthy 
brother and teacher from the Baptist Church, Maiden, 
Mass., of which he wasthe late pastor, and requested ; 
to become a member with us, and he was cordially i 
received. ! 

Sept. 23, 1815, was appointed for our monthly cove- 
nant meeting, but was prevented by a severe storm. 
The storm was the severest, perhaps, ever experienced 
in this country. 

Seekonk, November, 1815. Since our last meeting 



our beloved brother. Deacon Joseph Bucklin, de- 
parted this life. 

December, 1815. A special meeting of the church 
was held at Brother David Cooper's for the purpose 
of selecting another deacon. Voted that Brother 
Livemore be moderator of this meeting. Voted by 
ballot for a deacon, and Brother David Brown was 
unanimously chosen to the office of deacon. Voted 
to choose one more deacon by ballot, but there was 
no choice. 

Our beloved brother, Elder Livemore, left us thefirst 
week of January, 1816, on a mission in Rhode Island. 

March, 1816. Brother John Pitman concluded to 
return to this place and preach for us the ensuing 
year, to the great satisfaction and joy of the church. 

Aug. 28, 1818. Brothers John Read and Sylvanns 
Newman were selected for the office of deacons by a 
vote of the church. 

Elder Pitman preached July 21, 1822, and died 
July 24th. 

Aug. 24, 1822. John Medbery, who had been clerk 
of the church since its formation, asked to be excused 
on account of his advanced age, and Brother Viall 
Medbery was chosen clerk in his room. 

1822-23. Brother Ezra Goings (licentiate) labored 
with the church, and was much blessed. 

Oct. 5, 1823. This day Brother Bartlett Pease began 
to preach for us statedly for one year. It was voted to 
receive Brother Pease as our pastor for one year from the 
1st of October inst., provided he should continue to 
preach the gospel consistent with the Bible and our 
church constitution. (He continued five years.) 

March 29, 1828. Brother Bartlett Pease, our pastor, 
was dismissed from our church on his own request. 

December, 1828. Brother Greene was engaged to 
supply the pulpit through the winter. 

May 16, 1829. Brother Benjamin C. Grafton, of 
Plymouth, was engaged to preach to us for one year. 

June 27, 1829. Brother Grafton and wife Ann 
united with the church by letter from Plymouth, 
Mass. 

Feb. 27, 1830. The church voted to build a parson- 
age, and chose Deacon David Brown and Sylvanus 
Newman and Brother Solomon Peck a committee to 
build the same at their discretion. 

July 3, 1831. Brother Grafton preached his fare- 
well sermon. 

Oct. 25, 1831. Voted this day to invite Brother 
Ferando Berton to become our pastor, he being a 
licentiate of the Baptist Church in Hartford, Conn. 

November, 1831. Brother Berton engaged to preach 
six months. 

March 24, 1832. Brother Berton united with the 
church by letter from the Baptist Church at Paw- 
tucket. 

Jan. 23, 1833. Brother Berton was ordained to the 
gospel ministry. 

July 27, 1833. Brother Berton asked to be dismissed 
as pastor, which request was granted August 4th. 



500 



HISTORY OF BEISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Sept. 8, 1833. Brother Uriah Medbery was unani- 
mously chosen deacon. 

Sept. 11, 12, 1833. The Warren Association con- 
vened with our church, and during its session 
Brethren Sylvanus Newman, David Brown, and Viall 
Medbery were ordained as deacons of this church. 

Oct. 1, 1833. Brother Henry Clark, a licentiate of 
the Warwick Baptist Church, commenced his labors 
with us. 

Dec. 8, 1833. Commenced a series of meetings, 
which were held morning, afternoon, and evening 
for one week. On the last evening five young persons 
expressed hope in the Saviour, and forty took the 
anxious seat, and fifteen were added to the church 
the last Sunday in December. 

June 25, 1834. Brother Henry Clark was ordained 
to the gospel ministry. 

Sept. 27, 1834. Brother Zenas B. Newman, one of 
our young members, was licensed by the church to 
preach the gospel. 

Sept. 9, 1836. Brother Newman was ordained as au 
evangelist. 

Nov. 26, 1836. Brother Clark gave in his resigna- 
tion as pastor, to take effect the 1st of January next, 
which was accepted. 

Oct. 19, 1836. The church withdrew from Warren 
and joined with another church in Bristol County in 
forming the Taunton Association. 

Aug. 1, 1837. Kev. John Allen commenced his pas- 
toral labors with us. 

July and August, 1837. Our meeting-house was re- 
modeled and thoroughly repaired, and we met for 
worship and all our services in the town hall. 

Sept. 26, 1840. Voted that the request of Brother 
Allen for dismission as pastor of this church be 
granted. 

Nov. 8, 1840. Brother John C. Welch, of Warren, 
E. I., commenced his pastoral labors with this church, 
which continued nine years and six months. 

1841-42. In the winter and spring of 1841-42 the 
church enjoyed the most wonderful and extensive 
revival in its entire history, and in some five or six 
months eighty were added to their membership. 

April 1, 1850. Brother Welch closed his labors as 
pastor with us. 

April 1, 1850. Brother Henry G. Stewart com- 
menced his labors in sui)plying the pulpit, etc. 

Oct. 5, 1850. It was unanimously voted to request 
Brother Stewart to become our pastor during mutual 
satisfaction, and the request was accepted by him. 

March 26, 1853. Brother Stewart resigned his posi- 
tion as pastor, and his resignation was accepted. 

May 15, 1853. Brother Alexander Lorimer com- 
menced his labors as supplying the pulpit. 

July 30, 1853. Voted to give Brother Lorimer an 
invitation to become pastor of our church (thirty- 
seven to three), which invitation was accepted by him. 

June 24, 1854. Brother Lorimer resigned his pas- 
toral relation, which was accepted by the church. 



Nov. 23, 1851. Deacon Sylvanus Newman deceased. 
He had been a member of the church fifty years, and 
had filled the office of deacon thirty-two years. 

Jan. 12, 1852. The church chose William S. Mun- 
roe as deacon in place of Brother Newman. 

March, 1854. Brother Andrew N. Medbery was 
chosen clerk. 

Oct. 8, 1854. The church voted unanimously to give 
Brother George Mathews (who commenced laboring 
with us Sept. 24, 1854) an invitation to become our 
pastor. Brother Mathews accepted the pastorate, and 
October 28th joined the church by letter from the 
Baptist Church in Casinovin, N. Y. 

Jan. 27, 1856. The church voted to hold a series of 
meetings, to commence next week, and to invite Rev. 
James O. Barney and his church and society to unite 
with us in these meetings, which was accepted. 

September, 1856. The Taunton Baptist Association 
held its se.ssion with us. 

July 25, 1867. Brother Mathews resigned as pastor, 
to take effect Oct. 1, 1857. 

Nov. 29, 1857. Voted unanimously to give Rev. A. 
H. Stowell, of Providence, R. I., an invitation to be- 
come our pastor for six mouths, which was accepted 
by him. 

In the spring of 1858 there was quite a revival in 
our church, and quite a number of head.s of families 
were added to the church. 

Aug. 25, 1860. The church voted that Brother 
Stowell's labors as pastor close to-morrow after service. 

Aug. 26, 1860. The church rescinded the vote passed 
yesterday, after which Brother Stowell resigned as 
pastor, which was accepted. 

Nov. 24, 1860. Voted to engage Brother G. M. P. 
King, who had been supplying us for six weeks, to 
become our pastor for six months. 

April 4, 1861. Voted to give Brother King an invita- 
tion to become our pastor as long as mutually satis- 
factory. 

June 11, 1861. A public recognition as pastor of 
their church took place. 

Aug. 30, 1862. The church voted to withdraw from 
the Taunton Association and rejoin the Warren As- 
sociation, as that part of Seekonk where the church 
was had recently been set to Rhode Island. 

April 29, 1865. Brother King notified the church 
that his relation to the church as pastor would close 
from this date, that he had tendered his resignation 
last December, which he had not withdrawn. The 
church voted to accept his resignation. 

The church voted to observe the national fast or- 
dered by the President on account of the assassination 
of President Lincoln, and voted to invite Rev. James 
O. Barney and his church and society to meet with us. 

Nov. 28, 1865. Voted to accept the invitation of 
the Congregational Church to meet and join with 
them in thanksgiving services December 7th; and 
also to invite them to join with us in like services 
November 30th. 



SEEKONK. 



501 



March 26, 1866. Voted unanimously to give Rev. 
Isaac Cliesebrough, of Greenwich, R. I., a call to be- 
come our pastor, which call was accepted April 1, 
1866, in which position he continued till Sept. 30, 

1880. During his pastorate, in 1877 and 1878, there 
was a revival of religion in the church, and thirty- 
eight were added to our number. 

Aug. 29, 1872. Voted to withdraw from the Warren 
Association and unite with the Providence Associa- 
tion. 

Sept. 16 and 17, 1874. The Providence Baptist As- 
sociation held its annual session with our church. 
Although the weather was unpleasant there was a 
good attendance, and the exercises were harmonious 
and very interesting. 

April 24, 1879. The church by appointment bal- 
loted for two deacons, which resulted in the choice of 
Brother Francis Armington and Andrew N. Medbery 
as deacons. 

April 8, 1879. It was voted to build a new church 
edifice or meeting house, and chose a committee of 
five to build the same, viz., Francis Armington, A. N. 
Medbery, Daniel Medbery, Isaac Chesebrough, and 
Allen Munroe. The church was built the ensuing 
summer. 

July 30, 1879. The church was called to mourn the 
loss by death of a much-loved and esteemed brother, 
Deacon William S. Munroe. 

Dec. 30, 1879. The new church edifice was dedicated 
to the worship of God. 

Jan. 27, 1881, The church voted to give Rev. Bailey 
S. Morse, pastor of Broadway Church, Providence, a 
call to become our pastor, which was accepted by him, 
and he commenced his pastoral labors 1st of April, 

1881, which still continue. 



Church constituted Nov. 27, 1795. No. of constituents 19 

PaBtorate of '*'™^°'^ 
addea. 

Under Elder Jones 4 years. 22 

" " John Pitman 24 " 124 

" " Ezra Goiny 9 months. 24 

" " Bnrtlett Pease 3 " 6 " 19 

" " Benjamin C. Grafton. 2 " 2 " 22 

" " Foronrio Berton 1 year, 9 ** 14 

" *' Henry rliirlie 3 years, ;i ** 103' 

" " John Allen 3 " 2 " 18 

" " John C. Welch 9 " 5 " 120 

" " Henry G. Stewart 2 " 6 " 8 

*' '* Alexander Lorimer... 1 year, 1 month. 15 

'* " George Mathews 3 years. 31 

" " Austin H. Stowell 2 " 9 months. 39 

" " George M. P. Kinp.... 4 '* 5 " 15 

" *' Isaac Chesehori'Ugh.. 14 *' 6 " 69 

Bailey S. Monse .. 



The first Sabbath-school was formed June 1, 1819, 
by a few of the young people of the church and so- 
ciety. Viall Medbery was chosen superintendent, 
which ofiice he filled to March 25, 185.5, when 
Deacon William S. Munroe was chosen, who filled 
the office till Oct. 27, 1867. He was followed by 
Allen J. Brown, to 1870; John A. Medbery, to 1871 ; 
Samuel B. Allen, to 1872; John A. Medbery, to 1873 ; 
Hannah Medbery, to 1877 ; Allen Munroe, present 
superintendent. 



The Hebron Church.' was organized Dec. 25, 1827. 
The church edifice was erected in 1827, and stood on 
the line of the towns of Seekonk and Attleborough, 
the line of the towns passing through the church. 

This building was sold and removed in 1870, and 
a new church built in that year, but wholly in See- 
konl. The edifice erected in 1870 was destroyed by 
fire in 1875 ; another was built and was dedicated 
Aug. 6, 1875. 

The church erected a parsonage in 1863. The 
pastors of this church have been Rev. Thomas Wil- 
liams, Rev. Charles Simmery, Rev. William H. Hay- 
ward, Rev. John W. Caldwell, Rev. Joshua Stetson, 
Rev. Junia S. Mowrey, Rev. George W. Wallace, 
Rev. J. C. Seagraves, Rev. Gardner Clark, Rev. 
Reuben Allen, Rev. Solomon P. Snow, Rev. Sam- 
uel Heath, Rev. William B. Heath, Rev. John Q. 
Adams. Present pastor, Albert F. Remington. Rev. 
Mr. Remington became pastor of this church in 
April, 1875. 

The deacons were Seta Kent, Ira K. Miller, Daniel 
Perry, John Blanchard, Noble Fuller, George W. 
French, Henry Carpenter. The present deacons are 
Andrew J. GoflT, Samuel 0. Case, Jr., and George 
O. Newman. There are at present about eighty 
members belonging to the churcb. The Sabbath- 
school numbers one hundred and fifteen. 

We subjoin the following concerning the origin of 
this church : On the 25th of December, 1827, a num- 
ber of the members of the First Congregational 
Church in West Attleborough residing in and near 
Hebronville, having been dismissed for the purpose 
of forming a new organization, unitedly agreed, in 
order to their greater usefulness in promoting the in- 
terests of religion, to become a new church under the 
" creed of Congregationalism." 

Their first pastor was Rev. Thomas Williams. 
Under his labors the church was increased and 
blessed, and a house of worship was erected. 

The church continued to have a succession of Con- 
gregational pastors, with no change in their creed, 
until the spring of 1842, when the church became 
convicted that to make the creed of a sect a test of 
church membership, to the rejection of Christians 
from the Church of Christ, was not a Christian but 
an unauthorized human arrangement. 

It was accordingly voted to give up their creed of 
Congregationalism as a test of membership, and 
adopt the Scriptures, more especially the New Testa- 
ment, as their only and sufiicient rule of faith and 
practice, under which all Christians located together 
could unite in the exercise of all the ability which 
God giveth in the work and worship of God, and thus 
become more icse/ul and successful in building up the 
church and cause of Christ. 

1 Contributed by Joseph Brown. 



502 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JOSEPH BROWN. 
There were quite a number of the early settlers of 
New England who bore the name of Brown. Peter 
Brown was probably the first. He came over from 
England in the " Mayflower." He was not an an- 
cestor, but related to an ancestor of Deacon Joseph 
Brown. From the most authentic records we have 
been able to obtain, it seems a probability bordering 
on certainty that William} Brown, who came to Ply- 
mouth, and there married Mary Murdock, July 16, 
1649, was the first of this particular branch who 
settled in America. He was from England. He died 
at Plymouth, 1694. He had a son, Samuel'', born 
1656, who, in turn, had a son, SamiieP, born Nov. 7, 
1690. This Samuel was the father of William*, who 
held a commission as quartermaster in Fourth Troop 
of Horse, Second Regiment, in Massachusetts Bay, 
commanded by Col. Zephaniah Leonard. His com- 
mission, dated Sept. 17, 1742, in sixteenth year of the 
reigu of King George II., and signed by Wm. Shir- 
ley, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, is now in possession of Deacon Joseph 
Brown, his great-grandson. SamueP, his son, held a 
commission as second lieutenant, bearing date March 
22, 1776, granted by Council of Massachusetts Bay, 
under King George III. ; and June 10, 1779, he was 
commissioned first lieutenant of Fifth Company, First 
Regiment of Bristol County, Thos. Carpenter colonel. 
(Both of these original documents are also in pos- 
session of Deacon Brown, who has a list in the orig- 
inal handwriting of the men under the command of 
his grandfather, Lieut. Brown.) Lieut. Samuel Brown 
participated in a number of engagements during the 
war of American independence. He was a man of 
character, selectman of his town, and a deacon in the 
Baptist Church of Behoboth. He died in 1816, in 
the seventy-seventh year of his age, leaving be- 
hind him four children, — Samuel, Josiah, Mary, and 
Peter H. His wife was Huldah Hunt, a descendant 
of Peter Hunt, who was one of the pioneer settlers 
of the ancient town of Rehoboth, and one of its 
principal men in his day. 

Peter Hunt Brown was born Jan. 13, 1793. He re- 
ceived only such educational advantages as were 
offered by the district schools of his town, was reared 
a farmer's son, and has followed that peaceful avoca- 
tion through the long period that has intervened 
from his boyhood days to the present writing, when 
(1883) Mr. Brown, at the advanced age of ninety, is 
still in possession of all his faculties, and able to 
read the finest print without the aid of glasses. He 
married. Oct. 15, 1815, Sally Walker, daughter of 
Moses Walker (who was also a descendant of one of 
Rehoboth's oldest families). They had two children, 
Joseph'^ and Huldah Hunt, the latter born June 22, 
1819. Mrs. Brown died May 27, 1870. Mr. Brown, 



like his ancestors, gave his attention to military mat- 
ters. He held a commission as second, and afterwards 
as first, lieutenant in the State militia. He has been 
selectman of his town, and is now senior deacon in 
the First Congregational Church of Seekonk. He is 
a Republican in politics, and has voted at every 
Presidential election from James Monroe's time to 
the present. Upon consultation of the records with 
reference to the Brown family, we find that a greater 
proportion of them have been clergymen than of 
probably any other family in New England. We 
also find that prior to 1836 thirty-seven of the name 
had graduated at Harvard and sixty-three at other 
New England colleges. 

Deacon Joseph Brown was born Aug. 7, 1816. 
In addition to the common-school course in his town, 
he had instruction at a select school, and also took 
an academic course. After leaving school he em- 
ployed much of his time, for a period of about 
twenty years, in teaching. In addition to this he 
has all his life been engaged in farming and garden- 
ing on the old homestead, which has been in the 
family so many generations. 

He is one of the leading farmers of his town. He 
has been chairman of the school committee many 
years, and a member of the board nearly forty years. 
He was chairman of the board of selectmen and 
overseers of the poor ten years. He represented his 
district in the State Legislature in 1802 and 1864. 
He holds a commission under the commonwealth as 
justice of the peace, and for many years has done 
much probate business, both in his own State and 
the neighboring one of Rhode Island. He has served 
as chairman of the board of trustees of the Congre- 
gational society of Seekonk more than thirty years. 
He is deacon of that church, and has been for about 
twenty years. He married, Jan. 11, 1844, Henrietta 
Smith French, daughter of Ezra French, of Seekonk. 
To them were born four children, three of whom are 
still living, viz. : Herbert E., born Feb. 5, 1847, now 
residing in Providence, R. I., and quite celebrated as 
a musician, both vocal and instrumental. Helen Au- 
gusta, born Nov. 24, 1851, now Mrs. J. Gardner Case, 
of Pawtucket; and Henry William, born Oct. 14, 1856, 
resides on the old homestead with his father. 

Mrs. Brown died Nov. 29, 1879. Mr. Brown married 
for his second wife Alice H. Carpenter, Jan. 5, 1882. 

Deacon Joseph Brown is a man of stern integrity 
and upright life. He is a man of strong character 
and influence in his community, and probably no 
man in the town stands higher in the good will and 
esteem of the people. 



HON. OLIVER CHAFFEE. 

Hon. Oliver Chaffee was born Dec. 18, 1822. He 

is the son of Caleb and Lephe P. (Ormsbee) Chaflfee, 

of Seekonk, Mass. Caleb Chafl'ee was a man of much 

prominence and usefulness in his community. The 





^^^-1^-7 ^ 



I 




L^4^^l/~€yty ^^^^fe-c^ 



SEEKONK. 



503 



following extract from the Providence Journal, pub- 
lished soon after his death, will serve to show some- 
thing of the esteem in which he was held by those 
who knew him best: 

"After a long and active life of eighty-six years 
and four months, Mr. Caleb Chaffee, of Seekonk, 
passed to his rest Aug. 1, 1880. He was a man of 
such prominence in his native town as to deserve 
special mention. He was the oldest son of six chil- 
dren, and on account of the death of his father the 
care of a large family rested upon him at the early 
age of eighteen. By his energy and industry he paid 
off all claims on the home farm and kept the family 
together until they were of age or married. In 1816 
he married Lephe P. Ormsbee. She died Jan. 7, 1840, 
leaving seven children. He then married Pamelia 
A. Allen, who survives him. . . . 

" Mr. Chaffee ruled well in his own household, be- 
lieving in the old-fashioned doctrine that children 
should be taught to obey. Yet he secured good gov- 
ernment without resorting to harshness or violence, 
and these children liave borne for their father an 
affection and respect greater than they can express. 
Although a farmer all his life, and not having had 
the advantages of a school education, yet Mr. 
Chaffee became a self-educated man, and was always 
thoroughly conversant with the news of the day. 

" His general information, shrewd remarks, and 
quick sympathies made him a most enjoyable 
companion. Himself, child, grandchild, and great- 
grandchild — four generations — have played croquet 
together at the old home. He served in the Jlassa- 
chusetts State Legislature four years. He was invited 
to serve on the board of selectmen of his town, but 
refused. He was of commanding presence, and gave 
the stranger at once the impression of being a man of 
unusual strength of body and mind. A man of strong 
convictions, he was regarded by all as possessing a 
character above reproach." 

His children were Betsey O., who married William 
H. Arminglon; Mary, married Samuel B. Allen, is 
now a widow; Jonathan, now deputy sheriff at Fall 
Elver ; Oliver, subject of our sketch ; Cordelia, mar- 
ried William Wheeler, of Taunton ; Henrietta A. 
(deceased), married Daniel D. Barney; Elizabeth F., 
died in infancy ; Elpallet I., died in infancy ; Lephe 
P., married Joseph Robinson, of Seekonk; and Sarah 
A., who resides with her mother at East Providence 
Centre. 

Oliver Chaffee was reared a farmer's son, and had 
only such facilities for an education as were afforded 
by the schools of his town. 

When a young man he taught school a number of 
sessions during the winter months in Seekonk and 
Eehobolh, liut spent his summers on the ancestral 
farm, the care of which chiefly devolved upon him 
during a great part of the time after he arrived at his 
majority. About 1848 he took a position as clerk in 
a general grocery- and variety-store of Louis Kenyon, 



where he remained some two years. He married, 
June 13, 1848, Abby Maria, daughter of Church and 
Sally (Ide) Gray. She was born May 20, 1824. 
They have had seven children, — C. Frank, now in 
Rumford Chemical-Works, where he has been em- 
ployed several years ; Abbie M., married C. C. Balch, 
of New Hampshire, and resides in Boston ; Oliver C, 
Caleb C, Fred. Ide, J. Irwin, graduate at Brown 
University, now principal of Grove Avenue School 
at Watchemoket ; Lizzie G., married R. M. Morrison, 
of New Hampshire, now resides in Boston. 

Mrs. Chaffee is descended from Joseph, brother of 
Benjamin Church, the warrior. The line is as fol- 
lows: Joseph', Joseph", Caleb'', Ebeuezer*, Elizabeth^, 
(she married John Gray, and had son) Church Gray", 
Mrs. Chaffee'. 

In the fall of 1848, Mr. Chaffee settled at the place 
where he now resides. He carried the mail eight 
years between East Providence and Providence. He 
has done much surveying and settled many estates. 
He is esteemed as one of the best citizens of his com- 
munity. He was selectman and overseer of the poor, 
and also juryman many times in Seekonk before that 
part of the town in which he resides was annexed to 
Rhode Island. Since he has been a citizen of Rhode 
Islaud he has been representative or senator six 
years. He is now a member of the Lower House, 
and has been selectman many years. He is now 
judge of probate. Mr. Chaffee is a most worthy rep- 
resentative of an ancient and honorable familv.' 



VIALL MEDBERY. 
Among the early settlers of the ancient town of 
Rehoboth, Mass., was John' Medbery, who settled 
near the boundary line between Rehoboth and Bar- 
rington. He left four children, — John^, Rebecca, 
Ebenezer, and Thomas. John^ married a Miss Camp, 
and settled in the southwest part of his native town, 
about one mile north of Sabin's Point. He was the 
father of seven children, who lived to maturity, viz., 
Nathaniel, Chloe, Johu', Benjamin, Sarah, Nathan, 
and Josiah. Of these, Nathaniel married and had 
four children, — Betsy, William, Mary Ann, and 
Thomas. Chloe died aged and unmarried. Benjamin 
enlisted in the United States army, and was killed 
at battle of Rhode Island. Sarah married Dr. Fred- 
erick Radliff, who was a surgeon in a Hessian regi- 
ment, was captured by United States troops, and 
afterwards enlisted in United States army, and never 
returned to Germany. They had five children. Na- 
than married Bethiah Kent, by whom he had seven 
children, — Elizabeth, Anne, Hezekiah, Hannah, 
Humphrey, Sarah, and Bethiah. Josiah married 
Phosbe Rhodes, by whom he had eleven children, all 
of whom lived to maturity, namely, Esther, George, 

1 Since the above was written lUr. Cliaffee has passed away. He died 

on the evening of May 8, 1883. 



504 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Phcebe, Arnold, Nicholas, Thomas, Rosannah, Lydia, 
Josiah, Frederick, and Mariah. Of all these only 
Josiah and Mariah are now living. The mother, Es- 
ther, Pha?be, Arnold, Nicholas, Rosannah, Lydia, 
and Mariah were members of the Baptist Church at 
Seekonk. 

John^ was born in First Precinct of Rehoboth in 
1752, and learned the cooper's trade in Providence, 
R. I. Just prior to the expiration of his apprentice- 
ship, however, he met with an accident which probably 
changed to some extent the tenor of his life. His leg ! 
was broken by a fall from a fruit-tree, and it was 
many mouths before he recovered sufficiently to be 
able to walk, even with difficulty. As soon as he had 
so far recovered he enlisted in the Federal army, and 
received a commission as lieutenant. He continued in 
the service until the close of the war and the inde- 
pendence of the United States had been established. 
After the close of the war he married Abigail Viall, 
hired a small farm, and began housekeeping under 
very unfavorable circumstances, — without suitable 
tools, necessary household furniture, or money to 
purchase either. The pay he received for his services 
in the army was in Continental currency, which at 
that time was so depreciated in value as to be practi- 
. cally worthless ; but as soon as early vegetables were 
ready for marketing he began to receive some returns 
for his labor, and to purchase a few of the comforts 
and necessaries of life, which had before been denied 
them. 

By close economy, persistent industry, and a deter- 
mined effort to succeed, Mr. Medbery's business grad- 
ually grew more prosperous. He continued farming 
and marketing his produce till, in the autumn of 
1825, when at Central Falls, near Pawtucket, his 
horse becoming frightened and turning swiftly around, 
the wagon was upset, and he was thrown violently to 
the ground, receiving injuries which after some weeks 
of suffering and severe pain finally terminated in his 
death, Nov. 2, 1825. Mr. Medbery first united with 
the Baptist Church in Swansea, in which church he 
continued a member until 179-1, when he obtained a 
letter of dismission to unite with others and organize 
a Baptist Church in Rehoboth. He attended all the 
preliminary meetings, and the church was finally or- 
ganized Nov. 11, 1794. Mr. Medbery was chosen 
clerk, and served in that capacity till Aug. 25, 1822, 
when he declined, and his son Viall was chosen in 
his stead. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Medbery 
were ten in number, — Benjamin, Samuel Viall, Ben- 
jamin, Jesse, John, Charles, Viall'', Allin Viall, Wil- 
liam, and Fanny. Of these, the first Benjamin was 
drowned when five years of age. Samuel Viall re- 
ceived a liberal education, graduating from Brown 
University in 1805, studied |)hysic, married Ruth V. 
Chandler, by whom he had two children, Matthew 
and Samuel, and led a seafaring life, first shipping as 
surgeon, and afterwards going several voyages as 
mate. When last heard from he was master of an i 



English ship which sailed from Savannah for Liver- 
pool just prior to the war of 1812. Benjamin, the 
third son, married Hannah Lilley and settled in Bar- 
rington, R. I., was by occupation a farmer, and was 
judge of the Court of Common Pleas one term. 
Their children were named Elbrige, Gerry, Nicholas 
W., Abbey, Charlotte, Amariah, Benjamin, Charles, 
Hannah, Julia, and Rufus. He died in Providence, 
R. I., in the ninetieth year of his age. Jesse (fourth 
son of John) married Elizabeth Viall. Their chil- 
dren were Patience, Thomas V., Ruth A., Charles, 
Caroline, Betsey, Jesse, Edwin, and Laura. John 
(fifth son of John') married Elizabeth Allen, by 
whom he had four children, — Elizabeth, John, 
Amanda, and Fanny. He was an officer in the 
militia, and volunteered his services under Capt. 
Joseph Watson in a company organized to defend the 
city of New Bedford against the British fleet then 
cruising in that vicinity. He was afterwards pro- 
moted to captain. He removed to Pawtucket and 
died there. Charles (sixth son of John) was born 
1792, married Mercy Allen, moved to Ohio and 
settled at Belpre, near Marietta, and united with a 
Baptist Church on opposite side of the Ohio River, 
in Kentucky. He afterwards removed to Sc. Mary's, 
near the western boundary line of the State, where 
he resided till his death, 18.53. He was a teacher 
many years. He had three children, two daughters 
and one son. 

Allin Viall (eighth son of John) removed from his 
native State to Marietta, Ohio, and thence to St. 
Mary's, Ohio, where be taught school several years, 
married, and had one son. He received a commission 
as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and con- 
tinued in that office until his death, which occurred 
suddenly. William (ninth son of John) died in in- 
fancy. Fanny (the only daughter of John) married 
John Chaffee, and removed to Pennsylvania, where 
they settled in the town of Warren, Bradford Co. 
They had nine children, — William Penn, Abbey, 
Matthew, Susan, Francis, Jesse, Newman, Charles, 
and George. Three of the sons enlisted in the United 
States service in the war of the Rebellion. One of 
them (Charles) died of illness; George was captured 
by the Confederates, and confined in the famous An- 
dersonville prison, where he suffered severely until 
the close of the war, when he returned home reduced 
almost to a skeleton. He now draws a pension, is 
married, and lives in Nevada. Matthew, Jesse, and 
Newman are married, and live in Iowa. The three 
daughters are married, and live in Warren, Pa. Wil- 
liam Penn married and died in his native town, no 
issue. Viall Medbery (seventh son of John^), whose 
portrait appears in connection with this sketch, was 
burn in that part of the town of Rehoboth now called 
Seekonk, April 17, 1795. When in the third year of 
his age he met with a severe accident, falling from 
the upper chamber of a corn-crib. When picked up 
he was thought to be dead, and though he eventually 




ei-^J^ 



I 



SEEKONK. 



505 



revived, it was many years before he fully recovered. 
He resided with his father till his majority, with the 
exception of the time he was employed in teaching, 
during the winter months after he was eighteen. He 
generally commenced these ses.sions about the middle 
of November, and continued till the middle of March, 
when he would then resume his farming until the 
following autumn. This he continued till his forty- 
eighth year. 

In 1819, Mr. Medbery, as superintendent, with 
four teachers, instituted the first Sabbath-school con- 
nected with the Baptist Church of Seekonk, and con- 
tinued its superintendent until October, 1856, more 
than thirty-five years. In 1837 he was chosen selectman 
and overseer of the poor, in which office he continued 
until 1848. In 1843 he was chosen to represent the 
town of Seekonk in the General Assembly of Massa- 
chusetts, which trust he accepted, and was absent 
from his seat but one day during the entire session. 
In 1850 he was again chosen selectman and overseer 
of the poor, and served two years. He also was a 
member of the school committee of Seekonk three 
years. In 1862 the present town of East Providence 
was set off from Seekonk, Mass., to Rhode Island, and 
Viall Medbery was appointed by the Legislature of 
Massachusetts trustee to call a town-meeting of the 
inhabitants of what remained of Seekonk, to meet on 
the 1st day of March, 1862, to choose a moderator and 
clerk, and all other town officers necessary for the 
year ensuing, and to act on any other business that 
might lawfully come before said meeting, and Mr. 
Medbery was authorized to preside in said meeting 
until a moderator and town clerk were chosen. Upon 
organization he was chosen moderator, and Jonathan 
Chaffi^e was chosen town clerk. At this same meet- 
ing he was also chosen first selectman, in which ca- 
pacity he served one year and then resigned. In 
1865 he was chosen treasurer of Seekonk, and served 
one year. 

On Dec. 4, 1820, Mr. Medbery married Hannah 
Peck, by whom he had three children, — Betsey Ann, 
born Nov. 22, 1822 ; Allin Viall, born Jan. 29, 1825 ; 
and Andrew Nelson, born Dec. 5, 1827. Mrs. Med- 
bery died May 1, 1828, aged thirty years. Mr. Med- 
bery married for his second wife Lydia Peck, June 
18, 1829, by whom he had six children, — Allin Viall, 
born Oct. 30, 1830 ; Horace Carpenter, born March 
17, 1832; Matthew Hale, born April 2, 1834; Han- 
nah Peck, born June 20, 1835 ; Adeline Frances, 
born Nov. 2, 1837; and John Allin, born Feb. 12, 
1842. Mrs. Lydia Medbery died Jan. 14, 1861. Of 
the above-named children Allin Viall' died Sept. 1, 
1828; Allin VialP died Oct. 12, 1831; Horace Car- 
penter died May 11, 1833 ; Adeline Frances died 
Feb. 2, 1842; Betsey Ann married Asa Chaft'ee, Jan- 
uary, 1844, and died May 1, 1844; Matthew died 
May, 1851. 

John A. resided with his parents till his eighteenth 
year, when with his father's consent he enlisted in 



the United States army for three years. He belonged 
to a Khode Island cavalry regiment, and had many 
hairbreadth escapes while in the army. His horse 
was once shot under him. When the war was ended 
he received his discharge, enlisted in the burial corps 
to bury the dead who were slain in the battle near 
Winchester, W. Va. While employed in that service 
he met and formed the acquaintance of the lady who 
is now his wife. He now resides in Providence, R. I., 
and is a member of the Union Baptist Church of that 
place. 

Hannah P. was born blind. She received her edu- 
cation at the asylum for the blind at Boston, Mass. 
She is very intelligent, and has an extraordinary 
memory. She reads rapidly (from raised letters) and 
converses fluently. She united with the Baptist 
Church in Seekonk May 27, 1851. She is much in- 
terested in all good works. 

Mr. Medbery married as his third wife Mrs. Han- 
nah Wheeler, July 18, 1872, and they still reside in 
Seekonk. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that 
since the Baptist Church was first organized in See- 
konk the clerkship has passed from father to son in 
the Medbery family, and is now filled by Andrew N., 
a son of Viall, and has never been out of the family, 
almost all of whom have been members of that par- 
ticular religious denomination. It may be proper 
further to state that Viall Medbery has been a promi- 
nent man in the town of Seekonk for more than forty 
years, and as magistrate and trial justice has had be- 
fore him most of the criminal business of the town 
for thirty years. It is unnecessary to comment on 
the position Mr. Medbery occupies in the friendship 
and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, facts speak for 
themselves. 

Andrew N. Medbery, son of Viall, was born Dec. 
5, 1827. His health failing when he was fourteen 
years of age greatly interfered with his educational 
pursuits. In 1847 he began teaching school in his 
native town, teaching during the winter months and 
working at farming during the summer months until 
1857, when his health became so poor that he relin- 
quished teaching. In 1852 he was chosen one of the 
school committee of Seekonk, and has been a member 
of that board most of the time since. 

In 1869 he was chosen selectman and assessor, 
which office he filled for years. In 1879 he was chosen 
to represent the Tenth Bristol District in the Legis- 
lature. In 1878 he was appointed trial justice for 
Bristol County. In 1880 he was chosen town clerk, 
which position he has held three years. In politics 
he is a Republican, and in religious opinions a Bap- 
tist. He united with the First Baptist Church of 
Seekonk May, 1853. In March, 1854, he was chosen 
clerk in lieu of his father, and has held that position 
since. Mr. Medbery is by occupation a merchant in 
his native town. He married, May 30, 1854, Sarah 
E. Gregory, daughter of Hon. John Gregory, of 
Bristol, R. I. 



506 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



SAMUEL 0. CASE. ! 

Samuel O. Case, whose portrait appears on another 
page, is a self-made man in more respects than one. 
Although his ancestors have for some generations 
been residents of this portion of New England, yet 
he was one of a numerous family whose circum- 
stances would not pennit of his enjoying the edu- 
cational and other advantages which even the poorest 
among us may have now if they will. He has been 
truly the architect of his own fortune. His father, ■ 
Gardner Case, was one of a family of five brothers 
and one sister, born in the town of Rehoboth, where 
he lived until the time of his death in 1838, at the ripe 
age of eighty-one years. He married first, Elizabeth 
Ford, by whom he had five children, none of whom 
are at present living. His second wife was Mary 
Mason, by whom he had eight children, — Mary, 
James, Henry, Almira, Saiiuie/ 0., Mehala, Nathan, 
and Amanda. Of these only Samuel O., Nathan, and 
Amanda are now living. By occupation Mr. Case was 
a farmer and merchant. He was a member of the 
Baptist Church, and in political faith a Whig. 

Samuel O. Case was born Dec. 25, 1807. He had 
but limited educational facilities, attending only 
the winter terms of school, and working on the farm 
in summer. His elder brother being a cripple, 
the duties of the farm devolved largely upon him, 
and he was early taught that independence and self- 
reliance which has since contributed much to his suc- 
cess in life. At the age of nineteen he learned the 
mason's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three 
years. About this time there came a period of great 
financial depression throughout the country, and there 
was consequently very little building being done, so 
Mr. Case went to work on the farm at eight dollars 
per month. Soon after this, however, he went to New 
Bedford and began work at his trade, receiving as 
journeyman mason from seventy-five cents to one dol- 
lar per day. At the expiration of two years he went 
to Taunton, where he received an increase of pay, 
getting $1.25 per day ; he remained at Taunton two 
years. Then in 1837 he helped build Dyer's factory, 
after walking from his home there, a distance of four- 
teen miles, and then doing a day's work. After this 
he removed to Seekonk and obtained employment on 
Boston and Providence Railroad, building bridges, 
culverts, etc., and doing general masonry, and i)art of 
the time liad the care of the track. After this he 
began contracting and working generally at his trade 
throughout the country. In the mean time, in 1840, 
he opened a store at Kent's Mills (now called Leba- 
non), which he continued three years, and since that 
time has been variously engaged in farming, merchan- 
dising, etc., but always continuing to work at his 
trade whatever other interests he might have. 

He has had charge of Hunt's, Carpenter's, and 
" The Old Town" Cemeteries seventeen years. He 
holds the office of road surveyor in District No. 1 in 
the town where he resides (East Providence), and 



held the same office once before, a term of two years. 
He was formerly a member of the Baptist Church, 
but is now a Congregationalist. 

On Dec. 1, 1833, he married Sar.ali Hicks, daughter 
of Nathan Hicks, of Rehoboth. She was born May 
1, 1808. They have five children, — Samuel O., Jr., 
Sarah H., Nathan H., Jane M., and James G., all of 
whom are still living. Samuel 0., Jr., married Har- 
riet E. Cooper, and Jias three children. He is a mer- 
chant in Lebanon, and an active, enterprising business 
man. Sarah married Nelson W. Britton, and has 
four children. Jane married Henry Bourn, and re- 
sides in Pawtucket. They have three children. 
James married, first, Emma Estes, by whom he had 
one child, and second, Helen Brown, of Seekonk, by 
whom he has two children. Nathan still resides at 
the old homestead with his father, and is unmarried. 

Mr. Case has battled with the world three-quarters 
of a century, and during that long period of time has 
been an industrious, persevering, honest, successful 
man, and is to-day active, well preserved, and in full 
possession of his fiiculties. He is a man respected 
and reverenced by all who know him for his many 
noble traits of character, his honesty of purpose, and 
his sterling worth. He is one of Seekonk's most 
honored and respected citizens, and may he long live 
to enjoy the prosperity he has so nobly won. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

ATTLEBOROUGH.i 

Reliobotli North Purchase — How and by whom Piuehased — Bouuilaries 
— Wanisutta'B Deed — Thomas Willctt, Character and Services — List of 
rroprietors— Proceedings of Proprietoi-s— First Regnlar Division. 

In 1643 a company was formed at Weymouth, 
Mass., consisting of Rev. Samuel Newman and a 
large part of his congregation, for the purpose of 
establishing a new settlement in this vicinity. They 
purchased a large tract of land of the sachem of 
Pokanoket, including what is now Rehoboth, See- 
konk, Pawtucket, East Providence, and a part of 
Swansea, then known by the name of Wannamoisett; 
and in the spring of 1644 removed to a place then 
called by the Indians Seacunke, and commenced 
their settlement around the Great Plain. This was 
the Rehoboth purchase. Here the inhabitants con- 
tinued, with many additions to their number, as an 
independent settlement until June 4, 1645, when they 
wereadopted into thejurisdiction of Plymouth Colony, 
to whose territory it belonged, and were incorporated 
as a township by the scriptural name of Rehoboth. 

This was then a wilderness, and there was no other 
settlement in the vicinity. The nearest was the new 
settlement at Cohannet, Taunton, which was about 

^ By Hon. JohD Daggett. 



M , 




ATTLEBOROUGH. 



507 



twelve miles distant. The Rehoboth plantation pros- 
pered and continued to receive accessions from new 
emigrants, and also from the settlements near Ply- 
mouth, from Duxbury, Marshfield, and Scituate, 
and some from Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Hing- 
ham, Dedham, and some more emigrants from Wey- 
mouth, the former residence of the original settlers. 
It was deemed a favorable location, as it was situated 
on the borders of the Narragansett Bay. 

During the fii'st seventeen years after the settle- 
ment of the town there was remaining a large tract 
of land belonging to the Indians lying directly on 
the north of that town, and between its north line 
and south of the Massachusetts Bay line, contain- 
ing an area sufficient for two large townships. The 
))eople of Rehoboth employed Capt. Thomas Wil- 
lett, who was a skillful negotiator and on intimate 
friendly terms with the Indians, to purchase this tract 
of land for them. Accordingly, with the consent of 
the government, he purchased it of Wamsutta, the 
oldest son of Massasoit, the steadfast friend of the 
English. He lived only about a year after this. The 
title to Indian lands was held to be in the sachem of 
the tribe. There appeared to be no individual owner- 
ship in the soil. He was originally, as already stated, 
called Mooanam. After the death of his father he 
changed his name, according to Indian custom, to 
Wamsutta, and he was the reigning sachem, and the 
purchase was made from him. His wife's name was 
Namumpum. He was succeeded by the celebrated 
King Philip, his younger brother. The title was held 
by Capt. Willett in his own name from April 8, 1661, 
till April 10, 1666, when he assigned his title to the 
Plymouth government ; and on the same day the 
agents of the colony confirmed the conveyance to the 
purchasers. This was in the form of a deed, and was 
intended as a confirmation and consent of the govern- 
ment, the law of the colony |)rohibiting any purchase 
of lands from the Indians without the consent of gov- 
ernment. The proprietors did not nialce any perma- 
nent division of their lands till the 18th March, 1668 
-69, when a regular division of fifty acres to a share 
was made, and lots drawn for the same by each pur- 
chaser or owner of shares. The number of the share- 
holders had l)een increased by the addition of several 
from Swansea and other places to ninety individuals. 
The original purchase was limited to such inhabi- 
tants as held then a fifty-pound estate and upwards; 
but soon became a distinct body from the general set- 
tlers of the town, including new. ])urchasers and the 
heirs of those who had deceased. They held separate 
meetings and kept separate books of records and titles 
relating to these lands. The original purchasers, and 
those to whom they sold shares from time to time, 
and the heirs of those purchasers who had died, then 
constituted the shareholders of the Rehoboth North 
Purchase. Any new comers who wished to own land 
within this purchase might buy of those who had 
lands laid out to them, or rights to lay out under di- 



visions already granted, or undivided shares from any 
proprietors willing to sell. Private titles were ac- 
quired in this way: lands laid out by a surveyor and 
a commitee appointed for the purpose at a meeting of 
the company, and the " lay out" returned to the block 
of the proprietors and recorded by him in the books 
of the company, constituted a valid title to such 
lands. 

In 1661, Capt. Thomas Willet was employed by 
people of that town to make a purchase of a new 
tract of land in their behalf, having been first author- 
ized and empowered by the court fur that purpose. 
He accordingly purchased of Wamsutta' a certain 
tract of land situated north of the town of Rehoboth, 
which was called the Rehoboth North Purchase. It 
was bounded west by Pawtucket River, now the Black- 
stone, north by the Massachusetts Colony or the bay 
line (so called), east by territory which was afterwards 
the Taunton North Purchase, now Mansfield, Norton, 
and Easton, and south by the ancient Rehoboth, now 
Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Pawtucket, and East Provi- 
dence. This purchase included Attleborough, Cum- 
berland, R. I., and a tract of a mile and a half- in 
width, extending east and west (which was an- 
nexed to Rehoboth as an enlargement), and a part of 
Wrentham and Foxborough, as the line then ran. 
This purchase was afterwards, viz., April 10, 1666, 
granted and confirmed by the Plymouth government 
to the Rehoboth purchasers. 

Pocanoket or Pawkunnawket is a name applied to 
the tribal dominion of Massasoit, whose personal tribe 
was the Wami^anoags, his general authority extending 
over various other tribes in Plymouth Colony, whose 
dominion descended through Wamsutta to King 
Philip. It was said that previous to 1612, before the 
arrival of the Pilgrims, and before the great pestilence 
which swept away so many of the native.?, Massasoit 
could number four thousand warriors. 

"Once Pawlcunnawket's warriurs stood 
Thick as the columns of the wood ; 
On shui'es aticl isles unconquered men 
Called Massasoit father, then." 

This region was then the domain of the good Massa- 
soit, the fast friend of the English. It was inherited 
by his son, Wamsutta, and from him by his brother, 
Metacomet, or King Philip. How long in the ages 
of the past this fair domain had been in the possession 
of the natives the records of time have never revealed. 
But their hour had now come, and it was destined to 
pass from their hands to another and higher race. 
They were doomed to extinction, .\ccording to the 
inevitable law of Providence, when brought into con- 

J Sachem of PoUanoket, originally called Mooanam, afterwards Alex- 
ander, the elder brother of King Philip, and son of Massasoit. He died 
in the summer of 1662. His wife's name was Namumpum. — See Drake^s 
" luditin Biography.'^ 

- It was given and assigned to Kehoboth by the agents of the court of 
Plymouth, who were appointed to convey the North Purchase to the 
propiietors, and afterwards, in 1710, restored to Attleborough by the 
Le};islHture of MassacliUBetts. 



50S 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



flict, the inferior must yield to the superior race. 
After Philip's war a feeble and spiritless remnant 
lingered around their former abodes for a short time 
in a degraded condition, and then vanished forever. 

"Of all tlieir tribes, the heirs of want, 
A feeble few our land may haunt; 
The gloomy ghosts of dead renown 
Awhile from sire to son go down ; 
And in their spectral visits say. 
That here the red man once had sway." 

The following copy of the Indian deed, which is 
the foundation and original title to our whole terri- 
tory, is taken from the Old Colony Records: 

A Tiefd Appointed to be Recorded. 

Know all men, that I, Wanisetta, alias Alexander, chief Sachem of 
Pokanokett,! for divers good causes and valuable considerations me 
thereunto moving, have bargained and sold unto Captain Thomas Wil- 
lett, of Wannamojsett, all those tracts of land situate and being from 
the bounds of Rehoboth ranging upon Patuckett River unto a place 
called Waweypounshag, the place where one Blackston now sojonrneth, 
and so ranging along to the said river unto a place caUed Messanegta- 
caneb, and from tliis upon a straight line crossing through the woods 
unto the uttermost bounds of a place called Mamantapett or Wading 
River, and from the said River one mile and a half upon an east line, 
and from thence upon a south line unto the bounds of tlie town of Re- 
hoboth : To have and to hold unto him, the said Capfcun Willett and his 
associates, their heirs and assigns forever; reserving only a competent 
portion of land for some of the natives at Misbanegitaconett for to plant 
and sojourn up"n, as the said Wamsetta, ali<is Alexander, and the said 
Thomas Willett jointly together shall see meet ; and the rest of all the 
land aforemeutiuned, with all the woods, waters, meadows, and all emol- 
uments whatsoever to remain unto the said Thomas Willett and his asso- 
ciates, their heirs and assigns forever. Witness my hand and seal the 
eighth day of April in the year 1661. 

The mark of AXA 

Signed, sealed, and delivered Wamsitta, alias Alexander, 

in presence nf his seal [l. 8.] 

John Brown, Jr., 

Jonathan Bosworth, 

John Sassaniau, the Interpreter. 

April 10th, 1666. Wituesseth These Presents, that Captain Thomas 
Willett above said hath and doth hereby resign, deliver and make over 
all and singular the lands above mentioned, purchased of Wamsitta alias 
Alexander chief Sachem nf Pocanokett, according unto the bounds 
above expressed, with all and singular the benefits, privileges, and im- 
munities thereunto appertaining, unto Mr. Thomas Prence, Major Josias 
Winslow, Capt, Thomas Southworth, and Mr. Constant Southworth, in 
the behalf of the Colony of New Plymouth. In witness whereof he 
doth hereunto set his hand and seal. 

Signed, sealed and delivered Thomas Willett, [Seal.] 

in presence of 
Daniel Smith, 
Nicholas Peck. 

The following is the grant or deed of the govern- 
ment: 

Know all men by these presents, that we Thomas Prence, Josias 
Winslow, Thomas Southworth and Constant Southwortli by order of the 
General Court of New Plymouth, and in the name and behalf of the 
said Colony of Plymouth, have and by these presents do bargain, sell, 
alien, grant and confer and make over unto the proprietors of the town 
of Rehoboth (viz.) unto all that hold there, from a fifty pound estate 
and upwards, according tu their lirst agreement, all and singular the 
lands lying and being on the north side of that town of Rehoboth 
bounded as followeth, (viz.) by a River commonly called Patncket river 
on the. west, and up the said River unto the Massachusetts Line, and on 
the northerly side by the said Line until it cross the old road towards 
the Bay, where the marked tree stands and heap of stones, and thence 
a mile and a half east, and from thence by a direct line to the north 
east corner of Iheprenent bounds of the town of Rehoboth, and bo back 

1 Or Pocanakel, or Pawkunnawkut, a name applied to the whole do- 
minion of King Philip, whose personal tribe was the AVanipanoags. 



again home unto the said Line between the governments; with all the 
meadows, woods, waters, and all benefits, emoluments, privileges, and 
immunities, thereunto appertaining and belonging, to have and to bold 
to them and to their heirs for ever Excepting that we reserve within 
this tract a farm formerly grante unto Major Josias Winslow, and a 
farm granted unto Capt. Thomas Willett, and two hundred acres of land 
unto Mr. James Brown about Snake Hill, and ten acres of meadow 
thereabouts; and the meadow called Blackstone's Meadow, the west 
plain and the South neck the quantity of two hundred acres, and the 
fifty acres granted to Roger Amadown, with four acres of meadow ad- 
joining, three acres of meadow to Nicholas Ide, and half an acie of 
meadow unto George Robinson ; All the residue of the lands above men- 
tinned we do hereby iirmly make over unto the above said purchasers 
and their heirs for ever, and do hereby acknowledge ourselves to be 
fully paid and satisfied for the same, and do exonerate, acquit and dis- 
charge them and every of them for and concerning the premises. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this 
tenth of April 1666. 

Signed, sealed and delivered 

in presence of Thomas Prence (l.s.) 

Isaac Howland Josias Winslow (L.s.) 

The mark y, of Thomas Southworth (l.s.) 

John Parris Constant Southworth (i..s.) 

The mark -j/; of 
John Rocket. 

Marginal Note. 
It was also agreed before the signing and sealing of tliis Deed that 
according unto a clause in the Indian Deed when these lands were pur- 
chased by Capt. Willett, that some meet proportion of lands about Sin- 
nicbiconet, such as the said Capt. Willett and the Indian Sacliem shall 
agree upon, should be set out for the use of the Indians. 

NOTE ON THE BACK OF THE SAME DEED. 

This Deed is recorded according to order by me, Natlianiel 5Iorton, 
Secretary to the Court of New Plymouth. 

The Dividend of Lands enrolled 
Folio 217. 

The following order relating to this subject was 
passed by the Court of Plymouth : 

New Plymouth October 2d 1665. 

Whereas the Court, having formerly impowered Capt. Thomas Wil- 
let to purchase of the Indians certain Tracts ot lands on the North of 
Rehoboth towards tiie Bay Line, the which ha hath done, and is out of 
purse some considerable sum of money for the same, this Court have 
appointed the Honored Governor, the Major Winslow, Capt. Snuthworth, 
and Mr. Constant Southworth, to treat with Capt. Willet concerning the 
said purchase, and have impowered the above named Cummittee to tiike 
notice of what hath been purcliased by him, and what deeds he hath, 
and what his diebursments have been for the SJime; and have also im- 
powered them to settle upon him such a projwrtion of the said lands as 
may appear to be equal, upon any grant to him ; and to accommodate 
tlie town of Rehoboth respecting an enlargement of tlieir town, as the 
Court have promised; and to take such couiBe concerning the re- 
mainder as be may be reimbursed of his just due and those lands may 
be settled by the Court. 

Extracted from and compared with the Records of said Court. 

Per Samc'el Si'ragie, Clerk. 

Capt. Thomas Willett. — Some notice of Capt. 
Thomas Willett, who stands at the head of our list 
of proprietors, and whose life deserves to be better 
known, will not be deemed inappropriate. His his- 
tory does not exclusively belong to this town, but as 
he took so active and important a part in the original 
purchase and settlement of this and the neighboring 
towns, a brief sketch of his life seems to be demanded 
by the interest which our citizens must feel in his 
character. 

Capt. Willett was one of the last of the Leyden 
company, and came here about 1630. He was a very 
young man when he arrived in this country. He was 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



509 



a merchant by profession, and in his travels had be- 
come acquainted with the Pilgrims in Leyden, and 
had probably spent much of his time with them in 
Holland ])revious to their emigration to this country. 
He at first resided in Plymouth, and soon became a 
useful and distinguished man in the colony. 

Soon after his arrival in 1630, though, as already 
observed, a young man, he was sent by the company 
of Plymouth, who had established a trading-house at 
Keunebeck, to superintend their business as agent. 
While he was residing there Governor Winthrop 
relates of him the following curious anecdote: 

" At Keunebeck, the Indians wanting food, and 
there being store in the Plymouth trading-house, they 
conspired to kill the English there for their provi- 
sions ; and some Indians coming into the house, Mr. 
Willett, the master of the house, being reading the 
Bible, his countenance was more solemn than at 
other times, so as he did not look cheerfully upon 
them as he was wont to do ; whereupon they w'ent 
out and told their fellows that their purpose was dis- 
covered. They asked them how it could be. The 
others told them that they knew it by Mr. Willett's 
countenance, and that he had discovered it by a book 
that he was reading. Whereupon they gave over 
their design." — (Win. Jour., i. 322.) 

In 1647 he became the successor of Miles Standish 
in the command of the famous military company at 
Plymouth.' 

He was, in 1651, elected an assistant of the Gov- 
ernor, and was annually continued in that office till 
1665, when other duties obliged him to decline, and 
James Brown, of Swansea, was chosen his successor. 
At this time he was selected by the Plymouth Court, 
agreeably to the request of His Majesty's commis- 
sioners, to attend them at New York (which had just 
been surrendered by the Dutch), for the purpose of 
assisting them in organizing the new government. 

It is mentioned by Davis, in a note to his edition 
of Morton's Memorial, that " Col. Nichols (one of the 
commissioners), in a letter to Governor Prince, writ- 
ten from New York the spring after the reduction 
of the Dutch settlements, requests that Capt. Willett 
may have such a dispensation from his official en- 
gagements in Plymouth Colony as to be at liberty to 
assist in modeling and reducing the affiiirs in this 
settlement into good English. He remarks that Mr. 
Willett was more acquainted with the manners and 
customs of the Dutch than any gentleman in the 
country, and that his conversation was very accept- 
able to them." 

He executed his duties here to the entire satisfac- 
tion of all concerned ; his services were so highly ap- 
preciated, and he rendered himself so popular with 

1 "Marcli 7, 1647. The military company of New Plymouth, having 
according to order proposed unto the court two men for every especial 
ofBce of their band, tiie court do allow and approve of Capt. Thomas Wil- 
lett for captain, Mr. Thomas Southworth for lieutenant, Mr. William 
Bradford for ensign."— OH Col. Hec. 



the people, that after the organization of the govern- 
ment he was chosen the first English mayor of the 
city of New York. He was elected the second time 
to the same office. "But" (as -Mr. Baylies, the his- 
torian of Plymouth Colony, has justly remarked) 
" even the first of city distinctions conferred by that 
proud metropolis did not impart more real honor to 
his character than the address and good feeling mani- 
fested by him in effecting the peaceable settlement 
of the humble town of Swansea." 

The Dutch had so much confidence in his integrity 
that he was chosen by them the umpire to determine 
the disputed boundary between New York and New 
Haven. 

He was also for a number of years one of the com- 
missioners or delegates of the united colonies. 

Soon after the settlement of Rehoboth, Capt. Wil- 
lett removed to Wannanioisett, now a part of Swan- 
sea, where he resided during most of the remainder 
of his life. A grant of the greater part of that town- 
ship (Swansea) was made to him and others. With 
him was associated Mr. Myles, the first Baptist min- 
ister in New England, and these two are justly es- 
teemed the founders of Swansea. The manner in 
which they conducted the settlement of that planta- 
tion was just and honorable, and reflects much credit 
on the character of both. 

Capt. Willett always cultivated a friendly inter- 
course with the Indians, and gained their confidence 
and good-will. Hence he was generally employed by 
the colony in the purchase of lands from the native 
chiefs.- 

The following order relating to him was passed by 
the Plymouth Court: 

" March, 1665-66. In reference to an order of Court 
bearing date the third day of October, 1665, wherein 
our Honored Governor Maj. Winslow, Capt. South- 
worth, and Mr. Constant Southworth were appointed 
to be a committee in reference to a certain tract of 
land purchased by Capt. Willett on the north side of 
Rehoboth, which said order empowereth the said 
committee to dispose and settle a proportion of the 
said lands on the said Capt. Willett as they shall 
think meet, and the Court do therefore settle and 
confirm unto him four or five hundred acres of the 
said lands, to be laid out for him on the easterly side 
or end of the said lands, to him and his heirs for- 
ever.' 

Rehoboth also voted him a gratuity for his ser- 
vices to that town. "21st r2th mo. 1660. In town 
meeting it was voted that Mr. Willett should have 

2 He was the original purchaser of the Rehoboth North Purchase (At- 
tleborough and Cumberland), Taunton North Purchase (Norton, Mans- 
fieid, and Easton), and many other tracts of land in the vicinity. 

^ This grant was laid out to him and recorded in the Rehoboth North 
Purchase boukH. It lies i)n the Seven-Mile River, and has always borne 
the name of Willett's Failn. In n'.iO it was divided into two parts be- 
tween Capt. Samuel Tyler and Joyce Newell, widow of Jacob Newell. 
This farm was originally laid out with great regularity, in parallel 
lines, and its subsequent divisions have been preserved in good shape. 



510 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



liberty to take up five hundred or six hundred acres 
of land northward or eastward beyond the bounds of 
our town, where he shall think it most convenient to 
himself." 

Capt. Willett married Mary Brown (who was the 
daughter of Mr. John Brown the 1st) at Plymouth, 
6th July, 1636, by whom he had several children : 
Thomas ; Hester, born 6th July, 1647 ; Eebecca, died 
2d April, 1652 ; James, born Nov. 24, 1649 ; Andrew ; 
Samuel ; Hezekiah, who died 26th July, 1651 ; Heze- 
kiah (2d), born 16th Nov. 1652, etc. 

His son, James, married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Lieut. Peter Hunt, of Rehoboth, 17th April, 1673; 
Hezekiah (2d) married Anna, daughter of Mr. John 
Brown (2d), of Rehoboth, 7th Jan. 1675, and was 
killed soon after by the Indians in Philip's war. 
John Saffin, who had resided in Scituate and Swansea, 
married a daughter of Capt. Willett, and settled in 
Bristol, R. I., and Samuel Hooker,^ of Farmington, 
Conn., married another daughter. 

Several of his descendants have become distin- 
guished in the history of the country. His grandson, 
Francis, was a prominent man in Rhode Island col- 
ony. Another descendant,^ his great-grandson, Col. 
Marinus Willett (lately deceased), served with dis- 
tinguished honor in the Revolutionary war, and had 
also been mayor of New York City. Memoirs of his 
life have been published by his son, William M. Wil- 
lett. 

After a residence of a few years in New Y'ork he 
returned to his seat in Swansea, where, after a life of 
distinguished usefulness, he died 4th of August, 1674, 
at tiie age of sixty-three. He was buried at the head 
of Bullock's Cove (in what is now Seekonk), where a 
rough stone is erected to his memory, containing a 
brief and rudely-carved inscription (which is now 
legible) as follows : 

1G74. 

IIf.ue Lyeth the Body of the worthy Thomas "Willett, Esq., who 

DIED August ye 4th in the 04th year of his age Anno— 

WHO WAS THE FIRST MAYOR OF NeW YORK, 

and twice did sustain the place. 

His wife Mary is buried by his side^ She died 
about 1669. 

Thus the first English mayor of the first commer- 
cial metropolis in America lies buried on a lonely and 
barren heath in the humble town of Seekonk, at a 
place seldom visited by the footsteps of man, with 
naught but the rudest monument to mark the spot. 

The tarm which he laid out in this town, at High 
Squissit, and agreeable to the reservation in the deed, 
consisted of about five hundred acres (besides his 
meadow and several other lots), and was situated on 
both sides of the Seven-Mile River, beginning near 
Newel I's tavern. 

His share in the Rehoboth North Purchase was 
sold by his son, Capt. Andrew Willett, to John Wil- 
kinson (the 1st}, of Attleborough. 

1 Baylies' Memoirs of Plymouth Colony. - A descendant of Samuel. 



The following introduction is entered in the first 
book of records of the Rehoboth North Purchase : 

Whereas, in the year one tliunsaiid six hundred sixty and six, a pur- 
chase uf lands was made by tlie Inhabitants of Rehoboth and the neigh- 
borhood of Anuimosett — the said lands situate on the North side of the 
Towne of Rehoboth — of Mr. Thom;ia Prioce, Esquire, Major Josiah Wins- 
low, Captain Thomas Sonthworth Agents of tlie Governuient of New 
Plynumtb, the boundaof the said lands fully appearing by aUeed of sale 
made by the aforesaid gentlemen, to the purchasers thereof, bearing date 
the tenth of April 166G, which deed hath been inrolled at the Court of 
New Plymouth according to order of Court. The bounds of tlie said 
lands lire as followeth (viz.), by a river called Patucket river, on the 
West, and up the said river unto the Massachusetts line; and on the 
Northerly side, by tlie same line, until it cioss tlie ould Roade towards 
the Bay, where the marked tree stands, and a heapo of stones ; and 
thonce a mile and a halfe East, and from thence by a direct line to the 
North East corner of the present bounds of tlie lowue of Rehoboth, and 
soe back againe home to the said line between the Governments — Ex- 
cepting there was reserved out of the said tract of land, a farm granted 
before to Major Josiali W'inslow, a farm granted to Captain Thomas 
Willett, and two hundred acres of land to Mr. James Browne about 
Snake-hill, and ten acres of Meadow thereabouts; and the Meadow 
called Blackstone's Meadow the West plaine ; and the South neck the 
quantity of two hundred acres; ami fifty acres granted to Roger Ammi- 
down with four acres of niead(»w ; and three acres of Meadow to Nich- 
olas Ide; and half an acre to George Robinson; also some Meete pro- 
portion of lands for the Indians at Sinnichiteconett,-'* for tlie use of the 
said Indians. All the rest of the said lands within the said tract as be- 
fore bounded, to be equally divided to the purchasers thei-eof according 
to their said proportions (there being Seventy Nine whole shares and a 
half), being joint purchaeers; and the said purchasers have fully dis- 
charged and paid the imrchase thereof according to theii- several pro- 
portions. 

Mem. That the clause in the forme}' page "to be equally divided to 
the purchasers thereof " hath reference to the before expressed date 
(viz.) one thousand Six hundred and Sixty and Six. 

The Names of the Purchasers with their Rights to the said Lands be- 
fore mentioned are those (no man contradictimj) that are here expressed 
in the following List. 
Capt. Thomas "Willett (one share, Abigail Carpenter, and one that 

John Wilkinson's). was liis own). 

Mr. Stephen Paine, Sen., 2 shares Mr. John Myles, 1 share, 
(one that was his own and one William Carpenter, 1 share, 
that was appointed for John Joseph Pecke, 1 share. 
Martin). Thomas Cooper, Jun., 1 share. 

j Mr. Nuah Newman, 1 share. Ensign Henery Smitli, 1 share. 

, Lieut. Peter Hunt, 1 share. Thomas Coojier, Sen., 1 share. 

I Mr. James Browne, 1 share. Samuel Pecke, 1 share. 

I Samuel Newman, 1 share. William Buckland. 1 share. 

i John Allen, Sen., 1 share. Joseph Buckland, 1 share. 

Jolin Woodcock, IJ-o shares. Benjamin Buckland, 1 share. 

I Thomas Estabrooke's J.-j share John Reade, Sen., 1 share. 
I (bought of Roger Amidowne). John Reade, Jun,, 1 share. 

I Thonma Willmot, 2 shares (one he Nicholas Pecke, 1 share. 
i bought of Jo. Carpenter and one Elizabeth, Hannah, and Lydia 
of his own). Winchester, 1 share; this sould 

Sampson Mason, 1 sliarc. to Daniel Shepardson. 

Anthoney Perry, 1 share. Daniel Smith, 1 share. 

John Butterworth, 1 share (,this Jonathan Bliss, 1 share, 
sold to Daniel Jenkes, excepting Rice Leonard, 1 share, 
the meadow). William Sabeii, 1 share. 

Philip Walker. 1 share, John Perrin, Sen., I share. 

John Oinisby, I share. George Kt-ndricke, 1 share. 

Richard Martin, 1 shtire. George Rubenson, 1 share. 

Stephen Paine, Jun., 1 share. John Doggett, t share. 

Robert Jones, 1 shure. John Fitch, 1 sliare. 

Obadiah Boweu, 1 share. Richard Bowen, Jun., 1 share. 

John Pecke, 1 share. Elizabeth Biillucke, 1 share. 

James Redeway, X share. John Miller, Jun., 1 share. 

Samntd Carpenter, 1 share. Robert Fuller, 1 share. 

John Titus, 2 shares (one that he Robert Wheaton, 1 share. 
bought of his mother-in-law, Ester Hall, 1 share. 

3 Tliis reservation was afterwards laid out by metes and bounds, and 
recorded to the Indians. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



511 



Robert Miller, 1 share. 

Nathaniel Paine, 1 share i}/^ of it 

he bought of Riclianl Bowen, 

Sen., and the other of Jeremiah 

Wheaton). 
Joanna Ide, of New Norwich, 

halft! a share. 
John Savage, ' /. share. 
Thomas Ornishy, l;^ share (bought 

of Richard Bowen, Sen.). 
Jacob Ormsby, J/o share (that was 

his mother's). 
John Polley, 1 share (that he had 

of his father, Jon. Bosworth). 
William Allen, of Prudense, 1 

share he bought of Nathaniel 

Paine. 
John Lovell, I share. 
Eldad Kinsley, 1 share. 



John Miller, Sen., 1 share. 
Jaret Ingraham, 1 share. 
John Kingsley, 1 share. 
Gilbert Brookes, 1 share. 
Thomas Reade, 1 share. 
Thomas Grant, !-._,' share. 
Jonathan Fuller, 1 share. 
James Gillson, 1 share (bought of 

Samuel Saben). 
Samuel Luther, 1 share (this share 

sold to Mr. Philip, Squire). 
Nicholas Tanner, 1 share. 
John Allen, Jun., 1 share. 
Preserved Abell, 1 share. 
Francis Stephens, 1 share. 
Nicholas Ide, 1 share. 
Richard Wliittaker, 1 share. 
Nathaniel Pecke, 1 share. 
Israel Pecke,.! share. 
Jonah Palmer, 1 share. 

The aforesaid list and the preface to it Mas universally agreed upon 
at a meeting of the purchasers. May 2S, 167*2, to be entered into the 
Booke of Records for the North Purchased Lands. 

This was attested to by me, William Carpenter, Jr., 

Clerke. 

This list of proprietors, as tlie reader perceives, 
was made in 1072 by a committee cliosen ior tliat 
purpose. 

Tlie first division of lands in the North Purchase 
was made June 22, 1658. This division was confined 
exclusively to meadow land. It appears by the fol- 
lowing extracts from the town records of Rehoboth 
that the court had made a grant of the meadows in 
the North Purchase before the rest of the land was 
granted.' 

Feb. 23, 1657. — At a town-meeting lawfully warned, 
it was voted that all the meadows lying on the north 
side of the town, which were given and granted to 
the town by the court, shall be laid out according to 
person and estate. 

At the same time those men whose names are here 
subscribed have promised to go to see what meadows 
they can find on the north side of our town, that they 
may notify our town, to their best judgment, what 
quantity there may be of it, and this they promise to 
do freely on their own charge. William Carpenter, 
Sr., will go 3 days on his own charge, and if he go 
any more he is to be paid for it. William Sabin, 1 
day ; Lieut. Hunt, 2 days ; Joseph Peck, 1 day ; 
John Peck, 1 day ; Henry Smith, 1 day ; William 
Bucklin, 2 days; Robert Fuller,! day; John Read, 
1 day ; Thomas Cooper, Jr., 1 day ; Francis Stephens, 
1 day. 

At the same time those men whose names are here 
subscribed are accepted of the freemen of the town to 
take up their freedom, viz. : Joseph Peck, John Peck, 
Henry Smith, Robert Fuller, John Fitch, Steven 
Paine, Jonathan Bliss, William Bucklin, Rice Leon- 
ard. Several of these persons afterwards removed to 
Attleborough. 

June 22, 1658. It was voted that all the meadow 

1 This was before the lands were actually purchased, and was evi- 
dently intended for the immediate use of the cattle of the inhabitants. 



that lies upon the north side of the town that hath 
been visited by certain men according to the town's 
order shall be lotted out according to person and 
estate. 

14th of the 9th month, 1661. Lieut. Hunt and Wil- 
liam Sabin were chosen to confer with Mr. Willet to 
know what he hath done about the north side of the 
town in the behalf of the town. 

The 28th of the 5th mo., 1662. It was voted that 
John Woodcock- should have two rods of land to 
build a small house on for himself and his family to 
be in on tlie Lord's day in some convenient place 
near the meeting-house, and Goodman Paine and 
Lieut. Hunt were chosen to see where the most con- 
venient place might be for it. 

1685, June 22d. " At a town-meeting lawfully 
warned lots were drawn for the meadows that lie on 
the north side of the town, according to person and 
estate." 

April IS, 1666. It was voted by the town that the 
late purchasers of land upon the north side of our 
town shall bear forty shillings in a rate of five pounds, 
and so proportionable in all other public charges. 

It was also voted that there should be a three-railed 
fence set up and maintained between the late pur- 
chased land on the north side of the town, to be set 
up on all the end of the plain from Goodman Buck- 
land's lands to the Mill River, and every man that is 
interested in the said purchased lands to bear an equal 
proportion in the aforesaid fence according to their 
proportion of lands. 

It was also voted to make choice of a committee 
for the settling and stating of the late purchased 
lands on the north side of our town, viz., whether 
such, as at present seem questionable, are true pro- 
prietors of the aforesaid lands ; and the committee 
chosen were Capt. Willet, with the townsmen and 
those that stand engaged for the payment of the afore- 
said purchased lands. The committee reported April 
23, 1666. 

It was also voted by the town that Mr. Goodman 
Martin shall enjoy a spot of fresh meadow that lies 
on the north side of the town, lying at the end of the 
great plain, during his life and his wife's, and at 
their decease to return to the town. 

At the same time it was agreed between the town 
and Capt. Willet that for the forty acres of meadow 
that he is to have to his farm on the north side of 
the town, he is, by agreement made with the town, 
to have High Squisset and Low Squisset, and the 
bounds of the said Squisset's meadows to be accord- 
ing to the sight of the surveyors the day that they 
laid out his farm, that is, Henry Smith and William 
Carpenter; and he is also to have a piece of meadow 
at the Seven-Mile River near unto the going one at 
the highway, and six acres of meadow at the Ten- 
Mile River, and what there wants of the six acres in 

2 Afterwards of Attleborough. 



512 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



quality is to be made up in quantity. Tlie said six 
acres of meadow on the Ten-Mile Elver lies by the 
old highway as we go into the bay. 

" April 23, 1666. The committee that was chosen 
by the town April 18, 1666, at a town-meeting, for 
the stating and settling of the late purchased lands 
upon the north side of our town, the aforesaid com- 
mittee being met together this 23d of April, we see 
cause that there shall be seventy-six whole shares 
and equal purchasers in the aforesaid lands, and six 
persons that have half-shares, which we see cause to 
add to the seventy-six whole shares, so that the whole 
number of shares amounts to seventy-nine shares." 

May 19, 1666. At a town-meetiug lawfully warned 
the town concluded to have a meeting upon the last 
Tuesday in June, to consider of the meadows on the 
north side of the town, how they may be disposed of 
for this present year ; it is therefore agreed by this 
town that no man shall mow a load or a part of a 
load of grass before the town hath disposed of them, 
upon the penalty of twenty shillings the load or part 
of a load. 

Oct. 16, 1666. At a town-meeting it was concluded 
that the purchased lands on the north side of the town 
shall be divided between this and the 1st of May next 
ensuing. 

It was also voted by the town that no person shall 
fall any trees upon the aforesaid lands on the north 
side of our town before the said lands be divided, 
upon the penalty of ten shillings for every tree so 
fallen. 

The same day John Doggett, John Woodcock, and 
John Titus were chosen by the town to see what tim- 
ber trees are fallen on the late purchased lands on the 
north side of our town, and they shall have the for- 
feiture for their pains, and the trees to those that the 
land shall fall to. 

June 22, 1667. At a town-meeting it was voted by 
the town that the meadows lying on the north side of 
the town shall be for this present year as tliey were 
the last year. 

April 10, 1668. The town chose a committee to go 
and view the meadows that are in the North Purchase 
and to acre them out, to divide them into three-score 
and eighteen parts and a half, aud to mark and bound 
out each part and put in such swamps as in their 
prudence they think meet, to be laid out in the said 
division, provided they do it equally as they can. 1 
The said committee are Anthony Perry, Philip Walker, i 
Thomas Willmot,^ Nicholas Ide, to be paid by the j 
whole company of purchasers. 

May 13, 1668. The town made an agreement with 
Goodman Allen that he is to have the twenty acres of 
meadow that is laid out by Ensign Smith at Sine- 
cheticonet, and the meadow called the Parson's 
Meadow, and all that is within his farm for his thirty 
acres of meadow that he purchased of Maj. Winslow, 

1 Now Wilmarth. 



and also for his full share of meadow on the North 
Purchase. 

It was also voted that the rates upon the north side 
of the town be lowered and part taken off, — that is to 
say, whereas the lands upon the North Purchase paid 
forty shillings of five pounds in all rates, that now 
the said lands shall pay twenty shillings in five pounds 
until the town see cau.se to alter it. 

May 26, 1668. It was voted that John Woodcock 
shall have the meadow upon the Ten-Mile River be- 
tween Capt. Willett's meadow and his own meadow, 
and another piece that the townsmen shall appoint 
him that were chosen by the town to acre the meadows 
in the North Purchase for two shares of meadow on 
the North Purchase. 

The 26th of May, 1668, lots were drawn for the 
meadows'^ in the North Purchase. 

The first division of general lands was granted by 
the proprietors at a meeting held Feb. 9, 1668. Lots 
were drawn for this division March 18, 1668-69. The 
previous divisions had been confined to meadow 
laud. 

"At a town-meeting lawfully warned Feb. 9, 1668, 
it was voted that there should be fifty acres of upland 
laid out on the north side of the town to every share, 
speedily ; and the rest to be laid out with as much 
conveniency as may be." 

It was voted that there should be a committee chosen 
to view where there is good land for the laying out of 
a division of lands on the North Purchase, and that 
the aforesaid fifty acres to a share should be forthwith 
laid out, and then lots to be drawn by the aforesaid 
purchasers according to the agreement. 

At a town-meeting lawfully warned the 18th of 
March, 1668-69, " It was voted that there should be 
fifty acres of land laid out to a share on the north 
purchased lands." 

It was also provided that the purchasers should 
draw lots for their choice, and that each one should 
choose his lands successively according to his turn, 
and give notice to the next in turn ; and that if any 
neglect or refuse to make choice and lay out his land 
in his turn for the space of three days after notice 
given him, he should wait until all others had made 
choice in regular order. 

At this meeting a committee of eight were chosen, 
any two of whom might act, to see that these rights 
should not be laid out so as to interfere with high- 
w.ays, previous divisions of meadows, or other lot- 
ments. This committee were William Sabin, Nicholas 
Peck, Samuel Newman, James Eeddeway, Thomas 
Willmott, Samuel Peck, Lieut. Hunt, Joseph Buck- 
land. Nine purchasers entered a protest against the 
manner of laying out the lauds by choosing, viz., Capt. 
Willett, Mr. Myles, Will. Sabin, Mr. Brown, Dea. 
Cooper, John Miller, Sr., John Peren, Sr., George 
Kendricke, Will Carpenter. 

^ Granted by the court previouB to the purchase. 



ATTLE BOROUGH. 



513 



The names of those that drew for a division c 
March, lG68-()9. 



1 the North Purchase, Wth 



John Titns. 

Ji'sepli Bucklaud. 

John Oioisby. 

Children's lands.l 

Nathl. Paine. 

Goody Hide. 

Rice Leonard. 

John Allin, Jr. 

Nitdiolas Peck. 

Idiabod Miller, Jr. 

Roliert Wheaton. 

John Doggett. 

Deacon Cooper. 

Phillip Walker. 

The. Read. 

Joseph Peck. 

John Read, Sr. 

Jonathan Bliss. 

Roger .\niidowne. 

Stephen Paine, Jr. 

Thomas and Jacob Ormsby. 

Richanl Bullock. 

Dariiol Smith. 

John Kingsley. 

Obadiah Bowing. 

John Peren, Sr. 

Rohei't Joanea. 

Will. Bnckland. 

James Gillson. 

Israil Peck. 

Anth. Perry. 

Eldad Kingsley. 

Tho. Cooper, Jr. 

Mr. Myles. 

Richard Beuiis, Jr. 

John Fitch. 

Josepli Carpenter. 

Preserved Abel. 

John Woodcock. 

John Allen, Sr. 



Nich. Ide. 
Capt. Willet. 
James Reddeway. 
Sam. Newman. 
Stephen Paine, Sr. 
Jona. Palmer. 
Robert Miller. 
Tho. Willraot. 
Gilbert Brooks. 
Wid Carpenter. 
Left. Hunt. 
Jaret Ingraham. 
Francis Stephens. 
John Read, Jr. 
Mr. Newman. 
Rich. Martin. 
John Bntterworth. 
George Ketidrick. 
John Lowell. 
Thomas Grant. 
Mr. Brown. 
Nath. Peck. 
George Robinson, 
Jonathan F'liller. 
Jonathan Boeworth. 
Sam. Peck. 
Robert Fuller. 
Nath. Paine, Jr. 
Richard Whittaker. 
Sam. Carpenter. 
Edward Hall. 
Nicholas Tanner. 
John Savage. 
Will. Siiben. 
Will. Carpenter. 
Sampson Mtison. 
John Peck. 
Ben. Buckland. 
Hen. Suiith. 
Sam. Luther. 



Complaints were often made that the lands in the 
North Purchase were rated or assessed too high. 
There is the following record on this subject. 

At a meeting of proprietors of the North Purchase 
tlie 20th August, 1670, it was voted that the townsmen 
should choose three men to discuss and also to end any 
difi'erence with such persons as are chosen by the com- 
plainers of the provisions of the rates. The time set 
to meet was this day s'en'nit at the meeting-house, 
and if not ended to attend the next court at Plymouth 
to defend and answer such complaints as are made 
against the rating of these lands. 

A mile and a half on the south side of this town 
was granted to Eehoboth by order of court, June, 
1668. 

June, 1668. This court have ordered that a tract 
of land, containing a mile and a half, lying on the 
north side of the town of Piehoboth, is allowed to be 
the proper right of the said township. And for such 
lands as are lying betwixt the bay line, and it is to be 
accounted within the constablerick of Rehoboth until 
the court shall order it otherwise. And that such 
farms as lyeth within the said liberties shall be re- 



1 Children of Alexander Winchester, deceased. 



33 



sponsible in point of rating at the colony's disposal. 
— O/il Co!. Sec. 

There is the following vote concerning this tract in 
Eehoboth records : 

Nov. 8, 1670. At a town-meeting lawfully warned 
it was voted that the line should be forthwith run be- 
tween the North Purchase and the mile and a half 
given to the town for enlargement. 

The committee were Lieut. Hunt and Ensign Smith, 
Nicholas Peck and Will. Carpenter. 

Committees were also chosen to see that no timber 
on the north side should be fallen or drawn away. 
Great difficulty was experienced in preventing the 
loss of timber on the undivided lands. 

Dec. 26, 1670. It was voted that there should be a 
town-meeting this day fortnight, about ten of the clock 
in the morning, and that there should be a committee 
chosen to draw up such propositions as they think will 
be most expedient for the settling of the differences on 
the north side of the town concerning those lands, con- 
sidering that all the purchasers of the land have not 
yet given them, Mr. Brown engaging to give notice to 
all the proprietors of those lands that dwell in Swan- 
sea, and that these propositions be tendered at the said 
town-meeting, that if it were the will of God, there 
might be a unanimous agreement. The committee 
chosen were Lieut. Hunt, Ensign Smith, Nathaniel 
Paine, Nicholas Peck, and Anthony Perry. 

Nov. 23, 1670, a committee was chosen to meet the 
treasurer of Taunton to settle the bounds between the 
North Purchase and Taunton North Purchase. The 
committee were : Ensign Smith, Wim. Sabin, William 
Carpenter. 

At a meeting of the proprietors. May 28, 1672, it 
was voted, that for the comfortable and peaceable set- 
tlement of the lands and meadows of the north side of 
the town ; whereas there has been great dissatisfaction 
in respect of the unequal division of meadows ; and, 
forasmuch as there was a committee chosen in the 
year 1668 for the bounding of the meadows between 
the Tens, there shall be a new committee added to 
them, to make diligent search and take a deliberate 
view of the meadows and swamps within all the sev- 
eral Tens, with power to add to those Tens which 
needed amendment, and bound them all ; and also to 
redress any grievance which any particular person 
suffers. This order is not to take place till after six 
months. It was provided that the said committee 
should bound all the Tens before any more upland 
lots are laid out, if they do it within two months. 

At a meeting of purchasers, Feb. 18, 1684, it was 
voted that there should be a division of fifty acres to 
a share in the North Purchase. William Carpenter 
was chosen surveyor to lay it out. Voted that there 
should be a meeting of the purchasers to draw lots 
for said division the last Tuesday of June ne.\t ensu- 
ing. Accordingly, a meeting held June 29, 1685, lots 
were drawn for said fifty acres of upland among 
eighty-three persons. 



i 



514 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



At a proprietors' meeting, Oct. 31, 1699, it was 
voted that there should be two divisions of lands in 
the North Purchase forthwith laid out to the ^said 
proprietors according to their rights in said lands, 
i.e., fifty acres to a whole share in both divisions, 
viz., twenty-five acres to the first division, and twenty- 
five acres to the second division ; and he that is first 
in the first division shall be last in the second di- 
vision, and so on. 

At their next meeting, Nov. 7, 1699, the proprie- 
tors drew lots for the new division. They had in- 
creased at this time to one hundred and thirty-three 
in nuQiber. 

In the year 1694 the inhabitants of the North Pur- 
chase were incorporated into a township by an act of 
the General Court of Massachusetts.' 



CHAPTER XL. 

ATTLEBOROUGH.— (f'o»/N,uer/.) 

Incorporation— Origin of the Name — William Blackstone— His History, 
Settlement, etc.— John Woodcock— His Garrison— First Ordinary- 
History of his Settlement Here— First Mill in Town — Attack on 
Joshua Barrows— His Petition for Allowance of Land— Grant Made 
to him — Agents Employed in England on Dispnted Boundary — 
Angle Tree— Angle Monnnient. 

" To His Excellenq^y Sir William Phips Knight^ Captain- General and Gov- 
ernor-in- Chief of their Majesty^s Province, of the MassachvsetCs Bay 
in New lUiigtnnd, vnlk the Honorable Council and Representatives 
thereof now assembled in General Court at Boston, Oct. 17, 1G94 : 

" The petition of the subscribers in behalf of themselves and the rest 
of the proprietors of the lauds hereunder mentioned and expressed, 

'• Humbly Shewelh, 

"That whereas our ancestors and some of ourselves have formerly 
purch;ised a certain tract of land commonly known by the name of the 
North Piirehaae, containing in length about ten miles from Patuckett 
River to Taunton bounds, and about eight miles from the Massachusetts 
Hue, between the two colonies to Rehoboth bounds, being in our appre- 
hension lands sntlicient for a towuship, and we being now already 
above tliiriy families on the place, besides otlier proprietors that at 
present live elsewhere, do humbly pray this Honorabbi Assembly to 
make us a township endued with such privileges as other towns are 
for these reasons following, viz. : 

" First, and principally, for the honor of God, in that our distance is 
far to go on the Lord's da.vs, some of us ten or eleven miles to Rehoboth 
to the public worship of God, which in the winter season is very incon- 
venient for us to go and especially for our children, and also we sustain 
in going ao far to train, attend town-nifetings, and to work in their 
highways, and our own in the meantime neglected, 

•'Secondly, In that if wo were a townsliii>, we should quickly (we 
hope) procure an able orthodox minister to tench us, and also a school- 
master to instruct our children, which would incite more able and de- 



1 Previous to this the North Purchase was within the jurisdiction, but 
not merged in the limits of Rehoboth. The inhabitants were snV>jected 
to the municipal authority, and had, for the time, all the rights of free- 
men of that town. It was, properly, a plantation of Rehoboth. It was 
ordered by Plymouth Court to be within the jurisdiction of that town 
until it should be incorporated, "J^it/^^ 5,1671." **The court have or- 
dered that the North Purchase (so called) shall lie unto the town of 
Rehoboth until it comes to be a township; and in the meantime to bear 
the seventh part of all the rates that shall be levied for tlie public 
charges of tluit town ; and when the said purchase shall become a town- 
ship by itself, then the said township of Rehoboth to be eased in their 
rates." — Old Col. Records. 



sirable inhabitants to come and settle among us, we having lands and 
other commodities for their encouragement. 

'■ Thirdly, In that we being as frontiers in danger of the enemy be 
tween Rehoboth and other places should, if we were a townsliip, he in 
a better posture of defence when we are completed with officers amongst 
ourselves. 

"Fourthly, We might further add the benefit that might redound to 
their Majestie's service, there being great store of ship-timber and 
cooper's stuff, which might with more facility be conveyed to the water" 
side were our habitations settled nearer. 

" All which is humbly offered to youi' Excellency and honors for ac- 
ceptance. 

" By your humble suppliants. 

" JouN Woodcock, 
'* Daniel Sheppersox, 
"John Callender, 
" For and in the name and behalf of the proprietors of the said lauds. 

" Oct. 17, 1694." 

The following is the act of incorporation : 

An Act for gntntimi a township within the conniij of Bristol to he called At- 

tleborovgh :- 

Whereas there is a certain tract of land commonly known by the 
name of North Purchase, lying within the county of Bristol, containing 
in length about ten miles from Patucket River to the hounds of Taun- 
ton,^ and e,\tendingabout eight miles in breadth from the line or bound- 
ary betwixt the two late colonies of Massachusetts and Plymouth, to the 
hounds of the town of Rehoboth ; being a convenient tract for a town- 
ship, and more than thirty families already settled thereupon. For the 
better encouragement and settlement of said plantation : 

Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representatives in Gen- 
eral Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That henceforth 
the said trait of land as above described, and bounded by the township 
of Taunton and Rehoboth (no way to intrench upon either of their 
rights), be and shall be a township, and called by the name of Attle- 
borough ; and shall have and enjoy all such immunities, privileges, and 
powei-s, as generally other townships within this Province have and do 
enjoy. 

Provided. That it be not in prejudice of any former grant. 

Provided, also. That the Inhabitants of the said place do continue 
under the power and direction of the Selectmen, Assessors, and Con- 
stables of Rehoboth (whereunto they were formerly annexed) as well 
referring to any assessments and arrears thereof, as all other things 
proper to the duty of Selectmen, Assessors, and Constables, respec- 
tively; until they are supplied with such officers among themselves, 
according to the directions in the law in that case made and provided. 

The boundaries described in the preceding act in- 
cluded the present towns of Attleborough and Cum- 
berland, R. I., embracing a very extensive tract of 
land. The number of inhabitants at this time could 
not much exceed a hundred and eighty. They were 
mostly settled in the southerly and westerly parts of 
the town. These families were scattered over a con- 
siderable space; some had been herefrom an early 
period. Of the early settlements more will be said 
hereafter. 

The country was then mostly covered with forests, 
interspersed, however, with a good supply of natural 

2 It was named after Attleborough, Norfolk Co., England, a town of 
importance in the early ages of the kingdom, a market town, and the 
seat of the noble family of the Lords Mortimer. It has diminished in 
population and business in modern times. 

Many of the early settleis in memory of their homes in England, 
which tbey had left forever, gave the same names to theii" new homes 
here. 

Two of the proprietors and settlers in this town, John Sutton withhia 
wife and four children, and John Daggett with his wife, came from " At- 
tleburraye," England, and whose families had intermarried before their 
emigration, and suggested the name in memory of their native place. 

3 Taunton North Purchase. 



ATTLEBOllOUGH. 



515 



meadow, which was then considered the most valu- 
able kind of land, and occasional clearings which 
liad been cultivated by the Indians, and planted by 
them with maize, squashes, pumpkins, beans. 

The inhabitants increased rapidly, and soon pene- 
trated into various parts of the town. 

The Early Proceedings of the Town after its 
Incorporation. — A few extracts from the early rec- 
ords of the town, illustrating the character of the 
times, will be interesting to the present generation. 

The first town-meeting on record appears to have 
been held May 11, 1696, two years after the incorpo- 
ration.' At this meeting the town chose Mr. John 
Woodcock and Mr. John Rogers, late of Bristol, as 
agents " to manage our concerns in matters relating 
to that part of our township commonly called the 
Mile and Half, according to our petition and other 
copies which are in the hands of Mr. Henry Devens, 
Clerk to the House of Representatives, and did fur- 
ther appoint and impower Mr. John Woodcock to 
agree with and impower said Mr. Rogers, and take 
care to help him to such papers as may most concern 
our business for the promoting of matters relating to 
our township." 

At the same meeting three assessors were chosen 
for the ensuing year, viz.: I. Woodcock, Thomas 
Tingley, and Samuel Titus. 

The next town-meeting was held Nov. 23, 1696, at 
which the town authorized the selectmen to make a 
rate for paying the town's debts, which amounted to 
£5 los. Id. At the same time several individuals 
engaged to pay certain sums "by way of free gift 
towards the building of a meeting-house," and de- 
sired their names and sums might be entered accord- 
ingly,— 



£ s. 

Mr. John "Woodcock 1 

" John Lane 1 It 

*' Israil Woodcock 10 



£ 5. 

Mr. Thomns Woodcock 10 

" Geoi'ge Robinson 1 

" Bavid FreeniHU 1 



March 22, 1696-07. The town taking into considera- 
tion who are by law allowed to vote in town-meetings, 
and finding so few allowed to vote, ordered that " all 
the inhabitants and town Dwellers" should have a 
right to vote in said meetings. At this time town 
officers were chosen for the year ensuing, viz. : " Mr. 
John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague, Daniel Jenks, 
Jonathan Fuller, Thomas Tingley, selectmen; An- 
thony Sprague, town clerk ; I. Woodcock, consta- 
ble; Nicholas Ide and Joseph Cowel, surveyors; 
Henry Sweet, tithingman ; Thomas Tingley and 
Samuel Titus, fence-viewers ; John Woodcock, An- 
thony Sprague, and Daniel Jenks, assessors ; John 
Lane, grand-juryman ; Benjamin Force, for the jury 
of trials in April next at the Quarter Sessions at 
Bristol." 

May 10, 1697. At a town-meeting for the choice of 
an " Assemblyman for the Great and General Court," 

1 There must, however, have been a previons meeting and a choice of 
officere, of wUicIi no record is preserved. 



the inhabitants voted not to send a man, " by reason 
the town was excused by law." 

July 12, 1697. The town voted to have a pound 
made according to law upon a piece of undivided 
land between the lands of Daniel Shepperson and 
James Jillson, near the Bay road. 

Upwards of twenty years after the close of Philip's 
war, the inhabitants of the towns were often annoyed 
by strolling Indians, who disturbed and insulted the 
people. In relation to these disturbances the town 
passed the following orders : 

Jan. 31, 1697-98. At a town -meeting legally 
warned for the making of "some town orders or by- 
laws touching persons disorderly coming into town 
who have no rights or lands in the same, but are 
strangers and foreigners," the town passed the fol- 
lowing orders : " It is ordered by the inhabitants of 
Attleborough, and voted in said meeting, that no 
person that is a stranger shall be received as an in- 
habitant without the consent or approbation of said 
town, or sufficient security given to the town by him 
or them that shall take in or harbor any person con- 
trary to this order ; moreover, the selectmen are ap- 
pointed to take due care and sufficient security, in the 
behalf of the town, of and for all such persons as 
shall receive in or harbor any stranger or foreigner; 
or to give order and warning to such stranger or for- 
eigner to depart the town, according as the law 
directs, and that with all convenient speed after 
knowledge or notice given of the same ; so observing 
from time to time that the town be not charged with 
unnecessary charges." 

2d. " The second order or by-law was touching In- 
dian foreigners and strangers that have been com- 
plained of for uncivil carriages and behaviour towards 
some of the inhabitants of this town, for the preven- 
tion of which the inhabitants being desired to give 
their advice, by joint consent have voted and passed 
this act, That no foreign Indian or stranger should 
be allowed to come into town being armed under 
hunting pretences, nor suffered in the same to abide 
in drinkings and shootings at unseasonable times of 
night and threatenings to several persons, which is 
contrary to the law of this province, and disturbing 
to several of this town ; neither is any per.son or per- 
sons whatsoever within this town allowed to take in 
or harbor Indian or Indians armed other than such as 
hath been allowed or shall be allowed, without the 
unanimous consent of the inhabitants, at any time 
hereafter, but every person or persons transgressing 
against this order or by-law shall pay a fine of five 
'shillings each day for the use of the poor of this 
town for every such offence." 

March 4, 1699 or 1700, in town-meeting, Daniel 
Shepperson gave a piece of ground to set a pound on 
" at a place commonly known and called Red Rock 
Hill, by the roadside by a pine-tree, which pound is 
to be built thirty feet square and finished by the last 
of June, 1700." 



L 



516 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 



May 13, 1700. Voted not to send a representative 
for the same reason that was assigned at the first 
meeting. 

March 25, 1701. In town-meeting voted and ap- 
pointed a "training-place, to be on the south side of 
David Freeman's house, between the two ways, 
viz., the Bay road and the road that leadeth to 
Nicholas Ide's house." At the saoie time the town 
"did by major vote appoint the last Tuesday in 
March, at nine o'clock a.m., to be their election day 
annually for choosing town officers according to law, 
without any further warning, so to continue till fur- 
ther order." 

Feb. 9, 1702-3. It was voted that Ensign Nicholas 
Ide and Anthony Sprague with the selectmen be a 
committee to agree in behalf of our town concerning 
the lines and bounds between Attleborough, Dor- 
chester, and Wrentham. It was also voted that the 
selectmen should make a town rate for the payment 
of town debts, and that a quarter part of said rate be 
levied upon the polls, and the rest upon the estates ; 
and that said rate shall be paid in Indian corn at two 
shillings and sixpence per bushel, or rye at three 
shillings and sixpence per bushel, or oats at one 
shilling and sixpence per bushel, or in money. 

May 14, 1703. Voted not to send a representative 
by reason they were so few in number and excused by 
law. 

The first English inhabitant of Attleborough was 
the celebrated William Blackstone, who had so many 
peculiarities and such a singular history, and who 
was also the first settler and sole progenitor of Shaw- 
mtit, now the site of the beautiful city of Boston. 
Everything that can be recovered relating to this 
singular but amiable man must be interesting not 
only to the people of this town, but to all who feel an 
interest in the early history of these colonies. 

There were two or three individuals at a distance, 
on Manerick and Thompson's Islands, in the harbor, 
apparently having no connection with him. 

He came to this country from England about the 
year 1025, and settled finst at Boston, the Indian 
name of which was Sliawniat. Here he remained 
alone until the arrival of Governor Winthrop's com- 
pany, in June, 1630. They at first located them- 
selves at Charlestown ; but finding the water bad 
and " liking that plain neck that was then called 
Blackstone's Neck,' they soon removed, by invitation, 
to the peninsula, where they found a good spring of 
water. Mr. Blackstone had been in England a 
clergyman of the established church. But he lived 
in an age of religious bigotry, intolerance, and per- 
secution, and " not being able," as he said, " to en- 
dure the power of the Lord Bishops," he left his 
native land and sought an asylum in the wilds of 
America, where he might enjoy his own opinions 
unmolested. After residing a few years with the new 

1 Capt. Clap, May, 1030. 



settlers of Shmomui, he found the same intolerant and 
overbearing spirit among his new associates, and be- 
coming " discontented with the power of the Lords 
Brethren," he was compelled to sepk another retreat. 
In 1634 he sold his right and title in the peninsula to 
the inhabitants of Boston, each one paying him six 
shillings and some of them more. A reservation was 
made for him of about six acres where his house 
stood. 

The peninsula of Boston was then called Black- 
stone's Neck, the whole of which he claimed as his 
property, and this claim was recognized by the new 
settlers. With the purchase money he bought a 
" stock of cows," which he carried with him to his 
new settlement on the bank.s of the Pawtucket River. 

The following document, quoted in Shaw's " His- 
tory of Boston," gives some of the particulars of this 
purchase : 

"The deposition uf Jniin Odlyn, aged about S2 years; Robert Walker, 
aged about 7S years; Francis Hudson, aged about GG years; and "Wil- 
liiini Lytberland, aged 76 years. These deponents being antient dwell- 
ers and inbabitaute of the town of Boston, from the time of the first 
planting thereof, do jointly testify and depose, that in or about the year 
of our Lord sixteen hundred and thirty-four, tlie tlien present inhabit- 
ants of said town (of whom the Hon. John Wiuthrop, Es(i., Governor of 
tlie Colony, was chiefe), did treate and agree with Mr. William Black- 
stone for the ])urehase of his estate and right in any lands lying within 
the said neck of land, called Boston, and for said purchase agreed that 
every householder should pay six shillings, which was accordingly col- 
lected, none paying less, some considerably more, and the said sum was 
paid to Mr. Blackstone to his full content. Reserving unto himself 
about six acres of land on the point, commonly called Blackstone's 
Point, on part whereof his then dwelling-house stood. After which pur- 
chase the town laid out a place for a Training Field, which ever since, 
and now is used for that purpose, and for the feeding of cattle: Walker 
and Lytherland further testify that Mr. Blackstone bought a stock of 
cowes with the money he received, and removed near Providence, where 
he lived till the day of his death." Sworn to the 10th of June, 1684, 
before S. Bradstreet, Governor, and Samuel Sewall, Assistant. 

Mr. Blackstone received £30 for his right to the 
peninsula, as appears by the following record : The 
" 10th day of the 9 mo. 1634," voted that a rate be 
made, viz., "a rate for £30 to Mr. Blackstone."- 

In 1635 he removed to another retreat still farther 
in the wilderness. This place was on the banks of 
Pawtucket River, which now bears his name, and on 
the east side of it, and within the Old Colony, and 
was within the ancient limits of Attleborough, in 
that part called the Gore, now Cumberland, R. I. 
This was about ten years before the settlement of 
Rehoboth and a few years before that of Providence. 
In this solitary retreat he built his house, cultivated 
his garden, and planted his orchard. His house and 
garden he surrounded with a park, which was his 
daily walk. Here he remained for many years in 
entire seclusion from the world, here was none to dis- 
turb his lonely retreat. He was furnished with a 
library, and nature and study charmed his solitary 
hours. He thus seated himself for life, in peaceful 
solitude on the banks of the Blackstone. 

^ Reckoning March the first month, this assessment was made in De- 
cember ; tlie purchase, of course, was made previous to this date, and 
Blackstone in all probability removed early in the subsequent spring. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



517 



His house he called " Study Hall," and the emi- 
nence near it was named Study Hill, which name it 
still retains. Tliis place' is about three miles above 
Pawtucket village, where the late Col. Simon Whiijple 
resided. The Indian name of the place was Wawe- 
poonseag. This name is mentioned in the Plymouth 
Records in describing the boundaries of the North 
Purchase in 1661 : " From Rehoboth ranging upon 
Patucket River, to a place called by the natives VVa- 
wepoonseag,' where one Blackstone now sojourueth." 
During his residence here Mr. Blackstone married 
Mrs. Sarah Stevenson, widow of John Stevenson, of 
Boston, July 4, 1659.' She died about the middle of 
June, 1673.* He survived his wife only about two 
years, and died May 26, 167o,'' a few weeks before the 
commencement of tiie great Indian war, thus having 
escaped witnessing the horrors of that awful period 
and the complete destruction which awaited his fair 
domain. He had lived in New England about fifty 
years, nearly ten years at Shawmut (now Boston), 
and forty at this place. He must have been quite 
advanced at the time of his death, probably not far 
from eighty. A brief notice of his death is furnished 
by his friend Roger Williams. At the date of June 
18, 1675, he says, " About a fortnight since your old 
acquaintance, Mr. Blackstone, departed this life in the 
fourscore year of his age. Four days before his death 
he had a great pain in his breast and back and bowels; 
afterwards he said he was well, had no pain, and 
should live, but he grew fainter, and yielded up his 
breath without a groan." — ith Mass. Hist. Coll., 6, 
299. 

Around him was still a wilderness when death 
snatched him from the sylvan retreat which beloved, 
but (though the footsteps of men were fast approach- 
ing) bow would he be astonished to behold the region 
around it (the place which he once thought secure 
from the haunt of men) now, swarming with an indus- 
trious and thriving population ! How would he grieve 
to find the stream whose jilacid waters as they flowed 
by his dwelling he delighted to contemplate now in- 

1 His title to tiie laude wliicli he occupied \vne respected by the Plym- 
outh government, who ordered thein recorded to him after his death. 

"March 5, 1671. Mr. Stephen Piiine, Sr., of Kehoboth, and Mr. Nich- 
olas Tanner were appointed by the court to see Mr. Blaclistone's laud 
laid forth according to the grant." — Old Col. Urc. 

His estate consisted of about two hundred acre-^. 

2 This is supposed by a writer in the Massachusetts Historical Collec- 
tions to be properly the name of a brook, now called Abbott's Run, 
which enters the river not far from Mr. Blackstone's residence. 

!*" Mr. Williaoi Blackstone was married to Sarah Stevenson, widow, the 
4th of July, 1659, by John Endicott, governor." — Town Jtecords of Boston. 
She was the widow ol" John Stevenson, of Boston, who had by her at 
least three children, — Onesimns, born 26tli 10th month, 1643 ; John, born 
— 7th month, 164.T ; and James, born Oct. 1, 16.i3. His second son, John 
Stevenson, lived with his mother after her marriage with Mr. Black- 
etone, and after their decease continued at the same place during the 
remainder of liis life. 

< " Mrs. Sarah Blackstone, the wife of Mr. William Bkurlon, was buried 
about the middle of June, 1673." — Itehohoth liecoriU. 

Many of the ancient records mention the day of the burial, but not of 
the death of persons. 

5 " Mr. William Blakslon buried the 28th of May, 1765."— 76. 



terrupted by numerous water-works, and the silence 
which then reigned around him now disturbed by the 
buzz of thousands of spindles! To what ignoble pur- 
poses is his classic stream now devoted ! What a con- 
trast! It is a change which the peace-loving spirit 
of Blackstone could not endure. To enjoy that soli- 
tude which was congenial to his taste he would now 
be compelled to seek a new abode beyond the banks 
of the Mississippi. 

Blackstone was by no means a misanthrope, but a 
man of natural benevolence, who took this mode of 
indulging his love for solitude and securing the un- 
restrained enjoyment of his own sentiments and 
tastes. He did not shun man because he hated him, 
but because he loved solitude more than society. He 
was fond of study and contemplation, and here he 
could enjoy both. Possessing an independent and 
original mind, he could not brook the dogmatical and 
persecuting spirit of the age, and to escape its in- 
fluence he fled to the wilds of America. 

He was not idle though in solitude. He cultivated 
his garden, and reared his orchard with his own 
hands, and is said to have been devoted to his books; 
though meditative in his habits, yet cheerful in dis- 
position. He was acquainted with Roger Williams, 
the father of Rhode Island, — in some respects a kin- 
dred spirit, though far from his opinions, — and fre- 
quently went to visit him, and occasionally preached 
at Providence and the neighboring towns. 

Among other anecdotes it is related of him that he 
tamed and rode a bull into Providence and on other 
journeys, but this of itself was not at that age proof 
of his eccentricity. It was a common practice in the 
rude state of the colonies, when horses were scarce 
and it was inconvenient to keep them, to follow such 
an example. Many instances are known of the same 
custom among tlie scattered colonists on their rough 
roads. Even John Alden, after the wedding of Pris^ . 
cilia Mullins, took his bride home on the back of a 
bull covered with a rich broadcloth, and led by him 
with a ring in the nose. 

" He was also remarkable," says Mr. Baylies," " for 
his love of children." When he visited Providence 
he carried apples from his orchard to give to chil- 
dren, — the first they had ever seen.— Callender's Dis- 
course. 

At a late centennial celebration in Boston, under 
the direction of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 
a present of apples was sent to their table from Cum- 
berland, said to have grown on the trees which grew 
from the sprouts of those in Blackstone's orchard. 
Some of the trees planted by his own hands were liv- 
ing one hundred and forty years after they were set 
out. 

He left one son, John Blackstone, who, it is sup- 
posed, "settled somewhere near New Haven." Of 



6 " Memoil'S of Plymouth Colony," which is a work of great interest, 
embodying a large amount of historical information on the Old Colony. 



518 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



him history says little or nothing; hut by diligent 
research I have ascertained a few particulars. 

He was a minor when his father died, and had 
guardians appointed by the court.' He lived on his 
inheritance till 1692, when he sold his lands to David 
Whipple,^ and soon after removed to Providence, and 
for a while contented himself with the humble occu- 
pation of a shoemaker. There,' it is probable, he 
married his wife Katharine, and continued to reside 
till 1718, when he returned to Attleborough, and with 
his wife was legally warned out of town.* He is pre- 
sumed to be the person mentioned in the records, as 
no other of that name has been known in this part of 
the country. 

It was generally supposed by historians that the 
family was extinct, and that the blood of Blackstone 
"runs not in the veins of a single human being." 
Recent research has led to the belief that his son re- 
moved to Branford, Conn., and settled on a neck of 
land not far from New Haven, where several families 
of that name have lived for many years. As John 
Blackstone disappeared from Attleborough, it is prob- 
able that he removed and settled there. I have been 
informed that there was a family of that name who 
lived there in seclusion for many years. 

His son-in-law, John Stevenson, came with his 
mother when she married Mr. Blackstone, being about 
fourteen years old, and lived with them till their 
death. At one time it was supposed that Blackstone 
had a daughter married to John Stevenson, and that 
they lived with him. In a romance called "The 
Humors of Utopia," published many years ago, this 
fancied daughter of Blackstone is one of the charac- 
ters introduced into the work, in which she doubtless 
figures as a creature of the field and foi'est, and ap- 
pears in all the simplicity of her native charms; and 
it seems a pity to dissolve this "gay frost-work of 
fancy" and dissipate the fair vision into the cold re- 
ality. The "son-in-law" of Blackstone proves to be 
only the son of the widow of John Stevenson, who 
afterwards became the wife of Mr. Blackstone. This 
belief then prevailing was doubtless founded on the 



1 "June 1st, 1675. Lieut. Hunt, Ensign Smitli, and Mr. Daniel Smith 
are appointed and autlioi-ized by the court to talte some present care of 
the estate of Mr. William Blacicstone deceased, and of his son now left 
by him; and to see that tlie ne.\t court he do propose a man to the court 
to be his guardian ; which in case he do neglect, tlie court will then see 
cause to malie ciioice of one fur him." — Old Col. Bee. 

" Oct. 27th, 1675. Mr. Natliaiiiel Paine and Mr. Daniel Smith are ap- 
pointed and approved by the court to I)e guardians unto John Black- 
stone, tlie eon of William Blackstone deceased." — lb. 

'^ The original deeds, with .John Blackstone's signature, are still in 
existence, and were in the possession of Mr. John Whipple, of Cumber- 
land. The first is dated Sept. 10, 1692. He spells his name Blaxton, 
which was undoubtedly at the time the true orthography. 

^ There is no record of his marriage in this town. 

^ For what cause does not appear, but may be conjectured. He had 
probably squandered his property, for tradition says he inherited but a 
small share of his father's prudence, and it was doubtless as a precau- 
tion agaiust future liability for support, which was a customary proceed- 
ing in those days; it was a civil and not a criminal process, and does not 
imply anything against the moral character of the person. 



error contained in the Massachusetts Historical Col- 
lections in a short sketch of Mr. Blackstone, where it 
was stated that he had two children, a son and a 
daughter. He came into pos.session of a part of his 
father-in-law's estate, as appears by the following 
order of Plymouth Court, passed June 10, 1675, about 
two weeks after Blackstone's decease. 

" Whereas the court is informed that one whose 
name is John Stevenson, son-in-law to Mr. William 
Blackstone, late deceased, was very helpful to his 
father and mother in their life-time, without whom 
they could not have subsisted as to a good help and 
instrument thereof, and he is now left in a low and 
mean condition, and never was in auymeasure rec- 
ompensed for his good service aforesaid, and if (as it 
is said at least) his father-in-law engaged to his mother 
at his marriage with her that he should be considered 
with a competency of land out of the said Blackstone's 
land then lived on, which had never yet been per- 
formed ; and forasmuch as the personal estate of the 
said AVilliam Blackstone is so small and inconsidera- 
ble, that he the said Stevenson cannot be relieved out 
of it ; this court, therefore, in consideration of the pre- 
mises, do order and dispose fifty acres of land unto 
the said John Stevenson, out of the lands of the said 
William Blackstone, and five acres of meadow to be 
laid out unto him by Ensign Henry Smith and Mr. 
Daniel Smith, and Mr. Nathaniel Paine, according as 
they shall think meet, so as it may be most commo- 
dious to him or as little prejudicial to the seat of Mr. 
William Blackstone as may be. By order of the 
court for the jurisdiction of New Plymouth."' — Old 
Co/. Bee. 



5 The bounds of this grant are recorded in the records of the North 
Purchase, Book Ist, p. 47. Extracts are made for the gratification of 
those who may wish to know the situation of his lands. 

" hnp. Fifty acres of upland lying upon Pawtucket River, most of it 
upon tlie South Neck, being part of that land that was left for Mr. Wil- 
liam Blackstone, and granted by the Court to ,Iohn Stevenson : bounded 
to the eastward the land of John Fitch and the Common; westerly, Pa- 
tucket River, and southerly; to the northward, the land of John Black- 
stone, it being 106 rods long." 

The five-acre lot of meadow mentioned in the grant is also recorded 
as laid out by the Comniissioners. 

1st. Two acres of meadow adjoining to the said lands lying in two 
pieces, one piece within the former tract of land and the other by the 
river side upon the Southernmost end of it. 

2d. " Three acres of fresh meadow lying at the northeast corner of 
the meadow commonly known by the name of Blackstone's Great 
Meadow,* from a white oak tree marked, and so through the breadth 
of the meadow to the Run, the Run bounding it to the noilliards; west- 
ward, the meadow of John Blackstone; eastward, the swamp; south- 
ward, the upland." 

There is another tract which he probably purchased. '* Fifty acres of 
upland, more or less, hounded east the laud of Ensign Nich. Peck and 
Rob. Miller; north, the land of Sam. Carpenter; west, a highway four 
rods wide (between John Blackstone's land and this lot) and a little 
piece of common land; south, coming near John Fitch's grave, to the 
Common. 

" There is to be taken out of this lot a highway 2 rods wide next to 
Sam. Carpenter's land to meet with the highway at the east end of said 
Carpenter's lot." 

Liltewise ten acres of land allowed to John Stevenson by the king's 



* Often called in the Records the Pareou's Meadow. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



519 



Stevenson acquired a taste for solitary life by living 
with Blackstone, and resided here (it is believed, 
alone) till his death. There is no evidence of his 
ever having been married. His time was devoted to 
the cultivation of his lands and the pleasures of hunt- 
ing. He died Sept. 16, 1695. His brother, James 
Stevenson, of Springfield, was appointed his adminis- 
trator, who returned an inventory Oct. 11, 1695, from 
wliich it appears that his whole estate was valued at 
£57. 5. 2.' 

This is all the account which I can find of the first 
settler within the bounds of the North Purchase and 
of those connected with him. But his name will be 
preserved in perpetual remembrance, for it is insep- 
arably attached to that noble river which flows past 
the site of his ancient and solitary dwelling. His 
name is also transferred to works of art. His name 
has been assumed by towns, and bank,s, factories, and 
file streets of our cities. He has become a prominent 
historic character in the colonization of New Eng- 
land, and a striking figure on the canvas of its his- 
tory. Just mystery enough about his life to attract 
and interest the reader. The Valley of the Blackstone 
has become celebrated as a manufacturing district, 
and contributes, by the advantages of its water-power, 
to the wealth and industry of New England. Hardly 
could Blackstone, the lover of undisturbed solitude 
and quiet, have dreamed when he forsook the penin- 
sula of Boston and built his lonely dwelling on the | 
banks of this placid stream, that his peaceful retreat | 
would be so soon the scene of industry and the abode 
of a numerous population, and its silence broken by 

jury for Innd for highwajB, taken out of his land lying on the southerly 
fcide of Abbott's Run, etc. 

Another record uf laud commences thus: "Likewise two acres of 
land that I took up adjoining to my own land, at the southerly end 
of it, which I had in exchange with my brother John Blackstone, 
etc." 

To gratify the curious, the boundaries of John Blackstone's lands are 
added, by which the precise location ot his father's estate may be ascer- 
tained. 

Imp. A hundred and fifty acres of upland, swamp, and meadow 
ground, more or less, containing the West Plain (commonly so called) 
and land iidjacent ; bounded, to the northward, the land of Isaac Allen ; 
to the southward, the land of John Stevenson; to the westward. Paw- 
tucket River ; to tiie eastward, the land of John Stevenson, the high- 
way and the undivided land, there running through it a country high- 
way to Piiwtucket River, four roils wide. 

Lif:ewlsn a parcel of fresli meadow commonly known by the name of 
Blackstone's Meadow, being eight acres, hounded to the eastward, the 
meadow ol John Stevenson, etc. 

Likeivise twenty acres (laid out to John Blackstone, granted to him 
by the king's jury for a way taken through his farm to PuUucket River), 
running seventy-six rods N. W. and by "W., and forty-two rods S. W. 
and by S. bounded round by the undivided laud; this tract lying near 
the new road to Dedham. 

Likeii-iei; two acres which he had upon exchange with his brother John 
Stevenson, adjoining to his own farm, on the westerly side of the country 
highway, next the house; bounded easterly by the highway, westerly 
his own farm, and southerly by a small run of water, and in corisidera- 
tiou of it John Stevenson had two acres of what John Blackstone wa^ 
to have allowed by the king's jury for the highway through his laud to 
Providence. 

— Recordg U. N. Piirchage, Book I, p. 153. 

' " His house, lands, and meadows at iSO. His gun, cutlass, and car- 
touch box 1 1). 18. 0." etc. 



the busy works of art ! Were his spirit permitted to 
revisit the scene of his former enjoyments he would 
be obliged to form a new garden and plant a new or- 
chard, and to seek, in a more distant region of the 
West, a spot congenial to his taste.- 

The place which he chose for his residence is a 
truly beautiful and romantic spot, such as a recluse 
and a lover of nature would select. The place where 
his house stood is on the east of a small hill, the sur- 
face of which would make an acre or more ; on the 
east is a gradual ascent, but on the west it rises ab- 
ruptly from the river to the height of sixty or seventy 
feet; there the Blackstone winds gracefully at its 
base,' forming a slight curve at a short distance south 
of the hill. Its summit commands a fine view of the 
"valley of the Blackstone" to the distance of more 
than a mile on the south. On the east is a delightful 
and fertile valley consisting of a few acres, which 
opens to the south on the borders of the meadow, and 
is bounded on the east and northeast by a gentle emi- 
nence, on the top of which runs the " Mendon road," 
so often mentioned in the ancient land records. This 
valley was cultivated by the hands of Blackstone; 
here was his orchard, where are seen the stumps of 
api>le-trees, cut down within a few years, which are 
said to have grown from the sprouts of the first trees 
planted by him. His well is still pointed out at the 
southern border of this valley. Though now filled up 
with moss and weeds, the pure water still bubbles up 
from its fountains. His grave is also designated, 
though with less certainty ; it is in the orchard, about 
two rods east from the foot of the hill and north of 
the well. The " flat stone which it is said marked his 
grave" is not now visible. It is either removed or 
buried under the surface. 

One Thomas Alexander, who was drowned in the 
river, was buried, it is said, by the side of Mr. Black- 
stone. Is it not probable that his wife is also buried 
at the same place ? 

The spot on which he lived has returned to its orig- 
inal state of nature. Sixty years ago, or more, a 
heavy growth of timber-trees was cut from this hill, 
and its surface is now thickly covered with young and 
thrifty wood. Oaks of a hundred years have grown 
on the garden of Blackstone! 

The name, it is said, is not common in Eughmd. 
No one has succeeded in tracing his connections in 



2 Everything in relation to Blackstone is interesting to the public. I 
have, therefore, been minute in this description. 

It could uever have occurred to liim who, to avoid the notice of men, 
sought the shades of solitude, that future ages would take so deep an 
interest in his history, that he would be an object of minute research to 
the antiquarian, and that every circumstance connected with his life 
whicli could be rescued from the hand of oblivion would be sought out 
with so much avidity ! 

3 The river, within forty years past, has enlarged its channel at this 
place, and now washes the very base of the hill, as if attracted to the 
spot by a gniteful remembrance of him who first sought its banks and 
loved its stream, and whose honored name it now bears. The margin 
of the river was formerly three rods, at least, west from the hill. The 
excavations for the railroad have also destroyed its original shape. 



520 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



his native land, or finding his l^irthplace. But I have 
found the following memoranda in one of the ancient 
local histories of England: 

John Blaxton, vicar of Osmington, in Dorset, 1621. 
In 1650, Mr. John Blaxton incumbent, and had been 
so twenty-eight years. He was the author of the fol- 
lowing work, published in 1634 : " The English 
Usurer ; or. Usury condemned by the most learned 
and famous Divines of the Church of England. Col- 
lected by John Blaxton, Preacher of God's Word at 
Osmington, in Dorsetshire. 

"London: Printed by John Norton, and are to be 
sold by Francis Bowman in Oxford, 1634." 

" In 1650-52, John Blaxton, the vicar, had an aug- 
mentation out of Lord Peter's impropriation here." 

There was a Samuel Blaxton, June 5, 1GG2. — Hatch- 
ins' Dorsetshire, vol. i. p. 432. 

They were cotemporary with our Blackstone. What 
connection, if any, did they bear to him ? 

The first settlement within the bounds of the pre- 
sent town of Attleborough was in the neighborhood 
of the Baptist meeting-house, where Hatch's tavern 
now stands. It was commenced by Mr. John Wood- 
cock and his sons soon after the first division in 1669. 
Here he built a public-house on the Bay road, and 
laid out lands to the amount of about three hundred 
acres, which afterwards made an excellent farm. At 
this time and subsequently he took up, in several 
parts of the town, about six hundred acres,' part on 
his own shares and the rest on rights which he pur- 
chased of Roger Amidowne, James Redeway, Andrew 
Willett, etc. 

His house was occupied for a garrison. It was 
licensed in 1670, according to the following recoi-d : 

"July 5, 1670. John Woodcock is allowed by the 
court to kee|j an ordinary at the Ten-Mile River (so 
called), which is in the way from Rehoboth to the 
Bay, and likewise enjoined to keep good order, that 
no unruliness or ribaldry be permitted there." — Old 
Col. Rec. 

His name first appears in the Rehoboth records the 
28th 4th month, 1647, when he bought the lands 
of Edward Patterson. He was admitted a freeman 
of that town May 14, 1673. 

Woodcock was a man of some consideration in 
those days, his name frequently appearing in town 
offices and on committees. June 2, 1691, he was 
chosen deputy to the General Court from Rehoboth, 
and at several other times. He was shrew-d, hardy, 
fearless, and adventurous, a character just suited to 
the times in which he lived, and the circumstances 
in which he was placed. 

He held Indian rights in very low estimation. On 
one occasion he took the liberty of pai/hig himself a. 
debt due to him from a neighboring Indian without 



^ A part of this was on Bungay River (where Bishop's shop lately 
stood), which he conveyed to liis sou Jonathan, with the saw-mill there- 
on standing. 



the consent of the debtor, or the intervention of 
judge, jury, or sheriflf, for which achievement he re- 
ceived the following sentence from the court, an 
example of the rigid justice of the Puritans : 

" 1654. John Woodcock, of Rehoboth, for going 
into an Indian house and taking away an Indian 
child and some goods in lieu of a debt the Indian 
owed him, was sentenced to set in the stocks at 
Rehoboth an hour on a training day, and to pay a 
fine of forty shillings." — Old Col. Rec. Court Orders, 
Book Sd. 

Woodcock had two wives, — Sarah, who died in 
May, 1686, and a second one, Joanna, who survived 
him. He had a large family of children, some, if 
not all, of whose names I have ascertained (Ihough 
no record of them is preserved on the books), viz., 
John, Israel, Nathaniel (killed by the Indians), Jon- 
athan, Thomas, and at least three daughters, — one, 
married to Thomas Esterbrook ; one, to Samuel 
Guild ; and another, Deborah, to Benjamin Onion, 
May 24, 1683. There were two others of this name 
supposed to be children of John Woodcock, viz. : 
Alice, married to Baruck Bucklin, and Mary, mar- 
ried to Jonathan Freeman. There was also a Sarah 
Woodcock, who married Alexander Bolkcom. 

John Woodcock, Sr., died Oct. 20, 1^01, having 
arrived at a very advanced age, in spite of the many 
attempts which had been made by the Indians to de- 
stroy him. It is said that after his death the scars of 
seven bullet-holes were counted on his body. He 
was an inveterate and implacable enemy to the In- 
dians, the cause of which will hereafter appear in the 
notice of some events in Philip's war. In encounters 
with them on several occasions he ran imminent risks 
of his life. He was foremost in all enterprises the 
object of which was the destruction of the Indians. 
He was a very useful man as a pioneer in the dangers 
of a new settlement, being cunning in contrivance, 
and bold and active in execution. 

Woodcock's garrison^ was a well-known rendez- 
vous during the Indian wars. It was one in a chain 
of fortifications extending from Boston to Rhode 
Island. There was one in Boston ; one in Dedham, 
at Ames' corner; Woodcock's, in this place; one at 
Rehoboth,' now^ Seekonk ; one, it is said, at Swansea ; 
and another at Newport, on the island ; and perhaps 
others in the intermediate spaces. 

Woodcock's was a famous station in those early 
times. The armies of the colony frequently halted 
at his garrison in their marches. It was on the route 
to Narragansett from Boston, in Philip's war. On 
one occasion, Dec. 9, 1675, six companies of foot, 
commanded by Maj. Appleton, numbering four hun- 



- This was probably the only house (excepting immediate neighbor's) 
on the *' Bay road," between Rehoboth and Dedham, though this was 
then the main mad froiii Rhode Island, Bristol, and Rehoboth to 
Boston. 

■* Situated in the centre of the Great Plains, on the borders of which 
:tlie firet settlements were principally located. 



ATTLEBOBOUGH. 



521 



dred and sixty-five, and a company of horse under 
Capt. Prentiss, about five liundred in all, a large 
array for those days (of course marching down the 
" Oulde Bay Road"), and reached Woodcock's in the 
night, and there rested till the next afternoon, and 
then marched on to Seekonk, where they met the 
army of Plymouth Colony, under Gen. Winslow, 
where the two forces were united and moved on their 
way to the great Narragansett fight. The M.assachu- 
setts forces must have rendezvoused at Woodcock's 
on their return. 

This stand, which is lately owned and occupied by 
Col. Hatch, is the oldest in the county of Bristol, a 
public-house having been kept on the spot without 
intermission from July 5, 1670, to this time, June, 
1833, during a period of one hundred and sixty-three 
years. It is situated on the Boston and Providence 
turnpike. I have been at considerable pains to as- 
certain the names of several owners in succession, 
and the times at which they purchased, some brief 
notices of which may be interesting to the reader. 

It was established by John Woodcock, as already 
related, in 1670, the land having been laid out and 
cleared by him for the purpose. He occupied it 
about twenty-three years. 

Feb. 17, 1693-94. John Woodcock, Sr., of Reho- 
both (with Joanna his wife), for £390 money in hand 
received conveys to John Devotion, of "Muddy 
River, formerly of Boston," a tract of land contain- 
ing two hundred and ten acres, being "at a place 
commonly called Ten-Mile River by a highway 
called Wrentham Lane," etc., " with the mansion 
or dwelling-house, barn, and all other out-housing 
and buildings (the smith's shop only excepted stand- 
ing on the river) ;' also about thirty acres lying on 
northwest side the country road formerly given to his 
son John Woodcock, bounded by Ten-JIile River, 
etc., with his son's dwelling-house and barn on the 
same." " John Devotion took quiet possession of the 
same, April 9, 1694, in presence of Nathaniel Brent- 
nall, William Chaplain. "- 

Woodcock laid out the ancient burying-ground 
near his house. In the above-mentioned conveyance 
is the following reservation : " Except a small parcel 
of at least six rods square, or the contents thereof, 
for a burying-place, in which my wife and several of 
my children and neighbors are interred, with liberty 
for my children and neighbors to come upon and make 
use thereof forever as occasion mav be."^ 



^ A shnp now stands on tlie same spot. 

- lu this conveyance to Devotion is the following curious item : " also, 
all the said John Woodcock his right to and privilege in a house and 
pasture at W'renthaui fur accommodation of his family and horses on 
Sabbath days and other public times, as occasion may be." 

Previous to Ids removal he had a house at Rehoboth for a similar pur- 
pose. From this and other records it appears that he and his family 
were very attentive to public worship. 

3 This is the oldest graveyard in the town, where the first settlers are 
buried. It is situated on the easterly side of the road opposite the 
hotel. The first interment in this place was that of Nathaniel AVood- 



John Devotion occupied the premises more than 
seventeen years. He left no descendants here, and 
after selling his estate removed to Wethersfield, after- 
wards to Suflield.* His wife's name was Hannah. 

July 10, 1711. John Devotion, for four hundred 
pounds money paid, conveys the said farm (contain- 
ing two hundred and eighty acres, more or less) to 
John Daggett, of Chilmark, in Dukes County, 
Martha's Vineyard (thefirst of that name who settled 
in this town), with twenty-five acres on Nine-Mile 
Run. Also, one whole share in the undivided lands 
in Attleborough. 

April 16, 1722. John Daggett, for five hundred and 
fifty pounds, sells the same to Alexander Maxcy, 
" being his homestead, containing one hundred and 
seventy acres in two parts on the Ten-Mile Run, etc., 
at a place called Mount Hope Hill."^ The said 
Maxcy died in about a year after this purchase. At 
the division of his estate (1730) the establishment 
passed into the hands of his oldest son, Josiah Maxcy. 
After his death, in 1772 (if not before), it came into 
the possession of his son Levi Maxcy, who occupied 
it till about 1880, when he sold it to Col. Israil Hatch. 

The old garrison house was torn down in 1806, and 
a large and elegant building erected on the s2-)ot, fifty- 
eight by sixty feet, three stories high.^ It thus ap- 
pears that the first building erected on the place stood 
one hundred and thirty-six years. A great part of 
the timber was said to be perfectly sound, pierced, 
however, by man}' a bullet received in Philip's war. 
A relic of this house, it is said, was preserved in the 
archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 

Several families settled near Mr. Blackstone's seat 
soon after, if not previous, to the war. 

Another early settlement was at the Falls (so 
called), now the Falls Factories. The natural ad- 
vantages of a fine fall of w'ater attracted the settlers 
to the spot. The banks of rivers were generally se- 
lected by the first occupants on account of the " nat- 
ural meadows" which they afforded, and which were 
highly valued at a time when the face of the country 
was covered with forests. 

The first person who laid out lands at the latter 
place (as near as can be ascertained from the records) 
was John Daggett, of Rehoboth, who, in October, 
1677, sold fifty acres of it to his brother, Thomas 

cock, who was killed by the Indians in Philip's war May, 1676, and was 
buried on the spot where he fell, which is still pointed out in the centre 
of the graveyard. This cemetery is now iu a state of dilapidation, many 
of the stones have fallen down, and the wluile is going rapidly to decay. 
It is the duty of that neighborhood or the town (a duty which gratitude 
demands) to see the ground decently inclosed and the stones erected, 
that the few memorials which now exist of our early ancestry may be 
preserved, 

* He had a son, John Devotion, a school-master, -living in Swansea in 
1716. 

* So called to this day. 

6 The origimd building only was taken down; an addition, built at an 
early period, was moved a little back, whore it stood in 1730, "cnrved 
o'er with many a long-forgotten name.'" A small remnant, one room, of 
the old garrison might then be seen adjoining the wood-house. 



522 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Daggett, of Martha's Vineyard. Edward HalP also 
at an early period owned fifty acres here, which he 
gave by will to his son John, and lie sold it to John 
Stevenson and Samuel Penfield ; the latter sold it in 
1686 to Thomas Daggett, of Edgartown, and Joseph 
and Nathaniel Daggett,'^ of Rehoboth. This was the 
land immediately around the Falls including the 
privilege. The first mill built there was a " corn-mill," 
owned or occupied by the above-named Joseph Dag- 
gett, at what time is not known. This was doubtless 
the first mill in town. March 30, 1703, the town 
voted that Jos. Daggett, of Rehoboth, have the priv- 
ilege " that the stream at the Ten-Mile River Falls 
shall go free of all sorts of taxes until a corn-mill 
has the constant custom of three-score families, and 
if a saw-mill be built, that to bear his equal share in 
public charges in said town." 

Thomas Butler' also laid out land near the mill. 

The southeast corner of the town was early inhab- 
ited by people from Rehoboth. The borders of the 
Bay road, which passed through the neighborhood of 
Newell's and the city, were occupied by some of the 
first settlers. This was the main route from Bristol 
to Boston, and was the first road in town. 

Proceedings of the Proprietors,— The proprietors 
of the Rehoboth North Purchase soon became a dis- 
tinct body from the town, and kept separate books. 
It may be proper to detail some of the transac- 
tions of the proprietors, which will throw light on 
our early history, and give a view of the difficulties 
which they had to encounter in the settlement. 

The proprietors' books commence in 1672. Previous 
to this their proceedings were recorded in the Reho- 
both town books. A certain company (consisting of 
inhabitants of Rehoboth) purchased, as already ap- 
pears, a certain tract of land of the Indians, through 
their agent, and the title was confirmed by the gov- 
ernment,' which tract was called the Rehoboth North 
Purchase. There were eighty-two purchasers or share- 
holders, seventy-six of whom had whole shares, and 
six half shares, making seventy-niue whole shares.* 
They called meetings, and from time to time granted 
divisions of so many acres to a share, which were laid 
out to the shareholders by metes and bounds, by a com- 
mittee and surveyor chosen for the purpose, under such 
regulations and instructions as were established by the 
company and were recorded by the clerk iu the pro- 
prietors' books. This constituted a valid right to the 
lands so recorded. In this way all the original titles 
to land in this region were obtained. A transfer of 

I Then of Keboboth, previously of Taunton, .^^dmitted a freeman of 
Massachusetts May 2, 1638. One Jolm Hall was admitted Slay 14, 1634, 
anil aiiotlier May 6, 163,"i. Edward had seven children,— John, burn be- 
fore liis fatlier came to Relic.hoth; Samuel, Jeremiah, Thomas, Pre- 
served, Andrew, Benjamin, from 1656 to 166S. 

■ The last two were the sons of John Daggett, the fil-st of Behoboth. 

3 There were three of the name of Butler in town. 

* No ]>urcha8e of Indian lands was valid without the grant or confir- 
mation of the government. 

^ What consideration waa paid fur tlie purchase does not appear. 



1 a share might be made by deed, a record of the sale 
i being entered in the proprietors' books ; or, a person 
I might obtain a title to lands by purchasing of a pro- 
prietor a right to lay out a certain number of acres 
in a division already granted, which' would be recorded 
to him in the same manner as to the original owner. 
j The grant was first made to such inhabitants of 
; Rehoboth as held a fifty pounds estate and upwards, 
they having made the purchase; but in 1670 all who 
were then inhabitants of that town were admitted as 
proprietors by entering their names, as appears by the 
following extract from a court order passed Oct. 7, 1670. 
'■ Whereas, the lands on the northerly side of Re- 
hoboth, now sold by deed and passed over to the pro- 
prietors of that town, viz., to all that hold lands there 
from a fifty pounds estate and upwards; yet by mutual 
(ij/reemetit amoiiffsf f/ieiiiselves all the inhabitants were 
takeu in to be joint purchasers, it is determined that 
the names of such as were not comprehended in the 
above-mentioned deed shall be entered in their town 
records and in the public records of the colony, to be, 
if they desire it, as full and equal purchasers and 
proprietors in those lands as the rest." 

These lands were at first exempted from full taxa- 
tion " to accommodate the poorer sort with land, and 
yet so as not to oppress them as much otherwise." 
The court ordered " that all the north lands, both 
farms and else," should be taxed in a rate separate 
from the town of Rehoboth, and should pay thirty 
shillings iu a £40 rate to the colony, and in the same 
proportion in the ministerial and other charges, 
"until the court shall see cause otherwise to di.spose 
concerning them, until which time they shall be and 
remain within the constablerick of the township of 
Rehoboth." Oct. 7, 1670. 

The proprietors sometimes exercised legislative 
powers, which were, however, to some extent, author- 
ized by statute. 

June 10, 1707. Voted that all who have lands laid 
out in the North Purchase, and have not renewed 
their bounds since the 1st of March last, shall, be- 
tween this date and the last of September next, re- 
new the same, or forfeit the sum of ten shil/ings, to be 
recovered as a debt due, the one-half to the informer and 
the other half to the proprietors, any one of whom are 
authorized to prosecute this act. 

At the same meeting it was ordered that all the 
timber cut on the undivided lands should be forth- 
with seized, and a committee was appointed to hear 
and determine by what right it was cut, and if found 
without good right, then to take the methods of the 
law in that case provided. 

Sept. 16, 1707. Voted that the committee, with the 
surveyor, shall lay out all needful highways for the 
pro]5rietors in said purchase, and make restitution to 
persons whose lands are taken for this purpose in any 
of the undivided lands.* 

^ A large proportion of the highwaysof this town were laid out by the 
proprietors, accompanied by the selectmen. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



523 



November, 1708. The proprietors chose a commit- 
tee to look after the northerly bounds of their pur- 
chase. At this time commenced the long and tedious 
contest about the northern boundary of the purchase, 
which was the Old Colony line. The subject was 
discussed at every meeting, and committees often 
appointed to devise means of protecting the rights 
of the purchasers. Petitions were sent to the Gen- 
eral Court, counsel were employed to defend their 
rights, and finally a petition and an agent were sent 
to England. 

July 21, 1714. Voted that two acres of land on the 
hill before Mr. David Freeman's, where the burying- 
place now is, shall be laid out for a buryiug-place for 
Attleborough. This is the graveyard near the vil- 
lage called the city. 

June 13, 1717. Voted unanimously that Col. Na- 
thaniel Paine, Esq., Mr. Richard Waterman, Esq., 
Lieut. Anthony Sprague, Mr. Daniel Jenks, and Mr. 
Daniel Smith be a committee to see to the northerly 
bounds, hereby giving them full power to act in all 
respects in behalf of the whole propriety concerning 
running the line between Attleborough, Wrentham, 
and Dedham, where it ought lawfully to be stated 
according to our purchase deed. 

July 14, 1717. The committee were authorized to 
defend all suits of law that may be commenced by 
any person or persons against the propriety, and to 
empower any attorney or attorneys that may be need- 
ful for advice, and further to commence any action or 
actions that they may think proper for the benefit of 
the said propriety. 

Nov. 2, 1720. Voted that the former committee 
still proceed with their petitions, even until they 
send to England about the right of our northern line 
(if they cannot be heard in our own government), 
and that the expense be paid by the proprietors 
according to their several interests. 

Voted that one hundred acres of undivided land 
be sold to defray the expenses of defending the 
northern line.' 

Feb. 21, 1726-27. Voted that any person or per- 
sons who will sue for our rights in the land chal- 
lenged by Dorchester or Stoughton, Wrentham and 
Bellingham, and to the south of Nathan Wood- 
ward and Salomon Sail'rey's line, and on the north 
of the town, and all that part that lietli within their 
challenge, shall have the fourth part of said tract of 
land if they recover it to the use of the propriety. 
Maj. Leonard, Esq., Capt. John Foster, and Ensign 
Daniel Peck appeared in said meeting and accepted 
the offer. 

.Tune .J, 1727. At this meeting a petition in rhyme 
was presented by one Joshua Barrows,' at that time a 
well-known extempore rhymster, of whose productions 

1 At a subsequent meetiog, iu 1752, the clerk was authorized to sell to 
any of the proprietors seveuty-uine and oue-luilf acres of undivided land 
flf eu]}it ehitUngs lawful money per acre. 

^ He is said to have been entirely illiterate. 



many specimens are still remembered, and of whose 
wit and eccentricity tradition has preserved numerous 
anecdotes. He seems to have suffered the common 
fate of poets, poverty. His petition is recorded at 
length in the proprietors' books, which is transcribed 
merely for the amusement of the reader: 

" Your Honors now I do implore 
To read my poor petition; 
I bope your hearts will open be 
To pity uiy condition. 

" Ten acres of the common land 

I pray that yon would j:ive, 
Then thankful I will l.e to you 
As long as I do live. 

" Such a kindness, I must confess, 
From yon T don*t deserve; 
But when in health I freely work, — 
Why should you let me starve? 

" From day to day my daily bread 
I get it by my sweat ; 
But, to my sorrow, I beg and borrow 
"When sickness doth me let. 

" No more in rhyme here at this time. 
No more I have at band, 
And so I'll end, your faithful friend, 
And servant to command, — 

"Joshua BAiiRowa. 
"Attleborough, June 5. 1727." 

The prayer of this petition our good-natured fore- 
fathers could not resist. " Upon the hearing of the 
aforesaid petition of Joshua Barrows there were sun- 
dry persons in said meeting, which were proprietors, 
which gave him land to take up upon their rights,^ 
their names are as followeth," etc., — making in the 
whole thirteen acres which were laid out and recorded 
to him. 

It appears, from the report of a committee that an 
agent was actually employed in England to defend 
their boundaries. In their account are the following 

items: 

£ «. rf. 

Paid for silver money to send to Etiglanrl 21 17 6 

Paid to Nath. Brown for carrying the money to Boston to send 

to England 2 2 6 

To e-xpense at Providence, when botli committees met there 
to wait on Governor Jencks, and writing to send to England 
after Jiis return from England, etc 17 6 

Jan. 3, 1750-51. Chose Col. Thomas Bowen, Maj. 
John Foster, and Capt. Samuel Tyler a committee, 
fully empowering them to prepare a petition praying 
the General Court that some effectual method may be 
taken for the perfecting of a straight line' from the 
middle of Accord Pond (so called) westward to that 
station which is three English miles south of the 

3 The cause of dispute was an angle in the Old Colony line, which is 
said to have originated in this way : The commissioners who were ap- 
pointed in 1640 by the two culonics to run the line between tlieui com- 
menced at a rock called Bound Rock in tlie toiddle of Accord Pond, 
which is in the line between Scituato and Cohassett (once part of lling- 
ham I, intending to reach by a straight line the most northerly point of 
Plymouth Colony, on the easterly lino of Rhode Island, but when they 
had arrived witliiu about three miles they discovered that their course 
would cany them far to the south of the intended point. Instead of 
rectifying the whole line, they made an angle and took a new course so 
far norlh as to reach the trtie point. .At this turn stood a large oak- 
tree, marked, which was called Anglo Tree. A large stone monument 
has been since erected on the spot by Attleborough and Wrentham. 



52i 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



southernmost part of Charles River, agreeable to a 
settlement made by the government of New Plymouth 
and the Massachusetts in the year 1640. 

Sept. 26, 1751. Made choice of James Otis, of 
Boston, and John Foster, of Attleborough, Esqs., a 
committee, in addition to Benjamin Day and Nathan- 
iel Smith (chosen at a former meeting.), to present a 
petition about to be heard at the General Court at 
their next session, and to pursue said petition until 
it is fully determined by said court, and to petition 
anew, if need be, to have the line settled on the 
northerly part of our purchase. 

May 19, 1752. Chose a committee and gave them 
full power to eject any person or persons out of the 
possession of those lands they have possessed them- 
selves of within the North Purchase grant without 
the consent of the proprietors, as also full power to 
sue and pursue any action brought for the purpose to 
final judgment and execution. 

May 27, 1764. The committees of Rehoboth North 
Purchase and Taunton North Purchase entered into 
an agreement to commence actions of ejectment 
against persons who had intruded upon their respec- 
tive purchases, the costs to be borne equally by the 
two proprieties. 

Divisions of land in the North Purchase have been 
made among the proprietors at different times as 
follows : 

1. A division of 50 acres to a share granted March 18, 1G68-9 

2. " " 50 acres to a sliare was granted Feb. 18, 168-4 

3. " " 50 acres, in 2 parts, 25 acres each, Oct. 31, 1GE)9 

4. " 

5. " 

6. " 
7. 
8. 
9. 

10. " 

11. 

12. 

13. 

The most valuable parts of this purchase were taken 
up by these divisions many years since. A small but 
broken and unproductive remnant of this lanfl yet 
remains common and undivided on Cutting's Plain, 
on the road from East Attleborough to Wrentham. 

From their records and the extracts which have 
been made it appears that the proprietors made their 
own regulations, gave their own titles to lands, and, 
in fact, enacted all their laws relative to the owner- 
ship and the original conveyance of lands included 
in their purchases. 

Names of the Clerks of (he Propriety. 

William Carpenter, Jr., chosen May 17, 1682, 

Daniel Smith, 

Noah Carpenter, 

John Robbins, Jr., 

John Daggett, 

Ebenezer Daggett, 
continued till his death, March 4, 1832. 
gett chosen May 10, 1833 



50 acres in 


2 lotments, 


1703 


50 acres 


was granted 


June 10, 1707 


60 " 




" 


July 21, 1714 


20 " 




" 


Feb. 21, 1726-7 


10 " 




" 


April 14,1735 


3 " 






April 4, 1760 


2 " 






1793 


2 " 






1801 


1 " 






1820 


1 " 






May 10, 1833 



May 


31, 


1703, 


' Apri 


23 


1724, 


' May 


1, 


1752, 


' Dec. 


9, 


1763, 


' July 


1, 


1793, and 


4, 1832. 


Lucas Dag- 



CHAPTER XLI. 

ATTLEBOROUait.—( Coh(/h»«/.) 

Indian AVar — Pierce's Fight; or, Battle on the'Blackstone — Nine Men's 
Misery — Threatened Attack on Wrentliani. 

Indian War. — The few events connected with this 
war which occurred here should not be omitted in the 
history of the town. 

The peaceful regions which we now inhabit once 
resounded with the shrill and terrible war-whoop of 
the Indian. These fields and woods, these hills and 
vales were once trod by the wild hunters of the forest. 
They were the domains of another race of men, who 
have long since passed away, and are known only by 
the brief histories and scattered relics which their 
conquerors have preserved. ' But whatever relates to 
them is interesting. They were distinguished by 
many peculiarities. They had their savage vices, but 
possessed at the same time their savage virtues. They 
were hardy, bold, and warlike. 

The most important and critical period in the his- 
tory of the colony was the Indian war of 1675-76. 
This was a gloomy and fearful period to these infant 
settlements. The hour of their destruction seemed 
to be drawing nigh. They were a scattered people, 
spreading over a wide extent of territory, peculiarly 
exposed in their lives and property to Indian depre- 
dations. The approaching contest required all the 
patience, fortitude, and courage which men are ever 
called to exercise. They had to contend against fear- 
ful odds. Nearly all the New England tribes, em- 
bracing many thousand warriors, had combined for 
their destruction, guided by the matchless genius of 
a chief versed in all the arts of savage warfare. It 
was a war of extermination, a contest for victory in 
which there was no quarter, no mercy. 

In April, 1676, the Indians, having suffered several 
severe defeats in a body, adopted a new mode of war- 
fare, and dispersed themselves in small parties over 
the country, burning, killing, and destroying wher- 
ever opportunity offered. Among other outrages they 
attacked Woodcock's garrison, " killed one man and 
one of Woodcock's sons, and wounded another, and 
burnt the son's house." Some circumstances con- 
nected with this event appear to have been accurately 
preserved by tradition, from which and other sources 
are gathered the following particulars: 

His sons were at work in a cornfield near the house. 
The Indians, concealed in a wood ' adjoining the field, 
approached to its borders and suddenly fired upon 
them. The workmen fled to the garrison, leaving the 
dead body on the field. The Indians, to gratify their 
spite against the family, cut off the son's head, stuck 
it on a long pole which they set up on a hill at 
some distance in front of the house and in full view 
of the family, to aggravate their feelings as much as 



1 Now the meadow on the east of the tin iitiilve below the bridge. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



525 



possible. From this time Woodcock swore never to 
make peace witli the Indians. He ever after hunted 
them like wild beasts. He was a man of resolute and 
determined character, and tradition says that not a 
few fell victims to his vengeance and a sacrifice to the 
manes of his murdered son. 

This attack was in April. The body of his son 
(whose name was Nathaniel) was buried on the spot 
where he fell, nearly in the centre of the yard, which 
has ever since been reserved for a burying-ground. 

This attack was in all probability between the date 
of Pierce's fight, Mareli 26th, and April 26, 167G, and 
after the attack on Wrentham, when the town was 
burnt. 

His son Nathaniel, as already mentioned, and a son- 
in-law were killed, and one of his sons was severely 
wounded by several bullets in both shoulders. Six 
garrison soldiers who were stationed there had been 
suddenly withdrawn, leaving him dependent upon his 
own resources, and in great danger from these roving 
Indians. There were only fourteen persons living in 
Woodcock's settlement at the time, consisting of his 
sons and daughters and sons-in-law, and including 
two or three others, and probably a man by the name 
of Rocket, whose signature as a witness appears on 
several instruments, was one of them. 

Under these circumstances Woodcock applies to 
the authorities for aid and protection from both colo- 
nies. In his account he refers to his own losses, and 
to the damage which Wrentham had already sus- 
tained by an attack of the Indians. His statements 
must be regarded as authentic and true, while they 
correct some mistakes of early historians. Ancient 
accounts fix the date in May. He entreats the gov- 
ernment to send him a surgeon to dress the wounds 
of his son, and thiuks it might be safe for him if he 
come in the night-time; and he also begged that they 
would send him half a dozen soldiers to man his gar- 
rison and supply the place of the six soldiers who had 
been stationed there before, but had been suddenly 
withdrawn. These were certainly perilous times. 

Pierce's Fight. — This town was the scene of one 
of the most severe, bloody, and fatal battles fought 
during the war. It took place on Sunday, March 26, 
1676, in that part which is now Cumberland, R. I., 
near the Blackstone River. The spot is still pointed 
out. 

The government of Plymouth, fearing that their 
settlements would be again attacked after so many 
outrages had been committed in Massachusetts, or- 
dered out a company for their defense, consisting of 
sixty-three Englishmen and twenty Cape Indians,' 

1 This account tliffers in some respects from that given by Cliurcti, 
who states that there were only fifty wiiite^ * and twenty Oape Itidian^. 
I have relied, for tlie most of tlie particulai-s in tliiH description, on a 
"Continued Account of the Bloody Indian War from Marcii till .\ugnst, 
1676," now in the hands of Mr. S. G. Diake, Boston. It was published 



* But as tifty-two English were killed, according to Newman's account, 
there must have been more in the battle. 



under the command of Capt. Michael Pierce, of Sci- 
[ tuate. He immediately marched in pursuit of the 
' enemy, who were supposed to be in the vicinity. He 
rendezvoused at the garrison in Rehoboth on Satur- 
I day night. The next day, "having intelligence 
in his garrison at Seaconicke that a party of the 
enemy lay near Mr. Blackstone's, he went forth with 
sixty-three English and twenty Cape Indians," and 
soon discovered four or five Indians in a piece of 
woods, who pretended to be lame and wounded, but 
proved to be decoys to lead the whites into ambuscade, 
for they soon discovered five hundred more of the 
enemy. Pierce, though aware of their superiority of 
numbers, courageously pursued them, when they 
began to retreat slowly; but there soon appeared 
another company of four hundred Indians, who were 
now able completely to surround him. A party of 
the enemy were stationed on the opposite side of the 
river to prevent the English crossing; they were thus 
attacked in front and rear by an overwhelming force. 
Thus all chance of retreat and all hope of escape was 
cut oflT. This was a most trying moment. But there 
was no flinching, no quailing. Each one knew that 
in all human probability he must die on that field, 
and that, too, under the most appalling circumstances, 
— by the hand of a merciless enemy who sought their 
extermination. But bravely and nobly did they sub- 
mit to their fate. Each one resolved to do his duty 
and sell his life at the dearest rate. At such a time 
the awful war-whoop of the Indian would have sent 
a thrill of terror fo the hearts of any but brave men. 
At this critical juncture Capt. Pierce made an exceed- 
ingly judicious movement. He formed his men into 
a circle, back to back, with four spaces between each 
man, thus enlarging the circle to its greatest extent, 
presenting a front to the enemy in every direction, 
and necessarily scattering their fire over a greater 
surface, whilst the Indians stood in a deep circle, one 
behind another, forming a compact mass, and present- 
ing a front where every shot must take effect.' He 
thus made a brave resistance for two hours (all the 
while keeping the enemy at a distance and his own 
men in perfect order), and kept up a constant and 
destructive fire upon the Indians. But no courage or 
skill could prevail in such an unequal contest or 
longer resist such a force.' At last, overpowered by 
numbers, Capt Pierce and fifty-five English and ten 
Cape Indians were slain on the spot, " which in such 

in London the same year, and contains a minute and apparently accurate 
detail of this battle and many of tlie other important events of the war. 
Tlie work consists of a serieeof lei ters written by a gentleman in Boston 
to his friend in London, and published from time to time as they were 
received. One volume (the above mentioned), containing three or four 
letters, ha-s been lately discovered, and was never reprinted in this 
country. 

2 In the words of the account just referred to, "Capt. Pierce cast his 
men into a ring and fought back to back, and were double-double dis- 
tance all in one ring, whilst the Indians were as thick as they could 
stand thirty deep." 

•'' Canonchet, a Narragausett chief, comuianded in this battle. He was 
soon after laken prisoner and executed. 



J26 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



a cause and upon such disadvantage may certainly 
be styled the bed of honor." But this victory was 
gained at a great sacrifice. The Indians lost as many 
(not counting women and children) as in the great 
swamp-fight at Narragansett, which were computed 
at over three hundred. 

An important letter, written the day after the bat- 
tle, has been of late years discovered in the Library 
of the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester, 
from Rev. Noah Newman, the minister of Rehoboth 
at that time, to Rev. John Cotton, of Plymouth, in 
which he gives some facts about the movements of 
Capt. Pierce, and a list of the killed. It appears 
from his statement that of Pierce's company fifty- 
two English and eleven Cape Indians were slain. It 
is stated tliat he went out with a small party of his 
men and Indians from t!ie garrison at Seekonk to 
reconnoitre, and found the enemy and attacked him, 
and supposed he had damaged him. But being so 
few with him he thought it prudent to retreat, and 
go out next day with a recruit of men. He returned 
to the settlement in Rehoboth, and the next morn- 
ing, the fatal day, he marched out to attack the 
enemy, taking pilots with him from Rehoboth, who 
were acquainted with the ground. Probably there 
were some volunteers from Rehoboth on the day of 
the fight. 

The following is the list of names of Pierce's men 
contained in this letter : " From Scituate, eighteen, 
of whom fourteen were slain, viz. : Capt. Pierce, 
Samuel Russell, Benjamin Chittenden, John Loth- 
rope, Gershom Dodson, Samuel Pratt, Thomas Savary, 
Joseph Wade, William Welcome, Jeremiah Bar- 
stow, John Ensign, Joseph Cowin, Joseph Perry, 
John Rose. Marshfield, nine slain, — Thomas Little, 
John Eames, Joseph White, John Burrows, Joseph 
Phillips, Samuel Bump, John Low More, John Brance. 
Duxbury, four slain, — John Sprayen, Benjamin Soul, 
Thomas Hunt, Joshua Fobes. Sandwich, five slain, 
— Benjamin Nye, Daniel Bessey, Caleb Blake, Job 
Gibbs, Stephen Wing. Barnstable, sis slain, — Lieut. 

Fuller, John Lewis, Eleazer , Samuel Linnel, 

Samuel Childs, Samuel Benman. Yarmouth, five 
slain, — John Mathews, John Gage, William Gage, 
Henry Gage, Henry Gold. Easthani, four slain, — 

Joseph Nesselfield, John Walker, John M. (torn 

off). Rehoboth,— John Fitch, Jr., John Miller, Jr.," 
and doubtless contained two other names, Jolin Read, 
Jr., and Benjamin Buckland, as they were entered 
on Rehoboth records as slain on that day. 

Thomas Man is returned with a sore wound. 

This was the sorest defeat which the colony of Ply- 
mouth suffered during the war, and caused great dis- 
tress everywhere, for the numbers lost amounted to 
about to about one-third of their regular force. Ac- 
cording to Church, not a single white man returned 
from this bloody and fatal battle-field. 

As soon as the Rehoboth people received informa- 
tion of the dangerous situation of Capt. Pierce and 



his men, they despatched a company to his assistance, 
who arrived in season only to perform the last offices 
to the dead bodies of their countrymen. 

The courage and resolution displayed on this occa- 
sion deserve commendation. These brave soldiers 
were entitled to the gratitude of the colony, for whose 
defense they had thus sacrified their lives. They 
were taken by surprise, and completely surrounded 
by a force ten times their superior. Pierce was a 
bold and adventurous man — fear formed no part of 
his character. His men partook of his courage. 
They pushed forward, perhaps imprudently, and thus 
fell into the snare which their enemy had prepared 
for them. Considering the numbers engaged, it was 
doubtless the most warmly and closely contested of 
all the engagements which took place during that 
eventful period between the white and the red men. 
Nearly four hundred were killed on both sides. His- 
tory has recorded, with applause, every feat of brav- 
ery, when performed on a more conspicuous station, 
whilst it has often overlooked the humble though 
equally meritorious exploit. It requires more true 
courage to die on such a field, with such a foe, than 
on the plains of Waterloo, amid the " pomp and cir- 
cumstance of glorious war." 

The following adventure, in which " Old AVood- 
cock" was engaged, is abridged from a communica- 
tion in the Massachusetts Historical Collection, fur- 
nished by the research of the late Dr. Mann, formerly 
of Wrentham. It rests upon the authority of tradi- 
tion, but appears to be well authenticated. 

A man by the name of Rocket, in searching for a 
stray horse, discovered a train of forty-two Indians 
about sunset; from their appearance he suspected 
they intended to attack the settlement at Wrentham 
the next morning, after the men had dispersed to their 
work ; he therefore followed them, secretly, till they 
halted for the night, when he hastily returned to the 
settlement and gave notice to the inhabitants. A 
consultation was held, at which it was agreed to at- 
tack the Indians early the next morning. A com- 
pany of thirteen, under the command of Capt. Ware, 
was hastily collected from Wrentham and the vicinity, 
who, having secured the women and children and the 
infirm in the garrison, set out for the Indian encamp- 
ment where, they arrived just before daylight, and 
were posted within a short distance, with orders to 
reserve their fire till the enemy began to decamp. 

Between daylight and sunrise the Indians suddenly 
rose from their resting-places, when, upon a signal 
given, a general discharge was made, which threw 
them into the utmost consternation. Some, in their 
confusion, while attempting to escape, leaped down a 
precipice of rocks from ten to twenty feet in height; 
some of the fugitives were overtaken and slain. Two 
of them, who were closely pursued, attempted to con- 
ceal themselves in Mill Brook, where they were found 
and killed. It is related that one Woodcock dis- 
charged his long musket, called in those days a buc- 



ATTLE BOROUGH. 



527 



caneer, at a fugitive Indian, at the distance of eighty 
rods, and broke his thigh-bone and then killed him. 

The number of Indians killed was from twenty to 
twenty-four, and not one of the whites. The place 
where this bold adventure occurred is in that part of 
the ancient Wrentham which is now Franklin. The 
large rock where the Indians were encamped is to 
this day cMed Indian Rock. The time is not cer- 
tainly ascertained, but it was, without much doubt, 
in the spring or summer of 1676, when the Indian 
forces were dis])ersed in parties throughout the coun- 
try. 

Nine Men's Misery. — This is the name of a spot 
in Cumberland, R. I., where nine men were slain in 
Philip's war. This place is near the house of the late 
Elisha Waterman, Esq., just north of Camp Swamp 
(so called). The only circumstances of this event 
which I have gathered are these: A company of nine 
men were in advance of or had strayed from their 
party for some purpose, when they discovered a num- 
ber of Indians near this spot, whom they immedi- 
ately pursued and attacked, but a large number of 
the enemy rushed out of tlie swamp and surrounded 
them. The whites, placing 'their backs to a large 
rock near by, fought with desperation till every one 
of them was killed on the spot. The rest of their party, 
who were within hearing of their guns, hastened to 
their succor, but arrived too late to render them any 
assistance. Their bodies were buried on the spot, 
which is now designated by a large pile of stones.' 

I have seen no notice of this occurrence in history, 
but as to the main fact there can be no doubt. The 
bones of these men were disinterred not many years 
ago by some physicians (for anatomical purposes), 
and were found nearly perfect. But the people in the 
vicinity insisted upon their being restored, which was 
accordingly done. One of the slain was ascertained 
to be a Bucklin, of Rehoboth, from the remarkable 
circumstance of a set of double front teeth which he 
was known to possess. 

The time when this happened none of my infor- 
mants can tell, but there is good reason for believing 
that it was at or about the time of Pierce's fight.^ 

June 17, 1676, it was supposed that Philip was with 
one of these marauding parties, and the measures j 
which were taken for Woodcock's protection, and for } 
other purposes. 

The following orders, fortunately discovered, from 
the Massachusetts government, furnish material for 
the history of the war, and throw light upon those 
stirring and perilous times : 



1 It was probably a party attempting to escape from Pierce's fight, and 
wlio were pursued and surrounded by the savages at tliis place. It is 
meutioned iu some of the old records as " Nine Men's Misery" and 
" Dead Men's Bones." 

- Several of the Rehoboth people were slain the 26tU of March, 1676, 
the time of Pierce's fight, viz., John Fitch, Jr., John Read, Jr., Bmjamin 
BucUand, John Miller, Jr. Robert Beers (an Irishman and then an in- 
habitant of Rehoboth) was slain the 28th of March; Nehemiah Sabin 
in June following. 



"At a meeting of the Council held at Boston, 17th 
of June, 1676, at 8 of the clock, the Council being 
informed that the Indians are skulking to and again 
about Wrentham, Woodcock's, or Mount Hope, and 
have of late done mischief to the English : It is 
ordered that the Major of Suftblk issue out his orders 
forthwith for such a party as he judgeth it fit and 
necessary, to repair to Dedham on 2d day next early, 
and range the woods to and again for the discovery, 
distressing, and destroying of the enemy wherever 
they find them, committing the conduct of that party 
to whom he sees meet, ordering that each soldier be 
completely armed with firearms and ammunition, 
and provisions for four days. 

" Passed by the Council. 

" Edw. Rawson, Secretary." 

Instructions for Capt. Thomas Brattle : 
" Ordered to take twenty of the troops, with such 
officers as he may choose, and an officer and ten 
troopers of Lieut. Halley's troope, and march to Ded- 
ham, where are ordered to be an officer and eighteen 
foot soldiers mounted, from Dorchester, sis from Ro.^- 
bury, and twenty-four from Dedham, with an officer, 
all appointed to be at Dedham, the rendezvous, this 
day, at four P.M., etc. You are to march with your 
troopers and dragoons to be at John Woodcock's by 
midnight, where you shall meet with an Indian pylot, 
and his file of musketeers, which pylot hath engaged 
to bring you upon Phillip and his company, who are 
not above thirty men, its he saith, and not ten miles 
from Woodcock's. Be sure to secure the pylot to 
prevent falsehood and escape. In case you meet not 
with a pylot at Woodcock's, you are to send to Mr. 
Newman at Rehoboth, and let him know of your 
being there." 



CHAPTER XLII. 

ATTLEBOROUGH.— ( Contiimed.) 

First Parish and Church in Town — Notices of Ilabijab Weld, Wilder, 
anil others— Division of the Town into two Parishes — East Parish, its 
History — Notices of the Ministers — North Baptist Church — Notices of 
its Pastors — Notices of Modern Religious Societies. 

The Ministry. — For many years the town consti- 
tuted one parish, and was not divided till April 7, 
1743. For some time after its incorporation it was 
not able to support a preacher, owing to the small 
number of its population. 

The first settled minister in town was Rev. Matthew 
Short, son of Henrv Short, of Newburg. He was a 
young man when he came to this town. He was born 
March 14, 1,788, and graduated at Harvard College 
in the class of 1709. He was chosen by the parish 
Oct. 1, 1711, and ordained Nov. 12, 1712, over the 
church constituted at the same time. Difficulties 
soon arose between him and his people, which (after 
many ineffectual attempts to reconcile them) finally 



528 



HISTOllV OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



resulted in his dismission', May Si, 1715. He con- 
tinued in tliis town only about four years, having 
preached here one year before his ordination. Of his 
previous or subsequent history but little is known. 
He removed to Easton, and became the first settled 
minister of that town, where he remained in harmony 
with his people till his death, in 1731, aged forty- 
three years, leaving ten children, — three sons and 
seven daughters. 

According to the articles of agreement made with 
Mr. Short, Dec. 20, 1711, he was to have fifty pounds 
a year for the first six years; one-third to be in money 
and " the other two-thirds in grain, beef, pork, butter, 
or cheese, any or either of them at current price.'" 
At the seventh year his salary was to be raised to 
sixty pounds, payable as above, and there to continue 
until there should be one hundred families in town 
capable of paying public taxes in the judgment of 
the selectmen for the time being, and then it was to 
be seventy pounds per annum. He was also to have 
the use of the ministerial house and lands so long as 
he should continue in his pastoral office. 

Mr. Short was married to Miss Margaret Freeman, 
of Attleborough, by .Justice Leonard, Dec. 27, 1711. 
He had two daughters while in this town, Anna and 
Judith. 

The first meeting-house was built in 1710. It was 
not, however, entirely completed until 1714. It was 
thirty feet square, and stood on the spot where the 
hall of the Agricultural Society once stood.- 

A few extracts from the records detailing more par- 
ticularly the early proceedings relative to the settle- 
ment of the first minister will be acceptable to the 
present generation. 

March 25, 1707. "The meeting then held was for 
the choosing of a learned orthodox minister of good 
conversation to dispense the word of God to us in 
Attleborough; voted to give Mr. Fiske a call to 
preach for us. Likewise a committee of nine was 
chosen to procure a minister to settle. It was like- 
wise voted to empower the said committee to treat 
with the said Mr. Fiske as to his dispensing the word 
of God amongst us, and to settle him, if he may be 
obtained ; and if he may not, then any other minister 
that the town shall call, being approved by the neigh- 
boring ministers." 

May 20, 1707. Voted to give Mr. More a call to 
preach among us, and to settle if he may be ob- 
tained. 

June, 1707. Voted that Hezekiah Peck and Jona- 
than Fuller be a committee to see and get a petition 

1 These articles were then vahied as follows : ludiaii corn, 28. Gd. per 
bushel; rye, 'As. Gd. per bushel ; pork, 3d. per lb,; beef, 2d. per lb.; but- 
ter. Cid. per lb.; and good ucw milk clieese, id- per lb. 

- .\t a towii-meeting Feb. 9, 1700-10, voted to build a meeting-house 
thirty feet square and si.\teen feet between joints, and to set it upon a 
piece of land on the east side of the country road near to the house of 
Christopher Hall, and to get the timber for said house, and to frame and 
raise it by the Ist of June next. This lot of land was given to the town 
for this purpose by Lieut. Moses Read. 



written to the General Court for some help towards 
the maintenance of a minister.' 

The sum of eighty pounds had been granted by the 
town, Nov. 22, 1705, towards building a minister's 
house, thirty-five pounds of which had been collected ; 
and on the 2d of .luly, 1707, the town voted that the 
remaining forty-five pounds should be levied and 
collected. 

June 15, 1708. The meeting then held was for the 
choosing of an able and orthodox minister to serve 
us in the work of the ministry in this place ; it was 
voted that the committee should treat with Mr. Wis- 
well to dispense the word of God to us, if he may be 
obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Fisher, if he may be 
obtained; if not, then with Mr. Hunt, if he may be 
obtained; if not, then with Mr. Devotion; and if 
neither of them may be obtained, then they may treat 
with any other that shall be allowed of by the neigh- 
boring ministers, until they have settled one in 
Attleborough.* 

July 28, 1710. Chose Mr. Ebenezer White for our 
minister, if he will stay with us; if not, then Mr. 
Myles. Mr. White, it appears, did not at this time 
accept the invitation to settle. He however preached 
for them nearly a year. 

Oct. 9, 1710. Chose a committee to see to the fin- 
ishing of the meeting-house, and the 1st of January 
next ensuing was the time fixed for finishing it. 
Voted to raise a tax of sixty pounds as a fund for said 
work, five pounds to be in money, and the rest in corn, 
rye, beef, and pork, or in materials for the building. 

Nov. 20, 1710. Voted that the house which is built 
on the ministerial lot should be given to the first 
minister that shall serve the town seven years in the 
oflice of a minister, and so living and dying among 
us, then to be his and his heirs forever.'' 

Oct. 1, 1711. At a meeting for the choice of an able 
orthodox minister to dispense the word of God to us 
in Attleborough, the town chose Mr. Matthew Short 
for their minister.^ 

Nov. 5, 1711. Granted a tax of twenty-five pounds 
towards paying Mr. Short, ten pounds in money, and 
the other fifteen pounds in grain, pork, beef, butter, 
cheese, at current price. 

Ebenezee White. — The second minister in town 
was Rev. Ebenezer White.' He was chosen by the 



' In 1710 tie Mile and Half ivas reanncted to this town, which re- 
stored fourteen families, and enabled the people to support a preacher 
without other assistance. 

■iThe inhabitants were so few (consisting of about sixteen families, 
exclusive of the fourteen who had been annexed to Rehobntb) that they 
were not able to afford a competent salary, which was probably the cause 
of tlieir embarrassment in the settlement of a minister. 

5 The next settled minister acquired the properly of this house (and 
also the ministerial farm, as will subseijuently appear) by having fulfilled 
the condition of the grant. 

« March 18, 1711-12. " Voted to build a pew for the minister in the 
meeting-house, and also agreed that Mrs. Short shall have the benefit and 
privilege of sitting in the same during her abode in Attleborough." 

■ Sou of James White, of Dorchester, Mass., baptized July 12, 1685, 
graduated at Harvard College, 1704. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



529 



people July 18, 1715 ; ordained Oct. 17, 1716. He 
had supplied the pulpit for some time previous to his 
settlement. He was minister of the town eleven 
years, and remained hei'e till his death, Sept. 4, 1726. 
So far as appears, he gave general satisfaction. He 
married Abigail Paine, and had several children, — 
Hannah, Martha, Edward, Experience, and Thank- 
ful, and two others who died infants. 

Besides his regular salary, Mr. White acquired a 
title to the ministerial farm and house (so called) by 
having fulfilled the condition of the grant. 

At a meeting of the proprietors of the North Pur- 
chase, Sept. 16, 1707, it was unanimously voted "that 
the surveyor with the major part of the committee 
-should forthwith lay out a hundred acres of land 
within said purchase, which shall be the first settled 
minister's in Attleborough that continueth to be their 
minister for the space of seven years ; said land to be 
said minister's, and his heirs and assigns forever." — 
North Purchase Bee, 2 Book, [). 3. 

Several other grants and gifts have been made to 
the town for the use of the ministry. 

The ministerial lot (which has been a subject of so 
much controversy in modern days) was granted at an 
adjourned meeting of the proprietors held at Reho- 
both June 29, 1685, in the words following: " It was 
likewise voted and agreed upon {nemine contradiccnte], 
that a hundred acres of land be forthwith laid out at 
the Seven-Mile River, where Rice Leonard's lot was, 
and as near adjacent as may be; which said hundred 
acres of land |)erpetually to be reserved for the min- 
istry." — Rehoboth Town Hec, 2 Book, p. 48. Bounds 
Recorded, North Purchase Pec, 1 Book, p. 197. 

The lot where the first meeting-house stood was 
given by Lieut. Moses Read. 

" Oct. 16, 1712. Laid out to Lieut. Moses Read two 
acres of land by the meeting-house, bounded south 
the stated road, east the foot of the hill, north the land 
of the heirs of Christopher Hall, west the country 
road. The above said laud the said Lieut. Read gave 
to the town of Attleborough for public use forever, 
and ordered it so to be put on record, as is attest by 
me, Daniel Smith, clerk." — Rehoboth North Purchase 
Rec, 1 Book, p. 302. 

Allowance for a highway through said lot. — Pj. 2 
Book, p. 129. 

Nov. 1 , 1734. Noah Carpenter, Sr., and Caleb Hall 
of Attleborough, "' in consideration of love, good-will, 
and affection which we have and do bear towards the 
church and congregation of the said Attleborough, 
called by the name of the Presbyterian," have given, 
granted, conveyed, etc., unto them, their heirs and 
assigns forever, that is to be understood for the es- 
pecial use, benefit, and privilege of that society for- 
ever, a certain tract of land containing about forty- 
five rods, where the new meeting-house now stands, 
bounded by the said Carpenter's and the said Hall's 
lands, and by the country road, etc. — Rehoboth North 
Purchase Rec, 2 Book, p. 126. 
34 



Habijah Weld.— Rev. Habijah Weld, the third 
minister of Attleborough, was distinguished for his 
usefulness in the ministry, and highly respected as a 
man both at home and abroad. He united, to an un- 
common degree, the affections of his people for the 
long period of nearly fifty-five years during which he 
was their pastor. He was a man of talents and re- 
spectable acquirements, and was extensively known. 
His character deserves a more particular notice. 

He was born in Dunstable, Mass., Sept. 2, 1702 ; 
graduated at Cambridge University in 1723, and was 
ordained p.astor of the first church and congregation 
in this town, Oct. 1, 1727. He died May 14, 1782, in 
the eightieth year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his 
ministry. The following notice of his character is 
extracted from a communication in Dr. Dwight's 
" Travels," from the Hon. David Daggett, late chief 
justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, and 
senator in Congress : 

" Mr. Weld was below the middle stature, and in 
the latter part of his life corpulent. His constitution 
was vigorous, and his mind almost singularly ener- 
getic. The stipend which he received from his parish- 
oners consisted of an annual salary of two hundred 
and twenty dollars, and the use of a parsonage lot 
which furnished him with wood and a little pasture. 
With his patrimony he purchased a farm of about 
seventy acres of moderately good land and a decent 
house. He had fifteen children, ten of whom were 
married during his life, and one after his death. The 
remaining four died while young. This numerous 
family he educated with the means which have been 
mentioned, in a manner superior to what is usually 
found in similar circumstances, entertained much 
company in a style of genuine hospitality, and was 
always prepared to contribute to the necessities of 
others. 

" For the regulation of his domestic concerns, Mr. 
Weld prescribed to himself and his family a fixed sys- 
tem of rules, which were invariably observed, and con- 
tributed not a little to the pleasantness and prosperity 
of his life. His children, laborers, and servants sub- 
mitted to them with cheerfulness, and his house be- 
came the seat of absolute industry, peace, and good 
order. Breakfast was on the table precisely at six 
o'clock, dinner at twelve, and supper at six in the 
evening. After supper he neither made visits him- 
self nor permitted any of his family to make them. 

"His observation of the Sabbath was peculiarly 
exemplary. He permitted no act to be done in his 
house on that day, except such as were acts of neces- 
sity and mercy in the strict sense. 

" Mr. Weld was naturally of a very ardent disposi- 
tion. Yet so entirely had he acquired an ascendency 
over his temper that a censurable or imprudent act 
is not known to have been done by him nor an im- 
proper word uttered. To vice and licentiousness in 
every form he gave no indulgence, either in his con- 
versation or his public instructions. On the contrary, 



530 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



idleness, intemperance, profaneness, and all kinds of 
immoral conduct were reproved by him with undevi- 
ating severity. His example in the practice of every 
virtue was such as to create in all classes of men 
entire veneration for his character. It is doubted 
whether any person ever uttered a reproach against 
Mr. Weld. 

" Nor was his piety less remarkable. Since the 
days of the apostles it is questioned whether his zeal, 
fidelity, and intrepedity in the cause of his divine 
master have been excelled. During the long period 
of fifty-five years he was never once detained from 
the pulpit by disease, nor from any other of his pas- 
toral duties. His prayers were wholly formed by 
himself, and adapted with strict propriety to the 
various occasions on whicli they were made. They 
were pertinent, solemn, and impressive. His ser- 
mons were written and were usually delivered with- 
out variation from his notes. Yet at times he ad- 
dressed his congregation extemporaneously in a 
manner eminently forcible and affecting. . . . 

"In his jiarochial visits he was accustomed to ad- 
dress the truths and duties of the gospel to the hearts 
and consciences of the family, and never lost sight of 
the eternal interests of his congregation. And while 
he administered the balm of life to the wounded spirit, 
he addressed the most solemn alarms as well as the 
most pungent reproofs to stubbornness and impiety. 

"Mr. Weld continued his labors to the Sabbath 
before his death without any visible decline in his 
powers either of body or mind. On that Sabbath he 
preached two sermons from these words : " He that 
believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that 
believeth not shall be damned." On the Tuesday fol- 
lowing he rode in his chaise to Providence, ten miles, 
returned about four o'clock in the afternoon, walked 
into the house, told his wife that he was unwell, re- 
quested her to open a window, as he found a difficulty 
in breathing, sat down and instantly expired of an 
apoplexy. So well were his secular concerns ar- 
ranged for his departure that the settlement of liis 
estate cost less than five dollars. His excellent wife 
survived him many years, and died after she had 
passed the age of ninety, universally lamented. 

"At the death of Mr. Weld only one of his congre- 
gation was living of those who assisted in his settle- 
ment. His parishioners showed their sense of the 
loss which they sustained in his death by an univer- 
sal mourning. 

" The house of this gentleman was the resort of 
many distinguished persons from Boston, Providence, 
and various other parts of New England, and in no 
house were they received and treated with more hos- 
pitality. His manners were at once dignified and 
])olite, and every member of his family was courteous 
and well bred. Nothing was seen among them but 
liarmony and good-will. 

" That with such an income Mr. Weld could sup- 
port so large a family and live in so hospitable a man- 



ner will certainly excite not a little wonder. The ex- 
planation is found in his industry, regularity, and 
exactness in all his concerns. Everything was man- 
aged in such a manner that almost in the literal 
sense nothing was lost. » ' 

" In my opinion," adds Mr. Dwight, " Mr. Weld 
was a more strict observer of the divine law and 
more eminently holy than any man whom I ever 
knew. 

" Permit me to subjoin," says Dr. Dwight, " that 
if all clergymen sustained the same character and 
lived in the same manner, the world would speedily 
assume a new aspect and its inhabitants a new char- 
acter." 

Mr. Weld nuirried Mary Fox, of Woburn, who 
died Jan. 7, 171)9, in her ninety-third year, by whom 
he had fifteen children, four sons and eleven daugh- 
ters, who were married as follows: Jonathan Phil- 
brook, of Boston, to Dorothy Weld, Aug. 7, 1759; 
Rev. Oliver Noble, of Newburyport, to Lucy Weld, 
May 15, 17C0 ; Dr. Cardee Parker, of Coventry, Conn., 
to Mary Weld, April 15, 1762 ; Caleb Fuller, of Wind- 
sor, county of Ware, Me., to Hannah Weld, Oct. 28, 
1762; Rev. Ezra Weld to Anna Weld, Feb. 9, 1764; 
Rev. Oakes Shaw,' of Barnstable, to Elizabeth Weld, 
July 19, 1704; Rev. Timothy Alden,^ of Yarmouth, to 
Sarah Weld, Nov. 22, 1770 ; Eliphaz Day, of Attle- 
borough, to Eunice Weld. 

Mr. Weld was buried in the ancient cemetery at 
South Attleborough, within his own parish, and his 
gravestone has the following epitaph : 

" Tlie Remaius of the Rev. Habijali Weld, 

M.A., late the faithful, worthy, and be- 
loved Pastor of the first Church of Christ 
in Attleborough. 
He was born Sept. 2, 1702. 
He was ordained Oct. 1, 1727. 
He died May 14, 17S2, in the eightieth year 
of his age and the fifty-fifth of his pastorate. 
Farewell, vain world ! as tliou hast been to me, 
Dust and a shadow, these I leave with thee ; 
The unseen vital subst,ance I commit 
To iiim that's Substance, Life, Light, Love to it "" 

In 1728 a new meeting-house was built by the town. 

May 13, 1728. The town voted to enlarge the 
meeting-house by making an addition of twenty feet 
to the north end ; but in September following a 
number of individuals engaged by subscription to 
advance the sum of ,£234 10s. (in addition to their 
proportion of the taxes) towards defraying the ex- 
penses of a new meeting-house, if the town would 
agree to build anew instead of enlarging the old. 
The town accordingly voted, Nov. 18, 1728, to build 
a new house, and ordered it to be fifty feet in length, 
forty feet in breadth, and of a suitable height for one 

1 Rev. Oakes Shaw, who married Elizabeth Weld, was father of Chief 
Justice Shaw, of Massachusetts. 

- Rev. Timothy Alden, who married Sarah Weld, minister of Yar- 
mouth, author of " American Epitaphs," in three volumeB, died Novem- 
ber, 1828, aged ninety-two. He was a descendant of John Alden, a 
Pilgrim of the " Mayflower.'' 



ATTLEBOKOUGH. 



531 



tier of galleries; and that it "shall stand on a little ] 
hill on the north side of the pound, about fifteen or 
sixteen rods from the old meeting-house." ' 

The town constituted one parish until April 7, 
1743, when it was divided into " two distinct and 
separate" parishes or precincts by an act of the 
Legislature. The west constituted the First, and the 
east the Second Precinct. 

Extracts from the Records of the First Parish. 
—Sept. 18, 1744. The sum of £12 14s. was granted to 
the Second Precinct. This was probably a part of 
their share in the meeting-house. 

March 27, 1777.'^ The salary of their minister, Mr. 
Weld, was £66 13s. 4d 

Sept. 21, 1779. Voted to raise Rev. Mr. Weld's 
salary to six hundred dollars. Paper currency was 
much depreciated. 

Sept. 20, 1779. Voted to double his salary for the 
year. 

March 28, 1780. A meeting was called ''to see if 
the precinct will apply to some one to assist Mr. 
Weld in the work of the ministry, under his present 
indisposition of body," etc. Voted that the two dea- 
cons see that the pulpit is supplied in case Mr. Weld 
is unable to preach. 

June 3, 1782. A meeting was held " to see if the 
precinct will agree to pay the funeral charges of the 
Rev. Mr. Weld, late of Attleborough, deceased." 
2d. " To see if the precinct will choose a committee 
so seek a supply occasioned by the death of our late 
pastor." 

From this time till the settlement of Mr. Wilder, 
in 1790, nearly eight years, the parish was destitute 
of a settled minister. The people were very much 
divided on this subject. Many unsuccessful attempts 
were made to settle a minister, numerous candidates 
were called, but the people could make no choice. 
They had been long united and harmonious under 
the ministry of Mr. Weld, some diversity of opinion 
and alienation of feeling were to be expected after so 
long a calm. 

Aug. 27, 1782. Voted to hire Rev. Mr. Morey six 
weeks longer. Oct. 30, 1782. A meeting was called 
" to see if the precinct will give Mr. Morey a call to 
settle in the ministry." 1st. " Voted to give him a 
call. 2d. Voted to reconsider it." 

Feb. 26, 1783. Voted to treat with a committee in 
Second Precinct relative to ministerial lands. There 
was a dispute between the two parishes for a long time 
in regard to their relative rights to these lands, which 
was finally terminated, I believe, by payment of a 
rertain sum to the second parish. 

1 It was voted that those parts of the town whicli may be hereafter 
set off as a precinct or town shall have the money repaid to them 
whicli they now pay towards the new meeting-honse. 

- The last meeting under the Provincial government (March, 1776) 
was warned, as usual, "in the name of his Majesty the King of Eng- 
land," etc., but the next one, 17th September following, soon after the 
declaration of independence, was warned "in the name of these States 
and in behalf of the good people of this province," etc. 



At the same meeting, vote(l to hire Rev. Mr. Brad- 
ford three months. Voted to buy one hundred ser- 
mons delivered by Rev. Mr. Thacher'' on the death 
of Rev. Mr. Weld. Voted to apply to Rev. Mr. 
Spalding, of Killingly, Conn., to come and preach a 
few weeks. 

Aug. 18, 1883. " Voted to send to the president of 
Yale College to send us a candidate." He accord- 
ingly sent thera a young man, who it appears was 
not acceptable. 

Oct. 29, 1783. Voted to choose a committee to con- 
sult Lawyer Bradford * concerning the ministerial 
lands. 

Dec. 15, 1783. Rev. Mr. Britt was preaching as a 
candidate. Subsequently Rev. Mr. Avery, then a 
Mr. March, Mr. Hart, of Preston, Conn., Mr. Da- 
mon, Mr. Plum. " Voted to send for Mr. Hunting- 
ton to preach for us." Before the arrival of Mr. 
Wilder many other names of candidates appear. So 
irreconcilable were the feelings or opinions, or both, 
of the parish, that it seemed next to impossible to 
make a selection. So great was the distress of the 
people amidst their divisions that they at last ap- 
pointed a " fast on account of their present difiicul- 
ties." In this they hit upon the right expedient, for 
it seemed to have a very happy effect, as they soon 
after agreed on a candidate, the Rev. John Wilder, 
who, at a meeting Jan. 4, 1790, gave an answer ac- 
cepting the proposals of the parish, which terminated 
their long and troublesome contest. 

Mr. Wilder was born in Templeton, March 12, 
1758 ; removed to Lancaster in 1776. He graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1784; studied theology with 
Rev. Dr. Hart, of Preston, Conn. His first wife was 
Esther Tyler, of Preston, — married Sept. 2, 1790, and 
died Jan. 19, 1811. His second wife was Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Austin, of North Hartford, Conn. She died at 
Austinsburg, March, 1847, aged seventy-two years. 

Mr. Wilder was ordained Jan. 27, 1790, and the 
ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Levi Hart, 
above named, which was published. 

Mr. Wilder was dismissed Nov. 28, 1822. He had 
been the pastor of that parish upwards of thirty-two 
years. He died here Feb. 12, 1836, aged seventy- 
seven. He left a numerous family of children ; one 
of the daughters married Hon. Lemuel May, of Attle- 
borough, who was the mother of the late John Wilder 
May, chief justice of the Municipal Court of Boston. 

Mr. Wilder published several discourses, one on 
" The Federal Past," delivered May 9, 1798 ; an ad- 
dress before the Attleborough Agricultural Society, 
etc., delivered Feb. 22, 1805 ; a funeral sermon on the 
death of Hon. Elisha May, November, 1811 ; and an- 
other on the death of Deacon Lane. 

8 The first settled minister of the Second Precinct. It was delivered 
before Mr. Weld's parishioners the Sabbath after his death. 

^ This Bradford was .afterwards lieutenant-governor of Rhode Island, 
a man very popular at the time in his profession. He was a descend- 
ant from William Bradford, second governor of Plymouth Colony. 



532 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



To him succeeded Rev. Thomas Williams, formerly 
of Connecticut, who was installed Sept. 2tt, 1824. His 
connection with the parish was dissolved Dec. 11, 
1827. 

The next settled minister was Kev. Charles J. War- 
ren, who was ordained Feb. 28, 1828, and dismissed 
July 8, 1830. He died in New York, January, 1883. 

Rev. Mr. Chapin, Rev. Mr. Colburn, Rev. Mr. 
Ober supplied the pulpit from 1830 to 1840. 

Rev. John B. M. Bailey, of Dunbarton, N. H., or- 
dained here Dec. 30, 1840, and died here Feb. 24, 
1851. 

Rev. S. B. Morley, ordained July 9, 1851 ; dis- 
missed March 25, 1857. 

Rev. B. C. Chace, Camden, Me., acting pastor from 
Aug. 23, 1857, to Dec. 25, 1862. 

Rev. David Breed, acting pastor from March 1, 
1863, to March 1, 1866. 

Rev. H. P. De Forest, ordained and entered on his 
ministry January, 1867; dismissed January, 1869. 

Rev. John Whitehill commenced his ministry here 
March 28, 1869, and is the present pastor. 

The new meeting-house, being the third in that 
society, was built in the summer of 1828, and dedi- 
cated Jan. 1'; 1829. 

East Parish.— The towns originally in this State 
constituted the religious societies, but in the course 
of time, as population increased, the towns were di- 
vided by territorial divisions, and by metes and 
bounds, and all the inhabitants within these terri- 
torial limits who had been admitted as freemen were 
members. This was at a time when there were no 
religious divisions among the people. But in the 
course of time religious distinctions arose, and vari- 
ous provisions were made to meet these exigencies. 
The division of the town into two territorial parishes 
was made April 7, 1743, by act of the Legislature. 
But this division was not made in consequence of any 
religious differences, but wholly on account of the 
incotivenience of attending public worship at such 
great distances. At the incorporation of the town 
Attleborough and Cumberland constituted one parish. 

Rev. Thomas Williams, a clergyman well known in 
this vicinity, particularly to the people of this town. 
He preached for several years in Foxborough, an ad- 
joining town. Afterwards he supplied the pulpit at 
West Attleborough First Church. After that he gath- 
ered and organized the church at Hebrouville, South 
Attleborough. Here he preached for that church a 
number of years. He was a man of vigorous and ac- 
tive mind. He entertained very decided opinions on 
all subjects, religious and secular, and was fearless in 
expressing them. He was animated in the delivery 
of his sermons, and always secured the attention of 
his hearers, not merely by his matter and manner, 
but by occasional use of strong and peculiar lan- 
guage. In preaching and sermonizing he indulged 
largely in doctrinal subjects. He adhered during his 
long life to the theology of New England. He en- 



joyed the power of wit and sarcasm, which he used 
when occasion required. He often engaged in dis- 
cussion on public affairs, and on various subjects, and 
never failed to repel the attacks of his opponents 
with keen repartee, and always said something which 
they had reason to remember. He was most truly a 
disinterested man, laboring often without hope of 
reward, hardly reserving enough to meet his own ex- 
penses on the journey of life. He regarded himself 
as an instrument in the hands of his master. He ap- 
peared to me the most disinterested laborer I ever 
knew. He died in Providence at an advanced age. 

He married Ruth Hale, of Newbury, has had sev- 
eral children ; one of them, Nathan R., graduated at 
Yale. 

He was the author of several volumes and numer- 
ous pamphlets, and furnished numerous articles for 
various periodicals. They are too numerous to men- 
tion here. 

His most interesting discourse was his funeral ser- 
mon on Doctor Emmons' death, Sept. 28, 1840. It 
was understood that it was the agreement of the par- 
ties some time before the death of either of them 
that the survivor should preach the funeral sermon 
of the other. It was prepared by Mr. Williams years 
before Dr. Emmons' death, and read to him. 

After a few brief pastorates, the Rev. John B. M. 
Bailey accepted a call of the church, and became its 
settled minister. He was ordained Dec. 30, 1840, 
and died Feb. 24, 1851, aged forty-three years, after 
the tenth year of his ministry. Author of the ad- 
dress for the consideration of Mount Hope Cemetery 
in Attleborough, which then opened its portals to re- 
ceive him among its first tenants. It was prepared to 
be delivered July 2, 1850, he was unable to deliver it 
himself, and it was intrusted to other hands. He 
was soon borne to the place he had consecrated for 
others. This address was his last labor. 

Mr. Bailey was born in Dunbarton, N. H., June 5, 
1807, and was educated at an academy in Vermont. 
He was a man of talents and culture, and an eloquent 
preacher. He was popular throughout the town, es- 
pecially for the deep and active interest he took in 
the cause of common-school education, and in every- 
thing which concerned the common welfare of the 
community around him. His death was universally 
lamented. He left a widow and two daughters. 

A white marble monument was erected to his mem- 
ory by the citizens of the town, with an inscription 
expressive of their high estimation of his character 
and services. 

This parish was divided from the other April 7, 
1743, about one hundred and forty years ago, by act 
of the Legislature. 

The first meeting of the parish was the 6th of 
June succeeding. On the 20th of the same month a 
meeting was called " to consider and see what the 
parish will do in order to placing a meeting-house 
for the public worship of God." This is the first 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



533 



record of an attempt to build a meeting-house in this 
part of the town. At the same time a committee 
was chosen " to agree with Mr. Willis or some other 
man for the present." It was also " voted to choose 
a committee of two who should apply in the first 
place to Rev. Mr. Willis, and if he cannot be ob- 
tained, then to Mr. Read, and if he cannot be ob- 
tained, then to Mr. Peter Thacher." 

At said meeting it was voted to set their meeting- 
house on the plain " where the roads meet or cross 
each other." 

It appears by the records of the next meeting that 
they had hired Mr. Thacher for a time. He was the 
first minister who preached here. He commenced 
Aug. 20, 1743, but was not ordained and settled till 
Nov. 30, 1748, about five years. 

Sept. 6, 1743. " Voted to proceed forthwith to 
build a meeting-house for the public worship of 
God." The house was to be thirty-five feet square, 
and high enough for one tier of galleries. A com- 
mittee was chosen " to carry on the building of said 
house." At a subsequent meeting Oct. 18, 1743, 
" voted to reconsider the vote relating to the dimen- 
sions of the meeting-house, and to build one forty- 
five feet long, and thirty-five feet wide, and high 
enough for one tier of galleries." This was the size 
of the house as it was afterwards built. The meet- 
ing-house was commenced in the autumn of this 
year, but the interior was not finished till several 
years subsequently. 

On the 1st of November following the parish made 
choice of Rev. Peter Thacher for their minister " by 
a free vote," and agreed to give him for a salary forty 
pounds yearly for four years, and at the end of four 
years to give him fifty pounds per annum " current 
money," and also for a settlement three hundred 
pounds, " old tenor," to be paid in four years, — i.e., 
one quarter part each year. 

The first public burying-ground in East Attlebor- 
ough was laid out Oct. 16, 1744, as appears by a vote 
of that date. " Voted to have a burying-place in the 
meeting-house lot, and that it should be at the north- 
westerly corner of said lot." This piece of land was 
purchased previously by the parish, and consisted of 
two acres called the " meeting-house lot." 

Dec. 21, 1747. Voted to give Mr. Thacher six 
hundred pounds, old tenor, for his settlement, and also 
twenty-five cords of wood yearly. 

Oct. 2S, 1748. Settled Mr. Thaclier's salary at 
four hundred pounds per annum, old tenor, " reckon- 
ing silver money at fifty-five shillings per ounce, and 
to rise and fall as silver shall rise and fall, so long as 
he shall continue our minister." At the same time 
the parish chose a committee to provide for the ordi- 
nation of Mr. Thacher, which took place 30th of the 
next month. He continued the pastor until Oct. 2G, 
1784, when he was dismissed by vote of parish. He 
had a few months previous to his dismission suf- 
fered an attack of paralysis (which rendered him 



unable to perform the duties of his station), of which 
he died Sept. 13, 1785, in the seventieth year of his 
age. He preached in this town about forty-one years, 
was a highly respectable and useful man. He was 
born in Middleborough Jan. 25, 1715, and was the 
son of Rev. Peter Thacher of that place.' Nov. 31, 
1749, he married Bethiah, the oldest daughter of 
Deacon Obediah Carpenter, of Attleborough, by 
whom he had ten children, seven sons and three 
daughters. Several of his descendants are living in 
this town. One of his descendants, Peter Thacher, 
was a prominent citizen of Cleveland, Ohio. 

He published a discourse on the death of Rev. Mr. 
Weld, which has been reprinted. A small volume of 
his sermons was also published in 1798 by his 'son, 
entitled "Select Discourses on Practical Subjects," 
under the superintendence of Rev. Thomas Thacher. 

After Mr. Thacher and before the settlement of an- 
other minister there were several preachers here, — 
Rev. Asahel Huntington, Mr. Laughton, Mr. Far- 
rington, of Wrentham, Mr. Mead, etc. 

The next settled minister was the Rev. Ebenezer 
Lazell, of Bridgewater (a graduate of Brown Univer- 
sity, 1788), who was ordained Nov. 21, 1792, and dis- 
missed Jan. 3, 1797. He continued here about four 
years. During his residence here he married Chloe, 
the daughter of Capt. Abdather Richardson, of this 
town. After his dismission he removed to Western 
New York. 

His successor was the Rev. Nathan Holman, who 
was ordained Oct. 14, 1800, and was dismissed May 
22, 1821, having been settled here about twenty-one 
years. He graduated at Brown University in 1797. 

Nathan Holman was born in Sutton (that part now 
Millbury), May 17, 1769, the third son of David Hol- 
man and Lucy Thornton. He worked on his father's 
farm during his minority. After his twenty-first year 
he commenced his studies preparatory for college. 
He depended mostly on his own exertion for the 
means to carry him through college. He graduated 
at Brown University in 1797, with the reputation of 
a good scholar. He studied theology with the pastor 
of his nativ(i town, Rev. Edmun<l Mills, and finished 
his course with Dr. Emmons. In 1800 he preached 
as a candidate at this place, and during the year re- 
ceived a call to settle as pastor. He was ordained 
Oct. 15, 1800. The ordination sermon was preached 
by Rev. Edmund Mills, pastor of the Congregational 
Church in Sutton, which was published. He was 
dismissed May 22, 1821. He married Miss Lettice 
Morey, daughter of Dr. Samuel Morey, of Norton. 
She died March 6, 1848. 



1 Rev. P. Thacher, of Miadleborough, was born Oct. 6, 1688, graduated 
at Cambridge University, a. b,, 1706, orflained at that place Nov. 2, 1709, 
and died April 22, 17«, aged fifty-six. He was the son of Rev. Peler 
Thacher, minister of Milton (hy his wife Theodora, daughter of UeT. 
John O.xenbridge) who was the son of Rev. Tliom:i8 Tliachor, of lioston, 
and was born at Salem July 18, 1651, graduated at Harvard College 
1671, ordained June 1, 1681, and died Dec. 27, 1727, aged seventy-six. 



534 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Holman died Oct. 28, 1844, leaving two sons 
and one daughter. He was tlae respected, faithful, 
and successful pastor here about twenty-one years. 

Several of his sermons and addresses were pub- 
lished, — a sermon preached on the one hundredth 
anniversary of the birth of " John Shepard the An- 
cient" ; an oration on American independence, July 
4, 1802 ; a sermon delivered at Attleborough, East 
Precinct, Thanksgiving-day, Nov. 21, 1811. 

Rev. John Ferguson, formerly of Providence, R. I., 
was the next minister, and was ordained Feb. 27, 
1822. 

A parsonage-house was built by the parish in 1822. 

The second meeting-house in the East Precinct was 
built in 1825. It was begun in the spring of that 
year, and dedicated in December following. It cost 
about six thousand dollars. It has since been en- 
larged. 

Rev. John Ferguson, who succeeded Rev. Na- 
than Holman as pastor at East Attleborough, was 
born in Berwickshire, Scotland, Dec. 9, 1788. His 
father came to this country while a young man, 
and settled in Newport, R. I. His mother was Ann 
Briggs, of Little Compton. His father and mother 
died in Newport, each at the age of eighty-five years. 

While residing in Providence, R. I., at the age of 
twenty years, he began preparation for the ministry 
under tlie direction of Rev. Calvin Park, D.D., Pro- 
fessor of Ancient Languages, and afterwards of Moral 
Philosophy, in Brown University. He was not edu- 
cated at any college, but was honored with the degree 
of A.M. from Amherst in 1837. 

He was ordained over the church and society in 
this place Feb. 27, 1822. He was dismissed March 
25, 1835. Says a writer well acquainted with him, 
" His ministry was of great value in the administra- 
tion of wise and judicious measures, and marked the 
commencement of the system of support to the vari- 
ous benevolent enterprises of the day, and of aid to 
the labors of parents and pastors by a judicious and 
careful education of children in Sabbath-schools aud 
maternal associations." 

He was installed at Whately, March ,16, 1836, and 
dismissed June 17, 1840. He removed to Lanesbor- 
ough, where he preached about two years. Since 
that time he was employed by the American Tract 
Society as general agent for New Hampshire and 
Vermont. He married, first, Mary V., daughter of 
Benjamin Hammett, of Newport, R. I.; second, Mar- 
garet S. Eddy, daughter of William Eddy, of Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

He died at Whately, Nov. 11, 1858. He had a 
family of eleven children. 

He published a sermon on the death of Ebenezer 
Daggett, Jr., delivered Dec. 16, 1831, and several 
other discourses. He also published a memoir of Dr. 
Samuel Hopkins, the celebrated theologian, for the 
use of Sabbath-schools. 

Rev. Jonathan Crane.— He was born in Sche- 



nectady, N. Y., in 1814. At the age of fifteen he 
entered Union College, and graduated in 1832, at the 
age of eighteen. At the age of twenty-two he was 
ordained over the Congregational Church at East At- 
tleborough, Oct. 30, 1886. He was dismissed June 
12, 1854, after a pa.storate of eighteen years, and re- 
moved to New York, where he was -settled over the 
Congregational Church at Twentieth Street. Here 
he remained three years. He was invited to return 
to Attleborough, and while here the church was re- 
paired and enlarged. In 18C0 he received a call from 
the Congregational Church at Middletown, N. Y. 
When he went there his congregation consisted of 
only forty families, but when he left, in 1868, it had 
increased to one hundred and twenty. 

He then went West, and made his home in Kala- 
mazoo, Mich., and preached in various places in that 
vicinity. He labored for some time at St. Joseph, 
Mo., and aided the people there in building a new 
church. In 1875, Mr. Crane returned, by invitation, 
to Middletown, and remained with his people there 
till his death, Dec. 25, 1877, at the age of sixty-three 
years. In 1837, Mr. Crane married Miss Anna H., 
daughter of the late N. W. Sanford, of New York, 
j She still survives him. He leaves four children. His 
I ministry here was very successful, and the church 
prosperous, with large additions to its members. 

The next settled minister was Rev. Charles D. 
Lothrop, born at Easton, Mass., 1828, and a graduate 
of Amherst College in 1849, and also in Andover 
[ Theological Seminary. He was ordained here Dec. 
! 14, 1854, and dismissed April 29, 1857, after a pastor- 
ate of two and one-half years. 

To him succeeded Rev. Francis N. Pelonbet, who 
was born in the city of New York, a graduate of Wil- 
liams College 1853, and Bangor Theological Semi- 
nary 1857, and was installed here June 26, 1836. He 
was dismissed Oct. 19, 1871, and is now pastor of the 
church in Natick. 

The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Bell, who was in- 
stalled July, 1872, and dismissed Oct. 12, 1878. 

The present pastor is the Rev. William A. Spaul- 
ding, of Lynn, formerly missionary in Turkey; was 
installed Sept. 11, 1879. 

North Baptist Church. — This church was consti- 
tuted in 1769. Its existence, however, may be traced 
back as early as 1747. It was at first and for many 
years afterwards of the Congregational order, though 
differing from that denomination in some respects. 
"There being," say the church records, " a consider- 
able number of Christians in this place that are dis- 
satisfied with the constitution of the standing order 
of churches in the land, they, with some others, 
formed themselves into a society to worship God ac- 
cording to His word and spirit." Jan. 20, 1747, the 
church proceeded " to set apart their esteemed Brother 
Nathaniel Shepard, by solemn ordination, as their 
pastor," who was removed by death April 14, 1752. 

It was from the commencement a small and feeble 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



535 



church, and continued "through many trials and dis- 
couragements" till the year 17(59, when by vote the 
church changed their constitution "from a Congrega- 
tional to a Baptist Church, in what is called open 
communion." At this time there were six male and 
four female members who agreed in doctrine, and 
formed fellowship with Bellingham Church. Two 
years previous, in 1767, the church moved Mr. Abra- 
ham Bloss from Sturbridge to Attleborough, who 
preached here two years till his death, Sept. 16, 1769. 
To him succeeded Elder Job Seamans, of Sack- 
ville, Cumberland County, and province of Nova 
Scotia, now in the province of New Brunswick. Mr. 
Seamans was born in Swansea, Mass., in 1748. He 
removed to Sackville,' New Brunswick, with Elder 
Mason's company, who emigrated to that place from 
Swansea, Mass., in 1763. He there became a preacher. 
He was invited to become the pastor of the church in 
this town, accepted the invitation, and removed here. 
In 1779 he, in conjunction with Elder Biel Ledoyt, of 
Woodstock, Conn., was appointed by the Warren As- 
sociation a missionary to visit various parts of New 
Hampshire. In the course of the same year he re- 
turned to Attleborough, where he remained till 1788. 
In 1787, May 10th, he requested a dismission from the 
churcli in this place, which was reluctantly granted in 
June, 1788, when he removed to New London, N. H., 
where he had preached during his mission, and was 
settled over the new Baptist Cliurch in that place, 
which he established at the same time. Here he con- 
tinued till his death in 1880, at the advanced age of 
eighty-two. 

Mr. Seamans married Sarah Easterbrooks, by whom 
he had, while here, eight children, — four sons and 
four daughters. 

Rev. William Williams,- who was a member of this 
church and a resjiected pastor of the Baptist Society 
in Wrentham, occasionally supplied tiie pulpit during 
the vacancies which occurred after the removal of Mr. 
Seamans. 

November, 1789, Elder Abner Lewis came from New 
Bedford to Attleborough, and continued the pastor of 
the church until September, 1795, when he returned 
to New Bedford". After this Mr. Laben Thurber 
preached here till April, 1797, when he relinquished 



1 The place was then caUed Taiitai-ramar by the French, and was in 
the province of Nuva Scotia. — See Benedict's History. 

- He was a celel)rated instrnctor of youth. He commenced a school for 
fitting yonng men for college, near his meeting-honse in Wrentham, 
which he continued for many years with distinguished success. He edu- 
cated upwards of one hundred students * the most of whom graduated 
at Brown University. Many of them became distinguished men. In the 
number of his pupils were Dr. BKixcy, Hon. David R. Williams, formerly 
Governor of South Cai'olina, Hon. Tristam Burges, the former eloquent 
member of (Congress from lUiude Island, etc. 

Mr. Williams himself was educated at Eaton's Academy, New Jersey, 
and graduated at Brown University in 1769, which was the first class in 
that institution. He married for his second wife Miss Titus, the daugh- 
ter of Deacon J. Titus, of Attleborough. 



* Benedict's Hist. Bap. 



the office of a religious teacher and removed to the 
east part of the town. 

Elder James Read, who was then resident in Asso- 
net village, Freetown, commenced preacliing here in 
April, 1800, and was so well approved that in Decem- 
ber of the same year the church gave him an invitation 
to settle, which was accepted. In February following 
he removed to Attleborough, and was installed Aug. 
18, 1801. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Gano, Providence; 
charge by Elder Pitman, of Rehoboth ; right hand 
of fellowship by Elder Baker. At the same time 
Edward Clark was ordained as an evangeli-st. Mr. 
Clark died April 22, 1811, in the seventy-second year 
of his age. 

Elder Read continued in the ministry here till his 
I death. He died Oct. 21, 1814, in the forty-sixth year 
of his age. He was a worthy and useful minister, 
and universally respected as a man. The records of 
the church bear ample testimony of the estimation 
in which he was held by his people. " In the prime 
of his life and in the midst of his usefulness, the Lord, 
who doeth all things according to his good pleasure, 
hath seen fit to remove him from the church militant 
to the church triumphant. Leaving the wife of his 
youth to mourn the loss of a kind husband, and three 
children to mourn the loss of a kind parent, and this 
church and society to mourn the loss of a faithful 
minister of the gospel, and one whose faithful warn- 
ings will long be had in remembrance by many of 
them." His funeral sermon was preached by Dr. 
Gano, of Providence. 

It is said of him : " He found much pleasure 
in preaching the gospel in the destitute places of 
Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and even 
Connecticut. It is believed that he thus laid the 
foundation of several churches. An absence of whole 
weeks on these mi-ssionary tours was always at his 
own expense. He returned h(mie from them burning 
with a desire to be able to preacli in other villages 
beyond. His salary was not ample enough to allow 
him to give his whole time to the church. Tliere be- 
ing no parsonage he rented a house and piece of land 
near the church, and by the produce of five days' 
labor of the week supported his family." 

He preached a sermon on the one hundredth anni- 
versary of the birth of John Shepard, " the ancient," 
at Roxborough, which was made an occasion of great 
attraction. He served about five years longer. 

April 28, 1815. Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, who wiis 
then preaching in Bellingham, was invited "to take 
the pastoral care of this church." He was dismissed 
in May, 1820. 

Rev. Silas Hall, of Raynham, came here in 1823, 
and remained four years. He was subsequently pas- 
tor of the Baptist Church in Taunton. 

Rev. William Phillips was ordained over this church 
February, 1827, and continued its pastor two years, 
when he was invited to Providence, R. I., and was 
settled over the Second Baptist Church in that place. 



536 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Rev. Jonathan E. Forbush was received into the 
church and chosen pastor April 1, 1832. 

Rev. Silas Hall officiated a second term as pastor, 
commenciug January, 1837, and remaining two years. 

Rev. Reuben Mosey was the next pastor ; came here 
June, 1839, and continued a successful ministry here 
for eight years till May, 1847, when he requested a 
dismission to accept a pastorate in Homer, N. Y. 

Rev. William H. Alden, now of Portsmouth, was 
ordained over this church Sept. 1, 1852. He con- 
tinued pastor till April 2G, 1856, when he requested 
a dismission to accept the call of the First Church of 
Lowell. 

Rev. G. F. Warren was next called. He accepted 
the invitation, and commenced his ministry Oct. 1, 
1857, when he was installed. He was dismissed in 
October, 1860. 

Rev. J. F. Ashley, of Templeton, supplied tlie pul- 
pit for three months. His ministry continued one 
year. 

Rev. Abijah Hall accepted a call Oct. 19, 1862. In 
December, 1865, his repeated resignation was ac- 
cepted. 

Rev. Mr. Lovell and Rev. Mr. Cooper were acting 
pastors for several years. 

The first meeting-house was not finished till 1784, 
though it was erected many years previous. The 
present meeting-house was built in the spring of 1817. 

South Baptist Church. — This church, which is 
now extinct, was established as early as 1760. Its 
records cannot be found. April 20, 1789, the First and 
Second Baptist Churches in Attleborough met and 
agreed upon fellowship as sister churches. Elder 
Elihu Daggett' was the first preacher. It is believed 
that he was never regularly settled here. He occa- 
sionally preached at the North Baptist Church. 

The next preacher was Elder Elisha Carpenter. 
He was settled as early as 1780, if not before, and re- 
mained pastor of the church till about 1798, when he 
removed to Providence, N. Y., where he died. He 
was a native of this town, a son of Elisha Carpenter, 
and was born Aug. 17, 1745. His wife was Anna 
Freeman, of Attleborough. 

Soon after Elder Carpenter's removal the church 
was dissolved, and the members connected themselves 
with other churches in the vicinity. The meeting- 
house was taken down about 1810. It stood on the 
south side of the road leading from the late Thomas 
Cooper's to Capt. Joseph Tiffany's. 

First Universalist Society. — The first meeting was 
held Aug. 17, 1816, when the society was organized. 

1 He was the son of Deacon Mayhew Daggett; his wife waw Rebeccah 
Stanley, daugtiter of Jacob Stanley, one of tlie tirst of that name who 
came here from Topstield. Ho was interred in the new buryiiig-grouuii. 
On his grave-stone is the following inscription: "Sacred to the memory 
of Elder Elihu Daggett, who died Aug. 29th, 1769, in the GOth year of his 
age." " Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Rebeccah Daggett (his widow), 
who died Sept. 20th, 1799, in tiie Soth year of her age. 

"What we left behind, others possess; 

What we gave to the poor, we cariled witli us." 



It was incorporated Feb. 20, 1818, by the name of the 
" First Universalist Society in Attleborough." 

The first minister was the Rev. Richard Carrique. 
He commenced preaching here in 1816, and was or- 
dained Dec. 29, 1818. A meeting-bouse was built in 
the summer of 1818, and dedicated December 29th of 
the same year. The church has since been removed 
to North Attleborough. It stood on the old post 
road, a few rods south of the First Congregational 
meeting- house. Mr. Carrique was dismissed in March, 
1822. 

The next minister was the Rev. Robert Kilham, 
who commenced preaching March 18, 1822, and was 
soon after installed. He was dismissed in April, 
1828. 

To him succeeded the Rev. Nathaniel Wright, who 
was installed in 1828. 

Rev. Joseph D. Peirce became the pastor of the 
church of the First Universalist Society at North 
Attleborough in 1844. He was born in Scituate, 
Mass., Nov. 15, 1815, and died Nov. 16, 1880. He 
was for thirty-six years the faithful and devoted min- 
ister of that society, and was always ready for every 
good work which he found to do, and interested him- 
self in whatever concerned tlie general interests and 
welfare of the town. He was particularly earnest in 
promoting the cause of common-school education, 
and was for many years an active member of the 
school committee. 

By his wise and judicious conduct and exemplary 
character he won and justly deserved the respect and 
confidence of all denominations throughout the town, 
and his death was regarded as a great public loss. 

The Rev. John S. Cantwell, D.D., the present pas- 
tor, was installed May 27, 1881. A new and beautiful 
church has been just completed, at a cost of thirty- 
three thousand dollars. 

Hebronville Church. — This church was gathered 
by Rev. Thomas Williams immediately after his dis- 
mission from the West Parish, in December, 1827. 
A small but neat meeting-house was built at the 
same time on the line between Attleborough and See- 
kdiik, — half in one town and half in the other, — to 
which (and the neighborhood) the name of Hebron- 
ville was given by the founder. Rev. Mr. Williams 
became its first pastor. His connection with this 
society was dissolved in April, 1832. 

The Davis Centenary Methodist Church at East 
Attleborough was established Nov. 26, 1865. They 
have a neat and convenient house of worship. The 
present pastor is Rev. J. A. L. Rich. 

Grace Church (Episcopalian) was formed in 1871. 
A tasteful little church, together with a parsonage, 
was built in 1872, and consecrated June 18, 1874. 
Rev. George E. Osgood, rector. 

The Free Evangelical Church at North Attle- 
borough was organized April 30, 1858. A suitable 
church was built by the society, and dedicated Feb. 
24, 1874. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. Wood. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



537 



In 1850 a Catholic Church was formed at Attle- 
borougli Falls under the name of St. Mary's Church, 
and has since been removed to the village of North 
Attleborough, where it is intended to erect a more 
extensive house of worship than the present. Revs. 
Edward Mongan and James Clarke are the present 
pastors. They have religious services at East Attle- 
borough, and have purchased a lot of land in the 
village for the purpose of erecting a house of wor- 
ship. There is also a Catholic Chapel at Dodgeville. 

There is the Hebronville Church, called by the 
name of the Hebronville TTnion Church,— same 
which was founded by Rev. Thomas Williams. It 
has undergone some changes since its organization. 
The present pastor is Rev. Mr. A. F. Remington. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Hebronville 
was oi-gauized in . It is in a flourishing condi- 
tion, having just dedicated a new church built by 
them, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. 

There is the Central Cong^regational Church at 
Attleborough Falls, having a handsomely-finished 
and commodious house of worship. The present 
pastor is Rev. George O. Jenness. 

Murray Union Society was originally organized 
June 14, 187.3; recognized April 7, 1878; reorganized 
May 11, 1881. Pastors: first. Rev. F. C. Flint, from 
Jan. 1, 187C, to March 22, 1876, when he died; sec- 
ond, Rev. A. E. White, ordained and installed Oct. 
31, 1877, remained here as pastor till July 8, 1878, 
when he asked a dismission ; third, Rev. T. W. Ill- 
man, installed Oct. 1, 1878, and is the present pastor. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

ATTLEBOROUGH.— ( eo,i(i-,uierf.) 
Revolutionary War — Proceedings of the Town. 

The Revolutionary War. — ^It appears from our 
records that the citizens of the town took an early 
and active part in those proceedings which finally led 
to independence. The spirit of the Revolution began 
to move the people as early as 1773. They began to 
discuss the origin and foundation of their rights, and 
to proclaim in bold language their determination to 
maintain them. They strenuously denied the claims 
of the mother-country. This prepared the way for 
that great contest which was approaching, and which 
soon after commenced. 

Pages might be filled with the spirited addresses 
and resolutions adopted in town-meeting, but the 
limits of the work will permit only a brief outline of 
the transactions of that day. 

At a town-meeting, Jan. 18, 1773, a resolute and 
patriotic address was adopted and sent to the com- 
mittee in P.nston. It is too long to quote entire. A 
few extracts will afford a specimen. 

"We His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects aud 



freeholders of the town of Attleborough, to the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence in Boston." 

After due professions of "honor and praise to 
George the 3d, King of Great Britain," etc., and 
praying that the "golden chance of succession by 
which the Protestant kings are held on the thr(me of 
Great Britain may never be broken," etc., the ad- 
dress proceeds to say: "Our present trials are very 
great. A wise king once said that oppression maketli 
a wise man mad. We hope not to turn maniacs, but 
to keep the advantage of our spirits. We will pray 
that all they that are Gods on earth will remember 
that they must die like men, and the lofty, towering 
heads of Kings and Princes must be brought as low 
as the meanest subject. And here we will make a 
pause and inquire what we have done, what disloy- 
alty there hath been in us that hath incurred the 
displeasures of our Gracious Majesty, that could be 
the cause of threatening the ruining of us his Ameri- 
can subjects. And to set things in a clearer light we 
may be justly entitled to a few notes of exultation. 
In the year 1745, when the British trumpet sounded 
war from beyond the seas to the Americans, no 
sooner did our American Parliament understand the 
certain sound of the martial trumpet but instantane- 
ously a political convention is called, faithfulness aud 
loyalty in every countenance. Like Babylon of old, 
one messenger runs to meet another, and one post to 
meet another, to tell the whole Province that the 
Kingdom was invaded at one end. Forthwith orders 
are issued out to the Colonels, and from the Colonels 
to the Captains, and at the beat of the Drum volun- 
teers paraded the ground like well-harnessed soldiers 
with courage bold, and like the war-horse mocking 
at fear, marched with their commanders to the high 
places of Louisbourg, — stormed their intrenchments ; 
made a discovery of their subterraneous mines and 
galleries; beat down the strongholds ; brake the jaws 
of the Gallic Lion, and made a conquest of the city 
to the crown of Great Britain. And in the last war 
that hath been upon us, we haved joined our British 
brethren, warring and fighting through seas of blood 
until we subdued the Canadian Province to the crown 
of our Sovereign Lord George the 3d. And after all 
this, shall we be conjugated, enslaved, and mined? 
Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they 
be discouraged on the one hand and encouraged on 
the other. We esteem our privileges tantamount to 
our lives, and the loss of them death in consequence; 
and since there is no new discovered America for us 
to flee to, we are almost ready to think that we will 
let go our ploughshares and pruning-hooks to be 
malleated on the anvil, and not give up our dear- 
bought privileges to any power on earth. 

" And now in a few words to say what our privileges 
are and wherein they are violated : We think that 
our privileges take their rise merely from nature. As 
we emigrated from our mother-country at our own 
expense and without any charge to the Crown of 



I 



538 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Oreat Britain, our subjection to the Crown of Great 
Britain must be considered as an act of our own 
election. How far that subjection was made, and in 
what manner the British government can possibly 
reach over the Atlantic to have any influence at all 
upon us, is known only by the stipulation between us 
and the king of Great Britain expressed in our Chai-- 
ter. Although it be allowed that any Plantation 
settled by the order and expense of any State remains 
naturally subjected to that State, yet that not having 
been the case in our departure from Great Britain, 
we utterly disallow any right of government over us 
but what is expressed in the Charter. We have no 
natural and necessary connection with the Crown in 
point of government but what springs from our own 
choice, and that choice can be known but by the 
stipulation aforesaid, which both expresseth and 
liniiteth the subjection which was our choice. This, 
we apprehend, is the true and just state of our privi- 
leges, as they are interested in the present contro- 
versy. So that whatever act of government is ex- 
ercised contrary to or not expressly provided for in 
the charter is an open infringement of our privileges. 

"The appointment of a Governor altogether inde- 
pendent on us, and who, according to the present 
state of things, can be under no influence from our 
interest, but whose personal interest may naturally 
put him to the utter overthrow of our whole interest, 
— we apprehend this to be an infraction of our Char- 
ter rights and privileges. The appointment of Judges 
from home, if true, or the maintenance of them in- 
dependent upon us and dependent entirely upon the 
Crown, we think an infringement upon our Charter 
rights, and which tends to corrupt and destroy the 
very essence of our privileges. The parting our 
money among a set of men of no use to us or the 
community, without our consent, is a bold and unjust 
infringement upon our privileges. The subjecting 
civil cases to trial by Court of Admiralty instead of 
Juries, and especially the taking from us the right of 
trying capital cases in any articles, and carrying our 
brethren, on suspicion of guilt, from all who are ac- 
quainted with their character, or who can possibly do 
them justice, and ordering them to be transported, at 
almost infinite expense, three thousand miles for 
trial, is a most barbarous, unjust, and unconstitu- 
tional affair." 

1774. September 12th. The town chose a commit- 
tee to join with the committees of the other towns 
in this county " to consult the safety and peace and 
prosperity thereof, as well as the whole government 
and continent, upon any emergency." The committee 
consisted of five, viz., Mr. Edward Richards, Deacon 
Eben. Lane, Capt. John Daggett, Lieut. Moses Wil- 
marth, and Mr. Elisha May. This was the first com- 
mittee of safety chosen in this town. The practice 
of choosing such a committee was continued till the 
close of the Revolution. 

September 29th. Captain John Daggett was chosen 



representative to the General Court at Salem, and 
Deacon Eben Lane as a " committee man" to join the 
Provincial Congress to be holden at Concord on the 
second Tuesday of October next. 

December 6th. The town established a "Superior 
and an Inferior Court, to hear and determine contro- 
versies that have arisen or may arise in this town." 
Five men were chosen to serve as superior judges, 
viz., Dea. Eben. Larce, first justice. Col. John Dag- 
gett, second, Capt. John Stearns, third, Capt. Moses 
Wilmarth, i'ourth, and Dr. Bezeliel Mann, fifth. 
Seven were appointed inferior judges, viz., Mr. Ed- 
ward Richards, Lieut. Elkonah Wilmarth, Capt. 
Jacob Ide, Capt. Stephen Richardson, Mr. Elisha 
May, Capt. John Tyler, Mr. William Stanley. At 
the same time it was voted " that we will comply 
with, stand to, and abide by the resolves, instruc- 
tions, and directions of the Continental and Provin- 
cial Congresses," and that " all persons who refuse 
to comply with them shall be treated as In/amoits Per- 
sons." 

It was also voted to choose a " committee of in- 
spection, to inquire and give notice of all persons 
who shall presume to make use of an India tea after 
the 1st of March next." The " aff'air of the chest of 
tea at Capt. Richardson's" was left discretionary with 
the selectmen. 

These were no half-way measures, and were sup- 
ported throughout with the same resolution. 

Jan. 2, 1775. Chose Col. John Daggett " to repre- 
sent us at the Congress to be holden at Cambridge 
on the 1st of February next, and to serve in that 
capacity until the month of May next, or until tlie 
time fixed for the dissolution of said Congress." At 
the same time a committee of thirteen was chosen to 
procure " subscriptions for the relief of the suffering 
poor in the town of Boston." ' 

May 24th. Capt. John Stearns was chosen to rep- 
resent the town at the Provincial Congress to be held 
in the meeting-house at Watertown the 31st inst. 
The committee of correspondence this year were 
Deacon Eben. Lane, Dr. Mann, and Capt. Moses 
Wilmarth. 

July 10th. Capt. John Stearns was elected repre- 
sentative to the General Court to be held at Water- 
town, 19th inst. 

March 19,1776. The Committee of Correspondence, 
Inspection, and Safety were Deacon Lane, Edward 
Richards, Capt. S. Richardson, Lieut. Alexander 
Foster, Ens. Noah Fuller, William Stanley, Capt. 
Wilmarth, Eben. Tittany, Samuel Atherton, Thomas 
Starkey, Elkonah Wilmarth, Nathaniel Bishop, and 
Capt. Jacob Ide. 

May 22d. Capt. John Stearns, representative. At 
his request a committee, consisting of Capt. Elisha 
May, Capt. Stephen Richardson, Rev. Peter Thatcher, 



1 Tliis was on the occasion of shutting the port of Boston by the 
Eritisli Parliament. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



539 



Levi Maxcy, and Lieut. Alexander Foster, was chosen 
to draw up instructions for the representative, who 
made a report, from wliich extracts are given : 

" Capt. John Stearns : 

"Sir, — TliR towu, reposing special confidence in your ability and in- 
tegrity, have clioseu you their representative at the Great and General 
Court for this year. At your request we take the liberty to suggest the 
following things to your attention as matters of great importance ; 

" If the Continental Congress should think it best to declare fur inde- 
pendency of Gieat Britain, we unanimously desire you for us to engage 
to defend thtMn therein with our lives and fortunes.^ 

" The fortifying and sufhciently providing for the defence of all our 
sea-port towns, especially the metropolis of this colony, is of such con- 
sequence as that parsimony or deiivy therein will be the worst of policy. 
We apprehend that the raising of soldiers for the defence of the colony 
is retarded, and so rendered both nioie chargeable and less useful for 
want of sufficient bounty to encourage enlistments: that the raising 
fewer forces at .1 time than is necessary, which scatters the officers with 
whom whoever enlists will desire to be acquainted, is n like hindrance 
to a speedy raising of forces." 

After giving some further specific instructions the 
report concludes, "Other things in general we refer 
to your wisdom and fidelity, unless .some special dif- 
ficulty should occur, in which case you will please 
take our minds as occasion .shall serve." 

At tlie same time it was voted that the selectmen 
should order the money out of the treasury to pay the 
minute-men who marched on the alarm occasioned 
by the battle at Bunker Hill. 

July 16th. Voted to raise the bounty from three 
pounds to twelve pounds for the soldiers this town 
are to furnish to go to New York. 

Jan. 27, 1777. Voted to raise the bounty for the 
soldiers who went to New York in July last to forty 
dollars for each man, " to such as will take it." 

March 18th. The Committee of Correspondence, 
Inspection, and Safety this year were Ed. Richards, 
Cyrel Carpenter, Samuel Tift'any, Jr., Elisha May, 
and Nathan Tyler. 

April 2d. A meeting was held to see if the town 
will give .some encouragement to the soldiery to enlist 
our proportion of the fifteen battalions granted by 
this State to join the Continental army. 

A committee was chosen to report upon the subject, 
and also to state what is an average on the whole 
since the war commenced, who reported that the 
bounty and wages given by Congress and our court 
afforded a sufficient encouragement for the first years' 
service ; that for the second year the town allow two 
liounds per month in addition to the wages, and the 
same for the last year. Twenty-four pounds in addi- 
tion to the bounty, instead of the addition to their 
wages, was offered to those who might prefer it. 

The committee also reported that the eight months' 
men, or those who went into service in consequence 



1 This seems to have been conceived in something of that holy ardor, 
that sublime spirit of patriotism and self-devotion, which (in a few 
months after) dictated those ever memorable words in the closing sen- 
tence of tlie Declaration of Independence, — " We pledge our lives, our 
fortunes, and our sacred honor." Immortal words, which sent such a 
thrill to the hearts of our countrymen, and inspired them with such an 
unconquerable enthusiasm in the cause of freedom ! 



of Lexington battle, have no allowance; that the 
six weeks' and two months' men have no allowance ; 
that the year's men be allowed ten pounds per man ; 
that the Dorchester men have no allowance ; that the 
men raised for two months in September, 1776, be al- 
lowed seven pounds per man ; that the men raised for 
the northern or Canada expedition be aHovved ten 
pounds per man ; that the quarter men, or those raised 
for Rowland's Ferry, be allowed six pounds per man. 

May 22d. Chose Capt. John Stearns and Mr. Wil- 
liam Stanley representatives. Appointed a committee 
to prepare instructions to said representatives, viz.: 
Rev. Peter Thatcher, Capt. Elisha May, Col. John 
Daggett, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, Mr. Levi Maxcy. 
Their report, it appears, is not recorded. 

Excused Capt. May from serving on Committee of 
Correspondence, etc., and elected Stephen Fuller in 
his room. Voted to enlarge said committee, and 
added Zephaniah Bishop, Jacob Cushman, and John 
Sweetland. 

Jan. 12, 1778. A committee, consisting of Rev. Mr. 
Thacher, Capt. Elisha May, Col. Stephen Richard- 
son, Deacon Stanley, Capt. Caleb Richardson, Lieut. 
Elkanah Wilmarth, and Mr. John Wilkin.son, was 
cliosen to prepare instructions to the representatives 
of the town relative to the Articles of Confederation. 
They presented a report, which was accepted. It 
shows how perfectly convinced at that time our fore- 
fathers were of the value and importance of a firm 
union of the States to the well-being of the whole 
people. 

To show the sentiments of the people a few extracts 
are given : 

"The subscribers, being chosen a committee 'to consider what in- 
structions it may be proper for them to give their representatives rela- 
tive to the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union which are 
proposed to the consideration of the Legislatures of all the United 
States as the basis thereof forever,' and also ' relative to the resolves of 
the most Honorable Congress of the 7th and 22d of November last,' 
having maturely considered the said Articles and resolves, do Ixnmbly 
offer the following to the consideration of the town on this ver.v impor- 
tant subject : 

"To Messrs. .John Stearns and William Stanley, Representatives of 
the town of Attleborongli, Gentlemen, We sliall rejoice at the arrival 
of the happy hour when tlie Independent States of North America have 
a Union established upon equitable terms to continue as long as the sun 
and moon enduie. We are sensible of the utility and necessity of such 
a union to our present exertions and the success of them, as well as for 
the strength and flourishing condition of these States hereafter. We 
I would, therefore, be 03 distant as possible from offering anything to ob- 
struct tlie speedy accomplishment of a thing so tiesiralde; yet we are 
constrained to desire explanation of the 4th jjaragi-aph in the fifth article 
which detei-mines, that, in deciding questions in the United States in 
Congress assembled, each State shall have one vote, wliich, if it exclude 
a voice in Congress proportioned to the number or estate of the differ- 
ent States, we apprehend, would be very unequal and not to be by any 
means consented unto, etc." 

After stating specific objections to some other arti- 
cles, the report concludes, — 

" With the foregoing emendations and explanations we desire you to 
use your endeavors that the Delegates in Congress be inipowered to 
ratify the aforesaid Articles of Confederation and Perjietnal union. As 
to the Itesolves of the most Hon'ble Congress, we only observe upon the 
fifth and sixth resolves, that the regulating bill formerly enacted and 
since repealed, though framed with an honest and good design, yet was, 



540 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



as we apprehend, very inju [ ious to the good and honest people of this State, 

and was of no use to rt'stiHin oppressors and monopolizers, but rather 
put an advantage of oppression into tlieir hands, and was a great means 
of sinliing the value of our money, and, therefore, we expect and desire 
you to oppose the carrying of the said resolutions into execution." 

At the same meeting a committee was appointed to 
draft a petition, which was sent to the General Court, 
earnestly praying for the repeal of an act calling in 
the bills of credit, or State money. In this petition 
the people expressed their fears of the consequences 
which would result from that act to the interests 
of the poor, etc. " We have waited a long time," 
say they, " in hopes that you would repeal that act 
without. our troubling you with petitions; but as we 
have hitherto been disappointed, we are obliged, in 
justice to ourselves and to our posterity, earnestly to 
pray for the speedy repeal of that act." They ex- 
press their opinion that the money ought to be called 
in by degrees as it was issued, — that is, one emis- 
sion at a time, by taxing the inhabitants of the State 
until the whole is withdrawn. 

March 17th. The Committee of Correspondence, 
etc., were Elkanah Wilmarth, Ebenezer Tiffany, and 
Ephraim Allen, Jr. 

May 12th. Voted to pay thirty pounds to each sol- 
dier who shall enlist in the Continental army to com- 
plete the number (thirteen) required of this town by 
a late resolve of the General Court; also voted to 
give thirty pounds more as a bounty. 

May 21st. The committee, chosen at a former meet- 
ing to consider the constitution ' lately submitted to 
the people, not agreeing upon a report, the town ap- 
pointed another committee of seven, viz.. Rev. P. 
Thatcher, Rev. Habijah Weld, Elder Job Seamans, 
Dr. Bezaliel Mann, Col. John Daggett, Col. Stephen 
Richardson, Capt. John Stearns, who finally made a 
report. The vote in town stood fifty-one affirmative, 
seventy-six negative. 

March 16, 1779. The Committee of Safety were Capt. 
Caleb Richardson, John Damon, Elijah Wellman. 

May ISth. Elisha May, Esq., was chosen representa- 
tive. Voted to empower our representative to vote 
for the calling of a convention for the sole purpose of 
framing a new constitution. 

June 21st. Voted to raise thirteen soldiers (to serve 
nine months) as this town's proportion of the fifteen 
battalions furnished by this State to fill up the Con- 
tinental army. On the question of having a new 
constitution there were one hundred and twenty-one 
votes in favor, and none in the negative recorded. 

Aug. 2d. This town sent three members to the con- 
vention which formed the present constitution of 
Massachusetts. 

"Chose Col. John Daggett, Capt. John Stearns, 
and Maj. Elisha May to attend the convention- at 



^ This was the first frame of government submitted to the people of 
this State. It was framed liy a convention, 1778-79, and is commonly 
called the HejecUd Corisliliilion. 

- This convention met at the meeting-house in Cambridso, September, 
1779, continued till the 7tli, and then adjourned to October 28lh ; then 



Cambridge on the 1st of September next for the sole 
purpose of framing a new constitution. 

The town then took into consideration the |)roceed- 
ings of the convention held at Concord for regulating 
articles of merchandise and country produce, and 
voted unanimously to accept of the doings of said 
convention and to conform ourselves to the proposed 
regulations. 

Chose Col. Stephen Richardson, Mr. Levi Maxcy, 
and Mr. Edward Richards members of the conven- 
tion to be held at Concord on the first W^ednesday of 
October next. 

March 21, 1780. The Committee of Safety were 
David Richardson, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, and Wil- 
liam Morse. 

May 2. The new constitution was referred to a 
committee. 

June 14. Voted to raise twenty-nine soldiers for 
six months, as this town's quota to reinforce the Con- 
tinental army, according to a resolve of the General 
Court of June 5, 1780. They were to be paid by a 
tax on the town. 

Sept. 4. Voted to raise twelve thousand pounds to 
defray the expenses of the town the current year. 
Also voted to raise fourteen hundred pounds, hard 
money, to pay the soldiers who may engage to serve 
in the Continental army for three and for six months, 
according to resolves of the General Court of June 
5th, 22d, and 23d. Elisha May, Esq., was chosen rep- 
resentative the two following years, which brings us 
to the close of the Revolution. There were no trans- 
actions of particular interest relating to the war during 
these two years. 

Military Services. — To furnish a full statement 
of the military services which the citizens of this 
town rendered during the Revolutionary war — to as- 
certain the number of soldiers who enlisted and the 
time for which they served — is not, perhaps, possible 
at this day. But some general accounts may be col- 
lected which will afford a tolerable view of their 
.services. 

It appears from the following anecdotes that they 
were not slow in acting up to the resolutions which 
they had adopted. 

In December, 1774, the Committee of Safety gave 
notice that one Nathan Aldis, a Tory, who lived in 
Franklin, Mass., was selling British goods, contrary 
to the resolutions of the General Court. CoL John 
Daggett, of this town, a determined and resolute 
patriot, immediately issued orders to the several 
companies of this town to furnish a certain number 
of men, who being collected, marched in a bitter cold 
night for the place of Aldis' residence, to put a stop 
to his business. They were joined on the way by 
volunteers from the neighboring towns. They arrived 

met and continued till November 11th, and adjourned to Jan. .5, 17S0, at 
the representatives' chamber, Boston ; then met and continued till 
March 2d, and adjourned to June 7th; then met and crmtiuued till 
June Ifith, when it was dissolved. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



541 



late at night, and surrounding his house, ordered him 
out. He (and his associates who had assembled to 
defend him) at first attempted to resist with arms, 
threatening to fire upon them from the windows ; and 
assuming a tone of confidence ordered them to depart. 
Upon this the besiegers were directed to point their 
guns towards the house. But finding that his oppo- 
nents were in earnest, and that threats could not in- 
timidate them, Aldis at last came out. He was or- 
dered to pit.// off his hat while in the presence of the 
people's soldiers ! Here, before the whole company, 
he was compelled to enter into an engagement not to 
"vend anymore British goods during the present 
unhappy controversy between the king and his colo- 
nies." The prisoner was then released. The next 
morning he fled to Boston, and was never after known 
in these parts. 

The captains from this town who were engaged in 
this adventure were Capt. S. Richardson, of the 
Northeast Company ; Capt. Moses Wilmarth, South- 
east Company ; Capt. Jacob Ide, Southwest Company; 
Capt. Jonathan Stanley, Northwest Company. 

Assonett Expedition. — Information having been 
received from the vigilant Committees of Safety that 
the British had made a deposit of arms and ammuni- 
tion at Assonett village (Freetown), for the use of the 
loyalists, Col. Daggett, of this town, on the 9th of 
April, 1775, undertook an expedition for the purpose 
of seizing these arms and breaking up the combina- 
tion which had been formed to favor the royal cause. 
He was accompanied by the several companies from 
this town with their captains (as before named, ex- 
cept Elisha May in the room of Jonathan Stanley), 
and by some of the militia from Rehoboth and other 
towns. How many others were concerned in the ad- 
venture is not known. 

They discovered forty stands of arms and equip- 
ments in the possession of the Tories, together with 
a large quantity of ammunition, the whole of which 
was taken by the patriots. All who were suspected 
of favoring the British interest were required to swear 
not to bear arms against their country. Nine stanch 
Tories who refused to take the oath of fidelity to the 
colonies were made prisoners and put under the 
charge of the company from East Attleborough, and 
forthwith marched to Taunton. Here their captors 
threatened to convey them to Sullivan's mines in 
Connecticut if they would not comply. To avoid 
this alternative they at last submitted, and took the 
oath of allegiance. They were then dismissed. 

This expedition deserves commemoration from the 
circumstance of its having been accomplished pre- 
vious to the commencement of open hostilities in any 
other part of the country. It preceded a few days 
the first scene in the great drama which opened on 
the plains of Lexington. It was appearing in arms 
(though on a comparatively small scale) against the 
royal government. The patriots expected resistance, 
and were prepared with sufficient force to meet it. 



The company of minute-men, sixty in number, 
under the command of Capt. Jabez Ellis, Enoch 
Robinson, lieutenant, on the day of the battle at 
Lexington received orders to march instantly to Rox- 
bury. We set out at night,' stopped a short time at 
Maxcy's, now Hatch's Tavern, then went directly to 
Dedham, where we found two tables by the roadside 
generously provided with food for the soldiers who 
might pass that way, thus arranged to prevent any 
unnecessary delay. We snatched a hasty breakfiist 
and marched on ; reached Roxbury about daylight, 
and were then marched round and round Roxbury 
meeting-house, to make as much show of numbers as 
possible in view of the British. Our company re- 
mained there seven or eight days, and then were per- 
mitted to return home.' 

The same company went down to Roxbury the day 
of Bunker Hill battle ; stayed about a fortnight. 
While there a small party of us went round to the 
Cambridge side to look at the British, but soon the 
captain of a fort called out to us that we ha.d better 
not go in company, for the enemy would see us and 
fire at us; and sure enough, in a minute or two, a 
cannon-ball came whizzing along close by us. and 
soon after they sent us a bomb. 

May 1, 1775. A company of sixty-four men enlisted 
for eight months, under Capt. Caleb Richardson, in 
the Massachusetts line (so called), and were stationed 
at Roxbury. 

July, 177(5. Another company, principally from 
this town, enlisted five months in the recruits called 
the new levies, under Capt. Caleb Richardson, 
and Stephen Richardson, lieutenant, both of Attle- 
borough, in the regiment of Col. Cary, of Middle- 
borough, Brig.-Gen. Fellowes, and did duty in and 
about New York, and were at the disastrous retreat 
from Long Island, etc' Some of the other members 
of this company were from the neighboring towns. 

September, 1776. Another company was raised (part 
from Attleborough and part from Norton) under Capt. 

1 The circumstanceG are given as related to the author by one of the 

survivore. 

2 Of one of these soldiers an anecdote was c.irrent among the sur- 
vivors of that day. One Henry Ricliardson, of this town, a bold and 

I honest but heedless fellow, on his way to Roxbury swore he would have 
one of the red-coats before lie went back. On his arrival at lieaiiquarters, 
the moment he bad opportunity, he charged his long musket, and not 
thinking with Falstaff that " discretion is the better part of valor,'* 
coolly marched down in front of our lower guard, and taking deliberate 
aim at the opposite British sentinel, discharged his musket, and badly 
wounded him, as his companions were seen to lead him off the ground, 

I and his place was supplied by another. Much to his astonishment, our 
hero was immediately arrested (for doing, as he llumght, so good a ser- 
vice) and put under guard ; but, on the representations of his friends, 
was soon after discharged without further punishment, in consideration 
of his good inteittions .' 

On meeting, afterwards, one of his townsmen, he exclaimed, with ex- 
ultation, "There, I told you I'd have one of them are Biitisb rascals." 

3 Capt. Moses Wilmaith, though he had served as a captain at home, 
yet from a spirit of pati iotism entered the service as a private soldier in 
the expedition to New York. lie was afterwards promoted, and con- 
tinued much attached to the service during the war. 

Joel Read of this town was wounded at New York. 



542 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Elisha May, of this town, in the regiment of Col. 
Thomas Carpenter, of Rehoboth, and arrived at White 
Plains before the battle. 

In October, 1777, a whole company from this town 
marched to Rhode Island, under Capt. Stephen Rich- 
ardson, and served one month in Spencer's " secret 
expedition," so called. 

Several men from this town were drafted in the ex- 
pedition against Ticonderoga in 1776; served also at 
Saratoga. 

Some of our soldiers enlisted for three years, and 
others during the war. 

The above accounts do not include the many indi- 
vidual enlistments into the Continental army from 
this town during the war. 

Militia— Rhode Island.— The militia in this town 
and the vicinity were subject to frequent drafts of 
men (more or less) from December, 1776, until after 
the evacuation of Rhode Island. Drafts were made 
in January, February, March, May, June, July, and 
August, 1777, and at many other times. The men 
were stationed, the most of the time, at Howland's 
Ferry (Tiverton) and at Warwick. 

The British took possession of Rhode Island in De- 
cember, 1776, and kept the surrounding country in a 
continual state of alarm. They occupied it above two 
years. 

Gen. Sullivan, during his expedition to Rhode Is- 
land, requested the government of Massachusetts to 
send him a reinforcement in consequence of the 
French forces having abandoned him. In compliance 
with this request the following orders were issued by 
the Council of this State, directing Col. Daggett, of 
the Fourth Regiment (including, as now, Attle- 
borough, Mansfield, Norton, and Easton), to take 
charge of the detachment: 

"State of Massachusetts Bay, 

" Council Chamuer, Aug. IS, 1778. 

" WnEEEAS, Maj.-Gen. SuIIivau Iins represented to this Board that by 
reason of tlie absence of the French troops, wliich he expected would 
co-operate with him, he is in pressing need of a reinforcement, there- 
fore, 

" Ordered, that the following colonels be and hereby are directed to 
detacli from their respective regiments the several numbers of men here- 
after mentioned, and form them info companies of si.Kty-eiglit men 
each, iuchiding one captain, two subalterns, four sergeants, four corpo- 
rals, cnie drummer, and one fifer, and see that tliey be equipped, armed, 
and accoutred as the law directs, and order them to march immediately 
to tile island of Rhode Island, and theie to do duty during the campaign 
on said island, viz, ; From Col. liawes' regiment, one hundred and fifty 
men, including officers and one major; from Col. Carpenter's regiment, 
one hundred and fifty men, including officers; from Col. Daggett's regi- 
ment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers and one colonel ; 
from Col. Hathaway's regiment, one hundred and fifty men, including 
officers and one lieutenant-colonel ; from Col. Sproat's regiment, one 
hundred and fifty men, including officers; from Col. Williams' regiment, 
one hundred and fifty men, including officers, 

" And mal:e return to the ('ouncil without loss of time. 
"A true copy. 

" Attest : John Averv, Dij. Sec'y" 

In obedience to these orders a regiment (consisting 
of nine hundred men) was formed out of the several 
regiments above named, which repaired to Rhode 
Island, and served under the command of Col. Dag- 



gett, of this town, during the remainder of the cam- 
paign. The company furnished by this town as its 
quota under this levy was commanded by Capt. Caleb 
Richardson. It was on the island at the time of the 
battle, and was partially engaged fn it.' 

Col. Daggett also commanded the regiment (of 
which this town furnished a portion) from Bristol 
County in Spencer's expedition. This regiment was 
supplied by alternate drafts from the companies in 
the northerly and middle parts of the county. 

During the occupation of the island by the British, 
as before observed, the militia from all the towns in 
the vicinity were frequently called upon to defend the 
shore, as constant apprehensions were entertained that 
the enemy would attempt to land. Attempts were 
indeed often made, but as often failed. Orders would 
sometimes come for all the militia to appear at some 
place near the i.sland. All hands would accordingly 
muster (whether by night or day) and make all haste 
for the scene of parade. They were sometimes thus 
detained a week, three weeks, and even six weeks at 
a time. On the appearance of a sufficient force the 
enemy would for the time relinquish their design, and 
the greater part of the militia obtain leave to go home. 
But sometimes before they arrived home orders would 
come for their immediate return. The yeomanry were 
thus often obliged to leave the plow in the furrow, 
the mown hay untouched, and the harvest rotting in 
the field. 

While Sullivan was retreating from the island, 
Fayette, who brought up the rear, just as he was 
leaving the field, espied a pickaxe belonging to the 
American army which had been accidentally left on 
the ground ; he instantly went back, dismounted and 
picked it up, exclaiming in broken English as he 
rode otf with it on his shoulder, "The;/ ^ha'n't have de 
pickaxe /" 

The cannonade (which was heavy) between the two 
armies was distinctly heard and felt in this town, 
and produced extreme anxiety in every family. 

The time of Bunker Hill battle was likewise a day 
of solemn feeling and fearful expectation. The can- 
nonade was distinctly heard at this distance (thirty- 
five miles), and the occasion of it was fully recognized. 
The town was almost deserted by all able to bear 
arms. Women were in tears for the fate of fathers, 
husbands, and brothers who had gone to the scene of 
action. 

From the preceding account of the civil transac- 
tions and the military services of this town it ap- 
pears satisfactorily that our citizens furnished their 
full proportion to the ranks of the patriot army, and 
did their duty faithfully in the day of trial. 

In reviewing the proceedings in that contest which 
agitated the country previous to the commencement 
of the Revolution one thing struck me as worthy of 

1 Two men from this town who had belonged to the Continental army 
were killed in that action, viz., Larned Hall and one John Dwyer, for- 
merly of Rehoboth. 



ATTLEBOKOUGH. 



543 



remark (though not particularly noticed by histo- 
rians), that the citizens of this State generally, the 
people as a body, felt a deeper interest, took a more 
active part, and exerted a more direct influence in the 
transactions of the day than the people of any other 
State. The whole mass of our citizens seemed to be 
acting in concert, animated with one spirit, and in 
pursuit of one object. Other States were indeed as 
zealously engaged in the great work, but it was rather 
through the Legislature or the government than by 
the direct influence of the people. But the citizens of 
this State intrusted it not to a few leaders or to any 
body of men to vindicate their violated rights, — they 
were willing to do their part and to bear the burden 
themselves. Every town and almost every individual 
felt it a duty to put forth an effort in the cause. 

It may be here remarked that previous to this 
period, viz., 1745, Cumberland was separated from 
Attleborough by royal charter and annexed to Rhode 
Island.^ 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

ATTLEBOROUGH.— C Continuetl.) 

Genealogical Notices of Some of the Early Settlers— List of Representa- 
tives of the Towu from its lucorporation — Biographies of Daggett, 
Mascy, Mann, May, Ide, and Others — List of Graduates in Brown Uni- 
vei-sity, etc.— Dr. Hehert Mann's Death, and Wreck of the Brig " Gen- 
eral Arnold" — Miscellany— Topography, etc.— Character of Early In- 
habitants— Their Condition, etc. — Conclusion. 

Genealogy. — A brief genealogy of some of the 
earliest settlers in the town is annexed, which is in- 
tended to include, so far as I have been able to ascer- 
tain, the names of those who came into town previous 
to 1730, with the names of their children of the first 
generation (space not permitting me to extend it any 
further), and also the previous place of their settle- 
ment when known. This will not contain the names 
of many who have all either removed from town or 
whose families have become extinct. These sketches 
must necessarily be imperfect, from the defects in the 
records and the general neglect of most families to 
preserve any knowledge of their remote ancestry. 
The discovery of many of these facts connected with 
the history of our ancestors has been the result of 
fortunate accident. 

Many of the first proprietors (who belonged to Re- 
hoboth) or their descendants became the occupants of 

1 The new boundaries established by this charter took from Massa- 
chusetts and annexed tu Rhode Island a fine tract of land, including all 
Bristol County, R. I., Tiverton, Newport Co., and Cumberland, Provi- 
dence Co. Cumberland comprised nearly half of the original town. 
Its area is about twenty-eight square miles, and, taken together, is an 
excellent tract of land. It is good for grain and orcharding, and espe- 
cially for gn\S8, which is cut in great abundance. Some parts of the 
towu, however, are light and sandy. It was incorporated in 1746. It 
was previously called Attleborough Gore. It is well adapted to manu- 
facturing purposes, having three streams, Abbott's Run, Mill and Peter's 
Rivers, besides the Blackstone, which is its western boundary. 



the lands which they had purchased ; but in process 
of time the cheapness of the land invited many emi- 
grants from various parts of the colonies of Massachu- 
setts and PlJ^mouth, who either became shareholders 
or purchased rights.^ 

Allen, Neheuiiab, sun of Isaac Allen (Ist), of Kehobotli, married Anne 
Wilmarth, daughter of Thomas Wilmarth (2d), of that town, came to 
Attleborough about 1710. He had five cliildren, viz., Isaac, John, Ne- 
heniiah, Daniel, Annie, who were born between the years 1711 and 
1726. 

Atwell, Richard, married Sarah Bolkcom, daughter of Alexander Bolk- 
com, had five children by her, — Sarah, Amos, Anne, Richard, Ichabod, 
1728-39. His second wife was Mary Lawrence, by wliom he had one 
son, William, born 1741. 

Barrows, Benajah, ancestor of all of that name in this lown. He came 
here about 1708 from Rehoboth, where he had resided for a short time. 
His wife was Lydia Bucklin, daughter of Joseph Bucklin, one of the 
early settlers of that town. Had nine children, — John, born in Reho- 
both, 1707 ; Deborah, born 1711 ; Joseph, 17i:t; Nehemiah, 171.t; Benja- 
min. March, 1717-lS; Klijab, March, 1719-20; Lydia, 1722; Ichabod, 
1724. He died Jan. b, 1754. 

Blackinton, Peoticost, the ancestor of all the Blackingtons in town, 
came to Attleborough previous to 1702, from what place is not l^nown. 
His wife's name was Mary. He had at least four children, — Penticost, 
Mary, Benjiimin, who came with him, and Hepzibeth, who was born 
here December, 1702, and John and Penelope, twins, born 1705, and both 
died 170G. Penticost (Ist) died Sept. 24, 1715. His son Penticost mar- 
ried Rebeccah Figgett, bad eight children, — Penticost, born 1716; Re- 
beccah, born 1717; George, born 1720; Anne, born 1722; Mary, born 
1724 ; John, born 1727 ; Othniel, born 1729; Peter, born 1731. 

Blanding, Obediah, came from Rehoboth, son of William Blanding, 
first of that name in Rehoboth, married Eli/abeih Weeks, had five chil- 
dren,— Ephraim, Samuel, Obediah, Elizabeth, Mfhitabel, 1719-27. Sev- 
eral others afterwards came herefrom that town, descendants of William 
(1st), viz., Daniel, Noah, Laraack, etc. 

Bishop, William, appears to be the first, came from Beverly or Salem 
about 17(»3, His wife's name was Dorothy. lie had eight children, — 
Edward, Elizabeth, William, Martha, Rebecca, Baily, Dorothy, John, 
1701-15. His second wife whs Tabitha Hadley, married 1710. 

There were several others of this name, someof them, perhapp, brothers 
of the above, viz., Daniel, who married Elizabeth Brown, 1734; Sam- 
uel, married Mary ; Joseph, married IMiriam Uodges; Thomas, who 

married Sarah Hobel, of Pequonick, and Iiad one daughter, born in New 
Brookfield, N.T., 1744. 

Bolkcom, Alexander (1st), who came to Attleborough previous to 
1692, from whom all in town are descended. Ho married Sarah Wood- 
cock, daughter of John Woodcock, Sr., and had seven children, — Wil- 
liam, born Sept. 3, 1692 ; Katharine, born Feb. 7, 16!!4 ; Alexander, born 
April 4, 1690 ; John, born April 29, 1699; Baruck, horn June 12, 1702; 
Sarah, born Feb. 8, 1703-4 ; Joseph, born Feb. 23. 1705-0. 

He died Jan. 31, 1727-28. His son William married Mary Tyler, Oct. 
3, 1713 ; Alexander married Martha Ohiuton, May 14, 1725 ; Baruck mar- 
ried Patience Blake; John married Mary tirover, by whom ho had five 
children, and afterward Sarah Grover, by whom he had eight children ; 
Joseph married Mary Parminter, March 21, 1733-34. 

Capron, Banfield, was the first of that name who came to this country 
From him all the Caprons in this vicinity are descended. Tlio name of 
' his first wife was Elizabeth. His children were Banfield, Josuph, Eliza- 
beth Banfield (born Oct. 22, 1684), Edward, Jolin, Jonathan (born Marcli 
■ 10, 1705-6), Sarah (born March 11, 17U8-9). 

His wife. Elizabeth, died March 10, 1735. He married, Dec. 16, 1735, 
Mr^. Sarah Daggett (relict of Deacon John Daggett), and died Aug. 25, 
17.'>2, at a very advanced age. He settled where the late Joab Daggett 
lived, and laid out the lands there. Tradition says he came to this 
country alone when he was quite a lad, as a cabin-boy, to seek his for- 
tune. 

Carpenter, Josiab, Noah, William, Obediah, etc., came to Attleborough 
from Rehoboth, and were all descendants of Samuel and William Car- 
penter, two of the earliest of that name in Rehoboth, William Carpen- 
ter was admitted an inhabitant of that town March 28, 1645. He was 
admitted a freeman of Massachusetts May 13, 1G40. 



- Usually new-comers, if they could not purchase a share in the undi- 
vided lands, bought a right to lay out a definite number of acres in a 
division already granted. 



544 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Noah wa9 tlie son of William, of Eehol>otb, born March 28,1672, mar- 
ried Sarah Juhnson, Dec. ii, 1700, by whom lie had thirteen children, — 
Noah, Uliriam, Sarah, Stephen, Asa, Blary (^born iu Rehoboth), Margaret, 
Simon (died infant), Isaiah, Simon, Martha, EUsha, Amy. He married 
Kuth Follet, May, 17"27, by wliom he had one daughter, born May, 1728. 

Claflin (formerly McC.'latlin i), Antipas, came here from Sudbury, Mass. 
Had tiirec children after his arrival in this town, viz., Hepzelieth (horn 
Nov. 17, 1717), Antipas and Kbenezer, twins (born Feb. 8. 1720-21). His 
wife's name was Sarah. Other sous probably came with him, Noah, 
PhinehuB, etc. 

Cutting. The first and only one of this name who came here was Aaron. 
His son, Aaron, Jr., married Ruth Pratt, 1749 (who died July 26, 1753), 
and for his second wife, Sarah Tucker, by both of whom he had nine 
children. 

Daggett, John, ancestor of all the Daggetts lieie and in Connecticut, 
carae to Attleborough from Chilmarlt, Martha's Vineyard, about 1709, 
with Ins wife Sarah and nine children, four sons and five daughters, viz., 
Mayliew, Ebenezer, Thomas, Napthali, Abigail (who married El)ene7,er 
Guild, Oct. 12, 1714), Jane (married Caleb Hall, Nov. 9, 1721), Zilpha 
(married Nathaniel Robinson, July 18, 1721), Patience (married Noah 
Robinson, Oct. 4, 172^5), Mary (married John Titus, Jan. 18, 1727-28), nil 
of Attlehurough. 

Ebenezer married Mary Blackinton, daughter of Penticost the 1st, 
Nov. 9, 1721 ; Mayhew married Joanna Biveu, of Deerfield, Mass., Oct. 

11, 1709 ; Thomas married Sarah Stanley, daughter of Stanley, 

March 21,1722-23.2 

John the Ist, of Attleborough, was the son of Thomas Daggett, Esq., 
of Edgartown, who married Hannah, the oldest daughter of Governor 
Mayhew, aud was brother to Thomas, Samuel, Joshua, Israil, Mercy. 

Thomas, the father (who was brother of John the 1st, of Rehoboth), 
is supposed to be the son of John Daggett the Ist, who came to this 
country iu lUiJO, and was settled in Watertown in 1642, and probably 
removed to Martha's Vineyard with Governor Mayhew when he settled 
the island in 1G44. There is reason to believe that John the 1st, of 
Watertown, had a brother Thomas, who came to New England. 

Day, Samuel, appears to be the first, came from Ri^hoboth. His wife 
was I'riscilla. He had several children, — Samuel, Edward (born June 
9, 1705), John (born Sept. 29. 1708), Priscilla (born Nov. 22, 1711J, Ben- 
jamin (burn in Attleborough, Ai)ril 28, 1720), and perhaps others. 

One Hubert Day wa.s admitted freeman of Massachusetts May 6, 1635, 
and Ralph Day May, 1645. 

Foster, John, came from Dorchester about 1712, married Margaret 
Ware, had thirteen children,— John (born 1706), Robert (born 1707), 
Ebenezer (born 1709), — these three boru in Dorchester, — Margaret (born 
iu Wrentham in 1712), Benjamin (born 1714), Jonathan (born 1715), 
Sarah (born 1718), Timothy (born 1720), Nathan (born 1722), Esther 
(boru 1724), Michael (born 1725 and died 172(j), Michael (born 1727), 
Mary (born 1729). 

Foster, Alexander (another who came to town), whose wife's nsune 
was Suanna, had six children, — Elizabeth, Sarah, Alexander, Edward, 
Suanna, Jane, — from 1734 to 1746. 

Freeman, David and Jonathan, inhabitants of Rehoboth, came to 
Attlebcrough, probably the ancestors of all the Freemans in this town. 
The name of David's wife was Mary. Some of his children were Eben- 
ezer (horn April la, 1G84), Hannah (born April 24, 1686), Margaret 
(horn Feb. 9, 1688-89). 

Jonathan's children were William, Mary, Jonathan, Mercy, Samuel, 
Anne, David, 1G90-1704. 

French, John, son of John French (1st), of Rehoboth, came from that 
town about 1710, married Martha Williams, had five children, — John 
(born in Rehoboth), Ephraim aud Martha (twins, died infants), Hannah) 
Samuel, 1709-14. His second wife was Abigiiil White, married May 23, 
1728, by whom he had two children, — John (born 1729), Thomas (boru 
173U). 

Thomas, brother of the preceding, also came from Rehoboth, married 
Mary Brown, Jan. 5, 1720-21, had children, — Thomas, Christopher, 
Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Bridget, Sarali, Hannah, 1722-38. 

Fuller. This name is numerous. The first are not all known. One 



1 Sometimes spelt Meclothlin, and in one place (R. N. P. Rec, p. 336) 
Mack Cleaulan, a proof of the variatiuu which names undergo in the 
course of a few generations. Tradition says the family originated in 
Scotland. 

2 By a recent research I am able to trace this family still further back, 
and give the result fur the information of numerous descendants here 
and elsewhere. 



was John, whose chlldrer) were Ithaman, Abigail, John, Jeduthan, 
Abial, Joanna, 1802-19. His second wife was Mary Follet, had one 
daughter Sarah, born 1721. 

Jonathan Fuller was an early settler of Rehoboth. Robert aud Wil- 
liam Fuller admitted freemen Massachusetts June 2, 1641. 

Guild, Ebenezer, came from Dedliam, married Abigail Daggett, daugh- 
ter of Deacon John Daggett (1st), 12th October, 1714, had several chil- 
dren, — Joseph, Naphtiili, Ebenezer, 1716-22. John and Benjamin also 
came with him. 

Hall, Edward and John, came from England, soon to Taunton, thence 
to Rehoboth. Epliraim, son of John, came to Attleborough. John was 
admitted freeman of Massachusetts 14th May, 1634; Edward, 2d May, 
1638. John married Mary Newell, of Roxbury, ISth November, 1684. 
Edward died 27th November, 1670. 

Christopher Hall also came to Attleborough, had two sons. Caleb and 
Joshua. 

Ide, Nicholas, Lieut., son of Nicholas (1st), of Rehoboth, who was 
there as early as April 9, 1645, was born November, 1654, married Mary 
Ormsby Dec. 27, 1628, had seven children, — Nathaniel, Jacob, Martha, 
Patience, John, Benjamin, 1678-93 (all born in Rehoboth), Nicholas (by 
his second wife, Eliza, born in Attleborough, July 25, 1697). Nicholas, 
Sr., died 5th June, 1723. Nathaniel died 14th March, 1702-3. 

Jacob (second son) married Sarah Perry. His children were Sanih, 
(born Dec. 13, 1712), Jacob (Sept. 26, 1723). 

John (third son) married Mehetable Robinson, May 14, 1719, had four 
children, — Sarah, John, Benjamin, Amos, 1720-29. 

Ingraham, Joseph, Benjatnin, Jeremiah, Elijah, descendants of Benja- 
min and of Jarrett, whose name is on the list of purchasers, came from 
Rehoboth. Joseph married Mary Shepardson. 

Elijah married Sarah Ide, had eight children, — Elijah, Jabez, Sarah 
and William (twins), Betty, Remember, Cumfort, Jeremiah, 1734-46. 

Maxcy, Alexander,^ came from Gloucester, Ma?s., with his family about 
1721, settled on John Woodcock's farm and continued the public-house. 
His wife's name was Abigail. He died Sept. 20, 1723. His childien were 
Alexander (who died April 2, 1724), Joseph, Josiah, Abigail (who mar- 
ried Jacob Hascall, of Gloucester), Mary (who married William Ware, 
May 4,1726), Esther (who married Nehemiah Ward, Dec. 3, 172S), and 
Benjamin. 

Josiah married Mary Everett, daugbter of Joshua Everett, had eleven 
children. His second son, Levi (whose wife was Ruth, daughter of Ja- 
cob Newell), wa-s the father of Jonathan, Milton, and Virgil, graduates 
of Brown University, eminent in literary and professional life. Levi, 
another son, who possessed superior talents, though not liberally educa- 
ted, died at the South. 

Martin, John, Robert, and Timothy, came from Rehoboth. Timothy 
married Mary, daughter of John Fuller, then of Rehoboth, afterwards 
of Attleborough, had three children,^Timothy, Sarah, Abel. 

Tliree of this name were admitted freemen Massachusetts, — Thomas 
BLarliu, 22d May, 1639 ; John and Robert, 13th May, 1640. John settled 
in Rehoboth. 

Moore, Alexander, married Alice Chaffee, had eight children, — Sam- 
uel, Comfort, Jane, Betsey, Esther, Alice, Kate, Hannah. 

Newell, Jacob, came here from Roxbury or Dorchester about 1715, 
bringing with him his family of several sons, — Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, 
etc. Jason, Jborn here Dec. 12. 1717. His wife's name was Joyce. He 
settled near the firet meeting-house and bought a part of Willet's farm, 
and, according to tradition, distributed it among bis seven sons, which 
still remains in seven divisions. 

Peck, Hezekiah (sou of Nicholas Peck, of Behohoth), came to Attle- 
borough about 1700, with his family ; married Deborah Cooper, of the 
former place, had seven children, — Deborah, Judith, Hannah, Heze- 
kiah, Rachel, burn in Rehoboth ; Petronella, Perthenah, 1687-1711. 

Several other Pecks came here from Rehoboth, viz., John and Elisha, 
brothers of Hezekiah ; Daniel and Ichabud, sous of Jathniel, who was 
the son of Joseph Clst).^ 

3 It is said that a brother came with him to this country and settled in 
one of the Southern States. 

* He came to Rohobotli from Ilingham, Mass., and probably to that 
place from Hingham, England. 

Mr. Joseph Peck and Mr. Robert Peck were admitted freemen Massa- 
chusetts March 13, 1638-;i9. Robert was ordained teacher at Hing- 
ham Nov. 8, 1638, and Oct. 27, 1641, returned to England with his 
family. Joseph's name appears on the Rehoboth records April 9, 1645. 
On his way from Hingham the following accident befell him: 

1645,1.25. "Another strange accident happened by fire about this 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



545 



Read, Daiiiel, came from Beliobotli about 1716, witli five children,— I 
Beriali, Ichaliod, Hannah, Abigail, Esther, Daniel (died infant), 1707- 
13. His first wi ft* was Elizabeth Bosworth ; his second was Elizabeth 
Ide, by whom he had eight children, — Daniel, Noah, Elizabeth, Samuel, 
Abigail, Rachel. Benjamin, Tliankful, 1716-34.> I 

At least two other Itt-ads came here from Behoboth, Moses and Ezra. 1 
Tliuee of this name have been very numerous in this town. j 

Richards, Edward and Nathan, came from Dedham. From them are I 
descended those of that name in tins town. The first in Dedham way i 
Edward, who was aihnitted freeman 1641. — W'orthiii'itoii'H Hist. Bed. I 

Richardson, Stephen, John, ^\'illiam, brothers, camo to Attleboroiigh. | 
Stephen married Mary Brown. His children weie Stephen, Seth (died), 
RIary, Abigail, Sarah, Seth, Phebe, 1714-25. 

Several otht-rs also came to this town, — Timothy, Francis, etc. Ezekiel 
Richardson, freeman Massacliusetts May 18, 1631 : Samuel, May 2, 1638. 

Robinson. Six of this name came to Attleboroujih from Rehoboth, 
viz., Nathaniel, Noah, John, Timothy, Samuel, Ebenezer.2 

Nathaniel marrii-d Zilplia (third daughter of Deacon John Daggett, j 
let), July 18. 1721 ; had nine children,— Nathan, Nathaniel, George, 
Zilpha, Elizabeth, Elihu. Anios, Abigail. Margaret, 172;d-39. 

Noah married Patience (fourth daughter of John Daggett, 1st), Oct. 
4.1722; had seven children, — Zephaniah, Mary, Elijali, William, Hul- 
dah, Enoch, Otmfort, 1723-40. 

John m.anied Thankful Newell and had several descendants. Timothy 
married Elizabeth Grant. Samuel married Mary Cooper, first wife; \ 
Mary Ide, second wife. | 

Ebenezer married Elizabeth Read, and ha<l eight children, — Meheta- ! 
ble, Sarah, Ebenezer, Samuel, Elizabeth, Ezekiel, Dan, Martha, 1721- | 
38. 

Stanley, Thomas, Nathaniel, Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, John came from 
Topsfield, Blass., and settled near the Falls. The last three were 
brothers. Thomas and Samuel were here in 1707 ; Jacob came about 
1717. Thomas married Mary Gould; had twelve children, — Thomas, 
Mary, Phobe, Nathaniel, Samuel, Daniel, David (died infant), QIartha, 
William, Abigail, Priscilla, David. 

Jacob married Elizabeth Guild. His children were Jacob, Benjamin, 
Elizabeth (died infant), Deborah, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Solomon, Abi- 
gail. 

Nathaniel married Sarah Blackinton. His children were SetTiah, 
Sarah, Hepzibeth, Ahner, Amy, Sibula. Israel. Penticost, Anne, Na- 
-thaniel, 1721-44. 

Starkey, Andrew, came here about 1708. His first wife was MehitaMe 
Waiie, by whom he had two children, — Mehitahle, born May, 1709; 
John, born July, 1712. Ills second wife wai> Catharine, daughter of 
Ale.xauder Bolkcom, by whom he had three children, — Jemima, Andrew, 
Thomas, 1722-33. Andrew, Sr., died Aug. 16, 1740. 

Sweet, Henry, was here about 1690, liad five children, — John, Philip 
(died infant), Thomas, Michael (died infant), Dorothy. He was one of 
tlie earliest, if not the first, of that name. Dieil Dec. 8, 1704. Probably 
a descendant uf John, admitted freeman 1641. 

Sweetlarid, John, came from Marblebead with several others of that 
name. Three of bis children were Benjamin, Deborah, Samuel, 1703- 
11. He died June 9, 1711. 



time. One Mr. Peck and three others of Hingham, being about with. ! 
others to remove to Seaconk (which was concluded by the conimis- ! 
sioners of the united colonies to belong to Plymouth), riding thither, 
they sheltered themselves and their horses in an Indian wigwam, 
which by some occasion took fire, and 'although they wore all four in 
it, and labored ti' their utmost, etc.j burnt three of their horses (o death, 
and all their goods to the value of 50 pounds." i 

One John Peck was in Rehoboth as early as March 29, 164x'». — Win. 
Joitr., ii. 216. \ 

Nichohis, Johu, Joseph, Jr., are supposed to be sons of Mr. Joseph, i 
who came with him to Rehoboth; if this supposition be true, then alt | 
of the name are descended from him. I 

1 Thomas Read, admitted freeman MaseachuBetts April 1, 1634 ; John, 
May 13, 1640 ; William, Dec. 14, 1638 ; Esdras, June 2, 1641. John and 
Thomas (perhaps sons of John) settled in Rehoboth, and were the an- 
cestors of tlie numerous progeny of Reads in that towu and Attlc- 
horongh. 

- They were descendants of George Robinson (Ist), of Rehoboth, 
whose name is on our list of x'urchasers. He married Joanna Ingra- 
ham. 

William Robinson, freeman, Massachusetts, at Salem, Dec. 27, 1642; 
John, June 2, 1641. 
35 



Tyler, Ebenezer, had nine children,— Ebenezer, Elizabeth, Phebe^ 
Catharine, Hannah (died), John, Hannah, William, 1714-31.^ 

Samuel married Mary Caproii, had eleven children, — Mary (died), 
Samuel i^died), Moses, Samuel, Mary, Nathan, Huldali, Ilabijah and 
Elizabeth (twins), Ebenezer, Benjamin (died). 

Wilkinson, John, came here about 1700, married Rachel Fales. His 
children were eight, — John, Joseph, Rachel, Slary, Hepzibeth, Abigail, 
Sarah, Hannah, 1702-23. He purchased Capt. Willett's share in the un- 
divided lands, probably of his son Andrew. Died Jan. 24, 1724-25. 

John Wilkinson, Maiden, died December, 1675 — Far. Ileg. 

Wilmarth, Tbomas,^ came to Attlehorough about 1708, married De- 
borah Peck, had seven children, — Mary, Thomas, Deborah, Elizabeth, 
Anne, Ebenezer, Eliphalet, 1709-28. 

Several other Wilniarths came from that town, — Samuel (sou of 
Thomas (2d) of Rehoboth^ Jonathan, Nathan, Stephen (sons of Jonathan, 
of that place), Daniel, etc. 

The Dearies came from Taunton ; Ellises, Drapers, etc., from Dedham, 
subsequent to 1730. 

It is not expected that the foregoing list includes all who came pre- 
vious to that period. The names of the original ancestors of some 
could not be ascertained. 

One name was omitted in its proper place. Bourne, Andrew, came 
(it is supposed from Great Britain) to Attlehorough about 1720, and set- 
tled in the ea«t part of the ttiwn. All of that name in this vicinity are 
descended from him. 

List of Representatives from thir^ town from its 
incorporation in 1694 to 1888. Elections were in 
May unless otherwise designated. 



1709-11. David Freeman.^ 

1712. Capt. Joseph Brown.*' 

1713. Mr. David Freeman. 
Lieut. Nicholas Ide.? 

1714. Lieut. Nicholas Ide. 
1715-18. David Freeman. 

1719. Jeremiah Whipple. 

1720. Deacon John Daggett. 
David Freeman.^ 

1721. David Freeman. 

1722. No one would accept. 

1723. Capt. John Foster. 

1724. Mr. Nathaniel Carpenter. 

1725. Capt. John Foster. 
1726-28. Capt. Joseph Brown. 
1729. Mr. Nathaniel Carpenter. 
1730-32. Capt. John Foster. 

1733. Nathaniel Carpenter. 

1734. Sent an excuse. 

1735. Nathaniel Carpenter. 

1736. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. 

1737. John Robinson. 

Capt. Mayhew Daggett. 
John Foster, Esq. 
Timothy Tingley. 
Samuel Tyler. 
Ahasel Read. 

1738. John Foster, Esq. 
1739^0. John Bobbins. 
1741-42. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. 



1743. Maj. John Foster. 

1744. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. 

1745. Capt. Samuel Tyler. 
174G. Perez Brmlford, Esq.* 
1747-49. Capt. Samuel Tyler. 
1750-53. Benjamin Day. 
1754-55. Name not on record. 
1756-58. Lieut. Josiah Ma.\cy. 

1759. Deacon Benjamin D.ay. 

1760. Japhesh Bicknell. 
1761-63. Stephen Fuller. 
17')4-67. l>eacun Ebenezer Lane. 
1768-75. John Daggett. 
1776-77. Capt. John Stearns. ' 

William Stanley. 
1778-79 Capt. Elisha May. 

1780. Capt. Elisha May. 
.John Daggett. 

1781. Elisha May. 

1782. Name not found. 

1783. Col. Stephen Richardson. 

1784. Elialia May, Esq. 

1785. Col. Stephen Richardson. 

1786. Capt. Ebenezer Tyler. 

1787. William Stanley. 

1788. Elisha May, Esq. 

1789. Capt.C. Richardson. 

1790. Maj. Ebenezer Tyler. 

1791. Elisha May, Esq. 

1792. Maj. Ebeuezer Tyler. 



3 Tyler, Abraham, Haverhill 1650, died May 6, 1673. Job, Andover, 
1G53, had a son Moses, who died 1727, aged eighty-five, having had ten 
sons. Nathaniel, Lynn, 1642. — Far. Reg. 

< Grandson of Thomas Wilmarth, Sr., who came into Rehoboth as 
early as March 28, 1645, with his wife and children. This name was 
anciently spelled Wilmot. 

5 The reader will perceive that nu representative was chosen during 
the first fourteen years after the incorporation. The reason is given in 
the extracts from the town records. 

ti Son of Mr. John Brown, of Rehoboth (well known in the history of 
the Old Colony), camo here (1709) from Kingston, R. I., to which he had 
removed about 1702. In this list the litl^a generally given, according to 
the custom of the times, are retained as they appear on record. 

" November, 1713. 

8 June, 1720. 

'-> July 22, 1746, Capt. Mayhew Daggett was chosen. 



546 



HISTOKY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1793-98. Elishii May, Esq. 

1799. Col. Elienezer Tyler. 
1800-1. Elisliii Bliiy, Esq. 
1802-4. Maj. Eljenezer Tyler. 
1805. Ebeuezer Bacon. 

1800. Joel Ri'ild, Esq. 
1807. Ebenezer Bacon, 
1808-10. Joel Read. ♦ 

1811. Joel Rend. 

John Richardson. 
Benjamin Bolkconi. 

1812. John Richardson. 
Joel Read. 
Benjamin Bolkcom. 

1813. Joel Read. 
Benjamin Bolkcom. 
J'din Richardson. 

1814. Capt. Thomas French. 
Jabez Newell. 

1815. A. Richardson, Jr. 
1810. Ehenezer Daggett, Esq. 
1817-19. Sent no one. 
1820-21. A. Richardson, Jr. 
1822-23. Ehenezer Daggett, Esq. 
1824. Sent no one. 

1825-26. William Blackinton. 

1827. George Ellis. 
Elkanali Briggs. 
A. Richardson, .Jr. 

1828. George Ellis. 
Elkanah Briggs, Esq. 

1829-30. Elkanah Briggs, Esq. 
1831-34. Abijah M. Ide. 

1835. David E. Holman. 

1836. John Daggett. 
David E. Holman. 
Lemnel May. 

1837. John Daggett. 
Lemuel May. 

1838. John Daggett. 

1839. Carlos Barrows. 
Jonathan Bliss. 
John Daggett. 

1840. Carlos Barrows. 
Jonathan Bliss. 

1841. Willard Blackinton. 
Artemas Stanley. 

1842. Artemas Stanley. 
William Blackinton. 

1843. Daniel VVilmarth. 



1843. Calvin Richards. 
1844-45. Lemnel May. 

Forrest Foster. 
1846-47. George Bacon. 

Harvey Clafin. 

1848. None. 

1849. George D. Hatch. 
Sanmel Carpenter. 

1850. Samuel Carpenter. 
George D. Hatch. 

1851-53. Lyman W. Daggett. 
Ife-H. None. 
1855. Charles Cravens. 
185G. Elkanah Briggs. 

1857. Henry M. Richards. 

1858. Horatio N. Richardson. 
1859. . 

1860. Geoige D. Hatch. 
Elisha Wilmarth. 

1861. Gardner C. Hodges. 

1862. William D. Earl. 
Ezekiel Bates. 

1863. Horatio N. Richardson. 
John Thompson. 

1864. Hanrtel N. Daggett. 
Mina B. Daggett. 

18G5. Henry K. W. Allen. 
Ira N Conant. 

1866. John Daggett. 
Edmnnd Ira Richards. 

1867. Joseph A. Perry. 

1868. Willard Blackinton. 

1869. Joseph D. Pierce. 

1870. Gardner C. Wright. 

1871. John T. Bates. 

1872. Ohed C. Turner. 

1873. Edward Sanford. 

1874. Samuel S. Ginnodo. 

1875. Felix G. Whitney. 

1876. Henry 'J. Read. 

1877. George Asa Dean. 

1878. George Price. 
Abijah T. Wales. 

1879. John Stanley 

1880. Edwin J. llorton. 

1881. George N. Crandall. 
Bnrnll Porter, Jr. 

1882. John Wliilehill. 

1883. John Whitehill. 



Biographical Sketches. — Rev. Naphtali Daggett, 
D.D., president of Yale College, was the son of Eben- 
ezer Daggett and Mary, liis wife, and was born in At- 
tleborougli (at the residence of the late Ebenezer 
Daggett, Esq.), Sept. 8, 1727. He was the second son 
among eight children. His father dying while he 
was yet young, he was left under the direction of a 
mother, who was, however, in every respect peculi- 
arly qualified to discharge the duties which devolved 
upon her. He soon after commenced studies prepara- 
tory to college. Rev. Solomon Reed became acquainted 
with him while he was a youth, and forming a high 
opinion of his talents took him under his patronage, 
and advised and assisted him in preparing for college. 
He entered Yale College in 1744, and graduated in 
1748, at the age of twenty-one. He w-as distinguished 
during his college life for industry and close applica- 
tion. 

He was settled as minister at Smithtown, and was 
ordained over the church there Sept. 18, 1751. During 



his settlement on Long Island he married Miss Sarah 
Smith, daughter of the third Richard Smith, Dec. 
19, nS-'?, by Rev. Ebenezer Prime. She was born 
Sept. 16 (O. S.), 1728, and died at New Haven, March 
25, 1772, aged forty-three years and six months. He 
says in his memorandum, which the author has, that 
he was dismissed from his pastoral charge at Smith- 
town, Nov. 6, 1755, for the purpose of removing to 
Yale College. In September, 1755, he was elected 
the first Professor of Divinity in Yale College, which 
was denominated the Livingston Professorship of 
Divinity ; this appointment he accepted, and removed 
to New Haven, and was inducted into office on the 
4th of March following, 1756.' This office he held 
during the remainder of his life. After the resigna- 
tion of Mr. Clap, Sept. 10, 1756, he officiated as presi- 
dent till April 1, 1777, about eleven years, when he 
resigned the office, but still continued to hold that of 
Professor of Divinity. The learned Dr. Stiles was his 
successor in the presidency. Rev. Payson Williston 
s.ays of him, " President Daggett was one of my 
father's intimate friends. His social qualities were 
such as to render hiui more than ordinarily attractive. 
The college was eminently prospei'ous under his 
presidency." 

Dr. Stiles delivered a sermon on his death. It is a 
remarkable circumstance that Dr. Daggett and Dr. 
Stiles each delivered a funeral sermon on his imme- 
diate predecessor. 

During the barbarous attack on New Haven by the 
British army, in July, 1779, he took an active part in 
the defense of the country, and was distinguished for 
hisresolutionandintrepidity.- Hewas taken prisoner. 



1 The foundation of this professorship was laid in 1746 by a donation 
from the Hon. Piiilip Livingston, of New York, and having received a 
considerable addititin by another donation from Mr. Geishom Clark, of 
Lebanon, with some appropriations by the college, it afforded a sufficient 
salary for the support ot such an office, which was accordingly established 
in 1755. A house fur the use of the incumbent was erected by subscrip- 
tion, and finished in 1758. 

2 He had made lumself obnoxious by his open and active opposition to 
the Brilisli cause. He had often inculcated upon the students under his 
chaige — in the pnljiit and in the lecture-room — the duty of resistance to 
British oppression. lie had therefore incurred the special displeisureof 
the invaders. He had openly preached and prayed against the success 
of their cause. He knew no difference between preaching and prac- 
ticing, and when llie crisis came he carried his own principles into 
action. He shouldered his musket and went into the field with the rest 
to reiiel the invaders. He wa.s taken prisoner by the enemy. They beat 
and bruised him, and ofiered him every imlignity in their power. His 
clerical clniracter in their eyes was no exemption from the most outrage- 
ous abuses. They delnaiuied of him what he Wits doing, and who ha 
was; he unhesitatingly replied, "Exeicising the rights of war. lam 
Naphtali Daggett, of Yale College. I demand of you to release me." 
But they refused, and detained him as a prisoner, and marched him buck 
to New Haven, nearly dead with the wounds and abuse he had received, 
and fiom which he never fully recovered. 

He was at first left for dead. He was saved by the intrepidity of the 
lady into whose house he had been conveyed. After the British had re- 
tired, an officer and a file of soldiers were sent back to convey him a 
prisoner on hoard their transports. Tliey came to the house and in- 
quired tor him, and were answered by the lady (who appeared at the 
door, and resolutely refused to admit them) that he was so badly wounded 
it would be impossildo to convey him on board alive '* My orders," 
said the officer, " are positive to take liim with me." " But you would 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



547 



and came near losing his life. Dr. Daggett died (in 
consequence of the wounds he had received on that 
occasion) Nov. 25, 1780, at the age of fifty-three. He 
presided over the university about eleven years, and 
held the office of Professor of Divinity twenty-five 
years. Possessed of a strong, clear, and comprehen- 
sive mind, he applied himself with assiduity and suc- 
cess to the various branches of knowledge, particu- 
larly to the learned languages and divinity. Dr. 
Holmes, in his life of President Stiles, say.s, " He was 
a good classical scholar, well versed in moral philos- 
ophy, and a learned divine." He received the lion- 
orary degree of Doctor in Divinity from Yale College, 
and in 1771 the degree of S.T.D. frohi Harvard Col- 
lege. He published a sermon on the death of Presi- 
dent Clap, 1767 ; another delivered at the ordination of 
Rev. Ebenezer Baldwin, 1770 ; a third delivered at the 
ordination of Rev. J. Howe, 1773; a funeral sermon 
on the death of Job Lane, a tutor in the college, 1768. 

Col. John Daggett, an elder brother of the preced- 
ing, born Sept. 2, 1724 or 1725, was one of the prin- 
cipal public cliaracters and leading men of the town, 
especially during the trying period of the Revolution. 
He and Col. May were tlie two on whom the town 
placed the utmost reliance. He was possessed of a 
strong and sound mind, and was marked by a reso- 
lute and decided character. He was a Puritan in the 
plainness and simplicity of his manners, and was a 
firm friend to the civil institutions and republican 
customs of New England. His wife was Mercy Shep- 
ard, daugliter of the centenarian, John Shepard, 
then of Wrentham, afterwards of Foxborough. 

He was commissioned one of his Majesty's justices 
of the peace under the provincial government before 
the Revolution. He took an early and decided stand 
(with many other patriotic citizens of this town) in 
the commencement of those proceedings which pro- 
duced the Revolution. He was a member of the 
Provincial Congress which assembled at Cambridge. 
For a long succession of years he was elected a mem- 
ber of the Legislature, and was also a member of the 
convention which formed the constitution. He was 
generally called to serve on the most important com- 
mittees which were raised in town-meeting to con- 
sider the many difficult subjects which were then 
brought before the people during and subsequent to 
the Revolution. Col. Daggett commanded the regi- 
ment from the county of Bristol, both in Spencer's 
and Sullivan's expeditions on Rhode Island, in 1777 
and 1779. 

At home he was extensively employed as a sur- 
veyor, and was engaged in various other kinds of 
public business, such as the ordinary transactions of 
life require between citizens. He died universally 
respected Jan. 20, 1803, at the age of seventy-nine. 

not surely carry awny a dying nian : he is now in the agonies of death." 
After repeateil demands and refusals, tlie otficer finally di^terniined to 
return and report the case to his superior and ask for further orders. 
But he never came back after his prisoner. 



A third brother, Dr. Ebenezer Daggett, was a re- 
spectable physician, who settled in Wrentham village, 
where he acquired an extensive practice. He married 
Miss Susanna Metcalf, daughter of Timothy Metcalf, 
Esq., of Wrentham, May 25, 1758, by whom he had 
several children. 

His son, Rev. Herman Daggett, graduated at 
Brown University in 1788, and pursued his profes- 
sional studies with Dr. Emmons, of Franklin. He 
was settled in the ministry on Long Island. While 
there he was pastor first at Southampton. He was 
there settled in 1791, and in the course of a few years 
he removed to the parish of Middletown, in the town 
of Brookhaven, supplying a part of tlie time the 
church at Fireplace. This was in 1801. He married 
Miss Sarah Mathewson, of Providence, who died 
Nov. 20, 1843. During the eighteen years he resided 
on Long Island he made four changes. One in giv- 
ing his character says of him, "Mr. Daggett was a 
man of sterling talents, respectable acquirements, and 
peculiar excellence of character. To all his other 
acquirements as a scholar he added singular neat- 
ness of person and an exact, systematic arrangement 
of all his various duties. He was remarkably digni- 
fied in his maimers and circumspect in his deport- 
ment. 'All his traits of character are comprehended in 
Dr. Beecher's remark ' that he was just a fit man to 
preach to ministers.' " He died May 19, 1832. He 
was the first principal and teacher of the Indian mis- 
sion school at Cornwall, and afterwards removed to 
Ridgefield, Conn., and finally to Cornwall, where he 
died. 

Dr. Bezaleel Mann, a well-known and worthy 
physician of this town, deserves a notice in these 
sketches. He was a descendant of Rev. Samuel 
Mann, the first minister of Wrentham. He studied 
his i)rofession with Dr. Hewes, of Foxborough, and 
commenced business in this town some time previous 
to 1750. Dr. Maun had the reputation of being a 
skillful physician, and had acquired an extensive 
circle of practice. His character is justly portrayed 
in his epitaph, — 

" Bezaleel Mann mort die Goto. tert. 179G, an a:tat. 74. Early im- 
bued with the principles of moral rectitude, he sustained through the 
diversified concerns of a long and active life the character of an honest 
man. As a physician, he commanded, during the perioti of near 50 
years that unlimited confidence and lespect wliich talents alone can 
inspire. The featuies of his mind were sketclied by the glowing pencil 
of nature, filled up with qualities that adorn humanity, and shaded 
with few infirmilies the frequent attendants on mental excellence. 

*' Bebe Blann.l his wife, mort. die Octo. tert. 1793, aetat. Gl. She waa 
a person of bright genius, of few words, and much reserved in mind. 
From early youth she marked all her paths with virtue, and timely 
took the advice Christ gave to bis disciples, and made to herself a friend 
of the mammon of unrighteousness, and when she failed could with 
Christian confidence say that her witness was in heaven and her reward 
on high. 

"This stone is erected by the grateful hand of filial piety to protect 
the awful dust of revered parents." 

These inscriptions may be found in Alden's valuable 
collection of epitaphs. 



1 She was a daughter of Mr. Ezekiel Carpenter, of this town. 



548 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dr. Mann had several sons who entered the pro- 
fessions. His son Pre.ston, who was a physician, was 
graduated at Brown University, and settled in New- 
port, R. I., where he was living in 1834. Another 
son, John Milton, was also a graduate at Brown 
University, became a pliysician, and removed to the 
State of New Yorlv, where he was drowned in at- 
tempting to cross the river Hudson. His daughter 
Eunice married one of his students. Dr. Seth Capron, 
of this town, who, with another son, Newton, re- 
moved to the State of New Yorlc, where they were 
living, 1833. His second son, Herbert, was educated 
a physician, and entered as surgeon on board the 
privateer " General Arnold," Capt. Magee, and was 
lost in that terrible storm which ensued in Plymouth 
Harbor, Dec. 26, 1778. The stone which is here 
erected to his memory contains the I'olhiwing epi- 
taph : 

' ''In memory of doctor Herbert Maun, wlio, witti 119 sailors, with 
Capt. James Magee, master, went on ttoard tlie brig General Aruolii, in 
Boston Harbor, 25th Dec, 1778, lioisted sail, made for sea, and were im- 
mediately overtaken by the most tremendous snow storm witli cold, 
that was ever known in the memory of man, anil, unhap]iily, parted their 
cable in Plymouth harbor, in a place called the Cow-yards, ami he, with 
about 100 others, was frozen to death ; sixty-six of whom were buried 
in one grave. He was in the 21st year of his age. Aud now Lord God 
Almighty, just and true are all thy ways, but who can stand before th.v 
cold?" 

In Dr. Thacher's "History of Plymouth" is found 
a graphic description' of this most terrific storm and 
awful wreck known in history, which seems unparal- 
leled in human suffering: 

" In 1778, December 26th, 27th, the inhabitants of 
this town were called to witness a catastrophe truly 
appalling to humanity. "The brig ' General Arnold,' 
mounting twenty guns, having a crew of one hundred 
aud five men and boys, commanded by Cai)t. James 
Magee, of Boston, sailed from that port on Thursday, 
24th of December, bound on a cruise. On Friday 
anchored off Plymouth Harbor, being destitute of a 
pilot. In the night, a heavy gale, drove on the White 
Flat. She soon filled with water, and it became ne- 
cessary to cut away the masts. Unfortunately, a great 
disturbance was occasioned by intoxication among 
some of the seamen in the steerage, whicli was with 
difficulty quelled by the otficers. A tremendous storm 
of wind and snow came on, and a considerable num- 
ber of men died on Saturday afternoon and in the 
niglit. Three men, not of the crew, being on board, 
took the yawl and passed eight or ten rods to the ice, 
and were taken on board a schooner that was frozen 
in. Had the boat been returned as promised many 
lives would have been saved. 

"Sunday morning the vessel was seen in a most 
distressful situation, enveloped in ice and snow, and 
the whole shore was frozen to a solid body of ice, the 
winds and waves raging with such dreadful violence 
that no possiljle relief could be afibrded to the miser- 
able sufferers. The inhabitants made every effort to 
reach the wreck in boats, but were obliged to put 
back, although aware that the seamen were in the 



arms of death, and when the miserable victims on 
board saw the boats returning, leaving them in a con- 
dition of utter hopelessness, their spirits were ap- 
palled, and numbers were seen to fall dead on the 
deck. 

"On Monday the inhabitants passed over the ice to 
the wreck. Here was presented a scene unutterably 
awful and distressing. It is scarcely possible for the 
human mind to conceive of a more appalling specta- 
cle. The ship was sunk ten feet in the sand ; the 
waves had been for about thirty-six hours sweeping 
the main deck ; the men had crowded to the quarter- 
deck, and even here thej' were obliged to pile together 
dead bodies to taake room for the living. Seventy 
dead bodies, frozen into all imaginable postures, were 
strewn over the deck or attached to the shrouds and 
spars ; about thirty exhibited signs of life, but were 
unconscious whether in life or death. The bodies re- 
mained in the posture in which they died, the features 
dreadfully distorted ; some were erect, some bending 
forward, some sitting with the head resting on the 
knees, and some with both arms extended, clinging to 
spars or some parts of the vessel. The few survivors 
and the dead bodies were brought over the ice on 
sleds and boards, and the dead were piled on the floor 
of the court-house, exhibiting a scene calculated to 
impress even the most callous heart with deep humility 
and sorrow. It has been said th.at the Rev. Mr. Bob- 
bins fainted when called to perform the funeral cere- 
monies. Those bodies that were to be deposited in 
coffins were first put into the town book ; a consider- 
able number were seen floating on the water fastened 
by ropes, that their form might be made to conform 
to the coffin, but about sixty were thrown into a large 
pit as they were taken from the vessel. This pit is in 
a hollow on the southwest side of the burial-ground, 
and remains without a stone. The greater part of 
those who were found alive expired soon after. Capt. 
Magee survived, and performed several profitable 
voyages afterwards. He abstained entirely from 
di'inking ardent spirits, but was of opinion that he 
was greatly benefited by putting rum into his boots. 
Those who drank rum were the more immediate vic- 
tims, several being found dead in the very spot where 
they drank it. 

"A man named Downs, belonging to Barnstable, 
was apparently dead, but on being seen to move his 
eyelids was put into a vessel of cold water for several 
hours, by which he was resuscitated, but with the 
most exquisite pain. He lost both of his feet, but 
lived many years after. Among those who perished 
were Dr. Mann, of Attleborough ; Dr. Sears, Capt. 
John Russell, of Barnstable, commander of the ma- 
rines, and Lieut. Daniel Hall. The last two were 
buried in one grave on the south side of the burial- 
hill."' 

1 It should be observed that when persona are exposed to intense cold 
there is always a propensity to sleep, but tlie moment it is indulged it 
becomes the sleep of death. — Dr. Thacfter^s Plymouth, 216. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



649 



There was one Marchant from the Vine}'ard, who 
survived with crippled feet. He was employed many 
years in the registry of deeds and probate offices in 
Dukes County. He was living in 1830. 

Hon. Elisha May was a distinguished citizen of 
this town, who was often employed in public office, 
and whose name is still held in reverence by those 
who remember him. Courteous and gentlemanly in 
his manners, and honorable and upright in his prin- 
ciples, he was universally esteemed. Intelligent and 
active in business, he was well qualified to fulfill the 
various offices to which he was elected. He dis- 
charged the various duties which devolved upon him 
with ability and entire satisfaction to his constituents. 
He was, in fine, one of the most valuable citizens of 
this town. He died Nov. 15, 1811, in the seventy- 
third year of his age. His character is justly though 
briefly described by one who was personally ac- 
quainted with him. The following extract is from a 
discourse delivered at his interment by the Rev. John 
Wilder, then the pastor of the First Congregational 
Church in this town : 

" His memory will long be precious, not only to his near relatives and 
friends, Imt likewise to his intimate acquaintances, to bis neighbors, to 
the religious society in this place, and to the inhabitants of the town, 
for he is the man whom bis fellow-ritizens have delighted to honor. Nor 
was be unworthy their respect and confidence; for, blessed with a sound 
mind, a retentive memory, a quick discernment of men and things, a 
polite address, an honest heart, and an education considerably above 
mediocrity, he was singularly qualified for public employment of various 
kinds. And bis worth was early discovered, for at the time of the Revo- 
lutionary war he was an active and useful member both in the military 
and civil departments. Since that period be was employed, without op- 
position, as a legislator or a counselor until he chose to retire. For 
about twenty-seven years in succession, one excepted, he was called to 
a seat in the Legislature, and chiefly in the Upper House. For almost 
forty years together ho has beeu moderator of the town-meetings in this 
place, in which office he was equaled by few and exceeded by none. He 
had the honor of being an elector of the President of the United States. 
Asa magistrate, thr4»ughout the commonw-ealth he did much business, 
and to very general satisfaction. He was justly celebrated, both at home 
and abroad, for bis wisdom in adjusting and settling differences between 
contending parties. As a politician, he was a friend and disciple of 
Washington ; as a man, he was prepossessing and engaging; as a friend, 
he was faithful and constant ; as a neighbor, he was kin^ and obligiBg; 
as a husband, he was attentive and tender ; as a parent, be was pleasant 
and affectionate ; as to bis religion, he was a firm believer in the Chris- 
tian system, and a very constant, attentive, and apparently devout at- 
tender on public worship all his life." 

David Daggett was son of Thomas Daggett and 
Elizabeth Blake. He was born in Attleborough, 
Dec. 31, 1764. He was a direct descendant of that 
John Daggett who emigrated in Wiuthrop's company 
in 1630, and of the John Daggett who came to 
Attleborough from the Vineyard in 1707. He fitted 
for college, and entered Yale at the age of sixteen, 
in the junior class, two years in advance, and gradu- 
ated in 1783 with high honors. 

He commenced his legal studies with Charles 
Chauncy, Esq., of New Haven. In January, 1786, 
he was admitted to the bar, and settled in that city, 
where he ever afterwards made his home. He was 
elected tutor in the college, but declined the appoint- 
ment in order to devote himself to his profession. 



He rose rapidly to distinction, and his fellow-citizens 
claimed him for civil service. 

In 1791 he was elected a representative from New 
Haven to the General A.ssembly, and was the youngest 
member, and was re-elected successively for six years. 
In 1794, three years after his first election, he was 
chosen Speaker, at the age of twenty-nine. In 1797 
he was transferred to the Senate, and retained his 
seat there for seven years in succession. 

In 1813 he was elected United States senator, and 
filled the office with distinguished ability. At the 
end of his term he returned to his practice in New 
Haven. In 1824 he was connected with Judge Hitch- 
cock in the law school there, and in 1826 he was 
appointed Kent Professor of Law in Yale College. 
These positions he held till his advanced years in- 
duced him to resign. 

In 1826, Yale College bestowed on him the hon- 
orary degree of LL.D. In May, 1826, at the age of 
sixty-two, he was chosen judge of the Superior Court 
of that State, and in May, 1832, he was appointed its 
chief justice. 

He died April 12, 1851, at the age of eighty-six 
years, three months, and twelve days, honored and 
beloved for his great abilities, his public services, and 
his social qualities. 

Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, S. T. D., president of Rhode 
Island, Union, and Columbia Colleges, was one of the 
most eminent pulpit orators of this country. He 
was born in this town, Sept. 2, 1768. He prepared 
for college in the school of the Rev. William Wil- 
liams, of Wrentham, which was then the most cele- 
brated institution in the vicinity, and the resort of a 
great many young men for the pursuit of classical 
studies. He graduated at Brown University in 1787, 
and was immediately appointed a tutor. He was or- 
dained pastor of the First Baptist Church in Provi- 
dence Sept. 8, 1791, and at the same time was ap- 
pointed the first Professor of Divinity in that college.' 
After the death of President Manning he was unani- 
mously elected president, A.D., at the early age of 
hcentij-four .' He presided over this university for 
eleven years, with distinguished success and with a 
splendid reputation for eloquence and learning. His 
administration was marked by mildness, urhanity, 
and dignity. Under his guardianship the university 
acquired a distinguished name for oratory. Guided 
by his fostering genius it sent forth a constellation of 
eloquent and accomplished speakers, who have shone 
in various departments of public life, and whose elo- 
quence has been felt in the pulpit, at the bar, and in 
the halls of legislation, many of whom have acquired 
a national renown. He was peculiarly fitted to stamp 
impressions of his own character on the minds of 
those around him, and to infu.se his own spirit into 
theirs. He acquired a salutary influence over the 



1 He was the first and only professor of diviuity ever appointed in 
Brown University. 



550 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



youth committed to his charge. He imbued their 
liearts with a taste for literature and with a love of 
truth and moral beauty, and excited in their bosoms 
the most ardent aspiriitions after excellence. He 
knew well how to kindle and fan the flame of genius. 
His memory is cherished by all his pupils with pecu- 
liar affection and gratitude. In speaking of the uni- 
versity it has been truly said that he was one "whose 
name and fame are identified with its reputation, 
and whose mingled mildness, dignity, and goodness 
equaled only by his genius, learning, and eloquence, 
subdued all envy, made all admirers friends, and gave 
him an irresistible sway over the minds of those 
placed under his care." ' 

Though accomplished in every department of learn- 
ing, he was distinguished more particularly as a 
belles-lettres scholar. His oratory was in some re- 
spects peculiar. There was nothing in it like rant or 
affectation, no appearance of that popular declama- 
tion which is so often employed to captivate the mul- 
titude. There was apparently no attempt in it to 
produce effect, no labored display, but everything 
appeared easy, natural, and unstudied. It was deep, 
impassioned, but not declamatory. His voice was 
not naturally powerful, but he had it perfectly under 
his control through all its intonations. He usually 
commenced in a calm and moderate tone, but grew 
warmer and more animated as he advanced in his dis- 
course, and gradually and imperceptibly gained upon 
the attention and feelings of his hearers, until every 
one present was wholly engrossed upon the subject 
of the speaker. Indeed, he himself seemed com- 
pletely absorbed in his own subject, and by the in- 
fluence of sympathy carried his audience with him. 

His delivery was remarkably expressive. Every 
sentiment he uttered came from the heart and vibrated 
through his whole frame. Every cord and muscle 
was an echo to his soul. His elocution was full of 
grace ; yet his power was not in this, it was in the 
life, the soul, which he infused into his voice, his 
gestures, and his countenance, all expressive and 
harmonious. His eloquence was at once graceful 
and forcible. In a word, he had in perfection what 
Demosthenes called action. 

He did not neglect to cultivate the minor graces of 
elocution. He never made a prayer or delivered 
anything in public, extempore, even on the most ordi- 
nary occasions, in which every sentence and every 
word were not accurately arranged and in their right 
place. Though his voice was naturally feeble, it was 
able to occupy a large compass, and every word and 
every syllable he uttered, in the largest audience, fell 
distinctly on the ear of the most distant auditor. 

1 Hon. Virgil Maxcy'e Discourse before the Plii Beta Kappa of Brown 
Univorsity, Sept. 4, 1833. 

He was alao a native of Attleborougli, and a brother of President 
Maxcy. He settled in Maryland, held the office of Solicitor of the Treas- 
ury, and was Itilled by the explosion on board the United States steamer 
"Princeton." 



The following extract will show the estimation in 
which he was held at the South. It was written but 
a short time previous to his death, and contains a 
brief but lively description of the impressive effects 
of his eloquence, even when his powers were impaired 
by advancing age and feeble health. 

From the Charleston City Gazette. Extract of a 
letter from a gentleman residing in Columbia to his 

friend in Charleston : 

" Columbia, 6th Jnly, 181!!. 
"Last Stjnday we went to hear Dr. Maxcy. It being tlie 4th of .Inly, 
it was a discourse appropriate to that eveiitlul period. I had always 
been led to believe the Doctor an eloquent and impressive preaclier, but 
had no idea till now that he possessed such transcendent powers. I 
never heard such a stream of eloquence. It flowed from his lips even 
like tlie oil from Aaron's head. Every ear was delighted, every heart 
was elated, eveiy bosom throbbed with gratitude. Such appropriate 
metaphor! such grand, such sublime desci'iptions! such exalted ideas 
of Deily ! and delivered with all the grace, the force, the elegance of a 
youthful orator ! I was sometimes in pain lest this good old man sluuild 
outdo himself and become exhausted, but as he advjinced in his dis- 
course he rose in animation, till at length lie reached heights the most 
sublinie, and again descended with the same facility with which he 
soared. So far as I can judge (and your partiality, I know, will allow 
me to be no mean critic) there was not lieard the slightest deviation 
from the most correct enunciation and grammatical arrangement; all 
the powers of art seemed suh-ervient to his absolute control. In short, 
I never heard anything to compare to Dr. Maxcy's sermon in all the 
course of my life, and, old as I am, I would now walk even twenty 
miles through the hottest sands to listen to such another discourse I 
am persuaded I shall never hear such another in this life.'* 

His most celebrated performance while he presided 
over Brown University, regarded as a specimen of 
pulpit oratory, was his sermon on the existence and 
attributes of God, delivered at Providence in 1795, 
which is frequently spoken of even at this day, and 
produced at the time the most lively and striking 
effect on the audience. Those who heard it will 
never forget it. The impression it produced was the 
result in a great degree of the manner of its delivery. 
Such a brilliant effort of eloquence has seldom been 
witnessed in any house of public worship. This dis- 
course, though enlivened by a bold, luxuriant, and 
brilliant imagination, and a loftiness of conception, is 
yet characterized by his usual neatness and simplicity 
of language. Indeed, in his highest flights his style 
of writing wtis always remarkable for a pure English 
idiom and a classical simplicity of language. In fine, 
he was an eloquent orator and a learned scholar. 

In 1802, Dr. Maxcy r&signed the presidency of 
Brown University, and accepted that of Schenectady, 
N. Y., where he remained till the establishment of 
the new college in Columbia, S. C, in 1804, of which 
he was appointed the first president, and immedi- 
ately removed to that place, where he continued till 
the day of his death, June 4, 1820, at the age of fifty- 
two. He was appointed to the office of president the 
youngest, and presided the longest, in proportion to 
his years, of any person in this country. He was con- 
nected with some college, either as student or officer, 
nearly thirty-eight out of the fifty-two years of his 
life. 

In 1801 he was honored with the degree of D.D. 
from Harvard University. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



551 



His wife was Susan 'Hopkins, a daughter of Com- 
modore Esick Hopkins, of Providence, by whom he 
liad several daughters and four sons, all of whom 
have been liberally educated. 

He published a discourse on the death of President 
Manning, 1792; a sermon on the existence of God, 
demonstrated from the works of creation, 1795. His 
published sermons and addresses were numerous. A 
collection of his writings, in one volume, was published 
in 1844 by Rev. Dr. Romeo Elton, formerly professor 
in Brown University. A selection was republished 
in England. 

This is necessarily a brief and, I fear, an imperfect 
sketch. It requires an abler pen than mine to por- 
tray the amiable and brilliant character of Maxcy, 
and to do justice to his splendid talents as an orator. 
Those only who knew him in the meridian of life, 
and who have seen and felt the power of his elo- 
<iuence, can give an adequate description. His 
memory demands a tribute of filial affection from 
some one of his many distinguished pupils, who are 
so deeply indebted to his example and instructions 
for the eminence which they now enjoy in public life. 

Hon. Ebenezer Daggett, who died recently while 
a member of the Senate from Bristol district, affords 
the example of a life worthy of imitation by his 
fellow-citizens. He was the youngest son of Col. 
Daggett, whose life has been previously noticed, and 
was born April 16, 1763. Few men in this town 
have devoted so large a portion of their time to the 
public service. He held a commission of the peace 
for nearly thirty years, and honorably discharged its 
most'important duties. He served the town at vari- 
ous times in the capacity of selectman, and town clerk 
upwards of twenty years. He represented the town 
several years in the General Court. A large part of 
the last thirty years of his life was occupied in some 
public employment. In various ways he rendered 
himself serviceable to his fellow-citizens. In the 
spring of 1831 he was elected a member of the Senate 
for this district. At the succeeding November elec- 
tion he was rechosen to the same office, and while in 
the discharge of the honorable and responsible duties 
of this station, he was called by the order of Provi- 
dence to close his life, at Boston, on the 4th of March, 
1832, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. 

The following remarks on the character of the de- 
ceased are extracted from a funeral discourse deliv- 
ered at Attleborough, 22d April, 1832, by Rev. Mr. 
Ferguson : 

" Where is tliat venerated husband and father, that highly-esteemed 
and useful citizen, whu scarce four months ago stood bending under the 
bereavement of Providence, an unexpected yet quiet and 8ul)missive 
uiournerl in tlie house of the Lord? AIhs! lie has gone down lo the 
grave unto his son, mourning. The last opportunity which I enjoyed 
of conversing with our departed friend was on the eve of bis leaving 
home to attend to his olticial duties iu the Legislature as a member of 
the Senate. 1 mention this circumstance because it was then abun- 
dantly evident that those official honors which are generally sought as 

1 For the sudden and violent death of a beloved son. 



the rewards of successful competition may come to be regarded as a 
burden rather than an honorable distinction. During our conversation 
he lamented that olBcial duties obliged him at such a time to leave 
home, and to mingle in scenes so foreign to the state of his mind. He 
regretted Unit the choice of the people liad not fallen upon some other 
candidate, and remarked that such scenes were better adapted to gratify 
those wlm were young and aspiring than the aged and afflicled. It is 
linown to you all that from tliat tour of duty he never returned. To 
an observer it must liave been evident that to commune witli his own 
heart, to mingle his sympathies with those of his family, and to prepare 
himself for his own great change would have been more congenial to 
his mind tbau the halls of legislation and the investigation of our 
political relations. In his case, moreover, political employments had 
long ceased to be a novelty. He was emphatically a public man. 
Twenty years of his life had been occupied in superintending the inter- 
ests of the town. Twice he was elected to the Semite, and perhaps no 
man among us has been more called upon to administer upon tlie es- 
tates of the deceased, and to act as tlie guardian of the orphan. The 
general character which he sustained through life was that of uni- 
formity, uprightness, and moderation. In the hottest strife of parties, 
although a public and a decided man, he never could be regarded as a 
partisan. He had been an actor, and in some respects a public character 
fi-om the time of the Revolution, but through all the changes of the 
eventful times in which he lived, he continued to the last to stand forth 
before his fellow-citizeus in the character of an honest, upright, and 
consistent man. 

"His last sickness commenced on the 23d of February. He had the 
day before, in apparent health, attended the centennial celebration of 
the birth of Washington, and walked in procession with the other mem- 
bers of the Senate, but all beyond was liis dying sickness. Early on the 
succeeding morning he was violently attacked with a fever, which ter- 
minated in death on the 4tli of March. 

"I have felt it my duty, in view of his puldic character, to enter into 
details which in other circumstances might have been inexpedient. In 
the relations of life, in liis intercourse between man and man, in the 
maintenance of a cliaracter for uniformity, uprightness, and self-posses- 
sion, his works praise hira, and he is with us for an example." 

There were many other worthy and useful citizens 
who deserve commemoration in this place, who, 
though dead, yet live in their works. But at this 
distance of time it is difficult to ascertain the pecu- 
liar traits of their character and the events of their 
lives. The retired but useful employments in which 
they were engaged, and the " even tenor of their lives" 
supply but few prominent incidents for the pen of 
the biographer. The sketches already given afford a 
respectable list of public men for a country town 
like this. 

A LIST OF THE GRADUATES AT BROWN UNIVEESITV 
FROM THIS TOWN. 

1776. Preston Mann, A.M., son of Dr. Bezeliel Mann, physician ; settled 

in Newport, R. I. 
1783. Othniel Tyler, A. 51., son of John Tyler, lawyer. East Sudbury, 

Mass., now Wayland. 
17S7. John Milton Mann, son of Dr. Bezeliel Mann, physician ; settled 

in Hudson, N. Y., and was drowned in crossing the river of that 

name. 

1787. Jonathan Maxcy, S.T.D., son of Levi Maxcy ; born Sept. 2, 1768 ; 
president of Providence College, Union, Schenectady, N. Y., and 
Columbia College, S. C ; died at the latter place June 4, 1820, aged 
fifty -two. 

1788. Jesse Blackinton, son of Peter Blackinton; resided in Ashtabula, 
county of Ashtabula, Ohio. 

1788. William May, son of Elisha May; born Jan. 26, 1764; student of 
law ; died July 12, 1790, in the twenty-seventh year of his age, 

1789. Paul Draper, A.M., son of Stephen Draper ; born Sept. 19, 1767 ; 
entered on board an American man-of-war, and was never after 
heard of. 

1790. Aaron Draper, son of Josiali Draper; born Nov. 29, 1764; never 
studied a learned profession ; settled in Providence, R. I., where he 
died. 



552 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1802. Gardner Daggett, A.M., son of Elijah Daggett; born Doc. 20,1782; 
lawyer, Providence, R. I., where lie died. 

1802. Milton Maxcy, son of Levi Maxcy; born Jan. 1, 1782; lawyer in 
Beanfort, S. C, where be died of the yellow fever in 1818. 

1803. Jason Spragne, A.M., son of John Sprague; was for some time 
preceptor of the High School in Newport, R. I.; died in the Unitt^l 
States army. 

1804. Virgil Maxcy, son of Levi Maxcy; lawyer in Baltimore, Md,; 
lat« solicitor of the Treasury of the United States, Washington 
City. 

1807. Lorenzo Bishop, son of Zephaniah Bishop; born Ang. 20, 1785; 

stndent of law ; died iu Attleborough, May 20, 1809, aged twenty- 
three. 
1809. Rev. Jacob Iile, A.M., son of Jacob Ide ; minister in Medway, 

M.ass. 
1809. Rev. William Tyler, A.M., son of Ebenezer Tyler; minister at 

Weymouth, and at Soutti Hadley, Slass. 
1811. Benjamin Cozzens, A.M., son of Benjamin Cozzens; formerly 

lawyer at I'awtucket; resided .at Providence, R. I. 
1811, Hartford Sweet, A.M., son of Gideon Sweet; born Oct. 30, 1790; 

had not linishcd studying his profession ; died at the South iu 18 — . 
1817. Everett Bolkcom, son of Jacob Bolkcom ; born September, 1790 ; 

lawyer, Attleborough ; died Dec. 19, 1823, aged twenty-seven. 
1821. Rev. James O. Barney, son of Barney, of Providence, R. I.; 

minister at Seekonk Centre, Mass. 

1821. Rev, Moses Thacher, A.M,, son of Thacher; minister in 

Noith M'rcntham, Mass. 

1822, Rev. Preston Cummings, sou of David Cummings; minister in 
Dighton, Mass. 

1822. Rev. Henry H. F. Sweet, son of Henry Sweet ; born Nov. 1,1706; 
minister iu Palmer, Mass. ; died Feb. 20, 1827, aged thirty. 

1822. Rev. John Wilder, .\,M,, son of John Wilder; minister in Charl- 
ton, in Concord, Mass.; deceased. 

1823. Rev. Benoni Allen, son of Allen ; preacher in Ohio. 

1824. I ra Barrows, M.D., son of Barrows ; physician, Pawtuckot, 

Mass. 

1825. Hermon Bourne, M.D., son of Andrew Bourne; physician, Boston, 
Mass. 

1825, William S, Stanley, M,D,, son of Thomas Stanley; physician in 
Mamaroneck, N. Y. ; removed to Philadelphia. 

1825. Samuel T. Wilder, son of John Wilder; lawyer, Rochester, N. Y. ; 
deceased. 

1826. Jason U. Blackinton, A.M., son of William Blackinton , lawyer 
in Hulden, Mass., and in Ohio. 

182G. John Daggett, A.M., sou of Ebcnezer Daggett ; lawyei-, Attle- 
borough. 
1832. Rev. Solomon Carpenter Perry. 

1837. John Sliepard Ingraham. 

1838. Rev. Ezekiel Gilnian Robinson, D.D,, LL,D,, president of the uni- 
versity. 

1844. Rev. Richards Cushman. 

1844, Isaac Diaper, M,D, 

1847, James FJetcber Blackinton, teacher in Boston, Mass. 

1849, Tliomas Drew Robinson, lawyer. 

18.'<1. Rev. Brainard Wayhmd Barrows, D.D., trustee of the university. 

1852. George Augustus Allen, teacher in Missouri. 

1855. Charles I'lielps, M.D,, New York. 

18.57. William Albert Wliite. 

1858. Rev. Comfort Edwin Barrows. 

1802. Rev. Josiab Nelson Cusbing, D.D., a distinguished missionary in 

, Burniah, 
ISBl, Frank Herbert Carpenter, 
1864, Henry Clarke Bowen, 
18G4 Seabury Warren Bowen, M.D. 
1808. John Mayhew Daggett, lawyer. 
1808. George Roswell Read, lawyer. 
1870. Rev. Eugene Ellis Thomas. 

1873. Alvin Grover Sauler, educated a lawyer ; not uow iu practice. 
1870. David Emory Holman, M.D. 
1876. Edward Otis Stanley. 
1880. Richard Bartlett Esten. 

1882. Jotin Augustus Sanford. 

1883. Ira Bni-rows. 

There are fifty-eight graduates from Brown Uni- 
versity alone, besides many at other colleges. 



Rev. J. N. Gushing, D.D., son of Alpheus Gushing, 
a native of this town and a graduate of Brown Uni- 
versity in 1862, was a member, and ordained here a 
foreign missionary to India, and continues in the ac- 
tive and succe.ssful duties of his mission. 

There have been graduates from tliis town at sev- 
eral of the other New England colleges. A full list 
of their names has not been obtained. Among them 
was John Barrows, who graduated 1766 at Harvard 
GoUege; was son of John Barrows. He married his 
wife in Cambridge, and settled as a schoolmaster in 
Dighton, Mass., where he died. 

At Yale College, in 1748, Naphtali Daggett, of 
whom a sketch has been already given. In 1762, 
Philip Daggett, brother of the last named ; was born 
Sept. 11, 1739; he settled and died in New Haven. 
Henry Daggett, who graduated at Yale College in 
1771, son of Elder Eliliu Daggett, was born April 9, 
1741 ; settled at New Haven, where he was at first a 
merchant, subsequently police magistrate, alderman 
of the city, etc. He died Aug. 11, 1830. In 1783 
graduated the Hon. David Daggett, LL.D., the 
present distinguished and learned chief justice of 
the Supreme Court of Connecticut. He was for- 
merly a senator of the United States, and has been 
for several years Professor of Law in Yale College, etc. 

In 1761 graduated Rev. Pelatiah Tingley, A.M., 
son of Timothy Tingley. He was a Baptist preacher, 
and was settled in Sanford, Me. About 1780 he be- 
came a seceder from the prevailing sect of Baptists, 
and was the first minister who united with Elder 
Benjamin Randall, the founder of the new sect, 
usually denominated Arminian or Free-Will Bap- 
tists, who rejected the leading doctrines of Cal- 
vinism.' 

Names of Several Former Physicians in Attle- 
borough. —Dr. Joseph Daggett, of Rehoboth ; Dr. 
Joseph Hewes, Dr. Abijali Everett, Dr. Bezeliel 
Mann, Dr. Richard Bowen, of Rehoboth ; Dr. 
Joseph Bacon, Dr. Comfort Fuller, son of Noah 
Fuller; Dr. Comfort Capron, surgeon in the Revo- 
lutionary war ; Dr. Thomas Stanley, Dr. Phineas 
Savery. 

Miscellaneous, Topography, Statistics, etc.— 
This town was incorporated in 1694. It derived 
its name, without doubt, from the town of Attlebor- 
ough, in Norfolk County, England, whence probably 
some of our early inhabitants emigrated to America, 
and settled first at Hingham or Weymouth, thence 
removed to Rehoboth, and afterwards became pur- 
chasers and settlers of this town, and, in remem- 
brance of their native place, selected this name. 
This origin of the name is confirmed by the circum- 
stance that in the English town there is a river called 
Bungay, of about the same size as the one of the same 
name in this town. 



1 See Benedict's Hist. Baptists, vol. ii. 410, where he is erroneously 
said to be a graduate of Rhode Island College. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



553 



-V- 



At the time of the incorporation 'at contained up- 
wards of thirty families, wliich, if «e assumed only 
six as the number in each family (which is probably 
too low for that period), would mal>,e ISO inhabitants. 
In 1790 the town contained 216 ei inhabitants ; in 
1800, 2480 ; in 1810, 2716 ; in 182'^? 3055; and at the 
last census, in 1830, 3215, exclnsi'^e of twelve fami- 
lies, containing about fifty persons, which, since 1820, 
have been set off' to Wrenlham b;c the establishment 
of a new boundary between the l wns, or rather by 
restoring it to the ancient line. It has already ap- 
peared that there was for manye;ears a dispute be- 
tween Massachusetts and Plymcr^th respecting the 
dividing line of the two colonies^J' It was a straight 
line from Bound Rock, in the middle of Accord 
Pond, on the line between the towns of Scituate 
and Cohasset, to a point on the Rhode Island bound- 
ary, " three English miles south of the southernmost 
part of Charles River." The commissioners in run- 
ning the line on one occasion found their course quite 
a distance south of the true line ; therefore, they 
marlced a great white-oak-tree, called " the Angle 
Tree," and there changed the course farther north, 
and thus ran to the intended point. This was not a 
straight line, and it cut oft' a large quantity of land 
from the Old Colony. It is now of no practical con- 
sequence, but only a matter of historical curiosity. 
At this station a stone monument has since been erec- 
ted by authority of the Legislature, under the direc- 
tions of Attleborough and Wrentham, with the follow- 
ing inscription : On the north is written " Massacliu- 
setts Colony ;" on the south, " Plymouth Colony." 

"This Monument by order of Government to per- 
petuate the place on which the late Station or Angle 
Tree formerly stood. Lemuel Rossick, Esq., was ap- 
pointed agent to cause this monument to be erected. 
By order of the General Court. 

" The selectmen of the towns of Wrentham and 
Attleborough were present, viz., Elisha May, Eben- 
ezer Tyler, and Caleb Richardson, Esqs., of Attle- 
borough ; and Samuel Fisher, John Whiting, Nathan 
Hawes, Nathan Conistock, and Nathaniel Ware, of 
Wrentham. From this stone the line is east twenty 
degrees and a half north to Accord Pond. 

" Done at Wrentham, Nov. 29, 1790, by Samuel 
Fisher & Son." 

The stone is fourteen feet in height and two feet in 
width, and of great weight. 

The whole area of the town, according to a survey 
ordered by the Legislature, is twenty-nine thousand 
acres; by valuation, twenty-six thousand. When 
Attleborough included Cumberland it must have 
contained sixty thousand acres. 

Number acres of woodland, 2158; fresh meadow, 
1767; tillage lands, including orchards, 1205; pas- 
ture lands, 4703; unimproved and unimprovable' 
land, 12,740; covered with water, 360 acres. 

1 This is a large estimate, doubtless more than truth will warrnnt. 
There is strictly but little land in this town which is alisolutely uiiini- 



Rivers. — They are worthy of notice not so much 
for their size as for the valuable water privileges 
whicli they aft'ord, and which are now occupied for 
manufacturing purposes. There are several streams 
of water in this town, the principal of which is the 
Ten-Mile River. It rises in the southerly part of 
Wrentham, on the farm of Mr. John Fuller, and 
running in a southerly course through this town and 
through Seekonk, empties into Seekonk Cove, an arm 
of the Narragansett. Its length in this town is thir- 
teen miles ; its whole length is about twenty-five 
■miles. Its average widtli is two rods and a half. 

This stream is exceedingly important to the inter- 
ests of the town, for on this are our principal manu- 
facturing establishments. 

There is another stream of considerable size called 
the Seven-Mile River, which crosses the road near 
Newell's Tavern, and bearing a southerly direction 
unites with the Ten-Mile River a little above Kent's 
factory, near the line of Pawtucket. Its length is 
about ten miles. 

Another small stream, called Abbott's Run,'- rises 
in the northeasterly part of Cumberland, and cross- 
ing the line several times between that town and this, 
falls into the Blackstoue River just below the Valley 
Falls. 

The third or fourth in size is Bungay (or sometimes 
Bungee) River, which has its source in the northerly 
part of the town, near Mansfield line, a little below 
the Witch Pond, and after a journey of about five 
miles over an unusually level bed, falls into the Ten- 
Mile River nearly in the centre of the town, between 
the Farmers' and Mechanics' factories. Originating 
in a number of springs, it is an unfailing stream at 
all seasons of the year. This pond (as it is called) 
is an extensive quagmire, including about fifteen 
acres, only a small part of whicb is covered with 
water. It is rather singular in its apjiearance, and 
may be justly considered a curiosity. A hard bottom 
has never been discovered in any part of it. In some 
places it will at first bear the weight of a man, but if he 
stands for a time he will gradually sink till he is un- 
able to extricate himself. 

The topography of the town contains nothing pe- 
culiar, and it is therefore needless to enlarge upon it, 
as is often done in the sketches of our towns. Suffice 
it to say that, in this respect, it is similar to most towns 
in this vicinity — that its surface presents the usual 
diversity of hills and vales, that it« soil embraces 
much land that is poor and considerable that is good, 
and that its natural and agricultural products are the 
same as those of neighboring towns. 



provable for purposes of agriculture, for tillage or gra'^ing. There is, 
however, a large quantity which is not actually under constJint cultiva- 
tion ; but there is only asmall proportion of this which is nut occasion- 
ally cultivated. 

2 Said to have derived its name from one Abbott, a boy who was 
drowned there in the early settlement of the place. It is supposed by 
some tliat the Indian name of this stream was Wnwepdmigetigy lint this 
is iloiil'tfnl conjecture. 



554 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACIIUSfclTTS. 



In the winter and spring of 1816 this town was vis- 
ited by a strange and the most fatal siclcness ever 
known in these parts. It extended to several other 
towns adjoining, bnt did not prove so fatal as here. 
It swept off in the short space of ninety days about 
one hundred inhabitants, a large proportion of them 
heads of families, and many of them the most useful 
and respectable citizens of the town. It was com- 
monly called the i-old plague. It generally terminated 
in a few days. Very few who were attacked with it 
recovered. No disease of the same kind lias ever 
been known here either before or since that period. 

No bills of mortality have been regularly kept till 
recently, and the average age of the inhabitants in 
any given period cannot be ascertained. There have 
been several instances of very long lives. Deacon 
Elkanah Wilmarth died at the age of ninety-nine 
years and seven months. Mary Freeman, relict of 
John Freeman, died March 4, 1762, aged about one 
hundred years. 

Widow Sarah Claflin, relict of Antipas Claflin, died 
in September, 1777, supposed to be one hundred years 
and six mouths old. Capt. Samuel Robinson lived 
to approach very near the age of one hundred. Zeph- 
aniah Robinson also reached a very advanced age. 

John Shepard (who was a native of Foxborough, 
where he lived till a few years before his death) died 
in this town on April 5, 1809, at the extreme age of > 
one hundred and five years and twenty-nine days. 
He retained all his faculties of mind and body, ex- 
cept his eyesight, to the last, aud was just able to 
walk, with a little assistance, till a few days before 
his death.^ He lived over a hundred years on his 
native spot. He was a man of pious character, cheer- 
ful in disposition, jocose, witty, and of a quick under- 
standing. He was deprived of his eyesight on a 
sudden during the night, and was not himself aware 
of it until the next morning, when he sought in vain 
for the light of day. He could distinctly recollect 
events which had occurred a century before. 

He had one son and several daughters. Two of his 
daughters lived to upwards of eighty years, and an- 
other, Mrs. Mary Mann, wife of Jason Mann, of Wren- 
tham, who died in 1828, lived to the age of ninety- 
seven years. She retained all her faculties and usual 
cheerfulness and vivacity till the last fifteen years of 
her life. She abstained almost wholly from animal 
food, and never was in the habit of drinking tea or 
coffee, and wondered how people could relish either. 
Her most common food was milk. She adhered to 
the same fashion in dress during life. 

The original title to the North Purchase, as already 
stated, was derived from Alexander, the son of Mas- 
sasoit, and the elder brother of the celebrated Philip, 
sachem of Pockanoket. His original name was Moo- 



* It )B of him that the well-known anecdote is told, that he lived in 
two counties (Suffolk and Norfolk) and four different towns tDorcliester, 
Stougliton, M'renthnni, Foxborough), and yet never moved during that 
time from the spot where he was born. 



anam, afterwarteli Wamsutta or Wamsitta, and finally 
Alexander PoChVinoket, which last name was be- 
stowed upon him. and that of Philip upon his brother, 
I by the Plymouth Court on occasion of the death of 
\ their father, Mailasoit. It appears to have been a 
] custom with the '\borigines in this part of the coun- 
I try, at least with their chiefs, to assume new names 
on the decease of any one of the family to which 
they belonged. T,iis cu.stom may perhaps be traced 
to .some Eastern )f'igin, as many of the Indian cere- 
monies have alreac'y been by historians. 

On a visit which.ehese two sons made to Plymouth, 
June 10, 1660, duv,'ig a session of the court which 
commenced Juneiv«h, their English names, by which 
they were generally known to us, were bestowed upon 
tliem. 

A record of this ceremony is preserved on the Old 
Colony Book, which is here copied. This record 
clearly proves that Massasoit (concerning the time of 
whose death there has been much controversy) died 
a short time previous to June 10, 1660 : 

"June 10, 1660. At the earnest request of Wam- 
sitta, desiring that, in regard his father is lately de- 
ceased, and he being desirous, accordiiuj to the custom 
of the natives, to change his name, that the court would 
confer an English name upon him, which accordingly 
they did, and therefore ordered that for the future he 
shall be called by the name of Alexander Pockano- 
ket; and desiring the same in behalf of his brother, 
they have named him Phillip." 

This is the origin of his modern name; with the 
honor of being called after the great warriors of an- 
tiquity the two were greatly pleased. 

The colonists, during this friendly intercourse with 
the two sons of the faithful Massasoit, could not have 
anticipated that, in the course of a few years, the 
younger brother, upon whom they were then confer- 
ring the name of an ancient conqueror, and who pos- 
sessed all the natural talent and ambition of his great 
namesake, though not his power or good fortune, 
would soon become their most dangerous enemy and 
the terror of all New England. 

It appears that among some tribes of the natives 
the custom prevailed of changing their habitations as 
well as their names on the decease of a member of 
the family. I have learned from a reliable source 
the following instance : On a part of the farm of the 
late Ebenezer Daggett, previous to its occupation by 
the whites and for some years after, resided several 
families by the name of Read, who were said to be of 
a mixed race, Indian and negro, and who were al- 
ways observed to change the location of their huts 
on the death of any one of their number. This oc- 
curred several times within the observation of the 
early settlers. This custom they probably derived 
from their Indian descent. 

The survivors who lived till after the " East Bay 
road" was laid out, which passed near their dwell- 
ings, requested that, when they died, they might be 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



555 



buried near that road, with their heads liowards it, 
" sij thai tliey could hear the ne%oes when the ijreat post- 
stage passed." 

Their request was complied with, and they were 
buried a few rods from the route where the old road 
passed, with tlieir heads in that direction. The place 
where they were buried is still pointed out in a small 
valley, on elevated ground. The hillocks over their 
graves (four in number) were distinctly visible within 
the remembrance of the author. 

The postman's horn has never disturbed their 
slumbers, and the " newes" of the great post-stage, 
for which they longed, has never reached their ears. 
The plowshare of the husbandman has long since 
leveled the mounds that covered their graves. The 
postman's stage has long ago disappeared, and his 
horn has ceased its echoes over these hills and val- 
leys. The sleepers still wait for the coming of the 
" newes" from the changed scenes around them. 

The circumstance of the beatowment of these 
names upon these brothers is mentioned by ancient 
historians, but not the occasion of it, and without 
fixing any precise date. They have usually assigned 
a date several years earlier as the period of Massa- 
soit's death ; but modern biographers and historians 
have generally supposed it several years later than 
the true period.' 

In many of the ancient towns in the colonies there 
were occasionally found original and eccentric char- 
acters, who preferred the wilderness to the more cul- 
tivated parts of the country. Among the early in- 
habitants in this town was one Joseph Chaplin, who 
became a proprietor and a large landholder. He was 
of respectable descent. He came here from Rowley, 
Mass., and was a descendant from Rev. Hugh Chap- 
lin, who came over in 1638, and lived and died in that 
town. 

He was a man of peculiar tastes and habits, and 
eccentric in his conduct. He laid out a large quan- 
tity of land (in the whole about seven hundred acres), 
including the most of that large tract of land called 
the "Half- Way Kwamp," and his other lands were 
located on the " East Bay road" and vicinity. His 
mania seemed to be the acquisition of land, but he 
could cultivate only a small portion of his extensive 
possessions, and could derive no profits from the rest. 
He lived alone a hermit's life, abjuring all society, 
especially that of the female sex. The cause of this 
seclusion is not positively known, but tradition says 
it was the faithlessness of a young lady to whom he 
was attached in early life. Chaplin was not morose, 
but naturally benevolent and kind. He planted sev- 



* B. B. Thatcher, in his" Indian Biograpliy," lately published, raain- 
tains that Maasasoit's death uiust have uccllrred several years subse- 
quent to 1661. His words are, "Tlieir father not being mentioned as 
having attended them at the observance of the ceremony (the confirma- 
tion of a treaty, etc.) has probably occasioned the suggestion of his 
death. It would be a sufficient explanation of his absence, however, 
that he was now an old man, and that the distance of Sowams from 
Plymouth was more than forty miles." (Vol. i. chap. vii. p. 141.) 



eral orchards, and raised a variety of fruits. He would 
permit the neighboring women to come and partake 
the abundant fruits of his orchards, but was always 
careful to retire out of sight on the occasion, and so 
remained till they were gone. He kept a large stock 
of cattle, built his own house, cooked his own food, 
and made his own clothes. His only companions 
were a number of large cats, who lived luxuriously 
on his abundant stores. His name is found on several 
committees relating to the ]iublic lands, of w-hich he 
was a shareholder. He died about 1750 at an ad- 
vanced age. His property was divided among his 
heirs-at-law, two nephews and a niece. They sold his 
estate here, and none of them remained in town. 

In the most ancient burying-ground, laid out by 
Woodcock, and where the first interment was made 
the last of April, 1676, is the celebrated epitaph on 
Coesar. He was given by his mother, while he was an 
infant, to Lieut. Josiah Maxcy. When the latter 
died, Cassar came into the hands of Levi Maxcy. 
Being a waiter in the public-house so long kept on 
the site of the " Old Garrison," and which in those 
days was the resort of many travelers on that route, 
he was " known to all the region round." He was a 
member of the Baptist Church at North Attleborough. 
Ti'adition has preserved numerous anecdotes of him. 
He proved through a long life a remarkably honest 
and faithful servant in the family where he lived. He 
survived his first master, and after his own death, Jan. 
15, 1780, was buried in the same yard. A decent 
stone was raised over his grave by his younger master, 
Levi Maxcy, in whose care he was left, with the fol- 
lowing inscription, which, in its graphic lines, will 
long preserve the memory of " Ciesar, the faithful 
Ethiopian" : 

" Here lies the best of slaves. 
Now turning into dust; 
Ciesar, the Ethiopian, craves 
A place among the just. 

His faithful soul has fled 

To realms of heavenly light, 
And by the blood that Jesus shed 

Is changed from Black to WtiUe. 

January 15 be quitted the stage, 
In the 77th year of his age. 
" 1780." 

Many of the people of this town have emigrated to 
other parts of the country. Nearly a hundred years 
ago a company of young men from our town, called 
the " Nine Partners," went into the wilderness of 
Pennsylvania, and purchased a tract of land in Sus- 
quehanna County; a number of families from this 
place soon followed, and thus they founded the town- 
! ship of Harford, and the enterprise and the honorable 
! career of their descendants have done no discredit to 
j the town of their nativity. 

Various families at different periods removed to 
Vermont, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Western New 
York, and some ninety years ago many emigrated to 



556 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



different towns in Maine, and laid the foundation for 
some of them. 

The first inhabitants of the town were a substantial 
and respectable class of persons. They were, like 
most of the settlers of the other towns in the Old Col- 
ony, emigrants from England, seldom any of them 
from Scotland and Wales. They were the right men 
and women to subdue and cultivate a new country, 
and plant the civilization of their native land in this 
wilderness; to introduce here the institutions, polit- 
ical and religious, in which they had been educated 
at home. Many of the first planters had been pre- 
viously living in old Rehoboth. It would be inter- 
esting to dwell longer and more in detail on the 
ancient history of the town, to which I have devoted 
the most labor, and which is the most valuable to the 
present generation, and the most liable to perish 
unless rescued now, but that task must be left to 
another occasion, and avoid extending this article 
beyond the limits I had assigned myself 

At the time our forefathers took possession of the 
North Purchase it was almost destitute of population, 
there being only a small plantation of Indians at 
Sinnichitaconet, uear the north line of Attleborough 
Gore, now Cumberland. The first white population 
were mostly engaged in agriculture, with only the 
mechanic arts necessary among such a people. There 
being .so much vacant territory within reach of all 
emigrants, the population of the town at first increased 
slowly, but since manufactures were introduced and 
their kindred arts, with the inventive genius of many 
of its citizens, it has increased rapidly with its valu- 
ation and amount of business. But few towns have 
a more interesting early history, or a more honorable 
list of useful, learned, and distinguished public men, 
biographical sketches of some of whom have been 
already given in this history. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

ATTLEBOKOUGH.i— (Co)v(iMiierf.) 

Schools — ludustries — Societies, ptc. 

Public Schools. — Among the early votes of the 
towns in Plymouth Colony we always find the record, 
"The meeting-house shall stand in the midst of the 
town." So it was in Rehoboth, whose inhabitants 
two hundred years ago were the lawful owners of 
Attleborough and Cumberland, and whose votes fur- 
nished all the schooling that the children enjoyed 
down to the incorporation of the town. Our ances- 
tors were determined to lay the foundations of a re- 
ligious commonwealth, aud as often as they were with- 
out a pastor, so often they " voted and agreed to seek 

1 By B. Porter, Jr. 



an able man for the work of the ministry, such an one 
as may be satisfactory to the generality." 

But our forefathers were no less earnest to found an 
intelligent commonwealth. Whenever lots were drawn 
for a division of land among 'the jiroprietors, the 
schoolmaster, as well as the pastor or teacher, had 
allotments assigned to him. Hardly did they fix 
upon the territory for their habitations ere they began 
to plant a college for the education of their sons. 
Rehoboth was not behind other towns in Lhis respect, 
for we find one of Iter townsmen was instructed to 
write to the young gentleman at Dorchester "to sig- 
nify to him that it is the town's desire that he would be 
pleased to come up and teach a school." Not long 
after the townsmen acquainted the town that they 
had agreed with Mr. Edward Howard to teach school 
"at twenty pounds a year and his rffc^, besides what 
the court doth allow in that case." In the spring of 
1609, Thomas Robinson kept a reading and writing 
school, it is inferred, for boys only, since in December 
following the selectmen agreed with Robert Dickson 
to keep school for six moriths, "he engaging to do his 
utmost endeavor to teach both sexes of boys and girls 
to read English and write and cast accounts. In con- 
sideration of such service the said selectmen, in the 
town's behalf, do engage to pay him thirteen pounds, 
one-half in silver money, and the other half in good 
merchantable board at the current and merchantable 
price." 

Ten years afterwards the course of study was en- 
larged, since we find the record that " the schoolmas- 
ter agreed to instruct in reading, writing, grammar, 
and arithmetic." All these votes were in accordance 
with the law of 1647, providing for the taxing of the 
people of the towns for the support of free public 
schools, to which every child might have access, — 
the first legislative act in the world affording free 
public instruction, through a general taxation of all 
the people, to the children of all the people. 

In 1744 it was made imperative on towns contain- 
ing one hundred families or more to support a teacher 
who, in addition to all the English branches, had a 
competent knowledge of the Greek and Latin lan- 
guages. This was the origin of the famous gramnuir 
school. Rehoboth complied with the law, and voted 
thirty pounds " for the upholding of a grammar school 
in town." 

Thus far the history of our public schools is inti- 
mately connected with the ancient town once em- 
bracing Attleborough in its limits. The first record 
in relation to schools after the incorporation of the 
town is March 20, 1716, as follows : " It was voted and 
agreed upon that Deacon Daggett should be school- 
master." In the same year it is also recorded, " At a 
town-meeting Lawfully warned the 17th of December, 
1716, for to Consider and Resolve what they will do 
with Respect to the Hireing of A School-master and 
see whether they accept of Mr. Josiah Jacques as 
school-master on any of those terms Mr. Freeman 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



557 



has agreed for liim the said Jacques, it was voted to 
hire Mr. Jacques of Mr. Freeman for one year for 
a School-master, and to pay Mr. Freeman twenty 
pounds, in current money of this province, or propor- 
tionably for less time, if he should not stay so long.' 
As the Mr. Freeman here referred to was David Free- 
man, who lived near the graveyard at South Attle- 
borough, it is evident that the school was kept in that j 
section of the town. At this time, and for nearly one ! 
hundred years afterwards, the schools of Attleborough 
were kept, not in .school-houses, but in the dwellings 
of the inhabitants. 

During the year 1717, Thomas Cathcart, of Mar- 
tha's Vineyard, served the town as schoolmaster for \ 
thirty pounds, for which he gave his receipt, closing 
with the emphatic words of the time, " I say received 
by me, Thomas Cathcart." At this time the popula- 
tion of Attleborough, including the Gore, as Cum- 
berland, R. I., was then termed, did not exceed five 
hundred, and only one school was kept. The records 
always speak of it as the school, and the teacher is ] 
invariably called the srhool-master. 

Dec. 0, 1818, it is recorded, " The meeting then held 
to consider what may be done respecting the school, i 
to see where the town will place it ; whether by a i 
committee that may then and there be chosen to 
manage that aflair, or any other way that may be I 
thought proper. The Town voted and agreed that ye j 
school should be kept seven months in one quarter of I 
ye Town at a time, and that Quarter shall have power 
to place the school as they shall think most proper 
and convenient." The town likewise chose a com- 
mittee of five men to divide the town into four quar- 
ters, — H. Peck, Ensigns Whipple and Read, John 
Lovell, and Samuel Day. This committee had power | 
to order which quarter should begin, and which 
quarter next should have the school, till all have had 
their proportion, viz., seven months. 

There is no record that this committee ever re- 
ported, and it is probable that no considerable 
change was made in the method of public instruc- 
tion until the year 1737, when the town was divided 
into four districts. Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, 
and Southeast. It appears from the records of the 
orders on the treasurer that George Allen was the 
schoolmaster during the years 1724, '26, '28, and '32, 
his compensation varying from thirty to fifty pounds. 
Besides, it is inferred that he was entitled to convey- 
ance to the scene of his labors, inasmuch as Mr. Eb- 
enezer Tiler was paid several times for "horse hire 
going to fetch ye schoolmaster." He had likewise 
"his diet,'' for the warrants for town-meetings in 
those days frequently called upon the town " to see 
if they will do anything towards boarding the school- 
master." What branches of study the youth pursued 
does not appear, but probably reading, writing, and 
casting accounts. Some years, notably in 1735-36, 
no school was kept, the record being, " In ye first 
]dace, it was put to vote to see whether the town will 



hire a schoolmaster, and the vote passed in the neg- 
ative." The teachers at this time, as far as known, 
were John Gratrax, Benjamin Ide, and John Rob- 
bins, Jr. The latter was evidently a prominent man 
in his generation, as he held the office of town clerk 
and selectman several years. 

The next advance in education in Attleborough 
was in the spring of 1745. This was the year follow- 
ing the act of the Legislature authorizing the division 
of towns into school districts, and making it obliga- 
tory upon towns to provide a teacher for all English 
branches when the number of families equaled fifty, 
and adding Latin and Greek when the number of 
families reached one hundred. 

The record says, "At a town-meeting lawfully 
warned and held ye 14th day of January, 1745, 
voted to choose a committee to divide the town 
into five parts and the Gore to be one part. Voted 
also that the school be kept in two places, six 
months each in each part, during the next two years 
and six months." I'his committee made the di- 
vision and lUamed the houses where the school 
should be kept. This was the first step towards 
the district system, though its inception was still 
in the future. By this plan the school " ambulated" 
from quarter to quarter, and when one quarter had 
had its six months' schooling, three months in each 
of the two places, it waited two years and six months 
before its turn came again to drink at the fount of 
knowledge. 

Besides this districting the town, another action 
occurred at the same time indicating th.at the cause 
of education received a new Impetus from some 
source. The record says the warrant contained the 
following article : " To see if the town will vote any 
money to be expended in keeping women schools." 
That so important an innovation might have due 
consideration, the article was laid over to an ad- 
journed meeting, when it was "voted to raise thirty 
pounds old terior money to encourage ye keeping of 
women schools." 

During several years the records contain but little 
iu regard to the subject of schools. Some years ap- 
propriations for their support were not apparently 
made. The usual item for " diet" disappears. In 
1771 the east part of the tov/n was granted, for some 
unexplained reason, one week's additional schooling. 
But what women schools were taught, and with what 
success, we are left in the dark. 

With increasing population and enlarged areas of 

occupied territory, increased facilities for educational 

I advantages were required. In November, 1771, the 

town voted to clioose a committee "to divide the 

town into twelve parts, and appointed the places 

i where the school shall be kept." This committee 

attended to the duty assigned them, and after careful 

consideration of the territory and the wants of the 

people they decided to divide the town into thirteen 

1 parts. They performed the work, and submitted a 



558 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



report to that effect Oct. 14, 1771. In accordance 

with the committee's recommendation, the voters, 
then assembled, rescinded the vote to divide the town 
into twelve parts, and then agreed and voted to divide 
into thirteen parts, naming the houses wherein the 
schools should be kept. 

The schoolmasters of the time were men not un- 
known to fame. Prominent among them was Elisha 
May, who often held public office, both civic and 
military, during the Revolution, and was the friend 
of Washington. His name appears as schoolmaster 
as early as 1768. The term dollars appears in the 
town records for the first time in connection with the 
payment of his salary, but at the same time tbe 
amount i-eceived is stated in pounds, shillings, and 
pence. 

In 1769, Ephraim Starkweather kept the grammar 
school one year. He was a native of Rehoboth, 
where he did duty on the Committee of Correspond- ; 
ence in the early days of the Revolution. He served i 
two years — 1775 and 1778 — as representative to the 
General Court, and was three years senator from 
that town. 

In 1776 the record is, " Voted to divide the school 
money, that each one may have his equal part. Voted 
that no person shall send out of his own quarter. 
Voted that any quarter that neglects to improve his 
money within the year shall lose it. Voted that each 
quarter shall draw one-thirteenth of the money raised 
for schooling." But what sum of money was raised 
for that purpose does not clearly appear. 

For ten years the division of the town into thirteen 
parts was accepted with but little dissent, then 
agitation commenced. The old thirteen districts lost 
prestige with the close of the Revolution, and in 
1787 the town " voted to make twenti/ quarters." Be- 
fore this action was put into practice, and at the next 
town-meeting, it was " voted and agreed to let the 
quarters stand as they be, and the money shall be di- 
vided among the quarters according tcJ the number of 
children in said town from four to sixteen years old." 
This is the first time that school money was appor- 
tioned according to the number of pupils in a dis- 
trict, —a method of division which obtained with 
some interruptions and various modifications until 
the abolition of the district system. 

The question of increasing the number of quarters, 
as they were persistently called, did not rest, and in 
1789 the town was divided into twenty quarters. This 
arrangement continued until 1808, when the town 
chose a committee and "districted," according to a 
late law of the commonwealth, into eighteen districts. 
The " metes and bounds" are accurately entered in 
the records in the words and over the signatures of 
the committee. 

The records give no clue to the time when school- 
houses were erected, or of the erection of any pre- 
vious to 1804. The town then voted authority to the 
quarters to raise money to build houses, to select " a 



spot where to build," and " to act upon any other 
matter that may be deemed beneficial to said districts 
and not contrary to law." 

This authority seems to have been first employed 
by the Old Town district. Thedistrict at the falls 
soon after took steps to erect a house by a warrant 
over the signatures of the selectmen, and after 1808 
most of the quarters received at different times simi- 
lar dispensations at the hands of the town fathers. 
The town annually elected prudential committees for 
the districts, who received and disbursed the school 
money, and previously to 1827 contracted uncondi- 
tionally with teachers. At this time committees were 
chosen by the town, sometimes one person from each 
district and at other times two persons, '' to view and 
inspect the schools." But their actions and reports 
have not been handed down to this generation. 

In 1804, for the first time, a committee was chosen 
to select and recommend a uniform list of text-books 
for all the schools. This committee consisted of Rev. 
John Wilder, Rev. Nathan Holman, Rev. James 
Read, Ebenezer Bacon, John Richardson, Jr., Dr. 
William Blanding, Joel Read, Elijah Ingraham, and 
Peter Thacher. This supervisory committee was re- 
elected, with some resignations and changes, two or 
three times. 

The appropriations for "tuition and schooling" 
after the Revolution for forty years were made per 
capita, the children from four to sixteen years of age 
being numbered usually the 1st of November. The 
sum voted and allowed increased from fifty-eight cents 
to each child in 1798 to seventy-five cents in 1801, and 
one dollar in 1807, at which sum it continued until 
1820. The several districts received an amount of 
money determined by the number of scholars in the 
district, except in 1815, when one-half was divided 
equally among the eighteen districts and the other 
half distributed by the scholars. But how much 
money was raised or the number of weeks' schooling 
it furnished is not made evident by the town records. 

Since 1827 the history of the public schools is writ- 
ten in the reports of the several superintending com- 
mittees the town has annually elected. The details 
would fill several pages. The gradual increase of the 
appropriations for educational purposes from one 
dollar per scholar to eight dollars, the erection of 
school-houses, the interest or lack of interest in the 
cause, the increase of the number of scholars from 
six hundred to more than two thousand, are facts 
known to every citizen. The pertinacious adherence 
to the district system established in 1789, and contin- 
ued modified and perfected during seventy years, until, 
outliving its usefulness, it was abolished by the State 
at the commencement of the year 1883, and the early 
withdrawal of pupils from the grammar and even the 
intermediate schools, to the manifest injury of the 
child, are equally well known. 

The establishment of two high schools, one at At- 
tleborough and one at North Attleborough, in May, 



ATTLE BOROUGH. 



559 



1867, was the most marked advance in this period of 
the town's school liistory. These schools furnish all 
who wish and are qualified to enjoy their advantages 
thorough instruction in the higher branches of learn- 
ing, according to the laws of the commonwealth. 
During the fifteen years of their existence they have 
continued the even tenor of their way, not always 
with full ranks, but with steady beueficial infiuence. 

The East School has had during this time four prin- 
cipals,— Calvin G. Hill, William Wilkins, A. F. Wood, 
and J. Osmond Tiffany, and is now in a prosperous 
condition. Its average membership has been about 
forty-five. The assistant teachers have been Mrs. C. 
G. Hill, Misses Tonks, Kelton, Sheffield, Hawes, and 
Helen W. Metcalf, the present efficient teacher. 

The North High School has had two principals, — 
Burrill Porter, Jr., from May, 1867, to July, 1879; 
and Henry M. Maxson, from 1879 to the present 
time. There have been six assistants, — Miss Lucy L. 
Holden, Mrs. Sarah Austin, Mary I. Hinkley (now 
Mrs. E. A. Hall), Elizabeth K. Goss (now Mrs. 
Albert Dodge, of Minneapolis, Minn.), and Miss 
Agnes Peirce. Its average membership has been 
fifty pupils, and its graduates, numbering about one 
hundred and fifty, are among the best scholars in 
town. 

The appropriations for the support of schools have 
increased from eight thousand dollars in 1867 to 
twenty-four thousand in 1883. The State has abol- 
ished the school districts. The town erected two 
new high school buildings in 1881 and 1882 at a cost 
of thirty-one thousand dollars. The town has taken 
possession of the property of the former districts, 
which, exclusive of high school buildings, is valued 
at one hundred thousand dollars. A superintendent 
of public instruction has been chosen, and the schools 
are in a fair way to enter upon a new career of pros- 
perity. 

The present superintending committee are Samuel 
P. Lathrop, chairman ; Charles E. Bliss, secretary ; 
Henry Rice, George A. Adams, Rev. John White- 
hill, and Rev. George E. Osgood; Superintendent, 
Francis E. Burnett. 

In closing this monograph of the public schools of 
Attleborough, I would not forget to record that some 
of the old school districts have funds whose income is 
applied to prolonging and otherwise benefiting the 
schools. The school recently known as District No. 8 
receives annually the interest of seven hundred dol- 
lars, devised nearly fifty years ago by a Mr. Richards. 
He was born in Marseilles, France, came to this coun- 
try, and settled in South Attleborough, where he kept 
a store for nearly a century. He was never married, 
and this property was given to the district, provided 
it should not be called for within six years by a 
nephew, supposed to be living in France. In senti- 
ment he was a deist. His will, dictated by himself, 
disavows a belief in the divinity of Christ and the 
Christian religion. He declared also a disbelief in 



Mahomet, and asserted a reliance in the only living 
and true God, to whom he commended his spirit. 
He was warmly attached to republican democracy, 
and of choleric temperament, and quite eccentric. 

The school in the Holmes neighborhood has the 
income of twelve hundred dollars. 

In 1843, Mr. Abiather Richardson died, conferring 
a legacy of eleven thousand dollars upon the ten dis- 
tricts in the East parish. His will requires real estate 
security for the invested fund, and provides for a trien- 
nial election of twelve trustees, in whom the manage- 
ment of the fund and the distribution of its income are 
vested. By careful management the legacy has been 
considerably increased, and its income materially pro- 
longs the schools. His gravestone bears the inscrip- 
tion, " His legacy to common schools is his best epi- 
tajjh and most enduring monument." 

Thus the record shows that true progress has been 
made along the years whose flight has brought us 
hither, and it may still continue to be made provided 
we observe the Baconian apothegm and " make haste 
slowly." 

"Palmam qui mendt feral." 

Industries — The means and energies of the first 
settlers were devoted to clearing up their farms. In 
the wilderness which then covered the territory of 
Attleborough, our fathers had neither time nor need 
in their simple living to turn themselves to manufac- 
tures. Only the arts necessary to living and farming 
got a footing in town until near the close of the last 
century. At that time new industries commenced 
which have had an important influence upon the 
character and prosperity of tlie town. 

While the war of the Revolution was still in prog- 
ress, and its results not foreseen except in the faith 
of the patriots who carried it on, the manufacture of 
jewelry was begun by a simple Frenchman in the 
year 1780. This pioneer in the business was known 
as "the foreigner," — perhaps he was the only alien in 
town at that early period, — and his name cannot now 
be ascertained. 

From this humble origin the manufacture of jew- 
elry has received yearly more and more attention, 
until now, in 18S3, Attleborough is one of the chief 
places where this industry flourishes. 

Although a hundred years have passed since the 
commencement of making jewelry, yet as its most 
rapid strides have been made during the last twenty- 
five years, or more accurately during the last decade, 
antiquity, never at peace with growth, has not yet 
incrusted anything connected with it. Its success 
has been reached not by the aid of united capital 
under the corporate system, but by the organizing 
ability and most intelligent personal direction of in- 
dividual enterprise. The industry has grown by a 
process of evolution from the handicraft of the shop 
until it has become a rare combination of mechanism 
and manual skill and dexterity. Human ingenuity 
is taxed to its utmost to devise new lines of novelties 



560 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and new styles of staple goods, and the most cun- 
ningly-devised machinery is employed in their pro- 
duction. Hence the well-paid masters of this art 
have always displayed a marked intellectual activity, 
which exerts a beneficial influence upon the history 
of the town, a result which always accompanies well- i 
remunerated labor and the better conditions of life. 

Progress has not always been made with equal step, \ 
hut it has always brought large returns. Intelligent j 
judges have estimated the value of the product during 
the year 1882 at nearly ten millions of dollars. Cer- ! 
tain it is that during the past five years this industry 
has made an unusual stride. During this time the 
number of firms engaged in the manufacture of jew- , 
eiry in some of its numerous branches has doubled, 
and the value of the products has increased in still 
greater ratio. The goods produced find a ready 
market all over the country and across the Atlantic. 
Whatever the varying demands of the market may 
be, whether for solid gold work or for that class in 
which " all is gold that you see," they are here 
speedily met. 

H. F. Bakrows & Co. is one of the oldest firm- 
names now engaged in the jewelry business in Attle- 
borongh. Mr. H. F. Barrows, the senior member of 
the firm, began business in 1858 in the old shop south 
of the braid-mill, Attleborough Falls. The next year 
he associated with him James H. Sturdy, under the 
style of Barrows & Sturdy. They moved to the Rich- 
ards manufactory, North Attleborough, in 1856, and 
in 1857, Mr. Sturdy withdrew, and L. A. Barrows and 
E. S. Kichai-ds associated themselves with H. F. Bai-- 
rows, under the name of H. F. Barrows & Co. The 
members now are H. F. Barrows and H. F. Barrows, 
Jr. For the last twenty-one years they have occupied 
tbeir present factory on Broad Street. He was one 
of the first manufacturers of rolled-plate jewelry in 
this section of the town, and continues to make the 
finest goods of this class, of all varieties and patterns, 
which the market demands. They employ an average 
of one hundred and fifty hands, with a yearly pay- 
roll of seventy-five thousand dollars. New York 
office, 177 Broadway. 

F. G. Whitney & Co. began business in 1849, 
when F. G. Whitney and E. W. Davenport formed a 
partnership to manufacture jewelry in the building 
which now stands on East Street. In 1852 they built 
and used for a shop the building now occupied by 
John Stanley & Son for a carriage-shop. Mr. Whit- 
ney, after several changes in the firm, moved, July, 
1856, to E. I. Richards & Co.'s factory, where he did 
a successful business, often employing from one to two 
hundred operatives. In 1876 he built the brick fac- 
tory on Chestnut Street, one hundred and fifty feet in 
length by thirty-five feet in width, and three stories in 
height, recently destroyed by fire, but now rebuilding. 
The old firm manufactured fancy brass-work, novel- 
ties, specialties, and fancy goods, which the market in 
its varying needs calls for. The same business is now 



conducted by his sons, George B. Whitney and Edwin 
F. Whitney, under the firm-name of F. G. Whitney 
& Co. They are manufacturing successfully a large 
line of goods for the domestic and foreign markets. 

The firm of Iea Richaeds &' Co. will long be 
memorable in tbe history of the jewelry industry in 
Attleborough. In 1833, H. M. and E. Ira Richards 
formed a copartnership. In 1834, Ira Richards, then 
a member of the firm of Draper, Tifft & Co., with- 
drew from that firm and entered into partnership 
with his son and cousin as Ira Richards & Co. The 
new firm began well. It invested two thousand dol- 
lars, ran twenty weeks, and cleared twenty thousand 
dollars. Then, Dec. 14, 1836, H. M. Richards with- 
drew, and George Morse and Virgil Draper were re- 
ceived as partners. In 1841 both of the last-named 
gentlemen in their turn withdrew, and Abiel Cod- 
ding, Jr., the skillful foreman of the factory, was 
admitted to one-third interest in tbe business. Ira 
Richards died in 1845, and Josiah D. Richards re- 
ceived a one-third interest in his father's place. E. 
Ira Richards, Abial Codding, Jr., and Josiah D. Rich- 
ards, with equal interests, under the firm-name of Ira 
Richards & Co., carried on business together with 
remarkable success for thirty years, until the firm ac- 
quired a national reputation. The number of their 
employes averaged for many years from two hundred 
to two hundred and twenty-five. The variety, quan- 
tity, and excellence of their goods has never been 
surpassed by any firm in town. 

F. B. Richaeds & Co. manufacture jewelry in the 
new factory building of E. Ira Richards, occupying 
1 the entire second floor. They make the first quality 
[ of rolled-gold plated goods, in bracelets, bangles, sets, 
and novelties, to meet the comprehensive demands of 
the trade. They employ one hundred and forty hands, 
with a yearly pay-roll of sixty-five thousand dollars. 
The firm-name in New York is E. Ira Richards & Co. 
I They are the successors of the well-known firm of Ira 
i Richards & Co., the members of the firm being E. Ira 
j Riclxards, F. B. Richards, and E. Ira Richards, Jr. 
The firm of Stephen Richardson & Co. dates back 
to the year 1837, when Stephen Richardson and 
Abial Codding manufactured jewelry on the south 
side of Elm Street, near the Ten-Mile River. Here 
they employed ten hands. In 1840 went into the 
factory of Calvin Richards, near the present residence 
of Abial Codding. Here the number of workmen was 
doubled. Moved thence to the factory of Draper, 
Lift't & Co., near Barden's store. At this time David 
Capron, who had been in company with Mr. Rich- 
ardson, retired, and Samuel R. Miller was admitted as 
Richardson & Miller. At this time the goods were 
sold at Western hotels until Miller opened an office 
in Maiden Lane, New Y'ork, but in 1856 he withdrew 
from the firm. Stephen Richardson continued alone 
until 1859, when his son, Clarence H. Richardson, be- 
came his partner, and the office was removed to 177 
Broadway, New York, where it remained twenty 




l^^^o/^t) 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



561 



years. The firm was now styled Sephen Richardson 
& Co. Their factory was owned by Stephen Richard- 
son, on East Street. The building was burned in 
August, 1S70, and immediately rebuilt. Stephen 
Richardson died in 1S77, and his son continues the 
business. During the last twenty years they have 
manufactured a large variety of goods, chains, and 
novelties, — gold, silver, copper, or brass, — anything 
the market calls for. They are the only firm that 
ever shipped goods to Japan, and were the first to 
open an export trade in jewelry with Europe. 

F. S. Draper was in company with Draper, Tift't & 
Co. six years before the war of the Rebellion, the 
other members of the firm being his father, Josiah 
Draper, John Lifl't, and George Horr. George 
Horr died, and Joseph Bacou became a member of 
the firm, which was now styled Draper, TiiT't & Bacon. 
In 1862, Mr. F. S. Draper sold his interest to the rest 
of the firm and entered the army. Returning from 
the war in 1865, in connection with F. S. Bailey and 
F. G. Pate, he organized the firm of Draper, Pate & 
Bailey, carrying on business first in E. Ira Richards' 
manufactory, and then in the stone building of the 
Whiting Manufacturing Company. In 1875, Mr. 
Pate withdrew, and two years later Mr. Draper bought 
out F. S. Bailey's intei-est, and continued the business. 
The original firm was located in Plainville, and em- 
ployed one hundred and fifty hands in the manufac- 
ture of fine gold jewelry. Draper, Pate & Bailey 
increased from twenty-five to one hundred and twenty- 
five hands in two years, and did a most successful 
business. F. S. Draper now employs sixty-five hands, 
with an annual pay-roll of fifty-five thousand dollars, 
in the m.anufacture of plated charms and fire-gilt 
chains. 

Theron Ide Smith, son of Stephen and Mercy S. 
(Ide) Smith, was born in the south part of Attle- 
borough, April 9, 1836. 

Stephen Smith was born in Mansfield, Mass., in 
January, 1796. He married, first, Ruth Hodges, by 
whom he had one son, Stephen N. ; second, Mercy S., 
daughter of Nathaniel Ide, who married Hannah 
Daggett, daughter of Col. John Daggett, an officer in 
the American Revolution. Mercy was named after 
Mercy Shepard, wife of the aforesaid Col. John Dag- 
gett, and daughter of John Shepard " the ancient," 
who lived to the great age of one hundred and five. 
{Of this John Shepard, we extract from John Dag- 
gett's "Sketch of the History of Attleborough," 1834, 
the following: "John Shepard, who was a native of 
Foxborough, where he lived until a few years before 
his death, died in this town in 1809, aged one hun- 
dred and five years. He retained all his faculties of 
mind and body, except his eyesight, to the last, and 
was able to walk, with a little assistance, till a few 
days before his death. He lived over one hundred 
years on his native spot, and during this time lived 
in two counties and four different towns. He was a 
man of pious character, cheerful in disposition, jocose, 
3ti 



witty, and of a quick undertanding. He was deprived 
of his eyesight on a sudden during the night, and was 
not himself aware of it until the next morning, when 
he sought in vain for the light of day. He had one 
sou and several daughters, two of whom lived to be 
over eighty years old, another, Mrs. Mary Mann, of 
Wrentham, died in 1828, aged ninety-seven.") 

Stephen Smith was a farmer, purchased the old 
Joel Read farm of eighty acres, in Attleborough, and 
resided there during life. He took quite an interest in 
town and county allkirs. He was a Free-Soiler when 
but three or four in the town advocated those prin- 
ciples. He was strict in his religious belief, Calvinist 
Baptist, and a prudent, temperate, reserved man, of 
few words, honest in his dealings, and of sterling in- 
tegrity. From the small farm of si.x: or seven hundred 
dollars his thrift accumulated a fine jiroperty, valued 
at his death at six thousand dollars. He had by his 
wife, Mercy, Ruth A. (deceased), Maria (deceased), 
Josephine (Mrs. William Gooding, deceased), Han- 
nah D. (married George Crawford, of Pawtucket, and 
died, leaving one son, Eugene A., who is now clerk 
for Mr. Smith), Eliza E. (married (1) John Shurtleff, 
(2) George F. Crowninshield, and died, leaving two 
children), and Theron Ide. 

Theron had the common school advantages of a 
farmer's boy, working on the farm until he was eigh- 
teen, when, feeling that there was a more congenial 
and profitable life for him than agriculture, he came 
to North Attleborough and entered the employ of 
Ira Richards & Co. as an apprentice to the jewelry 
trade. After remaining one year business became 
dull, and he only worked eight hours a day at six 
cents an hour. He then went to work for J. T. Bacon 
& Co., Plainville, " chasing" jewelry at one dollar per 
day, which price was soon voluntarily raised by his 
employers to one dollar and twenty-five cents. Re- 
maining here six months, by illness he was compelled 
to stop work for several months and entirely quit 
"chasing." His next employment was work at the 
bench for Barrows & Sturdy, where he remained until 
his marriage. May 16, 1856, to Emily C, daughter of 
Abiel and Chloe (Daggett) Codding.' She was born 
Feb. 4, 1839. 

In June he commenced work for Merritt & Draper, 
and stayed until he started in business for himself, 
June 1, 1859, with D. D. Codding, as Codding and 
Smith, in a small room on the lower floor of the 
same building now occupied by them. After one 
year they removed to Mansfield Centre, and con- 
tinued in a small way until 1861, when the war broke 
up the business and they gave up manufacturing. 
They could collect no money on goods sold, and left 
their tools idle, and in May, 1861, lost everything by 
the burning of the building containing them. Mr. 
Smith obtained employment from William Boyd, of 
Mansfield, making cap-boxes for the army, and con- 

1 See biography of Abiel Codding. 



562 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tinued there until times began to improve, and, in 
the spring of 1862, he returned to North Attlebor- 
ough and resumed work with Merritt & Draper, jew- 
elry manufacturers, and took charge of the shop 
from July, 1862, to July, 1865, when he started busi- 
ness again for himself in North Attleborough, in 
jewelry manufacturing, with his old partner and C. 
H. Ames as partners, under the firm-name of Cod- 
ding, Smith & Co., in S. Richardson's building. This 
firm lasted two years and made some money. Then 
Mr. Ames retired, and Mr. A. E. Codding came in 
as partner, firm-name continuing unchanged. They 
were now in good tide of business, employing fifty 
hands. In January, 1867, they removed their factory 
into Dennis Everett's building, and for three years con- 
tinued, doing a prosperous business there. They then 
moved into Mr. Richardson's new building, continued 
there three years, when Mr. Smith bought the interests 
of his partners, and for one year conducted it alone ; 
then sold one-half interest to D. D. Codding, and 
formed the firm of T. I. Smith & Co., which still is 
in business. 

In July, 1880, they removed to their present com- 
modious quarters, and they have had a steadily in- 
creasing demand for their goods, and employ from 
ninety to one hundred and ten bands. Their special- 
ties are bracelets, pins, charms, etc. January, 1881, 
Henry H. Curtis, who had been salesman for three 
years, became a partner. 

Tlie only child of Mr. and Mrs. Smith is Eva C, 
born May 16, 1860. She married, Nov. 12, 1879, 
Henry H. Curtis. They have two children, — Fannie 
S. and Eva Blanche. 

Mr. Smith has always been in the ranks of intelli- 
gent and independent thinkers. He has ever been 
in accord with Republican principles, and voted for 
Lincoln. Steady and reliable in his business, pleasant 
and affable in his intercourse with others, unassuming 
and modest in his demeanor, Mr. Smith is considered 
one of Attleborough's solid citizens, and a man of 
unobtrusive worth. 

Young & Bennett commenced business in 1876, 
under the style of Young, Bennett & Co., the mem- 
bers of the firm being Charles P. Y'oung, A. F. Ben- 
nett, and E. Sieger, of Pennsylvania. At the end of 
three years Sieger withdrew, and Young and Bennett 
have since conducted the business. Their place of 
business was in Whitney's manufactory until Dec. 
28, 1882, when they were burnt out, and moved to 
Whiting's factory. They employ seventy-five hands, 
with a pay-roll of thirty-five thousand dollars per 
year, in the manufacture of fine rolled-gold plated 
chains. 

E. I. Franklin & Co. began the manufacture of 
jewelry in October, 1874, Elton I. Franklin, Hiram 
S. Lomes, and Clarence W. Fisher composing the 
firm. Their first place of business was in the factory 
of Stephen Richardson, on East Street; moved to F. 
S. Draper's shop, June, 1876. In June, 1878, occu- 



pied their present quarters in the factory of the Whit- 
ing Manufacturing Company. Franklin & Fisher 
purchased the interest of H. S. Lomes in 1881, and 
now manufacture gold front and plated ladies' goods. 
Number of hands employed, eighty, with an annual 
pay-roll of thirty-eight thousand dollars. 

Sandland, Capron & Co. started business in E. Ira 
Richards' back factory in 1876. They moved to the 
Union Power Company's building in 1881, where 
they give employment to seventy-five hands, in the 
manufacture of a general line of plated goods. 

"The E. A. Bliss Company," an incorporated stock 
company, manufacture chains and novelties in the 
Union Power building. The business was com- 
menced by E. A. Bliss and James E. Carpenter, in 
September, 1878, at Attleborough Falls. The present 
location was occupied Jan. 1, 1881. Incorporated 
July, 1882. This conijjany employs seventy-five 
hands, with a pay-roll of forty thousand dollars. 

S. E. Fisher & Co., in the same factory, commenced 
manufacturing in Stephen Richardson's factory, the 
firm then being Demarest, Fisher & Co. In 1877 
the firm dissolved and reorganized under its present 
name, Samuel E. Fisher, William W. Fisher, and 
Edwin D. Sturtevant being the partners. Moved to 
the Union Power Comjjany's building in 1881. Spe- 
cialty, fine gold-plated ladies' goods — bracelets, pins, 
and drops. Number of hands employed, ninety, with 
an annual pay-roll of fifty-five thousand dollars. 

The history of the firm of R. Blaekinton & Co. 
dates from 1863, when R. Blaekinton, T. S. Mann, 
and Walter Ballon commenced business at Attlebor- 
ough Falls. In 1867, T. S. Mann retired from the 
firm, and in 1873 the business was moved to larger 
rooms in the manufactory of E. Ira Richards. They 
employ one hundred and forty hands in the manu- 
facture of all kinds of plated jewelry. They are now 
among our most successful manufacturers. 

Oscar M. Draper commenced business in 1862, 
under the style of O. M. Draper & Co., E. Ira Rich- 
ards being the company. The firm became O. M. 
Draper in 1868, and in 1876 occupied the whole of 
the first floor in E. Ira Richards' new manufactory. 
His .specialty from the commencement of business has 
been fire-gilt and nickel chains. He was the first 
manufacturer of "swedged goods." His machinery 
is the most complete and ingenious used in the 
manufacture of this line of goods. He employs eighty 
hands, and goods of his manufacture find a ready sale. 

J. J. and J. M. Richards started business as E. S. 
Richards & Co., in 1864. The members of the firm 
were E. S. and J. M. Richards. E. S. Richards died 
in 1866, and J. J. Richards transferred his interest to 
his son. They are now located in Totten's shop on 
East Street, where they give employment to twenty- 
five hands in the manufacture of the best gold front 
goods. 

H. D. Merritt & Co., who are now located in the 
third story of E. Ira Richards' new manufactory, 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



563 



commenced business as Merritt & Draper in 1855, 
the members of the firm being H. D. Merritt and J. 
B. Draper. In March, 1870, they moved to Mans- 
field, where Mr. Draper retired, and Jolin Shepard- 
sou entered tlie firm, which was then styled H. D. 
Merritt & Co. This firm returned to North Attle- 
borough in 1872, and went on doing an increasing 
business until Jan. 20, 1878, when Mr. Merritt died, 
and Mr. Sliepardson associated with him C. H. 
Miller. The name of the firm remains the same. 
They employ fifty hands in the manufacture of silver 
and plated chain. 

Thomas Totten & Co. are now located in a factory 
of their own on East Street, North Attleborough, 
near the railroad station. This firm commenced bus- 
iness in 1879, in F. S. Draper's factory, on Broad 
Street. They moved to Stephen Ricliardson's factory 
on East Street, and were burned out in March, 1882. 
They manufactured rolled-gold plated chains, chain 
trimmings, and chain bracelets. The first two years 
they made plated flat chains, and are very successful 
manufacturers of that form of goods. They employ 
about sixty hands, with a yearly pay-roll of twenty- 
five thousand dollars. 

The history of the firm of F. G. Pate & Co. dates 
from January, 1870, when George 0. Cowell, Edric 
A. Hall, and Albert \V. Pherson formed a copartner- 
ship for the manufacture of jewelry in the factory of 
the Whiting Manufacturing Company. In Febru- 
ary, 1876, Pherson retired, and F. G. Pate joined the 
firm under the style of Pate, Cowell & Hall. In 
July, 1877, E. A. Hail sold his interest to his part- 
ners, and the name of the firm became F. G. Pate & 
Co. In November, 1879, George O. Cowell withdrew, 
and Anthony H. Bliss and F. S. Gilbert ijecanie 
members of the firm, which occupied the first floor of 
the Union Power Company building January, 1881. 
Tills firm manufactures fire-gilt and nickel chain, 
and plated charms. They give employment to thirty 
hands, with an annual pay-roll of fourteen thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

Charles E. Smith manufactures a full line of fine 
solid gold jewelry, and is doing an extensive and 
profitable business. 

Cheever, Rhodes & Co. employ thirty-five hands in 
the manufacture of rolled plated chain, with an 
annual pay-roll of sixteen thousand dollars. The 
firm started as F. S. Bailey & Co. in 1876. In 1878, 
J. G. Cheever entered the firm, and E. D. Rhodes 
became a partner in January, 1883. 

Daniel Crotty employs eight or ten hands in the 
manufacture of jewelry. Commenced business in 
electro-plating. 

Clark & Coombs manufacture rings of all grades 
from electro-plate to fire-gilt. The firm consists of 
(Jren L. Coombs, William O. Clark, and W. Osmond 
Clark. They employ twelve hands, with a pay-roll 
of six thousand dollars a year. 

Demarest & Brady make a specialty of sets, drops, 



studs, and scarf-pins, and furnisii employment for 
twenty hands. Firm is composed of George Dema- 
rest and Bernard Brady. Mr. Demarest commenced 
business in 1872, with nine associates, on the stock 
plan, in Witherell's factory, in Plainville. In 1874 
sold his interest to his associates, and organized a 
second stock company, with five associates, as Dema- 
rest & Fisher, in the factory of Stephen Richardson. 
In 1877, Mr. Demarest having again sold out, started 
in his present location, the manufactory of the 
Whiting Manufacturing Company. He is the orig- 
inator of the stock plan, which others have success- 
fully followed. 

Barrows, Thompson & Short, manufacturers of 
plated chains, bracelets, and pins, employ sixty 
hands, with an annual pay-roll of forty thousand dol- 
lars. The firm was formed Jan. 1, 1883, by the union 
of the firms of E. E. Barrows & Co. and T. W. Short 
& Co. The former commenced business in 1875, and 
the latter in 1881. They are in E. Ira Richards' 
manufactory. 

John Etzensperger employs fifty-five hands in the 
manufacture of rolled plated chains and bracelets, 
with an annual pay-roll of thirty thousand dollars. 

Norteman, Hemple & Co. may be found, with a 
dozen hands, in the old clock factory, so-called, of the 
Whiting Manufacturing Company. They make chain, 
shawl-pins, and novelties. 

George W. Cheever & Co. manufacture fire-gilt 
and nickel chain. They employ twenty-five hands, 
with a yearly pay-roll of twelve thousand dollars. 

John C. Bennett, electro-plater, carries on business 
where the old tannery formerly stood, near the Ten- 
Mile River, North Attleborough. Employs eight 
hands. 

W. G. Clarke & Co. commenced business in Mr. F. 
S. Draper's manufactory, March 1, 1881, the partners 
being W. G. Clarke and John F. Makinson. Their 
specialty is ladies' plated goods, — bracelets, drops, 
pins, and sets. They employ forty hands. 

T. G. Frothingham & Co. started in the same manu- 
factory in June, 1879, the firm being composed of T. 
G. Frothingham and William E. Smith. They em- 
ploy eighteen hands in the manufacture of studs, 
drops, and pins. 

In the village of Attleborough several large fac- 
tories have recently been built, and they are occupied 
by some of the largest and most successful manufac- 
turers in town. The first large building was built by 
the Steam-Power Company. In 1873, Hayward & 
Briggs erected a large and conveniently-arranged 
manufactory, in which they conduct a successful busi- 
ness. In 1872, A. Bushee & Co. built a factory on the 
Ten-Mile River, on County Street, where they manu- 
facture sleeve- and collar-buttons. In 1875, E. A. Rob- 
inson, of West Attleborough, came from Providence to 
Attleborough, and has subsequently erected two large 
and complete jewelry manufactories. During the last 
three years J. M. Bates has erected two manufactories. 



504 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Altogether, the people of this section of the town are 
well supplied with this class of buildings. 

Among the oldest manufacturers are C. E. Hay- 
ward, A. W. Sturdy, A. Bushee & Co., and Bliss & 
Dean. The firm of W. & L. Blackinton employs one 
hundred and fifty hands in the manufacture of plated 
chain, with a pay-roll of eight thousand dollars per 
month. Their annual production amounts to two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

Horton, Angell & Co. commenced busine.ss here in 
1869, the members of the firm being Edwin J. Hortcin^ 
Gideon M. Horton, and B. J. Angell. Jan. 1, 1881 ' 
Everett S. Horton was admitted to the firm in place 
of his brother, Edwin J. Horton, who was lost on 
Long Island Sound. They are the original manufac- 
turers of the separable sleeve-button. The average 
number of hands employed is one hundred, with an 
annual pay-roll of sixty thousand dollars. 

The firm of Sturdy Brothers & Co. commenced 
business in the spring of 1859, when C. H. and A. W. 
Sturdy formed a partnership in the steam-power 
building. In the fall of the same year they moved 
to Mansfield. Returned to Attleborough in 1862^ 
and Albert W. Sturdy went into the army. Charles 
H. Sturdy retired from the firm in 1871, and E. G. 
Webster, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was admitted. jThey 
employ from thirty to seventy hands, with an annual 
pay-roll of forty thousand dollars. Their sales reach 
one hundred thousand dollars per year, consisting of 
a general variety of gold plate jewelry. Other large 
manufacturers here are Bates & Bacon, Bliss & Dean, 
Cumniings & Wexel, Hayward & Witherell, Short, 
Nerney & Co., Smith, Crosby & Smith, Streeter 
Brothers, Watson & Newell, W. H. Wilmarth & Co., 
and D. H. Smith. They manufacture in great variety 
a fine line of valuable goods. 

Bliss Brothers & Everett commenced business in 
1873, C. E. Bliss, E. B. Bliss, and A. E. Everett com- 
posing the firm, in the steam-power building. They 
moved to Robinson's Factory in 1876, where they now 
make a general variety of ladies' and gents' gold- 
plated goods. They employ forty or fifty hands, with 
a pay-roll of thirty-five thousand dollars per year. 

B. S. Freeman commenced his career as a manufac- 
turer of jewelry in 1846 in a small shop adjacent to 
the homestead at Attleborough Falls. He then made 
a cheap class of finger-rings. His business steadily 
increased, and in 1849 he formed a copartnership with 
a younger brother, Joseph J. Freeman, under the 
name of Freeman Brothers, and moved in 1850 to the 
old shop near the Braid Mill. Here the firm began 
the manufacture of rolled plated goods, being among 
the first makers of such goods in Attleborough. They 
continued to make various lines of plated vest-chains 
and sets during the succeeding five years. About 
1855 they took Virgil Richards into the firm, which 
now became Freeman Brothers & Co. Two years 
afterwards they bought the Robinsonville property, 
and moved there Jan. 1, 1858. At this time B. S. & 



J. J. Freeman bought the interest of Virgil Richards, 
and the firm again became Freeman Brothers. They 
very soon began the manufacture of curb-chain. J. 
J. Freeman first bought an imported curb-chain, ex- 
perimented with it, and constructed machinery and 
finally succeeded in making the first rolled plated curb- 
chain made in Attleborough. These goods were 
known as " Freeman's curb-chains," and had a wide 
and extensive sale. In the fall of 1861 the name of 
the firm was changed to Freeman & Co., and the line 
of goods manufactured adapted to the exigencies of 
the times, — war badges, military buttons, and brass 
chain for the soldiers. Oct. 6, 1879, J. J. Freeman 
died, and the style of the firm became B. S. Freeman 
& Co., Jan. 1, 1879, and so continues at the present 
time, the only change in the firm being the admission 
of B. "S. Freeman, Jr., Jan. 1, 1882. About eighty- 
five hands are given employment in the manufacture 
of plated goods suited to the demands of the trade. 

In the success achieved by this firm no small share 
of the credit is due to the extraordinary mechanical 
skill and ingenuity of Joseph J. Freeman. He was 
a man of original ideas, an inventor by nature's 
patent, and several valuable patents and the pros- 
perity of the firm bear witness to his skill. 

Rolled stock plated chain has one of its largest 
manufacturers in R. F. Simmons & Co. The original 
firm consisted of R. .F. Simmons and Albert Briggs, 
who started business at North Attleborough. The 
second year moved to Attleborough Falls, and took 
into partnership E. L. Hixon, and in the following 
year J. L. Sweet. In 1875 they occupied their pres- 
ent location in Freeman's Factory at Robinsonville. 
They employ one hundred and fifty to one hundred 
and seventy-five hands, with pay-roll of ninety thou- 
sand dollars per year. 

The firm of Mason, Draper & Co. commenced busi- 
ness in 1870, in the manufacture of ladies' goods, 
bracelets and sets. They give employment to seventy- 
five hands, all men. The members of the firm are 
M. H. Mason, C. T. Draper, and S. D. Mason. 

Davidson Brothers commenced manufacturing in 
Attleborough, in the Whiting Manufacturing Com- 
pany's Factory in 1870. In 1875 they moved to Rob- 
insonville, where they employ one hundred hands in 
the manufacture of vest and ladies' chain, — fire gilt, 
silver, and electro-plated. New York oflice, 44 Maiden 
Lane. 

The firm of Stanley Brothers dates its origin from 
May 1, 1871, when Stephen Stanley, Benjamin Stan- 
ley, and E. C. Knapp, formed a partnership to manu- 
facture rolled and stock-plated chain. July 1, 1875, 
E. C. Knapp withdrew. They commenced business 
in the old jewelry-shop near the Braid Mill, Attle- 
borough Falls, and still remain there. They employ 
fifty hands, and have a prosperous and steadily-in- 
creasing business. 

W. D. Fisher & Co., in the same factory, manufac- 
ture spring swivels and rings, rolled plate, and coin 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



565 



silver. W. D. Fisher began manufacturing in 1879, 
and in 1881 associated with him his son, W. N. 
Fisher, and A. R. Mackretli. They employ forty 
hands, with a pay-roll of thirty thousand dollars. 

U. A. Hall started at the same time, and makes the 
same class of goods ; employs fourteen hands. Pay- 
roll, three thousand dollars a year. 

E. Whitney & Co. commenced business in 1871 — 
the members of the firm being Edwin Whitney and 
William A. Read — in the same factory, but moved to 
Daggett's new building in 1882. They first made 
album- and Bible-clasps, then novelties and chains ; 
now they are making pins, drops, and bracelets. 
Number of hands, forty; annual pay-roll, eighteen 
thousand dollars. 

J. F. Sturdy & Sons, Attleborough Falls, employ 
forty hands in the manufacture of curb-chain. The 
firm consists of J. F. Sturdy and three sons, H. K. 
Sturdy, F. M. Sturdy, and F. E. Sturdy. The senior 
member, J. F. Sturdy, and J. H. Sturdy, were the first 
men who made stock plate in this town. They dis- 
covered by experiment the plating process in Provi- 
dence, and, coming to Attleborough, introduced the 
manufacture of plated goods. The original name of 
the firm was Draper, Sturdy & Co., Sept. 7, 1849, its 
members being J. F. Sturdy, J. H. Sturdy, and Her- 
bert M. Draper. Sept. 6, 1850, J. H. Sturdy retired, 
and James A. Mason was adii^itted Sept. 16, 1851. 
After some changes, J. F. Sturdy, J. A. Perry, and F. 
Doll commenced the manufacture of curb-chain in 
1861, under the name of J. F. Sturdy & Co. This 
firm dissolved in about a year, and J. F. Sturdy con- 
ducted the business alone until 1879, when his sons [ 
became partners, as at the present time. [ 

Other firms at Attleborough Falls are D. F. Briggs, 
who makes swivels and rings; employs ten hands; 
pay-roll, five thousand dollars annually; and Dag- 
gett & Clap, F. W. Hodges, agent. They make a 
specialty of bracelets, initial buttons, pins, and drops. 
Number of hands employed, forty, with an annual | 
pay-roll of fifteen thousand dollars. 

V. H. Blackinlon has carried on business at Robin- 
sonville since 1857. He bought the old school-house, 
turned it into a jewelry manufactory, and began a 
line of jet goods for ladies' wear. As the business in- 
creased additions were made to the shop until the 
building was burned, Feb. 15, 1869. He imme- 
diately rebuilt, and continued the manufacture of 
jewelry and novelties, military goods, society em- 
blems, and jet goods. Employs an average of forty 
hands. 

Healy Brothers & Co. — the members of the firm 
being Healy brothers and E. L. Cheever — manufac- 
ture jewelers' supplies. They employ twenty hands. 

South Attleborough. — The jirincipal business at 
Soutli .\ttleborough is the manufacture of leather. 
The business has been carried on here for many years. 
The present manufacturers are William H. Coupe & 
Co. This firm was organized as Coupe & Knowles, 



its members being William H. Coupe and F. W. H. 
Knowles. In a few months Mr. Coupe bought out 
his partner, and in 1866, Edwin Evans succeeded to 
his place. In 1869 the senior member of the firm 
purchased his partner's interest, and Edwin A. Bur- 
gess, son of Alexander Burgess, of Providence, R. I., 
became associated with Mr. Coupe. Under .their 
management the industry has steadily grown in ex- 
tent and perfection until the goods of the firm have a 
high reputation. 

They were burned out in 1872, but immediately 
erected a new tannery, to which successive additions 
have been made until now it is one of the largest 
buildings in town. The works are supplied with 
first-class machinery, some of which bears Mr. Coupe's 
patent, and furnish employment to an average of 
fifty hands, with an annual pay-roll of thirty thou- 
sand dollars. The establishment uses yearly fifty 
thousand sides of leather. Their specialties are lace 
leather, picker leather, and belting manufactured 
from raw hides by a process patented by Mr. Coupe 
himself. 

The oldest manufacturers of jewelry at South Attle- 
borough are White & Shaw, who commenced business 
in 1852, and have continued without change for thirty- 
one years. They first manufactured brass jewelry. 
Their specialty now is jewelers' findings. Employ 
seven hands. 

George W. Sadler and Daniel O. Stanley formed a 
copartnership here in 1868 under the name of Sadler 
& Stanley. Stanley withdrew, and A. D. Sadler en- 
tered in 1867. Six years after A. D. Sadler died, and 
George W. Sadler & Co. succeeded. The firiii makes 
gold-plated bracelets. Number of hands, fifteen. 

Another industry at South Attleborough is carried 
on by Orr Brothers. They first com menced business at 
Smithfield, R. I., but came to Attleborough in 1865. 
They employ twenty-five hands, with a pay-roll of 
ten thousand dollars yearly. Their business is dye- 
ing and bleaching yarns, threads, and braids. 

West Attleborough. — At West Attleborough, Rob- 
inson & Co. carry on the manufacture of jewelry in one 
of the oldest factories in town, the brick shop built by 
W. H. Robinson, in 1837. The firm at that time was 
Daggett & Robinson, the members being S. L. Dag- 
gett and W. H. Robinson. William Guild was ad- 
mitted in 1840, and in 1850 the firm took its present 
name, Robinson & Co. In 1868 the firm consisted 
of W. H. Robinson, Jr., D. H. Robinson, and E. A. 
Robinson. The latter retired in 1870, and W. H. 
Robinson withdrew in 1876. D. H. Robinson now 
conducts the business, employing fifteen hands. 

Buttons. — The first manufecturer of buttons in 
this town, if not in this part of the country, was Ed- 
ward Price, who came from Birmingham, England, 
in 1793, bringing with him machines for the manu- 
facture of metal buttons. He commenced their man- 
ufacture in a small shop near the residence of John 
T. Bates. In a short time he moved to Attleborough, 



566 



HISTORY OF BRISTOIi COUiNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and in 1880 came to North Attleborough, where he 
carried on business successfully, living in the old 
"Guild House." He acquired considerable prop- 
erty, and tempted by the general prosperity, went 
into the manufacture of cotton in 1811, and was un- 
successful. 

At. this time Col. 09ed Robinson was manufac- 
turing carbon jewelry at Robinsonville, and he, in 
connection with Otis Robinson, employed Mr. Price, 
and commenced the manufacture of metal buttons in 
1812. Thus Edward Price, Obed and Otis Robinson 
ran the first button manufactory in the United States. 
Glass buttons were made by' their successors, Rich- 
ard Robinson, Virgil Blackiuton, and Willard Rob- 
inson, in 1813, under the name of Richard Robinson 
& Co. This firm was followed by Robinson, Jones & 
Co., composed of Ricliard Robinson, Willard Robin- 
.son, William H. Jones, and H. M. Draper. In 1826 
they began to work on the gilt button. In 1827 they 
erected the brick factory at Robinsonville, and their 
business required its enlargement in 1828. In 1832 
the)' built another factory and commenced the man- 
ufacture of all the varieties of buttons which the 
market demands, — the common button, the navy, 
the military, the fancy, and the sporting button, — 
all of which were acknowledged superior to any 
others in the market in the beauty, finish, and dura- 
bility of the work. They received silver medals and 
diplomas, and all the contested premiums offered by 
institutes in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. 
The company brought the manufacture of this article 
to perfection, and the various improvements made in 
their, machinery, under the direction of Mr. Willard 
Robinson, aided by tlie skill of their workmen, en- 
abled them to compete fully with all their domestic 
or foreign rivals. 

Cotton Manufacture. — At the close of the year 
1809 the number of cotton-mills built in the United 
States was eighty-seven. Many more mills were in 
process of erection everywhere, and the prospect of 
industrial prosperitv stimulated speculation, and the 
war of 1812 gave additional impulse to this branch of i 
manufactures. It is believed that in the rapid exten- j 
sionof this industry Attleborough did her part. The 
old Beaver Dam Factory, which stood on the race- 
way of Whiting's pond, was turned into a cotton- 
factory by Capt. Chester Bugbee in 1809, and he, in 
company with John Richardson, George Blackinton, 
David Shepard, Ebenezer Draper, Lemuel May, and 
Samuel Litft, manufiictured cotton goods, running 
twenty looms and five hundred spindles. Their 
business prospered until the panic of 1817, after 
which time it had a somewhat checkered experience. 
Lemuel May and Daniel Cobb soon bought the fac- 
tory, and continued the business ten years, until 1828. 
They were succeeded by Capt. Bugbee and William 
Haven. Their factory was consumed by fire in 1833. 

The Falls Factory, so called, was erected at this 
time, work being commenced in the autumn of 1809 



by the Falls Manufacturing Company. In the win- 
ter of 1811 this factory was burned, but was immedi- 
ately rebuilt, seventy feet in length, thirty-four feet 
in width, and three stories high. The company em- 
]iloyed forty hands, consumed one hundred and fifty 
bales of cotton per year, and manufactured two hun- 
dred and fifty thousand yards of calico print cloths. 
An addition was made to the factory in 1831, a stone 
structure si.xty-eight feet long, thirty-eight feet wide, 
and four stories high, and connected with the estab- 
lishment were a grist-mill, machine-shop, blacksmith- 
shop, and saw-mill. Work was carried on at this time 
by Jonathan and George Bliss. Up to 1814 the work 
of the cotton-factory in New England was confined to 
spinning yarn, which was woven upon hand-looms in 
the homes of the people. Such was the course pur- 
sued in this factory. 

This era witnessed the erection of the Mechanics' 
Factory, in 1811. Ingraham, Richardson & Co. was 
the first firm ; the second, Whitaker, Richardson & 
Co. ; third, the Mechanics' Manufacturing Company ; 
then Samuel and Jesse Carpenter. Under their man- 
agement it had forty looms, one thousand and thirty- 
sis spindles, and they employed forty hands and pro- 
duced two hundred and ninety thousand yards of 
calico prints per annum. 

In 1854 the present owners, Lewis S. Foster and 
John K. H. Nightiffgale, under the firm-name of 
Foster & Nightingale, purchased the property, the 
building being then eighty-four feet long, thirty-two 
feet wide, and three stories high. They have made 
extensive additions, and conducted the business very 
successfully. The mill now employs one hundred 
and fifty hands, runs seven thousand five hundred 
spindles and one hundred and sixty-five looms in the 
manufacture of print cloths and sheetings, consuming 
four hundred thousand pounds of cotton, and making 
two and a half million yards of cloth yearly. Super- 
intendent, Nehemiah Hicks. 

The Farmers' Factory, now occupied as a foundry, 
was established in 1813 by the Farmers' Manufac- 
turing Company. In 1834 the factory was owned 
and the business conducted by Jonathan and George 
Bliss, who employed twenty-three hands and manu- 
factured one hundred and thirty-five thousand yards 
of cloth. 

On the Seven-Mile River the City Factory was 
built at South Attleborough in 1813. It was burnt 
in 1826, but rebuilt immediately, forty feet long, 
thirty-four feet wide, three stories high. Daniel 
Reed & Co. carried on business here with twenty 
looms and seven hundred spindles, making ninety- 
five thousand yards of cloth each year. 

The Lanesville Mill was built iu 1826. on Abbott's 
Run. . In 1834 it was owned by Milton Barrows and 
others, and, like other mills of that day, was devoted 
to the manufacture of calico print cloths, ran two 
thousand spindles and fifty looms, and turned out 
four hundred thousand yards of cloth. Recently the 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



567 



factory has been owned and occupied by John F. 
Adams, of Pawtucket, R. I. It was burned in 1880, 
but he has rebuilt it, and it is now in successful 
operation. 

The embargo of 1807-8 benefited manufacturers at 
the expense of commerce, and much of the capital 
and effort engaged in the latter were directed to in- 
dustrial channels. The effect of the embargo is evi- 
denced by the fact that prior to it there were but 
fifteen cotton-mills in the United States, running 
eight thousand spindles, while at the end of the year 
1809 the number in operation was sixty-two, with 
thirty-two thousand spindles. Among the fifteen 
mills was the Dodgeville cotton manufactory, estab- 
lished in Attleborough in 1801 by Ebenezer Tyler, 
and running thirty looms in the manufacture of 
print cloths. 

During the period of the last war with England, 
and up to Feb. 10, 1815, manufacturers throughout 
the country continued toprogress with unprecedented 
activity. Maj. Tyler pursued his business alone until 
the protection of the war was withdrawn. About the 
year 1815 he sold an interest in his business to Nehe- 
miah Dodge, who became a partner, with his son, 
John C. Dodge, as superintendent. Four years later, 
in 1819, Neliemiah Dodge purchased Tyler's interest 
and took in his son as a partner. The firm thus 
formed continued unchanged until 1840, when the 
son bought out the father and carried on business 
alone. He enlarged the factory and increased the 
number of looms to one hundred and thirty-six, but 
in June, 1854, his property was sold at auction. B. B. 
and R. Knight were the purchasers. In 1870, Stephen 
A. Knight was admitted, and the owners were in- 
corporated, with a nominal capital of one hundred 
thousand dollars, under the name of the Hebron 
Manufacturing Company, with factories at both He- 
bronville and Dodgeville. The first-named factory was 
during many years known as the Atherton Factory, 
and was established in 1812 on the Ten-Mile River, 
at a spot known as Chaffee's Mills, where in early 
times the saw-mill and grist-mill of the fathers stood. 
Here the Atherton Manufacturing Company, under 
the lead of Thomas Harkness and Thomas J. Stead, 
of Providence, yearly manufactured four hundred 
thousand yards of print cloths. Number of looms, 
forty-two; spindles, sixteen hundred. 

The Hebron Manufacturing Company does a large 
business both at Hebronville and Dodgeville. 

One of the most prominent manufacturers in town 
is Handel N. Daggett, and none have had a more 
varied experience. Indeed, he is the pioneer and 
founder of one branch of the textile arts in this 
country — the manufacture of domestic braids. The 
power-loom was introduced and applied to cotton 
fabrics about 1815. The braider came some years 
later, and is said to be the invention of a native of 
Attleborough named Thorpe. These braiders Mr. 
Daggett was using in 1848 in the production of shoe- 



lacings and stearine candle-wicking. Afterwards he 
braided covering for hoop-skirts. 

In 1861, after the Rebellion broke out, he furnished 
cavalry sabres and scabbards for the United States 
government. The sabres were made for him in Maine. 
The scabbards he manufactured in the steam-power 
building at Attleborough. He furnished about fif- 
teen thousand sabres. 

Up to the year 1861 no one had succeeded in produ- 
cing a domestic braid of good quality in America. The 
braids consumed in this country were imported from 
Germany and England, and American manufacturers 
could sell their wares only with the greatest difficulty. 
The war of the Rebellion cut off importations, and 
compelled the trade to seek American braids. At 
this time M,r. Daggett entered into an arrangement 
with John C. Morse, of New York, to manufacture 
domestic braids. The business was carried on first at 
Attleborough, then at the Farmers', and since 1865 in 
its present location, the Falls Factory, at Attleborough 
Falls. The value of the goods produced reached 
eight hundred thousand dollars yearly. 

In 1869, Mr. Morse retired, and Mr. Daggett formed 
a copartnership with Austin Dunham, of Hartford, 
Conn., and George S. Moulton, of New York, which 
lasted until 1873. Then he conducted the business 
alone until 1879, at which time the Gold Medal 
Braid Company was formed. The company, which is 
incorporated, consists of T. N. Ide and Q. A. Atwood, 
of New York, George A. Tarbell, of Boston, and H. 
N. Daggett and Harvey Clap, of Attleborough. Cap- 
ital, sixty-five thousand dollars. They employ an 
average of one hundred operatives, and manufacture 
yearly two hundred and fifty thousand dollars' worth 
of braids. Their worsted, cotton, and silk braids of 
the finest quality and all varieties have an extensive 
sale all over the country. They also do a large busi- 
ness in braided silk, liuen, and cotton fish-lines, and 
make pure mohair goods from the best imported mo- 
hair. H. N. Daggett, Attleborough Falls, is treasurer 
and manager of the company. 

For several years silver-ware was manufactured at 
North Attleborough with great success. In 1866, Wil- 
liam D. Whiting organized the Whiting Manufactur- 
ing Company, as a corporation under the laws of New 
York, for the manufacture of .standard silver-ware. 
Their manufactory was at North Attleborough, where 
for ten years they gave employment to one hundred 
and fifty hands in the production of tlie finest silver- 
ware. The company was incorporated with a capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars, which was subse- 
quently increased to one hundred and seventy-five 
thousand dollars. Some years the value of their 
products amount to one million dollars. This com- 
pany now conducts its entire business at Broadway 
and Fourth Street, New York City. 

The first efforts of the jewelers of Attleborough to 
refine their sweepings was, like the commencement of 
the manufacture of jewelry itself, through the aid of 



568 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



a Frenchman. This person used to travel through 
the town to Boston, and he was in the habit of stop- 
ping at North Attleborough to collect the material, 
which he always carried in a pocket-handkerchief. 
Later the clippings and sweepings were sent to New 
York for refining, until, in 1855, C. E. W. Sherman, 
who understood the jeweler's trade, formed a partner- 
ship with a Mr. Davis to carry on the refining busi- 
ness in North Attleborough. They built the shop 
now standing in the rear of the dwelling-house just 
across the river from F. G. Whitney's factory. Their 
business was immediately prosperous and remunera- 
tive. In two years Mr. Sherman bought out his part- 
ner and transferred his business to a new refinery on 
Elm Street. He was sole proprietor for twenty years, 
until, in September, 1875, he associated with him his 
son, W. W. Sherman, under the style of C. E. W. 
Sherman & Son. They have twice enlarged their 
accommodations, and they now get out from clippings 
and sweepings about one hundred thousand dollars' 
worth of gold annually. They are lineal descendants 
in the eighth and ninth generations from Miles Stan- 
dish, the first captain of Plymouth, and in industry, 
integrity, and square dealing they worthily represent 
their illustrious ancestor. 

Col. Willard Blakinton commenced the manufac- 
ture of power-loom shuttles at Attleborough in the 
fall of 1827, and continued it until his death. In the 
earlier years of the business he employed twelve 
hands and made twenty-five dozen shuttles per week, 
besides a large amount of shuttle-mountings which he 
supplied to other makers. During the first ten years 
of the industry the average yearly production of the 
establishment was about ten thousand dollars' worth 
of shuttles. But in that time the product secured an 
extensive sale throughout the United States. In 1842 
the firm became W. Blakinton & Sons. The work, at 
first all done by hand, is now done by machines, and 
fifteen bauds turn out two hundred shuttles per day. 
The shuttles were sold at first for twelve dollars a 
dozen. The price since the Rebellion has been four 
dollars and fifty cents a dozen. 

The first known instance of jewelry nianufiicture in 
Attleborough was by the Frenchman above men- 
tioned, who carried on the business at a brick forge 
where the old shop stands on the premises of the late 
Jesse F. Richards. He also made brass butts. Later, 
but by a few years, was the manufacture of carbon 
jewelry at Robinsonville by Maj. Robinson. His 
shop, said to have been the first built in town ex- 
pressly for that jjurpose, is now, remodeled, the French- 
roof cottage directly opposite the residence of R. F. 
Simmons. 

Manning Richards, the father of H. M. Richards, 
commenced his business career about 1810, on the 
Cumberland road, but soon moved into North Attle-^ 
borough, and continued the manufacture with such 
success as to become the wealthiest man in town. 

In 1821 the firm of Draper, Tifft &Co. began work, 



the members being Josiah Draper, John Tifft, and 
Ira Richards. 

John Richardson, John Fuller, and William Black- 
inton. They made all kinds of cut nails, running 
two cutting-machines and three or four heading-tools. 
The business here ceased in 1709, two years after 
Jesse Reed, of Boston, took out his patent for a ma- 
chine for cutting and heading nails by one operation. 

The other locality was at the upper end of the 
Falls Pond. Here, too, gun-barrels were polished. 
Some of the persons interested in this work were 
Sylvester Everett. Jonas Richardson, James Richard- 
son, and Dr. Thomas Stanley. 

Bricks have been made in several places in town, 
but few towns with so large a population have so few- 
brick buildings within their limits. Joseph Eldredge 
carried on their manufacture from 1860 to 1870, 
making two hundred thousand per annum. 

Paper boxes were first manufactured by Daniel 
Babcock in a shop below the Farmer's factory. The 
business is also carried on by his son, Cyrus S. Bab- 
cock, in the old high school building near the North 
Attleborough depot. 

Some time about the beginning ot the present cen- 
tury Roger Farnum had a distillery on the south side 
of Elm Street, between the large elm-tree and the Ten- 
Mile River. Neither history nor tradition has given 
the amount of business done. The building was blown 
down in the gale of 1815 and never rebuilt. 

Opposite, on the north side of Elm Street, was a 
tannery, the vats being in the low ground by the Ten- 
Mile River. At this period leather gloves and leather 
breeches were not an uncommon line of manufactured 
goods, but we are not aware that any of the leather 
tanned here was used for that purpose. 

Near by, on the east side of the river, David Whit- 
ing occupied the first shop built on the company's 
privileges. Here he turned hubs and wheels. 

Farther down Elm Street, but northwest of the 
railroad bridge, iron ore has been quarried within the 
memory of men now living. The ore was carted to 
an adjoining town and smelted. This industry soon 
ceased. 

Nails have been made in at least two localities in 
town. The first was at the old factory at Whiting's 
Pond, by a firm composed of George Blackinton. 

Other Facts.— Cigars are manufactured at Attle- 
borough Falls by Randall H. Peirce, and at North 
Attleborough by Martin McDonald. 

Combs were made in the State in the early part of 
the century. This industry, having its chief seat at 
Leominster and West Newbury, was represented in 
this town, Tifft & Whiting being the leading makers. 

Bliss & Dean is one of the leading firms of Attle- 
borough. The business now conducted by them was 
commenced in 1856, when A. M. Everett, G. A. Dean, 
R. Bliss, S. L. Morse, and E. S. Capron associated 
themselves for the manufacture of jewelry in the old 
car-shop, under the name of Everett, Dean & Co. 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



5fi9 



When this shop was burned, in 1858, they moved to 
the man 11 factory of Arcliibald Thompson. L. L. 
Morse and E. S. Capron sold out in 1858, and B. B. 
Day came into the firm in 1859. The firm-name was 
changed to Everett, Day & Co., and the place of busi- 
ness was established in its present location, "The 
Steam-Power Building." A. M. Everett sold his in- 
terest in July, 1867, and the firm was now Day, Bliss 
& Deau. B. B. Day withdrew in 1871, shortly before 
his decease, and the name of the firm became Bliss & 
Dean. The class of goods manufactured in the early 
days of the business was ladies' sets, bracelets, and 
sleeve-buttons. During the last fifteen years they 
have made a specialty of chains, lockets, and brace- 
• lets, all rolled-gold plated goods. They employ eighty 
hands. 

Short, Nerney & Co. commenced business in the 
fall of 1876, in the manufactory of E. A. Robinson, 
near the depot. Moved in September, 1881, to the 
new manufactory of Joseph M. Bates. The members 
of the firm are M. B. Short, Philip Nerney, and J. J. 
Horton. They make a specialty of rolled gold gents' 
, vest-chains. They employ eighty hands. 

J. H. Hodges entered upon the manufacture of 
jewelry in E. A. Robinson's shop in 1874. In July, 
1877, P. M. Carpenter was admitted to partnership, 
under the style of Hodges & Carpenter. In 1881 
the firm moved to the manufactory of J. M. Bates, 
where they now make a specialty of gold Masonic 
emblems. They give employment to forty hands. 

Hayward & Witherell employ twenty hands in the 
manufacture of collar-buttons and a variety of plated 
goods. This firm was organized Jan. 1, 1873, when 
Henry L. Hayward and Nelson Carpenter formed a 
copartnership. Mr. Carpenter sold his interest to 
Proctor E. Witherell, Oct. 21, 1879, and the present 
firm-name was adopted, with an increasing business. 

Nelson Carpenter, since withdrawing from the firm 
of Hayward & Carpenter, has carried on business 
alone, first in D. H. Smith's shop and afterwards in 
his present location, the manufactory of J. M. Bates. 
He successfully employs thirty-five hands in the 
manufacture of pins, ear-rings, and scarf-pins. 

W. H. Wilmarth commenced business in 1872, 
when W. H. & J. C. Wilmarth entered upon the 
manufacture of jewelry in Robinson's old shop, under 
the name of Wilmarth Brothers. In May, 1873, .1. 
W. Luther became a member of the firm, which was 
then styled Luther & Wilmarth Brothers. Soon after 
Willard Wheeler was taken into partnership, and the 
business was conducted under the style of Luther, 
Wilmarth Brothers & Wheeler. J. C. Wilmarth, 
Luther, and Wheeler successively retired, and in 
1876 the whole business came into the hands of W. 
H. Wilmarth. They first manufactured rolled plated 
chain, then brass and fire-gilt chain, afterwards but- 
tons, and the present specialty is sleeve-buttons and 
electro-plated chain. They employ one hundred and 
thirty-six hands. 



Harris & Fisher are carrying on business in Robin- 
son's Union Street shop. The firm commenced work 
in Robinson's old shop in 1880. In the same year J. 
K. Ryder entered the firm, which became Harris, 
Fisher & Ryder. Ryder soon retired, and the orig- 
inal name of the firm was resumed. They employ 
fifty-five hands in the manufacture of chains and 
lockets. 

Oct. 5, 1864, Dr. J. R. Bronson, who had previously 
bought the coffin-trimming business of Mr. Dilling- 
ham at North Attleborough, associated with him 
William D. Wilmarth, under the name of Bronson 
& Wilmarth. Continuing business there for a few 
months, the firm moved to the old shop on County 
Street, Attleborough. Dr. Bronson retired April 4, 
1868, and Mr. Wilmarth continued alone until his 
death, March 6, 1872. The same business is now 
conducted by W. W. Wilmarth & Co., the members 
of the firm being William Howard Wilmarth and 
Louis J. Lamb. They manufacture cofiin-trimmings 
and ornaments, employing an average of twenty-five 
hands. 

A Busbee & Co. commenced the manufacture of 
jewelry in 1868 in one of the old shops near the sta- 
tion of the Boston and Providence Railroad Com- 
pany, the firm then being Busbee & Bacon. The 
partners were A. Busbee and E. Bacon. In three 
years Charles H. Busbee joined the firm under the 
present style of A. Busbee & Co. They built and 
occupied their present shop in 1872. They manu- 
facture gilt and plated jewelry, their specialty being 
the original separable sleeve- and collar-buttons. 
They furnish emplgyment to seventy hands, and 
do a large business. 

Smith, Crosby & Smith manufacture fine gold- 
front plated goods of all kinds. They employ fifty 
hands and fifteen engravers. Their business was 
established in 1872, the members of the firm being 
W. H. Smith, A. R. Crosby, and C. E. Smith. 

Streeter Brothers started the manufacture of jew- 
elry in the steam-power building in the fall of 1867. 
They moved to the manufactory of W. D. Wilmarth. 
They employ twenty-five hands in the manufacture 
of gilt jewelry, their specialty being chains. 

The firm of S. W. Gould & Co. commenced business 
in January, 1880, in Robinson's old shop, and moved 
to J. M. Bates' Union Street shop Jan. 1, 1881. They 
employ sixty hands in the manufiicture of rolled- 
gold plated goods for ladies' wear, — pins, drops, and 
sets. 

Cummings & Wexel started in 1871, as E. H. Cum- 
mings & Co., in Robinson's old shop. They first 
manufactured fine sets and buttons. Now they em- 
ploy seventy-five hands in the manufacture of sleeve- 
buttons and charms. 

The Attleborough Bank was chartered in 1836, and 
opened a banking-room at Attleborough. In 1858 it 
was removed to North Attleborough, where it is now 
located. The presidents of the institution, with their 



570 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUiS'TY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



dates of election, are N. W. Sanford, May 9, 1836; 
Samuel Carpenter, Oct. 2, 1837; L. M. Wheaton, 
Oct. 4, 18.52; E. Ira Richards, Feb. 11, 1856; and 
Daniel Evans, Jan. 27, 1875. The bank was organ- 
ized as a national bank in 1865, with a capital of one 
hundred thousand dollars. The institution is very 
successfully managed. Daniel Evans, president; 
Edward R. Price, cashier. 

The First National Bank of Attleborough was 
organized in 1875. Capital, one hundred thousand 
dollars. The flrst president was Col. Willard Black- 
inton. The banking-rooms are in Sturdy's building, 
Attleborough, where the bank does a good business. 
President, Joseph M. Bates ; Cashier, Homer M. 
Daggett. 

D. H.Smith commenced the manufacture of jew- 
elry in 1865, in company with S. N. Carpenter, H. 
Capron, and S. Morse. Within a few years he bought 
the interest of his partners, and since 1869 has con- 
ducted the business alone. He now employs thirty- 
five hands in the manufacture of charms and brace- 
lets. 

R. B. Macdonald began the manufacture of swivels 
at his house on County Street, Attleborough, soon 
after the war, as Edward & John Macdonald. On the 
death of his father, R. B. Macdonald entered upon 
the manufacture of swivels at Attleborough, which 
business lie continued until 1881, when he com- 
menced the manufacturing of gold-plated chain in 
the manufactory of J. M. Bates on Union Street. 
Number of hands employed, twenty-eight. 

Watson & Newell date the commencement of their 
business from 1873, when C. D. Cobb, S. W. Gould, 
F. A. Newell, C. L. Watson, and W. A. Battey formed 
a copartnership under the style of Cobb, Gould & Co. 
W. A. Battey retired in 1874, C. D. Cobb in 1879, and 
S. W. Gould in 1880, when the style of the firm be- 
came Watson & Newell. Tliey manufacture a large 
line of gold-plated goods, — cufl', shawl, and lace pins, 
and collar- and sleeve-buttons. They furnish employ- 
ment to one hundred hands. 

J. W. Luther & Co., lapidaries, employ ten h;inds 
in lapidary work in Robinson's manufactory. They 
have been engaged in the business fourteen years. 

Aside from Sunday-school libraries the town has 
the library of the Attleborough Library Association. 
This is a sul)scrii)tion library of fifteen hundred vol- 
umes, and was founded in 1864. 

The public library of the Union Improvement Dis- 
trict was established by subscription in 1869. In 
1876, the subscribers gave their property, consisting 
of one thousand volumes of standard works, to the 
Union Improvement District, North Attleborough, 
and since that time the library has been supported 
by taxation, and is free to all residents in the village 
of North Attleborough. The number of volumes is 
about three thousand. Prudential Committee, Jo- 
seph G. Barden, Francis G. Pate, and B. Porter, Jr. 
Librarian, John Ward. 



In addition to these libraries the town enjoys the 
advantages of two excellent weekly papers, the Attle- 
horoiKjh L'hronich and the Aithltoromih Advocate. They 
with pen and pencil portray the busy life of Attle- 
borough and furnish memorials on which the future 
explorer may lean as he takes up and brings forward 
the chain of history. The former was established 
Feb. 2, 1872, by Walter Phillips. Before the close of 
the year E. K. Dunbar was admitted to partnership, 
and the firm became Phillips & Dunbar. They were 
succeeded by Dunbar & Quinn. Then E. K. Dunbar 
became the editor and proprietor. Eliot Hunt became 
a partner and owner, and eventually bought out E. 
K. Dunbar. The paper is now published by Eliot 
Hunt & Co. The Advocate is published by E. H.» 
Sweet & Co., at Attleborough. 

Altogether Attleborough is a very busy place, where 
loafing finds itdifiicult to resist opportunities for work, 
and it has possibilities of progress unsurpassed by any 
town in the State. 

Social Organizations. — The social organizations 
of Attleborough are numerous. The oldest and the 
only one which dates back into the last century is 
Bristol Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. The 
lodge began its existence June 14, 1797, under a 
charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the Most 
Ancient and HonorableSociety of Freeand Accepted 
Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to 
a membership residing in Attleborough, Mansfield, 
Norton, Pawtucket, Rehoboth, and Taunton. This 
charter bears the signature of the famous Revolu- 
tionary worthy, Paul Revere, Grand Master of the 
order at that time. Its speech is thus " of patriotism 
and courage, of civil and religious liberty, of free 
government," as often as the eye rests upon the an- 
cient charter. 

The lodge was established at Norton, where it held 
its meetings until Dec. 11, 1811, when it was removed 
to Attleborough. March 10, 1830, the Grand Lodge 
authorized it to assemble at North Attleborough. 

In 1833 the prosperity of Bristol Lodge waned, 
and its charter was returned to the Grand Lodge ; 
but upon the petition of old members the time-honored 
document was restored Sept. 14, 1859, since which 
time the lodge has steadily advanced in membership 
and influence. Its finely-appointed hall was appro- 
priately dedicated Feb. 9, 1876. 

The names of the Past Masters since the restora- 
tion of the charter are Willard Blackinton, Samuel 
S. Ginnode, Charles E. Smith, John B. Maintain, 
Thomas G. Sandland, Obed C. Turner, Francis S. 
Fairbanks, Samuel H. Bugbee, Arthur E. Codding, 
and James A. Codding. The present officers are: 
W. M., Theodore B. Hazzard; S. W., Walter E. 
Barden ; J. W., Elton I. Franklin ; Treas., George E. 
Hawes ; Sec, Rev. W. Henry Kling. 

Ezekiel Bates Lodge was organized at Attleborough 
by Master Masons from Bristol Lodge, Jan. 12, 1870, 
under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Ma.ssa- 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



571 



cliusettj;. At the expiration of tlie dispensation the 
grand oflicers came to Attleborough, instituted the 
lodge, and installed its officers, Sept. 6, 1871. The 
growth of the lodge has been continuous and rapid, 
and it now numbers one hundred and thirteen mem- 
bers. Officers : W. M., William J. Thompson ; -S. W., 
D. E. Makepeace; J. W., N. Justin Smith; Treas., 
Fred. G. Mason ; Sec., O. P. Richardson, Jr. 

All the other ranks known to the craft have tlour- 
ishing organizations in the Attleborough Council, 
Bristol Commandery of Knights Templar, and King 
Hiram Royal Arch Chapter. 

The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows com- 
menced their history here thirty-seven years ago, 
Aurora Lodge, No. 107, having been instituted Jan. 
29, 1S4(5. The charter members were Abraham Hay- 
ward, Thaddeus Phelps, Alfred Barrows, Joseph D. 
Peirce, Lemuel Bi.shop, Daniel Evans, Benjamin F. 
Hammar, and Samuel D. Forte. The first elective 
officers were Abraham Hayward, N. G. ; Thaddeus 
Phelps, V. G.; Albert Tiflt, Treas.; and Daniel 
Evans, Sec. The first lodge-room was the second 
story of a school-house at West Attleborough. The 
second was Howard Hall, now completely remodeled, 
the home of Bristol Lodge, Washington Street, North 
Attleborough. The third and last is Odd-Fellows' 
building, which both in appearance and construction 
is one of the best structures in town, and a monument 
to the works of the order. Its cost was twenty thou- 
sand dollars. 

The lodge now numbers one hundred and fifty 
members. Officers: N. G., H. Eugene Coombs; 
V. G., William D. Wennell ; Permanent Sec, Am- 
brose Kurtz ; Treas., Thomas C. Sandland ; Sec, 
David Thompson. 

In process of time, w'ith the growth of the town 
and increase of membership, there came a demand 
for a lodge of the order at Attleborough, and Orient 
Lodge, No. 105, was instituted Oct. 2, 1873, with 
nearly one hundred members, zealous followers of 
friendship, love, and truth. The lodge is making a 
creditable record in the charities of Odd-Fellowship. 
The officers are : N. G., Herbert A. Clark ; V. G., 
Frank S. Sweet; Treas., Nehemiah Hicks; Perma- 
nent Sec, John Slater ; Rec. Sec, Charles W. Black- 
inton. 

The Patriarchal branch of the order was organ- 
ized in Attleborough, Aug. 5, 184(3, when Howard 
Encampment, No. 19, commenced its somewhat 
checkered, existence. Some time after, in the fl,uc- 
tuations of Odd-Fellowship, it weakened and died. 
The charter was restored and the encampment re- 
instituted Feb. 21, 1876, since which time it has en- 
joyed a healthy growth, and now numbers sixty 
members. Officers; C. P., John P. Bonnett; H. P., 
John Ward; S. W., David Thompson; F. S., G. 
Frank Jackson; Treas., Francis G. Pate; S., Albert 
Totten. 

The Knights of Pythias have in Sumner Lodge, 



No. 62, an active lodge of sixty members. The lodge 
occupies a hall in Barrow's block. North Attleborough, 
where they have every advantage that such an or- 
ganization requires. The officers are: Chancellor 
Commander, Frank A. Bates; Vice-Chancellor, Frank 
W. Gardner; P., Thom.is McAlpine; M. of E., Dex- 
ter E. Hawkins ; M. of F., Obediah Lyon ; K. of R. 
and S., Thomas J. Halliday ; M. at A., H. R. Packard. 

Among the more recently organized beneficial as- 
sociations are Washington Lodge, No. 18-10, Knights 
of Honor; Magnolia Council, No. 121, and Massasoit 
Council, No. 270, American Legion of Honor ; and 
Attleborough Council, No. 366, Royal Arcanum. All 
are of recent origin, but at a reasonable cost afford 
the best life insurance. 

Washington Lodge, No. 1840, Knights of Honor, 
was organized by the authority of the Grand Lodge 
of Massachusetts with nineteen charter members. 
The officers are Thomas Schofield, Dictator; F. S. 
Fairbanks, Vice-Dictator; Gardner Warren, Assistant 
Dictator; J. J. Morse, Treasurer; L. H. Pherson, 
Financial Reporter; Rev. W. Henry Kling, Chap- 
lain ; George W. Cheever, Guide ; Henry C. Cowell, 
Guardian; W. E. Barden, Sentinel. The present 
number of members, April, 1883, is twenty-seven. 

The Attleborough Council of the Royal Arcanum 
was instituted by officers of the Grand Council of 
Massachusetts Aug. 8, 1879, with twenty charter 
members. The council is in a highly prosperous 
condition, with a membership of fifty persons. By its 
laws each full rate member has an insurance of three 
thousand dollars; half-rate members, fifteen hundred 
dollars. The officers of the council are Regent, 
Charles E. Hayward ; Vice-Regent, S. R. Briggs ; 
Orator, Benjamin P. King; Past Regent, Charles O. 
Sweet; Chaplain, Warren Parker; Guide, William 
Nerney ; Secretary, Job B. Savery ; Treasurer, J. 
Shepard Richards ; Collector, Charles A. Witherell ; 
Warden, Charles H. Power; Sentinel, Henry B. Lin- 
nell. 

Magnolia Council of the American Legion of Honor 
was organized March 16, 1880, with thirty charter 
members. The present officers are: Commander, Wil- 
liam H. Blaney; Vice-Commander, M. J. Angell ; 
Past Commander, Dr. George Mackie; Treasurer, 
Job B. Savery ; Collector, A. F. Thompson ; Chap- 
lain, M. F. Whitney ; Warden, E. A. Fuller; Sentry, 
George P. Williams. 

Massasoit Council, No. 270, of the same order, was 
instituted at North Attleborough, July 30, 1880, with 
nineteen charter members. Officers: Commander, 
Thomas E. Jones ; Vice-Commander, Obediah Lyon ; 
Orator, Charles T. Guild ; Past Commander, William 
H. Barnes ; Secretary, A. R. Morse ; Collector, H. M. 
Scribner; Treasurer, H. K. Sturdy; Chaplain, H. R. 
Kendall; Guide, F. W. Holmes; Warden, W. P. 
Whittemore; Sentry, Samuel B. Hamblin. The 
number of members has increased since its organiza- 
tion to thirty. 



572 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dionys Lodge, No. 317, is a similar association, 
composed of citizens of German descent. Officers: 
O. B., Charles Albert; U. B., Anton Braunwart ; 
Corresponding Secretary, Martin Klaus; Financial 
Secretary, Augustus Schubert; Treasurer, Robert 
Scholtze. 

The North Attleborough Board of Trade dates its 
existence from December 27, 1880. It numbers sixty 
members, among whom are many of the wealthy and 
influential business men of Attleborough Falls, North 
Attleborough, and Plainville. Its officers are: Presi- 
dent, Handel N. Daggett; Vice-Presidents, Henry F. 
Barrows, Samuel E. Fisher, and Edward R. Price ; 
Secretary, Fred. B. Byram ; Treasurer, Randolph 
Knapp. 

Turning away from the.se benevolent institutions of 
the enlightened nineteenth century, but pursuing our 
researcli on hospitable thoughts intent, we come to 
the Attleborough Farmers' and Mechanics' Associa- 
tiou. This society was formed in 1869, near the close 
of the most eventful decade in our country's history. 
The association soon after purchased grounds and 
erected e.xhibition buildings at Attleborough Falls. 
The buildings and grounds are in excellent condition, 
and the track is one of the best in New England. 
The number of members is three hundred and fifty, 
comprising many of the leading citizens of Attlebor- 
ough and adjoining towns. The annual fairs of the 
association are looked forward to as the harvest festi- 
val of the year. The oflicers of the society are : Presi- 
dent, Charles E. Hayward; Treasurer, ,Iohn Thacher; 
Secretary, Frederick B. Byram. 

These extensive industries sustain two national 
banks and a savings-bank, and the institutions are 
successfully managed. 

The Attleborough Savings-Bank was incorporated 
by an act of the Legislature Feb. 2, 1860. 

In about a year from that time the corporators or- 
ganized by the choice of Ezekiel Bates as president 
and W. H. Robinson as vice-president. The corpo- 
ration became depositors and workmen, and men of 
business soon recognized the advantages of a secure 
place for the saving and investing of the unemiiloyed 
receipts of their industry. The number and amount 
of the deposits have rapidly increased from the first 
year of its existence. The corporators are men of 
business sagacity, and under their careful manage- 
ment this savings-bank has often been pronounced 
one of the soundest in the State. Total deposits, 
$.500,000. President, Abial Codding; Secretary and 
Treasurer, Edward R. Price. 

An Ancient Building. — Attleborough owns one 
historic building, the Old Powder-House at West 
Attleborough. The building is circular in form, 
about twelve feet in diameter, and capped with a 
conical roof. It is built of brick, and the order of 
the .selectmen for payment shows that six thousand 
were used in its construction. 

Its erection was authorized by a town-meeting held 



Sept. 20, 1768, when, in the language of the record, it 
was 

"Voted to build a house for Keeping the town 
stock of Ammunition in for the futer, and proseaded 
to chose a commety for that purpose, namely, Capt. 
John Stearns, Capt. Daniel Read, and Capt. Henrj' 
Sweate ware chosen a Commety for that purpos, and 
then the commety went and looked al place to set sd 
house and they said that they found a place in Jacob 
Newell's land which sd Newell said he would give 
the land to build the house upon." 

To confirm a promise then given, and to secure the 
rights of " ye People," Jacob Newell, who was at 
that time town treasurer, made the following entry in 
the town records in his own hand: 

" Where ap ye Town of Att]eIx)rougli Iiave agreed to Bnld a Powder 
bouse and set sd lionae on ye Higli Hill east.ardly from ye Meeting-House 
on my Land I give liljerty to set sd House tiieir, and also for my Heirs 
and assigns I agree ye People shall jiave Liberty to Pass to and from sd 
House to carry their Powder or any other aniniinition aud bring of 
again ye same at any time or times so that tliey in Passing Regurl}' Not 
to Leve Down fence or any Euclosen thing to Do Damage 

as witness my hand — .lAcon Newell. 

" Attleborough, Oct. ye 4th 1768." 

It is inferred that the committee above chosen had 
full powers, inasmuch as they proceeded to build the 
house in October and November, and settled their 
account in December. 

How much ammunition was stored in the edifice 
the records do not state. In 1775, Col. John Daggett 
supplied his command from its stores to capture the 
Tories in the Assonett expedition, and the quantity 
taken was replaced by a vote of the town the next 
year. It was a place of security for materials of war 
during the Revolution and the war of 1812. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HKRVEY M. RICHARDS. 

Hervey M. Richards was born on the 11th of July, 
1812. His fatlier, Manning Richards, owned and 
worked a small farm about two miles from the village 
of North Attleborough, and at the same time, having 
considerable knowledge of the business, augmented 
his income by the manufacture of jewelry, for which 
purpose he had erected a small shop on the farm. 
He subsequently removed to the village, and while 
keeping a small country store, continued in a small 
way the manufacture of jewelry, with others laying 
the foundation on which the town has since became 
the principal seat of this industry in New England. 

In 1826, Manning Richards died, aud, having met 
with reverses, left his family without means, and 
upon the son, then a lad of fourteen years, devolved 
the duty of supporting his widowed mother and his 
sisters. Cheerfully essaying the task he apprenticed 
himself to his uncle, Ira Richards, who soon after 
became a partner with Draper, Tifft & Co., with 




/ 



^^c-«-^>-4i7 




La^^^^^^^ U /^l,.^./^^i./-x^.^ 



\ 



I 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



573 



whom he finished his trade at the age of eighteen | 
years. Having learned theartofjewelry manut'acture, 
and having during that period saved a little money, 
he entered into business for himself. Supplying in i 
energy and industry what he lacked in capital, the j 
prospects of his success and the ultimate enlarge- i 
ment of his business were very promising, but disas- 1 
ter overtook him. His little sliop was burned to the 
ground, and nothing remained for him but to begin 
the struggle anew. He immediately entered into 
partnership with George Morse, a good mechanic, 
under the firm-name of Morse & Richards, and con- 
tinued the manufacture of jewelry. In this second 
venture he was more successful, realizing handsomely 
on the goods manufactured by the firm, a result 
largely due to his sagacity as a salesman. It was tlie 
custom in those days for manufacturers personally to 
carry the products of their labor and skill to the com- 
mercial centres of the country, and there find pur- 
chasers for them. This course Mr. Richards pursued 
with excellent success. Subsequently, Ira Richards, 
his son E. Ira, and H. M. Richards, formed a new 
firm under the firm-name of Ira Ricliards & Co. 
About 1837, H. M. Richards sold his interest and re- 
moved to Philadelphia, where he was at first very 
successful, but owing to unfortunate speculations he 
lost all his property. 

In 1843 he returned to North Attleborougb, and, 
with the assistance of his uncle Ira, again entered 
into the business of jewelry manufacture with suc- 
cess. From that time until 1857, Mr. Richards did 
much to promote the growth and general prosperity 
of Attleborougb. But in the latter year, having built 
the extensive stone factory at Attleborougb Falls, now 
owned and occupied by H. N. Daggett, and holding 
a large amount of real estate on which he could not 
realize, he was obliged to succumb to the panjc of 
that eventful year. 

After recovering in a measure from this misfortune, 
Mr. Richards, in 1863, removed his business to No. 7 
Green Street, Boston, and receiving his son, E. H. 
Richards, into partnership, under the firm-name of 
H. M. Richards & Co., a large and prosperous busi- 
ness in the manufacture of jewelry and fancy metal- 
work has been established. In 1856-57, Mr. Richards 
was elected to the lower branch of the Legislature of 
Massachusetts, and in 18G2-63 he was a member of 
the Senate. 

Mr. Richards has been twice married ; first to Juline, 
daughter of David Capron, June 3, 1833. They had 
no children of their own, but they kindly adopted 
Eugene H. Richards, a notice of whom appears in this 
work, and Marion Fell Richards, wife of Charles A. 
Gilchrist, a jeweler at 43 Haverhill Street, Boston. 
He was at one time in business with Mr. Richards. 
They have four children, — Ellen. J., Carrie L., Juline 
C, and Grace M. Mr. Richards married for his second 
wife, November, 1857, Mrs. Anjanett P. ]5alcom, 
daughter of Remember Carpenter, of Pawtucket. R. I. 



STEPHEN RICHARDSON. 
Stephen Richardson, son of Noah and Irene (Bacon) 
Richardson, was born in Attleborougb, Mass., Nov. 
10, 1815. 

The Richardson family, originally of Scandinavian 
origin, came from England to America among the 
settlers of Massachusetts and Plymouth colonies, and 
has been a numerous one in Attleborougb. Several 
different families of this name settled here early. 
Four brothers — Stephen, John, William, and Seth, 
— were of this line, coming probably from Woburn, 
as we find the name Stephen and Daniel prominent 
for several successive generations in that town. From 
Stephen dime Danief, born March 1741-42. He mar- 
ried Sarah Read, aud had three sons, — Daniel, Alfred, 
and Noah. Noah, father of the subject of our sketch, 
was born June 27, 1780. Noah was a farmer and nail- 
maker in fair circumstances, and lived on the east road 
from East Attleborougb to North Attleborougb, al- 
most immediately opposite the present residence of 
John T. Bates. This old home of his ancestors was 
his residence during life, and is still in possession of 
the family. He had children, — Sylvester, Alfred, Si- 
lena (married Charles P. Day), Stephen, Charles B., 
Eliza (married Angus McDonald) and Mary C. He 
died, aged fifty-five years. His wife survived him 
long, dying in 1864, aged eighty-four. Noah was an 
unpretentious, quiet citizen, libei'al withal, and well 
liked. He was buried at Attleborougb, but the re- 
mains of himself and wife were transferred to Mount 
Hope Cemetery. 

Stephen remained with his father until be was past 
fifteen, when be went to learn the jewelry trade with 
Calvin Richards, at North Attleborougb, in the fac- 
tory located on the grounds adjoining the Calvin 
Ricliards bomestead, now occupied by Abiel Codding. 
Here he- remained acquiring a good practical knowl- 
edge of his trade for several years, when he formed a 
partnership with Abiel Codding to manufacture jew- 
elry. This was in 183G. They first occupied a small 
building on Elm Street, near Ten-Mile River, oppo- 
site the old Bark house, belonging to Samuel Dra- 
per; second, a small building adjoining the Preston 
Draper house, opposite the Wamsutta House. This 
firm was Richardson & Codding, and continued one 
year. In 1837, Mr. Richardson married Ann Janette 
F., daughter of Manning and Susan (Everett) Rich- 
ards. She was born in North Attleborougb. The 
young couple resided with her mother, a widow, until 
some time after the birth of their oldest child, Clar- 
ence H., who was born Jan. 18, 1838. They then re- 
moved to a tenement owned by Dennis Everett, lo- 
cated on Washington Street, in the rear of Richard 
Everett's residence on Elm Street. Here Frank was 
born in 1841. After Mr. Codding's retirement from 
the firm, Mr. Richardson continued business alone. 
When C. Richard retired from business, he took his 
shop, and removed his residence at the same time. He 
a-ssociated with him in business David Capron, under 



574 



HISTORY, OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the firm-name of Stephen Richardson & Co. While 
here Edgar was born. Their business extending, 
after some time they moved their factory to the build- 
ing previously occupied by Draper & Tift't, on the site 
where now stands C. B. Thompson's store. Mr. Rich- 
ardson then changed his residence to a part of John 
Tifft's house. Here Janette Everett, his daughter, 
was born. She married Eugene K. Dunbar, sou of Rev. 
Melzar Dunbar, of Machias, Me. Her husband was 
the ff)under of the Attleborough Chronicle, which he 
conducted successfully for some time. They now re- ! 
side in Boston. 

Stephen Richardson & Co. continued here in busi- 
ness until 1848 making goods, and, as was then the 
general custom, traveling around the county to dis- 
pose of them, sometimes selling and sometimes trading 
for other articles. They were fortunate. They made 
o-ood work, were lucky in their designs, which were 
quite popular, and made money. On one "hit," a 
new style of ring, they made about ten thousand dol- 
lars. Their limited quarters becoming far too small, 
in 1848 Mr. Richardson erected a factory two stories 
high, forty by thirty feet, and moved thither the same 
year. This building necessitated the opening of a 
new street, which was called East Street. The same 
year he built the beautiful residence on the front of 
the same lot, which, altered in some respects, is now 
the residence of his son Clarence. This was at that 
time the finest residence in tlie place. His family 
removed thither on its completion, and this was his 
home during life, and here was born his youngest 
son, Stephen, who died early. The partnership with 
Mr. Capron continued several years. They employed 
about forty hands, and did the largest business in 
their line, whicli soon compelled doubling the capacity 
of their factory. After Mr. Capron's retiring from 
the firm, Mr. Richardson continued alone, and with 
Samuel R. Miller, as Richardson & Miller, until 1856. 
Previous to this nearly all the representatives of 
manufacturing jewelers in New York City were ex- 
hibiting their goods in rooms in the Western Hotel, 
well remembered by those in the trade of tliose days. 
Mr. Richardson was among the first to make the new 
departure of a separate office and a constant supply of 
goods, and the firm opened an office at No. 21 Maiden 
Lane, corner Nassau, changing its location to 177 
Broadway about 1857. lu the first of his business 
career Mr. Richardson manufactured a variety of 
riuo-s, pins, and chains. Afterwards a line of novel- 
ties was taken up, and tliis house was perhaps the 
very first to depart from the legitimate jewelry busi- 
ness and take up the making of novelties. Besides 
their own make of goods they handled the work of 
one factory at Attleborough Falls, two at South At- 
tleborough, one at Wrentham, and became one of the 
largest, if not the largest, importing house of French 
jewelry in America, employing a resident buyer in 
Paris. A Philadelphia oftice was also established. 
From 1856, Mr. Richardson continued alone, confining 



him.self to domestic goods, and giving the importing 
business to others. July 1, 1859, Clarence became 
associated with his father, and they formed the firm 
of Stephen Richardson & Co., which soon employed 
one hundred and more hands in fa'ctory, besides many 
outside. While in the full tide of successful and re- 
munerative business, in August, 1870, their factory 
Was totally destroyed by fire. This, until 1856, had 
been supplied with horse-power, then steam-power 
had been introduced. After the fire Mr. Richardson, 
with characteristic energy and promptitude, took 
rooms in the Whiting Manufacturing Company's 
building, and in ten days' time was at work in those 
quarters, and immediately began a new building on 
the site of the burned fiictory, to be three stories, 
main building with an L. The length of the main 
building was one hundred and fifty feet, width thirty- 
three feet, containing a twenty-five horse-power en- 
gine. This building was vigorously constructed, and 
they occupied it Feb. 1, 1871, with one hundred and 
thirty-five operatives. The business continued pros- 
perous. They established a large export trade in 
Cuba and European ports, and to this business all 
Mr. Richardson's active efforts were given until his 
death, March 1, 1877. His first wife died in July, 
1862, and in 1868 he married Mrs. Sarah M. Richards, 
widow of Egbert S. Richards, who survives him. 

Mr. Richardson was a public-spirited citizen, and 
did much to build up the various worthy enter- 
prises of his town. He was a large owner of real 
estate; opened up Fisher Street and built several 
buildings. He was one of the promoters and a 
director of the Gas Company ; also of the Branch 
Railroad ; was also stockholder and for many years 
director of the Wrentham Bank ; was a stockholder 
of tlie Northern Bank of Providence ; and purchased 
the site, and, with his fellow-members of the North 
Attleborough Building Association, erected theAVam- 
sutta Block. We can give no better tribute to his char- 
acter than that contained in the following extract from 
an article written by H. N. Daggett, who knew him 
intimately for years as boy and man: "He received 
from his parents, who were in humble circumstances, 
no property, and was compelled to struggle during 
his minority for the support of himself and parents. 
He was schooled in all the trials of poverty aud want 
in his youth, and arose, unaided, superior to both. He 
was truly and in every sense of the word a self-made 
man. His early educational advantages were limited 
in the extreme, compared with the advantages and 
facilities of the present day. Notwithstanding tliese 
deprivations he acquired, by contact with the world 
and self-culture, a good business education. He pos- 
sessed good natural abilities, a mind active and 
evenly balanced, a kind and generous disposition. 
At his majority he became anxious to rise in the world 
and improve the talents God had given him. With- 
out money or friends to helji him, by dint of energy, 
perseverance, and honesty of purpose, he succeeded , 







'?}'t/6zyY/ '^r^-^-^M^^^ 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



575 



in attaining a fortune and a good name. He used his 
wealtli for liis own and others' good. He possessed 
one virtue which was pre-eminent, charity. He was 
truly benevolent and generous to a fault, and was a 
dispenser of charity all the days of his life. Many a 
poor plodder of earth will sadly miss his beneficence. 
He was unostentatious in his distributions to the poor 
and needy. Of these he kept no record on earth, but 
are they not recorded in the book of God's remem- 
brance ? His fellow-citizens, reposing confidence in 
his integrity and honesty, selected him for places of 
honor and trust. For nearly twenty years he was a 
director of a banking institution, and held many 
other offices. As a friend, he was constant and sin- 
cere ; as an adviser, he was conscientious and true ; 
as a neighbor, kind and obliging. . . . No business 
man has gone from earth leaving a purer record, a 
nobler work finished, a name more beloved, or a 
character more unblemished than he." 

After Mr. Richardson's death his son Clarence con- 
tinued the business under the same name. In April, 
1882, the factory was again burned, and the business 
was removed to the Whiting Manufacturing Com- 
pany's building, where the business is continued 
prosperously, awaiting the erection of a new factory. 



WILLARD ROBINSON. 

Willard Robinson was born in Attleborough, Mass., 
June 15, 1799. He and his father, Obed Robinson, 
were for years identified with the pioneer manufac- 
turing of Attleborough, and a personal history of the 
family seems not inappropriate in this connection. 

Obed Robinson, one of the founders of the now 
extensive jewelry business of this town, was at first a 
blacksmith. On the outbreak of the American Rev- 
olution, however, he began the manufacture of gun- 
locks, under a sub-contract to furnish tliem for tlie 
Continental army. This did not prove remunerative, 
and at the close of the war he began to make kitchen 
clocks. He first established himself as a manufac- 
turer of jewelry at Attleborough in 1807, employing 
David Brown, a skilled workman in that art. From 
this he began to make gilt buttons, which business 
soon became very prosperous. His three sons, Otis, 
Richard, and Willard, learned of their father his 
trade, and Willard, the j'oungest, bringing to the 
business a natural aptitude for mechanics, entered his 
father's workshop, and manifested much skill and 
paid special attention to the manufacture of gilt 
buttons. In 1821 he started in this branch for him- 
self, and ultimately became very largely engaged in 
the button industry, and formed a partnership with 
his brother Richard, under the firm-name of R. & 
W. Robinson. Their operations were extended, and 
prosperity followed their earnest and skilled labors. 
Willard constructed new dies and introduced im- 
proved machinery, and having seen an "iris" button, 
he set to work to discover the method of producing 



it. In this he succeeded, and Its manufacture was 
added to the features of the enterprise. Jlr. Robin- 
son gave the name of " opal button" to his new 
product. Richard Robinson died in 1838, and Wil- 
lard Robinson continued the business under the old 
firm-name for the five succeeding years. In 1843 the 
fashion of gilt and brass buttons passed away, except 
for military clothing, black buttons becoming the 
style. This deprived Mr. Robinson for a while of a 
market, and he was forced to suspend operations. 

Before Mr. Robinson's failure, Mr. Hatch, a skilled 
mechanic in his service, had conceived the idea of a 
machine capable of doing all parts of the work on a 
trowsers-button, beginning with the tin in bulk and 
following step by step to completion, without alter- 
ation in the adjustment or automatic working. By 
the combined study and experiments of Mr. Hatch 
and Mr. Robinson, a machine was perfected and pat- 
ented. When the style of buttons changed, Mr. 
Robinson saw that this " Hatch pantaloon-button ma- 
chine" might come into profitable use, and, forming 
a partnership with Mr. Hatch, he entered into the 
manufacture of trowsers-buttons with it. During the 
civil war they filled many contracts with the United 
States government for these buttons, one great ad- 
vantage of which lies in the fact that they do not cut 
the threads by which they are attached to the gar- 
ment. On the death of Mr. Hatch, Mr. Robinson, 
purchasing his interest, conducted the business alone 
on a large scale until his death, Dec. 24, 1879. It is 
now carried on by his son Arthur. During his life 
Mr. Robinson received five medals from different ex- 
hibitions, testimonials of value to the merits of his 
goods. 

He married, Oct. 25, 1825, Rebecca W., daughter 
of Edward and Amy Richards, who was born at 
Attleborough, March 31, 1805. Their children were 
Elhn R. (married John C. Douglass, of Leavenworth, 
Kan. She died Nov. 8, 1880, leaving two children, 
Willard R. and Harriet R.), Jarvls W. (married J. 
Amelia Williams, of Pawtucket. She died Dec. 24. 
1873, leaving four children, Gertrude A., Willard H., 
Edith J., and Ellen L.), Isabe/ E. (married Joseph 
Cushman, and has one child, Willard R.), Arthur B. 
(married Abby B. White, of Fall River, who died 
Oct. 2, 1867), Adelaide R. (married M. B. Mackrith, 
and lias one child, Fannie). 

Mr. Robinson was not only a representative manu- 
facturer, he was more. He made his mark in every 
sphere with which he was connected. A pulslic- 
spirited citizen, he did much to benefit and improve 
his town. The beautiful village of Robinsonville is 
largely indebted to him for its growth and prosperity, 
and had he been willing to sacrifice private interests 
for public positions, he could many times have occu- 
pied them, for he was often urged to accept them. A 
kind husband and father, it was in the home life 
that his nature blossomed in fullest perfection, al- 
though when he passed from life a large circle of 



576 



UISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



friends sincerely mourned his loss. In political creed 
Wliig and Republiciin, be stood with earnestness by 
the Union and the cause of humanity, and never 
deviated from the support of law, order, and justice. 
His widow survives liim, and, like her lamented hus- 
band, occupies a high place in the hearts of the com- 
munity. 

THE BLACKINTON FAMILY. 

William Blackinton, son of Col. Willard and Clar- 
issa (Sweet) Blackinton, was born June 10, 1822, in 
Attleborongh, Mass., where for several generations 
his ancestors have been prominent and honored citi- 
zens. 

Pentecost Blackinton, the first of the name in At- 
tleborongh, came from Marblehead about 1700. His 
wife's name was Mary. He had at least four children 
attaining maturity,— Pentecost", Mary, Benjamin, born 
in Marblehead, Hepzibeth, born in Attleborongh in 
December, 1702. He had two acres of ground, cot- 
tage, and orchard on Nine-Mile River in 1711. He 
was a man of push and decision, and served his day 
and generation well, dying Sept. 24, 1715. Pentecost- 
married Rebecca Figgett, and had eight children, — 
Pentecost", born 1716; Rebecca, born 1717; George, 
born 1720; Anne, born 1722 ; Mary, born 1724 ; John, 
born 1727; Othniel, born 1729; Peter, born 1731. 
The father of Deacon William Blackinton, grand- 
father of the present William Blackinton, was Peter. 
He was a iarmer, and was possessed of prudence, 
thrift, and economy, and was a good citizen, law- 
abiding and God-fearing, and died at a good old age. 
William Blackinton, born Nov. 2, 1758, was a manu- 
facturer of guns during the Revolution, in which he 
also was a soldier, and wounded in battle of White 
Plains. After the war he became interested in cot- 
ton-mills with his son William, first at North Attle- 
borough, next at Falls village. He was a farmer 
also, with quite an estate in Wrentham, on which he 
always resided. He was known to every one as Dear 
con Blackinton. He married, Nov. 29, 1781, Eliza- 
beth Babcock, of Westerly, or Hopkinton, R. I., born 
Jan. 29, 1764. Their children attaining maturity 
were William, born Sept. 20, 1782; Virgil, born May 
12, 1796, married Hannah, daughter of Obed Robin- 
son, and was connected with Willard and Richard 
Robinson in manufacturing buttons; Jason, born 
Auo-. 24, 1798, a graduate of Brown University, who, 
after receiving a legal education, passed most of his 
life as teacher in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee; 
and Willard. Deacon Blackinton died of the terrible 
disease, the "plague," about 1816. He left his sons 
about three thousand dollars each, a handsome prop- 
erty for those days. 

Col. Willard Blackinton, born Oct. 26, 1800, 
after his father's sudden decease, remained with his 
brother William, a farmer, on the old homestead; re- 
ceived the advantages of a common-school and aca- 
demic education ; had a mercantile taste, and early 



commenced business for himself as a merchant in 
general country trade at Attleborongh. Continuing 
this a few years, he began in 1827 the manufacture of 
power-loom shuttles. This soon became an extensive 
business, filling, as it did, a long-felt want, and fur- 
nished goods to parties not only throughout New 
England but all the way west to Ohio, and south to 
Georgia and Alabama. He married, in 1821, Clarissa, 
daughter of Amos and Sally Sweet, of an old and 
honorable family of Attleborongh. They had six 
children, — Williani wnA Wilhird (twins), Clarissa E. 
(married N. C. Luther, and lives in Attleborongh), 
Joiin, Charles A., Amos S. 

Mr. Blackinton was not merely a manufacturer, he 
was more. During fifty years of his life he was one 
of Attleborough's most active and honored citizens 
in almost every line of enterprise, business activity, 
and public service, and few of her sons have ever been 
more successful or so fully executed public trusts. In 
early life he took great interest in militia matters. Of 
active and vigorous temperament, large, and physi- 
cally well proportioned, with a resonant, full voice, 
he presented a fine appearance, and held the position 
of adjutant and colonel of a regiment of troopers for 
years. The same qualities brought him into position 
as moderator of town meetings, and chairman of 
popular or political assemblages, and these places he 
was almost universally called on to fill. He held 
at various times every office in the gift of his fellow- 
townsmen, served with credit in both branches of the 
State Legislature, and never did malice breathe one 
word against his honor or integrity. In politics a 
Whig and Republican, he was ardent in support of 
his convictions, and probably no better evidence can 
be given of his personal popularity and the esteem in 
which he was held than to state the fact that when- 
ever there were doubts of tiie success of his party in 
an election he was the one to be given the nomina- 
tion, and never was he defeated. He was a valued 
member of the Masonic fraternity, was Master of 
Bristol Lodge in the dark days when the Morgan 
excitement spread anti-nuisonry like wild-fire across 
the country, causing an almost entire suspension of 
lodges ; and when, after a long torpidity, his lodge 
was revived, he was again elected to the same position. 
In these days, when chicanery, malfeasance in office, 
embezzlements, breaches of trusts, and frauds are so 
prevalent, it is pleasant to write of such a man as he 
who kept himself free from any kind of stain on his 
integrity. Of great business capacity and pre-emi- 
nent ability, he was of a social nature, a perfect gen- 
tleman in his intercourse with others, a tender hus- 
band, a loving father, and none had a greater number 
or stronger friends than he. 

He was postmaster at Attleborongh for years, re- 
ceiving his first appointment in 1835, and was uni- 
versally popular. He was cautious in adopting new 
ideas, weighed all matters in the balance of a fine 
judgment, and after forming an opinion was very de- 




mma^ :Mae, 



/^?/^?r?t_. 




-g-^^-^ / ^i^-^y7 



^ ^^/Z' -^i^ /S5<2-^ 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



577 



cided, rarely finding any reason to alter it. He was 
liberal to suffering, and in support of religious and 
charitable objects, and both he and his wife were 
worthy members of the Second Congregational 
Church. He was often requested to advise in busi- 
ness affairs, and was a valuable counselor, and always 
in the interests of peace. He was successful as a 
financier, was a director and one of the chief origi- 
nators of the old Attleborough Bank, and one of the 
promoters of the First National Bank of Attle- 
borough, of which he was at once elected director 
and president. He died suddenly of heart-disease 
while sitting in a meeting of the board of directors 
at the bank, and acting as president, Jan. 1, 1877. 

William Blackixtox had an academic education, 
and earlv engaged with his father in shuttle manu- 
facturing, which w-as carried on for ten years as W. 
Blackinton & Sons, the sons being William, John, 
and Willard. (Charles afterwards bought an interest, 
and now (1882), as sole proprietor, conducts the busi- 
ness under the original firm-name.) About 1834, 
William struck out for himself, and went into cot- 
ton manufacturing, and for three years continued 
this at Attleborough and Pawtucket. This was 
not remunerative, and in 1857 he commenced to 
make jewelry at Attleborough. His business was 
small until 1869, when he took up the making of 
plated chains, and originated a new line of these 
goods, which speedily proved popular, and was in 
great demand, increasing his business rapidly. From 
this small beginning, under Mr. Blaokintou's personal 
superintendence, it has grown to be one of the largest 
and most profitable businesses in the town, with ah 
office at No. 11 Maiden Lane, New York City. 
The specialties are chains and lockets. It was con- 
ducted by Mr. Blackinton alone until 1873, when his 
oldest son, William S., became a partner, and the 
firm was changed to W. & S. Blackinton. In 1881 
his son Lewis became a partner. His two other sons 
are also engaged in the shop. They employ about 
one hundred and sixty-five operatives, and do a busi- 
ness of nearly four hundred thousand dollars. This 
has been built by the careful attention of jNIr. Black- 
inton, and he has shown great business ability and 
sagacity in bringing it to its present high standing as 
a firm. He has worked himself, always saw that his 
goods were the best of their kind, personally super- 
intended each department, was always prompt to 
meet every engagement, was truthful and honest, and 
won the esteem of all with whom he dealt. This is 
the key to his success, and shows that honesty, skill 
properly applied, and personal industry and business 
integrity will always deserve and win success. He 
has been a man of one work, has never had time nor 
inclination to drift into politics or speculation, and 
stands to-day one of the most liberal and public- 
spirited citizens of his native town. In home life he 
is a loving and kind husband and father, and his 
home shows the evidences of refinement and taste. 
37 



Mr. Blackinton married Rebecca C, daughter of 
Josiah and Rowena (Tingley) Allen. Her mother 
was a Cushman, of the family of that name so promi- 
nent in the annals of Plymouth. Slie was born Oct. 
3, 1825. Their children are William Sumner, Charles 
F., Harry C, Louis A., and Ada R. 

Mr. Blackinton, true to his education, has never 
deviated from the political creed of his father, but 
has been a Whig and Republican through life. He 
has a polite address, a quick discernment of men and 
things, and stands high in the regards of the best 
element of society. He is now, with unirajjaired 
faculties, in the mature prime of life, with many 
years of business life before him, and is of too active 
a nature to think of retiring and passing his time in 
idleness. Almost the only recreation he has taken 
was the trip to California, which he, in company with 
his family, enjoyed the past summer. 



GEORGE PRICE. 
- George Price was born in North Attleborough, 
Nov. 14, 1806. He was the second son of Edward 
and Sarah (Daggett) Price. Edward Price was born 
in Birmingham, England, Nov. 19, 1776, came to 
America in 1794, and two years later married Sarah, 
daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Woodcock) Dag- 
gett. He was a skilled button manufacturer, and es- 
tablished at Robinsonville the first button factory in 
this country. He founded the business now carried 
on by D. Evans & Co., iiianufiicturers of brass mili- 
tary buttons. He lived in different houses, but vari- 
ous circumstances point to the house that stood on 
the site of Wamsutta Block as the birthplace of his 
son George. He acquired a considerable property in 
real estate. 

The early death of his father made the boyhood of 
George Price a laborious one. From the night when 
his father was suddenly stricken down, and he ran 
out, jacket in hand, after a physician, his life was one 
of care, activity, and responsibility. One year in the 
common school constituted his educational advan- 
tages. He carried on the farm in his early years, 
and found time as well to work at brass-founding. 

He finally chose the jewelry business, which was 
then becoming a prominent industry, and served his 
apprenticeship with Draper, Tifft & Co. For a few 
years he carried on the manufacture of jewelry with 
Calvin Richards, under the firm-name of Richards & 
Price. In 18.30 he built the shop which now stands 
opposite the homestead, a very large structure for 
those times, and the third jewelry factory erected in 
Attleborough. Here Mr. Price took as partner S. S. 
Daggett, and began the manufacture of fire-gilt jew- 
elry. He retired from the business in 1856, and de- 
voted himself to his farm, to wliicli he had been add- 
ing acre after acre. From that time forth he was 
largely identified with town affairs. 

He did not hold a town office until he was fifty years 



578 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



old. His career shows that twenty-five years after 
fifty is just as long as twenty-five years before, and 
that some men can employ both to equal advantage. 
In 185.5 he was chairman of a committee appointed 
to consider the expediency of dividing the town. 
This committee reported the next spring in favor of 
such division, urging as a reason the fact that there 
were more than one thousand voters in town. Mr. 
Price could not see that the town was so jjopulous as 
to be unwieldy, and the report did not receive his 
signature. From 1856 to 1860, Mr. Price served on 
the boards of selectmen, assessors, and overseers of 
the poor. From 1860 to 1863 he was town treasurer, 
to which office he was re-elected in 1860, and held 
until his death. During the winter of 1877-78, Mr. 
Price represented his district at the General Court. 

From its start Mr. Price was one of the most earnest 
members and workers in the Attleborough Farmers' 
and Mechanics' Association. He was the first presi- 
dent, which otHce he held until January, 1877. He 
was among the first to move in the direction of secur- 
ing a hall and grounds where to hold annual fairs, and 
labored untiringly to secure for the association the 
most of its present accommodations. As earnest, 
also, was he ever in his endeavors to rid the associa- 
tion of its indebtedness, and much of his time and 
means were devoted to its welfare. 

So far we have i;'poken of George Price only in his 
business and public life, but, as is ever the case, that 
life is the most real and important of which the pub- 
lic sees but little, and can know but little, the life 
each man lives in his own family. In October, 1829, 
Mr. Price married Martki; Galusha Grant, of Swan- 
sea, Mass., with whom he passed more than fifty years 
of happy wedded life. Their children were Martha 
S. (who married Rev. J. D. Pierce), George G., Sarah 
A. (Mrs. S. N. Newconib), William M., Gorisande 
(Mrs. George A. Brock, deceased), Mary G. (de- 
ceased), Edward R. (cashier of Attleborough National 
Bank), Caroline T. (Mrs. Roswell Blackinton), and 
Alice M. Such are the salient facts of Mr. Price's 
family history, but how much a husband's and father's 
love has done to weave about each life influences, 
principles and aspirations that have served to elevate, 
comfort and control, they who stand in the deepest 
shadow of bereavement can best say. 

If we were to select any traits of character for which 
Mr. Price was especially remarkable, .it would be his 
activity, honesty, and fidelity to what he believed to 
be right. His mental activity was wonderful, and 
ceased only with his life. His honesty made him not 
less exacting with himself than with others. His ac- 
counts were always correct, his dealings always 
square. Crookedness in others he considered abso- 
lutely without excuse, and dishonesty of any kind he 
despised beyond measure. He was not hasty in his 
judgments, but a conclusion once reached by what 
seemed to him sufficient data was rarely abandoned. 
He was faithful to his convictions. This is illustrated 



by his adherence to the doctrines of the old Whig 
party ; he voted the Republican ticket as the least 
objectionable alternative, but at heart he was a loyal 
Whig to the last. In religion Mr. Price upheld the 
fundamental principles of Christianity, yet took ex- 
ception to the partitions of sect, and never accepted 
the dogmas of any particular denomination. 

He was a member of the Washington Rifle Com- 
pany, filling every grade from, and including, private 
to captain. 

STEPHEN 0. STANLEY. 

Sylvan Stanley, who spent a long time in searching 
for the genealogy of the Stanley family, says the first 
American Stanley, Matthew, came from England to 
Martha's Vineyard, from whence some of his family 
went to the Connecticut Colony, and one branch to 
Topsfield, Mass. This last produced the immediate 
line of ancestry of Stephen O. Stanley. " Thomas, 
Nathaniel, Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, and John came 
from Topsfield, Mass. The last three were brothers, 
and settled near the Falls (Falls village, Attlebor- 
ough). Thomas and Samuel were here in 1707." 
Jacob came about 1717, married Elizabeth Guild, 
and had children, — Jacob, .Be?i_/a/»('n, Elizabeth, Deb- 
orah; Jonathan, Eliza, Solomon, Abigail, Rebecca, 
and one other. Benjamin married Abigail Spear, 
and had three children, — Jesse, Stephen, and Abigail. 
Stephen Stanley was born in Attleborough, was a 
cabinet-maker, carrying on farming also, and was 
agent for the Attleborough Falls Manufacturing 
Company for many years. He married Martha, 
daughter of Jonathan Stanley and Martha Pond, 
and had three children, — Herman, Stephen 0., and 
Marietta. He was an energetic and successful man, 
and lived to be old. His wife survived him several 
years. 

Stephen Olney Stanley was born June 11, 1801, in 
Attleborough, in the house opposite No. 5 school- 
house, where his widow still (1883) resides. He was 
educated at common schools and academies, but early 
became clerk for his father in the company's store at 
Falls village, and continued in that occupation for 
some years, working during the summer at farm labor. 
He commenced housekeeping in the house where he 
was born, his parents living in the same house, and 
resided there all his days. He married, Sept. 28, 1830, 
Betsey S., daughter of Artemas and Betsey ( Daggett) 
Stanley. She was born Nov. 24, 1808. Her father 
was born 1795, and represented Attleborough in the 
State Legislature in 1841-42. His father, Jonathan 
Stanley, son of Jacob Stanley, was deacon of the 
First Congregational Church of Attleborough. Mr. 
Stanley and his father closed their connection with 
the company, and Mr. Stanley devoted himself to 
farming, taking charge of, and finally securing the 
ownership of, his father's farm, and for the greater 
part of his life was in this avocation. Farming in 
New England means plenty of hard work, which the 




C,^^?^^^ o/<7-i.^LO 





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'^i:^^<f^i^CC 




ATTLEBOROUGH. 



579 



sterile soil does not reward with much more than 
a bare subsistence, and this was the experience of 
Mr. Stanley. He was an honest, upright man, per- 
fectly "square" in all his dealings with mankind, 
and was said to be " too houest for his own good." 
He was an unassuming and useful member of so- 
ciety, reserved in demeanor, and enjoyed the esteem 
of all, and probably had not an enemy during his 
entire life. He attended divine service regularly, 
but was not a church member, as he did not consider 
himself good enough to belong. He died in 1875 or 
1876. His children were Martha and Mary (twins), 
born Feb. 11, 183G ; Stephen 0. (died young), Abby 
(deceased), Stephen, born June 11, 1842; and Ben- 
jamin, born June 3, 1848. Martha married Edward 
C. Kiiapp, lives in Attleborough, on the old home- 
stead, and has six children ; Mary married Andrew J. 
Thomas, and died in 1863. Stephen lived at home 
until 1861, when he enlisted as musician in the Sev- 
enth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and served 
fourteen months, when, with all other musicians, he 
was discharged. He returned to Attleborough, and 
after a few months' stay went to Taunton, then to 
Yonkers, N. Y., to work in an armory, next to Water- 
bury, Conn., where he learned the machinist's trade, 
and after following that about four years, went into a 
large brass factory there as tool-maker, and stayed 
until 1871, when he returned to Attleborough, and 
with his brother Benjamin and E. C. Knapp started 
the jewelry manufactory of Stanley Brothers & Co., 
now conducted by and known as Stanley Brothers. 
This has been the title since the purchase by them of 
Mr. Knapp's interest in 1875. Benjamin has always 
lived near the old home. He married Ella Briggs, 
and has three children. Stephen married Sylvia A. 
Stanley, and has two children. 

They have a well-established and prosperous busi- 
ness, but, like all things of value, it has been of slow 
growth, and has required of both of them close and 
persevering labor for years, but their energy and in- 
dustry met with its appropriate reward, and they are 
doing well, with bright prt)spects for the future. 



SAMUEL P. FISHER. 

On the old records we find Joseph Fisher, in 1664, 
one of the commissioners appointed by Plymouth 
and Massachusetts colonies to run and establish a 
boundary line between the two. The noted angle 
line was the result of their labors, and the angle tree 
marked by them was long standing. It was suc- 
ceeded in 1790 by a stone monument, which was 
erected to mark the boundary of Attleborough and 
Wrentham. Samuel Fisher was selectman of Wren- 
tham at this time, and the monument was built by 
Samuel Fisher & Son. Thus from early days the 
Fisher family has been a factor of civilization in 
this section. 

Richard^ and Samuel Fisher, probably sons of Jo- 



seph, the commissioner, came to Wrentham from 
Salem about, or prior to, 1700. Richard died in 1748, 
leaving two children, SamtieP and Abigail. SamueP, 
born in 1732, was a stone-cutter by trade ; was a captain 
of militia in the Revolution, being called to the field 
while attending church with his company. He mar- 
ried Sibyl Farrington in 1764, and had five children, 
SarnueP, Darius, Schuyler, Betsey, and James. He 
died in 1816, aged eighty-four years. SamueP, born 
in 1768, became a stone-mason, and, like his father, 
was a diligent, hard-working man of honesty and 
thrift. He married, in 1789, Olive Ellis, daughter 
of Capt. Jabez Ellis, who was a brother soldier of 
Capt. Fisher in the Revolution. Both he and his 
wife died in December, 1815, of the terrible plague 
(spotted fever) which proved fatal to so many. They 
had nine children, Ellis, Susan (died young), Samuel 
P.*, Amanda (married Elijah Bacon), Sally (first wife 
of Hon. Elisha May), Olive (second wife of Hon. 
Elisha May), Schuyler, Lucy (married D. Hall), 
Caroline (married Albert Miller). Ellis, born 1791, 
married Hannah Williams, of Taunton, had four 
children ; Mary (married Edward Rhodes), Frances 
(married Joseph Sherman), George E., and Sarah M. 
(married (1) Egbert Richards, (2) Stephen Richard- 
son). His descendants are numerous in this vicinity. 
He was one of the pioneer jewelers and a valued citi- 
zen. Schuyler became a prominent manufacturer 
and citizen of Exeter, was a man of great ability, 
candidate for Lieutenant-Governor on the Democratic 
ticket, and filled numerous trustworthy positions. 
He is now living at Hopkinton, R. I., aged seventy- 
eight. Many of the facts of this sketch were given 
by him. 

Samuel P.* was born in Wrentham, Mass., Aug. 4, 
1795. His education was derived from the limited 
advantages of the common school of those days, and 
learned the blacksmith's trade of Enoch Arnold, un- 
der the old system of apprenticeship ; and in 1818 
moved to Attleborough and commenced a long and 
busy life as a blacksmith in a shop near Hatch's 
tavern. He married Charlotte, daughter of Othniel 
and Chloe Blackinton, in 1820. They had two 
children, Harriet (deceased) and Ann (died young). 
Harriet married Milton W. Blackinton and had 
three children ; Juline F. married E. B. Waldron, of 
Rondout, N. Y. ; Laura F. married C. M. Thompson, 
has one child, Hattie ; and Anna G. Mrs. Fisher 
died in 1832, and the next year Mr. Fisher married 
Susan G., daughter of George and Judith (Guild) 
Blackinton. They had five children, — Wm. W., 
Carrie A. (Mrs. H. S. Somes), Samuel E., Charles E., 
and Mary E. (Mrs. T. E. Sloan). 

Mr. Fisher carried on blacksmithing until 1851, 
when he gave it up to attend to his farm and real 
estate business. His blacksmith-shop on Main Street, 
North Attleborough, was one of the old landmarks, 
and in stage-coach times was a common stopping- 
place, and the only place of the kind in this part of 



580 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Attleborough. He was a man of strong convictions 
and fixed principles. It was hard to convince him 
that lie was wrong, but when convinced he yielded at 
once. He was a pronounced and active temperance 
advocate, and consistent in his practice with his prin- 
ciples. He was a kind husband and father, and did 
for his children all that his means would allow. He 
inclined towards Universalism in religious belief, but 
never connected himself with any church. He was 
an old-line Whig, and a Republican from the first. 
He was an honest man, much respected by his ac- 
quaintances, and straightforward in everything. No 
one ever had difficulty in defining his position on 
any subject, or could accuse him of the least dissimu- 
lation or deceit. He died Jan. 6, 1863, aged sixty- 
seven. 

William W.^, oldest son of S. P. and Susan (Guild) 
Fisher, was born in Attleborough, July 19, 1834, 
had a common school education, early leai'ned the 
jeweler's trade, and has worked at it ever since, with 
the exception of two years passed in working in 
Springfield Armory. He married, Dec. 22, 1859, 
Nettie, daughter of William B. Pilcher, of Norfolk, Va. 
She died in December, 1863. In 1870 he married 
Lizzie E., daughter of George Miller, of East Hamp- 
ton, L. I. They have two children, — Mattie L. and 
Susie M. He is a member of Hampden Lodge, F. 
and A. M., Springfield, Mass., and of Massachusetts 
Charitable Association. He is a member of the firm 
of S. E. Fisher & Co. 

Samuel E. Fisher^, second son of S. P. and Susan 
Fisher, was born at North Attleborough, Mass., Nov. 9, 
1839, and educated at the common schools of his native 
town and Green Mountain Liberal Institute, South 
Woodstock, Vt. He was clerk in employ of T. A. 
Bardeu five years and until 1861. During the Rebel- 
lion he was employed by the United States govern- 
ment as clerk in quartermaster and commissary de- 
partments in Virginia and Texas. In 1869 went to 
New York City as clerk in the office of H. F. Barrows, 
and continued there until he commenced business on 
his own account in 1874. (This business, now S. E. 
Fisher & Co., manufacturing jewelers, was begun in 
July, 1874, with a capital of seven thousand five hun- 
dred dollars, as Demarest, Fisher & Co., which, in 1877, 
was succeeded by S. E. Fisher & Co., with S. E. 
Fisher, W. W. Fisher, and E. D. Sturdevant part- 
ners. The specialties made are fine ladies' sets, pins, 
drops, lockets, and bracelets. Their New York office 
is No. 2 Maiden Lane, and they employ from seventy- 
five to ninety hands. They are doing a successful 
and flourishing business.) S. E. Fisher married, in 
1872, Georgie S., daughter of Henry Clark, of New 
Bedford. He is a member of Bristol Lodge, F. and 
A. M., North Attleborough, and King Hiram Chapter, 
of Attleborough. 

Charles Everett Fisher, third and youngest son of 
Samuel P. and Susan G. Fisher, was born in North At- 
tleborough, Mass., Jan. 7, 1842. Received a common 



school education at his birthplace and at the Provi- 
dence Conference Seminary at East Greenwich, R. I., 
for about one year. Was employed in dry-goods house 
for about two years, and on the outbreak of the Rebel- 
lion enlisted in Company I, Seventh JIassachusetts 
Volunteer Infantry, serving the full period of enlist- 
ment in the Army of the Potomac. On discharge 
(in July, 1864) was employed in the War Depart- 
ment in various capacities until April, 1868, when he 
was appointed an internal revenue officer in Virginia. 
Resigned September, 1870, and went to Arizona, em- 
ployed by the War Department in the quartermaster's 
department. Left Arizona in 1874, and went to Wash- 
ington, D. C. (in same capacity), and remained in 
service until August, 1882. Resigned and went to 
Wyoming Territory, and engaged in cattle business,, 
which is now his present occupation. 

Married, Nov. 7, 1876 (in Philadelphia), Mrs. Hattie 
F. Pierson, daughter of Dr. J. Q. A. and Catherine L. 
Tresize. 

Carrie A. Fisher, born July 2, 1836, married H. S. 
Somes, and has three children, — Fred. C, Nettie F., 
and Frank P. 

Mary E. Fisher, born Feb. 4, 1849, married T. E. 
Sloan, and has one child, — Estelle L. 



JOSEPH W. CAPRON. 

Joseph Willard Cajtroti, son of Otis and Hannah 
Caprou, was born at Attleborough, Mass., Sept. 24, 
1802. He belongs to one of the oldest families of the 
town, Banfield Capron, his first American ancestor, 
coming, a youth of fourteen, from England about 
1675, and settling, after his first marriage, in Bar- 
rington, Mass., whence, after a residence of twenty 
years, he moved, with a large family of children, 
" away back into the woods," to what is now Attle- 
borough, where he purchased a large quantity of 
land, becoming a large land-owner. Here he resided 
until his death, Aug. 20, 1752, at ninety-two years. 
He had eleven children, — Banfield, Joseph, Edward, 
Walter, John, Jonathan, Betsey, Mary, Hannah, 
Margaret, Sarah. These all married and reared fam- 
ilies. He was married (1) to a Miss Callender, (2) to 
Elizabeth Blakinton, (3) to Mrs. Sarah Daggett, 
widow of Deacon John Daggett. Both of the last 
wives were Attleborough women. 

Capt. Joseph Capron was a farmer and a man of 
repute in Attleborough in his day. He was born 
Sept. 12, 1691; married (1) Judith Peck, (2) Bethiah 
Burt, (3) Mary French, who survived him. He died 
Oct. 14, 1776, in his eighty-sixth year. He had nine 
children, — Amey, Dicdema, Judith, Joseph, Rhoda, 
Judith, Hezekiah, Ebenezer, Elijah. 

Joseph Capron, Jr., son of Capt. Joseph and Ju- 
dith Peck, was born in Attleborough, November, 
1722, and died Aug. 1, 1784. He was twice married, 
(1) to Sarah Robeson, by whom he had seven chil- 
dren, — Ezra, Samuel*, Samuel'', John, Judith, Sarah, 





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ATTLEBOROUGH. 



581 



Joseph ; (2) to Sarah Foster, by whom he had eight 
children, — Asenath, Susannah, 0th, Tabitha, Sabra', 
Sabra-, Esther, Milla (five of tliese died young). 

Otis Capron was born in Attleborough, April 17, 
1767, and died March 3, 1845. He was a farmer and 
an honored and useful citizen, and served his day and 
generation well. He was honest, industrious, and 
simple in his habits, and unostentatious in his life. 
He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving 
at Newport. He married (1) Rachel Sweet, who 
died Dec. 15, 1799, leaving three children, — Sally 
(Mrs. T. French), Nancy (Mrs. Lucius Daggett), Otis 
(died young) ; (2) Mrs. Hannah Bliss, widow of Jon- 
athan Bliss, whose maiden name was Kent. Their 
children were Joseph Willwd, Maria (deceased), Sa- 
bra A. (deceased), Hannah K., Rachel Cemantha. 

Joseph W. Capron, of whom we more particularly 
write, had the educational advantages of the common 
schools of Attleborough, supplemented by attendance | 
at the preparatory department of Brown University. 
He was an apt student, paying particular attention to 
surveying, and when but seventeen years old began to 
teach school at sixteen dollars per month. As a 
teacher he was successful, but he soon was employed, 
even while a student, as a surveyor, and from 1818 to 
the present has every year done more or less in that 
capacity, and early won a valuable reputation for 
thoroughness and accuracy. He has made it his 
principal business through life. In 1827 he surveyed 
all the roads in Attleborough, Pawtucket, Seekonk, 
and Rehoboth, and in this work he was engaged about 
a year. The same year he was elected and qualified 
as town survej'or. In 1828 he was employed by the 
State of Massachusetts as assistant surveyor on the 
route of what is now the Boston and Providence Rail- 
road. He has ever been a Democrat, and unswerv- 
ingly has followed the teachings of the great apostles 
of that faith, Jefl'erson and Jackson, and has ever be- 
lieved that the perpetuity of the republic depended 
on a strict adherence to the principles enunciated by 
them, and has voted for every Democratic candidate 
for President since his first vote, which was cast for 
Jackson in 1823. His fellow-citizens have honored 
him not infrequently with important trusts. He has 
been justice of the peace (appointed) for over fifty 
years, was elected county commissioner three terms, 
selectman, overseer of the poor, and assessor several 
terms. He has been a careful and shrewd financier, 
and enjoys a handsome competency to supply the 
needs of life's last years. He has been president of 
the Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Company for 
years, was president of Loan and Fund Association 
of Attleborough, and is now the president of its suc- 
cessor, "The Loan and Savings Association of Attle- 
borough," and is treasurer of the Norfolk and Bristol 
Horse-Thief Detective Society, and president of the 
Gas-Light Union Company of Attleborough since its 
organization. He married, in 1824, Adeline Bliss, 
granddaughter of the reputable Dr. James Bliss. She 



died March 19, 1872. Their surviving children are 
Isabella A. (Mrs. Amos Ide) and Ellen Maria married 
(1) George E. Payson, (2) George W. Curren. He mar- 
ried, Oct. 14, 1872, Cynthia, daughter of Joseph and 
Betsey Blossom, of Fairhaven, Mass. 

Mr. Capron has ever possessed vigorous health, 
which has largely been promoted by his active life. 
He has never employed a physician for himself, and 
never has known a sick day. He will now, at eighty 
years, with his favorite instruments, go out, and, 
without apparent fatigue, do days' works that would 
appall much younger men. A short time since he 
walked from Pawtucket to his home in Attleborough, 
nearly nine miles, after eight p.m., and he says 
" could have walked back easily without resting." 

For over half a century Mr. Capron has been per- 
sonally identified with the public interests of Ms 
native town, and largely instrumental in its pros-' 
perity, and, to-day with much of the vigor and elas- 
ticity of early manhood, is actively engaged in what- 
ever may tend to elevate or improve its business or 
its population. He enjoys the esteem of all the 
better elements of the community for his personal 
worth and business integrity and ability. 



LYMAN W. DEAX. 

In slightly tracing the biographies of most of the 
men of whom special notice has been taken in this 
department of our work, we have had occasion to 
note the fact that many eminent among them were 
much more indebted to their own unaided efforts 
than to adventitious circumstances, not of their own 
direction, for the high social and political distinction 
to which some of them have been called. 

We have also explained what, in our opinion, has 
been the influencing cause, namely, that the genius 
of republicanism creates the will to do homage to the 
aristocracy of mind alone, while the advantages of 
family or wealth are held as nothing if not blended 
with an intelligent virtue in the possessor. Mind 
makes its own elevation, commands its own recogni- 
tion and admiration, be its source from among the 
depths of poverty or cradled among the down of 
wealth and luxuriance. It is the glory and strength 
of this great republic. Its power is ratified by the 
people, whenever its object is seen to be good and 
properly directed, and the case of the gentleman 
whose name heads this article stands as a prominent 
evidence of a popular appreciation of a self-gleaned 
intelligence, honorable alike to the possessor and 
those who have recognized it. 

Ephraim Dean, grandfather to the subject of our 
sketch, removed from the town of Taunton in early 
life, and became one of the pioneer settlers of the 
district now known as Attleborough. The place 
where he pitched his tent in the then wilderness is 
now known by the name of Deanville, of which he 
became proprietor, as also of a large surrounding 



582 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tract of land, on whicli several very valuable water 
privileges were to be had. This patriarch married a 
lady (Martha Balcomb) worthy to be a helpmeet to 
a man of enterprise such as he proved himself, and 
bore him children, Asa, Ephraini, Patty, and Sarah. 
The sons long conducted a manufacturing business 
upon tlie estate alluded to, under the name of 
Ephraim and Asa Dean, the latter of whom was the 
father of Lyman Washington Dean. Asa Bean was 
born at Deanville in 1759, and died Dec. 25, 1S15. 
He wa.s twice married, first to Phebe Wilmarth, by 
whom he had six children, five of whom are living ; 
second, to Chloe Bourn, daughter of Andrew Bourn, 
and had seven children, four of whom were living at 
Lis death. Asa Dean was a leading business man in 
his day, and a Democrat in politics. 

Lyman W. Dean was born on the 22d of February, 
1805 (the birthday of the immortal Washington), con- 
sequently he was seventy-seven years of age last birth- 
day. When eleven years of age his father died, leav- 
ing him and three sisters, two younger than he, to the 
care of a surviving mother, who also had devolved on 
her the charge of a large and unproductive real estate. 

Mr. Dean remained on the farm, spending his time 
in rural pursuits until he was about seventeen years 
of age, when his mother gave up the care of the estate 
and removed to a factory in the vicinity, where two 
members of the family found employment. The only 
pride Mr. Dean was taught to possess was that which 
arose from the exercise of an honest industry, and he 
found full scope for its indulgence during eighteen 
months when he worked in the mill at the trade of a 
mule-spinner, which was then a more lucrative busi- 
ness than it is now. During that period, although 
not then of age, he was permitted to act for himself 
and to dispose of the fruits of his own industry. 
Every subsequent step he thenceforth took in life ex- 
hibited to him the disadvantage of very much neg- 
lected education he had received, and which neglect 
he attributed solely to himself and his unwillingness 
to profit by the privileges he had at one time within 
his power. 

Thus seeing his neglect, he set about regaining 
lost ground with a diligence characteristic of the 
future man. For one year he devoted himself to a 
varied course of study in the common school prima- 
rily, and latterly in the seminary at AVrentham. Such 
was his natural ability to study, aptitude to learn, and 
commendablediligence at his tasks, that on leaving 
the academy he had a recommendation from the prin- 
cipal to teach the English branches in the common 
schools. He taught school first in Rehoboth, where 
he conducted his duties much to the satisfaction of 
his constituents. In the spring of that year his mother 
returned to the farm, and he left his situation as in- 
structor to undertake its management. From that 
period up to 1835 he continued to labor at farming 
during the open seasons, and to teach in the winter 
months. In the intervals he taught school in Attle- 



borough, Taunton, Canton, and Dedham, where he 
was peculiarly happy in giving satisfaction to the 
parties interested. A more important duty, also, mean- 
time devolved upon him. He married Maryette In- 
graham, daughter of Ezra and Eloisa Richardson, 
April 8, 1833. She was born May 31, 1807, in Attle- 
borough. They had four children, — Henry L., born 
April 17, 1834, died July 3, 1857 ; he left one daugh- 
ter, Mary W., who died at sixteen ; Frank, born Dec. 
29, 1837 ; Sebra, born Dec. 9, 1839, died Dec. 11, 1842 ; 
and Sebra Ingraham, born Nov. 4, 1849, died Nov. 
24, 1849. 

The temperance cause found in Mr. Dean one of 
its most enthusiastic advocates, and in 1835 he was 
solicited by the proprietors of a temperance hotel in 
Attleborough to take charge of the establishment. 
This solicitation was founded on a thorough knowl- 
edge of the sterling character for integrity he pos- 
sessed, as well as on his reputation as an unwavering 
supporter of the temperance movement. He was in- 
duced to accept the offer made him, and entered upon 
his occupation in connection with the hotel, which lie 
now owns and manages. 

It is but justice to Mrs. Dean's reputation to state 
here that her peculiar qualifications to manage the 
domestic details of a large establishment of the sort 
furnished a liberal share of the inducement prompting 
the proprietors to offer the charge of the hotel to Mr. 
Dean. 

Soon after entering on this business the post-office 
was placed under his charge in 1837, and this he con- 
tinued to hold for twenty-four years excejjt a short 
interval. He was also appointed agent at the rail- 
road station, and held the same for thirteen years. A 
freak of fortune, as a friend of his designated it, ena- 
bled Mr. Dean to make a purchase of his hotel in 
1837, which transaction involved a large sum of money, 
as the estate was then very valuable, and is much more 
so now. Up to 1850, Mr. Dean continued to fill his 
ofiices of host, station agent, and keeper of the post- 
office, from the latter of which he was removed, in 
opposition to the almost unanimous remonstrances of 
his fellow-townsmen, in the year mentioned. The 
situation was worth about three hundred dollars per 
annum. The station agency he resigned on account 
of the pressure of his other duties. The propriety of 
this step will be recognized when we state that, besides 
the above occupations, he kept a livery-stable in con- 
nection with his, hotel establishment, ran the first 
line of stages eight miles from the railroad station (it 
takes a railroad to do the business to-day), and acted 
for fifteen years as a bank director. He received the 
appointment as a notary public, which appointment 
came unsolicited by him from the late Governor 
Briggs, and which he held for more than forty years. 
Receiving such an important privilege from a party 
opposed to Mr. Dean in political matters, must be 
considered highly complimentary to him as a citizen. 

With such a variety of offices, and the responsibili- 





4. 



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S^^//V//.' 



ATTLE BOROUGH. 



583 



ties they included, it is not wonderful that Mr. Dean 
refused to accept various local public offices offered 
him. So soon, however, as his leisure seemed to tol- 
erate the hope of accepting his public trusts, his 
friends nominated him a candidate for the Senate in 
1848. The divided state of political parties at that 
period hardly held out even a remote hope of success, 
and disappointment was consequently not great on 
account of failure. In 1849 he again received the 
senatorial nomination, but was compelled to decline 
the honor. He was a third time nominated for the 
same office in 1850, shortly after having been removed 
from the post-office, and when public interest was ex- 
cited in his favor to a more than usual degree on that 
account, and was elected, and accepted the honorable 
position assigned him by the citizens of his native 
county. 

We have now to add a few words relative to his 
political character, as it is appreciated by all parties. 
One prevailing feature in the public conduct of Mr. 
Dean was strict, open-handed honesty of purpose. 
He was appreciated as a Democrat of the most liberal 
stamp, and was well known as not ashamed or afraid 
to utter his sentiments in behalf of his jiarty tenets. 
His advocacy of the more important questions before 
the Senate while senator was on behalf of a Demo- 
cratic principle which he desired to ramify all his 
public acts. In expressing his views on any article 
of public policy he had peculiar facility in the 
choice of language, and a verj' happy mode of apjily- 
ing it. His general knowledge of the details of public 
affairs enables him to speak often and always with 
acceptance. Some may argue more logically, and 
construct their theories on a more strictly mathe- 
matical basis, but few have the power of rendering 
their arguments more plain to the general compre- 
hension. He was sheriff of Bristol County under 
Governor Boutwell for the years 1851 and 1852 ; jus- 
tice of the peace more than thirty years ; collector of 
internal revenue three or four years, and collector 
of pensions and bounties till the present time. He 
voted lor Abraham Lincoln for President of the 
United States in the fall of 1860, and has since acted 
and voted with the Republican party, though he still 
maintains the same general principles he always ad- 
vocated. He is one of those who holds that the 
Democratic party has left him, and he not the party. 
In 1871 he settled in the house where he now resides. 
He has made his money principally in real estate and 
stocks, and is now considered one of the wealthy men 
of Attleborough. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the Congrega- 
tional Church, of which she has been a member for 
more than fifty years. The accompanying portrait 
represents him in the prime of life. 



LYMAN WHITE DAGGETT. 

The subject of this sketch, like most of the name 
in this town and in Connecticut, are descended from 
John Daggett, who came to Attleborough from Chil- 
mark about 1709 with a family of nine children, con- 
sisting of Mayhew, Ichabod, and others. 

Deacon Mayhew was the father of Elihu, who be- 
came a very respectable elder in the Baptist Church. 
He also held a commission as captain in the provin- 
cial militia, and with two of his sons, Mayhew and 
Ichabod, was engaged in the fight in 1758 of Col. 
Bradstreet, which resulted in the capture of Fort 
Frontenac, together " with nine armed vessels, sixty 
cannon, sixteen mortars, and a vast quantity of am- 
munition." The circumstance of the elder's partici- 
pation in this battle is given, as frequently related by 
his son Elihu, then a lad of some thirteen years. 
The two sons had been absent some time in the war, 
and no news had been received from them. The 
father said, in his anxiety, " If I hear nothing in a 
week I will go and find them." Nothing was heard. 
He shouldered his musket, reached the seat of war, 
found a battle raging, entered the action, and after 
the victory discovered his sons as participants with 
himself in its glory. 

From the elder sprang Adjt. Elihu Daggett, born 
Dec. 4, 1745, an industrious and upright citizen, for 
many years a faithful teacher of youth, long engaged 
in the culture of his estate, where, in 1796, he erected 
the dwelling-house lately so beautified and improved 
by its present occupant, H. N. Daggett, Esq. The 
adjutant was a minute-man in the Revolution, and as 
such started for the field at the alarm given from 
Bunker Hill. He died June 14, 1833. 

Capt. Elihu Daggett -was the son of the above 
named, born Feb. 24, 1785. He pursued for years the 
culture of the soil as a means of his livelihood ; was a 
faithful husband and a tender parent. He was a de- 
voted member of the Masonic institution, walking in 
its light and rejoicing in its promises. Nov. 28, 1810, 
he married Miss Lucinda White, of Pembroke, Plym- 
outh Co., Mass., a lineal descendant of Peregrine White. 
Her father was Capt. William White, a faithful soldier 
of the Revolution, present at the surrender of Corn- 
wallis, and engaged in many battles during that fear- 
ful struggle. 

Capt. Elihu Daggett was exceedingly fond of mili- 
tary exercises. Few employments afforded him more 
pleasure than trainings and the discipline of soldiers. 
In the war of 1812 and 1815 he commanded a com- 
pany for a brief period, stationed at Plymouth, Mass., 
and after the close of that strife, on his return home, 
was instrumental in the formation of the Washington 
Rifle Company, for some time under his command, 
distinguished as one of the finest and best-disciplined 
companies in the brigade. He died Jan. 25, 1871. 

Lyman White Daggett was the only son of Capt. 
Elihu, born July 28, 1812. He was educated in the 
schools of his own town, eagerly seeking the benefit ot 



584 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



all within his reach, and finding, as such multitudes 
have before him, the fountains of knowledge ever open 
to all faithful seekers. 

A fter availing himself of all the advantages afforded 
at home for an education, he became a member of 
Phillips Classical Academy, at Andover, Mass., en- 
joyed its rich opportunities, faithfully improved the 
facilities there afforded the honest, struggling student, 
and left with the respect, benediction, and warm rec- 
ommendation of its renowned principal, the late Os- 
good Johnson, Esq. 

For some eight years subsequent to this period 
Mr. Daggett was successfully engaged as a teacher 
in public and private schools, then he became pas- 
tor of the Universalist Church and parish in Hollis- 
ton, Mass., and June S, 1842, married Miss Nancy G. 
Fuller, daughter of .Tohn and Nancy Fuller, a lead- 
ing and influential family of Wrentliam, Mass. Mr. 
Fuller's mother was Mary Maxoy, a daughter of Jo- 
siah Maxcy, and a near relative of the distinguished 
Jonathan Maxcy, president of Brown University. 
Three children have been born to them, of whom 
only one remains, since two have been already called 
to the home above. 

Subsequently Mr. Daggett preached in Andover, 
Mass., and in Woodstock and Hartland, Vt. As a 
preacher, he was regarded clear and sound in the 
exposition of his subjects, apt and close in the appli- 
cation of truth to the hearer's heart. His faith was 
strong and unchanging in God, Christ, and immor- 
tality. In pastoral labors he was ever faithful, visit- 
ing his people to do them good, seeking their homes 
in periods of sadness, misfortune, and sickness, to per- 
form labors of love, to spend and be spent in their 
service. 

On the death of his mother, in 1848, he resigned 
his place at Hartland, Vt., removing to Mileton 
Falls., Mass., where he has since resided, engaged in 
the successful pursuit of agriculture. 

Like many others, Mr. Daggett has been to a mod- 
erate extent in public life, having filled the offices of 
selectman, overseer of the poor, assessor, and town 
clerk for several terms. He has also often been a 
member of the school committee. In 1851, 1852, and 
1853 he represented the town in the Legislature. As 
a member of the Legislature, he was a friend and ad- 
vocate of prohibition, of the mechanics' lien law, of 
homestead exemption, of the secret ballot, in fine, of 
all enactments calculated to promote home rule, free 
votes, and honest counts. He has always been true 
to temperance, speaking on all suitable occasions in 
its advocacy, and living in the practice of total absti- 
nence from all intoxicants for more than fifty years 
past. It need hardly be added that Mr. Daggett 
voted for Mr. Sumner for United States senator with 
hearty pleasure, and contemplates his act with ever- 
increasing satisfiiction. 

The subject of this sketch is now in the enjoyment 
of good health, pursuing his peaceful calling as a cul- 



tivator of the soil under his own vine and fig-tree, 
" having none to molest or make him afraid," while 
he awaits the summons of the Divine Spirit. 



W. D. WHITING. 

The earliest recorded mention of a member of the 
Whiting family is that of " William Whytyng," who 
was in the year 1333 taxed as a citizen of Boston, in 
England. 

John Whiting was mayor of that borough in 1600 
and in 1608 ; he also held the office of vice-admiral 
of Lincolnshire in 1602. His son Samuel was a min- 
ister of the Established Church, but being unwilling 
to conform to all the usages of that church, and be- 
ing complained of therefor to the Bishop of Norwich, 
finally emigrated to the American colonies, and set- 
tled (16.36) in Lynn, Mass. His posterity constitute 
one branch of the American family of Whitings. 

Nathaniel Whiting, of Dedham, Mass., emigrated 
from Boxford, Suffolk Co., England, in the year 1635. 

Most of those bearing the name of Whiting origi- 
nating iu Wrentham, Hingham, Plymouth, etc., as 
well as all the Dedham stock in that line, have de- 
scended from this Nathaniel. 

He was undoubtedly related to Samuel, above men- 
tioned. He (Nathaniel) was one of the sixty-eight 
proprietors of land in the infant settlement of " Con- 
tentment," afterwards called Dedham, the land being 
described in the deed or grant of conveyance (1642) 
as " upland ground, fit for improvement with the 
plow." 

He was one of the first settlers of the town (1635). 
In 1641 a foot-path was laid out to the first " water- 
mill" that had been established in the precinct, and 
.soon after the mill, and all lands, privileges, and 
appurtenances thereto belonging, were conveyed by 
deed to Nathaniel Whiting by Rev. John Allin and 
John Dwight. For more than two centuries grist- 
and saw-mills located ou this same site have been 
owned and improved in jiropria persona by lineal 
descendants of the grantee. 

In Mann's "Annals of Dedham" repeated mention is 
made of members of the Whiting family. Isaac 
Whiting was town clerk at the beginning of the 
Revolutionary war. His term of service was con- 
tinued for six years. Others were selectmen, assessors, 
and overseers of the poor, and were continued in these 
responsible positions for many years. As a general 
thing, the family have been devoted to agricultural 
pursuits, and some of the finest tracts of lands in the 
town have been owned by them for many successive 
generations. Nov. 4, 1643, Nathaniel Whiting mar- 
ried Hannah Dwight. The Dwights were among the 
original settlers, and presumably of considerable note, 
from the fact that the stream connecting Charles 
River with Neponset had from the first been known 
as Dwight's Brook. The ancient church records say 
of Capt. Timothy Dwight that " he was a gentleman 




^.*^ 




ATTLEBOKOUGH. 



585 



truly serious and godly; one of an excellent spirit, 
peaceful, generous, charitable, and a promoter of the 
true interests of the church and town." His son 
Timothy was a much-respected president of Yale 
College. 

Nathaniel Whiting and Hannah Dwight, of Ded- 
ham, were married Sept. 4, 1643. 

Samuel, son of Nathaniel and Hannah, was born 
Oct. 20, 1649. 

Samuel Whiting and Sarah Metcalf, both of Ded- 
ham, were married Sept. 23, 1676. 

David, first son of Samuel and Sarah, was born 
July 30, 1709. 

David' was married to Mary Fuller by Rev. Samuel 
Dexter, Dec. 4, 1732, all of Dedham. 

David, second son of David' and Mary Fuller, was 
born Feb. 22, 1735. 

David- and Hannah Wallcott, daughter of Moses 
and Mary Wallcott, were married October, 1766, all 
of Attleborough. 

David, grandfather of William, died January, 1800. 

David' and Mary, his wife, came from Dedham to 
Attleborough, probably in 1733 or 1734; they bought 
a farm and woodland, which remained in the Whiting 
family until a few years ago. 

The children of David and Hannah Whiting were 
John, born Nov. 15, 1767; David^ born July 19, 
1770 ; Hannah, born May 14, 1772 ; John, born March 
13,1773; Lemuel, born Dec. 12, 1776; Lewis, born 
Dec. 4, 1778 ; Alice, born Feb. 3, 1783. Alice died 
June 7, 1810. 

Lemuel and Nancy, daughter of Oliver and Polly 
(Daggett) Blackinton, were married July 2, 1811. 

Lemuel died Sept. 30, 1823 ; Nancy died October, 
1868. 

The children of Capt. Lemuel and Nancy were 
Mary Ann, born May 7, 1812 ; William Dean, born 
Dec. 23, 1815 ; Levi Willard, born 1821. 

William Dean Whiting, son of Lemuel and Nancy 
(Blackinton) Whiting, was born in Attleborough, 
Mass., Dec. 23, 1815. His father was a farmer, was 
an industrious and hard-working man, who prided 
himself on the superiority of his cattle, of which he 
had very fine ones, mostly oxen, with which he did a 
large amount of moving buildings. He married 
Nancy Blackinton, of the honorable family of that 
name which has from 1700 been prominently con- 
nected with Attleborough. They had four children, 
— Mary A. B. (Mrs. Samuel Kent, of Seekonk, de- 
ceased), Nancy (died young), William D., and Levi 
Willard (deceased). He died when William was 
about seven years old, leaving his wife in limited 
circumstances to bring up her young family, which, 
like a true New England mother, she succeeded in 
doing. Young William was early compelled to rely 
on himself for support, and commenced a life of 
many years of successful labor when eight years of 
age by doing chores, riding horse, etc., for his uncle, 
Artemus Stanley, for his board. Here he staj^ed one 



year. When ten years old he engaged with Mr. 
Whittemore, a farmer, to work for his board, and 
remained with liim two years. Returning then to 
his mother's home, he began to work by the day, as 
opportunity offered, for twenty-five cents a day until 
he was fourteen. He was then apprenticed to Draper 
& Tiffts, jewelry manufacturers, to learn their trade, 
and for six years he steadily applied himself to thor- 
oughly master it. Mr. Tifl'ts, his uncle by marriage, 
pleased with his attention to their interests, took 
especial pains with him, and he became very profi- 
cient in all departments. 

After learning his trade Mr. Whiting remained with 
the firm one year as journeyman, then dull times 
came on and work was scarce, so he employed himself 
in chasing gilt buttons for R. & W. Robinson for a 
time; then for a short period was employed by Dra- 
per & Blackinton in chasing gilt jewelry. In or about 
1837 he had acquired such a reputalion for skill, 
steadiness, and reliability that he was offered, and ac- 
cepted, the position of foreman in the shop of H. M. 
Richards, at East Attleborough. Mr. Richards made 
enameled jewelry, imitations of French goods. Not 
long after this he removed his business and machinery 
to Philadelphia, Pa., and thither Mr. Whiting ac- 
companied him, superintending the removal and set- 
ting up the works in the new location, and continuing 
as superintendent. He stayed two years in this ca- 
pacity with Mr. Richards and his successor, Mr. Gar- 
rett. He then began business for himself in a modest 
way, manufacturing jewelry, principally hearts and 
crosses. This was in probably the most depressed 
financial times this country ever saw, and there was 
almost nothing done, and that poorly remunerated, so 
in a few months he had come fully to the conclusion 
of removing to St. Louis and trying his fortunes in 
the great AVest. This he was not to do, however, for 
just then Albert C. Tifft, an old Attleborough ac- 
quaintance, made him a proposition to return to that 
town and join him as partner in the jewelry business 
there, Mr. John Tifft (of the old firm of Draper & 
Tifft) to be their financial backer. Up to this time, 
owing to the dullness of the times, the labor of Mr. 
Whiting had not given much substantial result; but 
the value of faithful working and systematic economy 
liad been so strongly impressed upon his nature as to 
affect his whole subsequent life. This time was 
doubtless the pivotal period of his life. After careful 
thought and mature deliberation he gave up his con- 
templated Western trip, and accepted Mr. Tifft's pro- 
posal. In 1840 they formed the firm of Tifft & 
Whiting, manufacturing jewelers. Two aspiring, 
honest young men, " chock full of day's work," with 
a joint cash capital of five hundred dollars, they de- 
spised not the day of small beginnings, and laid the 
foundations of future success by industry and care. 
They began to make gold goods, — hearts, crosses, 
ladies' and gentlemen's finger-rings. Their shop was a 
small room in an old blacksmith-shop on the bank of 



586 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Ten-Mile River, on the Boston and Providence turn- 
pil^e, in North Attleborough. Mr.Tifftwasamachinist, 
and knew nothing of practical work in jewelry, so 
Mr. Whiting had all the responsibility of tiie shop. 
They had two workmen, — Willard, brother of Mr. 
Whiting (who had previously learned his trade of 
him), and Peter Bishop, a former employe of his in 
Philadelphia. As a contrast to the present, we would 
say that all Mr. Whiting paid Mr. Bishop, a skilled 
workman, on first hiring him, was five dollars per 
week. Mr. John Titl't first sold their goods, but after 
a short time Mr. A. C. Tiflft would go to New York as 
salesman, and on his return Mr. Whiting would go to 
Boston and other markets in New England. They 
determined not to run in debt. All the monetary aid 
they received was from Mr. Tifft, as promised before 
they entered into business, and all he did was to get 
one note of one hundred and fifty dollars discounted 
at the Wrentham Bank, and this they paid out of their 
business when it matured. 

Their trade soon became too large for their small 
shop, and in eighteen mouths' time had assumed such 
[iroportions that they were forced to build a new 
building. This they were determined to build large 
enough to contain room for their work for all time, 
and they erected a two-story building twenty-five by 
forty, for which they paid eight hundred dollars. Into 
this they moved, and soon found they needed some 
power to supersede the slow process of hand labor 
and facilitate the manufacture of goods. By this 
time they were employing thirty to forty men and 
doing a good business. Previously to this the Beaver 
Dam Cotton-Mill and Factory of Draper & Tifft 
had burned, and in February, 1847, TifR & Whiting 
purchased the site and water privilege, paying two 
thousand dollars for it. They at once put up a por- 
tion of the present Whiting Manufacturing Com- 
pany's btjilding, making it of stone, ninety feet long, 
forty feet wide, and tliree stories high. Mr. Whiting 
gave this building his per.sonal superintendence, and 
put in improved machines for polishing, rolling, etc., 
by power. They occupied it the same year, opening 
it with seventy-five operatives, which soon became 
one hundred and one hundred and fifty. 

Wishing a safe depository for their goods, they 
added forty feet more in length to their building, and 
in one corner constructed a strong stone safe eight 
feet by twelve and the height of the building, with 
doors in each story. Mr. Tifft, after some years' con- 
tinuance of the firm, was satisfied with the fortune he 
had amassed, and wishing to retire sold his interest 
to Mr. Whiting, Jan. 1, 1853, for which he was paid 
ninety thousand dollars in cash. The business was 
in the full tide of success, and was very profitable. 
It stood in the front rank of the business firms of 
the country, and with Sackett, Davis & Potter, of 
Providence, was the first jewelry manufactory to es- 
tablish an office in New York City. These firms took 
offices side by side. In his own name, and afterwards 



as W. D. Whiting & Co., Mr. Whiting continued 
to do a flourishing business for years, with oflices in 
Philadelphia and Boston also. Soon after removing 
to the stone building he had added the manufacture 
of silver combs for ladies; gradually other articles 
were added, until this branch became an immense 
business of itself, and resulted in what is now one 
of the largest houses in the country, the Whiting 
Manufacturing Company. This was organized as 
a stock company of one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars capital, and afterwards the capital stock was 
increased to two hundred and fifty thousand dol- 
lars. Mr. Whiting was elected president, and the 
manufacture of silver entirely superseded the jewelry 
business, which was closed. The duties of his posi- 
tion kept Mr. Whiting busily employed, and he had 
but little leisure. After the burning of their works 
in 1875, the building was rebuilt as it now stands, two 
hundred and fifteen feet in length ; but they soon re- 
moved to New York City, whither Mr. Whiting re- 
moved also to give his personal attention to the fit- 
ting up of shops, removal and putting up of machin- 
ery, engine, and boiler, etc. Commencing Jan. 1, 
1876, in February of the same year the new works 
were occupied and rapidly turning out work. After 
a residence of five years in New York, Mr. Whiting 
returned to North Attleborough. 

He married, Dec. 17, 1839, Rebecca Damon, daugh- 
ter of Pitt and Lucy (Damon) Butterfield, of Dedhani, 
Mass., where she was born May 8, 1818. They had 
three children, — William Osborne (a beautiful child 
of brilliant promise, who met an untimely death by 
drowning at four years of age), Frank Mortimer, 
Josejihiue S., and Florence R. 

With the exception noted above, Mr. Whiting has 
all his life resided in his native town, and, known of 
all men, is universally esteemed for his sterling worth, 
honesty of dealing, integrity, modesty, and unosten- 
tation. He has stood on every round of Fortune's 
ladder, and in his old age, with all the wealth his 
faithful labor and business ability of years has brought 
him, can look back and proudly say that not one dollar 
has been acquired unjustly. He is one of the best 
types of a self-made man ; has started many " boys" 
on the same road be has trod, first, by taking them 
as apprentices ; secondly, by his kind and fatherly 
advice, giving them more valuable aid than that of 
money; and to-day many of them hold a loyal friend- 
ship for the kind old friend whom they reverence 
almost as a father.- Mr. Whiting is in accord with 
the highest elements of society, and is one of Attle- 
borough's most valued citizens. His success is the 
result of steady industry, careful economy, business 
thrift and enterprise reaching over a long period 
of years, coupled with a determination to give honest 
value to whatever he made. He has never had time 
to meddle either with politics or speculation, and has 
steadily refused all public positions, but is a Repub- 
lican in political belief. 




^ 



Cy-y./r-A 



-/ v /- O 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



587 



Frank M. Whiting, born April 21, 1849, was edu- 
cated at Norwich Military University, at Northiield, 
Vt., and graduated in the class of 1868. He entered 
his father's shop, where he worked about a year, then 
he was called as assistant in the office, tirst in Attle- 
borough then in New York, and afterwards was trav- 
eling salesman for several years. He started in busi- 
ness in North Attleborough, in 1878, with two others, 
in the manufacture of jewelry, under the firm-name of 
Holbrook, Whiting & Albee. This firm continued 
two years, when his father bought tlie interests of 
Holbrook and Albee, and the firm became and still 
continues Frank M. Whiting & Co. Its specialties 
are small silver-wares, novelties, and jewelry. They 
employ about forty hands. While Frank attends to 
the traveling and selling, his father superintends the 
shop. 

Frank married, June 21, 1881, Florence L., daugh- 
ter of Edwin and Dorcas (Doane) Hancock, of 
Wrentham. They reside with his father in the beau- 
tiful home he built on the William Blackinton home- 
stead in Nortli Attleborough, where he has lived since 
October, 1857. They have one daughter, Marion D., 
born Dec. 17, 1882. 



ABIEL CODDING. 



Abiel Corfrf///*;, eldest son of Abiel andCIoe (Daggett) 
Codding, was born in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., 
Jan. 29, 1817, and at one year of age came with his 
parents to the eastern part of Attleborough. His 
paternal grandfather was James Codding, a native of 
Taunton, Bristol Co., Mass., whither his ancestors had 
come at an early day. James was a farmer by occu- 
pation. He was a true American, and fought for our 
independence in the Revolutionary war. He mar- 
ried Joanna Eddy, and had three children, viz. : 
David, Abigail, wife of Wheaton Barrows, and Abiel, 
father of the subject of our sketch. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. James Codding spent their last days with their 
son Abiel in Attleborough, Mass. They lived to be 
far advanced in years, and their children attained the 
remarkable age of nearly ninety years. Abiel Cndding, 
youngest son of James, wiis born in Taunton, Mass., 
Oct. 27, 1792, and died in Attleborough, Oct. 3, 1881. 
I His boyhood was spent at home on his father's farm 
till he was fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he 
came to Attleborough, and worked on a farm by the 
month for Seneca San ford. He was very industrious 
and frugal, and strictly temperate in all his habits. 
He married Cloe, daughter of Elihu Daggett, and to 
them were born thirteen children, of whom eight 
grew to maturity, viz., Cloe (deceased), Abiel, Al- 
mira (deceased), Joanna (deceased), Mary Ann, David 
D., Harriet N., and Emily. Mr. Codding was a well- 
to-do farmer in Attleborough, where he lived for more 
than sixty-tliree years, leaving an example of in- 
dustry and sobriety well worthy the imitation of the 



present generation. In politics he was a Democrat 
of the .Teflersonian school. He was a soldier of the 
war of 1812, and drew a pension for his services. His 
name will long be remembered as one of the most 
upright and honorable men in town. His wife, born 
Dec. 12, 1792, died March 22, 1855. 

Abiel Codding, the immediate subject of our sketch, 
was reared on the farm in East Attleborough till he 
was sixteen years of age. His advantages for an ed- 
ucation were such as the common schools of his town 
afforded. Being of a meclianieal turn of mind, he 
early turned his attention to the jewelry business. 
Hence at sixteen we find him in the employ of H. 
M. Richards, one of the pioneers in the jewelry busi- 
ness of this town. He remained with him some 
three years, when he formed a copartnership with 
Stephen Richardson (deceased), under the firm-name 
of Richardson & Codding, and was thus employed a 
short time when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. 
Codding continued his trade as a journeyman, mak- 
ing valuable improvements in the different kinds of 
tools used in the jewelry business. In 1839 he went 
to Philadelphia to work for his old employer, H. M. 
Richards, but remained but a few months, when he 
returned to North Attleborough and entered the em- 
ploy of Ira Richards & Co. In 1842 he formed a 
copartnership with Ira Richards & Co., the firm re- 
taining the old and well-known title. This firm had 
a house in New York City, and was there known as 
Ira Richards & Co., but their interest in Attlebor- 
ough was known as Richards, Codding & Co. This 
firm manufactured all kinds of jewelry, besides 
" hooks and eyes." It grew from a very small begin- 
ning to be one of the largest, if not the largest, man- 
ufacturing interest in Attleborough, employing some 
two hundred and twenty-five hands some of the time, 
and their sales amounted to many thousands every 
year. 

Mr. Codding was naturally a mechanic, and by 
close application to his business he attained a degree 
of success acquired by few. He made valuable im- 
provements in manufacturing, and obtained several 
patents for new tools. About 1850 he built his pres- 
ent fine house in North Attleborough, where he has 
since resided. 

In politics he is a Democrat, but seldom takes a 
lively interest in political matters. He is a director 
of the First National Bank of North Attleborough, 
and president of the Savings-Bank of Attleborough ; 
also president of the North Attleborough Gas-Light 
Company. It will thus be seen that the people of 
his town repose confidence in him. 

He married Ann Maria, daughter of Calvin and 
Olive (Blackington) Richards, Oct. 28, 1841. She was 
born in Attleborough, Aug. 16, 1819. Of this union 
the following children have been born, viz.: Arthur 
E., Ella M. (deceased), James A., Edwin A., and Ellen 
L. (deceased). All the sons are in the jewelry busi- 
ness, under the firm-name of Codding Bros. 



588 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



H. N. DAGGETT. 

The .subject of thi-s sketch was born in Attleboroiigh, 
Jan. 27, 1821. His father, Hon. Ebenezer Daegett, 
was largel)' interested in the manufacture of cotton 
goods, was prominent in local affairs, and at the time 
of his death represented his district in the State Sen- 
ate. The son, after completing his education at 
Wrentham Academy, moved to Boston, where he 
served a short, unprofitable apprenticeship with a 
relative, after which he returned to Attleborough, 
formed a partnership with his brother, H. M. Dag- 
gett, and together they purchased the mills at the 
Falls and carried on the manufacture of print cloths 
for a number of years. This partnership terminated 
in 1856. About this time Mr. Daggett conceived the 
idea of making braid in this country, and started a 
few braiders at the Power Company's shop in Attle- 
borough. Requiring more room, he had moved into 
the mill at Farmer's, and was also occupying the 
shop at Deantown. 

The braid busine.ss had never before been attempted 
on this side the Atlantic, but now the time seemed 
most opportune for it. The civil war seriously inter- 
fered with the importation of these goods, but the de- 
mand for them was constantly increasing. Mr. Dag- 
gett saw his golden opportunity and grasped it. He 1 
must have more room. He repurchased the mill i 
property at Attleborough Falls, which he had sold to 
H. M. Richards in 1855, and filling it with the best 
of American braid machinery he commenced the 
work which has resulted so advantageously to both 
the individual and the public. 

On moving to Falls village, as it was called, Mr. 
Daggett's first business was to establish order. Pre- 
vious to his coming it was no uncommon thing for the 
rowdy element to take possession of streets, side- 
walks, stores, or public meetings, to the terror and ex- 
clusion of better people. Under his energetic'treat- 
ment the roughs either left town or subsided into 
peaceful citizens. Through his influence a post-office 
was established, and with his aid a church was built, 
and other public improvements pushed to comple- 
tion. 

Up to 1868 a stage-coach was the only passenger 
conveyance between North and East Attleborough, 
and all freight for the former was hauled over the 
road in teams. In January of that year Mr. Dag- 
gett requested a few gentlemen to meet at his resi- 
dence, the purpose being to secure a railroad between 
the two villages. This was the origin of the Attle- 
borough Branch Railroad. Within one year from the 
time these gentlemen held the meeting the work 
was completed, and the cars were running over the 
road. 

In the mean time American braids had outgrown 
the prejudices of the consumer, and the demand for 
them had so increased as to require the mill to be run 
both day and night, employing, of course, two sets of 
hands, and the annual product had reached to up- 



wards of sixty thousand miles of braid. At this time 
Mr. Daggett had an arrangement with J. C. Morse, 
of Boston, under which the manufi^ctured goods were 
sold by Mr. Morse on joint account, he supplying 
the yarn and Mr. Daggett furnishing labor and 
machinery. In 1869, Mr. Morse became seriously 
embarrassed, necessitating an abandonment of this 
arrangement. Mr. Daggett's fortune went down with 
the wreck, but he had an ample capital in his energy, 
courage, and determination. He at once formed a 
partnership with Austin Dunham, of Hartford, and 
George S. Moulton, of New York. This connection, 
a very happy and successful one, terminated in 1873, 
and thereafter until 1879, Mr. Daggett conducted the 
business alone, when, feeling the need of relief from 
the engrossing cares of business, he disposed of the 
stock and machinery to a company, in which he re- 
tains a large interest, and of whicli he is president 
and treasurer. 

Mr. Daggett has added largely to the value of his 
mill property, and improved the appearance of the 
village by building a number of tasty cottages and 
three large jewelry-shops, and one fine store. 

The shops get their power from the mill, which is 
equipped with a powerful steam-engine, although its 
main dependence is upon the water-power, which for 
ten months in the year is one of the best in the State. 

Mr. Daggett's home is one of the most attractive 
in the town, from without giving evidence of taste 
and refinement, and from within of healthful home 
and social influences. 



THE RICHARDS FAMILY. 

Thomas Richards, the first of his name in New 
England, was born in Dorchester about 1590, and 
according to Rev. Abner Morse, who compiled a his- 
tory of the Richards family in 1861, was a man of 
standing in the mother-country and one of the prin- 
cipal men in the new. He was a merchant and dig- 
nified by the title of "Mr.," a high honor in colonial 
days. He was a lineal descendant in the seventh 
generation of James Richards, of either Somerset or 
Devon County, England, and hence a descendant of 
Sir Richard Richards, " Lord Chief Baron of the Court 
of Exchequer and often President of the House of 
Lords," an inheritor of the Richards manor in Wales, 
and whose ancestors were spoken of, says Mr. Morse, 
as the " ancient possessors" in 1550. This old man- 
sion is still standing, and with it is connected an ex- 
tensive estate. 

Thomas Richards' children were John, " Worship- 
ful and Major," who married a daughter of Governor 
Winthrop, and who was oneof the most eminent men 
of his time in the colonies (Judge Richards died in 
1694) ; Thomas, "Esq.," who died in 1648-50; Mary, 
who married Thomas Hinckley, Governor of Plym- 
outh ; Alice, who married Maj. William Bradford, 
Deputy Governor of Plymouth, and several others. 





<^ .^^f, O^^:^ 



-4^ 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



589 



Edward Richards, a nephew of Thomas, Sr., came to 
Dedham in 1635-36, when that place was colonized 
by the "principal planters" from Cambridge and 
Watertown. Mr. Morse says, " He was received as 
one of the proprietors of Dedham in 1636-37, then 
embracing the territorj' of nine present townships, 
and became the sixty-second signer of her social 
compact. On ye 17d. of ye 5 mo., 1640, he was re- 
ceived into ye church, giving good satisfaction," and 
his wife Susan was received 19 (11), 1644. With this 
church they walked blameless through life. 

In 1641 he took the freeman's oath, and in 1646 was 
chosen selectman, and by annual elections served nine 
years. Edward Eichards began life with more means 
than most of the planters of Dedham, and left his 
descendants good estates. The proprietors having 
adopted the rule of dividing their lands generally 
according to estate, he drew an uncommon amount 
in no less than fourteen lots. In 1648 his county 
rate was above the average, and in 1651 his house 
was valued at eighteen pounds, when only twelve in 
Dedham were valued higher. He died in 1684. 

John Richards (2d) son of Edward, was born in 1641 
and died in 1688. In 1667 he was received into the 
church in Dedham, and took the freeman's oath in 
167(1. In 1672 he married Mary Colburn, of Dedham, 
a daughter of Nathaniel and Priscilla Colburn. 

John Richards (3d), first-born of "the seven chil- 
dren of John (2d)," the Rev. Mr. Morse says, "mar- 
ried Judith Fairbanks, had the homestead of his 
father in Dedham." Of one of their sons, Mr. Morse 
says, "Joseph, Col., A.M., M.D., settled in Dedham 
and became her principal citizen. He married, 
Aug. 10, 1726, Mary Belcher. She was born July 
23, 1701, died Jan. 19, 1746-47. She was the daugh- 
ter of Rev. Joseph and Abigail Belcher, a minister 
of Dedham. He married second, March 2, 1748-49, 
Elizabeth Dudley, daughter of William and Eliz- 
abeth Dudley, of Roxbury. She was born May 16, 
1724, died Nov. 1, 1805. Joseph died in 1761. John 
Richards (4th generation), son of John Richards (3d), 
was born June 12, 1698, and married Abigail, daugh- 
ter of Robert and Elizabeth Avery. He had two 
sons — Edward and Nathan — who were the first of 
the name to settle in Attleborough. He had other 
sons and daughters. 

Edward Richards', the first of the name in Attle- 
borough, was born in Dedham in 1724, and married, 
in 1756, Mary, daughter of James and Hannah 
Fisher, of Dedham. 

From what we can learn of the family it appears 
that Edward Richards came from a race of gentle- 
men, who were so by race, education, and association. 
His sires in their several generations had been men 
of wealth and social position, receiving homage not 
only for their own worth but for their lineage also. 
He must have been known by reputation by the citi- 
zens of Attleborough before his advent among them, 
for he seems to have taken a foremost jwsition among 



them immediately upon his arrival. During the 
Revolution he was especially prominent, and seiVed 
his adopted town most faithfully in the many im- 
portant positions of trust he was called to. Sept. 12, 
1774, Attleborough chose a committee to join with 
the committees of the other towns of Bristol County 
" to consult the safety and peace and prosperity 
thereof, as well as the whole government and conti- 
nent upon any emergency." Of the five chosen for 
this committee, Edward Richards was the first. To 
the convention held at Concord in October, 1779, 
Edward Richards, with Col. Stephen Richardson and 
Mr. Levi Maxcy, were chosen by Attleborough. And 
upon the committees of correspondence, and among 
the judges of the Superior and Inferior Court, created 
by the town during the war, Mr. Richards was either 
the first or among the first. 

His four sons, Edward, Calvin, etc., settled in At- 
tleborou_gh, and from thence came the bee-hive race 
of Richards in North Bristol County. Calvin Rich- 
ards (sixth generation), son of Edward, seems to have 
been a quiet, peaceful citizen in the place where his 
race, before and after, made so much stir. But his 
progeny in the next and succeeding generations fully 
made up for their sire's lack. His son Manning, 
who was father of the Hon. H. M. Richards, of At- 
tleborough*, was one of the earliest of the jewelry 
manufacCUrer^, and in about 1815 employed what was 
then the great number of twenty operatives. 

Another son, Calvin, as well as Spencer, was asso- 
ciated. with his brother Ira in various business en- 
terprises, notably of the Richards Manuficturing 
Compfiny, which carried on to a large extent the 
manufacture of brass door-knobs and catches. Ira 
Richards', the father of E. Ira and Josiah D. Rich- 
ards, was the son of Calvin, grandson of Edward, the 
first in Attleborough and the seventh generation in 
lineal descent from Edward Richards, who settled in 
Dedham in 1636 or 1637. 

Ira Richards was born in North Attleborough, and 
was fifty-three years old at his death. He was very 
reserved and stern, but so notably a just and honored 
man that matters of dispute among his neighbors, if 
unable to be settled peacefully, were invariably left 
to his decision. 

During an active life of many years of business as 
one of the old firm of Draper, Tiflt & Co., Ira Rich- 
ards & Co., and in other business enterprises, his repu- 
tation for honor was so bright and .shining that the 
saying " his word is as good as his bond" was univer- 
sally applied to him, and to this day this saying is 
brought up in association with his name. He was 
one of the original directors in the old Attleborough 
State Bank, and in all of his positions of trust and 
honor was never found wanting. 

Josiah D. Richards, whose steel portrait accom- 
panies this sketch, is the son of Ira and Fanny 
(Draper) Richards, and was born in Attleborough, 
Mass., July 7, 1827. 



590 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Just previous to his attaining his majority he as- 
sumed his father's interest in the firm of Ira Eich- 
ards & Co., in the manufacture of jewelry, and con- 
tinued until 1876, when he retired, since which time 
he has not been eno;aged in any active business. 
Politically, he is a Democrat. 

Mr. Richards takes an active interest in everything 
that pertains to the welfare of his native town. He 
is still in the prime of life, and is surrounded with all 
the comforts of a happy home. He married, Jan. 19, 
1S48, Harriet E., daughter of John Draper, a jeweler, 
of Attleborough. She was born in New York, Aug. 
26, 1826. Their children were Ira and Clara D., who 
died Oct. 16, 1857. 

Ira Richards,son of J. D., was born in Attleborough, 
March 5, 1852, and was educated in the public schools 
of that town and in Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. 
Immediately on leaving school he made a pleasure 
trip through California and the West. Jan. 1, 1877, 
went into partnership with Messrs. Sandland & Ca- 
pron, for the manufacture of jewelry in North Attle- 
borough, under the firm-name of Sandland, Capron 
& Co., which relation still continues. He is a Demo- 
crat, and member of Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M. He 
married, Jan. 2, 1879, Lydia R., daughter of William 
H. Reynard, of New Bedford. 



BURRILL PORTER, Jk. 

Burrill Porter, Jr., was born in Charlestown, N. H., 
Feb. 22, 1832. His paternal grandfather was Asahel 
Carpenter Porter, a farmer from Coventry, Conn., 
and his maternal grandfather was John Garfield, a 
lineal descendant of the Garfields who early settled 
in Spencer, Mass. He is a son of Burrill Porter and 
Susan Garfield Porter, and is the oldest of a family 
of nine children, all of whom reached the age of 
manhood, and eight of whom are now living indus- 
trious and useful lives. 

The subject of this sketch received his early educa- 
tion on his father's farm and in the public schools of 
Langdon, N. H., and after pursuing preparatory 
studies in academies at Westminster and Saxton's 
River, Vt., entered Dartmouth College in March, 
1853. From that institution he graduated in the 
class of 1856. After graduation he entered upon, 
and for twenty-three years pursued the profession of 
teaching. During this time he was principal of 
academies at Canaan, Alstead, and Swansea, N. H., 
teacher of public schools in Cleveland and Fostoria, 
Ohio, and principal of high schools in Braintree and 
Attleborough, Mass. He was the first principal of 
the North High School in Attleborough, and held 
that position twelve years and a half, during which 
time there were graduated from the school one hun- 
dred and thirty students. 

Resigning in February, 1879, he was elected select- 
man and assessor, and appointed collector of taxes 
the same year, an4 was chosen overseer of the poor 



in 1880, which offices he now holds. He was elected 
representative for the First Bristol District, which 
includes the towns of Attleborough, Norton, and 
Mansfield, in the Legislature of Massachusetts, for 
the year 1881, when the public statutes were adopted. 
He served as a member of the first committee of 
the North Attleborough Library Association, and is 
now a member of the Prudential Committee of the 
Union Improvement District, which supports the 
library thus established as a free public library. He 
has been a member of the parish committee, and 
treasurer of the First Universalist Society of Attle- 
borough, and is now one of the building committee 
of the parish, which is erecting a new church and 
parsonage at a cost of nearly thirty-five thousand 
dollars. 



HENRY D. MERRITT. 

Henry D. Merritt was born in Hartland, Vt., Jan. 
16, 1826, and died at his residence in North Attle- 
borough, Mass., Jan. 20, 1878. His advantages for 
an education were confined to the common schools of 
his native town in Vermont, yet by that same energy 
which was one of his distinguishing characteristics 
through life he acquired by reading and reflection a 
good practical education. At about eighteen years of 
age he left home to seek his fortune in Boston, where 
he learned the tailor's trade. After remaining in 
Boston some time he came to North Attleborough, 
Mass., and entered the employ of H. M. Richards as 
clerk, in this capacity he was industrious and faith- 
ful, proving to be one of the most successful salesmen 
in Mr. Richards' employ. About 1858 he commenced 
the manufiicture of jewelry with Mr. Joseph B. Drajier, 
under the firm-name of Merritt & Draper, and con- 
tinued in business at North Attleborough a few years, 
when they transferred their business to Mansfield, 
Mass. Soon after Mr. Merritt retired, being suc- 
ceeded by John Shepardson, who became a partner 
of Mr. Merritt's, March, 1870, under the firm-name 
of H. D. Merritt & Co. In 1872 the business was 
transferred to North Attleborough. The firm did a 
successful business manufacturing plated and silver 
chains. They employed some fifty hands, and their 
sales amounted to many thousands every year. (See 
" Manufactures of North Attleborough.") Since Mr. 
Merritt's death the firm-name continues the same, and 
it employs from sixty to seventy-five hands. About 
1876, Mr. Merritt bought a residence in North Attle- 
borough, and removed his family here. His exten- 
sive business often called him to New York, where he 
spent the larger portion of his time. In politics he was 
a Republican. Nov. 26, 1860, he married Marietta, 
daughter of Warren and Harriet Aldrich. Of this 
union two children have been born, viz., Clara R. 
and Henry D. 

As a business man, Mr. Merritt was very successful. 
He carried into every department a methodical mind, 






Yr/^^£y7^7:2y7 




I 



^ 





^^e^rv 




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oea c( 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



591 



untiring industry, and sterling honesty. In private 
life he was a man of quiet, unassuming manners, un- 
exceptionable habits, and upright in his intercourse 
with others. 



II. C. READ. 



The first ancestor of this line was Brianus, a noted 
man of Lincolnshire, England, who, in 1139, was 
registered as " Brianus de Reed." He left two sons, 
who were respectively named Robert of Reed and 
Thomas of Reed-dale. This new Reed family occu- 
pied nearly the same locality for several centuries. 
From it descended William Rede, an eminent math- 
ematician, who in 1369 was made Bishop of Chiches- 
ter. William Read, born 1450, was a great-grandson 
of the bishop, and had this lineal descent: William, 
born 1490 ; William, born 1510 ; William, born 1.545; 
William, born 1572. This last-named William had 
two sons, — William, born 159(5, and John, born 1598. 
These brothers, with many others of standing and 
substance, became participants in the great Massa- 
chusetts Land Patent, of which Governor Winthrop 
(connected with the Reads by intermarriage) was 
the leader, and in 1(530 came with Wiiithrop's expe- 
dition from near Boston, England, to the place which 
they named Boston also, and which is now the metrop- 
olis of New England. John resided a short time in 
Dorchester, Braintree, and Weymouth, and in 1643, 
with others, emigrated to Rehoboth, in the Plymouth 
Colony, to found a new settlement. He was third on 
the list of original proprietors, and was taxed on 
three hundred pounds, a very large estate for those 
days. He had been a freeman, and held important 
positions in the Massachusetts Colony, and was re- 
garded as a man of substance and responsibility. In 
Rehoboth he became at once a leading citizen. In 
1654 he was appointed sheriff of Rehoboth, a very 
important position, which he held for several years. 
He was an active and influential member of the civil 
and religious society of the times, was much re- 
spected through life, enjoyed a green old age, and 
at eighty-seven years was called from earth, Sept. 7, 
1685. His estate lay on the east side of what is now 
Seekonk Common. He has numerous descendants, 
who, as a body, are thrifty, law-abiding, and indus- 
trious, doing honor to their noble pioneer ancestor. 
The line of descent from John to H. C. Read is this : 
Daniel, born 1655; Daniel, born 1680; Daniel, born 
1710 ; Levi, born 1762; Henry C. 

Henry Clifford Read, son of Levi and Nancy 
(Hunt) Read, was born May 8, 1810, in Attlebor- 
ough, Mass., on the place where he now (1882) re- 
sides. His father was a farmer, honest, industrious, 
and a supporter of all good causes. Unpretentious, 
he was content with the quiet and useful life of agri- 
culture, and from nature and its communion, with a 
heart in deep accord with nature's God, he drew in- 
spirations of health and happiness, and never cared 



to exchange his simple home, the centre of all his 
earthly affections, for the most gorgeous mansion in 
the rushing activities of the city. He was for sixty 
years deacon of the First Congregational Church of 
Attleborough, very prominent in church matters, and 
a liberal giver to all religious and other benefactions. 
He married Nancy, daughter of Joseph Hunt, of At- 
tleborough, and had eight children, — Rufus C, Clem- 
ent 0., Esther, Charlotte A., Henry C, Cynthia M., 
Levi A., Nancy W. Henry is the sole survivor. 
Mr. Read died in 1853, having attained the remark- 
able age of ninety-one years, and left the record 
of an untarnished life of Christian activity and good 
works. 

Henry lived at home till he was twenty-three, re- 
ceived common school advantages, taught two terms 
of school when about twenty-one, became a farmer, 
and also a machinist, which trade he pursued for 
three years in Worcester and Providence. He mar- 
ried, during these years, Eunice D., daughter of 
Samuel Tylor, a prominent citizen of Attleborough. 
Their two children — Samuel T., born 1836 ; and Eunice 
T., born 1840 — are both dead. Samuel was a young 
man of ability. He held commission as captain on 
Gen. Butler's stafl" at the commencement of the great 
Rebellion. At Gen. Butler's request he returned to 
Boston, raised a company, and going into the service, 
attained the rank of colonel. After the war he mar- 
ried Kate Scliofield, of Natchez, Miss., .settled in New 
Orleans, became an insurance collector, afterwards a 
lawyer, and died in 1880, leaving two children, — Katie 
and Mattie. Eunice married George Crawford. Her 
only surviving child, Lincoln, was adopted by an 
aunb; whose name (Hayward) he assumes. Two 
years after this marriage Mr. Read removed to Bond 
County, 111., and was a farmer there for ten years, 
when he returned to the old home, where he has 
since resided. He married, Jan. 3, 1856, Mrs. Abbie 
H. Sherman, daughter of Shadrach and Nancy (Sim- 
mons) Davis, of New Bedford. Her children are one 
by her first husband, William H., and two by Mr. 
Read,— Henry C, born April 10, 1864, and Rufus C, 
born March 23, 1874. 

Mr. Read has been Whig and Republican in politi- 
cal belief; has as such been elected selectman and 
member of the Legislature (1875-76). He lias been 
an honored and worthy citizen, stands high in the 
esteem of his townsmen, has discharged all trusts 
placed in his hands conscientiously and well, and is 
accounted a very liberal man, who never turns a deaf 
ear to suffering or to any enterprise for the betterment 
of humanity, or withholds pecuniary aid from any 
worthy object. Formerly an orthodox Congrega- 
tionalist, of later years he has found great solace in its 
spiritual philosophy, and, supported by this faith and 
the ministrations of a loving wife and children, lie is 
passing down, with much of the vigor of early man- 
hood, contentedly towards the evening twilight of 
earth, in the rectitude of a life well spent, and "with 



592 



HISTORY OF BKISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



malice towards none," leaving the rich legacy of " a 
good name, which is rather to be chosen than great 
riches," to his descendants. He has a pleasant home, 
which has been in the family from his grandiather's 
days, comprising in all about two hundred acres of 
fertile land, and which bears the evidence of refined 
taste. It is worthy of special mention that neither 
Henry C. Kead nor any of his father's family ever 
used tobacco in any form or liquor of any kind. 

Clement O. Read, formerly of Attleborough, died 
at Perth Amboy, N. J. Mr. Read was the son of 
Levi Read, who owned and lived upon the farm now 
owned by H. C. Read. Mr. C. O. Read was the pi- 
oneer in the screw business. He started in the busi- 
ness of manufacturing wood screws in this town, at 
the mill known as the Attleborough City Mill, with 
the machinery that he invented. His pecuniary 
means being limited, he associated Rhode Island capi- 
talists with him, and removed liis works to Provi- 
dence, at the corner of Hewes and Charles Streets, 
where the American Screw Company's mills are now. 
The difficulty of putting a new article upon the mar- 
ket at a price within the reach of the consumer was ( 
an obstacle that the company could not overcome, ' 
and Mr. Read suifered the loss of what money he | 
put into the business. But this enterprise has since 
grown, and the screws manufactured by the company 
that grew out of this effort of our worthy and inge- 
nious townsman have acquired a world-wide reputa- 
tion. After disposing of his interest in his Provi- 
dence business, Mr. Read removed to New Jersey, 
where he died at the age of seventy-nine years. He 
was a thorough mechanic, and during his long, exem- 
plary, and useful life was the author of a large num- 
ber of useful pieces of mechanism. He was a firm 
friend of temperance, a kind father, a true citizen 
and friend, and a man whose memory will be revered 
and loved by all who knew him. He had two brothers 
and two sisters, all of whom are now dead, except Mr. 
Henry C. Read, who resides at the old homestead es- 
tate. 

E. G. MAY. 
Hon. Elisha May, the first of the name in Attle- 
borough, was born in 1729, probably in Barrington, 
and settled in the west part of Attleborough. He 
was a distinguished citizen of the town, often em- 
ployed in public office. He was an active and use- 
ful member of both military and civil departments 
throughout the Revolution, and after tliat was chosen 
legislator or counselor without opposition till he 
would serve no longer. With the exception of one 
year, he held a seat in the Legislature for twenty- 
seven consecutive years, and chiefly in the Senate. 
For almost forty years he was chosen " moderator," 
and at one time was chosen Presidential elector. Of 
quick discernment of men and things, a sound mind, 
a retentive memory, an affidjility to win friends, an 
education considerably above ordinary, he was well 



qualified for public employment, and discharged all 
his duties with signal ability. Courteous in his man- 
ners, honorable and upright in his principles, in every 
relation of life, family, social, or public, he was al- 
ways the same true friend, lovi-ng companion, and 
faithful official. He died Nov. 15, 1811, aged nearly 
seventy-three. Of his eleven children, TuUy, born 
May 24, 1787, was youngest. He was a quiet farmer, 
and, unlike his father, had no desire for official tur- 
moil and preferment. He had strong political pref- 
erences, being an old-fashioned Whig. He married 
Hannah Gay (born Oct. 6, 1791, died March 28, 1875), 
and had four children, — Cynthia (Mrs. Carlos Bar- 
rows), ^/wAa G., Henry F., and Catherine (deceased). 
He died June 19, 1872. 

Other sons or descendants of Elisha May became 
distinguished in public life. 

WiUiarn, born Jan. 26, 1764, graduated at Brown 
University, 1788; a student-at-law ; died July 12, 
1790, in the twenty -seventh year of his age. 

Jesse, another son, was bred a lawyer, and prac- 
ticed at Pawtucket, R. I. (then in Massachusetts), 
but died Feb. 24, 1815, aged thirty-six years. 

John, another son, removed to Maine, and settled 
in Winthrop. His son Seth became a lawyer, and 
was for many years a distinguished judge of the 
Superior Court of that State. 

Lemuel, another son, was a prominent man in 
town, held various town offices, was repeatedly a 
member of the Legislature and also of the Governor's 
Council. 

The second son of Lemuel is John Wilder May, 
graduated at the college in Burlington, Vt., settled as 
a lawyer in Boston, was for some time city attorney, 
and is now one of the judges of the Municipal Court 
of that city. He is the author of several popular 
law works. 

Elisha Gay May, born in Attleborough, Oct. 6, 
1812, was reared a farmer, with only a country boy's 
school advantages for schooling. After becoming of 
age, he worked as a journeyman maker of buttons for 
three years, then returned to his father's farm, where 
he remained for a number of years. In the spring of 
1854 he began the manufacturing of plated and gilt 
jewelry, as one of the firm of William H. Robinson & 
Co. In 1858 this firm was dissolved, and Mr. May 
retired to the pleasant home where he now resides, 
and which he purchased in 1851. Here he has been 
a farmer, and has demonstrated that to be a good 
farmer a tract of large acreage is not necessarily re- 
quired. He married, in October, 18.39, Ann Janette, 
daughter of James and Sarah (Perry) Draper, born 
in Attleborough, Oct. 17, 1814. She comes of an old 
and reputable family of this section, which reaches 
back into the early days of "Merry England" for its 
European origin. 

Mr. May has been a trustworthy citizen, honored 
bntli by the trust and esteem of his townsmen, and 
maintains well the character for honesty and integrity 




\/ijL^ ^ <MMy 



I 
I 



/ 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



5'J3 



held by liis honored grandfatlier. For about forty 
years he has been justice of the peace. He has been 
selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, etc. In pol- 
itics he is a Republican. He has been treasurer of 
Attleborough Farmers' and Mechanics' Association, 
and in all stations has won the commendations of his 
constituents. Kind-hearted and generous, Mr. and 
Mrs. May have been liberal supporters of church or- 
ganizations and benevolence, and the suffering and 
distressed have often been relieved by their unosten- 
tatious ministrations. They have a large place in the 
regards of a circle of numerous friends. 



C. E. W. SHERMAN. 



Charles Edwin Wallace Sherman was born in 
Plympton, Mass., Aug. 1, 1827. From the records of 
that town we take the following concerning his ances- 
tors: "William Sherman was son of Mr. Thomas 
Sherman, of Plymouth, JIass., and was born there 
June 10, 1798. Irene Shaw Standish, his wife, was 
daughter of Mr. Jonathan Standish, by Irene Shaw, 
his wife, and was born in Middleborough, Mass., Oct. 
6, 1800. This Jonathan Standish was son of Moses 
Standish, Jr., sixth in descent from Capt. Miles Stan- 
dish, of 'Mayflower' fame, and whose parents were 
Lieut. Moses and Rachel Standish. Lieut. Moses 
was son of Ebenezer and Hannah Standish, who were 
among the first settlers of Plympton. Ebenezer was 
son of Alexander and Sarah Standish. This Alex- 
ander was the son of the old Puritan w-arrior, one of 
the ' Mayflower' emigrants in 1620, and who settled 
in Duxbury." '"Irene Standish, first wife of Jona- 
than Standish, was the daughter of Joshua Shaw, 
who was son of Samuel and Desire Shaw. Samuel 
was son of Lieut. Jonathan Shaw and his first wife, 
Mehetabel. He was son of Deacon Jonathan Shaw 
and his wife, Phebe. Deacon Jonathan was one of 
the first settlers of Plympton, and one of the first 
deacons of the church there. He and his descend- 
ants lived in that part of Plympton now called 
Carver." Thomas Sherman was born in Plymouth, 
was a hatter, married Priscilla Cottonwood, and 
died previous to 1850 in Brooklyn, N. Y. His son 
William, above spoken of, was a dyer by trade, and 
was also connected with the manufacture of woolen 
goods. He was married Jan. 5, 1823. His children 
were Irene Inez Standish, William Francis, Charles 
E. W. (born in Plympton), and Helen Maria (who 
was born in Dighton). He came to Dighton prior to 
1830, lived later in Halifax, Mass., and died May 18, 
1873, aged seventy-three. His wife died Dec. 5, 1863, 
aged sixty-three. 

Charles became a factory-boy at an early age in his 
father's employ, and worked at nearly all parts of 
woolen manufacturing from the wool in the fleece to 
the " finish." His health becoming poor, however, 
he was obliged to quit this business and seek some 
lighter employment. He secured a place, by the aid 
38 



of friends, in a jewelry manufactory in Attleborough, 
where he passed two years learning engraving. He 
came to Attleborough, where he has since resided, 
April 1, 1848, being then nearly twenty-one. He 
followed engraving sis years, and in July, 1854, in 
connection with George K. Davis, formed the firm of 
George K. Davis & Co., gold and silver refiners, as- 
sayers, and smelters. This copartnership continued 
two years, when Mr. Sherman erected a shop and 
carried on business for himself until the fall of 1875, 
when his son William W. became a partner, and the 
firm became, as it now is, C. E. W. Sherman & Son. 
Mr. Sherman has been all his life a hard-working 
man, and by the results of his own industry enjoys a 
comfortable property. He is a social companion, a 
warm friend, and a useful member of society. 



MAJ. E. S. HORTON AND EDWIN J. HORTON. 

From the best information attainable we learn that 
about or jirior to 1640, three Horton brothers came 
from England. One was John Horton (first genera- 
tion), who settled in Rehoboth, married Mehetabel 
Gamzey, and had five sons — John, Jofhin, Nathaniel, 
Jonathan, and David — and three daughters. Jotham 
(second generation) married a Rounds, and had seven 
children, — Sara, Rhobe, James, Nathan, Barnett, 
Jothan, and Joseph. James and Barnett lived in 
Rehoboth, and served in theRevolution, James being 
a lieutenant. James (third generation) was born July 
18, 1741, and died Aug. 10, 1833, in his ninety-third 
year. He was a very active man. He married 
Freelove Pierce, or Price, born Nov. 8, 1742, died 
Feb. 13, 1809. They had eleven children,— Jane, 
Nathan, Mercy, Lydia, Polly, Freelove, James, Crom- 
well, Rhobe, Jarvis, and Chloe, — all of whom lived to 
be old except Jane and Polly, who died young. 
Cromwell (fourth generation) was born Feb. 23, 
1777, married, Sept. 20, 1801, Percy Martin, born Oct. 
28, 1780, and died in February, 1861. They had 
seven children, — Ellis, Oideon M., Mary, Freelove, 
Belinda, James, and Sylvia. Oideon Martin Horton 
(fifth generation) was born in Rehoboth, May 4, 1804, 
and died in Attleborough, March 7, 1861. He mar- 
ried Mary Smith, Nov. 4, 1832. She was born April 
3, 1811, and died Sept. 2, 1844. They had four chil- 
dren, — Everett S., Edwin J., Gideon M., and Jane J. 
He married for his second wife Mrs. Julia Jackson, 
of Middleborough, Mass. He was an upright man 
and honest citizen, ever ready to aid and forward any 
good work. He kept a country store in Attlebor- 
ough for years. He was never possessed of much of 
this world's goods, but gave his children the wealth 
of good advice and the example of honest industry, 
coupled with true charity and Christian devotion, a 
legacy more precious than gold. 

Everett Southard Horton (sixth generation) was 
born in Attleborough, Mass., June 15, 1836. He iiad 
the advantages of the public schools until he was 



594 



HlSTOlir OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sixteen, when he entered the store of liis father as his 
assistant, and continued with him until his health 
failed him, and the business was relinquished to 
Everett, who continued it until the breaking out 
of the great civil war. He married, June 12, 1861, 
Mary Ann, only daughter of Jesse E. and Mary Car- 
penter, of Attleborough. They had one child, Mary 
Edith, born June 22, 1862. In the spring of 18()2 he 
disposed of his business, and with others recruited a 
company of nine months' men, which elected its 
officers Sept. 18, 1862. They were L. T. Starkey, 
captain ; F. S. Draper, first lieutenant ; E. S. Horton, 
second lieutenant. They were soon commissioned 
by Governor Andrew. Lieut. Horton took hold of 
military matters with the earnestness so characteristic 
of him, and soon became familiar with the drill 
and his official duties. The company went into camp 
at Buxford, Mass., and were mustered into United 
States service Sept. 23, 1862, and organized as Com- 
pany C, Forty-seventh Regiment Massachusetts 
Volunteer Infantry. They were soon ordered to 
New York, and went into camp on Long Island. 
The regiment embarked Dec. 21, 1862, for New 
Orleans, which they reached Jan. 1, 1863. About 
this time the captain resigned, and Lieut. Horton, 
by a large majority of the votes of the company, was 
chosen to succeed him. They were assigned provost 
duty in and around New Orleans, and remained in 
service even after their terra of enlistment had ex- 
pired. They left New Orleans for home via Missis- 
sippi River Aug. 5, 1863. At Cairo took cars foi' the 
East, and were enthusiastically met and/f'te? at every 
stopping-place along the route. On arriving home 
the whole town gave the returning soldiers a grand 
ovation. But the war was not over ; more men were 
needed, and the Governor called for more troops. 
Mr. Horton's patriotic nature again responded, and 
in October he was commissioned second lieutenant, 
and made recruiting officer for the Fifty-eighth Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers. He opened an office in Attle- 
borough, but was soon ordered into camp to take 
charge of recruits for the regiment. He was com- 
missioned captain, and mustered into service as 
commander of Company C, Fifty-eighth Massachu- 
setts Veteran Volunteers. They remained in camp 
at Redville until April 23, 1864, when they went at 
once to participate in the ever to be remembered 
battle of the Wilderness, reaching the field May 6th. 
They were in the long and bloody march from the 
Wilderness to Petersburg, where almost every hour 
was a battle, and well did Company C perform its 
duty. 

After the battle of Cold Harbor, Lieut.-Col. J. C. 
White, commanding regiment, recommended Capt. 
Horton for promotion, and he was mustered into ser- 
vice as major. The commander of the regiment was 
wounded in a charge June 3d, and until Sept. 30, 
1864, the command devolved on Maj. Horton. On 
the last-mentioned day, while leading the regiment 



in action a few miles south of Petersburg, he was made 
a prisoner, and October 3d reached Richmond and 
LihJiy. After being confined in succession at Libby, 
Salisbury, and Danville, he was selected as a " host- 
age" and sent to Libby, reaching there July 28, 1864. 
He remained in that terrible confinement until Feb. 
22, 1865, when,' with many others, he was paroled. 
We give the major's own language in speaking of the 
horrors of Libby: "Pen never can write the whole 
truth, and if it could be told, no one could believe 
that it was possible for men to survive it, or possible 
that any one in the nineteenth century could be guilty 
of such barbarities." We again quote the major's 
words as to his feelings when once more under Amer- 
ican colors : " I can never forget that day, never, 
NEVEE, NEVER. No one that has not experienced 
the same sensations can know aught of the peculiar 
emotions and thouglits that came in throngs in see- 
ing and knowing that once more I was under the 
'Star-Spangled Banner.' Under their influence I 
wrote this letter to my family from the deck of the 
flag-of-truce boat, where each of us was handed a 
sheet of paper and envelope. My family had not 
heard from me for five months, and the newspapers 
■had reported me dead : ' On board God's flag-of-truce 
boat, James River, Feb. 22, 1865. Dear wife,— Out 
of the jaws of death, out of the gates of hell. Once 
more in the land of the living. Well. Love to all. 
Everett.''" He was granted a furlough of thirty days, 
was soon exclianged, and left Attleborough to rejoin 
his regiment in Virginia on the day that Petersburg 
was captured; was soon ordered to Washington, where 
they were on duty until mustered out of service. 
During his service Maj. Horton received seven com- 
missions, and was mustered Into service on six of 
them. He was a gallant soldier, doing all his duty, 
and as an officer, while strict in discipline, he looked 
well after the comfort of his men, and was universally 
po)iular both with officers and soldiers. There is in 
his nature that v/hich indicates the imjjetuosity, dash, 
and rapidity of execution of a successful cavalry offi- 
cer, with a coolness of judgment which prevents bold- 
ness from degenerating into rashness. Since the war 
Maj. Horton has been much interested in and active 
in maintaining the organization of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, of which there is a flourishing post 
at Attleborough. 

The major has been commander of the post several 
times, and now (1883) is commander of Bristol County 
Association of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
The people of Attleborough have always dealt boun- 
tifully with the Grand Army " boys," and especially 
so on Decoration-day. 

In politics Maj. Horton is a Republican. He is a 
commissioner of thp Attleborough Water Supply Dis- 
trict Sinking Fund. He is atrustee of the Richard- 
son School Fund, and secretary of the same ; also 
director of Attleborough Savings and Loan Associa- 
tion. 





. s: M^^^ 




^-^-^^ f I, 



r>x 



ATTLE BOROUGH. 



593 



His first wife died June 21, 1871, and Sept. 24, 
1873, he married Eliza Dutton Freemont, of Ames- 
l5Ury, Mass. Tliey have had two children, — Gertie 
E., born May 29, 1876, and Addie D., who died an 
infant. Not long after returning liome Maj. Horton 
entered the employ of Davids & Cornell, of Provi- 
dence, R. I., as manager of their establishment (the 
largest wholesale grocery-house in the State), and re- 
mained there until after the death of his brother 
Edwin, when he succeeded to his interest in the 
manufacturing house of Horton, Angell & Co., where 
he is now senior partner. The active nature of Maj. 
Horton is shown in his devotion to anything tending 
to build up the interests of his native town, and he is 
always one of the leaders in such matters. Socially 
he is one of the most pleasing of companions, a strong 
and a stanch friend, and a valuable citizen and suc- 
cessful business man. He has a host of friends. 

Edwin J. Horton was born in Attleborough, Nov. 
10, 1837, and was drowned June 11, 1880, a victim of 
the fatal collision between the steamers " Stonington" 
and '' Narragansett," on which last vessel he was a 
passenger. Mr. Horton was the senior member, and 
can be termed the originator, of the firm of Horton, 
Angell & Co., which rose rapidly from a small manu- 
facturing business to be one of the largest in this 
town of large manufactories. He was an uncommon 
man in many ways, as a business man with wonder- 
ful fertility of resource and skill of execution, as a 
deeply conscientious and highly religious nature, and 
a man of unbounded charity. It seems almost unac- 
countable that just in the prime of life, when the ■ 
activities of his being were accomplishing so much 
good, the chapter of his life should close so sadly and 
abruptly, leaving many to mourn his untimely death, 
luit to the question "Why?" comes no answer. As 
a better sketch of the man than we can write we give 
the following, written by one who knew him well: 

With the exception of three years given to the ser- 
vice of his country, his life was spent in the town of 
his nativity. He received his education through the 
public schools, but possessing an active and inquiring 
intellect, and im])roving his exceptional opportuni- 
ties for study and observation, he became in reality a 
thoroughly informed man. Mr. Horton was blessed 
with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. His- 
breezy and genial disposition, his love of and skill in 
quick-witted repartee, made him welcome in every 
business and social circle. He was quite marked for 
the generosity of his heart and life. While with all 
the strength of his strong nature he could and did re- 
buke wrong and wrong-doers, employing for that pur- 
pose the keenest of irony and the severest terms 
of denunciation, yet to the poor, the unfortunate, 
and the sorrowing he was the kindliest of advisers 
and the most generous of benefactors. No one ever 
sought him for counsel or aid and was turned away 
with stern rebuff. If within his power he would 
grant the desired boon. It may safely be recorded 



that no business man of Attleborough bestowed more 
of his material substance for the support of public in- 
stitutions and for the friendly succor of individuals 
than Mr. Horton. The Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation, of which he was president during the last 
year of his life, looked to him for the larger portion 
of the money needed for its support. The same lib- 
erality was manifested in his gifts to the church, the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and other organiza- 
tions of which he was a member. He was emphat- 
ically a " self-made" man. He arrived to a position 
of wealth and influence by dint of indomitable energy 
and perseverance in the short space of ten years. 
Few men have prospered so rapidly, and few men 
have shared their prosperity so freely and unstintedly 
with the community in which they lived. He was a 
prominent actor in municipal affairs. He was bold 
and outspoken upon every question which involved 
jirinciple. No amount of criticism or opposition 
could deter him from a purpose to espouse what he 
considered to be the right. He served his townsmen 
as representative to the General Court in 1879-80. 
He was much beloved in the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, to the interests of which he was devotedly 
attached. On the Decoration-day immediately pre- 
ceding his death he expressed the desire that his 
commander might perform burial rites over his re- 
mains. Little did he think that so soon his earthly 
career would be closed. He enlisted Aug. 17, 1862, 
as a member of Company H, Fortieth Regiment Mas- 
sachusetts Volunteers, and was discharged June 17, 
1865. Be was a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge of 
F. and A. M., and was at his death the Noble Grand 
of Orient Lodge of Odd-Fellows. He joined the 
Second Congregational Church in 1867, and honored 
it with a true heart and pure life until called to the 
church triumphant. 

On May 8, 1862, Mr. Horton was married to Mi.ss 
Addie Lee. In his home he was an affectionate hus- 
band and indulgent father. To make his residence 
attractive for wife and children he made generous 
expenditures of money .<ind time. One of his chil- 
dren, a bright and promising boy, preceded him to 
the better world. Another, Raymond M., remains 
to comfort her for whom he cherished such fond de- 
votion. The funeral obsequies of Mr. Horton were 
observed in the Second Congregational Church, June 
15, 1880. Rev. W. A. Spaulding, the pastor, and 
Rev. Francis N. Peloubet, a former pastor, paid fitting 
tribute to the character of the deceased, and Rev. 
Samuel Bell, a former pastor, offered a most tender 
petition for the bereaved family and community. 
More than eleven hundred people viewed the re- 
mains, which were then entombed in Woodlawn 
Cemetery with the usual rites of honor by the Grand 
Army. 



596 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ALFRED PIERCE. 

Alfred Pierce is descended from the Pierce family, 
who were among the early settlers of Eehoboth, Mass. 
His grandfather, Barnard Pierce, was a resident of 
that town and a much-respected citizen. (In the his- 
torical part of this volume will be found references 
to the ancient Pierce family in Rehoboth.) Jeremiah, 
the father of Alfred, was born in Rehoboth, Aug. 29, 
1786. By occupation he was a carpenter and farmer. 
He was a successful business man, honorable and 
upright, and a useful, much-loved citizen of the 
town. He married, Nov. 9, 180ti, Candace Wheeler. 
She was born Sept. 30, 1789. They had eleven chil- 
dren, — five boys and six girls, — of whom ten are yet 
living. 

Mr. Pierce died March 23, 1837. Mrs. Pierce died 
Oct. 18, 1882, having attained the remarkable age of 
ninety-three years and eighteen day.s. 

Alfred Pierce was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Dec. 
31, 1821. He had only such opportunities for edu- 
cation as were afforded by the district schools of his 
town at that time, and at an early age he applied 
himself to learning the practical duties and require- 
ments of business, being apprenticed to learn the car- 
penter's trade when only fifteen years of age. At the 
age of nineteen he engaged in business for himself as 
a carpenter at Pawtucket, R. I., where he continued 
about four years. He then returned to Rehoboth, 
where he divided his time between farming and his 
trade for about two years more, when he removed to 
Attleborough and devoted himself to carpentering 
till 1851, when he yielded to the flattering induce- 
ments then held out for hardy, adventurous spirits by 
the newly-discovered gold fields of California. To 
that country he went, and after gratifying his curios- 
ity and trying his luck in the mines a year and a half 
on the Pacific slope, he embarked for Melbourne, 
Australia. Upon his arrival in that country he 
engaged in mining, and met, as he had in Califor- 
nia, with very fair success. After remaining there 
some ten months he embarked on liis return trip to 
his native land. At Aspinwall he stopped some 
weeks and worked at his trade of carpentering, when 
he then returned to Attleborough, Mass., where he 
has since resided, with the exception of about eigh- 
teen months which he spent in Illinois. 

When Mr. Pierce first commenced business in At- 
tleborough it was as a carpenter, but about 1869 he 
engaged in lumbering and coal-dealing, associating 
with himself Mr. A. B. Carpenter, under the firm- 
name of Pierce & Carpenter, which copartnership 
exists at the present time. They have been emi- 
nently successful, and the business has now assumed 
large proportions and is one of the solid concerns of 
that enterprising and thriving town. On Dec. 6, 
1865, he married Martha R. Williams, daughter of 
Thomas and Polly (Richardson) Williams, of Attle- 
borough. She was born July 23, 1837. They have 
but one child, Marian W., born May 24, 1867. Mr.s. 



Pierce is descended on the maternal side from an 
honorable and celebrated family (Richardson). For 
extended account of ancestry, see " Genealogy of 
Richardson Family." 



ISAAC ALGER. 

Isaac Alger is a lineal descendant of the seventh 
generation from Thomas Alger, and was born in At- 
tleborough, Mass., June 5, 1830. Thomas Alger, the 
first of the name in this country, was one of eight 
men bearing the name of Alger who settled in New 
England during the seventeenth century. The exact 
time of his arrival is not known, but it was some time 
previous to 1665, as at that date we find him at Taun- 
ton, Mass., near the Three-Mile River, a stream flow- 
ing through tlie eastern part of Taunton. On the 14th 
of November, 1665, he married Elizabeth Packard, 
a daughter of Samuel Packard, of Wymondham, 
England, who with his wife and child came to Amer- 
ica in 1638, in the ship " Diligent," settled in Hiug- 
ham, then in Bridgewater, Mass., where he died about 
1684. Thomas Alger settled towards the close of his 
life within the limits of Bridgewater, where it is sup- 
posed lie died. 

He had at least two children, perhaps more, viz., 
Israel and Deliverance. 

Israel Alger was a farmer on the north side of the 
"Town River," in Bridgewater. He was a man of 
influence and wealth for those days. He married 
Patience, daughter of Nathaniel Hayward, and grand- 
daughter of Thomas Hayward, one of the original 
proprietors and first settlers of Bridgewater. Her 
uncle, Hon. Thomas Hayward, Jr., was a judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas, and one of the Gov- 
ernor's Assistants. She died before 1730. He died 
about 1726. His children were Israel, Joseph, 
Thomas, Nathaniel, and John. 

Joseph Alger, born Oct. 6, 1694 (IsraeP, Thomas'), 
was a farmer in Bridgewater, Mass., near or at 
" Flaggy Meadow Brook." He married Mary, daugh- 
ter of William Ames, in 1719. Their children were 
Mary, Joseph, Patience, Bethiah, John, Susanna, Na- 
than, and Edmiuiil, born Sept. 16, 1739. 

Edmund Alger (Joseph^, Israel''', Thomas') was a 
farmer iq West Bridgewater, was twice married, first 
to Ruth, daughter of Deacon Isaac Willis, in 1761. 
She died April 22, 1794, aged fifty-seven, and he mar- 
ried for his second wife Molly Thompson in 1796. 
She died Feb. 23, 1798, aged fifty-two, without issue. 
He died Nov. 21, 1817, aged seventy-eight. His chil- 
dren were Edmund, Isaac, Nathan, Ruth, and Willis. 

Isaac Alger (Edmund*, Joseph^ IsraeP, Thomas') 
was born Aug. 10, 1764, in Bridgewater, Mass., and 
settled in Attleborough, Mass., about 1810 to 1815, 
on the farm now (1882) owned by his grandson, Isaac 
Alger. He married Susanna Johnson in 1788. Shewas 
born in 1772, and was the daughter of Joseph John- 
son, who married Bethiah Alger (Joseph*, Joseph', 





2^-C-^X^ 




// 



ATTLEBOROUGH. 



597 



Israel", Thomas'). Isaac Alger died in 1842, leaving 
children, — Hannah, Susanna, Williird J., and Louisa, 
who died in the fifteenth year of her age. 

Wiltard J. Airier (Isaac^, Edmund*, Joseph', IsraeP, 
Thomas'), a farmer in Attleborough, Mass., married 
Lois Brown, of Foxborough, April 12, 1828. He died 
Sept. 26, 1855, and his widow is now (1882) living on 
the old Alger homestead in Attleborough with her 
son Isaac. She is a Methodist. Their children are 
Isaac, Ella, Eliza, born Sept. 26, 1832, married Joseph 
Gleason ; Nathan S., born May 14, 1835, married 
Olive J.Tripp; and Mary V., born July 11, 1839, 
died Feb. 13, 1858. 

Isaac Alger (Willard J.'', Isaac^, Edmund*, Joseph', 
Israel'-, Thomas') received a common school educa- 
tion. At fourteen he was obliged to leave school, no 
more to return to it. At eighteen he commenced 
taking charge of the farm, and how well he has siic- 
ceeded the following story will tell. 

He married Susan Matthewson, Jan. 7, 1857. Of 
this union three children have been born, viz., Susan, 
born Oct. 19, 1857, married Eugene F. Pearce, June 
17, 1875; Isaac, born Jan. 8, 1868; and John Willis, 
born Aug. 17, 1870. 

In politics he was a Republican till 1878, when he 
became a Democrat, and has since affiliated with that 
party. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alger are members of the Conerega- 
tional Church of Attleborough. We quote the fol- 
lowing from the Attleborough Chronicle: 

For the past three-quarters of a century the premises 
now considered have been known as the Alger farm. 
A portion of the premises we should have said, for 
the present owner has trebled the original farm, which 
was purchased of Isaac Tiffany by Isaac Alger, grand- 
father to the present owner. The farm then contained 
one hundred acres, mostly devoted to woodland. Mr. 
Alger was a moderate farmer, who did not endeavor 
to make much more than a living for himself and 
family by his labors. At his death the premises 
passed into the hands of his son, Willard J., and 
through him, by will from the grandfather, to the 
present Isaac Alger. Under the management of W. 
J.Alger the farm was allowed to run down, the wood 
being cut and sold to pay indebtedness, while the till- 
age lands and pastures were annually robbed of their 
crop without receiving compensation for the same. 

Isaac had remained on the place after his grand- 
father's death, much against his inclination, at the 
earnest desire of his family. At the age of twenty- 
six years he found himself po.ssessed of this farm of 
one hundred acres of positively bare land, on which 
there was, for those times, a heavy mortgage. There 
was not at the time vitality enough in the whole 
amount of broken land to produce six tons of poor hay. 
With this legacy, which was several hundred dollars 
worse than nothing, Mr. Isaac Alger commenced his 
career as a New England farmer. To-day his farm is 
among the very best to be seen in the town, and he 



himself is reckoned among our most prosperous and 
! well-to-do citizens. 

Now the farm comprises three hundred acres, from 
a small portion of which he cuts an annual supply of 
fifty tons of hay. Of the three hundred acres the 
greater part is woodland. There are from thirty to 
forty acres in pasturage, forty acres in tillage, ten 
acres of cultivated cranberry land, and ten acres of 
natural cranberry meadow. The buildings on the 
place consist of the home house, — a roomy, comforta- 
ble cottage, — a large roomy barn, built with a view to 
having no waste space, the cranberry house, and five 
houses for rental. To run the farm Mr. Alger employs, 
beside his own boys, the oldest of whom is the salesman 
for the place, three men, hired by the month the year 
round, and extra help by the day as is required, two 
horses and two pair of oxen. Of the latter-named 
stock the pair we saw standing in the stalls would 
make most farmers envious. They are perfect mates, 
weighing about three thousand four hundred, and 
are better beef to-day than much that finds itself to 
our markets as first quality. To the stock named 
should be added from four to six cows. The milk 
from these is delivered to Mrs. Alger, who has the 
entire charge of it and all the money derived from 
this product of the place. Several families are sup- 
plied, the household is kept in butter, and what milk 
is left is eagerly taken up by the milkmen. 

But the leading crop and greatest source of revenue 
is the cranberry crop. When Mr. Alger took the 
farm he tried to persuade a younger brother to remain 
with him and go into raising cranberries, believing 
there was money in the proper cultivation of that 
berry. The brother declined, believing, on the con- 
trary, that it never could be made to pay. Mr. Alger 
commenced alone. Having limited means he began 
in a small way, " making" but a small piece of land 
each year. The process of "making" consists of re- 
moving from the natural meadow all the turf, and 
filling in to the depth of from four to six inches with 
gravel, in which the plants are set. This is all, but 
this done,'and you may wait four or five years for any 
profit. The land thus " made" is made for years, and 
requires little labor beyond an occasional coating of 
sand, and little attention to keep it clear from grass 
or weeds. The land first made by Mr. Alger is in as 
good condition to-day as when it first came to bear- 
ing twenty years ago. In this manner, liy degrees, 
Mr. Alger has reclaimed ten acres of natural meadow. 
The crop takes care of itself pretty much, and only 
during picking time is there any rush. Picking 
begins usually about September 10th, and lasts into 
October. The average yield for the past three years 
has been two thousand bushels. To pick these 
requires the help of about one hundred pickers. 
Pickers get fifty cents a bushel, and earn from 
one dollar to three dollars per day according to 
their activity. Mr. Alger had one young man em- 
ployed who picked five pecks of clear berries in fifty- 



598 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



seven minutes by the watch. The berries are taken 
from the field to the dry-house, where they are spread 
and allowed to remain until they are brought to a 
uniform color, when they are ready for market. In 
preparing the fruit for shipment the greatest care is 
used in grading, and nothing is put upon the market 
that is not marked in the grade for which it is sold. 
Mr. Alger finds his market principally in Chicago, 
but ships to New York and Philadelphia. He sells 
all his fruit for cash delivered on the cars at Attle- 
borough, and has no trouble with freights. 

As with other fruit there are varieties, — the " Bell," 
the "Bugle," the " Cherry." The latter is the best 
selling of the three. But Mr. Alger has originated a 
variety which he terms the "Black Pond Seedling," 
which for his use he has found to be superior to either 
of the others. It is of good size, solid, and its keep- 
ing properties are par excellence. His Western market 
is later than the New York market, and this quality 
of the Black Pond makes it desirable for shipment to 
Chicago. 

Thus we have presented to our readers the work- 
ings of a farm run to make money, and that in 
twenty-five years has been brought from a barren 
tract of waste land to a farm of the most fertile acres. 
It is refreshing to hear a man talk with regard to 
New England farming in the manner Mr. Alger does. 
In answer to the question, " Does your farm, aside 
froni the cranberry crop, pay?" Mr. Alger replied, 
" The one helps the other ; the farm supplies teams 
to work on the meadows, and the meadows furnish 
material to be put upon the farm. If you want to 
ask the question, ' Does farming pay ?' I say, most as- 
suredly, yes ; just as good a profit as any other busi- 
ness with the same amount of capital and labor ex- 
pended. There is not a crop you can put into the 
ground but will pay a handsome profit, rightly man- 
aged," and he added with considerable earnestness, 
" especially in Attleborough. Attleborough is the 
best market in the United States." 

Not every farmer in and about Attleborough will 
indorse his occupation as enthusiastically as does 
Mr. Alger, and some may citicise him for so doing, 
but Mr. Alger knows whereof he aflBrms, and has 
demonstrated his statements to be correct, so far as 
they concern himself at least. 



CHAKLES E. HAYAVAKD. 
On the main line of the Boston and Providence 
Railroad, at East Attleborough, is situated the jew- 
elry manufactory of Hayward & Briggs. Charles E. 
Hayward, senior member of this firm, was born at 
North Attleborough, Mass., Aug. 28, 1824, and was 
the son of Capt. Abraham Hayward, who was son of 
Abraham Hayward, who lived in Boston and was 
clerk of King's Chapel in that city, under which he 
lies buried. Capt. Abraham Hayward was captain 
of a privateer in the war of 1812. He knew no fear, 



and hated the British as only a strong, positive nature 
could do. He was thirty years a sea-captain. He 
married Mariette Daggett, and had seven children. 
Charles had a common school education, and at the 
age of seventeen was apprenticed to the firm of TifTt 
& Whiting, which was the first-to commence the 
manufacture of gold jewelry in North Attleborough; 
with them he continued five years. He worked after- 
wards as a journeyman for two or three years, then 
on his own account for two or three years more in 
North Attleborough, and in 1851 moved to East 
Attleborough, when, with others, he established the 
firm of Thompson, Hayward & Co. This firm soon 
acquired a good reputation and a profitable trade. 
This copartnership was dissolved in 1855, and Mr. 
Hayward formed a partnership with Mr. Briggs, under 
the firm-name of Hayward & Briggs. This firm has 
continued to the present time (1883). The inventive 
talents of Mr. Hayward have been active and suc- 
cessful in arranging patterns and designs for new and 
artistic sets of jewelry, while the factory has been 
supplied with ample and excellent machinery for the 
making of these articles. Mr. Hayward has not con- 
fined his capital or energies to the manufacture of 
jewelry at East Attleborough. About 18G7, with 
three others, he founded the New York Watch Com- 
pany at Providence, R. I., which was afterwards re- 
moved to Springfield, Mass., where it is now estab- 
lished. 

Mr. Hayward married, June 14, 1854, Charlotte E., 
daughter of George and Eliza (Wakefield) Wheel- 
wright, of Boston. They have two children, — Florence 
M., married Joseph L. Sweet, of Attleborough, and 
has one child, Harold E. ; and Walter E., a graduate 
of 1883 at Harvard University. 



EUGENE H. RICHARDS. 

Eugene H. Richards was born Nov. 17, 1843. He 
graduated from Tuft's College in July, 1862, and im- 
mediately enlisted as a private in Company H, For- 
tieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. He was 
commissioned second lieutenant Aug. 15, 1862, and 
promoted to first lieutenant July 2, 1863. He took 
part in all the battles that his regiment did, served 
with credit to himself, and was honorably discharged 
in 1864. 

Upon his entirement from the army he immediately 
entered the employ of his father, who had removed 
his business to Boston in March, 1863. In 1870, Mr. 
Richards entered into partnership with his father un- 
der the firm-name of H. M. Richards & Co., manu- 
facturers of jewelry and novelties in metal. No. 7 
Green Street, Boston. In 1880 he succeeded his 
father in the business, but still retains the old firm- 
name. He is doing a good business. He is a prom- 
inent and active member in Masonry, and has held 
and now holds important offices in both York and 





r^.^-r,^^'. 



fe^'i:^^^?^ 



NORTON. 



599 



Scottish Rites. He is a member of tlie Second (Uni- 
tarian) Cliurch, Boston. Oct. 18, 1869, he married 
Frances A. Jordan, of Boston. They have no chil- 
dren. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

NORTON. 

Geograpliical-^Original Purcliasera — Oi'igiiial Bounds — Petition for Pre- 
cinct — iDcorporationof Town — Tlie First Settlements — E.Ktracts from 
Records — Early Settlers. 

The town of Norton lies in the northern part of the 
county, and is hounded as follows : On the north by 
Mansfield and Easton, on the east by Easton and 
Taunton, on the south by Taunton and Rehoboth, 
and on the west by Attleborough. 

Norton originally comprised, in addition to its 
present territory, the present towns of Mansfield and 
Easton. Easton and the greater part of Mansfield, 
with a portion of Norton, comprised what was known 
as the " North Purchase," which was purchased June 
6, 1668, of Thomas Prence, Josias Winslow, Thomas 
Southworth, and Constant South worth ("the country's 
agents"), by Richard Williams, Walter Dean, George 
Macey, Jani£s.^Uker, Joseph Wilbor, AVilliam Har- 
vey, Thomas Leonard, John Turner, Henry Andrews, 
John Cob, George Hall, John Hall, Samuel Hall, 
James Leonard, Sr., Nathaniel Williams, Thomas 
Williams, Nicholas White, Sr., Nicholas White, Jr., 
Hezekiah Hore, Alice Dean, Israel Dean, Robert 
Grossman, Shadrack Wilbor, Thomas Caswell, John 
Hacomber, John Smith, Edward Rew, John Parker, 
Samuel Panle, Thomas Lincoln, Sr., Thouias Harvey, 
Sr., Nathaniel Thayre, Thomas Lincoln, Jr., Peter 
Pits, Jonah Austin, Sr., John Richmond, Samuel 
Williams, Christopher Thrasher, Mrs. Jane Gilburt, 
George Watson, Samuel Smith, James Burt, Richard 
Burt, John Tisdell, Sr., John Tisdell, Jr., James 
Phillips, Edward Bobbot, John Hathway, Jonathan 
Brigs, Increase Robinson, John Briant, Thomas Har- 
vey, Jr., and was called " Taunton North Purchase." ' 

This tract was bounded as follows: " Begining on 
the north-west, att the bounds of the lands formerly 
sold bj' us unto the Town of Rehoboth, and to be 
bounded on the northerly syde by the Massachusetts 
line, untill it cometh to beare with the Western 
bounds of the Town of Bridgewater ; and soe from 
the said Jlassachusetts line by a south line home to 
the bounds of Taunton, and thence by a Westerly 
line untill it meets with the bounds of Rehoboth 
aforesaid: and so to follow the said bounds of Reho- 
both untill it comes unto the bounds first mentioned 
upon the Massachusetts line ; all the lands within 
this compas, excepting onely a small parcel granted 
unto John Bundey, and alsoe a grant made unto 

1 " Marcli 8, 1681-2. — By order of ye Court, BIr. George Shove his 
name was atfixed to the ed. deed as a proprietor." 



Thomas Briggs, the son of Clement Briggs, together 
with the meddows, woods, waters, and other benefitts, 
privileges, emoluments, profiitts, and emunities thereto 
appertaining and belonging." 

Incorporation of the Town. — The first move to- 
wards the formation of a precinct was under date 
Nov. 27, 1707, as follows : 

'* We whose names are underwritten, being part of the Inhabitants 
of Taunton old Town, and part of Taunton north purchase, being all 
very sensible of the great ditlicnlty that we are under in livei[ig so re- 
mote from the publick worship of God, and great need of haveing it 
settled amongst ns, that so our children and those under our care & 
charge, as well as ourselves, may injoy the meons of grace, and in order 
tlieirto, we have this 27th day of novem., 1707, met togetlier, and made 
choice of George Leonard and Nicholas White, whonie we chuse as our 
agents to act in our behalf in makeing Request to the town to bound us 
out a presink for the maintainnence of a minister; and tliat, when we 
have procured a minister to dispence the word of Gud amongst [us,J we 
might be freed from paying to the minister & Schoolmaster at town, and 
we do also give our sd, agents full power to do any further act or acta, 
thing or things, that they shall see needfuU to be dun for ye bounding 
of sd precink, and procureing an able orthodox minister to be orderly 
Settled amongnst us, whether it be by petitioning to the General court 
to Settle the bounds of sd. precink, or by any other way or nieens what- 
soever; as witness our hands, the djiy and year above written, we 
further promise, that in case a minister be procurde as abovesd., thatwe 
will each of us pay onr proportion by way of rate for his maintainauce. 
witness our hands, George Leonard, Nicholas White, John Lane, Thomas 
Bratnan, sen., Thomas Stevens, Selvanis Gamble, John Briggs, John 
Hodges, Nathaniell Hodges, Samuell Hodges, Jabez Pratt, Thomas Bra- 
man, jun., William Hodges, Robert Tucker, Epliraim Grover, Mathew 
White, Seth Borman, Ebenezer Hall, John Caswell, jun., Benjamin Cas- 
well, John Wetherell, Ebenezer Edy, Siimuel Biintnell, John Caswell, 
sen., Eliezer Fisher, Richard Briggs, William Wetherell, sen., Eliezer 
Edy, John Cob, Andrew Grover, Peter Aldriili, Israel Fisher, Thomas 
Grover, Nathaniel Fisher, Joseph Briggs, Benjamin Williams, Nathaniell 
Harvey, John Briggs,jun., Nicholas Smith, John Newland, William Cob, 
Benjamin Newland, John Skinner." 

Petition to the Town of rumiton— "March ye 2:5d, 1708.— Whereas di- 
vers Inhabitants of Taunton north purchase, together with divers of the 
I Inhabitants of Taunton old township, bordering on the north purchase, 
made choice of we, the subscribers, wliome they chose its thare Agents 
to make request to the town to bound us out a precinct for the main- 
tanance of a minister; we, whose names are underwritten, do therefore, 
in the behalf of our friends and neighbours, humbly & earnestly desire 
the town seriously to consider of the vary difficult circumstances that 
we are under in liveing so remote from the puljlique worship of God, 
that great part of the year we cannot come to meeting; and that we can 
at no time of the year, without very great dificulty, bringing allmost 
any of our children to meeting: so that, if we continue long after this 
manner, the sowls of our children, and those under our care aud charge, 
will be in danger of perisliing for lack of knowledge, tor it is Evident 
from scriptre that faith comes by heering, and heeriiig by the word 
preacht. Tho we are not insencable of onr poverty, and gicat difficulty 
that we shall thereby meet with in carrying on such desire, yet, on the 
other hand, we have cans to bo thankfull that our neighbours are gener- 
ally very forward to promote so good a work ; and our povertye can be 
no Argument to have our preciidc lesened, but rather Enlarged, whare- 
fore we Earnestly desire and hope that the town will forward and in- 
corage so good a design, and giant that the military line may be the 
bounds of the precint, which is hurt's brook, and from tlie mouth of sd. 
brook to the bridge neer wiliiam wetherell, and from sd. bridge north- 
Estardly to tlje norlh-puTchase line ; that so we may not have one line 
for the military, and another for the minister, and, in hopes you will 
grant us this our request, we subscribe ourselves your humble pe- 
tioners, 

" Geoboe Leonard. 

"John Wethbueli.. 

"NluHoLAS White.'' 

Not receiving the desired encouragement from the 
old town they petitioned the General Court as follows, 
under date Oct. 20, 1708 : 



600 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"To his Excelleiuy Joseph Dudley, Eaquire, Capt.-Generall and Gover- 
nor-in-chief in and over hei' niajestie's province of the Massachusetts 
bay iu New England; And to the Honored counciU and Kepreeenta- 
tives now convened in Generall court this 20 day of October, 1708: 
"The humble petition of Diverse of the Inhabitants of Taunton 
North purchase, and Diverse of tlie Inhabitants of Taunton old Town- 
ship bordering on said north purchase, humbly sheweth, that sd. Inhabi- 
tants being vary sensible of the great difficulty they are now under in 
liveing su remote from the publick worship of God, and the great need 
of having it settled amongst them, that so their children, and those 
under their care and charge, as well as themselves, may Injoy the 
meens of Grace, They made choice of us, the subscribers, to be their 
agents, to make known their desire to the town of Taunton to have a 
precinct bounded out to them for their maintenance of a minister to 
dispeuce the word of God among them; and also to petition the Gen- 
erall Court to settle the bounds of sd. precinct ; and also to procure an 
able orthodox minister to be orderly settled among them, as may appear 
by a writeing under their hands, dated November tlie 27th, 1707, and 
also on the 2;^d of march, 170S; by which writing they also promise to 
pay their proportion by way of rate fur the maintenance of sd. minister 
provide as abuvesd. In pursueance of sd. power and trust committed to 
us, we have communicated this matter to the town of Taunton, at a 
town meeting; and although we have Great lucorragement that the 
most considerable Leading men will be and are for it, yet there is some 
few that do hesitate about the bounds That we desire for sd. precinct; 
BO that hetherto nothing of that nature is finished, and seeing our 
young ones increase and grow up apace, and that the Lord hath in 
marcy (as we hope it is in niarcy) so Inclined the hearts of our neigh- 
bours so earnestly to desire and seek after this thing, we therefore, the 
subscribers, as agents for and in the behalf of sd. Inhabitants, do hum- 
bly pray this Generell Court to grant this our humlile petition, and the 
boundsofsd. precinct which we desireis, the line or bounds of the military 
company called the North-purchase company may be the bounds of the 
said precinct, which is a brook called hurt's brook, and from the mouth of 
ed. brook to wennaconnit bridge, and from sd. bridge northeasterd to the 
North-purchase line, but leaveing out of sd. precinct all the inhabitants 
in the North purchase that commonly go to Bridgewater meeting, who 
live on tiie Estardly side of the rbode that Leeadeth from winnacunnit 
to the bay, — for they in time hope to be a precinct with part of Bridge- 
water, which we shall not oppose, — but takeing into sd. precinct all be- 
longing to Tauntnn old Township within the bounds above mentioned, 
but, if all the North purchase ware Euexed to Taunton for the present, 
we think it woald be best for Ihe manageing of public concerns; only 
that the lands within the bounds settled and agreed on between the pro- 
priators of Taunton North purchase and thair neighbours, on all parts, 
be confirmed to said proprietoi-s, and the abovesaid precinct settled for 
the maintainance of the ministry in said precinct, and we fi^rther pray 
that this honored court woald also apoint a committee to order where 
the meeting-house shonld be sett, all which, if this honoured court 
please to grant, your humble petitioners shall, as in duty they are 
bound, ever pray. 

"George Leonard, ) Agents for and in the behalf 
"Nicholas White, ) of yaid Inhabitants." 

The following action was taken by the General 
Court upon this petition : 

"22 Goto., 1708.— Kead iu Council; and Ordered, that the Selectmen 
of Taunton be served with a copy of this Peton., and heard thereupon 
before this Court upon the Second Tuesday of the next Session of ye sd. 
Court, if auy thing they liave to say why the prayer of the within Peti- 
tion should not be granted. 

" ISA. Addington, Secretary. 
"Sfiit dowu for concurrence." 

" In the House of Representatives, Oct. 25, 1708. — Read and Passed a 
concurrence, And that the Hearing be upon the Second Tuesday of the 
next Session of this Court. 

" Agreed : " Thomas Oliver, Speaker. 

"Consented to: "J. Dnni.EY." 

May 25, 1709, the town answered to the General 
Court as follows : 

"To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esquire, Captain-Generall, Gov- 
ernor-in-chief in and over her niajestie's Province of the Massachusetts 
bay, and the rest of the houorable Council! and Representatives Con- 
vened iu Generall Court, May the 25, 1709, humbly Sheweth : 



" That whereas the Honoured Court sent to the Selectmen of Taunton 
to show their reasons (if any they have) why Taunton North purchase 
aTid South Purchase should not have their prayer granted, — 

'■ In answer whereunto we say that although it hath pleased God to 
Increase our numbers, — which we hope is iu mercj', — yet must say that 
through the providence of God, a great many are so extream poor, and 
rates and taxes so high, that we find it hard and dificult to rub along, 
and the Generality of the North purchase are' so poor that we ffear they 
will not be able to build a meeting-house and to maintain a minister-" 

"The North jjurchase we think it Itetter ffor them to be a Towuship 
than a precinct. 

"This is our last and finall answer uppon mature couci deration. 

" Israel Thrasher^ 
"John Spur, 
"Ezra Dean, 

" Selectmen." 

" We, whose names are underwritten, are of the same mind with those 
above, — 

" Thomas Leonard, Henry Hodges, Samuel Deane, Seth WillianiB, Jo- 
seph Williams.'" 

At the same time the ** precinct committee" were 
urging their cause before the General Court. 

June 4, 1709, Taunton appeared at the General 
Court with a remonstrance against the prayer of the 
petitioners, signed by James Leonard, Philip King, 
Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Harvey, and Jonathan Pad- 
dleford. Finally, after various petitions and remon- 
strances, the precinct was formed Sept. 19, 1709. 

The following order in relation to the organization 
of the precinct as a town is under date March 17, 
1710-11 : 

"The following Order passed by the Council and Assembly respectively 
upon the Petition of the North Precinct in Taunton, Praying to be made 
a Town, having the consent of Taunton therefor, vi/,., — 

"Ordered, That the I^orth Precinct in Taunton be, and hereby ie 
granted to be a Town, distinct from the Town of Taunton, by the name 
of Norton, and have and enjoy the Powers, Imniuuities, and Privileges 
by law granted to Townships, and that a bill be projected, and brought 
in at the next Session of this Court, fully to perfect the sd Grant. Pro- 
vided that the East End of the North Purchase shall have half the said 
Purchase as their Precinct when they are able to maintain a minister 
and this Court judge them so. 

" Consented to. 

" J. Dudley." 

Act of Incorporation.— The following is the act 
of incorporation : 

"-4h Act for raising a new Town by the name of Norton, loiihin the County of 
Bristol : 

" Whereas, The tract of Land commonly called and known by the 
name of the North Purchase, Lying situate within the Township of 
Taunton, in the county of Bristol, ciicnmscribed within the Lines and 
Bounderies prescribeil by a committee some time since appointed by the 
General Assembly, as follows, viz.: Beginning at the Line between the 
two late Colonies of the Massachusetts and Plymouth, in the lino of the 
said North purchase and Attleborough ; from thence Running South- 
ward to Rehoboth Noith-East Corner; and from tlience Eastward, on 
the North-purchase Line, to Taunton bounds; thence eiistwani to tlie 
Mouth of the Brook calld Burt's Brook, aiul extending from the mouth 
of Burt's Brook to the Bridge over the Hill River, near Wm. Witberel's; 
and from thence Nortli-eastward to the North-Purchase Line; and, from 
the North-purchase Line, the Road that leads from the said Bridge to- 
wards Boston to be the Bounds till it come to the Lino betwixt the two 
Late Colonies aforesaid; which Line to be tlie bounds to Attleborough 
aforesaid was set off from Taunton by and with the consent of that 
To«n, and by an order of the General .\ssembly, passed at their Session 
in March, 1710, made a distinct and separate Town from Tawntou, con- 
taining a sufficient quantity of Lands and a competent number of 
Inhabitants for that purpose, and named Norton ; the full perfecting of 
the said Grant being adjourned and refered to the present Courts. 

"In pursuance, therefore, of the afore-recited Order and Grant, and 
for the completing and perfecting of the same. Be it enacted by his Ex- 



NORTON. 



601 



cellency the Governor, Couucil, and Representiitives in General Court 
assemblefl, and by the autliority of the same, Tliat the aforesaid Tract 
of Land commonly called the North Purchase, circumscribed and 
bounded as above expressed. Be and is Granted to be a Township Dis- 
tinct and sepai-ate from Taunton ; the Town to be named Norton, and 
the Inluibitants thereof to have, Use, Excercise, and enjoy all such Ini- 
muuities. Powers, and Privileges as other Towns within this Pi-ovince 
have and do by Law excercise and enjoy, so that tiie said Inhabitants 
settle an able. Learned, Orthodox Minister in the said Town, and from 
time to time allow him a Comfortable support, 

"Provided Nevertheless, Tliat the Inhabitants in tile east end of the 
said North Purchase shall have one-half of the said Purchase as their 
Precinct, when they are able to maintiiin a minister, and this Court 
judge tlieni so. 

"Junelllth, 1711. 

" This Bill, having been read thlee several times in the llouse of Rep- 
resentatives, passed to be enacted. 

"John Burrill, Speaker. 

" Bead three several times iu Council, Concllred, and passed to bo 
enacted. 

" Isaac Addington, Sectri/. 

" By his Excellency. 

"I consent to the enacting of this Bill. 

" J. DtlDLEV." 

The First Settlements.— To William Wetherell 
is due the honor of having been the first settler 
within the bounds of the present town of Norton. 
He located in 1669 on the easterly side of Winnecon- 
net Pond. Kev. Mr. Clark, in his excellent " History 
of Norton," says, — 

" By an examination of the Proprietors' Records of 
the old town of Tannton (p. 50), I find that on the 
29th of April, 1669, William Wetherell sold several 
parcels of land situated on and near Mill River 
(which is the stream that runs out of Winneconnet 
Pond), and included in this sale were ' five accres, 
more or less, which was granted to him by the town 
for a home-lotte.' And on the same day was laid out 
to him, in four lots, about sixty acres of land on the 
easterly and northerly side of the pond ; and the 
bounds of these lots can be pretty generally identi- 
fied at the present time. Hence we think, in the ab- 
sence of all testimony to the contrary, that in the 
spring of 1669, and on the east side of the pond, only 
a few rods from the meadow, was erected the first 
habitation in our town. 

"Tradition says that this William Wetherell, whose 
name will ever be a household word to the people of 
Norton, came from England in the capacity of a 
cabin-boy, with William Dunn, the master of the 
vessel, and one of the original proprietors of Taun- 
ton, who is said to have soon returned to England, 
leaving his cabin-boy in charge of his proprietary, 
with the understanding that if he (Dunn) did not 
return to claim it, the right should escheat to young 
Wetherell, and such was the result. Of the exact 
time Capt. Dunn arrived in America we have no re- j 
liable account; it might have been just before the 
settlement of Taunton, and he might have brought 
over in his vessel many of the first settlers of the j 
town, and as most of these were from the vicinity of j 
Taunton, in England, it is possible that the birthplace j 
of Wetherell was in that neighborhood. All this is, 
however, mere conjecture. The first reliable evidence 1 



we have of William Wetherell being in Taunton is 
in 1643, when his name appears on a list of males, 
between the ages of sixteen and sixty, subject to mil- 
itary duty. He was one of the inhabitants of Taun- 
ton who, on the 28th of December, 1659, had a divis- 
ion of land made in the proportion of two acres on 
each shilling of the rate paid by the individual, two 
acres on each head in the family, and two acres to 
the lot. Mr. Wetherell's rate was seven shillings and 
ten pence, and there were five heads in his family 
(supposed to be himself, wife, and three children), 
and twenty-eight acres of land were assigned him. 

His wife's name was Dorothy . When they were 

married is uncertain, but it is supposed to have been 
about 1650, for, in 1672, William Wetherell and Wil- 
liam Wetherell, Jr. (supposed to be his son], were 
among the proprietors of the South Purchase of 
Taunton, including what is now Dighton and a por- 
tion of Berkley. 

"He was admitted a freeman at the Plymouth 
Court in June, 1658. June 6, 1664, William Weth- 
erell and three others, of Taunton, were fined 'twenty 
shillings for an abuse done to a saw-mill att Taunton 
belonging to James Walker and others, by coming in 
the night and breaking downe some parte of the said 
mill, and for takeing away sevuerall thinges from the 
same.' It is presumed that this difficulty grew out of 
the fact that the dam to this mill was so built as to 
prevent ' the alewiues from goeing vp' the river, and 
hence was not legally built, for on the same day that 
Wetherell and others were fined the owners of the 
mill were required, before ' the next season of the 
fishes goeing vp,' to make 'a free, full, and sufficient 
passage for the said fish.' 

" Just before the commencement of Philip's war in 
1675, a list of the proprietors of Taunton was made, 
and on this list is the name of William Wetherell, 
who owned 'on his own rights and that which was 
Mr. Dunn's.' His name appears several times on the 
Grand Inquest between 1650 and 1690. He was a 
constable in Taunton for the years 1662 and 1676. 
In 1671 and 1685 he was a ' deputy' or representa- 
tive from Taunton to the Plymouth Colony Court. 
He was also a deputy at a special court held on the 
last day of October and first of November, 1676. In 
1685 he was one of the selectmen. In 1671 he was 
one of a committee 'appointed in each town to see 
to the gathering in of the Minister's Maintainance,' 
etc. In 1679-80 he was one of the court's committee 
' to bound the meddowes on Assonett Neck.' June 2, 
1685, he was licensed 'to retaile cider, beeir, and 
strong liquors.' It is presumed, as he lived at this 
time on the road leading from Taunton to Boston, 
and known then and now as the ' Bay road,' that he 
kept a sort of 'ordinary' or victualing-house for trav- 
elers; and hence he no doubt kept the first public- 
house within the limits of Norton. May 25, 1680, he 
was appointed one of a committee of the town ' to 
revise the town orders, records of land,' etc. 



602 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Thus it will be seen that he was a man of some 
consequence, and possessed a good reputation among 
the early settlers of Taunton. From an old deed now 
in possession of our townsman (descendant of the first 
settler), William D. Wetherell, given by John Weth- 
erell, son of William, to his son Jonathan, it appears 
that William Wetherell was an ' Eldest Sergeant in 
Capt. Gorrom's (Gorham's) Company in the great 
Narragansett-Swanip fttt,' which t0(ik place Deo. 19 
(?), 1675, in the present town of South Kingston, 
R. I., and that a grant of land was made by the 
court to the soldiers who were wounded in that ever- 
memorable battle. From the Plymouth Colony Rec- 
ords, vol. vi. p. 119, it appears that ' Sergt. Witherly' 
and ' other Taunton men' came wounded to the house 
of Peleg Sanford, Dec. 24, 1675, and that he re- 
mained till Oct. 17, 1676. His wound must, there- 
fore, have been of a pretty severe character to have 
confined him almost a year before he was able to re- 
turn home. It was in consequence of his wounds re- 
received in the battle of Narragansett Swamp, we 
presume, that the court granted Mr. Wetherell ten 
pounds in 1685, and five pounds in 1686. 

" From all the facts that we can gather relating to 
Mr. Wetherell, he seems to have been a nian blessed 
with a good share of worldly goods, holding two 
rights in the original purchase of Taunton (liis own 
and Mr. Dunn's), one right in the South Purchase of 
Taunton, and, at the time of his death, half a right 
in the North Purchase. In the year 1690 he deeded 
most of his property to his children and grandchil- 
dren, and in his will, dated Aug. 15, 1691, and pro- 
bated November 18th of the same year, he makes 
some little legacies to liis children, and confirms the 
deeds he had previously given of his lands. He 
mentions in his will his sons William, John, and 
Ephraim (who was dead at the date of the will), 
and his daughter, Dorothy Wood, who was the wife 
of William Wood (her second husband), to whom she 
was married April 1, 1686. Her first husband was 
Elias Irish, and they were married Aug. 26, 1674. 
He lived only about three years, for, in October, 
1677, William Wetherell was appointed administrator 
of his estate." 

The next settler in the North Purchase was Thomas 
Brintnell, in 1685, in what is now Mansfield. 

" Dec. 6, 1695," says our excellent authority before 
quoted, " Thomas Leonard, Sr., and James Leonard, 
Sr., received a deed from the proprietors of the North 
Purchase of two hundred acres of land at Stony 
Brook, ' on the westward side of Coweesset River,' 
as an ' Incouragenient' ' to set up and build a forge 
to make iron at said place,' and it was ' to be built 
and in some considerable forwardness' before Dec. 1, 
1696, or the grant of land was to be null and void. I 
have in my possession the affidavits of two persons, 
taken in 1717, who declare that the iron-works or 
forge near the dwelling-house of Maj. George Leon- 
ard, deceased, was begun in 1695, and in some con- 



siderable forwardness in 169G. To these Leonards 
was also given the liberty to take their next division 
of one share in the North Purchase lands ' in the 
best of iron-care that they can find.' They were also 
allowed the privilege of digging ore on any other 
man's land for the use and benefit 'of said works by 
' paying the owner of such land one shilling a tun for 
every tun of iron-oare they shall dig.' George Leon- 
ard, the son of Thomas and the nephew of James 
Leonard, to whom this grant was made (probably as 
their agent), set up a forge or ' bloomery,' as it was 
called, at the place designated, which was nearly in 
front of the spot where the old Leonard mansion- 
house now stands ; and the establishment of this iron 
forge, together with the energy and business tact of 
young George Leonard, soon gave new life and vitality 
to this neighborhood. The lands in the vicinity were 
speedily taken up, the population rapidly increased, 
and everything seemed to prosper beyond the most 
ardent expectations of the proprietors of this move- 
ment." 

Documentary History. — The following vote in re- 
lation to wild-cats is under date of March 30, 1724: 

" Voted, that they would Pay out of the treasury of Norton five shil- 
lings a head to any Person or Persons that shall Bring any wilil-cat's 
head to the towne Clerk ; and if the said clerk any ways scruples 
whether they ware cilled in the sd. towne or Present, tli.it then they 
shall make oath that they ware hefore tlie towne Clerk ; and then the 
said clerk shall Give an order to the towne treasurer for sd. sum or 
sums, who shall Pay it accordingly. And there shall be a rate made 
upon the Poles and estates ot ad. towne and Present to supply the treas- 
ury for that Purpose." 

Sept. 14, 1724, the town and East Precinct " voted 
to pay Benjamin Drake for killing one wild-cat, £00. 
05.S. Orf." He probably was of the East Precinct. 

" March ye tst, 1724-5. — Joseph Godfrey, John Caswell, and Eben- 
ezer White, Brought Each of them a wild-cat's Head to me, and I cut 
the Ears of from them ; and the towne of Norton was to pay five shill- 
ings a head for each of tliem. 

" Per me, Geurok Lkonard, C?e?-A%" 

Oct. 6, 172.'). — *' Voted to Kaise five shillings more in said Rate to pay 
to Thomas Skinner, Sen., for a wild-cat's head, which he ciled." 

March 28, 1726.—" Voted, that they would not Pay for Killing of wild- 
cats the year ensueing, nor for the wild-cats which have been Killed 
geuce ye act about said cats was out." 

May 23, 1715, the town " voted to pay three half- 
pence a head for every flying blackbird or Jaw's 
head that shoald be kild in this town, and the heads 
brought to the selectmen, or John Smith or Eliezer 
fisher, between this time and next March." 

" Sept. the 19th, 171.5, voted to pay,— 

s. d. 

To Robert Tucker, for killing birds 02 09 

To Beniamin Williams, for killing 19 birds 02 02 

ToTho. Stephens, for killing 11 birds 01 03 

To John Hall, for killing six birds 00 09 

To Ensign Wetherell, for killing 7 birds 00 10 

To Simeon Wetherell, for killing 6 birds 00 09 

To John Newland, Senior, for killing 10 birds 01 03 

To Seth Babit, for killing four birds 00 06 

To Benjamin Newland, for killing .5 birds 00 07 

To John Hodges, for killing 20 birds 02 06 

To Nicolas Smith, for killing four birds 00 06 

To Lt. Brintnall, for killing 38 birds 04 09 

To Joiin Austin, for 3 birds 00 04." 

March 20, 1717, " Voted three ha'pence for black- 
birds' heads, and Jayes and Woodpeckers." 



NORTON. 



603 



I 



March 19, 1718, by a vote of the town, "The act 
Revised Conserning the kiling of birds ;" and it is 
supposed that for several years a premium was thus 
paid for the destruction of these birds. 

In September, 1741, tlie town "voted to raise £40 
for the Suport of the Scoole, and for the birds' and 
Squrils' heads, and the poor." We suppose this was 
for the support of " the poor," and not a bounty of- 
fered for cutting off their " lieads." 

April 4, 1803, " Voted to give 25 cents for every 
old crow that should be killed in the town of Norton 
and carried to the Town Treasurer." 

First Settlers. — The following is a list of the first 
settlers of Norton, all of whom, with one exception, 
are known to have been here prior to or in 1711, con- 
densed from Rev. Mr. Clark's " History of Norton" : 

Peter Aldrich was one of the original members of 

the church. His wife was E.xperience , married 

before 1702, and they had three children. 

Deacon John Andrews might have been the son of 
Henry and Mary (Deane) Andrews, wh» were mar- 
ried Feb. 17, 1685-86, and was born about 1686. He 
is supposed to have been a grandson of Henry An- 
drews, one of the first settlers of Taunton. 

John Austin was the son of Jonah Austin, Jr., of 
Taunton, and was born 1st July, 1671. He lived at 
the east part of the town. When he died is unknown. 

Samuel Bayley lived at the east part of Mansfield. 
He married, Aug. 28, 1711, Elizabeth Caswell, and 
had eight or nine children. He died previous to 
March 5, 1754. 

Thomas Braman, Sr., might have been the son of 
Thomas, who with his wife were at Taunton June, 
1653. He died June 7, 1709; his widow died Sept. 
18, 1714. 

Thomas Braman, Jr., is supposed to have been the 
son of Thomas, Sr., just mentioned, and tohave been 
born about 16SG. He was dead previous to May 1, 
1725. 

Daniel Braman was the son of Thomas, Sr., and 
Hannah (Fisher) Braman, and was born Oct. 11, 
1688. He lived at the place where his father settled. 

Deacon John Briggs was the son of Richard and 
Rebecca (Haskins) Briggs, of Taunton, and was born 
Feb. 26, 1669 (79?). He is presumed to have lived 
near the Centre, as he used to sweep the meeting- 
house, and was several times chosen " Clark of ye 
Market." 

Joseph Briggs (brother of Deacon John, last named) 
was born 1.5th June, 1674. 

Richard Briggs was the brother of Deacon John 
and .Joseph, just mentioned, and was born 12th Jan- 
uary, 1679. 

Deacon John Briggs, Jr., is supposed to have been 
the son of William and Sarah (Macomber) Briggs, of 
Taunton, and was bom 19th March, 1680. 

Samuel Briggs was an early settler. He married, 
July 27, 1692, Mary Hall, and had several children. 
He died about 1705. 



Capt. Samuel Brintnell was the son of Thomas and 
Esther Brintnell (the first settlers of what is now 
Mansfield), and born Dec. 2 (?), 1665. He lived at the 
homestead of his father, and was a very influential 
man in the early history of the town, much em- 
ployed in public affairs .as selectman and representa- 
tive to the General Court. 

Samuel Brintnell, Jr., was the son of Samuel, just 
mentioned, and was probably born about 1690, and 
lived near the old homestead. 

Sylvanus Cambell settled probably liefore 1700. 

John Caswell, Sr., was the son of Thomas Caswell, 
of Taunton, and was born July 1, 1656. He settled 
at the east part of what is now Mansfield. 

John Caswell, Jr., was the son of John, just named, 
and was born .July 19, 1690. He settled at the east- 
erly part of Mansfield. 

Benjamin Caswell was probably the son of Thomas, 
and the grandson of Thomas, Sr., of Taunton, and 
was born Nov. 16, 1675. He probably lived some- 
where in the east part of Mansfield. 

James Caswell is supposed to have been the brother 
of Benjamin, and was born May 17, 1681. 

John Cobb might have been the son of John and 
Jane (Woodward) Cobb, of Taunton, and was born 
March 31, 1678. 

William Cobb was, perhaps, a brother of John. 
He lived in the easterly part of the town. 

Seth Dorman settled in the east part of what is 
now Mansfield. 

Joseph Dunham lived on Lockety Neck. 

Ebenezer Eddy was the son of .John and Deliver- 
ance (Owin) Eddy, of Taunton, grandson of Samuel 
and Elizabeth Eddy, of Plymouth, great-grandson 
of Rev. William Eddy, a Non-conformist minister of 
Cranbrook, Kent Co., England, and was born 16th 
May, 1676 ('?). He settled near Crane's Depot. 

Eleazer Eddy was a brother of Ebenezer, and was 
born letli October, 1681. 

Joseph Elliot lived at the east part of Mansfield. 

Samuel Fisher was the son of Daniel and Hannah 
Fisher, of Taunton, and was born 3d December, 1669. 

Eleazer Fisher was the brother of Samuel, and was 
born 12th May, 1673. 

Israel Fisher was born 27th March, 1680, and is 
supposed to have settled near his brothers, Samuel 
and Eleazer. He w.as one of the original members of 
the church. 

Nathaniel Fisher was a brother of those just men- 
tioned, and was born 9th February, 1681. He proba- 
bly lived near Barrowsville. 

Thomas Grover was the .son of Thomas and Sarah 
(Chadwick) Grover, of Maiden, and was born, accord- 
ing to records, March, 1668 (1669?). He settled near 
what is now West Mansfield. 

Andrew Grover, the brother of Thomas, was born 
October, 1673. 

Deacon Ephraim Grover, a brother of those previ- 
ously mentioned, was born about 1675. 



«0i 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



John Hall is supposed to have been the son of 
Samnel Hall, of Taunton, and born 19th October, 
1666. He lived in the Mansfield part of Norton, near 
to Cobbler's Corner, probably on the east side of Rum- 
ford River. 

Ebenezer Hall was the brother of John, born 19th 
of March, 1677. 

Nathaniel Harvey has left behind him but very few 
traces. His wife's name was Susannah. 

John Hodges was the son of John and Elizabeth 
(Macy) Hodges, of Taunton (grandson of William 
Hodges, who was at Taunton in 1643), and was born 
oth of April, 1673. 

Nathaniel Hodges was the brother of .John, and 
was born 2d of April, 1675. 

Samuel Hodges was a brother of the above, and was 
born 20th of May, 1678. 

William Hodges was also a brother of those just 
mentioned, and was born 6th of June, 1682. He set- 
tled near the common graveyard, just beyond Austin 
Messenger's. 

John Lane was the son of Andrew and Tryphena 
Lane, of Hingham, and grandson of William Lane, 
who came to Dorchester from England (?) in 1635- 
36, and died about 1654. 

"Hon. George LecMiard, the son of Judge Thomas 
and Mary (Watson) Leonard, of Taunton, grandson 
of James and Margaret Leonard, who came to Taun- 
ton in 1652, and great-grandson of Thomas Leonard, 
of Pontypool, Wales, was born 18th of April, 1671. 
This family of Leonards claimed descent from Len- 
nard Lord Dacre, one of the most distinguished fami- 
lies of the nobility of the United Kingdom, and de- 
scended in two lines from Edward III. through two 
of his sons, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and 
Thomas Plantaganet, Duke of Gloucester. There ap- 
pears to be some ground for this claim, from the fact 
that the arms of the Lennard and Leonard families 
were the same. Near the close of the last century 
the last Lord Dacre, bearing the name of Lennard, 
died, and it is supposed that the late Judge Leonard, 
who was a grandson of George, who first settled in 
Norton, could have claimed the title. At any rate, 
there was some consultation among the Leonards in 
this vicinity upon the propriety of claiming it; but I 
am told the matter ended by the judge saying that 
' he preferred to be lord of acres in America rather 
that Lord Dacre in England." Whether descended 
from Lord Dacre or not, the subject of this sketch and 
his descendants lived very much in the style of the 
English nobility, being the owners of an immense 
tract of land, and surrounded by their tenantry. 
Probably no family in New England were lords of 
more acres than the Norton Leonards. The ances- 
tors of George Leonard were interested in the iron- 
works both in England and America, and, as we have 



' For more particulars of tlie Leonard family than are given Iiere, see 
Genealogical Register, vol. v. p. 403 and onward. 



already stated, he acted as the agent of his father and 
Uncle .lames in setting up, in 1695, the first bloomery 
or iron-forge within the limits of our town. The 
house (built before 1700) in which George Leonard 
lived is still standing, and is said to have been the 
first /)■(!//!«/ house erected in town.'' 

Benjamin Newland, the son of Jeremiah and Kath- 
erine Newland, of Taunton, was born about 1670 (?). 
John Newland was a brother of Benjamin. 
Jabez Pratt was perhaps the son of Jonathan, of 
Plymouth, born Nov. 1, 1673. 

Ephraim Sheldon settled in the westerly part of 
Mansfield. 

Isaac Shepard was the son of Thomas and Hannah 
(Ensign) Shepard, and was born at Charlestown in 
April or May, 1682. 

Thomas Skinner, the son of Thomas and Mary (?) 
Skinner, and grandson of Thomas, who came from 
Chichester, England, about 1050, and settled in Mai- 
den, was born November, 1668. He settled in the 
westerly part of the North Purchase, now Mansfield, 
as early as 1695. 

John Skinner was a brother, or porhap a on l y -half- 
iwotker, of Thomas, for Mary, the wife of Thomaa'54- 
Skinner, died at Maiden, April 9, 1071, and John 
was born April, 1673. He settled in the west part of 
the North Purchase about the time Thomas did. 

Nicholas Smith was the " step-child" of Farmer 

Smith, of Taunton, and was born 21st February, 1672. 

John Smith is supposed to have been the son of 

John and Jael (?) (Parker) Smith, of Taunton, and 

to have been born 6th December, 1680. 

Thomas Stephens was the son of Richard Stephens, 
of Taunton, and was born 3d February, 1674. He 
is supposed to have lived near the centre of the town. 
In 1712 he had land laid out to him on Lockety 
Neck, near the junction of Rumford and Wading 
Rivers. He was one of the first board of selectmen. 
Robert Tucker was here as early as 1698. 
William AVetberell was the son of the first settler 
of Norton, and was born about 1650 (?). He lived 
at the place where his father is supposed to have first 
" pitched" his habitation within the limits of Norton, 
near the outlet of Winneconnet Pond. 

William Wetherell, Jr., was the son of William 
last named, and grandson of the first settler. 

Jeremiah Wetherell was the son of William and 
Elizabeth (Newland) Wetherell, but when born is 
unknown. He lived at the east part of the town, and 
afterwards moved into Taunton. 

John Wetherell was the son of William, the first 
settler, and was born in 1664. 

John Wetherell, Jr., the son of John, already men- 
tioned, was born Oct. 8, 1688, and is said to have been 
the first child born within the limits of Norton. He 
lived at the east part of the town, upon the old home- 
stead. 

Deacon Nicholas White was the son of Nicholas 
and Ursilla (Macon^ber) White, of Taunton, and 



NORTON. 



605 



grandson of Nicholas, of Taunton,' and was born Feb. 
3, 1675. He settled within the limits of Mansfield, 
close to the line between the old town of Taunton and 
the North Purchase. 

Matthew AVhite was a brother of Deacon Nicholas, 
and was born Oct. 2.5, 1G76. He lived not far distant 
from his brother, in Mansfield. 

Edward White lived at the east part of the town. 

Deacon Benjamin AVilliams was the son of Joseph 
and Elizabeth Williams, of Taunton, grandson of 
Eichard and Francis (Dighton) Williams, and was 
born 15th October, 1681. He settled, about the time 
of his marriage, at the northerly part of Mansfield. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 

NORTON.— ( Continued.) 

MILITARY HISTORY— THE HEROES OF FIVE WARS. 

The Old French War — The French and Indian War — War of the Revo- 
lution— War of 1812— War of the Kebellion, 1861-65. 

The Old French War. — " A company of soldiers 
for this war was raised in Norton and vicinity, with 
John Caswell as ensign ; and, there being no lieuten- 
ant, he was soon promoted to that office. 

Those from Norton were, — 

Drummer, Thomas Brayman ; rhilip Atherton, Jeremiah Camlioll, 
Micnjah Durman, Abijali Fisher, John Fisher, Eleazer Fisher, John For- 
rist, Isaiah Forrist, Samuel Forrist, Thomas Grover, Zepheniah Lane, 
Ephraim Thayer. 

" Seven men were transferred from Maj. Hodges' to 
Nathaniel Williams' company. Three of these, viz., 
John Finny, John Finny, Jr., and Jonathan Lane, 
are supposed to have belonged to Norton. From 
this ex])edition Maj. Hodges never returned. One 
account says, ' He died in the early part of the war, 
when stationed on the lines between the present State 
of Maine and Canada.' Another account says " that, 
on his returning voyage (from Cape Breton) in a 
French vessel he died suddenly, and there was sus- 
picion that he was poisoned.' 

" He is represented ' as a man of a brave, chivalrous 
spirit.' 

" This war extended from 1756 to 1763. To assist in 
carrying it on, Norton furnished her full quota of 
officers and soldiers. In Capt. Nathaniel Perry's 
company, of Easton, on service in 1754, employed for 
the defense of the Eastern frontier, we find the follow- 
ing men belonging to Norton : 

"Jonathan Eddy, William Rogers, Levi Laue, Samuel Pratt, Elijah 
Smith, John Thayer, George Wetheroll, Elisha Thayer, and Ephraim 
Briggs. 

1 He is supposed to have been the same person, made a freeman in 
1042, who married Susaiinab, daughter of Jonas and Frances Humphrey, 
and was at Dorchester in lGo2. 



" In the autumn of 1755, in an expedition to Crown 
Point, were the following persons, either born, or re- 
siding at the time, in Norton : 

"Samuel Eddy, Eleazer Eddy, Nicholas Wliite, Jr., Benjamin Bailey, 
Joseph Mitchell, Seth Gilbert, Ephraim Briggs, John Cobb, Daniel Tif- 
fany, Natlian Lawrence, 

" The following were in the ' expedition against 
Crown Point:' 

"Capt. Joseph Hodges; Ensign, Gideon Basset; Sergeants, Oliver 
Eddy, John Thayer ; Corporals, George Branian, Ohediah Eddy ; Thomas 
Winctiel, John White, Martin Dassance, Joseph Tucker, Samuel Brint- 
nell, Josiah King, Joseph Brintnell, Jonathan Newland, Jotham Bas- 
set, Elkanali WellmaD, Klisha Thayer, Isaac Day, David Coleson, John 
Holmes, John Martin, Thomas Nichols, David Smith, Jacob Grover, 
James Pearson. 

"The following also served in this war : 

"Clerk, John Basset; Nathaniel White, William Merry, Ebene/.er 
Turner, Nicholas Smith. 

"Lieut. Nathan Hodges, Josiah Tucker, Thom.as Ray, Joseph Wood- 
ard, Joseph Mitchell, Robert Craig, Job Tucker. 

" Philip White, George Wheaton, First Lieut. 
Ephraim Lane, Nathaniel Lane, Simeon Cobb, Abiel 
Lane. 

" From May 12, 1.769, to Jan. 2, 1760, Capt. Nathan 
Hodges, of Norton, was out with a company of men 
from this town, whose names we here record: 

"Second Lieutenant, Elijah Hodges; Ensign, John King; Sergeauts, 
Ephraim Hodges, Silas Cook, Israel Trow, Abiel Eddy; Corporals, Wil- 
liam Puffer, Hezekiah King; Privates. Elkanah Bishop, John Cook, Wil- 
liam Dean, Record Franklin, David Fisher, Joseph Hart, David Hodges, 
Abraham Martin, Benjamin Morey, Soloman Trow, Ebenezer Titus, Na- 
than Wood, Benjamin Willis, Josiah White, Nathaniel Wood, Henry 
White. 

" John Hall, of Norton, was out in Capt. Burt's 
company, of Milton. 

"In Capt. Job Williams' company, of Taunton, 
from Feb. 13 to Dec. 26, 1760, there were, belonging 
to Norton,— 

" Benjamin Briggs, Benjamin Cole, Jonas Caswell, Hezekiah Drake, 
Jacob Grover, Joseph Mitchell, Stephen Ranger, Isaac Tucker, Henry 
White. 

"In 1760 and 1761 there enlisted, for the total re- 
duction of Canada, from Norton, — 

"Isaac Tucker, Jacob Hoor, Joseph Mitchell, Daniel Wetherell, Wil- 
liam Dean, Jr., Henry White, Jr., Jonathan Caswell, Samuel Ranger, 
Obediah Brintnell, and Abiel Caswell."' 

Revolutionary War.— The first reference to the 
war of the Revolution found in the old town records 
is under date Jan. 16, 1775, when it was " voted to 
adhear to the advise and Recommendations of the 
association of the Continental Congress." They also 
chose a committee "to see to the faithful performance 
of the Recommendations of the Continental Congress; 
only the said Committee, or the major part of them, 
[should] not expose any person but by order of said 
town." The Committee of Correspondence and In- 
spection consisted of John King, Benjamin Morey, 
William Smith, Isaac Smith, and Israel Trow. March 
6th added to this committee James Plodges, Noah 
Wiswall, Eleazer Walker, Elkanah Lane, Benjamin 



606 



UiSTOKi' OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Pearson, David Lincoln, Isaac Hodges, and Eleazer 
Clap. It was then 

" Voted tlutt the committee of Inspection be Directed to take particular 
DOlicd uf all ijersoiis that should sell any kind of provisions to any per- 
son t)r persons that they think is Lying with a view to distress the In- 
habitants of this inovince." 

Tliiis far all had been preparation, though no 
actual hostilities had commenced, but the ever-mem- 
orable 19th of April came, when the streets of Lex- 
ington and Concord drank up the first blood of the 
Revolution. The alarm quickly spread through the 
country. It reached Norton some time during the 
day, and ere the morrow's sun had risen Capt. Silas 
Cobb and Capt. Seth Gilbert, each with a detach- 
ment of men, were on their march to join with others 
in repelling the invasion. All of Capt. Cobb's com- 
pany left home April 19th, and their term of service 
varied from four to ten days. It is proper that their 
names go down to posterity, and we therefore record 
them : 

John Allen, second lieutenant; Nathaniel Prior, sergeant; Nathaniel 
Stone, corporal; John Hodges, curiioral; Abner Tucker, drummer; 
Abiel Hodges, Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Haradon, Abiol Lincoln, Jonathan 
Franklin, Noah Woodward, Josiah Woodward, Joseph Hodges, Abijab 
Fisher, Phillip Hor, Josiah Hoilges, Samuel Hodges, David Hodges, pii- 
vates. 

The term of service of Capt. Gilbert's men was 
from four to twelve days : 

George Malvepeace, first lieutenant; Noah Wiswall, Seth Smith, Elea- 
zar Clap, William Makepeace, sergeants; David Chip, Jonathan Leonard 
(20), Samuel Hunt (27), coi-porals; privates, Isaac Smith, John Hall, 
Seth Smith, Jr., Jacob Sliepard, Seth Sbepard, Stephen Jennings, Noah 
Wiswall. Jr., Jacob Shaw, Antlia. Newland (21), Eben Wetherell (21), 
William Copelaud, Noah Clap (20), .Stepheu Briggs, Phineas Briggs, Levi 
Babbit, Nathaniel White, Elisha Cobb, Edw. Kingman, John Cook (21), 
Joseph Newcomb (21), John Crane, Jr. (22), Samuel Newcomb, 2d (27), 
Simeon Wetherell, 2d (26), William Clark (26), Solomon Wetherell, 
Timothy Briggs, 2d (".lO), Jonathan Briggs, Elijah Briggs, Israel Trow, 
Seth Williams, Simeon Briggs, Elijah Danforth, Eleazar Walker, Samuel 
Copelaud (20), Edw. Bal>bit, Keuben Tisdale (27), James Boldory, Jr. 
(27), John Austin (27), Abijah Lincoln ^27), John Newcomb (27), Samuel 
Godfrey (27), Joel Briggs (27), Nathan Babbit, 2d (27), William Cobb, 
Jr. (26). 

May 8, 1775, the citizens " voted to bye teen guns 
and Bagonets for the use of said Town." At the ad- 
journment, May 22d, — 

" Voted to pay so many men as to make half the number of men in 
the Training-Lists, which are to be raised out of the Laram and Train- 
ing Lists for minit men ; and to be paid for the time they shall be neces- 
sarily Detained in service upon any Emergency, as much as the said 
town shall think proper." 

The following is the return of Capt. Silas Cobb's 
company, made Oct. 6, 1775. The men were enlisted 
for eight months : 

Officers. — Silas Cobb, captain; Isaac Smith, lieutenant ; Isaac Fisher, 
ensign. 

S6r<;emit».— Edmund Hodges, Nathaniel Lane, Jonathan Hodges, 
Nathaniel White. 

C'orjjoroiii.— Jonathan Franklin, Richard Cobb, Stephen Jennings. 

Drum avd Fi/e.—Ahuer Tucker, Jabez Briggs. 

Prlmlcs. — Joshua Atherton, Jacob Allen, John .\u6tiu, Stephen 
Briggs, Phineas Briggs, James Boldery, John Boldery, Isaac Basset, 
Benjamin Braman, Levi Babbit, Elisha Cobb, John Capron, Abiel (l) 
Derby, Abner Derby, Abijah Fisher, John Hodges, David Hodges, Jolin 
Hodges (2d), Lanson (?) Hodges, Isaac Harridon, Stephen Kelly, Abiel 



Lincoln, Rufus Lincoln, Amos Martin, Joseph Pratt, Daniel Pratt, 
Joshua Pond, Oliver Smith, Abiathar Smith, Seth Smith, Nathan Shaw, 
Jacob Shaw, Abiathar Shaw, Abel Wetherel, Noah Wiswall. 

In the return of Capt. Masa Williams' company, of 
Easton, made Oct. 6, 1775, were the following men 
from Norton : 

Officers. — Samuel Lane, lieutenaut; John Cook, ensign ; Samuel Cope- 
land, sergeant ; Benjamin Morey, corporal. 

Privates. — James Newcomb, James Cook, Abiel Knapp, Kobert Hagiu, 
Edward Kingman, Amos Tucker, Moses Downing, Jedediah Tucker, 
Zephaniah Newland, Isaac Morey, Daniel Morey, William Merry, John 
Newcomb, Acors Hewitt. 

Capt. Josiah King, of Norton, was also in the eight 
months' service in 1775. In his company were the 
following men from Norton : 

Thomas Bass, Josiah King, Comfort Eddy, Josiah Smith, Benjamin 
Tucker. ^ 

There were also out in three different companies, 
in the eight months' service, the following persons 
from Norton : 

Peletiah Day, David Balconi, Jonathan Pidge, Israel Smith, Samuel 
Newcomb. 

Elijah Eddy, of this town, was in Peter Pitt's com- 
pany, of Dightoij, three months and six days during 
this year, and Nathan Morey was chaplain of Timothy 
Walker's regiment. 

"Sept. 18, 1775, Voted to Eleazar Clap, which he 
paid for mending a gun for the town's use, £0. 3s. 
6rf. / also to the same, for carrying blankets to the 
army for said town's use, £0. 2s. / also to the same, 
for thirty-two days' service at the Provincial Con- 
gress, £4. 4s. 4(1.; also to Capt. William Homes, for 
one hundred days' attendance at said Congress, £12. 

188." 

In 1776 the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- 
tion, etc., were William Homes, Andrew Hodges, 
David Lincoln, John Hall, Noah Woodward, Ele- 
azer Clap, and Israel Trow. 

During 1776 the following men were from Norton, 
in the Rhode Island service, in Capt. George Make- 
peace's company : 

Lieutenants. — Seth Smith, Ephraim Lane, Jr. 

Sergeants. — Daniel Knap, Daniel Dean, Hezekiah Willard, Abiel Eddy. 

Corporals. — Edward Darby, Timothy Briggs, Elisha Cobb, Abiel 
Lincoln. 

Fife. — Abiathar Shaw. 

Drum. — Jabez Briggs. 

William Makepeace, John Briggs, John Patten, David Arnold, Eph- 
raim Eddy, Oliver Smith, Ezra Eddy, John Gilbert, Benjamin Blandin, 
Jeiemiah Cambell, Phineas Briggs, Jacob Shaw. John Clark, John Hall, 
Seth Gilbert, Timothy Smith, Isaac Smith. John Cook, Samuel Lane, 
Aniasa Williams. 

There also went from Norton to Rhode Island, in 
Capt. Isaac Hodges' company, — 

Nathaniel Wood, sei'geant; Ilufus Hodges, John Derry, William Car- 
penter, Joseph Newcomb, Job White. 

Capt. Isaac Hodges also had the command of a 
company in the Tiverton alarm. The names of his 
men (whether all from Norton is uncertain) were, — 

Lieut. Brian Hall ; Jonathan Hodges, Amos Martin, Elkanah Lin- 
coln, Benjamin Itramati, John Wetherell, Josiah Braman, Sylvanus 
Braman, Thomas Braman, Silas Cobb, Abisha (?) Capron, Abraham 



NORTON. 



607 



Derry, Abijali Fisher, J;iQie3 Hudj^es, Jesse Hodges, Rufus Hodges, Na- 
thaniel Hodges, Simeon Hodges, Philip Ilore (?),Steplien Kelly, Samuel 
Lincoln, Josiah Willis, Timotliy Wellman, Isaac Stone, William Stone, 
Daniel Phillips, Icliabod Perry, Benajah Tucker, Meletiah Washburn, 
Isaac Fisher. 

lu a secret expedition from September 25th to Oc- 
tober 31st, Capt. Hodges was again on duty, with these 
men under liis command, most of whom were from 
Norton : 

Nathaniel Prior, Elijah Danforth, Ebenezer Titus, Conifort Day, 
Abiel Eddy, James Fillebrown, John Clap, Samuel Fillebrowu, James 
Newconib, William Leonard, William Stone, Daniel Phillips, Sylvester 
Cobb, Abijah Fisher, Joseph Braman, Elias Eddy, Annisa Lincoln, 
Joseph Andrews, Alexander Balcom, Peter Derry, John Derry, Eliab 
Derliy, Jolin Hodges, George Hodges, Stephen Kelly, John Martin, Asa 
Newcomb, Elijah Eddy, Mosea Fisher, George Briggs, StelJhen liriggs, 
Abijah Lincoln, Abijah Wettierell, Simeon Briggs, Samuel Copeland, 
Josiah Vining, Solomon \Vetherell, Nathaniel Wood, Ephiaini Eddy, 
Ezra Willis, Sanuiel Pi'att, David Lovit, Abijah White, Ammi Kimball, 
Daniel White, Asa Clap, Jonathan Whi[e, Jedediah Grover, Nathaniel 
Sweeting, Thomas Skinuer, Zebulou Hodges, Nathaniel Hodges, Samuel 
White, Jonathan Lane, Benjamin Skinner, Joseph Titus, t'tephen Pond, 
Isaac Skinnei-, Benjamin Blandin. William Axtell (?), Abistia Smith, 
Joshua. Pond, Icliabod Willis, Meujiimin Fuller, Levi Babbit, Icliabod 
Eddy, Jonathan Franklin, Silas Wellman, Royal White, Caleb Dunham, 
Nehemiah Leonard, Elislra Thayer, John Harden, Jesse Grover. 

Dec. 8, 1776, Capt. Israel Trow marched to Rhode 
Island at the head of the following men, all from 
Norton : 

Lteuteunnts. — David Clap, Edward B.ibbit. 

Sergeitnts.—Se^ Williams, Samuel Hunt, Jacob Shepard, Benjamiu 
Wild. 

Corporals, — David Lincoln, John Newcomb, Jonathan Briggs. 

Privates. — David Austin, Simeon Briggs, Eleazer Clap, Noah Clap, Asa 
Copeland, Abijah Lincoln, Joseph Hiuit, Rufus Lincoln, Samuel New- 
comb, Maep Shepard, Seth Tisdale, Reuben Tisdale, John Tisdale, Tliomas 
Storey, Thomas Storey, Jr., Solomon Wetherell. 

Sept. 8, 1777, the town " voted to George Cobb for 
going to Milton for paper-cartridges 12s. ; the cost of 
paper, 18«. lOd. ; for a box to stow the cartridges in, 
3s. ; for two days himself, and three days and a half 
of Seth Smith and Joshua Pond, to make cartridges, 
£4 2». ; for thread for the cartridges, l.<t." Also " voted 
that the selectmen procure the town's proportion of 
arms allowed by the State, and that they should have 
the money to purchase said arms with." Sept. 15, 
" voted that ten of the firearms sent to this town 
should be kept as a store for said town." 

In April and May of this year Capt. Israel Trow 
had the command of the following men in the Rhode 
Island service. Most of them were from Norton, but 
probably not all : 

Lieutenants. — Isaac White and Jonathan Pratt. 

Sergeants. — John White, Jacob Newland, Amos Martin, Thomas Eason. 

Corporals. — Samuel Fillebrown, Jesse Hodges, John White, .\8a 
■Williams. 

Drum. — Joel Briggs. 

Fife.— Joha White (3d). 

Asa Clap, Abijah Clap, Asa Copeland, Eleazer Eddy, Nathan Finney, 
Thomas Gibbs, Benjamin Hodges, Thomas Bass, Masa Bassett, Benjamin 
Cohb,^r., Mason Cobb, Josiah Grossman, William Dunham, Elias Eddy, 
Levi Francis, David Grover, Philip Horr, Thomas Hewit, Zebnion 
Hodges, Bethuel Hack, Amasa Lincoln, Timothy Leonard, Nehemiah 
Leonard, Oliver Lincoln, Joel Martin, Benjamin Merrilield, Isaac Make- 
peace, Ebenezer Newcomb, Daniel Phillips (2d), Ebenezer Richardson, 
Nathan Richard, Abisha Smith, Asa Smith, Nathaniel Sweeting, Benja- 
min Skinner, Jonathan Smith, Joseph Titus, Amos Shepardson, Benja- 



min Trow, Stephen Thayer, Icliabod White, John White (2d), Job White, 
Isaac White, Samuel Wiiite, Royal White, Silas Williams, Jacob Wil- 
liams, John Thayer. 

In the summer of the same year Capt. Trow was 
again in service, with these men under his command, 
most of them from Norton, — 

Lieutenants. — Isaac White, Michael Sweet, Amos Martin, Amos Ide, 
Thomas Eason, Daniel Hewet, Joel Briggs, John Wliite, Christopher 
French, Mason Cobb, Lemecli Blandin, Thomas Buss, Isaac White, 
Noah Robinson, Masa Basset, David Balcom, Asa Clap, Abijah Clap, 
Asa Copeland, William Carpenter, David Cooper, Joseph Dagget. Eleazer 
Eddy, Nathan Finney, Tliomas French, David Grover, Thomas Gibbs, 
Thomas Hewit, Thomas French, Jr., Zebnion Hodges, Isaac Jackson, 
Amasa Lincoln, Timothy Leonard, Oliver Lincoln, Joel Martin, Eben- 
ezer Newconib, Henry Peck, Isaac Perry, Daniel Reed, Benjamin Rich- 
ardson, Abisha Smith, George Stanley, Gideon Stanley, Ebenezer Tyler, 
Abel Titus, Zelotes Tyler, Noah TiCfany, Benjamin Trow, Ichabod Wil- 
lis, Samuel White, Royal White, Jacob Williams, Joii White, Jonathan 
Wilmarth, .John White, Asa Williams, Oliver Wellman, Asa Smith. 

Capt. George Makepeace had the command of a 
company in the Rhode Island service this year. In 
it were from Norton, — 

Hezekiali Willard, Daniel Knap, William Makepeace, Edward Darby, 
Timothy Briggs, Simeon Wetherell, George Cobb, John Briggs, Phineas 
Briggs, John Clark, Abner Tucker, Seth Smith. 

In December, Capt. Silas Cobb had the command 
of a company. In it were these men from Norton, — 

John Allen, second lieutenant; Nathaniel White, Amos Martin, Abiel 
Lincoln, Benjamin Hodges, Jabez Briggs, Daniel Hodges, Samuel Nor- 
ton, Elkanah Hall, George Harvey, Nathaniel Prior, Phillip Horr, Ed- 
mund Tucker, Josiah Smith, Masa Basset, Thomas Bass, John Hall 2d, 
Paul Cook, Joel Martin, Jonathan Smith, William Makepeace, Kiifus 
Lincoln, William Carpenter, Joseph Harridoii, John Hall, Timothy Well- 
man, Jonathan Clark, Thomas Hewit, Epliraim Knap, Snellnm Babbit. 

In 1777 the persons whose names are here recorded 
enlisted into the army for three years. AH did not, 
however, serve the full time of their enlistment. The 
figures attached to the names show the number of 
months the individual was in service. 

Benjamin Morey (36), William Merry (10), Ciesar Makepeace (32), 
C.i!sar Morey (44), Jonathan Morey (S), Isaac Morey (10), Nathaniel 
Morey (30), Daniel Morey (15), Jedediah Tucker (3:i), Josiah Tucker 
(36), Jacob Allen (371, Jeremiah Cambell (3C), Ezekiel Clap (3), John 
Capron (20), James Horsey (?) |46|, FianciBGuillow, John Harridon (36), 
Josiah King (45), Josiah King (39). 

For 1778 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., 
were Jonathan Clap, David Arnold, Isaac Smith, 
John Hall, and Seth Gilbert. 

March 9, 1778, " voted that the selectmen should 
procure powder, flints, lead, and gun-locks of the 
board [of] war." 

May 11th, "voted that the officers of the several 
companies should raise the men sent for by the Gen- 
eral Court on the best terms they can; and, if thev 
cannot procure them for thirty pounds granted by 
said Court, that the town will pay the overplus." 
The officers were further directed " to hire the money 
to procure said men with, if thirty pounds will not." 

We give below the members of Capt. Israel Trow's 
company, drafted for throe months' service in Rhode 
Island, commencing Jan. 1, 1778. Most of them are 
known to have belonged to this town : 



608 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Lifutenantt. — Ebenezer Brintnell, Epliraim Lane. 

Sergea7its. — Jonatlian Newcomb, William Bonney, William Wetlierell, 
Jouattmn Briggs. 

Corporals. — TbeophiluB Grossman, Josepli Spurr, Joel Briggs, William 
Verry. 

Drtim. — John WetherelL 

Privotes. — Masa Basset, Thomas Bass, Samuel Bailey, Joliti Bates, 
Obadiah Brintnell, Jonathan Clark, Ebenezer Cane, Banfield Capron, 
Caleb Dunham, Abraham Derry, Peter Derry, John Dunbar, Ichabod 
Eddy, Ezra Eddy, John Field, Israel Fisher, Ciilvin Fillebrown, William 
Hodges, Zehulon Hodges, John Hall, Jr., William Lane, Ephraim Knap, 
Timothy Leonard, Paul Lincoln, Jonatlian Meburen (?), Daniel Phillips, 
Ichabod Randall, Solomon Skinner, Enoch Story, Asa Smith, William 
Story, Benajali Tucker, Jesse Tupjiei", Stephen Thayer, Benjamin Trow, 
Ichabod Willis, Permer (?) Wood, John White, Timothy Wellman, 
Josiah Willis, Ezra Willis, Levi Woodward, Abiathar Shaw, Seth 
Tiffany. 

The following men from Norton enlisted for one 
year, from Jan, 1, 1778, in Capt. Joseph Cole's com- 
pany, of Bridgewater : 

Seth Smith, Asa Newcomb, Elkanah Hall, Ichabod Eddy, Levi Wood- 
ward, John Cobb, John White, Timothy Skinner, Elias Eddy, Simeon 
Wetherell, John Gilbert, QIasa Basset. 

In Capt. Isaac Hodges' company, engaged in Rhode 
Island service, we find these names. Most of them 
were from this town : 

David Keith, Isaac White, Lewis Sweeting, Nat. Freeman, Alexander 
Keith, James Newcomb, John White, Eliab Darby, Edmund 3Iacomber, 
Abiel White, Joel Briggs, Thomas Grover, Alexander Balcom, Thomas 
Braman, Samuel Bailey, Obadiah Brintnell, Stephen Briggs, Benjamin 
Braman, Levi Babbit, Rufus Clap, Abijali Clap, Asa Clap, William Clark, 
William Dunham, James Fillebrown, Asa Fillebrown, Cornelius Gibbs, 
George Hodges, Elijah Hodges, Abial Leonard, Isaac Lincoln, Isaac 
Lath rop, John Newland, Nathaniel Prior, Seth Pitts, John Patten, Phillip ' 
Pratt, Jesse Randall, Benjamin Shaw, Joshua Stearns, Eliphalet Sweet- 
ing, Robert Skinner, Mase Shepard, Asa Smith, William Stone, James 
Stone, Benjauiin Tiffany, Seth Tisdalo, William Verry, Peter Wellman, 
Royal White, Asa Wellman, Abijah Wetherell, Simeon Wbile, Seth 
Williams, Benjamin Homes, Ebenezer Burt, Samuel Copeland, Stephen 
Cilley, Daniel Pratt. 

These men were drafted from Norton in 1778 for 
nine months' service : i 

Thomas Jenkins, Peter Derry, David Hodges, Joshua Smith, Thomas \ 
Bass, Ephraim Knapp, London Morey (negro, rejected), William Axtell. ! 

Ephraim Lane was a lieutenant-colonel in Col. ; 
Thomas Carpenter's regiment, Rliode Island service, I 
from July 24 to Sept. 9, 1778. He was also a lieu- i 
tenant-colonel in Col. John Daggett's regiment in ! 
1775, called out by the alarm at Lexington, 19th of j 
April. j 

For 1779 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., | 
were William Cobb, William Homes, Esq., Daniel ! 
Dean, Noah Wiswall, Noah Woodward, Silas Cobb, I 
and Eleazer Clap. June 22d, " Voted that the eight j 
Continental men now called for for nine months, and 
the three men for the Lines at Rhode Island, be raised 
by way of a tax on the ratable polls and estates in sd. 
Norton ;" and a committee were appointed to raise 
" the above men." 

August 30th, ''Voted to Silas Cobb two pounds, 
nineteen shillings, L. my., for keeping seven High- 
landers one night, and finding them all a breakfast." 

In the roll of Capt. Joseph Franklin's company, of 
Kehoboth, engaged in a four months' service in Khode 



Island in the autumn of 1779, we find a few names of 

men from this town which we here record : 

Israel Fisher, Francis Guillow, Isaac Stone. 

For 1780 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., 
were William Cobb, William Homes, and Daniel 
Dean . 

October 9tli, the town '* voted to raise £1108 5«., 
in silver money, to pay the Bounty to the soldiers that 
were hired the summer past." Also '* voted to Mr. 
Nathaniel Prior 210 pounds, old continental money, 
for going, himself and team, to Tiverton with the 
soldiers last August." The same day, "Voted to 
choose a person to purchase the beef called for (by 
a Resolve of Gen. Court) from this town ;" and Maj. 
Silas Cobb was chosen to make the purchase. 

October 16th, it was "voted to raise £1100, for to 
pay for the beef and trouble." December 25th, 
" Voted to raise such a sum of money as to enable the 
town to pay each soldier that shall enlist into the 
continental service for three years, or during the war, 
three hundred silver dollars each ; one hundred paid 
soon, one hundred paid in one year, and the other 
hundred in two years, with interest." 

In the alarm of August, 1780, Capt. Israel Trow 
marched to Rhode Island at the head of a company 
of men, whose names we here record, all of wliom 
are supposed to have belonged to this to^vn : 

Joseph Hodges, first lieutenant; Jacob Shepard, second lieutenant; 
Benjamin Wild, Elkanah Lincoln, David Lincoln, Jonathan Newland, 
James Newcomb, Joshua Pond, Rufus Hodges, Joseph Andrews, Syl- 
vanus Braman, Samuel (!) Blandin, George Briggs, Daniel Bassett, Jo- 
seph Burt, Elijah Briggs, David Balcom, Noah Clap, John Clap, Jere- 
miah Cambell, Tlieopliilus Grossman, Paul Cook, Tisdale Hodges, 
George Hodges, Elijah Hodgepi, Joseph Howard, Abijah Lincoln, Levi 
Lincoln, Seth Pitts, Thomas Story, Asa Smith, Araunah Smith, Zebulon 
White, Joel White, Abijah Wetherell, David Wetherell, Josiah Welling- 
ton, Elkanah Wilniarth, Abiathar Macomber, Amos Martin, Nathan 
Perry, Elijah Danforth, Samuel Hunt, Seth Williams, Eleazer Walker, 
Jacob Shaw, Nathaniel Freeman, Noah Woodward, Jesse Hodges, Wil- 
liam Copeland, Samuel Copeland, Josiah Hodges, William Stone, Wil- 
liam Norton, Jonathan Hodges, Peletiah Day, Joseph Wellman, Ichabod 
Perry, William Wetherell, Ebenezer Wetherell, Elisha Capron, Daniel 
Ptiilljps, James Davis, Nathan Dean, Nathaniel Wood, Silas Cobb, John 
King. 

Capt. Seth Smith commanded a company in the 
Rhode Island service this year, probably all Norton- 
ians, whose names were, — 

Ephraim Lane, lieutenant; Hezekiah Willard, William Makepeace, 
Nathan Cobb, Daniel Knnpp, Isaac Hodges, Edward Darby, George 
Cobb, Benjamin Stanley, John Hodges, Jabez Briggs, David Arnold, 
Pbineas Briggs, Thomas Braman, Benjamin Blandin, Joseph Matthews, 
John Briggs, Isaac Baeet^t, Nathan Dean, Ephraim Eddy, Ezra Eddy, 
John Hall, Zephaniah Hodges, Abiel Lincoln, Oliver Leonard. Calvin 
Morey, William Stone, Nat. Stone, Seth Smith, Benajah Tucker, Benja- 
min Tiffany, William Verry, Simeon Wetherell, John Wetherell, David 
Woodward, Samuel Willis. 

Capt. John Allen was also absent six days with a 
company in Rhode Island service. We give the names 
of those from this town : 

Jacob Shepard, lieutenant; Isaac Hodgee, Jonathan Briggs, Rufus 
Hodges, Nathan Dean, John Hodges, Joseph Andrews, .lohn Arnold, 
David Balcom, Sylvanus Braman, Isaac Bassett, Benjamin Blandin, 
William Carpenter, Paul Cook, Noah Clap, Ephraim Edily, Elijah Eddy, 
Tisdale Francis, Zophauiah Hodges, Joseph Howard, Oliver Leonard, 



NOKTON. 



G09 



Levi Lincoln, William Newcomb, Solomon Newcomb, Joeiali Newcomb, 
Nat. Prior, Abisha Smith, Araiinah Smith, Thonuis Story, Samuel Ste- 
vens, John Tisdale, Jacob Tiffany, Elkanah Woodward, James White, 
James Wetherell, Simeon Wetberelt. 

In Capt. Jabez Barney's company, of Swansea, at 
West Point, August, 1780, were the following men 
from this town. The first two served for the town of 
Mansfield, the remainder for Swansea : 

Isaac Morey, lieutenant; Levi Francis, Jr., John Cambell, John 
Prior, Brian Hall, Vincent Cambell, Benjamin Holmes, John Martin. 

In the six months' service, in 1780, I find the fol- 
lowing list of men from Norton, made up by the 
selectmen : 

Jedediah Tucker, Daniel Hodges, Icbabod Pitts, Jabez Newlaud, Isaac 
Stone, Vincent C'anibell, Henry Howard, Saninel Willis, John Hill, Ben- 
jamin Holmes, Israel Smith, Daniel Hodges (2d), Daniel Bnrr, Jonathan 
Hodges, Benjamin Fuller. 

The following is a list of the men raised in Nor- 
ton, agreeably to a resolve of the General Court 
passed Dec. 2, 1780, the term of service three 
years : 

Samuel Sherman, Benjamin Fuller, Elisha Capron, Joshua Fuller, 
Timothy Tucker, Abiathar Macomber, Henry Hayward, Jacob Brigge, 
Samuel Eddy, Francis Guillow, Seymour Burr, Setli Capron, Benjamin 
Choteey (?), Cuff Freeman, Jedediah Tucker, Ezra Hodges. 

Jan. 8, 1781, the town "voted so far to comply 
with the Resolve of the General Court Respecting 
Beef as to procure s" Beef or the money;" also voted 
to raise £204 3«., silver money, in addition to the 
£1108 5s. raised Oct. 9, 1780, to be devoted to the 
same purpose. The Committee of Correspondence, 
etc., for 1781, were Silas Cobb, Israel Trow, and Noah 
Wiswall. 

March 5th, "voted to give the men, called for to 
go to Rhode Island for forty days, four pounds and 
ten shillings per month, including whatever shall be 
given them from this commonwealth, or any other 
way from the publick." 

In the summer the General Court called upon the 
town to supply the army with six thousand seven 
hundred and sixty-eight pounds of beef, twenty-eight 
shirts, twenty-eight pairs of shoes and stockings, and 
fourteen blankets. July 16th, it was " voted to com- 
ply with the requisition of the General Court respect- 
ing beef, and one hundred and twenty pounds silver 

( money was raised to pay for it, and Capt. Ephraim 
Burr was authorized to purchase it at four jience per 
pound," and it was ordered "that there be a clause 
inserted in the warrant for our fall meeting to raise a 
sum of money to pay for clothing." It was also 

I "voted to give the men that shall go into the three 

■ months' service twenty silver dollars per month, and 
the town to receive their wages from this common- 
wealth, and that each man have five dollars advance 
pay." 

We find but few names of soldiers to record for the 
year 1781. In January of this year there were in the 
Continental army from Norton, enlisted in the years 
1777-80, for three years or during the war, — 

k 39 



Josiah King, Ca'Sar Morey, Joseph Pratt, LMhrop Knapp, John Har- 
ridon, Josiah King, Anthony Morey, Jacob Allen, William WellmaD- 

Military Companies.— Between the years 1781 and 
1834 there were two infantry companies in Norton, 
one on the east and one on the west side of Rumford 
River. The captains of the east side company were 
as follows : 

Joseph Hodoes, Jnly 1, 1781; Ebenezer Titus, Aug. 4, 1789; Zebulon 
White, Aug. 20,1792; William Morey, Sept. 26, 1797; Jonathan Hodges, 
March 26, 1798 ; Bufus Hodges, May 5, 1801 ; Seth Hodges, Dec. 3, 1804 ; 
Asa Arnold, March 23,1807; Lemuel Arnold, Nov. 21, 1808; Sanforlh 
Freeman, June 15. 181.5; Alvin Perry, May 1, 1819; Ichabod Perry, Jr., 
June 26, 1821; Isaac Braman, May 30, 1822; Mason Stone, March 30, 
1826; Almond Tucker, Oct. 25, 1828 ; Thomas Carpenter, May 14, 1832. 

The captains of the company east of Rumford River, 
from 1781 to 1834, were,— 

David Clap, July 1, 1781 ; Reuben Tisdale, May 28, 1789; Isaac Make- 
peace, July 16, 1790; James Godfrey, Sept. 26, 1803; Lysander Make- 
peace, March 24, 1800; Asa Knowles, Feb. 15, 1808; Terry Crane, May 
18, 1811 ; Jacob Shepherd, May 17, 1812; Laban Lijicoln, Aug. 9, 1819; 
Thomas Copeland, June 6, 1820; Lyman Eddy, May 6, 1824; Daniel 
Briggs, Jr., Aug. 26, 1826 ; Henry Newcomb, April 30, 1830; George B. 
Crane, April 16, 1833. 

" In 1776 the Norton Artillery Company was organ- 
ized, and George Makepeace was commissioned as 
captain. This company remained in Norton (a por- 
tion of its otficers and members belonging to other 
towns) till 1854, when its name was changed to Light 
Infantry, and the company was removed to Foxbor- 
ough. The two field-pieces in the pos.session of the 
company were returned to the State, and the gun- 
house, near the pound, was sold. At the time the 
name was changed and the company removed to Fox- 
borough it was the oldest military company in the 
State. The following are the names of its commanders 
(with the date of their commissions) who have be- 
longed to Norton. A few captains, whose residence 
was in other towns, we have omitted from this list" 
(Clark) : 

George Makepeace, Oct. 31,1770; Ephraim Lane, Jr., 1787; Daniel 
Knapp, JIarch 26, 1790; Benjamin Blandin, Dec. 28, 1795; John Gilbert, 
May 7, 1799 ; Samuel Hunt, March 9, 1802 ; Thomas Danforth, 2d, Aug. 
27, 1804; Elisha Grossman, June 14, 1810; Isaac Lane, May 14, 1812; 
David Lane, Aug. 22, 1814 ; George Walker, May 20, ISl 7 ; Lemuel Perry. 
Sept. 22, 1821 ; Calvin Lane, March 31, 1824 ; George Lane, Fell. 5, 1827 ; 
Simeon Blandin, March S, 1828; Ira Richardson, .\pril 16, 1833; Earl 
Hodges, Sept. 24, 1836; Carlos Freeman, April 9, 1836; Don F. Lane, 
July 4, 1839; Benjamin S. Hall, April 24, 1841 ; Lnen C. Leonard, May 
13,1843; Carlos Freeman, May 24, 1844; Jacob T. Shfpherd, Aug. 30, 
1851 ; Benjamin M. Round, April 27, 1853. 

There was also for some years a hose company, a 
portion of whose members belonged to Norton, and 
the following Nortonians were captains of it : 

Tisdale Hodges, Dec. 16, 1793; Daniel Smith, May 24, 1810; Pliny 
Puffer, Aug. 22, 1823. 

The following comprise a list of those from this 
town who, since the Revolution, have risen above the 
post of captain, or held a commission of the same 
rank : 

Briyudier-General. — SiKas Cobb, Aug. 2, 1792. 

C'otoim/s.— Silas Cobb, May 26, 1 788 ; Isaac Braman, Sept. 9, 1826 ; Mason 
Stone, Nov. 3, 1832. 

LknUnant'Colond. — Simeon Wheeler, Jan. 14, 1819. 

Miyorj.— Thomas Fobe8,Sept. 26, 1794; Zebulon White, Aug. 1, 1803; 



610 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Brian Hnll, April 20, 179T ; Isaac Branian, Oct. 1, 1S25; Earl Hodges, 
.July 10, 1844.1 

AilJtiUmti'.—UiMC Slorey, Oct. 2, 17^8; Epliraim Raymond, June 14, 
1791 ; George Palmer, Aug. 30, 1797 ; William Lane, May 7, 1799 ■, Thomas 
W.T.Bicknell, Oct 4,1X12; Epliraim A. Baymond, Aliril23, 1829; John 
B. Kewconil), March 30, 1833. 

The latter part of June, 1814, the Norton Artillery 
Company, Isaac Lane, captain, were called out to 
guard New Bedford. They were absent about twelve 
days. 

The following persons from Norton were called into 
service during the war of 1812 : _ 

Isaac Lane, David Lane, Lemuel Perry, Asa Danforth, Samuel Hunt, 
George Walker, Josiah Hodges, Allen Lane, Calvin Lane, Samuel Cope- 
land, Enos Dean, Ebenezer Burt, Tliomas Sweet, George Wetherell, Eh- 
enezer M. Lincoln, Daniel Mnrey, Stillman Smith, Newton Sweet, Henry 
B. Dyer, Thomas Brnmau, Jr., Ezra Macnmher, Moses flunt, John Harris, 
Noah Cooper, Eliab Thompson, Samuel Hunt I2d), Joel Wilbur, Jonathan 
Knowles, Elijah White, John T. Whiting, Joseph Fuller, Simeon Dean, 
Allen Derry, Alfred Fiench, Amherst Guild, Asa Patton, Spencer 
Morse, James Wiswall, Henry B. Hodges, Abijah Dean, John Gilbert, 
Stephen Hodges, Daniel Guillow, John Penno, Peleg West, Williams 
Keith, Sylvanus B. Braman, Andrews Braman, Perry Alherton. Sylves- 
ter Round, John Russell, Levi Bowen, Nallmniel Danfortli, Ichabod 
Perry, Jr , Se.ibnry W'oodward, Horatio Field, Kingman Richmond, 
Reuben Wilbur, John Wild, Jr., Jesse Blandin, Elijah Eddy, Barnard 
Dean, Lyman Eddy, Solomon Lothrop, Jr, Benjamin Blandin, Jr., Jo- 
siah Wilbur, Abiather Knapli, Tisdale Lincoln, George Hodges, Jr., 
Charles Danforth, Leonard Hill, Jr., William Lane, Jr., Adonivam 
Hodges, Elibha Grossman, Nathan Dean, Jr., William Dean, Gulliver 
Dean, Albert W. Godfrey, Solomon Leonard, Jedediali Pa-.kard, Daniel 
Lane, Asaph White, Philip Andrevi-s, William Sweet, Zelotes Wetherell, 
Lawrence Hunt, Oliver Hunt, George Lane, John Freeman, Jr., Zopher 
Skinner, Diivid Godfrey, Alanson Cobb, Ephraim Frencli, Augustus 
White. 

Military Record, 1861-65.-— The following men 
. enlisted from Norton in the war of the Rebellion : 

WiUiam F. Adams, Sanford B. Austin, Alonzo P. Holmes, George C. 
Hunt, Isaac R. Burchard, Benjamin F. Sweet, William H. Lane, 
Shepard L. Field, George B. Stanley, Charles F. Carpenter, Barney 
Coyle, Ransom W. Town, Ehsha H. Crosby, Daniel Crosby, George 
E. Hunt, William Bruce, Henry Burchard, Charles W. Hicks, James 
H. Wall, Joseph N. Drake, James Card, William T. Elliott, George M. 
Freeman, Edgar A. Freeman, Samuel G. Hicks, George W. Hamlin, 
Zelotus T. Hewit, Edwin A. Lane, James Ramsey, Jason L. While, 
Joseph H. Washburn, William D. Washburn, Jason White, Calvin 
White, John H. White, Emery E. Willis, Thomas B Wetherell, 
Charles H. Welherell, Loren B. Willis, Alexander D. Washburn, 
Albert A. Austin, Granville D. Austin. Edwin Barrows, Abbott H. 
Blanding.WtllianiS. Bolton, Deriek W.Cobb, Robert Di-von, Charles 
D. Freeman, Darius B. Field, Alfred B. Hodges, David L. Hodges, 
Henry B. Ide, Artenias C. King, Jr., Theodore W. Keith, William 
A. Lane, Joseph Lincoln, Zachens Blacomber, Benjamin H. Rich- 
mond, Bernard L. Ripley, Charles W. Sprague, Charles T, Smith, 
Cyril S. Sweet, Lewis H. Sweet, George N. Tucker, Henry 0. Titus, 
Henry Sherman. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

NOK£0'N.—{Contimitd.) 
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY— EDUCATIONAL. 

The Cougregaiional (Unitarian) Church— The Trinitarian Congrega- 
tion"! Church— The Baptist Church— Wesleyan Methodist Church— 
The Methudiet Episcopal Church — Roman Catholic Chufch- Wheaton 
Seuiinaiy. 

The Congregational ( Unitarian) Church.— Coiu- 
cident with the organization of the town was the 

1 He did not accept the commiBsion. - By Austin Messenger, Esq. 



organization of this church, and its first minister was 
Rev. Samuel Phillips, who, however, was not or- 
dained. He commenced preaching Jan. 1, 1710, and 
remained but a few months. 

As a portion of the old township of Taunton was 
incorporated into the North Predinct, and as many 
of the settlers of the said precinct were either pro- 
prietors or intimately connected with the proprietors 
of the old town, the latter naturally felt some interest 
in the prosperity of the precinct, and especially in the 
settlement and support of a minister. Hence divers 
of them made each a small contribution of land for 
whatever minister should be settled in the new parish. 
Here is the proof: 

" We, the subscribers for the Encouragement of a Learned, orthodox, 
pious minister to settle in the Sacred employ of the ministry in Taun- 
ton North precinct, Do hereby Give and Grant the severall quantities of 
land annexed to our names, hereunder written, unto the first minister 
who Hhall settle in said North precinct, Desiring of the proprietors of 
Taunton old Township that it may be layed out on the next Division of 
land in said Townsliip, Either in one Entire tract or more, in such place 
or places where it niny be most convenient and pleasing to the first 
minister that shall there settle, on any lands, as yet common or undi- 
vided, in that part of the old Township landi which now ffall to be 
within the line of the North precinct; and particularly on latid, now 
common, which lyes near the place appointed by Authority for the 
meeting-house to be sett upon, on the north and south side of the way 
as shall be most convenient. 

No. of No. of 

Acres. Acres. 

John Pool 12 ! Samuel Danforth 1% 

Robert Godfrey 1 , Henry Hodges 1 

Joseph Hall 1 I Thomas Harvey, G. Senior... 1 

James Hall 1 ; Nicholas White 1 

Isaac Marrick 1 ; John Andrews 1 

Increase Kohinson 2 John Tisdale 1 

Phillip King 1 John Hodges I 

James Walker, Senior 2 Thomas Leonaid 3 

Abram Jones 1 John Smith, G. Senior 4 

James Phillips 1 James Leonaid, Jun 1 

SInuhacU Wilbore 1 Thomas Lincoln, G Senior... l^ 

Benjamin Wilbore 3 John Macomber 1 

Jimits Burt 1 Thomas Dean 1 

Samuel Blake..... 2 Seth Williams 1 

Joseph Wilbs 2 • I John Smith, Jiinior }.^ 

Nicholas Stephens 1 ' Joseph Wilbore 1 

Benjamin Hall 1 [ John White % 

Samuel Knap I j John Leonard 1 

John Blason 1 i Ezra Dean, Senior 1 

Nathaniel Williams 1 1 Jonathan Williams 1 

James Ti-dale 1 Willam Ha-skins 2 

John Grossman 1 William Wetheiell, Sen 2 

Thomas Willis ^ Edward Leonard 1 

EbeTiezi-r Robinson 1 ! John Richmond, Senior 1 

J.i-eph Tisdale 2 , Ens. Thomas Gilbert I 

Mr. Giles Gilbert 1 | Joseph Williams 1 

" All these severall parcells of land mentioned in this paper is Granted 
to the first minister that shall settle in the work of the ministry in the 
north precinct, on both sides of the way that goeth from Nathaniel 
Hodges' to the meeting-house in said precinct, and on both sides of the 
way that leadeth from the meeting-house in said precinct to Samuel 
Hodges' house, and partly on the northerly side of said meeting-house, 
running up towards the land of Major Leonard, to be laid out as may 
be most convenient for the first minister that shall settle in said precinct, 
the whole sum granted is seventy-three acres and thrte-quarters.on the 
sixty-four-acre division. 

"Granted January the fifth, 17lU,by the Committee for the sixty-four- 
acre division. 

".\ttest: " Thom.\s Leonard, Olerk" 

Judge Thomas Leonard, one of the proprietors of 
the iron-works, and the father of George, who took 
so conspicuous a part in securing the grant of a pre- 
cinct, in his will, dated Jan. 20, 1711-12, and pro- 
bated Feb. 5, 1713-14, gave to the first minister that 
should be " orderly settled" in the western part of 



NORTON. 



611 



Taunton North Precinct, and continue there in the 
ministry seven years, twenty acres of land, and in 
case lie continued fourteen years in the ministry, 
twenty acres more, but if he did not remain fourteen 
years, then the second settled minister who should 
remain seven years was to have the last twenty acres. 
The departure of Mr. Phillips compelled the pre- 
cinct to look about for a new candidate. 

" December the 23d, 1710. — At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Taun- 
ton Nortii Pui'chase, [they,] 2Iy, made ciiuice of Mr. Joseph Avery to 
settle witli them in the work of the miiiistree, and to be their minister, 
if he see Cause to Exceept. 

"3Iy, they made choice of George Leonard and Nicliotas Wliite to go 
and acquaint Mr. Avery that tliey have cliose him for tiieir minister, 
and also to treet with liim about bis settleing with tiiem in the work ol 
the ministree. 

"4, tlie meeting was aitjourned to the third day of January next." 

'■ Jan. 3d, 1710-11, they voted to Give Mr. Avery 15s. a sabatli, for the 
time that he shall trantiently Preach among them, before they iiave 
come to any certin Bargaine with him; and also 15s. for ye Last Sab- 
ath." 

*' feb. 2nd, 1710-11, ye comitee ware ordered to make their Proposals 
to Mr. Avery." 

A tax was levied upon the town to assist the min- 
ister in providing a habitation. The following were 
the persons taxed : George Leonard, Lt. Samuel 
Brintnell, Samuel Hodges, John Cob, Selvanis Cam- 
bell, Nathaniel fisher, Andrew Grovier, Ephreim 
Grovier, Thomas Grovier, John Hodges, Nathaniell 
hedges, Thomas StevenSj Eliezer Edye, Benjamin 
Newland, Robert Tucker, Nicolas White, John 
Skiner, John hall, Peter Aldrich, Joseph Briggs, 
Richard Briggs, Eliezer fisher, Israeli fisher, Benja- 
min Williams, John Wetherell, Sen., William Weth- 
arell, Sen., John Austin, Nicolas Smith, John Brigs, 
Jun., John Caswell, Sen., Benjamin Caswell, John 
Newland, Seth Dormau, Joseph Eliot, William 
Hodges, Mathew White, Isaac Sheapard, Samuell 
fisher, John Smith, John Lane, Ebenezr Edye, Dan- 
iell Braman, William Wetharell, Jun., William Cobb, 
Nathaniell Hervey, John Wetharell, Jun., Samuell 
Brintnell, Jun., Samuell Bayley, John Brigs, Sen., 
James Caswell, Edward White, Samuell Blake, Sen., 
Widow Smith, Benjamin Willis, Samuel Alline, 
Robert Woodward, Thomas Hervey, Sen., William 
Hervey, Jun., Morgan Cobb, Jonathan Lincoln, 
Jeremiah Newland, Hanah Deen, William pratt, 
Jonathan Williams, James Leonard, Jun., George 
Hodges. 

"This rate, being to pay Mr. .\very 32 pounds towards building his 
house, was made by us, the subscribers, this first day of January, 1711 
-12. it contains 32. 8. 0., Besides 0. 16. 6. put in for the constable, the 
eight shillings is for makein the rate. 

"George Leonard, 
"John Wetherel, 
"Thomas Stephens, 

".4sseMor»." 

Those whose heads are not rated were, no doubt, 
non-residents. The house was, we presume, erected 
soon after the rate was made, though not entirely 
finished for some years. This house, thus early built 
for Mr. Avery, stood on the land already given to and 
laid out for the first minister. 



While preparations for building him a house are 
going on, no response to the call came from the min- 
ister, who is still preaching to the people. The town, 
"Sept. 17, 1712, voted to Mr. Avery, for his salary 
4,5 — — 0." This was five pounds more than the year 
previous, a further evidence that the town are 
anxious to hear a favorable answer to their invita- 
tion. Another year passes away, and still Mr. Avery 
gives no answer. He certainly was a very deliberate 
man. The town, however, " let patience have its per- 
fect work," and " Oct. IS, 1713, voted to Mr. Avery, for 
his salary for this year, 45 — — 0." 

Almost another entire year passed away before we 
find the following record : 

"On the 13th of September, 1714, Mr. Avery Gave bis answer, which 
was Excepted by ye town ; and on that day thay voted to Mr. Joseph 
Avery liis salary, 50 — — 0."l 

"A church was gathered in Norton on the 28th of 
October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and fourteen." - The names of "those who 
covenanted as members" are there given. They are 
the same as those who signed the covenant October 
4th ; " and," .says the record, " on the same day, Oct. 
28, 1714, was ordained Mr. Joseph Avery as pastor of 
the Church of Christ in Norton." He was the first 
minister in Norton. 

A town-meeting was held Aug. 4, 1719, and from 
the records of it we take the following extracts: 

"31y, According to the warrant forsd. meatingfor to Rayse monis for 
to finish the ministr's hous, accordingly Proseded to give twenty pounds 
by way uf rate, &. Sum by way of freewill ofring or Gift at sd. meeting. 

"41y, Voted to give ye mini.ster twenty pounds for the finishing of his 
hous, to be raised on ye inhabitanc by way of rate, nicolas Smith, and 
Benjamin Williams, and Ebenezer Eddy, having given already, are to 
be Excepted in sd. act ; and John Briggs, gian. Sen., on his promis to 
Give Bricks, is Excepted also. 

"Nicolas Smith promised to Give Mr. Avery ten shilinds in two 
months, in money or grain, at money-price, 

"Ebenezer Eddy has given — 5 — already. 

" Benjamin Williams has given — 10 — already. 

"John briggs. Grand Sen., promis to give five shillins' worth of good 
wether brick at the kill at John Gilbard's at taunton. 

"Nathaniel fisher promis to give ten shilliuds in two months in worck. 

"John Newland, Sen., promis to give ten shilinds, — tivein money, & 
five in worck. 

"John Austen promis to give ten shilinds, — five in money .& five in 
worck. 

" Thomas Skinner and his suns gives twenty shilinds, — ten in money 
& ten in worck. 

"Uriah Leonard gives five shilinds by promis. 

" John briggs, Sen., promis to give twenty sliillinds in worck in two 
months. Jeremiah Newland promis to give three shilinds in two months. 
John Harvey promis to give twenty shilinds (ten in money A ten itl 
worck) in two montlis. Joseph Hodges gave five shilinds money & two 
pare of Hocks & hinges, at six shilinds' price, in two months. John New- 
land, sen., or benianin Newland, promis to give five shilinds in worck 
in two months. Jonathan Linkotn promis to lath the west Chamber. 
John A ndrus promis to lath the East Chamber. John Hodges, sen , gives 
twenty shilinds in money Ml', avery oes said Hodges. Left. Nicolas 
White promis to give twenty shilinds money in two months." 



t From his settlement to 1720 his salary was £50 ; from 1721 to 1734 it 
was £60; in 1735 and 1736 it was £80; in 1737, £100; in 1738, £160. 
From 1739 to 1742 he had £120; then for three years he had £130. From 
1746 to his dismission his salary was £140. 

2 This was in old style. In the new style the date would be Nov. 8 
1714. 



612 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The first pastor of the church was Rev. Joseph 
Avery, who was ordained Oct. 28, 1714, and remained 
as pastor until 1748. He died here April 23, 1770. 
For some time after the dismissal of Mr. Avery the 
church had no settled pastor, but was supplied by 
the following: Jos. Roberts, Thomas Jones, Naphtali 
Daggett, Jonathan Dorby, Jos. Green, Jr., and Sam- 
uel Angier. In 1752 a call was extended to Rev. 
Joseph Palmer, which was accepted, and Nov. 10, 
1752, the church 

"Voted, they would ordain Mr. Joseph P.iltner as siine as they could 
conveniently. 

"3Iy, the church voted that the church-covenant slioild be red; and 
it was red : and they gave theii assent to it by the sine of lifting the 
hand." 

Jan. 3, 1753, Mr. Palmer was ordained, and re- 
mained as pastor until his death, April 4, 1791. Oct. 
12, 1792, the church voted to invite Rev. Pitt Clark. 
Jan. 7, 1793, it was " voted to give Mr. Pitt Clark one 
hundred and fifty pounds, as an encouragement to 
settle with us in the Gospel Ministry as a settlement." 
" Voted to give said Mr. Clark 80 pounds salary Pr. 
year, so long as he remains our minister and supplies 
the pulpit." 

As a further encouragement for him to settle with 
them, a subscription paper was drawn up April 1, 
1793, and £79 8s. was pledged " in addition to the 
Encouragement" above mentioned, " provided he 
settle as the minister of sd. Parish." The names of 
the donors, with the -sums given, are as follows : 



£ 

George Leonard 20 

Daniel Dean 4 

Joseph Hodges 1 

Silas Cobb 1 

Jonathan Leonard 1 

Ebeuezer Titus 1 

Daniel Knap 1 

Samuel Morey 3 

Josiah Hodges 1 

John Hall 4 

^Villianl Cobb 1 

Ephraini Lane 1 

Noah Wiswall 1 

Seth Smith, Jr 2 

Ephraiui Raymond 3 

Samuel Morey, Jr 1 

Joshua Pond 1 

Elijah Cobb I 

Elijah Danforth n 

Thomas liramau 2 

Williao) Lane 

Elijall Lane 

Asa (lopelaud ., 1 

Lahau Smith 



£ s. 

Benjamin Pearson 6 

Eleazer C'lapp 1 10 

Ephraim Lane, Jr 1 10 

David Clapp 1 10 

Daniel Parker 1 10 

Isaac Basset 1 

Isaac Stone G 

William Martin 6 

Joti.athan Briggs 6 

Thomas Dauforth C 

Daniel Lane fj 

Isaac Lane 6 

George Palmer 12 

Samuel Hunt 12 

Stephen Jennings 3 

Isa.'ic Hodges, Jr 12 

Abel Franklin li 

Samuel Copeland 1 i 

John Kiug .-. 1 

Brian Hall n 12 

Michael Sweet 12 

Laban Whcaton 1 

Joseph Phillips 6 

Isaac Branian 1 Iq 



Mr. Clark was ordained July 3, 1793, and continued 
as pastor until his death, Feb. 13, 1835. He was 
born in Medficld, Jan. 15, 1763. Until August, 1835, 
the following preached as supplies: A. Davis, D. C. 
Sanders, U. Whitman, Mr. Lakeraan, and Mr. Rich- 
ardson. August 2d of this ye*-. Rev. Asarelah M. 
Briggs commenced preaching as a candidate, and was 
ordained as pastor Jan. 27, 1836, and remained until 
Nov. 1, 1840. The next pastor was Rev. William P. 
Tilden, from April 21, 1841, to June 30, 1844. The 
pulpit was then supplied by Revs. William H. Fish, 
William C. Tenney, T. H. Dorr, and A. D. Jones 
until July 6, 1845, when Rev. Amory Gale, M.D., 



commenced supplying the pulpit and continued until 
Jan. 1, 1848. After Mr. Gale, Rev. John N. Ballows 
preached a short time, and Sept. 24, 1848, Rev. Fred- 
eric Hinckley was installed as pastor, and remained 
until Oct. 27, 1850. 

The parish committee were autliorized, Dec. 30, 
1850, to invite Mr. George A. Carues to preach till 
the annual meeting in March, and he did so. 

From the 1st of April, 1851, to the middle of No- 
vember of the same year the following persons 
preached, probably not all of them as candidates: 
Charles Robinson, Francis B. Knapp, Benjamin Kent, 
George W. Lippitt, Charles Briggs, William W. Heb- 
bard, Herman Snow, F. A. Whitney, D. W. Stevens, 
and J. K. Waite. George Osgood supplied from 
Nov. 16, 1851, to Jan. 26, 1852. From that time to 
the middle of April, Josiah K. Waite, Warren Burton, 
Samuel F. Clark, Solon W. Bush, and ( "harles Briggs 
supplied the pulpit. 

Rev. George Faber Clark, after the society had 
heard some twenty candidates, more or less, com- 
menced preaching April 18, 1852. He remained four 
Sundays. Rev. N. Whitman, in accordance with a 
previous arrangement, preached the last three Sun- 
days of May. 

Mr. Clark returned on the 1st of June to fulfill an 
engagement of four weeks more. On the 26th of 
June, 1852, having preached here seven Sundays, the 
parish "voted unanimously to invite the Rev. George 
F. Clark to settle with said society as their teacher 
and pastor." He accepted the call, and was installed 
Aug. 11, 1852, and remained until Aug. 3, 1861. 

In addition to his duties as pastor he found time to 
indulge in other literary pursuits, and in 1859 he 
wrote an elaborate " History of Norton," which is an 
invaluable contribution to the historic literature of 
New England. He was also town clerk of Norton 
from 1858 to 1861. 

Rev. George Faber Clark was tlie twelfth child and 
eighth son of Jonas and Mary (Twitchel) Clark, of 
Dublin, N. H., and was born Feb. 24, 1817. He was 
the grandson of William and Sarah (Locke) Clark, of 
Townsend, Mass., great-grandson of William and 
Eunice (Taylor) Clark, of Townsend, and the great- 
great-grandson of Samuel Clark (whose wife was Re- 
becca Nichols?), who settled at Concord, Mass., about 
the year 1680, and who was probably born in London, 
and came to America with his father about 1660, when 
a small boy. 

The mother of Rev. G. F. Clark w.as the daughter 
of Abel Twitchel, of Dublin, N. H., who was the son 
of Joseph and Deborah (Fairbanks) Twitchel, of 
Sherborn, Mass., grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth 
(Holbrook) Twitchel, of Sherborn, great-grandson 
of Joseph and Lydia Twitchel, of Sherborn, great- 
great-grandson of Benjamin and Mary Twitchel, of 
Sherborn and Lancaster, and great-great-great-grand- 
son of Joseph Twitchel, who probably came from Dor- 
setshire, England, about 1633, and settled at Dorches- 



NORTON. 



fil3 



ter, Mass., >ind was admitted to the frepman's oath 
May 14, 1634. 

Jouas Clark, the father of tlie subject of this sketch, 
was a clothier by trade, and built the first clothier's 
shop or fulling-mill in Dublin, N. H. 

In the excellent and somewhat celebrated common 
schools of that town Rev. Mr. Clark was educated till 
his fifteenth year. He subsequently entered Phillips 
Exeter Academy, and later the Theological Depart- 
ment of Harvard, from which he graduated in 1846. 

The following have preached here since Mr. Clark : 
Rev. Daniel S. C. M. Potter, of West Bridgewater, 
from May 11, 1863, and closed July 1, 1869; Rev. 
Isaac Kelso, of Dighton, from Oct. 23, 1869, to winter 
of 1870; Rev. John B. Willard, of Still River, from 
March 28, 1870, to fall of 1871 ; Rev. J. E. Bruce, of 
Marion, fall, 1871, to March, 1872; candidates from 
March, 1872, to 1873; Rev. S. C. Beach, of Charles- 
town, pastor from March, 1873, to Jan. 1, 1876; Rev. 
J. M. Trask, of New Salem, preached from January 
to March, 1876 ; Rev. L. W. Manning, of Dighton, 
from September, 1876, to July 1, 1880 ; Rev. W. H. 
Reeby, of Dighton, from March, 1881, present pas- 
tor. 

The first church edifice was erected in 1710, and 
was occupied until 1753, when the second house of 
worship was erected, and dedicated January 3d of the 
same year. 

The rate bill for building the first house contains 
the following names: George Leonard, Samuel 1 Brint- 
nell, Samuell Hodges, John Cob, John Smith, Sel- 
vanis Cambell, Nathaniell Fisher, Andrew Grovier, 
Ephreim Grovier, Thomas Grovier, Nathaniell 
Hodges, John Hodges, Thomas Stevens, Eliezer Edy, 
Ebenezer Edy, Benjamin Newland, Robert Tucker, 
Nicholas White, John Andrews, John Skiner, John 
Hall, Joseph Brigs, Richard Brigs, Eliezer Fisher, 
Israeli Fisher, Benjamin Williams, John Wetharell, 
William Wetharell, John Austin, Nicholas Smith, 
John Brigs, Jr., John Caswell, Benjamin Caswell, 
John Newland, Seth Dorman, Jeremiah Wetherell, 
Joseph Eliot, William Hodges, Mathew White, 
Ephreim Sheldon, Isaac Shapard, William Wetharell, 
Jr., John Brigs, Sr., Daniel Braman, John Lane, 
Peter Aldrich, Nathaniell Hervey. 

The following was voted concerning the second 
meeting-house: 

Nov. 28, 1753, tlie parish " Voted that the standing Cumitte Shall 
take care of the nieating-house, and keep it lokt ; and also that theiie 
be uo chares seet in the alleys of sd. meatiug-house when the new seats 
are made Below." 

Dec. U, 1780, it was " Voted to Sell so much of the floor iu the raeet- 
ing-hoiise aft to make Six pews Back of the men's and women's Body of 
Seats, and a roe of pews in the Back of the front galery." 

March 15, 1784, it was " Voted that one-thii d part of the front Galery 
be devoted for the wittier) to set in, and be divided off." 

Jan. 5, 1789, '* Voted to sell the Ground for pews on the back-side of 
side-galarys, e.vcept about six or seven feet at the back-corner for ne- 
groes; and also the Ground whore the negroes' Seats now are." 

This house was occupied until Jan. 9, 1836, when 
the present church edifice was dedicated. The move- 



ment for the erection of the new church commenced 
in March, 1834, and September 27th same year it was 

"Moved and Voted, that this Parish build a new Meeting-house by 
the Bale of the Pews and individual donation, .t set it on the ground 
gratnitotrsly offered by Mrs. Peddy Bowen, accol-ding to her direction, 
near the front of this house; and said house shall be for the use of the 
Congregational Incorporated society of which the Rev. Pitt Clarke la 
tlie present Minister, or bis successor in office. 2S for, 6 against." 

Mrs. Bowen gave the land and all the timber for the 
house, on condition that it should be cut and carried 
from her land according to her particular directions. 
The present house has been several times repaired. 

Deacons. — The deacons of the church have been 
as follows: Nicholas White, John Briggs, John 
Briggs (2d), Joseph Hodges, John Andrews, Benjamin 
Hodges, Benjamin Copeland, Samuel Dean, Benja- 
min Pearson, Seth Smith, Asa Copeland, Lysander 
Makepeace, Daniel Lane, Stillnian Smith, Almond 
Tucker, A. D. Hunt. 

The Trinitarian Congregational Church.'— This 
church, comprising twenty-two members, eleven of 
whom withdrew from the original church in this place, 
was organized and orderly recognized by an ecclesias- 
tical council April 3, 1832. 

Their first and subsequent meetings for prayer and 
conference were held in the east front room of the 
dwelling and present residence of Mrs. Eliza B. 
Wheaton, and their Sabbath assemblies in a hall that 
stood near the spot where now is the store of Maynard 
Newcomb. For a time these services were conducted 
by clergymen from abroad, including members of the 
"Taunton and Vicinity Association," who each gave 
a Sabbath service, and others, and previous to the or- 
ganization of the church by Dr. Lyman Beecher, of 
Boston, Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Braintree, and Rev. 
John West, of Taunton. 

As the weeks passed by they were much encour- 
aged. Considerable accessions were made to their 
number, and the Sabbath congregation steadily in- 
creased. They decided at once to secure as soon as 
possible a gospel minister who should live among 
them, and to build a meeting-house. 

The means to build were obtained by the self-sacri- 
ficing contributions of all of them, by the aid to some 
extent of friends from abroad, and especially by the 
generous and large gifts of the Hon. Laban Wheaton, 
and of his son, the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to whom 
and their families this church has ever been under 
obligations of gratitude for their liberal and oft-re- 
peated benefactions. The building lot, one of the 
finest locations in the village, was given, and a neat 
and comely meeting-house erected. This house was 
dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1834, Dr. R. S. 
Storrs, of Braintree, preaching the sermon from the 
text, " Behold, a kingshall reign in righteousness, and 
princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be 
as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from 
the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the 

1 By Rev. J. P. Lane. 



614 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



shadow of a great rock in a weary land." (Isaiah 
xxxii. 1 and 2.) The prayer of dedication was offered 
by Rev. Eraslus Maltby, of Taunton. 

That year the Wheaton Seminary was founded, 
and its interests have been from the first closely re- 
lated and identified with this church and congrega- 
tion. Two years later, in 1836, it became necessary 
to enlarge the meeting-house, and this was done by 
extending its length about one-third. 

This house, for the time in which it was built, was 
finished and furnished in a manner satisfactory to a 
cultivated taste, and as befitted the house of God. 
In the basement there was a large vestry for the 
Sabbath-school, and for prayer and conference meet- 
ings, and other rooms conveniently arranged for 
various social uses and occasions. Various improve- 
ments on the edifice itself and in its furnishings were 
made from time to time. A belfry and spire, after 
the fashion of the time, surmounting the roof at the 
west end, were built, and a fine-toned bell of a net 
weightof twelve hundred pounds, cast to order at the 
foundry of Holbrook & Son, East Medway, was sup- 
plied. Carpets, pew cushions, new and improved 
facilities for heating and other furnishings were ob- 
tained as they were needed or desired for greater 
comfort or convenience. In 1851, by donation or 
purchase, all the pews which were previously owned 
by individuals became the property of the church, to 
be held free to all or annually rented for the" support 
of church services. An excellent organ from the 
manufactory of Simmons & Co., Boston, was obtained 
the same year and given to the church by Mrs. E. B. 
Wheaton. Ten sheds for the protection of horses 
and carriages were also erected the same year and 
given to the church by the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, 
to be annually rented as the pews. 

In 1878 a neat and attractive chapel, formerly the 
gymnasium of Wheaton Seminary, was finished, ad- 
joining the church edifice, and on the day of its ded- 
ication, the 18th of September, was given to the 
church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. The sermon on this 
occasion was by Rev. H. K. Craig, of Falmouth, a 
former minister of the church, and the dedicatory 
prayer was by Rev. W. N. T. Dean, the acting min- 
ister. 

On the 4th of March, 1882, in a communication to 
the church, they were tenderly informed that it was 
in the heart of her who had so often bestowed liberal 
' gifts for their benefit to make some changes and im- 
provements in the church and chapel edifices, and 
she asked permission to carry out the benevolent de- 
sire of her heart, with the counsel and advice of those 
whom she might choose. This request so modestly 
made comprehended much. Few knew the largeness 
of its meaning. It was of course gratefully and unan- 
imously granted. 

After consultation and consideration, a plan and 
specifications, drawn by Stephen C. Earle, architect, of 
Worcester, Mass., were adopted. Contracts were made. 



and the work completed. The renovated chapel was 
reopened and dedicated by special services on Sunday, 
evening, Nov. 26, 1882 ; sermon by the pastor from 
the text, " At the gate which is called Beautiful." 
(Acts iii. 1-10.) The church was completed ready for 
occupancy and was dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 17, 
1882, the other congregations in town, with their pas- 
tors, uniting in the service, and the i)astor preaching 
from the text, " This is none other but the house of 
God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis xxviii. 
17.) Previous to the sermon the property was pre- 
sented to the church in the following communica- 
tion : 

*' To Oil' Trinitiirian Congregational Church of Norton : 

"Dkah Chuistian Friends, — Having obtained your permission last 
March for making sucli clianges as I should see fit iu our church and 
chapel, and at a later time including the organ iu this permit, after 
unlocked for delay, I am now permitted, througli the divine hlossing, 
to return to yoxt the property remodeled, all of which I trust you will 
find sufficiently improved to compensate for the inconveniences to which 
you have been subjected. 

"These improvements with furnishings complete — together with out- 
side repairs in sheds and grounds, policies of insurance, and a deed of 
land sufticient for your wants — I give to you in the name of yuur dea- 
cons, Jesse H. Blandin and David R. Winter, and their successors in 
ofiice, for your use and benefit forever. 

" In furnishing a tower clock (though given to yon) I have had a 
special desire to gratify the citizens of Norton. 

" In the early progress of the work the architect asked if I should 
have a memorial window. I replied, ' No, for all I am doing is memo- 
rial work.* 

" Yet 1 do not claim this as a Memorial Church, for should I, there 
are limliers left in the church edifice and foundation-stones that might 
appiopriately claim a loving remembrance for many others who helped 
bniid this house who long since passed away. 

" Wlien the tower clock strikes out its clear, sweet strokes for the 
hours, I am pleasantly reminded that they fall on the bell presented by 
my lamented IHuther Wheaton some forty si.\ years ago. 

" In this gift I wish most devoutly to join you in offering it to the 
Lord, praying that through it He may be greatly honored. 
"Yours, in Christian love, 

" Eliza B. Wheaton. 

" NoETO.V, Dec. 16, 1S82." 

The day was one of the pleasantest; the audience 
was large, filling the house completely, and the ser- 
vices, in which all the ministers of the town partici- 
pated, were impressive and satisfactory. 

The church had been lengthened about ten feet at 
each end, and with its new tower and spire and its 
new roof is virtually a new building, the interior 
above the basement being entirely new. The chapel 
had been but slightly changed in itself, but was 
moved to a new location, so that its length, which 
was parallel with that of the church, is now at right 
angles to it, and an additional building had been 
made connecting the two. The principal entrances 
of the church are at the west end, two steps up from 
the ground, with a large step of cut granite at each 
entrance. Inside the vestibule easy flights of stairs, 
with a landing midway, lead to the main floor, which 
maintains its old position about five or six feet above 
the ground. In the vestibule there is also a flight of 
steps opposite each entrance leading to the basement, 
which, with the exception of new windows and gen- 
eral repairs, remains as it was, being devoted to the 



NORTON. 



615 



heating apparatus, etc., and rooms for social use on 
occasion. A stairway in the tower leads from the 
vestibule to the gallery over it, and other stairs lead 
on up to the cloclv-room and bell-deck. The old bell 
does service in the new tower, and in addition to its 
former duties now notes each passing hour in connec- 
tion with the four-dial Howard clock. The vestibule 
occupies the addition at the front end, and that at the 
east end is devoted to the platform. By means of 
these additions the entire floor as it was is given to the 
auditorium. At the north end of the platform is the 
organ, practically a new instrument, having been en- 
tirely rebuilt by E. L. Holbrook, of East Medway. 
It has a front of wood pipes on the side towards the 
congregation, and metal ones richly decorated with 
gold on the side towards the platform. On this side 
is placed the key-board, and directly adjacent the 
choir. At the south end of the platform the pastor's 
room occupies a space similar in dimensions and 
architectural treatment to that taken by the organ. 
The old slightly-arched ceiling has been .superseded 
by the full semicircular new one. This carries the 
finished space up into the roof so as to expose the 
timber-work, which consists of three trusses, each of ' 
a tie-beam, which makes the diameter of the ceiling 
curve, and three other beams on radii of that curve. 
These trusses are finished with California red-wood, 
of which also are the pews and finish of the church 
generally, though cherry has been used for the pulpit, ; 
ministers' seats, and communion-table, the top of the 
latter being of St. Alban's red marble. The windows 
are of rolled cathedral glass in colors, and that above 
the platform is a specially rich design. The walls 
and ceiliqgs throughout both the church and chapel 
are decorated in oil by Philip A. Butler, artist, of 
Boston. The decoration is rich in color, though the 
treatment is very simple and in excellent taste. The 
pews are fitted up with patent elastic cushions, covered 
with dark maroon damask, and made by Osterman 
& Son, of New York. The upholstery of the pulpit 
and ministers' seats has plush covering of a similar 
color. The building is heated by Magee furnaces in 
the basement, and is brilliantly lighted with gas, as 
is also the chapel, by means of a Walworth gas-ma- 
chine. The gas-fixtures are of dark bronze, and were 
made by Hollings ife Co., of Boston. 

The chapel, always a pleasant room, is made more 
so by its new position, and particularly by the color 
given to the walls and ceiling. Between the church 
and chapel a new section is built, which contains a 
parlor or infant class-room, fifteen by twenty feet, con- 
necting by wide doors with the chapel ; a small Vesti- 
bule on the east connects with the chapel and parlor, 
and a larger porch or vestibule with a western entrance. 
The latter also serves as a library-room, and is fur- 
nished with a handsome roller front book-case made 
by Smith & Co., Boston. From this room is an en- 
trance to the church and pastor's room, and a flight 
of stairs leads directly to the kitchen in the basement. 



New carpets, new hymn-books, etc., and a new .silver- 
plated communion service of a rich design complete 
the equipment. 

The contractors and builders were Mead, Mason & 
Co., Boston, Mr. G. W. Myers, foreman. The work 
was under the care and general supervision of the 
architect, Mr. S. C. Earle, of Worcester, but back of 
it all the loving heart, patient spirit, painstaking and 
wise judgment of Mrs. Wheaton, who with a marvel- 
ous strength and devotion regarded and carried every 
detail of her generous undertaking. And all employed 
in the work were animated by a pride to do tlieir best, 
and by an oft-expressed appreciation of the self-deny- 
ing spirit and noble beneficence of the Christian 
woman who was providing for the people she loved 
this costly benefit. 

The following is a list of the several ministers and 
pastors of this church, with the dates of their terms 
of service : 

Rev. Spencer F. Beard, 1832-35 ; Rev. Cyrus W. 
Allen, installed July 8, 1835, dismissed March 1, 
1842 ; Rev. Homer Barrows, 1842-45 ; Rev. AVilliam 
Barrows, ordained Sept. 4, 1845, dismissed June 4, 
1850 ; Rev. Franklin Holmes, ordained Sept. 15, 1852, 
dismissed Dec. 20, 1859 ; Rev. Samuel Beane, in- 
stalled Sept. 26, 1860, died May 8, 1865; Rev. Henry 
C. Fay, 1865-68 ; Rev. H. K. Craig, 1869-71 ; Rev. 
T. Atkinson, 1872-75; Rev. W. N. T. Dean, 1876-81 ; 
Rev. James P. Lane, installed Jan. 10, 1882. 

The original members were Nathan Perry, Leavit 
Bates, Hannah Bates, Lysauder Makepeace, Sarah 
Makepeace, John Patten, Nancy Patten, Phebe Pat- 
ten, Lydia Shepard, Elizabeth Briggs, Rhoda Lo- 
thrope, Jesse Blandin, Laban M. Wheaton, Eliza B. 
Wheaton, Josiah King, Clarissa King, Mason Stone, 
Abigail M. Stone, Harriet Patten, Polly Goodwin, 
Allen Tucker, Emma Field. 

The Baptist Church. — The old Baptist Church, the 
first in this town, was organized in 1761. The fol- 
lowing are extracts from the early records: 

"March ye 5,1761. — Elder Willi.-im Carpenter wns baptised by im- 
mersion by Elder Backus, and at the same time Patience Cooli was bap- 
tised by immersion." 

" March ye 18, 1761, — At a church meeting held in Norton after solemn 
prayer to God, [and] after some discourse on many points, the church hy 
vote adjourned ye sd meeting till March ye 24," 

" March ye 24, 1761. — Ye Church met, and after opening ye meeting 
by solemn prayer to God, — 

"First, ye Church voted the Confession of Faith and Covenant of the 
Baptist Constitution. Then a number signed sd Covenant, viz., William 
Carpenter, .lohn Finney, Peter Soulard, Gershom Cambell, Daniel Niles, 
Eben Jones, Jabe'z Briggs, Abigail Austin, Sarah Cambell, Patience 
Cook, Mary Jones, Mary Phillips. 

"2nd, The Cburcli made fresli choice of W^iUiam Carpenter to be the 
elder of this Church, 

"3, The Church voted that the first of April should be the day for to 
set apart our Pastor to tiie work of the ministry in the Bajitist Consti- 
tution, and to send to the Baptist Churches in Middleborough (viz.) 
Elder Backus and Elder Hinds,'' 

'■ April ye 1, 1761. — Mr. William Carpenter was set apart to the work 
of the ministry and Church, [and] settled in the gospel order in the Bap- 
tist Constitution, by Elders Backus aiul Hinds, Elders of the Baptist 
Churclies in Middleboro', with their assistance from sd churches, by 
fasting and prayer and the laying-on of hands, giving his charge and 



616 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the light hand of fellowship. [The same day] Benajah Smith, 3Iary 
Finney, Mary Puick (?), and Tabitha Briggs, sigtied the covenant." 

This church was really the continuation of the dis- 
senting church, or rather those who left the First 
Church during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Avery. 

The old church was dissolved Oct. 13, 1835, and on 
the same day the present church was organized, and 
the pastors have been as follows: Revs. Henry C. 
Coombs, Nathan Chapman, Samuel J. Carr, John 
Holbrook, John C. Bowen, William Read, H. C. 
Coombs,' S. A. Collins,' John J. Bronson, F. H. Mil- 
ler, Seth* Ewer, Nathan Chapman, Washington L. 
Coburn, William A. A. Millerd, John Blaine, Isaac 
Smith, George Carpenter, J. H. Tilton, Charles F. 
Nicholson, William S. Walker. 

Wesleyan Methodist Church.— This church was 
organized May 3, 1850, with the following members : 
Rev. S. P. Snow, Maria J. Snow, Joseph Snow, Nancy 
Snow, David Cummings, Roxellaiia R. Cummings, 
Albert S. Tucker, Abigail Tucker, Jonathan J. 
Stanley, Polly Jones. The first pastor was Rev. S. 
P. Snow. Their house was dedicated May 8, 1854, 
with appropriate services, by Rev. J. W. Horton, of 
Taunton; Rev. William H. Brewster, of Lowell; 
Rev. G. Clark, of Attleborough ; and Rev. S. P. Snow, 
the pastor. Rev. Mr. Snow continued his labors as 
pastor until April, 1854, when Lewis P. Atwood, a 
licentiate, was engaged to labor with them one year. 
In April, 1855, Rev. John A. Gibson commenced his 
labors among them. He remained till April, 1858, 
and was succeeded by Rev. James Dixon, who re- 
mained from 1858-61 ; Rev. George Wallace, 18G1 
-64 ; Rev. R. H.Cobb, 1864-65; Rev. Lowell Parker, 
1865-66; Rev. George W. Wallace, 1866-67; Rev. 
Guardiuer Clark, 1867, six months ; Rev. John Braley, 
1867, six months ; Rev. Lowell Parker, from 1868-69; 
Rev. John Blanchard, Rev. Reuben Cook; between 
1869 and 1875 not steady preaching; Rev. Thomas 
Brown, 1875-76 ; Rev. A. R. Bradley, 1876-78 ; Rev. 
W. N. T. Dean, 1878-80 ; Rev. Byron Williams, 1880 
-81 ; Rev. J. P. Lane, 1881-83. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.'— About the year 
1874, Rev. E. D. Hall, i)astor of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in East Attleborough, began hold- 
ing meetings in the part of Norton around Lane's 
Station. These meetings were held in private houses, 
in the depot building, and in the first jewelry-shop, 
since destroyed by fire. A Sunday-school was organ- 
ized, and Brother Freeman Robbins, of Attleborough, 
acted as sui)erintendent. The interest continued and 
increased. Rev. Mr. Gowan, successor to Mr. Hall, 
continued the work, and at length it was decided to 
build a liouse for the worship of God. This was con- 
sidered a great undertaking, but was finally accom- 
plished by the energy and self-sacrificing spirit of the 
people. It would be unfair to the smaller contribu- 
tors to give the names of the larger ones, for many 



1 Supply. 



2 By Rev. Frank S. Townsend. 



gave just as cheerfully from their small means as 
others did from their larger ones. Perhaps from the 
divine point of view they are equal. It is pleasant 
to find on the old subscription papers evidence that 
the giving was not circumscribed by denominational 
lines. The builder of the chapel was Mr. John Har- 
vey. Work was begun in November, 1875, and the 
house was dedicated to the worship of God in Febru- 
ary, 1876. The building is small and plain but neat, 
and dedicated free from debt. Several ministers were 
present. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. 
Willett. A collection was taken by Rev. E. D. Hall. 
At first those in this neighborhood who became mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church were recorded 
on the books of the Attleborough Church. At the 
session of the Providence (now New England South- 
ern) Conference in 1876, R. T. Stevenson, a student 
in the theological school of Boston LTuiversity, was 
appointed to supply the work at Lane's Station. 

On June 10, 1876, a separate church organization 
was effected. On July 23, 1876, Rev. George W. 
Brewster, presiding elder of the district, held the 
first Quarterly Conference of the new church. Since 
then it has been a regular appointment of the Con- 
ference, though a small one. The small .size of the 
church iias rendered it unable to always secure the 
services of a resident pastor, and hence there have 
been more frequent changes of the pastoral relation 
than would have been produced by the system of 
Methodism alone. Most of the preachers have been 
students in the theological school at Boston. The 
following have held the relation of preacher iu 
charge: R. T. Stevenson, Francis M. Kirgan, W. 
D. Gray, W. N. Groome. At the Conference session 
of 1881, M. F. Colburn, a graduate of the theological 
school and member of the Conference, was appointed 
as resident pastor. His health failing after a few 
months he retired, and George H. Trever, of the 
theological school, completed the year. At the Con- 
ference session of 1882, Frank S. Townsend, then a 
student in Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., 
was appointed as resident pastor, and continued his 
labors through the year. 

At present the society consists of thirty-seven 
members and three probationers. An interesting 
Sunday-school, with an average attendance of forty, 
is maintained. The situation of the church, it being 
some distance from any other, brings into attendance 
and sympathy with it some Christians of other de- 
nominations who do not choose to unite as members. 
It is a power for good in its community, and the earn- 
est prayer of its members is that it may continue as 
a beacon-light of ever-increasing radiance. 

A Catholic Church was built in this town in 
1865. The church has never had a settled pastor, 
but was in the Taunton parish nine years, and in the 
North Attleborough parish nine years, and was sup- 
plied with preaching from these parishes. 

Educational.^-Not only did the pioneers of Nor- 



NORTON. 



617 



ton early interest themselves in religious matters, but 
the cause of education also early received their atten- 
tion. As early as April 28, 1719, 

" the town made cbois of Thomas Skinner, Sen., to lie tliare Scoulmas- 
ter, and to Vieginn at ye first day of Jnoe, I719,and tocontinn one quar- 
ter, and hi8 salary not to Excead two pounds for said quarter." 

In 1791, Patience Leach was the schoolmistress, at 
a salary of three shillings per week. Jonathan Hunt 
boarded the schoolmistress, and received three shil- 
lings per week, Abigail Morey tauglit in 1792. 

'* May 13, 1720. — The town made cJioice of Jeremiah Biissett for tw be 
Scoolmaster ; &, accordingly, he have agreed & excepted of the same for 
one quarter of a year, after the Rate of thirty pounds Per year. — one- 
third money, the other two-thirds other pay. firet beginning at the 
public meetiug-tiouse, tlie acool to be moving, Tf continued the oilier 
part of the year, the second quarter [to be] at that part nf tlie town 
called Scottlin ; and the third quarter taking in Tinmp's & White's and 
Skinner's naiborliood; and the fourth quarter at Winnaconick." 

This practice of *' moving" the school, as it was 
termed, continued for several years, most probably 
till the town was redistricted. 

"Aug. 14, 1721. — At a towne-meeting Legally warned [for that pui*- 
pose], chose Jeremiah Basset to be Schoulemaster to Keep Schoole in sd. 
towne one year next enceuing; and sd. Bassett is to have thirty Pounds 
in ye Produce of ye town, at the Price allready Sett." 

June 20, 1723, at a legal town-meeting, it was— 

"Voted that Simeon Wetherell shall be schoolmaster to^keep school 
at his father's or his one house, to teech children to Reed, Right, and 
Cifer, forone quarter of ayear uext after the Last of august next; and 
the selectmen shall agree with sd. Wetherell for bis service, and he is 
to be Paid in ye Produce of ye to" ne. Sd. Wetherell shall Keep School 
at but one of the Places all sd. quarter. And sd. Wetherel Excepted of 
his being Scboollmaster op sd. terms." 

Tn looking at the record, it would seem that in 
addition to teaching the children "to Reed, Right, 
and Cifer," the teacher might profitably have spent 
his " noonings," at least, in teaching the recorder of 
the above vote how to spell, yet, in charity to the 
town clerk, we should remember how exceedingly 
limited were the educational privileges of that day. 

"Jan. G, 1723 or 4, voted that the selectman shall Go forthwith and 
agree with Othnial Cambell, of Taunton, to Keep School in Norton for 
one quarter of a year now following, and. jf he cannot be had, then to 
Geet some other Sutable Persoue to Keep School sd. quarter of a 
year." 

At a legal town-meeting, July 13, 1724, — 

"They voted that the schol! shall be Keept ye next quarter in that 
part of the towne which Goes by the name of Winecunet. 

"Sept. 14, 17*24. — Voted to pay Mr. John Sumner, for Keeping School, 
£11— S— 0. 

"Oct. 12, 1724. — They made choice of William Caswell to bo our 
Schoolmaater, to Keep Scboll in the towne of Norton one year next Eii- 
seuing; and that he shall have thirty-four Pounds, in current money of 
sd. Province, for his wages to Keep scboll sd. year; and the sd. Towne of 
Norton to be at no more cost Consarning his Being Borded sd. year. 
Provided, allso, that he shall move in Keeping Scboll as the Towuo shall 
agree. And they made choice of Mr. Jolin Hodges to go and agree with 
->1. W'illiam Caswell to Keep scboll in ye town. 

"Dec. 30, 1724.— 2ly, They voied that the Schollmaster shall Keep 
Scboll, the tirst quarter of a year, at the house of Eliezer fisher; and 
the second quarter at the house of Left. Nicholas White; and the third 
quarter at Winecunit, or in that Part of the town ; and the Last quarter 
at the meeting-House. 

"March 2'J, 1727. — Voted that Josiah Brigge shal bo schollmaster to 
Keep Scboll in Norton, . . . Provided he will Keep scliull for 2iJlb. a 
year, and his dyott; and that he shall Keep Scboll, the fii-st quarter, at 



ye middle of the towne; and the second quarter at Winecunett; and the 
third quarter on the south side of ye way which is towards Elezer 
fisher's; aud the fourth quarter at Lt-ft. White's, or theyrabouts. 

•'Nov. 30, 1727.— Voted to pay Jobu Brigge, ye eldist, for dyeting of 
the Schollmaster 14 weeks, at 6^. a week, 04!b.— 04s.— Od. 

"Sept. 20, 1731.— Voted to Samuel Vesey, for Dialing ye Scollemaster, 
2—05—0. 

"Sept. 18, 1733. — Voated to Joseph Hodges, for hording the Scolle- 
master, Mr. Bacon, ye sum of 01 — 16 — 0. 

"It was voated to Joseph Hodges, for earring & fetching sd. colemas- 
ter, ye sum of — 14 — 0. 

" It was voated to Daniell Bramau, for Keeping the scollmaster fower 
weaks, at Eight sbillind pur weake. It came to 01 — 12 — 0. 

" Voated to Samuel Clap, for treating with the collmaater, the sum of 
00—03—00. 

" Aug. 31, 1736. — Voated that the Selectmen sbuld hire a scoolemaster. 

" Sept. 28, 1736.— Voted to Mr. Samuel Clap, the 1, for to pay to Scoole- 
master Vesey, the sum of 5 — 1 — 0. 

" [Also] voated, that what is wanting for sculling for this present year, 
and for the pore, is to be dran out of the present tresury. 

" May 14, 1742 — Tbeyr was a voate called for to Know whether the 
Scoole shuld be Kept on the west sid of the teen-Mile River, in said 
Preesent; and it past in the affirmative. 

"November, 1742. — Voated to Capt. Hodges, for carying the Scoole- 
master to Cambridge, 01 — 05—0. 

"Nov. 27, 1751. — Voted that the Selectmen agree with Deacon John 
Briggs to Keep School, provided they can agree with him on Reasonable 
Conditions." 

He probably kept, for the uext year the town voted 
him sixteen shillings "for hording himself when he 
kept school." 

" Dec. 30, 1751.— Voted to Ephraim Leonard, Esq., for Boarding ye 
schoolmaster 6}2 weeks, and feching him from Concord, £11 — 00—0, old 
Tenor; £1 — 9 — I, Lawful money. 

"Nov. 21, 1755. — Voted to Capt. William Stone, for boarding of the 
Schoolmaster, Stephen Farow (Farrar'.'), £2 — 12 — 0." 

Mr. Farrar probably belonged to that part of Con- 
cord which is now Lincoln. The same day, — 

"Voted to Daniel Braman, for boarding Samuel Dean, Jan., School- 
master, £2—08." 

" This was probably," says Mr. Clark, " he who 
was afterwards the Rev. Dr. Deaue, of Portland, Me." 

There is every reason to believe that most of the 
teachers heretofore mentioned belonged to Norton. 

After the close of the Revolution the town assumed 
a renewed interest in the schools, and from that time 
to the present Norton has kept abreast with the rapid 
strides made in educational matters throughout New 
England. Her public schools have ever been excel- 
lent, while Wheaton Academy has long ranked among 
the leading literary institutions in the State. 

Wheaton Female Seminary was founded in 1834 
by Hon. Laban Wheaton, of Norton, in memory of 
his daughter. The endowment funds were increased 
by his son, Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, and since his 
death large additions have been made by his widow, 
Mrs. Eliza B. AVheaton. The grounds are spacious 
and attractive, with green lawns, fine shade-trees, and 
pleasant walks, while the quiet aud secluded situatr(fh 
allows greater freedom than would be possible in a 
larger town. The seminary building is of fine archi- 
tectural proportions, and the boarding-houses, just 
beyond, are conveniently arranged to accommodate 
the entire school, having separate suites of rooms for 
teachers, pupils, steward and family, and servants, 



618 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



with dining-hall, drawing-room, parlors, offices, etc., 
all finished and furnished in excellent taste to make 
the home pleasant and attractive to all. 

It is not a large school, and gives, therefore, oppor- 
tunity for familiar personal intercourse between teach- 
ers and pupils. It has a carefully-selected reference 
library of nearly four thousand volumes, one of the 
best-furnished laboratories in the country, ample 
philosophical apparatus, an observatory with a fine 
telescope, and choice cabinets of natural history. In- 
struction in all branches is thorough and systematic, 
and provision is made for lectures on scientific, his 
torical, and literary subjects. 

The design of the school is to aft'ord opportunities 
for an accurate and practical education ; it especially 
aims to base such education upon a hearty faith in 
the Bible and a conscientious Christian life. Its influ- 
ence for good is wide and permanent. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

NORTON.— (Co.i/;/H,«/.) 
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

In 1695 Thomas and James Leonard commenced 
the erection of an iron forge on Stony Brook, nearly 
in front of the old Leonard Mansion House, westerly 
of Wading River, whicli in a few years passed into 
the hands of JIaj. George Leonard (son of Thomas), 
and by him, his son George, and grandson (ieorge, 
the business of smelting the ore and the manufacture 
of iron was carried on at this place till near the close 
of the last century. 

For many years a great amount of business was 
done here by the enterjjrising fiimily whose name is 
so honorably and permanently associated with the 
early iron-works of this continent. The late Judge 
Leonard built a grist-mill, nearly on the site of the 
old forge, in 1805. It continued in operation till 
since the year 1825. George L. Barnes (a descendant 
of Maj. George Leonard), who, by the death of Mrs. 
Bowen, came into possession of the Leonard home- 
stead, erected in 1855, at great expense, a ^aw- and 
shingle-mill, etc., near the site of the old forge. He 
occupied the mill about a year, and since then till 
January, 1859, it stood idle, most of the machinery 
having been taken out. It subsequently passed into 
the hands of H. S. Freeman, and later came into the 
possession of C. D. and C. H. Lane, and is now owned 
by the Norton Steam Power Company. 

The Norton Steam Power Company, Charles D. 
Lane, president, was organized in 1871. The follow- 
ing year a factory, engine- and boiler-house, and rail- 
road depot were built at a cost of thirty-eight thou.sand 
dollars ; the company was incorporated Feb. 25, 1873 ; 
capital stock, thirty thousand dollars. The factory 
was first occupied Sept. 1, 1872, on the first floor by 



William A. Sturdy & Co., jewelers. In 1873 and 1874 
Bodman & Hussey, plane manufacturers, occupied 
the third floor. It was burned Dec. 26, 1874, rebuilt 
in the spring and summer of 1875 at a cost of fourteen 
thousand dollars, and sold at public auction Feb. 28, 
1879, to William A. Sturdy and C: B. and George L. 
Wetherell. 

It is at present owned by William A. Sturdy, and 
used by him for the manufacture of jewelry. 

There was a saw-mill on Mulberry Meadow Brook, 
a short distance above where Thomas Copeland now 
resides, as early as 1710, owned by James Leonard, 
Jr., and John (?) Austin, and might have been the 
first saw-mill erected in town. In 174G, and for some 
years subsequently, it was owned by Samuel Clapp, 
and afterwards by his son, Jonathan Clapp, but pre- 
vious to 1771 it passed into the hands of John Cook 
and Samuel Godfrey. About 1719 the mill was 
burned ; it was then owned by James Godfrey, and 
was soon rebuilt by him. Its present owners are 
Benjamin and Moses Lincoln. 

As early as 1714 there was a " corn-mill," owned by 
George Leonard, on Wading River, at what is now 
Barrowsville. It had then probably stood several 
years, and no doubt was the first grist-mill erected in 
town. On the death of Mr. Leonard in 1716, he de- 
vised this privilege to his son Nathaniel, afterwards 
minister at Plymouth, and it remained in his po.sses- 
siou till his death in 1761. There was then a grist- 
mill and saw-mill, which were given to his son George. 
On the 12th of January, 1770, Geotge Leonard deeded 
to Jonathan and John Amory a hundred and thirty- 
five acres of land, and " all the houses, mills, and 
other buildings thereon erected." He also deeded to 
them one-half of the potash-house and utensils stand- 
ing on the land belonging to John White. When 
this potash was built, or how long it remained, we 
have no information. In a little more than two months 
(or March 31, 1770) the Amorys sold the mills and 
land, and half of the potash standing thereon, to 
William Homes. June 13, 1783, he sold to Thomas 
Dawes, of Boston; and he (Homes) soon returned to 
Boston, from which he was probably driven, in 1770, 
on account of his hostility to the despotic acts of the 
British government. Dawes mortgaged these mills, 
etc., in 1788 to Josiah Waters and others, of Boston, 
who, Nov. 18, 1790, conveyed the property to Ephraim 
Raymond, a very energetic business man, who soon 
after erected an iron forge, and carried on that busi- 
ness for some years. 

In 1810, Mr. Raymond and his father-in-law, Josiah 
Dean, of Raynham, erected the cotton-factory. Mr. 
Raymond probably owned three-fourths of the estab- 
lishment. The firm was known as the " Norton Manu- 
facturing Company." March 10, 1821, Raymond 
bought of the executors of Mr. Dean one-fourth of 
the factory, and between the 6th of November, 1821, 
and the 26th of August, 1833, at four ditlerent times 
he sold portions of it to Samuel Crocker and Charles 



NORTON. 



619 



Richmond, amounting to seven-eighths of the whole 
establishment. Albert Barrows bought one-fourth of 
the factory Oct. 1, 1833, and owned it, with Crocker 
and Richmond, for several years. March 12, 1837, 
the " Norton Manufacturing Company," consisting of 
Crocker, Richmond, and Barrows, was incorporated by 
the General Court, with the privilege of holding 
capital to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. After 
the failure of Ci-ocker & Richmond the property was 
sold at auction. Feb. 3, 1844, the " Wheaton Manu- 
facturing Company," consisting of" Albert Barrows, 
Samuel B. King, and Laban M. Wheaton, their asso- 
ciates and successors," was incorporated by the Legis- 
lature for the purpose of making " cotton and woolen 
goods," and were authorized to hold personal and real 
estate to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. The 
company organized under the charter March 12, 1854. 

The Wheaton Manufacturing Company being un- 
successful in business sold to the Newbury Manufac- 
turing Company in 1865, who used it for manufac- 
turing cotton cloth until 1871, when they sold it to 
Lafayette Godfrey, who used it in the same until 
1875, when he sold it to the Stafford Manufacturing 
Company of Fall River, who own it at the present 
time, and use it for manufacturing cotton yarn. 

Previous to 1745, Jonathan Hodges erected a mill 
on Goose Brook, a few rods below the bridge, and 
carried on the business of " fulling, dyeing, and dress- 
ing cloth." This was the first mill for that business 
erected in Norton. 

More than a hundred years ago a saw-mill was 
built by Deacon John Andrews on Burt's Brook. 

On the 30th of August, 1783, Nathan and Edward 
Babbit, of one party, and Annes Newcomb, of the 
other, entered into an agreement to build a dam for 
a grist-mill and fulling-mill, the Babbits to build each 
one-fourth of the dam, and one-half of the grist-mill, 
and Newcomb to build the other half of the dam and 
the whole of the fulling-miH, and the buildings were 
-soon after erected on Canoe River, on opposite sides 
of the stream, a short distance from Easton line. On 
the 18th of November, 1794, Nathan Babbit being 
dead, his son Edward deeded to Levi Babbitt one- 
half of the grist-mill, the other half being then 
owned by Asa Newcomb. Previous to Jan. 5, 1795, 
the fulling-mill had passed into the hands of Asa 
Newcomb, who was a brother of Annes, and a saw- 
mill had been built, for on that day he (Asa) sold 
one-half of the fulling-mill and one-half of the dam 
to Thomas Danforth, reserving the water not needed 
for the grist-mill and fulling-mill for his (Newcomb's) 
saw-mill, which shows that the saw-mill was stand- 
ing at that time. In February, 1811, Danforth sold 
to Jonathan Smith, Simeon Presbery, Jr., Daniel 
Presbery, Stimson Austin, and Alanson Cobb, re- 
serving to himself three-eighths of a water privilege, 
and they built thereon a factory for making cotton 
yarn. This factory was owned by different individ- 
uals up to 1822, when Nathaniel Newcomb bought 



I the whole of it, and made yarn lor a time, then 
I thread, and finally wadding and batting. In De- 
cember, 1831,- the factory was burned, and Mr. New- 
comb rebuilt on the same spot in April, 1832. In 
1812, James Beaumont, of Canton, received a patent 
on a certain kind of wadding. Mr. Newcomb bought 
of him the right and manufactured that wadding. 
The grist-mill went into disuse about 1814, the full- 
ing-mill about 1820. This mill is now leased by 
Maynard Newcomb, who built in 1881 a large addi- 
tion, introduced steam-power, and continues the man- 
ufacture of batting and wadding. 

Not far from 1790, William Carpenter built a mill 
for cutting nails on the westerly side of Rumford 
River. 

Ansel Keith and Jonathan Smith were among the 
first to commence the hat business here about 1808. 
George Gilbert commenced the manufacture of bon- 
nets, etc., about the same time. Soon after Thomas 
Danforth (2d) entered into the business, and carried 
it on quite extensively. Hiram H. Wetherell, either 
alone or with his brother Horace B., carried on the 
business from 1833 to 1844. Sejrt. 3, 1850, the Norton 
Straw Manufacturing Company, consisting of the 
Wheaton Manufacturing Company, L. M. Wheaton, 
Zeno Kelly, L. D. Anthony, and A. Barrows, w'as or- 
ganized, with a capital of seven thousand dollars, and 
made bonnets, hats, etc. Jan. 14, 1854, the company 
was dissolved, and the Norton Straw Company was 
formed, consisting of L. M. Wheaton, Zeno Kelly, 
and T. T. Rockwood, with a capital of fourteen thou- 
sand dollars. Nov. 12, 1855, another change took 
place, T. T. Rockwood, A. Dunham, and D. S. Har- 
don assuming the business under the name of the Nor- 
ton Manufacturing Company. Oct. 6, 1856, Dun- 
ham and Hardon retired from the firm and C M. Dean 
became a mgmber, and in the spring of 1857 the com- 
pany stopped business. 

The first tannery in town is supposed to have been 
between the school-house in District No. 3 and Burt's 
Brook, and was, perhaps, built soon after the incorpo- 
ration of the town by John Andrews, who settled 
thereabouts. But the first tannery of which we have 
any authentic account was built about 1740, by Dea- 
con Benjamin Copeland, between the house of Thomas 
Copeland and Mulberry Meadow Brook. It continued 
in the Copeland family till it went to decay, about 
1845. About 1758, David Arno^, who learned his 
trade of Deacon Copeland, set up a tannery on Burt's 
Brook, and did a large amount of business for many 
years. Before the Revolution a tannery was built 
near Rumford River, at the place where Mason Free- 
man lives, by a Mr. Basset. It was afterwards owned 
by George Walker. 

Within the present year (1858) Austin Messinger 
has commenced the manufacture of a very superior 
kind of friction matches. 

Talbot's wool-scouring mill is on the Rumford River, 
about a quarter of a mile north of the Trinitarian 



620 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Congregational Church in the Centre village of Nor- 
ton. 

The water privilege was formerly owned by Eben- 
ezer Burt, who in 1744 deeded to William Stone forty 
and a half acres of land adjoining, and in 1766 to his 
son, Nathaniel Stone, .all the rights and privileges in 
the stream reserved in the deed of 1744. This prop- 
erty remained in the Stone family many years, and 
the water privilege was utilized for an iron forge, a 
saw- and a grist-mill. 

Some time previous to 1812 the property came into 
the possession of Deacon Daniel Lane and sons, who 
that year rebuilt the saw-mill. In 1828 the Lanes as- 
sociated with themselves Messrs. Daniel Patten, Lem- 
uel Perry, John and David Arnold, and Simeon Derry, 
and built a cotton-factory known as the " Centre 
Mills." This was run for several years under the 
superintendence of Capt. Lemuel Perry, who built 
and occupied the dwelling now owned and occupied 
by Mr. G. H. Talbot, who has recently enlarged and 
thoroughly renovated it, introducing modern conven- 
iences. 

In 1846 the property passed into the hands of La- 
ban M. Wheaton, Esq., who continued the business 
of cotton manufacture until his death. In 1864 it 
was .sold to Nathan Smith, who for a short time de- 
voted a part of it to the manufacture of cotton bat- 
ting. In 1867, Messrs. Story and Talbot hired the 
mill and introduced machinery for wool-scouring. 
After two or three years, the business prospering, 
they purchased the property and ran the mill exclu- 
sively for wool-scouring. Mr. Story's health failing, 
he soon retired from the business, and it has since 
been conducted, by Mr. Talbot as sole proprietor. 

The original mill, built in 1828, was thirty by fifty- 
five feet, and three stories high. In 1875 it was en- 
larged by an additional building forty-fivQ feet square, 
and again in 1881 by another thirty by seventy feet. 

Vp to the time of this last enlargement the water- 
power was sufficient to run the mill. With this en- 
largement it became necessary to supplement this 
with steam-power, and double boilers with an engine 
of sixty horse- power were put in. 

The business is a good and steady one, and for the 
most part comes without solicitation. There are only 
three competing mills of the kind in the country, ex- 
cepting that a few large wool manufacturers scour 
their own wool inj|^ead of buying it all prepared. 
One at Walpole, one at North Chelmsford, in this 
State, and one at New Brunswick, N. J. 

The Diamond Match Company, consolidating all 
the match-factories in the United States excepting 
that of the Portland Star Match Company, was in- 
corporated under the laws of Connecticut in January, 
1880, with a capital of two and a half millions of 
dollars. 

The business here was started in 1857 by Austin 
Messinger, Esq. At his cottage home he dipped and 
packed the match-cards, which were sawed elsewhere, 



and peddled them about the country. From this 
humble beginning the business grew until he had 
near his home a mill for sawing the lumber and mak- 
ing the match-cards, and improved facilities for dip- 
ping and packing them for the market. A partner- 
ship was formed with Andrew H. Sweet, Esq., who 
attended to the sales, having an office in Bo.ston, while 
Mr. Messinger had charge of the manufactory. As 
the business prospered new buildings and machinery 
were added, and the force of hands increased. In the 
vicinity a thriving little village sprung up, fittingly 
called Messingerville after him whose enterprise and 
industry gave it being and life. 

The factory is about a mile west of the Centre 
village, on the main road to Lane's Station and Attle- 
'oorough. 

This is a representative establishment, and employs 
when business is brisk from thirty to forty hands. 



CHAPTER L. 

NORTON.— ( t'oiK/iiuef/.) 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Ph.vsjciims — College Graduates — Stocks .ind Wliipping-Post — Gas-Worka 
— Runaway Wife — Witchcraft — Masonin— Post-Office— The Town 
Hall. 

Physicians. — Dr. Samuel Caswell was the first 
resident physician within the ancient limits of Nor- 
ton, and was born Oct. 6, 1695. Oct. 17, 1726, the 
town " voted to Pay to Doctr. Saml. Caswell, for doc- 
tering Goode Merry, — 15 — 0." He bought land in 
Norton in 1723, and was then called a "Practitioner 
of Physick." Probably about that time he established 
himself here as a physician and farmer. 

Dr. Nicholas White was the son of Deacon Nicholas 
and Ex])erience White, and was born about 1705. 
He was a practicing physician for several years, and 
resided sometimes in the North and sometimes in the 
South Precinct of -Norton. He married Sarah King, 
May 1, 1728, and they had six children. He died in 
the North Precinct, June 29, 1751. 

Dr. William Ware was the son of .John and Me- 
hitable Ware, of Wrentham, and was born July 4, 
1697. He was a " Practitioner of Physick" here for 
several years, and also kept a public-house from 1728 
to 1740. 

Dr. John Wild, Jr., was the son of John and Abi- 
gail Wild, and was probably born in Braintree in 
1727. He married, May 1, 1746, Anna Hodges, and 
had two or three children. 

Dr. Lewis Sweeting was undoubtedly the son of 
Lewis and Zibiah (Whiting) Sweeting, of Wrentham, 
who were married in 1721, and were afterwards of 
Rehoboth. He probably came to Norton soon after 
reaching his majority, and seems to have lived a part 
of the time within the present limits of the town, and 
a part of the time in Mansfield, in which town he was 



NORTON. 



621 



one of the Committee of Correspondenee and Safety 
in 1776. He married, Nov. 21, 1744, Abiah Cobb, b}' 
whom he had ten children. 

Dr. George Wheaton was the son of Ephraim and 
Abigail Wheaton, of Swansea, grandson of Deacon 
Ephraim and Mary (Mason) Wheaton, of Swansea, 
great-grandson of Robert (who was in Rehoboth as 
early as 164.3), and was born Aug. 18, 1728. He came 
to Norton and commenced practice as a physician 
previous to 1750. In 1758 he was surgeon's mate in 
an expedition for " the total Reduction of Canada." 
He was much employed in public life as selectman, 
assessor, representative to the General Court, justice 
of the peace, etc. 

Dr. Jonathan Pratt is supposed to have been the 
son of Jonathan and Abigail (Morse) Pratt, and was 
born Oct. 17, 1729. He lived in the Mansfield part 
of Norton, some distance to the southeast of Mans- 
field Centre. 

Dr. Gideon Tiffany was the son of James, Jr., and 
Elizabeth (Allen) Tiffany, of Attleborough, where he 
was born Sept. 19, 1737. His grandfather, James 
Tiffany, came from England. He married Mrs. Sarah 
Farrar, the widow of Rev. George Farrar, of Easton, 
Feb. 8, 1759. 

Dr. Adam Johnstone was a Scotchman by birth, 
and probably came to Norton about 1772. He mar- 
ried, Oct. 14, 1773, Sarah Hodges. She "died sud- 
denly, Oct. 29, 1781, in her thirty-first year." He is 
said to have been a surgeon in the Revolution. 

Dr. Daniel Parker was the son of Rev. Jonathan 
Parker, of Plympton, and was born about the year 
1750. He was here as early as 1773. Feb. 17, 1794, 
he was commissioned a surgeon of the regiment to 
which the militia of this town belonged, which office 
he held for several years. 

Dr. Nathaniel Cook was the son of Paul and Jo- 
anna Cook, and was born May 29, 1752 ; he died Oct. 
22, 1778. 

Dr. Timothy Smith was the son of Timothy and 
Hannah (Hall) vSmith, grandson of Seth and Eliza- 
beth Smith, and was born Oct. 17, 1754. He married 
Anna Morey, Oct. 20, 1778, and had five children. 
He was a surgeon in the Revolutionary war, but 
never had a very extensive practice in town. He 
died Jan. 9, 1794. 

Dr. Nathan Babbit was the son of Nathan, Jr., and 
Abigail (Cobb) Babbit, grandson of Nathan and 
Sarah, and great-grandson of Nathan, who, with his 
brother Edward, is supposed to have come from Eng- 
land and settled in Berkley. Dr. Babbit was born 
in Norton, March 6, 1755. In the j'ear 1778 and the 
early part of 1779 he was surgeon's mate in the mil- 
itary hospital at Providence, R. I. June 24, 1779, he 
married Anna Newcomb, and located himself at the 
east part of the town. 

Dr. Samuel Morey was the son of Samuel and 
Mary (Hodges) Morey, grandson of George and Eliza- 
beth Morey, and was born June 4, 1757. He gradu- 



ated at Yale College in 1777. He soon after entered 
the Revolutionary army as surgeon. After the close 
of the war he was a practicing physician for many 
years in town. 

Dr. Lewis Leprilete was a Frenchman by birth, 
and was naturalized by an act of the General Court, 
March 6, 1790. He probably came to this town about 
the close of the Revolutionary war. He was a dis- 
tinguished physician, and had quite a number of 
medical students while he resided in town. He re- 
mained here till about 1792. 

Dr. Leavit Bates was the son of Leavit and Eliza- 
beth (Pain) Bates, of Mansfield, and was born May 
6, 1770. He came to this town and established him- 
self as a physician about 1796. He died Dec. 16, 
1850. 

Dr. Guilford Hodges was the son of Tisdale and 
Naomi (Hodges) Hodges, and was born Jan. 25, 
1778. He fitted for college, and was one year at 
Brown University. He studied medicine with Dr. 
Willard, of Uxbridge. He was a practicing phy- 
sician here in 1803. 

Dr. Asa M. Adams was the son of Asa and Martha 
(Metcalf) Adams, and is believed to have been born 
in Natick about 1795. He came to Norton about 
1819, and commenced practice as a physician, and 
rode quite extensively for some years. 

Dr. Richard F. Sweet was the son of John and 
Eunice (Tucker) Sweet, and was born March 11,1801. 
In August, 1831, he settled in Norton, and had quite 
an extensive practice till his death, March 21, 1841. 

Dr. Ira Barrows was born at Attleborough in 1804, 
son of Ezra and grandson of Ichabod Barrows. He 
came to Norton in 1841, and was quite popular here 
and in this vicinity till ISol, when he removed to 
Providence, R. I. 

Dr. Benjamin M. Round was born in Rehoboth, 
Aug. 11, 1816, son of Benjamin and Devena (Harvey) 
Round. He came to Norton, Sept. 9, 1843, and is 
still in practice here. 

Dr. George H. Randall, son of Dr. M. R. and Eliza 
Randall, was here from June 1, 1851, till April, 1854. 
Dr. George W. Wild was born in Norton on the 
11th of October, 1854, and is the son of George and 
Elizabeth (Tucker) Wild. He received preliminary 
instruction from Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, of Norton, 
and at Bristol Academy, in Taunton. From there he 
entered Boston University, whence he wiis graduated 
in the class of 1878 with the degree of Doctor of Med- 
icine. He located in Jpswich, Mass., staying there 
about a year, when he removed to Norton, where he 
is still in practice. 

College Graduates.— The following natives of Nor- 
ton were graduates of colleges : Rev. Nathaniel Leon- 
ard, Harvard, 1719; Rev. Samuel Veazie, Harvard, 
1736 ; Hon. George Leonard, LL.D., Harvard, 1748 ; 
Rev. Abiel Leonard, D.D., Harvard, 1759; Rev. 
Samuel Dean, D.D., Harvard, 1760; Hon. Daniel 
Leonard, Harvard, 1760; Hon. Ephraim Briggs, 



622 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Harvard, 17fi4; Hon. Daniel Xewcomb, Harvard, 
1768 ; Dr. Thomas Leonard, Harvard, 1769 ; Rev. 
George Wheaton, Harvard, 1769; Nathan Morey, 
Harvard, 1774 ; Hon. Laban Wheaton, Harvard, 
1774 ; Isaac Hall, Harvard, 1775 ; Rev. James Briggs, 
Yale, 177.5 ; Rev. George Morey, Harvard, 1776 ; Dr. 
Samuel Morey, Yale, 1777; Rev. John Crane, D.D., 
Jacob White, Harvard, 1780; Calvin Crane, Dart- 
mouth, 17S.5; Rev. Mase Shepard, Dartmouth, 1785; 
Dr. Oliver Tiffany, Dartmouth, 1786 ; Hon. George 
Tiffany, Dartmouth, 1786; Oliver Leonard, Esq., 
Brown, 1787; Rev. John Briggs, Brown, 1788; Rev. 
Stephen Palmer, Harvard, 1789 ; Daniel Wheaton, 
Harvard, 1791; Rev. Isaac Braman, Harvard, 1794; 
Timothy Briggs, Brown, 1794; Daniel Gilbert, Har- 
vard, 1798 ; Rev. G. B. Perry, D.D., Union, 1804; Dr. 
Tisdale Hodges, Brown, 1804; Capt. Dauphin King, 
Burlington College, Vt., 1810; Dr. William Perry, 
Harvard, 1811 ; Hon. Nathaniel G. Babbitt, Middle- 
burgh College, Vt., 1811; Rev. Thomas Shepard, 
D.D., Brown, 1813; Earl Percy White, Brown, 1813; 
Benjamin Copeland, Brown, 1815; Hon. Laban M. 
Wheaton, Brown, 1817 ; Rev. Daniel Le Baron 
Goodwin, Brown, 1822; Hon. John J.Clarke, Har- 
vard, 1828; Rufus Hodges, Brown, 1823; Dr. Rich- 
ard F. Sweet, Brown, 1824; Rev. Bradford Goodwin, 
Brown, 1825; Rev. John D. Sweet, Brown, 1829; 
Rev. Joseph Hodges, Waterville College, Me., 1830; 
Rev. James B. Goodwin, 1838; George W. Make- 
peace, Dartmouth, 1836 ; Manlius S. Clarke, Har- 
vard, 1837 ; Dr. Edward H. Clarke, Harvard, 1841 ; 
Rev. Thomas S. Goodwin, Kenyon College, Ohio, 
1845; Rev. George Esdr.as Allen, Brown, 1850; Ben- 
jamin Braman, Brown, 1854; Edwin Barrows, Yale, 
1857; Henry W. Lincoln, Lloyd E. White, Tufts; 
Robert E. Lane, Tufts; William N. White, Brown; 
and E. J. Conaty, Holy Cross. 

Stocks and Whipping-Post.—" In 1698 the Gen- 
eral Court enacted that ' Breakers of the Peace, Pro- 
plianers of the Sabbath, unlawful Gamesters, Drunk- 
ards, prophane Swearers or Cursers,' should be 
punished ' by setting in the Stocks, or putting into 
the Cage, not exceeding Three Hours, or by whipping 
not exceeding Ten Stripes.' Accordingly, in most 
towns, the stocks were set up, and the whipping-post 
erected in some conspicuous position, — generally near 
the meeting-house, or place of public gatherings. 
The stocks were made of two pieces of timber, from 
six to eight feet long, laid one upon the other, the 
bottom one resting upon the ground, with two grooves 
cut in them, a foot or two apart, sufficiently large to 
admit a man's ankle. When wanted for use, the upper 
timber was removed. The offender was then made to 
sit down on the ground, and place each ankle in one 
of these grooves. Then the upper timber was re- 
placed, and the two parts were firmly locked together ; 
and thus there was no escape till the time of sentence 
had expired. It is supposed Norton did not have 
this instrument of the law for some years after her 



incorporation. The first allusion to the matter on the 
town records is under the date of Nov. 1, 1728, when 
it was ' voted to pay Robert Tucker, for setting the 
Stocks up, OOlb. — 2s. — Orf.' These probably did not 
last more than ten years ; for, Sept. 18, 1733, it was 
' voted to Samuel Clap, for mackiiig a pare of stocks, 
00.— 15.— 0.' Sept. 11, 1769, ' Voted to Salvenus Bra- 
man, for mending the stocks, 0. — 2. — 0. — 0.' These 
stocks continued to be used in many towns for the 
punishment of minor crimes till the close of the last 
century. There are persons living in town who dis- 
tinctly recollect seeing the stocks on the Common, near 
where the old meeting-house stood. We know not 
wliether the whipping-post was ever erected here or 
not; but we do know that offenders were sometimes 
sentenced to be whipped, as well as put into the stocks. 
The cage is not known to have been . used here." — 
Clark's History. 

Ear Marks. — "Sept.l3, 1718. — Thomas Harvey bis Ear-marck fur all 
his Creatures Is two slits In the Hinder-part of the Right Eyer." 

" May ^9lh, 1719, — Joseph Hodges his Eyer-marck for all his Creaturs 
is a Holl threw The midel part of Each year, and a hind-gad in the 
hinder-part of the Right year." 

"Dec. 2nd, 1729. — Ephraeim Lane his Eyear-marck for all his Creaturs 
is a Halpeney, Cut out of the fore-side of the Right Eyer." 

" 1722. — Mr. Joseph Avery His ear-mark is a slit in the under side of 
the Bight Bare." 

" May 23rd, 1738. — -Thonijis Sliepard's Eyer-marck for all his creators 
Is a Crop of the top of the Left Eyer, and a swallow's tailo in the top of 
the Right Eyr." 

"Nov. loth, 1747. — John Gilbert's Jnner, Eare-mark for all his Cre- 
tures is a swallow's Taile in ye top of the Right Eare, and a half-Penney 
in the under side uf ye Left Eare." 

"May 6tli, 1758. — Ebeuezer White's Ear-mark for all his Creatures is 
one hole thi-ougli Each Ear." 

" April 2ud, 1766.— The Bevend. Mr. Roland Green's Ear-mark for all 
his creatures Is a half-peny, cut out of the upper-side and under-side of 
the Bight Ear, and the top of the same ear cut of, aud a slit in the top 
of the left ear." 

Runaway Wife. — In the Boston News-LeUer of 
March 1, 1750, is the following advertisement: 

" Feb. 15, 1749-50.— Whereas Rebrcca Hams, the wife of me the Sub- 
scriber, livin at Norton, has unlawfully abseuted herself from nie and 
my family, aud cariied oft sundry Effects to a considerable value, and 
may endeavour to run nie in Debt. — These are therefore, to caution all 
Persons whatsoever not to entertain, trust, or give Credit to her, the said 
Rebecca, upon my Account; for I will not pay any Debt contracted by 
her during her continuing to absent herself. — As witness my Hand, 

"Joseph Harris. 

"N.B. — If she will return to my Family, and behave as a virtuous wife 
ought to do, she shall he kindly received." 

Witchcraft.—" Norton," says Rev. Mr. Clark, " has 
not been exempt from believers in witches, wizards, 
ghosts, and goblins; and there are some yet living 
who hug these ideas to their bosoms. Tradition has 
handed down to us the important intelligence (we do 
not, however, vouch for its truth), that Maj. George 
Leonard — the first of the name in town — ni.ade a 
league with the devil in order to acquire great wealth ; 
and, as a return for the services rendered, Leonard 
promised to give his body to the Devil when he called 
for it. Accordingly, in 1716, while Mr. Leonard was 
sick with a fever, of which he died, the old imp came, 
claimed his body, and actually carried it off! As he 
left the premises with it, he made a tremendous jump, 



NORTON. 



623 



and landed on some rocks situated thirty or forty rods 
back of the house, where he came down with so much 
force as to make his foot-prints in the rock, which 
are to be seen at the present day ! At the funeral 
the corpse was not to be seen, of course; and the 
family gave out word that it was not proper to be 
seen; but in reality there was nothing in the coffin 
but a log of wood, put in to lull all suspicion that 
the body was not there. 

" Theodora, or Dora Leonard, as she was generally 
called, was reputed a witch, and if we can believe the 
stories of some now living, ' cut some curious 
capers.' People would sometimes go to the barn and 
tie up the cattle, and before they could get away 
therefrom the cattle would be all unloosed by some 
mysterious agency. She lived some two miles from 
the Centre; agd once, when up in town, it was need- 
ful that she should get some cloth that was left at 
home, and she went after it, but soon returned with 
it, not having had time to have gone a fourth part of 
the distance. One day some boys were out hunting 
squirrels near her residence, and they found a large 
one in the top of a tree, and fired almost numberless 
times at it but could not kill it. But as tliey were 
going home they encountered a strange cat, which 
was believed to have been Dora in disguise, who had 
prevented the charges fired at the squirrel from taking 
efiect. She was supported by the town in her last 
days, and when she died (about 1785) there was such 
a terrible racket all about the house that no one dared 
to remain to witness her death. 

" Ann Cobb had the reputation of dealing in the 
'black art' and of being in league with the "Old 
Scratch,' but I have not been informed of any specific 
mode in which she manifested her power. She was 
su])ported by the town some time previous to her 
death, which took place in 1798. 

" Naomi Burt was also accounted a member of the 
mysterious sisterhood of witches, and by her wonder- 
ful powers gave some trouble to those who fell under 
the ban of her displeasure. Oxen sometimes turned 
their yokes, and people lost wheels off their wagons 
when they passed her house, and the boys always 
held their breath and ran with all speed when they 
went by in the night. She hung herself July 4, 1808." 

Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M., was organized in 
Norton, June 14, Anno Lucis 5787, with the follow- 
ing charter members: Job Gilbert, George Gilbert, 
Ira Smith, Joshua Pond, Samuel Morey, Jr., Timo- 
thy Briggs, Jr., Samuel Day, Seth Smith, Jr., Daniel 
Gilbert, Benjamin Billings. March 10, a.l. 5830, the 
lodge was removed to Attleborough. 

Post-Ofl5ice. — A post-office was established in Norton 
in about 1817, with Earl P. White postmaster. His 
successors have been as follows : Laban M. Wheaton, 
Earl Hodges, Mrs. Harriet Hodges. 

The Town Hall. — The present town hall of Norton 
was the generous gift of the late Nathaniel Newcomb, 
through his daughter, Miss H. A. Newcomb. 



The origin of the structure and the circumstances 
of the presentation will behest explained by inserting 
the following letter from Miss Newcomb: 

" Norton, April 4, ISSl. 

"Mil. G. B. Perry. Sir, — In conversation held with my father, the 
late Nathaniel Newcomb, tlie summer previous to his death, be gave me 
the impression litat be planned to some time malie the people of Norton 
a present, showing thereby his kindly feeling towards them. Among 
other things a town hall was mentioned. 

" He made no provision to that effect, but, thinking it would be pleas- 
ing to him, I now propose, in memory of bini. to build a town hall that 
I think will be .suited to the necessities of the people. 

" I send you the plans tliat you may lay the proposition before them 
and explain what I intend, — a plain, substantial building above the 
foundations, requiring that to be made ready for me, and I do not 
intend to furnish. 

" If they are pleased with the proposal IVould like them to appoint 
some persons with whom I can confer regarding situation, foundation, 
etc , as it must he commenced as soon as practicable, that there may 
be no delay in building. 

" Please inform me as soon as possible of the decision of the town, 
that I may make my arrangements. 

" Yours, respect fu Illy, 

"Miss 11. A. Nkwcomb.'' 

This letter was read to the people of Norton assem- 
bled in annual town-meeting on the same day it was 
written, and in acting upon it the town accepted the 
offer, passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Miss 
Newcomb, chose a committee to confer with her as 
she desired, and instructed the selectmen to purchase 
a site for the building at the proper time, and cause 
the foundation to be laid in accordance with the plans 
submitted. 

The structure is conspicuously located on an ample 
lot of ground directly opposite the old town-house. 
The plan was drawn by Messrs. C. Hammond & Son, 
of New Bedford, and in style is an adaptation of the 
Queen Anne pattern of architecture. It is a wooden 
structure, fifty by sixty-five feet on the ground, and 
contains a main hall forty by fifty feet, a front pro- 
jection, two stories in height, eighteen by thirty-seven 
feet, and a rear projection eight by thirty feet. It is 
a very plain building, resting on a neat granite foun- 
dation, and covering a cellar extending under the 
entire area. 

The following is an extract from the deed from Miss 
Newcomb : 

" In consideration of the attachment of my father, 
the late Nathaniel Newcomb, to his native town, and 
knowing that he desired to make some expression of 
his regard, 1 do hereby grant, transfer, and deliver to 
the town of Norton the superstructure of the town 
hall just erected in said Norton, hoping that it may 
meet with the approval of the people, and that they 
may hold him in kindly remembrance." 

The hall is an ornament to the town, and a monu- 
ment of the public spirit of Nathaniel Newcomb and 
of Miss Newcomb, the generous donor. 



624 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER LI. 

NORTON.— ( Oontin ued.) 
CIVIL HISTORY— MILITARY HISTORY. 

Representatives— Selectmen— Town Clerks— Deputy SherifTs- State Sen- 
ators— Councilore— Judges of Court of CommoD Pleas— Judges of Pro- 
bate—Judge of Sessions- Register of Probate— Members of Congress 
_Taxcs—PopulHtion— Military Record. 

REPRKSBNT.\TIVES. 

1715. George Leonard, Esq. 

1716. Voted not to send. 

1717. . 

nis. Jobn Hodges, Sr. 

1719. Nicholas Wbile. 

1720. Samuel Hodges.l 

1721. Capt. Samuel Brintn«ll. 

1722. . 



1723. John Hodges.2 

1724. Samuel Hodges. 

1725. William Stone. 
1726-27. George Leonard. 
1728-31. Capt, Samuel Brintnell. 

1732. George Leonard. 

1733. Mr. Samuel Clapp. 
17.34. George Leonard. 

1735. Capt. Epbraim Leonard. 

1736. Ephraim Leonard. 

1737. Capt. Joseph Hodges. 

1738. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 

1739. Lieut. Benjamin Williams. 
1740-42. George Leonard, Esq. 

1743. Ephraim Leonard. 

1744. Capt. Josiah Pratt. 
1745-4(3. Caiit. Samuel Caswell. 

1747. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 

1748. Mr. Benjamin Cobb. 
1749-50. Mr. .losiah White. 
1751-52. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 

1753. Voted not to send.^' 

1 754. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 
1756-63. Thomas Morey. 
1764-66. George Leonard, Jr., Esq. 
1767. . 



1768-69. Dr. George Wheaton. 
1770. George Leonard, Jr., Esq. 
1771-73. Dr. George Wheaton. 

1774. Thomas Morey, Esq. 

1775. Mr. Nathan Hodges.* 

1776. Noah Woodward. 

1777. Mr. Noah Woodward. 
Mr. Daniel Dean. 

1778-79. Abraham White. 

1780. Capt. Isaac Hodges. 

1781. Abraham White. 

1782. Capt. Isaac Hodges. 
i 1783. Abraham White. 

1784-85. Capt. Israel Trow. 
1786-87. Seth Smith, Jr. 
1 1788. Capt. John Crane. 
1789-90. Lieut. Sclh Smith, Jr. 

1791. Voted not to send. 

1792. Seth Smith, Jr., Esq. 

1793. Voted not to send. 

1794. Capt. David Clap. 
1795-98. Seth Smith, Jr. 
1799-1800. Capt. David Clap. 
1801-2. Hon. George Leonard, Esq. 
1803-8. Laban Wheaton. 

1809. Maj. Brian Hall. 

1810-11. John Hall. 
i 1S12-13. Brian Hall. 
Samuel Morey. 
I 1814-16. Isaac Hodges. 
1 1816-19. Voted not to send. 
I 1820. George Walker. 

1821. Ephraim Raymond. 
1 1822-24. Voted not to send. 



1 At a meeting for the choice of representative, May 13, 1720, " Capt. 
BriTitinal had 28 Eight vots, being the megoletry of the vots. then the 
Selectmen ajurned the sd. mecating for the Space of two ours, .V Sent 
one of the Selectmen, & another man with Him, to cap. Brintinal's for 
his answer ; & Cap. Brintinal's wife Told the Inbasidars her husband was 
Gon to Con'eticut (TiameIey,to Ashford), & she did not Expect him home 
tell the ne.xt tueseday; & If he went farther, as he did Expect when he 
went from home, not So soon. Sd. brintinal left a note Signeyfejing 
Bumthing; but, the selectmen not understanding what it ment, Then 
«aid meeating was called a Gain ; 4, by the megoletry of the voters then 
present, Samuel Hodges was chosen, & warned In by the Constaben ; & 
sd. Hodges Excepted." 

= At a meeting for the purpose of choosing a representative. May 18, 
«imuel Brintnell, Nicholas White, and John Newland, Sr., were sever- 
ally chosen representatives, but " Refused to Sarve." Then " they called 
for a vote for another ; and thare was not one vote brought in for any 
other person." So the town was unrepresented. 

3 May 14 1753, the selectmen were chosen agents to memorialize the 
General Court that the town might not be fined for neglecting to send 
a representative, on account of the great expense the South Precinct 
had incurred In building a meeting-house and settling a- minister. The 
town was, however, fined twenty pounds, which was remitted by the 
General Court, May 31, 1754. 

4 From 1770 to 1775, Norton and the district of Mansfield were united 
for the choice of a representative. In 1775 a petition ^vas sent from 
Mansfield to the General Court for a new precept to choose representa- 
tivcs They had leave to withdraw. In 1857 the State constitution was 
so amended as to choose representatives by districts instead of towns, as 
formerly; and Norton and Mansfield were made District No. 2, of Bristol 
County, for that purpose. 



1825. Laban Wheaton. 

1826. Jacob Shepard. 

1827. Laban M. Wheaton. 

1828. Laban M. Wheaton. 
Lemuel Perry. 

1829. Jacob Shepard. 
Lemuel Perry. 

1830-31. Cromwell Leonard. 

1832. Asa Arnold. 

1833. Asa Arnold. 
Cromwell Leonard. 

1834-36. Cromwell Leonard. 
John Crane. 

1837. John Crane. 

1838. Laban M. Wheaton. 

1839. John Crane. 

1840. John Crane. 
Hennary Newcomb. 

1841-43. John Crane. 
1844-45. Earl Hodges. 
1846. Rodolphus H. Williams. 



1847-48. No choice. 

1849. Kodolphus H. Williams. 

1850. No choice. 

1851. Austin Messinger. 

1852. Andrew B. Randall. 

1853. Charles W. Hodges. 
18.54. Caleb S. Wetherell.» 
1855. Lysander 0. Makepeace. 
1866. George B. Crane. 

1857. Leonard Hodges. 

1858. John Crane. 

1859. Daniel S. Cobb. 
1861. Annis A. Lincoln, Jr. 
1863-65. Horatio Bates. 

1868. Augustus Lane. 

1869. William D. WethercU. 

1872. John R. Rogerson. 

1873. Andrew H. Sweet. 
1876. George B. Perry. 
1879. William D. Wetherell. 
1882. Austin Messinger. 



'East 



' East 



SELECTMEN. 
1711.— George Leonard, John Wetherell, Thomas Stephens. 
1712.— George Leonard (?), Samuel Brintnell, Nicholas White. 
1713.— George Leonard (?), John Hodges, Thomas Stephens. 
1714.— George Leonard (?), Nicholas White, John Hodges. 
1716.— John Wetherell, John Briggs, John Skinner. 
1716. — George Leonard, Nicholas White, John Hodges. 
1717 —John Hodges, John Wetherell, John Skinner. 
1718.— John Hodges, Sr., Jolin Wetherell, Sr., John Skinner. 

End," Thomas Randall, John Phillips. 
1719.— John Wetherell, John Hodges, John Skinner. 
1720.— John Hodges, John Wetherell, John Briggs, Grand Sr. 

'End," John Phillips, Josiah Keith. 
1721.— John Briggs, Grand Sr., Benjamin Williams, John Smith, Grand 

Sr. " East End," John Phillips, Edward Howard. 
1722.— Nicholas White, Thomas Skinner, Benjamin Williams. 
1723.— Lieut. Nicholas White, Thomas Skinner, Benjamin Williams. 
1724.— Nicholas White, Samuel Hodges, Benjamin Williams. 
1725.0— George Leonard, Sanniel Hodges, Ephraim Grover. 
1726.— Capt. Samuel Brintnell, John Briggs (2d), Richard Briggs. 
1727.— George Leonard, Nicholas White, Eleazer Fisher. 
1728.— George Leonard, Lieut. Nicholas White, Thomas Skinner, Sr. 
1729 —George Leonard Esq., Lieut. Nicholas White, Ensign Joseph 

Hodges. 
1730.— Lieut. Nicholas White, Benjamin Williams, Joseph Hodges. 
1731. — John Briggs (2d), Benjamin Williams, Willi;im Stone. 
1732 —John Wetherell (1st), Benjamin Williams, Samuel Clap. 
1733.— Ephraim Leonard, Joseph Hodges, Samuel Clap. 
1734.— Ephraim Leonard, Joseph Hodges, Benjamin Williams, M. 

uel Clap, John Hodges. 
1735.— Samuel Clap, William Stone, Benjamin Williams. 
1736.— George Leonard, Esq., William Stone, Benjamin Williams. 
1737.— Ephraim Leonard, Esq., Jolin Hodges, Simeon Wetherell. 
1738.— Col. George Leonard, Simeon Wetherell, Deacon Nicholas White. 
17;i9. — John Hodges, John (Jilbert, Josiah Pratt. 
1740.- George Leonard, Esq., John Gilbert, Josiali Pratt. 
1741._Goorge Leonard, Ephraim Leonard, Joseph Hodges, John Gilbert 

Josiah Pratt. 
1742.' — George Leonard, John Hodges, John Gilbert. 
1743.— George Leonard, Esq., Ephraim Leonard, Esq., William Dean. 
1744.— Capt. Simeon Wetlierell, Lieut. Josiah Pratt, Lieut. William 

Stone. 
1745.— Capt. Simeon Wetherell, William Slone, Benjamin Williams, 

William Dean, John Andrews. 
1746.- Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William Stone, Capt. William 

Dean. 
1747 .—Capt. Simeon Wetherell, William Dean, William Stone. 



5 After serving three days he resigned his seat, and the town was 
unable to choose a successor. 

» At the annual meeting, March 1st, of this year, "Thayer was a vote 
caled for, lor those that ware for three Selectmen to Go into the Winiin's 
Galery, and those that ware for five Selectmen to Go into men's Galery. 
and thare ware most in the Wimin's Galdry." 



NORTON. 



625 



174S.— Capt. William Stone, Capt. Simeon Wetberell, Capt. AVilUiim 

Dean. 
1749._Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William Stone, Capt. M'illiam 

Dean. 
1750. — Capt. William Stone, Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William 

Dean. 
1751. — George Leonard, Epliraim Leonard, Nathan Hodges. 
1752. — George Leonard, Esq., Nathan Hodges, Joseph Elliot. 
1753. — Hon. George Leonard, Esq., Ephraim Leonard, Esq., George 

Leonard, Jr. 
1754. — Hon. George Leonard, Esq., Ephraim Leonard, Esq., George 

Leonard, Jr., Esq. 
1755. — Ephraim Leonard, Esq., Lient. Thomas Morey, Thomas Sliepard, 

Lieut. Benjamin Pratt, Lieut. BeDJaniin Cobb. 
1756. — Lieut. Thomas Morey, Lieut. Benjamin Cobb, Mr. Thomas Shep- 

ard, Mr. Isaac White, Mr. Nathan Williams. 
1757. — Thomas Morey, Benjamin Cobb, Elienezer Burt. 
1758. — Lieut. Thomaa Morey, Lieut. Benjamin Cobb, Mr. Ebenezer 

Burt. 
1759.— Capt. Thomas Morey, Capt. Benjamin Cobb, Mr. Ebenezer Burt. 
1760. — Capt. Tliomas Morey, Capt. Benjamin Cobb, Lieut. Benjamin 

Pratt. 
1761. — George Leonard, juu., Esq., Mr. Thomas Shepard, Mr. Isaac 

White. 
1762. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Capt. William Dean, Capt. Jonathan 

Eddy. 
1763. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. Daniel Leonard, Mr. William 

Cobb, Ebenezer Burt (let), Dr. George Wheaton. 
1764. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, George Leonard,jun., 

Esq. 
1765. — Mr. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 
1766. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 
1767. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 
1768. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 
1769.— Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isixac Hodges. 
1770. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Nathan 

Babbit. 
1771. — Hon. George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. John Crane, Mr. Nathan 

Babbit. 
1772. — Hon. George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. Nathan Babbit, Mr. John 

Crane. 
1773. — Capt. William Homes, Capt. John Crane, Mr. Samuel Newcomb. 
1774. — William Homes, Samuel Neucomb, Isaac Hodges. 
1775. — Capt. William Homes, Mr. Isaac Hodges, Mr. Eleazar Clap. 
1776. — W'illiam Homes, Mr. Isaac Hodges, Mr. Eleazar Clap. 
1777. — William Homes, Mr. Daniel Dean, Mr. Eleazar Clap. 
1778. — William Homes, Esq., Lieut. William Cobb, Mr. Daniel Dean. 
1779. — Lieut. William Cobb, William Homes, Esq., Deacon Daniel Dean. 
1780. — liieut. William Cobb, William Humes, Esq., Deacon Daniel Dean. 
1781. — William Homes, Esq., Lieut. William Cobb, Deacon Daniel Dean. 
1782.— Capt. Seth Smith, Capt. Israel Trow, Deacon Daniel Dean. 
1783. — Capt. Seth Smith, Capt. Israel Trow, Lieut. David Arnold. 
1784. — Capt. Israel Trow, Capt. Seth Smith, Lieut. David Arnold. 
1785. — Capt. Seth Smith, Capt. John Crane, Col. Silas Cobb. 
1786. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Isaac Hodges, Lieut. David Arnold. 
1787. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Isaac Hudges, Lieut. David Arnold. 
1788. — Capt. John Crane, Lieut. David Arnold, Lieut. Jacob Shepard. 
1789. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, Lieut. Jacob Shepard. 
1790. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, Jacob Shepard. 
1791. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, juu., Lieut. Jacob Shep- 
ard. 
1792. — Cajit. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, jun., Capt. David Clap. 
1793. — Capt. Ephraim Lane, Capt. Israel Trow, Capt. David Clap. 
1794.— Capt. D;ivid Clap, Ephraim Lane, Capt. Tisdale Hodges. 
1795. — Capt. David Clap, Capt. Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Hodges, jun. 
1796. — Deacon Daniel Dean, Tisdale Hodges, Isaac UuUges,jun. 
1797. — Capt. Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Hodges, jun., Eiisha Cobb. 
1798. — Isaac Hodges, jun., Eiisha Cobb, David Lincoln, jun. 
1799. — Capt. Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Hodges, juu., Lieut. Eiisha Cobb, 
1800.— Isaac Hodges, Jr., Lieut. John Hall, Capt. Tisdale Hodges. 
1801, — Isaac Hodges, Jr., Lieut. John Hall, William Burt. 
1802.— William Burt, Lieut. John Hodges, Maj. Brian Hall. 
1803. — William Burt, Samuel Hunt, Jonathan Hodges. 
1804. — William Burt, Capt. Jonathan Hodges, Capt. Samuel Hunt. 
1805. — Capt. Samuel Hunt, Capt. Jonathan Hodges, Maj. Brian Hall. 
1806.— Capt. Jonathan Hodges, Laban Wheaton, Esq., Capt. Samuel 

Hunt. 
40 



1807.— Laban Wheaton, Esq., Capt. Samuel Hunt, Maj. Brian Hall. 

1808. — Laban W"heaton, Brian Hall, Samuel Hunt. 

1809. — Isaac Hodges, Maj. Brian Hall, Capt. Samuel Hunt. 

1810. — Brian Hall, Isaac Hodges, Samuel Hunt. 

isn. — Isaac Hodges, Samuel Hunt, Samuel Copeland. 

1812. — Samuel Copeland, Isaac Hodges, Sanruel Hunt. 

18L3. — Isaac Hodges, Samuel Copeland, Samuel Hunt. 

1814. — Isaac Hudges, Seth Hodges, Jonathan Newland. 

1815. — Isaac Hodges, Ljsander Makepeace, Daniel Lane. 

1816, — Isaac Hodges, Lysander Makepeace, Seth Hodges. 

1817. — Isaac Hodges, Seth Hodges, Lysander Makepeace. 

1818. — Seth Hodges, Lysander Makepeace, Daniel Lane. 

1819. — Seth Hodges, Daniel Lane, Lemuel Arnold. 

1820. — Daniel Lane, Seth Hodges, Lemuel Arnold. 

1821. — Lemuel Arnold, Lemuel Perrj', Jacob Shepard. 

1822. — Lemuel Arnold, Lemuel Perry, Jacob Shepard. 

1823. — Lemuel Perry, Jjuob Sliepard, Thomas Braman. 

1824. — Lemuel Perry, Lemuel Arnold, Jacob Shepard. 

1825. — Lemuel Perry, Jacob Shepard, Daniel Patten. 

1826. — Lemuel Perry, Jacob Sliepard, Daniel Patten. 

1827. — Lemuel Perry, Daniel Patten, Oliver Hunt. 

1828.- Oliver Hunt, William Hodges, Calvin Lane. 

1829. — Sylvester Newcomb, Cromwell Leonard, Jacob Shepard. 

1830. — Sylvester Newcomb, Cromwell Leonard, Jacob Shepard. 

1831. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr. 

1332. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr 

1833. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, M'illiam Lane, Jr. 

1834. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr. 

1835. — Cromwell Leonard, Simeon Blaudin, Setli Hodges. 

1836. — Seth Hodges, Cromwell Leonard, Simeon Blandin. 

1837. — Cromwell Leonard, Simeon Blandin, Leonard Hodges, Jr. 

1838. — Leonard Hodges, Jr., Hennary Newcomb, Richard F. Sweet. 

1839. — Henry Newcomb, Daniel Briggs, Leonard Hodges, Jr. 

1840. — George C. Ci-ane, Jacob Shepard, Earl Hodges. 

1841. — George B. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Earl Hodges. 

1842. — George B. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Eurl Hodges. 

1843. — George B. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Almond Tucker. 

1844. — Almond Tucker, Rodolphus H. Williams, Hiram J. Hunt. 

1845.— Hiram J. Hunt, Eddy Lincoln, Cyrus White. 

1846.— George B. Crane, Almond Tucker, Cyrus White. 

1847. — Seth Sumner, Jr., George B. Crane, Almond Tucker. 

1848. — George B. Crane, Seth Sumner, Jr., David Arnold. 

1849. — George B. Crane, Seth Sumner, Jr., David Arnold. 

1850. — George B. Crane, Seth Sumner, Jr , David Arnold. 

1851.— Daniel S. Cobb, Eli Wood, Benjamin S. Hall. 

1852.— Daniel S. Cobb, Eli Wood, Benjamin S. Hall. 

1853.— Daniel S. Cobb, Charles H. Biiggs, John B. Newcomb. 

1854. — Earl C. White, Elkanah Wheeler, Augustus Lane. 

1855. — Ebenezer TinUham, Royal P. Hodges, Hiram H. Wetherell. 

1856. — Augustus Lane, James 0. Messinger, James Allen. 

1857. — Augustus Lane, James 0. Messinger, James Allen. 

1858-59. — Augustus Lane, Janiea 0. Messinger, James Allen. 

1860. — Augustus Lane, James O. Messinger, William D. Wetherell. 

1861-62. — Augustus Lane, William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates. 

1863.— William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates, Benjamin E. Sweet. 

1864-65.— William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates, Charles Sprague, Jr. 

1866.— William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates, Henry Hunt. 

1867. — Leonard Hodges, Augustus Lane, Alfred Barker. 

1868.— Leonard Hodges, Alfred Barker, John W. Wetherell. 

1869-70. — Leonard Hodges, Enoch Tibbetts, Muses Lincoln. 

1871. — Leonard Hodges, Enoeh Tibbetts, Andrew H. Sweet. 

1872-73. — Andrew H. Sweet, John R. Rogerson, George H, Arnold. 

1874. — John R. Rogerson, George R. Perry, Joseph Copeland. 

1875. — George R. Perry, Joseph Copeland, George B. Crane. 

1876-77. — George R. Perry, John R. Rogerson, Isaac T. Bramau. 

1878.— George R. Perry, Horatio Bates, O. E. Walker. 

1879.— George R. Periy, 0. E. Walker, Alfred Barker. 

1880.— George R. Perry, Alfred Barker, William E. Payson. 

1881.— William A. Lane, Silas A. Stone, Oren E. Walker. 

1882.— William A. Lane, Silas A, Stone, William D. Wetherell. 

TOWN CLERKS. 
John Briggs, 1711; George Leonard, 1712-16, 1721-30, 1743-50; John 
Hodges, 1716-20, 1733; John Hodges (Ist), 1734-42; George Leon- 
ard, Jr., 1751 ; David Williams, 1752-72; John King,1773-7S; Capt. 
Silas Cobb, 1779-84; Seth Smith, Jr., 1785-93, 1795-98; Thomas 
Fobes, 1794; Joseph Hunt, 1799-1813; George Walker, 1814-20; 



626 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Thomas Danforth (213), 1S21-27; John Crane, 1828-57; Bev. George 
F. Clark, 18S8-60; Austin Messinger, 1861-83. 

Deputy Sheeiffs. — Benjamin Williams was dep- 
uty sberifi" in 1757. How long he held the office we 
know not. Ephraiin Burr is believed to have been 
sheriff from some years previous to 1784 up to 1803 ; 
Isaac Morey, from 1791 to 1796 ; Thomas Fobes, from 
1794 to 1796 ; William Verry, most of the time from 
1800 to 1815; George Gilbert, from 1803 to 1805; 
Ebenezer Titus, from 1803 to 1808; Preston Hodges, 
from 1818 to 1821 ; Daniel Smith (2d), from 1822 to 
1824; George Clapp, from 1822 to 1824; Daniel 
Morey, in 1825; Timothy Smith, from 1826 to 1834; 
Horace B. Wetherell, from 1835 to 1850 ; Austin Mes- 
singer, from 1851 to 1853, and again in 1856; Cyril 
S. Sweet was appointed in 1858 ; Artemas C. King 
and George H. Arnold, now in office. 

State Senators. — Hon. Abraham White was 
chosen senator in 1787, and again in 1788. He is be- 
lieved to have been the son of Thomas White, of 
Taunton, and tradition says be was descended from 
Peregrine White, the first English child born at Ply- 
mouth. He was a somewhat eccentric man, and 
could not read or write, but was possessed of much 
native talent, practical good sense, and sound judg- 
ment. He was much employed in public life, where 
energy and decision of character were needed. Nu- 
merous anecdotes are related of him, all of which 
illustrate his ready wit, keen satire, and ability to 
meet. any emergency that arose. He lived at the 
easterly part of the town. He married first a daugh- 
ter of John Holmes, of Taunton, by whom he had a 
son, who, with his mother, died young. For second 
wife, Mr. White married Hannah, daughter of Ed- 
ward AVhite, of Easton, and had by her eight chil- 
dren. He died Feb. 20, 1801, in his eighty-fifth year, 
so that he must have been born in 1717. 

Hon. George Leonard was chosen senator in 1793, 
and served one year only. 

Hon. Seth Smith, Jr., was chosen senator in 1797, 
and held the office but one year. He was the son of 
Deacon Seth Smith by his first wife, Sarah Cobb (2d), 
and \vas born Oct. 1, 1756. He married, March 16, 
1780, Rachel Newcomb, and had three children. He 
was much employed in public business, was town 
clerk many years, also representative to the General 
Court. He kept a store in the centre of the town a 
few years. He left Norton about 1799, and went to 
New York city. 

Hon. Cromwell Leonard was chosen senator for 
the year 1848, and rechosen for the year 1849. He 
is the son of Jonathan Leonard by his second wife, 
Rebecca Smith (2d), and was born Dec. 1, 1788. He 
is the grandson of Jacob and Mary (Wild) Leonard, 
and is descended from the Taunton Leonards, who 
came from Pontypool, Wales. Mr. Leonard married, 
June 15, 1815, Miss Belinda Copeland, of Mansfield. 
They had four children. She died Aug. 25, 1848. 
He married for second wife, June 20, 1849, Miss 



Harriet Morse, of East Cambridge, daughter of the 
late Dr. Caleb Morse, of Moultonborough, N. H. He 
served the town many years as moderator of town- 
meetings, selectman, assessor, representative to the 
General Court, and other positions of trust and re- 
spectability. 

Hon. John Crane was chosen senator for the year 
1852. He is the son of Terry and Rebecca (Harvey) 
Crane, grandson of John and Rachel (Terry) Crane, 
and was born Jan. 11, 1799. He married, March 28, 
1825, Miss Sally Harvey, of Taunton, and had two 
children. He held the office of town clerk and treas- 
urer for thirty successive years. When chosen for 
the thirtieth time in 1857 he declined a re-election. 
He has represented the town in the General Court, 
wholly or in part, ten years. 

Councilors. — Hon. George Leonard was a royal 
councilor twenty-five successive years, commencing 
his term of service in 1741 and closing in 1766. He 
was the son of Maj. George and Anna (Tisdale) Leon- 
ard, and was the first male child born in the westerly 
part of Norton. His advent into the world took place 
March 4, 1698. He was the second justice of the 
peace in town, was town clerk many years, and also 
otherwise much employed in public affairs as select- 
man, assessor, moderator of town-meetings, represen- 
tative to the General Court, etc. He was also much 
engaged in the military affairs of this neighborhood, 
having risen from a subordinate officer to the com- 
mand of the regiment, and is generally known as 
Col. George Leonard. He was appointed judge of 
the court of Common Pleas in 1725, and held the 
office till 1730. He was reappointed to the same 
office in 1733, and held it till 1740, when he was dis- 
missed for having been connected with the Land 
Bank scheme. He was again appointed to the bench 
in 1746, and continued in office till about the com- 
mencement of the Revolution. A portion of the 
time he was on the bench he was chief justice of the 
court. He was appointed judge of probate for Bris- 
tol County Feb. 16, 1747, and held the office about 
thirty-one years. 

Hon. George Leonard, Jr., was councilor from 1770 
to 1775. He was the son of Col. Leonard just men- 
tioned. 

Hon. Laban M. Wheaton held the office of coun- 
cilor two years, viz., 1857 and 1858. (See " Collegi- 
ate History.") 

Judges of Court of Common Pleas. — Hon. 
George Leonard was appointed to this office Dec. 10, 
1715, and was on the bench only a few months, when 
he died. 

Hon. George Leonard, son of the above, was judge 
most of the time from 1725 to 1775. 

Hon. Ephraim Leonard was appointed judge in 
1747, and was in office till about the commencement 
of the Revolution. He was a brother of George Leon- 
ard, last named, and was born Jan. 16, 1705-6. He 
settled in the North Precinct of Norton. 




J (r e.-^-^ ^^ l\ C ^ ^fcVT. 



NORTON. 



627 



Hon. George Leonard was appointed judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas July 1, 1785. In 1798 he 
was chief justice of the court, and was on the bench 
as late as 1804. 

Hon. Laban Wheaton was appointed chief justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas May 18, 1810, but did 
not hold the office long. 

Judges of Probate. — Hon. George Leonard was 
commissioned judge of probate Feb. 16, -1747, and 
held the office till his death in 1778. 

Hon. George Leonard, son of the above, was ap- 
pointed to this office June 7, 1784, and held it several 
years. 

Judge of Couet of Sessions. — Hon. Laban 
Wheaton was appointed judge of this court May 25, 
1819, but the following year the court was abolished. 

Register of Probate. — Hon. George Leonard, 
Jr., was commissioned register April 18, 1749, and 
held the office till 1783. 

Representatives in Congress. — Hon. George 
Leonard was chosen in 1788 a member of the First 
Congress of the United States. He failed of an elec- 
tion to the Second, but was a member of the Third and 
Fourth Congresses. 

Hon. Laban Wheaton was representative eight 
years, from March 4, 1809, to March 4, 1817. 

Taxes. — The following shows the tax levied upon 
the town from 1715 to 1800: 



Yeai-s. 



1715.. 
1716.. 
1717.. 
1718.. 
1719.. 
1720.. 
1721.. 
1722.. 
1723.. 
1724.. 
1726.. 
1726 . 
1727.. 
1728.. 
1729.. 
1730.. 
1731.. 
1732.. 
1733.. 
1734.. 
1735.. 
1736.. 
1737.. 
1738.. 
1739.. 
1740.. 
1741.. 
1742.. 
1743.. 
1744.. 
1745 . 
1746.. 
1748.. 
1749.. 
1750.. 
1761.. 
1752.. 
1763.. 
1754.. 
1765.. 
1756 . 
1767.. 
1758.. 
1759.. 
1760.. 
1761.. 



Town 

Charges. 

£2 

8 

11 

2 

9 

20 

14 

6 

9 

29 

12 

24 

31 

33 

31 

67 

20 

25 

16 

14 

22 

20 

37 

64 

90 

70 

60 

36 

.. 1503 

.. 1223 

803 

.. 170 3 

.. 3003 

.. 40O3 

to* 

27 

50 

30 

50 

27 

80 

.. 100 

.. 110 

.. 110 

.. 110 

.. 110 



£30 
30 



12 

341 

10 

20 

40 

20 

19 

25 

20 

302 

302 

302 

37 
30 

20 
20 



Represen- 
tatives. 
£8 



6U 

14 
15 



High- 
ways. 



14 
16 
10 
15 



- Including £8^^ of interest-money from bank. 
2 Poor and schools. 3 old tenor. 



^ Lawful money. 



Y»''^™- Cha°rge°. Schools. 

1762 £120 

1763 70 

1764 70 

1765 40 

1766 120 

1767 100 

1768 130 

1769 80 

1770 60 

1771 70 

1772 100 

1773 80 

1774 76 

1775 90 

1776 120 

1777 ISO 

1778 1400 

1779 1180 

17S0 6000 

1781 6005 

1782 100 

1783 300 60 

1784 160 60 

1785 250 60 

1786 200 60 

1787 160 00 

1788 150 

1789 180 40 

1790 120 60 

1791 196 

1792 252 

1793 300 

1794 300 

1795 300 

1796 S1200 

1797 1000 

1798 800 

1799 1000 

1800 1200 



Represen- 


High- 


tatives. 


ways. 


::: 


mio 




122 




122 




122 




120 




120 




120 




120 




100 




SIWO 




1200 




1000 




1000 


... 


lOOO 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

HON. LABAN WHEATON. 

Hon. Laban Wheaton was born in Norton (in a 
part of the town which is now in Mansfield), March 
13, 1754. His parents were Dr. George and Elizabeth 
(Morey) Wheaton. Rev. George Wheaton (H. U., 
1769), minister of the Congregational Church in 
Claremont, N. H., and Daniel Wheaton, Esq. (H. U., 
1791), lawyer and first postmaster of Norton, for the 
towns of Norton, Easton, and Mansfield, were his 
brothers. 

He fitted for college at Wrentham Academy, entered 
Harvard University at the age of sixteen, and gradu- 
ated in 1774, at the age of twenty. After graduation 
he taught a grammar school in his native town, but 
soon relinquished teaching to study theology under 
the direction of Rev. Abiel Leonard, D.D., pastor of 
the Congregational Cluirch in Woodstock, Conn. In 
May, 1775, Dr. Leonard was appointed chaplain in 
the army, where he received the special commenda- 
tion of Gens. Washington and Putnam for his great 
usefulness. In the summer following this appoint- 
ment of his teacher, Mr. Wheaton commenced to 
preach at Woodstock. After this he preached in 
Oxford, Walpole, Dedham, Portsmouth, N. H., and in 
Boston. He was invited to a pastorate in Framing- 
ham, at what was then deemed a very liberal sup- 
port, but on account of imperfect health he declined 



6 Silver money. 

f^Tliis was the first rate for raising a highway tax tliat we find recorded. 



628 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



to settle, though, with some interruptions, he sup- 
plied the pulpit at Framingham about four years. 
On account of failing health he was medically ad- 
vised to travel and to relinquish preaching. Feeling 
the necessity from limited means to have some busi- 
ness to meet the expense of traveling, he entered into 
partnership with a classmate who was engaged in 
mercantile pursuits at Watertown, and in the interest 
of the firm took goods to Canada, and exchanged 
them with the Indians for furs. His partner becom- 
ing involved in financial trouble at Watertown, he 
withdrew from tlie firm at the end of four years with 
renewed health, but with loss of all pecuniary gains, 
and a debt of five hundred dollars. 

At thirty-one years of age he entered the law-office 
of Squire Kent, of Watertown, to study law, paying 
board and tuition by writing and copying papers and 
documents for his teacher. He commenced the prac- 
tice of law at Milton, but in 1788 removed to his 
native town and established himself in his profession 
at the Centre village. With a very high order of in- 
tellectual strength, acute legal knowledge, and un- 
tiring application to the duties of his profession, he 
attained eminence at the bar, and had extensive 
practice in the courts of Worcester, Norfolk, Suflblk, 
Plymouth, and Bristol Counties. Seven years he was 
sent by his townsmen a representative in the State 
Legislature, and was frequently elected to other 
oflices. Eight years he represented the district in 
which he lived in the United States Congress. In 
1810 he was appointed chief justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas, in 1819 chief justice of the Court of 
Sessions, and he filled these offices with dignity and 
grace and to the honor of the bench. 

During his Congressional career, which was marked 
by fidelity to tlie interests of his constituents and the 
welfare of the nation, an incident of debate occurred 
which is worthy of permanent record. It was at that 
period when the slave power held almost absolute 
supremacy, and the topic of slavery was tabooed in 
Congress. On one occasion, in the progress of a speech 
on vital issues, Mr. Wheaton referred to this topic 
with pertinent remark. He was instantly interrupted 
by a dozen men springing to their feet with loud, 
rapid, and imperative cries of " Order !" One of them, 
catching the eye of the Speaker, fiercely renewed the 
demand, saying, " The gentleman from Massachusetts 
would excite the slaves to cut their masters' throats !" 
Mr. Wheaton, still keeping the floor, calmly replied, 
"And why, Mr. Speaker, shouldn't the slaves cut their 
masters' throats? We cut our masters' throats to 
secure our liberties, and why shouldn't they cut their 
masters' throats to gain their liberties? I put the 
question to the honorable gentleman who has so earn- 
estly called me to order. Will he have the goodness 
to answer it?" The boldness of this response and its 
apt home-thrust silenced his opponents, and he fin- 
ished his speech without further interruption. None 
would be slower than he to incite the slaves to blood, 



yet in this prompt retort he poised himself on the 
right and vindicated it with manly honor when the 
just and necessary freedom of debate was domineer- 
ingly and intolerantly called in question. In that re- 
tort he not only reasserted, by a question full-fraught 
with the spirit of liberty, the inborn and inalienable 
right of the enslaved man to rise to the dignity of a 
freeman, but he rebuked by a sarcasm and argument, 
against the edge and point of which there was neither 
shield nor hope, the tyranny that brought its whip 
from the plantation to the Congress of a free repub- 
lic. Mr. Wheaton's speeches were trenchant and 
solid. In a certain weight and momentum of thought 
they have seldom been surpassed. The doctrines of 
personal and political liberty have seldom found in 
the United States Congress a more powerful champion. 

In 1827, at the age of seventy-three, having acquired 
an ample fortune, he retired from the exacting duties 
of the legal profession to pass the decline of life in 
the care of his private affairs, in the comfort and peace 
of his home, and the circle of friends whom he loved. 
In 1794, at the age of forty, he was married to Fanny 
Morey, daughter of Samuel Morey, Esq., of Norton. 
With her he lived fifty-two years, she surviving him 
a few years. They had four children, but two of 
whom, a daughter and a son, lived to mature age. 
To these children he gave the most liberal and ample 
opportunity for a refining culture and thorough edu- 
cation. The daughter married Dr. Strong, of Boston, 
but not long after, in 1834, died childless, at the age of 
thirty-eight years. 

The death of this only daughter was a sore bereave- 
ment. While grieving for the loved one gone, it was 
suggested to him to establish a female seminary in 
the village of her early home, and thus contribute to 
make the daughters of others what she had been. 
The thought was in sweet harmony with his sorrow, 
and he gladly accepted it and immediately made ar- 
rangements to carry it into efl'ect. Buildings were 
erected and put in charge of a board of trustees whom 
he wisely selected, who procured teachers and opened 
the school on the basis of making it first-class in every 
respect for a thorough education of young ladies, 
whose success and usefulness soon brought it to that 
rank which it has well sustained as among the best in 
New England. It was ojiened in 1835, and by the 
trustees very appropriately named " Wheaton Female 
Seminary," in a just recognition of him who had 
founded and endowed it with a portion of his prop- 
erty that would have been, had she lived, the inheri- 
tance of his beloved daughter. To this memorial 
work the father and mother gave their tenderest in- 
terest, and to the close of their lives watched its 
growth and prosperity with satisfaction, and cherished 
it in a devoted love. On the 23d of March, 1846, at 
the advanced age of ninety-two years and ten days, he 
died. With fitting memorial services his remains 
were tenderly laid in the family burying-ground 
beside those of his beloved daughter. 



\ 




--^'^//^W^aZc 



>T^ 




J^2J^ 



NORTON. 



629 



HOX. LABAN MITCHEL WHEATOX. 

Hon. Labau M. Wheaton, son of Hon. Laban and 
Fanny (Morey) Wheaton, was born in Norton, Sept. 
14, 1796. He pursued studies preparatory for college 
at Wrentbam and Middleborougb Academies, and 
immediately before entering college was for some time 
a pupil in tbe University Grammar School, Provi- 
dence, R. I., then under the tuition of Mr. Joel Hawes, 
who afterwards was a distinguished Congregational 
pastor in Hartford, Conn. He graduated at Brown 
University in 1817 at the age of twenty-one. 

After leaving the university he studied law, and 
entered upon the practice of his profession in his 
native town. In a few years the care of his father's 
large estate requiring his assistance, he gave his at- 
tention chiefly to this until his father's death in 1846, 
whose estate he inherited. He was married June 25, 
1829, to Eliza B. Chapin, of Uxbridge. 

He was for many years postmaster of Norton, was 
several times elected representative in the State Leg- 
islature, served two terms as member of the Governor's 
Council, and was a trustee of the State Industrial 
School for girls at Lancaster. Though not an office- 
seeker nor ambitious of political honors, he was un- 
mistakably a Christian patriot, gratefully accepted 
the honors that were freely bestowed, and faithfully 
discharged the duties involved. Throughout his life 
he was the faithful son of his father in devoted at- 
tachment to the cause of freedom. He was warmly 
interested in the cause of education and of Christian 
institutions. He and his wife were in cordial sym- 
pathy with the father in the founding of Wheaton 
Female Seminary, and after his father's death were 
its liberal patrons, making large additions to the 
original endowment funds. 

He was retiring and unobtrusive, sensitively ab- 
horred ostentation, and accordingly preferred to dis- 
tribute his charities as privately as possible. In this, 
his chosen and habitual mode of doing good, he made 
many individuals and society in general greatly his 
debtors. Quiet in his tastes, with sympathies quick 
and strong, he was a very genial man. His character 
was marked by a peculiar spontaneity, tenderness, 
and constancy of humane feeling that made him 
prominently the young man's friend, ready to com- 
mend the worthy and to aid any who needed his 
assistance. A lover of Christ and His Church, he 
was a liberaLsupporter of the gospel at home and 
abroad, and was ever ready to contribute generously 
to the cause of Christian missions. After a brief but 
painful illness he died in Norton, Jan. 17, 1865, at 
the age of sixty-eight years, four months, and three 
days, greatly lamented. His last words were, " I am 
grounded in Christ." 



NATHANIEL NEWCOMB. 
Nathaniel Newcomb was born in Norton, Mass., 
April 12, 1797, and he was sixth in direct descent 



from Francis Newcomb, who was born probably in 
Hertfordshire, England, about 1605, and came to 
America in the ship " Planter" in 1635, accompanied 
by his wife, Rachel, then aged twenty, his daughter, 
Rachel, of two and a half years, and son, John, aged 
nine months, and, after residing in Boston three years, 
settled in Braintree (now Quincy, Norfolk Co., Mass.), 
I where he died May 27, 1692, aged about eighty-seven. 
j His gravestone says '"'aged one hundred years." Tra- 
[ dition says he came from Oxfordshire, England, and 
' that he was of pure Saxon blood. He owned several 
tracts of land in Braintree. He had ten children. 
I His son Peter, horn in Braintree, was a "husband- 
man," and much in public office. By his wife Su- 
sannah, daughter of Richard and Sarah Cutting, of 
Watertown, he had nine children. His estate was 
inventoried at £740 Is. His son Jonathan (third gen- 
eration), also born in Braintree in 1685-86, was a 
' " yeoman," and owned several i)ieces of land. He 
' bought, Jan. 22, 1727, fifty-two acres of land in 
Norton for three hundred and sixty pounds, and 
removed thither in March, 1728. The same year he 
bought thirty-five acres more for two hundred and 
forty-five pounds, and in 1742 seventy acres for two 
hundred pounds. He served in the memorable expe- 
dition against Louisbourg, on Cape Breton, and died 
while in the service in 1745. By his wife, Deborah, 
he had eight children. She died in 1780, aged ninety- 
fii'e. Joseph Newcomb (fourth generation), son of 
Jonathan, was born in Braintree, but removed to 
Norton with his parents when but twelve years old. 
i He married Judith Pratt, of Mansfield, Oct. 3, 1745, 
and lived in Norton until his death, Oct. 2, 1778. 
He served in the old French war, first in 1749, in Z. 
Leonard's company, of Raynham ; in 1757 was in 
S. Witherell's company, of Norton. He had seven 
children. His will disposes of about six hundred 
and fifty acres of land, and his personal estate in- 
ventoried at £1286 6.S. Srf. Josiah (fifth generation), 
his youngest child, was born in Norton, April 14, 1764, 
was a farmer and resided during his life in Norton. 
He was a soldier of the Continental army of the 
Revolution, enlisting July 27, 1780, in Capt. John 
j Allen's company, of Carpenter's regiment. He mar- 
ried (first), in 1782-83, Rebecca, daughter of Joseph 
and Rebecca (Tisdale) Godfrey, who was born in 
Easton, Sept. 27, 1765. She "died Sept. 25, 1831 ; 
(second) in 1834, Charlotte Forest. He had four 
children, all by his first wife. 

Nathaniel Newcomb (sixth generation) enjoyed 
the advantages of common schools only in educa- 
tion, and when about seventeen entered the employ 
of his brother-in-law, Simeon Presbrey, in a cotton- 
mill in Stoughton, and was ever after identified and 
connected with cotton-manufactory. He married, 
April 17, 1823, Betsey, daughter of Gen. Thomas 
and Esther (Newland) Lincoln, of Taunton, where 
she was born Feb. 10, 1795. Their children were: 
(1) Betsey Thomas, who married William A. Hay- 



630 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ward, of Milford, Mass., and had one child, Harriot 
B. ; (2) Harriot A., who resides in Norton. 

Mr. Newcomb began business for himself in his 
native town as one of the earliest manufacturers, and 
was successfully engaged for a few years in the 
manufacture of cotton thread. He then bought of 
James Beaumont the patent-right to make wadding, 
and continued in the wadding and batting business 
till, having accumulated a handsome fortune by his 
untiring industry, rigid economy, and business ca- 
pacity, he retired from active connection with manu- 
facturing in 1860, and was at that time, and probably 
at the time of his deatb, the oldest cotton-thread 
manufacturer in America. He was a careful and 
cautious man, and the road to wealth to him was 
made by slow and steady accumulation, never by 
brilliant and fortunate speculation. He took no risk, 
and the result showed the wisdom of his course. He 
was often asked for advice, and was a safe counselor. 
During his life he used his money for business pur- 
poses, but often expressed a desire to leave at his 
death a token of remembrance to the town with which 
he had been so long identified, and his daughter car- 
ried his wish into execution by the erection of the 
town hall. Mr. Newcomb was a Democrat in politics, 
and by no means desired office. His wish was to be 
free from all official position. He was of strong and 
positive nature, and successful in nearly everything 
he undertook. 

April 17, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb celebrated 
the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, and enter- 
tained a large number of friends from various places 
near and remote. Their wedded life continued till 
the death of Mr. Newcomb, Nov. 18, 1876. Mrs. 
Newcomb died Aug. 16, 1878. 

The history of Nathaniel Newcomb is that of a 
self-reliant, earnest, and successful business man. 
His life was one of steady and active devotion to 
business, and his success was the natural result of his 
ability to readily comprehend any subject presented 
to him and courage to act in accordance with his con- 
victions. He was a cheerful and social gentleman, 
possessing sterling qualities of character, which en- 
titled him to the respect of all who knew him. He 
was an extensive owner of real estate, not only in his 
own town, but in other places. 



HON. CROMWELL LEONARD. 
It is a curious feet that, in certain families, a predi- 
lection or aptitude and inclination for a certain jiro- 
fession or occupation seems to manifest itself through 
many generations, and among members of the family 
in widely remote parts of the world, and under perhaps 
diametrically opposite circumstances. The Leonards 
are noted throughout this country and Europe, aud 
have been so for generations, for their connection with 
the iron interests. Although the particular member 
of the family of which we write chose a different 



field for his life's work, yet in tracing his ancestral 
history we find that he comes from a family who were 
prominently identified with iron business on both con- 
tinents. The Leonards have been a family of consid- 
erable prominence in England for many generations. 
They are descended, so several authorities inform us, 
from Leonard, Lord Dacre, of England, and through 
two lines from Edward HI., viz.: through John of 
Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Thomas Plantage- 
net, Duke of Gloucester. James and Henry, brothers, 
were the first who came to America. They were sons 
of Thomas Leonard, of Pontypool, County Monmouth 
Wales, which place is famous for its iron-works and 
mines. They were identified with the first three iron- 
works established in America, — at Braintree, Lynn, 
and Taunton. They finally settled at Taunton, and 
were the progenitors of the family of Leonards who 
have been more or less prominently identified with 
the history of Bristol County from that time to the 
present. The Leonards have almost invariably been 
men of great wealth and high position. Hon. George 
Leonard, of Norton, a descendant of the same family, 
owned the largest estate in Bristol County, if not in 
New England, and his timber lands were undoubtedly 
the most valuable in the State. The keel of the frig- 
ate " Constitution" was taken from his lands. It is 
said that he "lived in baronial style, surrounded by 
numerous tenantry." 

The famous Daniel Leonard, antagonist of John 
Adams in the questions of allegiance, and author of the 
femous "Massachusettensis" papers, and afterwards 
chief justice of Bermuda, was of this family. Hon. 
George Leonard and his father were judges of probate 
in Bristol County many years. It is worthy of note 
that the first genealogical account of any considerable 
extent printed in New England was Dr. Forbes' 
" Account of the Leonard Family." We have not 
been able to trace the direct unbroken line from 
James (1) Leonard to Cromwell, but that he is a de- 
scendant of James there can be no reasonable doubt, 
as it is known that the family to which he belonged 
descended from the Taunton Leonards. 

Hon. Cromwell Leonard was the son of Jona- 
than Leonard by his second wife, Rebecca; Smith. 
He was born Dec. 1 , 1788. He was grandson of Jacob 
and Mary (Wild) Leonard. He married, June 15, 
1815, Belinda Copeland, of Mansfield, by whom he 
had four children. He married for his second wife, 
June 20, 1849, Harriet Morse, of East Cambridge, 
daughter of Dr. Caleb Morse, of Moultonborough, 
N. H. She was born Oct. 19, 1810. Her mother was 
! Anna (Ambrose) Morse. Her father. Dr. Morse, was 
one of the pioneer physicians of that i)art of New 
Hampshire, and was a man of remarkable mental and 
physical vigor. He lived to his eighty-third year, 
and continued in active practice until a few days 
prior to his death. Hon. Cromwell Leonard was one 
of the most prominent and most highly-esteemed 
men Norton has produced. He enjoyed in a very 




■■&<rrx o\rh~^C^ 




// / 






NORTON. 



631 



high degree the esueem and confidence of his fellow- 
townsmen. He served for many years as moderator 
of town-meetings, selectman, assessor, representative 
to General Court, etc. Like most of the Leonards 
he lived to a good old age, and probably no man who 
ever lived in the town was more sincerely mourned 
than he when the summons came " to join the innu- 
merable caravan." Mrs. Leonard now resides in West 
Somerville, Mass., near North Cambridge line. 



GEORGE BOWERS CRANE. 

Almost if not quite all the various families of the 
name Crane, Crayue, or Crain in New England are 
descended from the family of that name who came 
from England to America in the early days of the 
New Haven Colony, and were among the most active, 
enterprising, and intelligent of that hardy pioneer 
band who braved so many dangers and encountered 
and endured so many privations and hardships to 
win for themselves and their posterity a home in the 
New World. (For an account of some of the ances- 
tors of the Crane family, see biography of A. B. 
Crane in this volume.) 

A few generations ago the ancestors of George B. 
resided in Berkley. The first of the name of whom 
there is any record was Henry'- ; he had a son John\ 
who had a son named Oersham", who was a farmer in 
Berkley, and from frequent mention in records it is 
presumable he was a man of some note in his time. 
He had a son, Capt. John*, who became one of the 
leading men of his community, and a man much es- 
teemed for his integrity and sterling worth. He was 
by occupation a farmer and surveyor. He was select- 
man of his town and member of the Legislature. 
He married Rachel Terry, of Freetown, Mass., and 
was the first of his family to settle in Norton. - He 
located about two miles southeast of the village of 
Norton, and built the house now occupied by his de- 
scendant, George B. He was a captain of militia, 
and a pioneer in all reform movements. His children 
were John, Rachel, George, Calvin, Hannah, and 
Terry. Both he and his wife were members of the 
Society of Friends. Capt. Terry' was brought up a 
farmer, married Rebecca Harvey, daughter of Henry 
Harvey, of Taunton, by whom he had one child, 
Hon. John Crane, who became senator from his 
county, and who was town clerk and treasurer in 
Norton thirty consecutive years, and then declined 
re-election. Capt. Terry's second wife was Matilda 
Macomber; by this marriage there was no issue. 
His third wife was Roby King, by whom he had 
Rebecca (died in infancy), Roby K. (married Leonard 
Hall, of Taunton, now deceased), Harriet. T. (mar- 
ried Lemuel Arnold, of Norton, now deceased), Han- 
nah W. (married Andrew H. Hall, of Taunton, now 
deceased), Georye B., Nancy K. (married J. Warren 
Dean, of Taunton, now living a widow), Matilda M. 



(married James AV. Hathaway, of Freetown, now 
deceased), Daniel (married Wealthy Hodges, of Nor- 
ton, is still living), Abiyall W. (died at the age of 
seventeen), and Elizabeth L. (became upon her sister's 
decease the second wife of James W. Hathaway, of 
Freetown, and is still living). 

Capt. Terry was a quiet, unobtrusive man, choosing 
the private pastoral life of a farmer, and always sedu- 
ously avoiding everything savoring of publicity or 
distinction. The only office he would ever accept 
was in the militia, in which he ranked as captain. 
He was a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics, and in 
religious belief a Unitarian. He resided all his life 
on the home farm where he was born. 

George B., the fifth child and eldest son of Capt. 
Terry by third wife, was born in Norton, Bristol Co., 
Mass., Nov. 10, 1810. He was brought up a farmer's 
boy, and while he did not enjoy the advantages for a 
scholastic education, now so common among the better 
classes of New England people, yet he had whatever 
instruction the common schools of his town afforded, 
of which he made the most, and being early taught 
to labor, he laid the foundation, by abundant and 
healthful outdoor exercise, for a rugged constitution 
, and well-developed physique, which, notwithstand- 
ing the more than ordinary amount of hard labor he 
; has performed, he has maintained to his old age. As 
soon as he had arrived at proper age he taught school 
winters and farmed during summer months. This he 
continued about ten years. During the last forty 
years he has done a great deal of surveying in his 
own and all adjacent towns. In addition to farming, 
which has been the principal business of his life, he 
has also done considerable wood and lumber business. 
He married, Jan. 31, 1849, Martha Jones, of Rayn- 
ham, daughter of Samuel and Mary Jones. (For 
ancestral history of Jones family, see biography of 
Samuel Jones elsewhere in this volume.) 

They have had but one child, George Terry, born 
Jan. 20, 1852. He grew up to manhood at the home 
of his parents, married C. Amelia Woodward, daugh- 
ter of Josiah and Cassandana W. (Peck) Woodward, 
of Norton, Sept. 4, 1878. They have one child, 
Martha J., born April 7, 1881, a bright little sprite 
that gladdens the household. 

George T. early developed an inclination for work- 
ing in iron and a marked ingenuity in that direction. 
As he grew older he cultivated this aptitude, and 
without having served an apprenticeship he became 
an expert blacksmith and carriage-builder, established 
a shop of that kind adjacent to his father's residence, 
and now resides with his parents, and follows black- 
smithing and carriage-building as his occupation. 

George B. Crane has been a member of the school 
committee in his town, selectman, and assessor ten 
years, justice of the peace since 1851, member of 
Legislature in 1856, and in 1853 was a member of the 
State Convention to revise the Constitution of Massa- 
chusetts. This convention numbered among its mem- 



632 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



bers many of the brightest intellects of which the old 
Bay State could boast. 

Mr. Crane has always been a Democrat in politics. 
In religion a Unitarian. He has done a great deal of 
probate business and settled many estates. He is a 
remarkably well preserved man for one of his years, 
his step being as elastic and his carriage as erect as 
most young men. He is a man of sterling integrity, 
honest, earnest, and sincere. All his life he has been 
energetic, industrious, and progressive, always favor- 
ing whatever tended to the advancement and best 
interest of his community. He is a man of modesty 
and merit, and one of Norton's most useful and es- 
teemed citizens. 



LEAVIS BILLINGS DBANE. 

The name Den or Dene, which was the original 
way of spelling what is now written Deane or Dean, 
made its appearance in England soon after the intro- 
duction of surnames. It was apparently derived from 
the Saxon word den or dene, meaning a valley, and 
being first given to estates of that character, soon 
passed to their possessors. The family is probably of 
Norman origin, as the first of the name of whom we 
have any account was Robert de Den, butler to Ed- 
ward the Confessor, and doubtless one of his "Nor- 
man favorites," as it is known he owned estates in 
Normandy. Later on the name is met with in Essex, 
Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire, Oxfordshire, 
etc., many of them knights and nobles. After the 
abolition of feudalties by Henry VII., the terri- 
torial prefix " de" dropped into disuse. The letter a ' 
was introduced into the name Dene during the reign ! 
of Queen Elizabeth, and it became Deane. The 
Deanes of England have been a highly respectable 
and prominent family. Henry Dene, Archbishop of 
Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor under Henry VII. ; 
Sir Richard Deane, mayor of London in 1629; Maj.- 
Gen. Richard Deane, the regicide ; and Sir Anthony 
Deane, comptroller of the navy, were of that fam- 

The Deanes have resided for centuries at and in the 
vicinity of Taunton, Somersetshire, England, and 
from that place came most of the early immigrants of 
that name to America. Stephen Deane was the first 
of the name to laud in America. He came on the 
ship "Fortune," November, 1621. He built the first 
corn-mill in Plymouth Colony. John and Walter 
Deane, brothers, who came to America in 1637 from 
Taunton or immediate vicinity, in England, were the 
progenitors of most of the present extensive Deane 
family in Massachusetts. They settled at Taunton, 
Bristol Co., which place is .said to derive its name 
from Taunton, England. " They took up their farms 
on the west bank of the river, about one mile from 
the present village of Taunton," and their descendants 
still occupy the ancient homestead. Hon. Silas Deane, 
of Connecticut, minister to France, 1776, and a de- 



scendant of same original family, was the one who 

enlisted the sympathies and finally the services of 
Lafayette in our struggle for independence.' 

The Deanes, wherever residing, have been noted 
for certain characteristics, among which may be men- 
tioned strong will-power, earnest/ purpose, untiring 
energy, and integrity of character. 

Lewis B. Deane, of whom we write, is the youngest 
of a family of .nine children. John Deane, his father, 
was born June 4, 1774 ; died Jan. 7, 1841. Betsey 
(Smith) Deane, the mother, was born March 9, 1785, 
died March 18, 1832. Their children were John, born 
Feb. 29, 1811. He married a Whiting, of Dedham, 
was freight agent in Boston of N. B. and T. Railroad, 
but resided in Dedham. He died Sept. 4, 1864, 
leaving two children. Maria, born Oct. 27, 1813, 
married Henry Hunt, of Norton, died Dec. 22, 1871, 
leaving one child. Isaac, born March 28, 1815, died 
Sept. 3, 1860, unmarried. Ellsa, born Dec. 23, 1816, 
married Parker Makepeace, of Norton ; has two chil- 
dren. Oliver, born June 11, 1818, married Eliza 
Hunt, of Norton ; resides in Canton, where he is en- 
gaged in coal and ice business and farming ; has one 
child. Calvin, born Feb. 27, 1821, married and re- 
sides in Canton ; runs an express from Canton to 
Boston. Cornelia, born Oct. 10, 1822, unmarried, re- 
sides with Parker Makepeace. Laprellott, born April 
9, 1824, died Nov. 30, 1865, unmarried. 

Lewis Billings Deane was born Nov. 20, 1826. 
He knew but little of a mother's love or tender care, 
as he was but six years of age when his mother died. 
He was brought up on a farm, and after arriving at 
manhood continued to follow that occupation till 
1853, when he went to Boston and engaged to drive a 
team for his brother John. After a time he took a 
partnership in the business, and finally, in company 
with his brother Laprellott, he purchased his brother 
John's interest, and from that time till Laprellott's 
death they conducted the business together. After 
his brother's death Mr. Deane took Ambrose Hardy, 
who was a book-keeper in the N. B. Railroad office, 
in partnership, and they engaged not only to haul, 
but to load the freights of that road in Boston. The 
business was prosperous and successful. In 1872, 
having dissolved partnership with Mr. Hardy, Thomas 
P. Frost became a partner in the business, and two 
years later Mr. Deane sold out to him his interest 
and returned to his home in Norton. He and his 
brother Laprellott had previously purchased the in- 
terest of the other heirs in the home farm, and 
upon the decease of Laprellott, Lewis B. inherited 
his share. The homestead consists of seventy-five 
acres of laud, with commodious dwelling and out- 
buildings. Mr. Deane has built a large and well- 
appointed barn, and is pleasantly situated in life. 
His home is in the suburbs of the pleasant little vil- 



1 We are indebted to the researches of William R. Deane, of Boston, 
for mucli of the data above given. 





-f^-e^^--^^ 






(^ CZ^^^^i^^^^ 



>\ 



NORTON. 



633 



lage of Norton Centre, and he is considered one of 
the model farmers of the town. 

He married, Aug. 18, 1880, Rose Burns, of Provi- 
dence. They have no children. He is a Whig and 
Republican in politics, and an attendant of the 
Unitarian Church. 

Mr. Deane is an industrious, honest, respected citi- 
zen of his town, and has been a successful man in 
whatever he has undertaken. 



SILAS ALLEN STONE. 
The men who came to New England in the early 
colonial days were not only hardy, courageous, and ad- 
venturous, but many, if not moH, of them were men 
of education and intelligence. In their struggle for 
existence in the New World, however, they encoun- 
tered so many privations, and had to meet and over- 
come so many obstacles, that they had but little time 
to devote to the education of their children, and 
particularly was this true of the second and third 
generations. One result of all this was that of the 
first settlers we have usually quite authentic and more 
or less complete records, while of their children and 
children's children we can learn but little because of 
their inattention to literary matters and the consequent 
meagre data they have left behind them. The Stone 
family furnishes no exception to this general rule. 

The first of the name who came to America was 
Deacon Simon Stone, who embarked at London, 
England, April 15, 16.35, in the ship " Increase," 
Robert Lea, master, and May 25, 1636, he was ad- 
mitted a freeman at AVatertown. He was at that 
time fifty, and his wife Joan thirty-eight years of age. 
The place of his homestead was just south of Mount 
Auburn Cemetery, and probably embraced part of 
those grounds. The records of the Plantation Office 
in London show that he was a husbandman in Eng- 
land prior to his removal to America. He became a 
man of consequence in the new colony. He was 
selectman seven years, and was a leader in church 
and State aflairs. His younger brother, Deacon 
Gregory, came to Cambridge and settled in 1637. 
Both the brothers reared families, and from one or 
the other of them (most probably Deacon Gregory) 
the particular branch of the Stone family of which 
Silas A. is a member was descended. 

William Stone was one of the early settlers of the 
town of Norton, Bristol Co., Mass. His son, known 
as Capt. William Stone, was a man of much promi- 
nence in the early history of that town. He wa.s 
town treasurer from 1726 to 1733, inclusive. He was 
one of the selectmen ten years, between 1730 and 
1750. He represented the town in the Legislature 
five years, and was captain in the militia. His 
sword, made in 1745, is now in the po.ssession of his 
great-grandson, Silas A. Stone. His wife was Me- 
hitable Lane. He established an iron forge just 
above where Norton Centre Mills now stand, nearly 



opposite the old Stone homestead. He had children, 
of whom Nathaniel was one. Nathaniel was born' 
Sept. 2, 1753, and died April 11, 1835. His wife was 
Rebecca Woodward. She was born June 26, 1758, 
and died Sept. 8, 1806. Their children were Sarah, 
born Feb. 20, 1780, died Oct. 4, 1843; Sybil, born 
Dec. 1, 1781, died March 25, 1832; Rebecca, born 
Oct. 11, 1783, died May 1, 1857; Nathaniel, born 
June 26, 1785, died July 26, 1840; Hannah, born 
Aug. 18, 1787, died June 3, 1866; Lydia, born Oct. 
14, 1789, died March 19, 1876 ; Lucinda, born Dec. 
17, 1791, died July 20, 1870; Betsey, born Aug. 4, 
1793, died Oct. 9, 1880; Larnard, born Dec. 25, 1794, 
died Sept. 12, 1859; Earl W., born Oct. 15, 1796, died 
Jan. 28, 1879; Fanny, born July 24, 1798, died Jan. 
22, 1879; Mason, born May 21, 1800, now resides in 
Wisconsin. 

Nathaniel, like his father, was one of the leading 
men of his town. He was a farmer, and also con- 
tinued the iron forge established by his father, Larn- 
ard Stone. His son was brought up on the farm and 
in the forge. He also did considerable carpentering, 
and for many years drove a wagon, peddling dry- 
goods through the adjacent country. He married first 
Caroline Allen, of Mansfield. She was born Nov. 7, 
1806. Their children were Hiram L., born Oct. 23, 
1834; Nathaniel Davis, born Dec. 15, 1835; Sarah 
Caroline, born Feb. 5, 1839 ; Silas Allen, born Feb. 3, 
1843; and George Otis, born April 29, 1845. Of 
these all are dead except Silas A. Mr. Stone married 
for his second wife Mrs. Roxey Harris, nee Carpenter, 
of Attleborough, Mass. By this marriage there was 
no issue. 

Silas A. Stoste was brought up on the farm until 
the age of nineteen, when he went to Sharon, Nor- 
folk Co., Mass., and learned blacksmithing with Dan- 
iel S. Knapp, with whom he remained over three 
years. Upon leaving Sharon he went to Providence, 
at and in the vicinity of which place he remained a 
year, when he went to Norton, opened a shop, and 
carried on business about two years. In 1868 he 
went to Sharon, built a blacksmith-shop, and began 
business, himself the only operative. His business, 
however, soon justified him in hiring an assistant, 
then another and another. He soon added a car- 
riage-building department, and as fast as his business 
increased he employed men enough to run it, until 
he had built up quite a large manufacturing business. 
After some years his health gave way, and he was 
compelled to relinquish for a time all active business. 
So he sold (and rented) his shops to C. S. Harper, 
and removing to his native town, Norton, he remod- 
eled and refitted the old homestead of his grand- 
father, and made that his residence. The ensuing 
three years were spent farming on a small scale, buy- 
ing and selling carriages, etc. 

In the spring of 1883, having measurably recovered 
his health, he sold out his possessions in Norton and 
returned to Sharon, where he took an interest in his 



634 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



former business in company with Mr. Harper. The 
business in the mean time has largely increased, and 
the various buildings now cover considerable ground, 
and in their store-rooms are to be found some elegant 
carriages. They do high grade work only, and every 
vehicle that leaves their establishment is guaranteed. 

April 29, 1867, Mr. Stone married Mary L., daugh- 
ter of Sanford and Phebe Billings, of Sharon. Her 
great-grandfather, Capt. William Billings, was one of 
the pioneers in that section which is now the town of 
Sharon. He came from Dorchester. He had a son 
Jesse, who married Abigail Capen, and had children, 
— Abigail, Ann, Harriet, Elizabeth, and Sanford. The 
latter married, first, Caroline Waters, by whom he 
had one child, Sanford W. His second wife was 
Phebe Lincoln. Their children were Phebe A., Har- 
riet C, Mary L., and Jesse L. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stone have two children, — Mary C, 
born April 25, 1869, and Allen, born Nov. 10, 1875. 

In politics Mr. Stone is an earnest Republican. 
When he was twenty-four he was appointed consta- 
ble, which office he held until he left Norton. Upon 
his return to Norton he was chosen selectman, and 
was chairman of the board. He was selectman two 
years until his removal to Sharon. He is a man 
much respected in whatever community he has lived. 



WILLIAM A. STURDY. 



William A. Sturdy, son of William and Mercy 
(Keaeh) Sturdy, was born in Blackstone, Mass., Jan. 
7, 1840. His father was a painter by trade, and Wil- 
liam remained with him, working to assist him, with 
limited common school advantages for education, 
until he was seventeen, when he was indentured to 
the Union Jewelry Company of Attleborough to 
learn jewelry manufacturing, and remained with 
them until I860. He then, in a small way, with no j 
capital but his trade, began business for himself, but i 
the great civil war in 1861 brought all business to a 
pause, and Mr. Sturdy, deeming his country stood in 
need of his services, proved his patriotism by enlist- 
ing, July 27, 1861, as a private soldier in Company I, | 
Eighteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served until discharged for disability, , 
Aug. 16, 1863. He served throughout McClellan's i 
entire Peninsular campaign, engaging in every ac- | 
tion, and was wounded Aug. 31, 1862, at the second 
battle of Bull Run, and was confined to the hospital ' 
from that time until he was discharged. He has never 
fully recovered from the wound, which jiroduced an 
injury of the nerves, causing neuralgia or something 
akin to that, and partial paralysis of the sensory 
nerves of the whole arm. Returning to Attle- 
borough, he resumed the business which he dropped 
on going into service, and formed a partnership with 
Ebenezer Bacon, who became a silent partner for 
one year, when Mr. Sturdy purchased the entire busi- 



ness. After one year's time he merged his business 
in the firm of Sturdy & Marcy, with which he was 
connected two years, when he again resumed busi- 
ness for himself. Continuing alone two years, he 
then formed a copartnership with Frank E. Gilbert, 
of New York City, under firm-title of W. A. Sturdy 
& Co. They established a branch oflice in New 
York, with Mr. Gilbert as resident partner. This 
firm was continued five years, with most satisfactory 
results. They leased in 1872 the building near Lane's 
Station erected by the Norton Steam-Power Company, 
and removed their works to that place. Previously 
to this their capacity was limited to about fifty hands, 
but in the new location they had much greater facili- 
ties, and their force was soon raised to one hundred 
employes. Everything was moving along prosper- 
ously, when, Dec. 26, 1874, the whole establishment 
was destroyed by fire. The enterprising firm imme- 
diately resumed work, for a temporary period, at 
Providence, R. I., and as soon as the manufactory 
was rebuilt, removed to Norton. Soon after the 
fire Mr. Gilbert retired from the firm, and, in 1879, 
Mr. Sturdy became the owner of the building where 
his manufacturing is carried on. He employs as 
many as one hundred and fifty persons in his busiest 
seasons, ranging from that number down to eighty. 
His specialty is electro-plate jewelry, and he has been 
successful and prosperous as a whole since first en- 
gaging in it. He has been more or less affected by 
panic seasons, but never has discontinued manufac- 
turing. 

Mr. Sturdy married, May 1, 1867, Rachel, daugh- 
ter of Mandly and Emily (Thomas) Pierce, of West 
Brookfield, Mass. They began housekeeping in At- 
tleborough, but in 1873, Mr. Sturdy was induced, by 
the location of his business and the ofler of ten acres 
of land from C. D. & 0. H. Lane and Caleb S. Wlth- 
erell, to make Norton his home, and as one condition 
of the gift of the land was that he should build a resi- 
dence thereon, he erected in that year the pleasant 
home where he has ever since resided. He has had 
seven children, — Willie Mandly, born April 5, 1868, 
died in infancy ; Emily Velona, born July 26, 1869 ; 
Alice Winefred, Aug. 16, 1871; William Mandly, 
Sept. 27, 1873 ; Arthur Thomas, Nov. 28, 1875 ; Louis 
Allen, April 4, ]87'7; Harry Pierce, Dec. 31, 1879. 

Mr. Sturdy has been a wide-awake and active 
man, and has paid considerable attention to agricul- 
ture. He owns two hundred and fifty acres of land, 
and enjoys himself in its cultivation. Republican in 
political sentiment, he leaves to others the struggles 
for political preferment, attending strictly to his legit- 
imate business. 

He is now in the prime of life, a good type of a 
successful " self-made man," and enjoys a large range 
of acquaintance, which he holds as friends by his 
pleasant and agreeable nature. He is considered 
one of Norton's best citizens, and stands high in 
public estimation. 







o^^^-i^/^^ ^ 



SOMERSET. 



635 



GEORGE H. TALBOT. 

George H. Talbot was born March 17, 1846, in 
Dighton, Bristol Co., Mass. He is the son of Joseph 
and Mary L. (Pratt) Talbot, of that town. His 
mother was a daughter of Lemuel and Alma Pratt, 
and was born Oct. 21, 1811. His father, Joseph Tal- 
bot, was the son of Joseph and Anna Talbot, and 
was born Oct. 5, 1809. He was a farmer. It is im- 
possible to trace with certainty the ancestral history 
of this particular branch of the Talbot family, as 
there have been no records kept. The name is one 
that has figured largely, however, in the affairs of 
both this country and Europe, and some of the early 
settlers of New England bore that cognomen. 

George H. was one of a family of six. In addi- 
tion to the common schools of Dighton had the ad- 
vantage of an attendance of two or three sessions at 
a kind of select school in Somerset. He had the mis- 
fortune to lose both his parents early in life. He was 
only twelve years of age at the time of his father's 
death, and three years later his mother died. The 
elder brother, however, hired a housekeeper, took 
charge of the family, and thus kept them together 
until the several members were of an age capable of 
taking care of themselves. When George H. was fif- 
teen years old he obtained employment in the Dighton 
Tack-Works, where he remained a few months, when 
he hired to work on a farm. After a year spent in 
this occupation he engaged with the Dighton Woolen 
Company, where he learned wool-sorting. He re- 
mained with this company (except an interval of 
about four months) until their works were destroyed 
by fire some three years later. During the interval 
above mentioned he went to West Buxton, Me., and 
took charge of a wool-sorting establishment. After 
the Dighton works were destroyed he spent a few 
months iu the same line of business in Stillwater and 
Providence, R. I. 

In the autumn of 1867 he came to Norton, and took 
charge of the sorting for Williams & Co., who at that 
time were doing a small business in that line at what 
was known as Willis' Mills. About a year later they 
leased the property where Mr. Talbot's mill is now 
located, and which was then known as Centre Mills. 
In 1869, Williams & Co. sold out to Daniel S. Pratt 
& Co., of Boston, Mr. Talbot here purchasing his first 
interest in the concern, — a one-ninth share. He had 
entire charge of the mills, however, from June, 1868. 

In January, 1870, Pratt & Co. dissolved partner- 
ship, Mr. Talbot purchasing one-third interest in the 
business, and Mr. Story — Pratt's former partner — the 
other two-thirds. In February, 1872, they purchased 
the grounds on which the mills are located, together 
with all improvements thereon. Their business had 
been continually increasing from the first, and about 
1874 they built a large addition to their w'orks and 
greatly increased their facilities. About seven years 
later, owing to failing health, Mr. Story disposed of 
his two-thirds interest in the business, and Mr. Talbot 



being the purchaser, became sole owner and proprie- 
tor of the entire concern. In 1880 he added another 
three-story building to his already large works, and 
by putting in new machinery greatly augmenting 
their capacity for rapid and effective work. The 
business is exclusively wool-washing and job-work. 
Their capacity for cleansing is now one hundred thou- 
sand pounds per week. Mr. Talbot employs about 
forty men, and does work chiefly for Boston and New 
York markets. Considerable work is done, however, 
for various mills throughout New England. He is 
one of the live, progessive, enterprising men of the 
day, and is a specimen of a type of which Massachu- 
setts is justly proud, — her self-made men. He mar- 
ried, Nov. 18, 1874, Delia M., daughter of George W. 
and Delia M. Storer, of Norton. They have three 
children,- — Walter Howard, born August 15, 1875 ; 
Francis Story, born March 2, 1878 ; and Alfred Pratt, 
born Oct. 15, 1882. Mrs. Talbot was born May 28, 
1849. 



CHAPTER LII. 
SOMERSET. 

Geographical— Sliawomat Purchase, 1080— The First Meeting of Pur- 
chasers—List of First Purchasers— Early Schools — Schoolmasters — 
Incorporation of Somerset— The First Town-Meeting- Officers Elected 
— The First Representative to the General Court— Valuation and Tax- 
List for 1833 — Present Valuation— Somerset in 184S — Representatives 
— Ecclesiastical History — Society of Friends— The Fil-st Baptist Church 
— Methodist Episcopal Church — Methodist Ki-iscopal Church, South 
Somerset — The First Christian Church— The First Congregational 
Church — Roman Catholic Church— Military History. 

Somerset is one of the western tier of towns, and 
is bounded as follows : On the north by Swansea and 
Dighton, on the east and south by Taunton River, 
which separates it from Berkley, Freetown, and Fall 
River, and on the west by Swansea. Mount Hope 
bay also touches it upon the south. 

The territory embraced within the bounds of the ^ 
present town of Somerset was originally known as 
the " Shawomat lands," and upon the incorporation 
of Swansea became a portion of that town. 

The original record-book of the " Shawomat Lands" 
is still extant, and upon its first page bears the fol- 
lowing inscription : " This Book was Begun in y" 
year', 1680, By Increase Robinson, Clark for The 
Said purchasers." 

The first meeting of the purchasers of " Shawomat 
lands," as recorded in the book of records, is under 
date March 6, 1677, at Plymouth. 

At this meeting it was " voted, as their joint agree- 
ment, that the said lands shall be divided into thirty 
and one shares, whereof one of the said shares shall 
be laid out in a convenient place for a minister, and 
to be perpetually for the use of the ministry." 

"It is further agreed that the little neck called 
Boston Neck shall be laid out in thirty-one shares. 



636 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



y "W 



every man enjoying according to his proportionate 
interest in the purchase." 

"It is likewise agreed that the great neck be laid 
out into 31 shares." 

" It is likewise agreed that the lands lying in Taun- 
ton river from the said neck to Taunton bounds be 
laid out into thirty- one sliares, each share extending 
in length from the sd river till it crosses to the high 
way which is to be left between these lands and the 
two miles which belong to Swansey." A committee 
of three men were chosen to call a meeting of the 
proprietors, viz. : Capt. John Williams, Isaac Little, 
and Thomas Linkcon. 

The First Purchasers of Shatvomat Lands. — In the 
language of Samuel Sprague, " clerk" for the pur- 
chasers, " Heare foloth y' names of y' purchars of 
Shawomat Neck," viz. : Richard Dwelby, Isaac Buck, 
Daniel Damon, Nathaniel Winslow, Samuel Prince, 
W. Briggs, Jr., C. Briggs, Jonathan Aldin, Capt. John 
Williams, Isaac Little, Edward Grey, M. Halloway, 
John Briggs, Richard Winslow, Thomas Linkcom, 
John Swift, Capt. Fuller, John McNuckley, Jona- 
than Jackson, Richard Pronby, Ephraim Littelle, 
Samuel Littelle, John Mendall, William Hatch, Wil- 
liam Poaks, Joseph Wod, Daniel Wod (Wood?), Cor- 
nelius Briggs, Increase Robinson, Thomas Peirce, John 
James, Governor Winslow, and Capt. Benjamin 
Church." 

The first meeting of the proprietors was held at 
Plymouth, but after the division of the land and the 
purchase began to be settled the business was trans- 
acted here at meetings held at the house of William 
Slade, who seems to have been a prominent man in the 
early settlement of the town. Amongother early names 
at Shawomat at about this period we find Sylvanus 
Soule, William Chase, Nathaniel Winslow, Samuel 
Shearman, Joshua Eddy, William Anthony, John 
Eddy, Thomas Hemes, John Winston, Joseph Chase, 
William Chase, Jr., Jonathan Slade, and others. 

Early Schools. — The attention of the proprietors 
was early given to the advancement of the educational 
as well as the religious interests of the purchase, for 
in March, 1735, we find that " Wm. Hart, school- 
master, was paid for boards, nails, and workmanship 
to repair the house on the fourscore acre lots." 

Feb. 11, 1743, the following record was made: 

** Received of the Purchasers and Proprietors full satisfaction for my 
Salary for about fifteen years Last past as a Schoolmaster for Shewani- 
mock purchase only remaiuing due to me the sum of fifty one pounds 
sixteen shillings and eight pence old Tenor to Dec. 27 last. 

" Witness my hand Wm. Hart." 

In 1746 a " warrant was lawfully called to know 
the minds of the meeting whether a small addition 
to the school-house where the master lives is not 
needful, as many in the Purchase cannot send their 
great children when the school comes to their turn, 
and could have an opportunity of having them taught 
in the evenings if the school-house were convenient, 
which at present is not." This warrant was signed 



by John Peirce and Job Chase. It was subsequently 
voted " to build an addition with a chimney to the 
house." It was also voted to have a " small cellar 
under the same," and Mr. Hart was engaged for an- 
other year. 

In 1751, William Hart was still .the " pedagogue" of 
the " Purchase," for at a meeting held that year it_was 
" put to Vote whether William Hart the School-master 
Should have one Hundred fifteen pounds old tenor 
for ye year ensuing. Voted in the nir/r/etire," Job 
Chase, moderator. In 1769 a new school-house had 
superseded the pioneer structure with a " small cel- 
lar," for in that year the purchasers' meeting was 
held in the " New School-House near to Cap. Robert 
Gibbs." 

Incorporation of Somerset. — The town of Somer- 
set was set oft' from Swansea and incorporated as a 
separate town Feb. 20, 1790. The following is a copy 
of the act of incorporation : 

"An Act for incorporating that Part of the Town of Swauzey l-uotcn hy the 
name of Shewamet, in the County of Bristol, into a Sejmrate Town by the 
Nome of Somerset. 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of liepresenlnlives in General 
Court ansemhledy and by the authority nf the same, That the lands here- 
after described and bounded as follows, viz.: Northerly, partly on Digh- 
ton and partly on the ancient Swanzey line ; Easterly, on Taunton 
Great River, so-called; Southerly, on Lee's River, so-called; Westerly^ 
Partly ou Lee's Hiver and partly on the ancient line of Swanzey, inclu- 
ding all the lands formerly known Shewamet Purchase, however other- 
wise the same may be bounded, with all the inhabitants thereon, be and 
hereby are incorporated into a Town by the name of Somerset, and the 
said town is hereby invested with all the powers, privileges, and immu- 
nities to which towns in this Comnioiiwealth are or may be entitled 
agreeable to the Constitution andXaws of this Commonwealth. 

" And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the in- 
habitants of the said Town of Somerset shall pay all the arrears of taxes 
which have been assessed upon them, together with their proportion of 
all Debts now due from the Said Town of Swanzey, and so in proportion 
shall receive all dues and town stock w-hatsoever from the said town of 
Swanzey, and that all persons who were born on the said Shawamet 
Purchase who may hereafter become chargeable fur support and have 
not gained a legal settlement in any other town shall be the proper 
poor and charge of the said town of Somerset, and that in the appor- 
tionment of all charges between said Towns, together with the poor now 
at the charge of Swanzey, the same shall be divided according to their 
proportion in the present valtiation ; and he it further enacted by the 
authority aforesaid, that the inhabitants of the town of Somerset shall 
forever hereafter support and keep in good repair their pioportionable 
part of a bridge known by the name of Miles' Bridge in the proportion that 
the town of Swanzey and the town of Somerset now pay on the present 
valuation. 

"And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that Samuel 
Toby, Esq., be and he hereby is Empowered to issue his warrant Directed 
to some principal inhabitant requiiing him to warn and give notice to 
the inhabitants of the said town of Somerset to assemble and meet at 
some suitable place in the said town, to choose all such town officers as 
towns are required to choose at their annual town-meetiugsin the months 
of March or April annually." 

In accordance with the above act, Samuel Toby, jus- 
tice of the peace, notified Preserved Peirce and other 
inhabitants to meet and elect town officers. 

The First Town-Meeting was held " at the school- 
house near Capt. Robert Gibbs," Dec. 15, 1790, wheu 
the following officers were chosen : Moderator, Jerath- 
mel Bowers ; Town Clerk, Jonathan Bowers ; Select- 
men, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor, Daniel^ 
Wilbur, David Luther, and Theophilus Shove ; Treas- 



SOMERSET. 



637 



urer, Preserved Peirce; Constables, Jonathan and 
Aaron Baker ; Fence Viewers, Capt. Job Slead and 
Allen Cliase; Field Drivers, Philip Bowers and Dan- 
iel Chase, Jr. ; Hog Reaves, Peleg and Nathan Chase ; 
Surveyor of Timber and Plank, Thomas Marbel ; 
Cutter of Staves, Ezra Chase. 

At an election held April 6, 1790, the town gave 
fifty-one votes for John Hancock for Governor. 

At the meeting, Jerathmel Bowers, Preserved 
Peirce, and Daniel Wilbur were chosen a committee 
to settle all accounts between the towns of Swansey 
and Somerset. 

The First Representative to the " Great and Gen- 
eral Court" was Jerathmel Bowers, chosen May 15, 
1790. 

In 1792 it was voted to" prosecute all Persons that 
brakes the Law in oystering in the River between 
Somerset and Freetown." 

A humane spirit was early evidenced by the many 
votes which the early records show providing for the 
poor. One " Black Kate" was the subject of various 
votes. In 1796 two shillings were voted for a " Cooler 
for black cate," "six shillings for two shifts for 
Black Kate," " two shillings for a Pair of stockings 
for Black Cate," etc. 

In 1798 selectmen were allowed three dollars each 
for their services. 

In 1801 the town voted S(5.29 for the expenses at- 
tending the burial of Edward Brayton's negro man. 
One of the items was " for oxen to Draw the Corps 
to the grave, .40." 

Valuation and Tax-List, 1833.— The following is 
a list of assessment upon the real and personal estates 
of the persons herein named, each one his proportion 
of the sum of one thousand and three dollars and 
twenty-four cents. Eber Chase, Preserved Read, 
Gideon Chace, assessors of Somerset. Somerset, July 
1, 1833. 



Real. 



Per- 
euual. 
82.48 



Anthony, Diivid $14.42 

Antlmuy, Edward G... 1.24 

Anthony, Jere. W 2.79 

Androus, Gardner L 

Andruus, Gardner 

Aiidrous, Gardner (for 

•Juhn Anthony) 1.86 

Anthony, Mary B 31 

Buthnton, Rebecca 86 

Brightnian. C. D 1.24 

Bosworth, Nathan 24.57 

Barber, Elijah 

Buflinton, David 17.21 

Brown, David 

Bowers, John 

Bowers, John (for 

George Pnrington... 1.40 

Bowers, Samuel 4.65 

Brown, Daniel 93 

Bowers, Hannah 1.24 

Brown, Joseph 2.71) 

Bowers, Philip 7.13 

Buffinton, Jonathan... 2.41 
Bnffinton, Henry L... 6.05 

Bengers, Elisha 4.9G 

Bowland, F. (heirs).... 6.44 

BliUinB, Royal 3.18 

Bliftins, Isaac W 

Blifiins, Joseph P 16 

Birt, Ruth 1.55 

Buffinton, Benjamin.. 1.55 47 

Blanchard, Sarah 1.01 

Bowen, Jona. (heirs). 7.83 55 
Buflinton, Uannah.... 55 



1.48 

'"78 

2.02 

16 



39 
2.64 

7.13 
1.01 

8 

93 

2.26 

4.81 

8 
2.17 



Real. 

Bumm, William $0.03 

Bowers, Ruth 2.02 

Bowers, Ruth (for 

Kuth Robinson 1.71 

Buftinton, Hiram 31 

Bowers, Perry 8.53 

Bowers, E. T 5.35 

Brayton, Sarah 1.55 

Brown, John 1.09 

Cleveland, Benjamin. 2 41 
Winslow, E. (heirs)... 1.8G 
Cartwright, S. F. 

(heirs) 

Chase, Jesse 5.27 

Chase; Jesse, Jr 47 

Chase, Joseph S 39 

Clia-se, Samuel 3.65 

Chase, Samuel (for 

mother) 4.34 

Chase, W. (widow) 2.77 

Chase, Nathan 3.18 

Brayton, J. (heirs) 17.60 

Brayton, J. (heirs) 23.10 

Brayton, Sarah 20.23 

Anthony, E. G 8.45 

Chase, Sarah (widow). 1,40 

Chase, Charles F 2.79 

Chase, Martha 

Chase, Collings 6.51 

Chase, D. Chase (for 

Robinson) 3.65 

Chase, Eber 5.74 

Chase, Eber (fur D. 

Wilbur) 1.55 



Per- 
sonal. 
S0.16 



1.09 
11.16 
3.10 



1.40 

47 

3.65 



3.41 

93 

9.15 



Chase, Gideon (2d) 

Chase, Moses 

Chase, Robi-rt 

Chase, Joseph 

Chase, Perry J. (for 

Weaver) 

Chase, William Chase 

m) 

Chase, Stephen 

Chase. Clark 

Chase, Gideon 

Giblis, Samuel 

Cartwright, John 

Cartwright, D. John.. 
Chase. Nathan (2d).... 
Cummings, D. (heirs). 

Ciiase, Nathaniel 

Chace, S. (heirs).. 

Cha.'^e, Edward (hell's) 

Bowson, .\l)igail 

Chase, .fereiniah 

Ch.ase, Loyed 

Chase, Bloses (heirs).. 

Chiise, George W 

Cliase, George W. (for 

John Peirce) 

Chase, Leonal'd 

Chase, Leonard (for S. 

Gibbs) 

Chase, Reuben 

Chase, Reuben (for 0. 

Peirce) 

Chase, Sarah 

Cogshall, Billings 

Cartwright, Benj 

Pavis, Silvester 

Davis, William 

Davis, Nathan 

Davis, Arthtir 

Davis, John 

Davis, David 

■Davis, David (2d) 

Kuns, R. (heirs) 

Davis, Lyman H 

Davis, Sarah 

Davis, Wilber J 

Davis, James (2d) 

Davis, David, Jr 

Davis, Baylis 

Davis, George B 

Earle, Daniel 

Eddy, Daniel (for C. 

Collins) 

Eddy, Eleana P 

Eddv, Nancy 

Eddy, William 

Gardner, Hiram 

Gray, Joseph 

Gardner, P. S 

Gibbs, Henry L 

Gibbs, Henry 

Gihbs, Samuel 

Gibbs, Robert 

Gibbs, Benj. (heirs)... 

Gihbs, Benj 

Gardner, P. (for E. 

Slade) 

Hamlin, Joseph 

Hamlin, Joseph (for 

Wilbur 

Hood, John 

Hood, G. B 

Hood, John, Jr 

Harts, Anthony 

Jaiisen, William 

Jones, Simpson 

Luther, Barton 

Luther, Barton (for J. 

Luther 

Lee, John 

Lee, John, Jr..... 

Lewis, Martin 



Real. Per- 
sonal. 
$6.36 $2.79 
5.74 65 

1.71 

9.61 2.95 



1.17 

3.96 
6.28 
5.20 
2.56 
62 
l.Ul 
1.40 
13.80 
3.72 

13.49 

2.49 

1.09 

62 

'i'.w 

1.40 

2.02 
62 

62 
2.48 

1.63 



1.01 

54 
70 
31 



70 
2.36 
2.56 



31 
28 



93 

62 
1.09 
1.09 
47 
62 
31 
86 
86 
86 

L94 

66 
31 

78 

70 

47 

6.97 

31 



30 
93 
28 



39 
62 
31 



93 
4.14 
7.15 
1.94 

86 
7.44 
7.13 

93 

62 

70 



10.70 
5.27 
4.19 
3.10 
3.03 
2.48 
1.40 
6..68 

2.64 
2.35 
2.79 
1.40 



16 

78 

3.72 

'i!94 
1.86 



1.55 

6.59 

39 

'i'.32 
31 
50 



16 
24 
62 



Luthur, W 

Mason, Nathaniel 

Marble, Joseph 

filarble, Joseph, Jr.... 
Monroe, Nathaniel.... 

Marbel, S 

Marbel, John 

Marble, John, Jr. (for 

Robinson) 

Marbel. John H 

Marbel, Darling 

Marbel, Thomas 

Marbel, Bradford 

Marbel, Samuel, Jr... 

Blarbel, James 

Marbel, Sabimus 

Neals, jane (heirs).... 

Peirce, Eber 

Peirce, Abigail 

Peirce. Asa 

Peirce, Isaac 

Pettis, William B 

Peirce, 

Peirce, D 

Peirce, James 

Peirce, Percis 

Peirce, Syntha 

Purington, Sanmel.... 

Peirce, David (2d) 

Peirce, David (for 

James Luther) 

Peirce, John, Jr 

Purington, George 

Purington, Jonathan. 

Peirce, Mason 

Read. William 

Read, Preserved 

Slade, William (3d)... 
Slade, William (for 

ferry) 

Slade, Edward, 

Simmons, Brown 

Simmons, Brown, Jr.. 

Swa.sey, Jarathniel 

Simmons, Nathan 

Slade, Elisha 

Slade, Elisha, Jr 

Simmons, Daniel 

Slade, Nathan 

Shearman, L 

Slade, William 

Slade, Zephaniah 

Slade, John 

Slade, Gardner 

Slade, Caleb 

Slade, Levi.... 

Slade, Gai dner (2d)... 
Slade, Peirce (heirs)... 

Slade, Elizabeth 

Shove, Abraham 

Slade, J. E. (2d) 

Slade, Mary 

Sherman, E 

Slade, J. B 

Slade, Mary 

Slade, Jonathan 

Simmons. Joseph (2d) 

Wilbur, David W 

Wilbur, David W. (for 

W. Slade, 3d) 

Wood, George S 

Weaver, Nathan 

(first wife's heirs)... 

Wilbour, Daniel 

Wilbour, BarEiahy 

Wilbour, Mary 

Wilbour, William 

Wilbour, Hanson 

Wilbour, .\mbrou8 

Winslow, F 

Wilbour, Jaa. (heirs).. 



Real. Per- 
sonal. 
$3.10 
1.40 
6.68 
5.27 
24 



2.64 
2.02 

6.59 
39 
47 

93 
47 
39 
39 
39 

2.02 

65 

86 

5.89 

1.71 

16.20 

10.85 

1.32 

1.48 

6.20 

1.40 

86 

3.88 

2.79 

5.27 

3.34 

62 

3.20 

62 

2.02 

26.97 

16.60 

19.61 

18.14 

13.41 

6.51 

l!24 

40 

9.77 

71 

70 

27.90 

20.46 

28.37 



93 



31 

62 

31 

1.86 



31 

93 

1.40 

10.31 

93 

8 

29 



39 
1.71 



78 
24 



1.86 
1.24 
1.09 

1.86 

1.79 

93 

1.40 



78 

10 

70 

8.53 

1.94 

24.88 

2.33 

39 



1.71 
62 
78 

2.79 

4.03 
93 

3.65 

78 

55 

16.20 

65 

3..=>7 

2.41 
47 

1.48 

8.37 
1.01 

47 

24.18 

24 

iej'i 

12.71 

'i'.94 
62 



8 
16 
47 
47 



1.94 
1.66 



47 
02 
55 



4.11 
8.26 
4.96 
9.77 
13.tVt 
1.41 



The following were taxes for polls only : Elijah 
Barker, Bradford Buffinton, John C. Brown, Daniel 
Chace, P. J. Chace, Benjamin Chace, E. Chace, Ben- 
jamin Chace, Jr., Leonard Chace, B. L. Chace, Na- 
than Davis, Daniel Eddy, George Gibbs, J. Luther 
(2d), Samuel Luther, B. Luther, G. Lane, Nathaniel 
Monroe, John Marbel, Jr., S. Marbel, H. Paterson, 
D. Purington, Joseph Simmons, William L. Slade, 
C. Slade {2d), Alex. Slade, A. Slade, Benjamin Shove, 



633 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



George S. Smith, Joseph Smith, Thomas J. Smith, 
Robert Swazey, Samuel Slade, E. Simmons. 

In addition to the above there were thirty-two 
non-resident proprietors. 

The present valuation of the town is as follows : 

Value of personal property $265,545 

" real estate 700,615 

Total valuation, May 1, 1882 $1,(126,000 

•• " May 1,1881 1,017,940 

Increase $8,120 

Number of polls, 1882 642 

" " 1881 570 

Decrease 28 

Tax on each poll, $2. 

Rate of taxation, $12 per $1000. 

Amount of T.\x. 

Appropriation $13,000.00 

Overlay 395.64 

Amount committed tocollector $13,.395.24 

Interest 3.55 

Extra coniiuittals 6.00 

$13,404.70 

Amount paid in by collector $11,242.10 

abated 10.80 

" discount 643.75 

uncollected 1,509.08 

$13,404.79 

NumbcM- of dwellings, 375; horses, 395; cows, 200; sheep, 7; acres of 
land taxed, 4626. 

William P. Hoon, 
Alfred Pratt, 
William L. Slade, 
Selectmen of Somerset. 

Barber, in his " Historical Collections," published in 
1848, says, " Somerset is pleasantly situated on the 
western side of Taunton River, opposite the town of 
Fall River. Previous to its incorporation, in 1790, it 
formed a part of Swansea, and was called the Shaw- 
amet Purchase. Taunton River, to this place, is nav- 
igable for vessels of considerable burden. This 
place is thirteen miles from Taunton, sixteen from 
Providence, and forty-five from Boston. Population, 
1063. In five years preceding 1837 there were 
twelve vessels built; tonnage, six hundred and niney- 
six. This town has about twelve hundred tons of 
shipping, and seven potteries, where stone and earth- 
enware are manufactured. There are four churches, 
—two Baptists, one Friend, and one Methodist." 

For about ten years, beginning with 1849, Somer- 
set was the scene of considerable activity in ship- 
building. The ship-yard was located on the present 
site of the Mount Hope Iron- Works. Several gov- 
ernment vessels of large size were built here, the 
yard being under the supervision of James M. Hood. 

One of the early industries of the town was an 
anchor forge, which stood on the site of the Old 
Colony Nail-Works. 

Representatives from 1790 to 1884.— The fol- 
lowing is a list of representatives from the organiza- 
tion of the town to the present time : 

1790-93, Jerathmel Bowers ; 1794-98, John Bowers ; 
1800, Philip Bowers; 1801-3, Francis Borland; 1804, 
John Bowers ; 1805, Clark Purinton ; 1806, John Bow- 
ers ; 1807, Clark Purinton; 1808-10, William Read; 



1811-12, David Anthony; 1813, Thomas Danforth; 
1814, David Anthony; 181.5-18, Billings Coggshall ; 
1820, David Anthony; 1821-24, Edward Slade; 1825, 
Elisha Slade ; 1827-28, Wheaton Luther ; 1829, Gid- 
eon Chace; 1830, Edward Slade; 1831, Wheaton 
Luther ; 1832, Edward Slade ; 1833, Benjamin Cleave- 
land; 1834-35, Wheaton Luther; 1836-37, John 
Pierce; 1838-39, Benjamin G. Chace; 1840, David 
Brown; 1841, Benjamin G. Chace; 1842, Daniel 
Wilbur; 1844, Benjamin Cartwriglit; 1848-49, Jona- 
than Slade; 1850, Benjamin Cartwright ; 1851, Wil- 
liam Lyman Slade; 1852, Edmund Buffinton; 1853- 
54, James M. Hood ; 1858, William Lawton Slade ; 
1861, William P. Hood; 1864-67, Job M. Leonard; 
1870, George B. Bufflnton ; 1875, William Lawton 
Slade; 1878, Daniel Wilbur; 1881-82, Job M. 
Leonard. 

Society of Friends. — At a Quarterly Meeting held 
in Rhode Island the 13th day of 8th month, 1732, 
Samuel Aldrich, one of the Friends appointed to in- 
spect into the capacity and circumstance of Friends 
having a Monthly Meeting settled at Swansea (now 
Somerset), made report that he hath been among the 
Friends there, and find them very unanimous therein, 
and is of the belief that it may be of service. This 
meeting therefore agree that a Monthly Meeting be 
settled at Swansea, to be held on the first Second-day 
of the week in each month, and that those Friends 
who dwell on the northward of Tiverton, and are be- 
longing to this Quarterly Meeting, shall be under the 
care of said Monthly Meeting in Swansea. 

Copy of the minutes, Thomas Richardson, clerk. 

And in confirmation to the Quarterly Meeting order 
and settlement as aforesaid Friends have met. At 
our Monthly Meeting held in Swansea (now Somer- 
set), the 6th day of 9th month, 1732, and also settled 
our Preparative Meeting on the fifth day befor^ the 
Monthly Meeting, and also appoint John Earle 
clerk. 

At our Monthly Meeting held in Swansea the 4th 
of 10th month, 1732, representatives are Oliver Earle 
and John Earle, present, and settled a monthly col- 
lection, and appoint Oliver Earle treasureman to re- 
ceive the collection as aforesaid, and the meeting 
collected to Oliver Earle £S Is. 9d. 

The present officers in tlie church of Somerset 
Meeting of the Society of Friends are as follows : 
Obadiah Chace, minister; Joseph Estes, Eunice 
Estes, Sarah Slade, Darius Buffinton, Esther Chace, 
Charles A. Chace, elders; Darius Buffinton, Benja- 
min A. Chace, Maria Earle, Rtvchel P. Chace, over- 
seers ; Albert R. Macomber, clerk of the Preparative 
Meeting held in Somerset ; Darius Buffinton, treas- 
urer. 

First Baptist Church.'— In the year 1796, Na- 
thaniel Lyons came to reside in Somerset. He was 
a poor mechanic, but a consistent Christian and a 



' By Rev. Gideon Cole. 



SOMERSET. 



639 



firm believer in the doctrines of the Bible as taught 
by Baptists. Finding no church of that faith in 
Somerset, he held meetings in his own house, where 
he read and expounded the Scriptures and conversed 
and prayed with all who came. He also invited, from 
time to time, the neighboring ministers to his home 
to preach, as there was no Baptist Church within six 
miles. These meetings resulted in good, and were 
soon held in a school-house, and when no preacher 
could be had they were sustained by laymen. Thus 
gradual progress was made until it was found that 
some twenty believers were ready to unite in forming 
a Baptist Church. Before this, however, Mr. Lyons, 
who started the enterprise, had removed to Warren, 
R. I. The church was organized Nov. 8, 1803, at 
which time there was no other religious organization 
in town except the Friends. A house of worship was 
commenced at once and finished during 1804. Mr. 
Asa Pierce was the first church clerk, and Mr. Wil- 
liam Barton the first deacon. In the deed conveying 
to them the lot upon which the house of worship was 
built their purpose was cleprly defined, as follows: 
"To be holden by Asa Pierce, William Barton, and 
Francis Bourne, and their successors forever, in trust, 
for the use of the First Baptist Church of Somerset, 
holding and believing in the doctrine of baptism by 
immersion only, agreeable to the principles of the 
churches composing the Warren Association, for a 
meeting-house lot." The house was dedicated Nov. 
8, 1804. For some three years the church was with- 
out a pastor, yet fifteen were added to their number, 
and they were gradually increasing in strength and 
efficiency. They united with the Warren Association 
in 1804, and continued with them until 1815, when 
they withdrew, but were again received in 1821, re- 
maining until they withdrew to unite with the Taun- 
ton Baptist Association just forming in 1836. With 
this Association they still remain in loving bonds. 

In 1806 the church appointed Mr. William Barton, 
Jr. (the deacon), their preacher. For some six 
montlis he thus served them, when he was regularly 
ordained as pastor. He continued his services as 
pastor nearly three years. On March 4, 1809, he was 
dismissed to unite with the First Baptist Church in 
Swansea. During his pastorate fourteen were added 
to the church, seven were dismissed, and three ex- 
cluded. 

In June of the same year Mr. Bela Jacobs was 
ordained as pastor. Mr. Jacobs was another of 
the constituent members of the church. He had 
preached more or less for a year. He remained as 
pastor about two years, baptizing four and losing one 
by death. For some five years the church was now 
destitute of a pastor, yet their meetings were con- 
tinued with more or less regularity, while but little 
encouragement was seen. During this time three 
were added to the church, and ten were excluded, 
dismissed, and died. It was a time of trial. Diffi- 
culties arose, and all their efforts to remove them 



were without avail. In the early part of 1816, Rev. 
Wm. Barton, their former pastor, came to town, and 
by the earnest wish of the church began again regu- 
lar pastoral work among them. With his return 
prosperity again smiled upon them, and during his 
first year he was permitted to baptize twenty-six. He 
remained with them a little more than two years, and 
the changes were: Added by baptism, forty ; excluded, 
dismissed, and died, nine. The church now enters upon 
another period of discouragement and darkness, and 
for some five years only ten were added to the church, 
while twenty-two were excluded, dismissed, and died. 

In 1823 they appointed Mr. Elisha Slade, still 
another constituent member, as preacher. He con- 
tinued to preach for seven years, when he was regu- 
larly ordained as pastor, which relation he sustained 
for thirteen years. Mr. Slade's whole ministry, there- 
fore, covers a period of twenty years, — years of joy 
and of sorrow, of hope and of fear, of prosperity and 
of adversity. At one time there were but four resi- 
dent male members and about thirty females. But 
again the breezes of heaven came upon them and 
they were encouraged and strengthened. There were 
five precious revivals during this score of years. The 
changes in the church were : Baptized, sixty-three ; 
added by letter, fifteen ; dismissed, twenty-five ; ex- 
cluded, twenty-four, and twenty-three died. It was 
during Mr. Slade's pastorate that Mr. Nathan Davis 
was chosen deacon. He was ordained to this service 
in 1838, and is still holding his office. 

On the 1st of November, 1843, Rev. Benjamin C. 
Grafton accepted a call from the church, and entered 
at once upon his labors. For nearly three years he 
served the church, during which eight were added and 
eleven were dismissed, excluded, and died. In 1846 
he resigned, and was followed by Rev. E. K. Fuller, 
who commenced his pastorate September 10th of the 
same year. Mr. Fuller continued as pastor for about 
two and one-half years, during which twenty-two 
were added by baptism and letters, and three were 
dismissed and excluded. 

On March 25, 1849, Rev. Charles Randall com- 
menced regular work as pastor, and thus served the 
church for three years. Although there were but few 
changes during his pastorate, yet he is spoken of as 
a faithful pastor, and his memory is cherished with 
interest by those who heard him. In August, 1852, 
Rev. J. C. Merrill having accepted a call from 
the church entered upon his work. His ministry 
proved a blessing, and was continued for nearly two 
years, during which there were thirty-five additions, 
and seven were excluded and died. For a little more 
than two years the church was pastorless, and though 
preaching was provided for most of the time, the 
church lost rather than gained. 

On Sept. 9, 1856, Rev. Samuel J. Carr entered upon 
the work of pastor, and for four years remained true 
and faithful at his post. His was a pastorate of both 
pruning and fruit-bearing. Sixteen were added to 



640 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the church, and sixteen were dismissed, excluded, 
and died. It was during this pastorate that Mr. H. 
E. Marble was chosen deacon. He entered upon his 
services in 1SS7, and still continues. 

Kev. George Daland was the successor of Mr. Carr. 
During his pastorate of two years three were added 
by letter and two died. He closed his labors in 1863, 
and was followed by Rev. T. C. Tingley. Mr. Ting- 
ley served as pastor more than five years, receiving 
into the church by baptism and letter twenty-seven, 
and twenty-tliree were dismissed, excluded, and died. 

In 1869, Rev. L. L. Fittz entered upon pastoral 
work. During his ministry the church was much 
blessed. Assisted by his father, the Rev. H. Fittz, 
extra nieetings were held, and a precious revival was 
enjoyed, bringing in many new and important helpers 
into the church. Fifty-two were added by baptism 
and letter, while but ten were dismissed and died. 
His pastorate continued four and one-half years, and 
there was a net increase of forty-two members. 

Mr. Fittz was succeeded by Rev. T. M. Butler in 
1874. His was a peaceful pastorate of two years, 
during which four were added and four died. In 
about two months from the time of Mr. Butler's leav- 
ing, a call was extended to Rev. Gideon Cole, who 
accepted, and entered upon his regular services Dec. 
1, 1876. He is now in his seventh year of labor, and 
general, peace and harmony prevail. The changes 
during his pastorate thus far are : Baptized, twenty 
two; received by letter, seven; by experience, two; 
total gain, thirty-one ; dismissed, ten ; excluded, two ; 
and died, twelve; total loss, twenty-four ; leaving a 
net gain of seven. 

The church has worshiped in three different houses. 
The first place of worship was a school-house that is 
now occupied as a private dwelling, the second was 
the present house, but for some thirteen years it was 
vacated, while they built and worshiped in a smaller 
house' on Main Street. This bouse was built during 
the pastorate of Rev. E. Slade, and he was the main 
agent in doing it. It was dedicated June 30, 1830. 
In 1844, during the pastorate of Rev. B. C. Grafton, 
the former house was refitted? and again occupied for 
their church home. The house built on Main Street 
is now used for a dwelling. Three times has the 
present house been dedicated, — in 1804, when first com- 
pleted, in 1844, when they began anew their worship, 
after thoroughly renovating it, and in 1855, when 
again refitted under the ministry of Rev. S. J. Carr. 
It has also been somewhat extensively repaired and 
improved under the pastorates of Revs. L. L. Fittz 
and Gideon Cole. 

The church now numbers one hundred and four. 
It has a good house of worship and a fine parsonage, 
all in thorough repair and free from debt. 

The present oflicers of the church are : Gideon 
Cole, pastor; Nathan Davis, Henry E. Marble, dea- 
cons; F. A. Shurtleff,M.D., clerk; Deacon N. Davis, 
treasurer. 



[Note. — Much of the material for the above his- 
tory is taken from a history of the church as pub- 
lished in the minutes of the Taunton Baptist Associ- 
ation, and from a history prepared by Dr. F. A. 
Shurtletf, and read at its seventy-seventh anniversary. 
— Gideon Cole. J 

The Methodist Episcopal Chuixh' in South 
Somerset, known historically and legally as the First 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Somerset, is one of 
the oldest, if not the oldest, church of this denomina- 
tion in the county of Bristol. As early as the year 
1800, Rev. Joseph Snelling, then stationed on the 
Warren Circuit, was invited by Mr. John Wilbour, 
then a citizen of the south part of the town of Som- 
erset, to preach in his house. This invitation was 
accepted gladly and with characteristic promptitude. 
For several years prior to this the pioneer itinerants 
had occasionally passed through the adjoining towns 
of Swansea and Rehoboth on their evangelistic tours, 
and it is also probable that this section of Somerset 
had also been prospected by them in search of an 
opening for a preaching appointment. Mr. Wilbour 
had heard Mr. Snelling in Warren, R. I., and had 
become deeply interested in the preacher and in his 
message, and desirous that his neighbors also should 
enjoy the privilege, he opened his doors for this pur- 
pose. Thenceforward, until the erection of a house 
of worship, Mr. Wilbour's house continued to be the 
preaching-place of the circuit preachers. Soon a 
class, consisting of seven persons, most of wliom re- 
sided in Swansea, was organized by Mr. Snelling. 
It is not certainly known who these persons were, 
but there are good reasons for believing that James 
Sherman (afterwards Capt. James Sherman), Na- 
thaniel Lewin, Diana Lewin, Sarah Lewin, Jemima 
Lewin, and Gardner and Israel Anthony composed 
this first class, the germ of the future church. Thus 
Somerset was included in the elastic boundaries of 
the Warren Circuit. James Sherman, mentioned 
above, was a man of mark. Inquisitive, intelligent, 
familiar with the theological questions then most 
controverted, possessed of considerable dialectic skill, 
well versed in the Scriptures, fluent in speech, zeal- 
ous in spirit, he became a local preacher of consider- 
able note, and was especially successful in defending 
the new " sect, everywhere spoken against," from the 
assaults of its fury, and often turned their batteries 
against themselves. Having never married, he became 
an inmate of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, Staten Island, 
and died, at an advanced age, in 1862. 

In 1802 the church was favorably organized, and 
other additions were soon made to the little band. 
Among the most notable of these was Mr. John Bray- 
ton, the grandsireof the family of Braytons who have 
since become such prominent actors in the social, 
business, and professional life of the neighboring city 
of Fall River. Mr. Brayton at once became one of 

^ Contributed by Rev. J. Livesey. 



SOMERSET. 



641 



the most influential and useful of the members of this 
little flock, thoroughly identifying himself with all its 
interests. His means and his liberality enabled him 
to contribute freely for its support, and his hospitality 
disposed him to keep open house for the generous 
entertainment of the weary itinerants, who were 
always sure of a hearty welcome and of needed rest 
beneath his hospitable roof. 

In 1804, it having become apparent that a house of 
worship was not only a necessity for the welfare of 
the church, but that its erection was practicable, this 
important enterprise was entered upon. Many friends 
had been raised up who, though not members of the 
church, were deeply interested in its prosperity. 
Among these were Dr. John Winslow, of Swansea, 
and Capt. William Read, who had retired from the sea 
and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. At the 
northwestern extreme of his farm was a beautiful lot 
of land, ou the summit of the ridge overlooking Mount 
Hope Bay, the Taunton River, and the magnificent 
landscape which spread out in every direction, which 
he generously donated as the site of the contemplated 
church. Here was erected a substantial structure in 
the style common in those days. The house was 
nearly square, with a spacious projecting vestibule in 
two stories, the upper story conducting to the gal- 
leries, which were very deep, and occupying the two 
sides and front of the audience-room. The pulpit, 
lofty and circular, witli the chancel or altar, occupied 
the centre of the rear end of the church. The pews 
were straight-backed, high, and not constructed for 
the comfort of drowsy worshipers. This undertaking 
was successfully pushed forward to completion, and 
before the year ended the church was dedicated by 
Rev. Alexander McLane, the circuit preacher. 

For forty-five years this noble monument of Chris- 
tian liberality and zeal stood, one of the most 
prominent features in the splendid landscape, the 
gathering-place of the devout not only of the im- 
mediate neighborhood, but, on Quarterly Meeting and 
other special occasions, from the widely-extended 
circuit to enjoy their spiritual feasts. Here some of 
the notable pioneers of the denomination, men of 
national repute, such as Bishop Asbury, Freeborn 
Garretson, and others, preached the word of life to 
the multitudes who thronged to hear them. 

Somerset was for many years one of the jjrominent 
societies of the ever-varying circuit, sometimes more, 
sometimes less extended, to which two or three 
preachers were usually appointed. The membership 
of the church was subject, from various causes, to 
considerable fluctuations, one hundred and sixty-one 
being at one time reported, but shrinking iu another 
report to fifty-seven. Some extensive revivals took 
place, which added largely to the numbers and 
strength of the society. At a later date this church 
was recognized as a charge, with a minister stationed 
as its pastor, which has continued to be the case, with 
occasional changes, to the present time. 
41 



In 1841 the Methodist Episcopal Church in Som- 
erset village was organized, since which time South 
Somerset has been the name by which the old has 
been distinguished from the new church. 

In 1840, under the pastorate of Rev. E. B. Hinckley, 
the old church edifice, which had so admirably served 
the purposes of the fathers, was torn down, and the 
present modern and tasteful structure was erected 
upon the same site, the dedicatory sermon being 
preached by Rev. Daniel Wise, D.D., then stationed 
in Fall River. 

In 1861 the lot of land directly east of the church 
lot and adjoining it was purchased, and a pleasant 
and commodious parsonage was erected under the 
supervision of Rev. Joseph Baker, the pastor, at a 
cost of about sixteen hundred dollars. This gre.at 
improvement has rendered this a desirable rural 
home for pastors not aspiring to heavy city charges, 
but who prefer the quiet, the simplicity, and the nat- 
ural charms of suburban life, joined with the pastoral 
work required by an intelligent and appreciative 
agricultural though not very numerous flock. 

In 1870, Rev. E. L. Hyde being pastor, the church 
building was subjected to various alterations and im- 
provements, involving an expense of about one thou^ 
sand dollars. It was reopened with appropriate ser- 
vices. Revs. E. F. Clark, of Providence, E. J. Haynes, 
of Fall River, and V. A. Cooper, of Providence, 
preaching sermons suited to the occasion. The next 
day, Thursday, at about half-past two p.m., during a 
brief but sharp thunder-storm, the house was struck 
with lightning, which shattered the stee|)le and the 
plastering, parted the links of the chain which held 
up the stovepipe, and in other ways inflicted serious 
injury to the building. The repairs rendered neces- 
sary by this .calamity subjected the society to a heavy 
and depressing expense. But the spirit of their pas- 
tor and the practical sympathy of sister churches 
encouraged them, so that they speedily placed their 
beautiful church home in as good condition as before. 

The present membership of the church (April, 188.3) 
is thirty-two ; of the Sunday-school, fifty ; books in 
library, four hundred and fifty. 

The following is the list of pastors who have served 
this church in the order of their appointment, em- 
bracing those who were appointed to the circuit as 
well as those who have served it as a station, viz. : 
1800. Joseph Snelling; 1801, John Finnegan and D. 
Fidler ; 1802, Reuben Hubbard, D. Morris, A. Cobb ; 
180.3-4, Alexander McLane; 1805-6, J. Snelling; 
1807, Joshua Crowell ; 1808-9, Levi Walker ; 1810, 
John Lindsay; 1811, Thomas Asbury; 1812-13, Ar- 
temas Stebbius ; 1814, Edward Hyde, W. Marsh ; 
1815, Benjamin R. Hoyt, I.Walker; 1810, Richard 
Emery; 1817, Nathan Paine; 1818, Isaac Jamison; 
1819, Isaac Banny ; 1820-21, T. W. Tucker ; 1822-23, 
Benjamin Hazleton ; 1824, Ebenezer Blake ; 1825, 
Herman Perry; 1826, C. Virgin, N. B. Spaulding; 
1827-28, D. Culver; 1829, N. S. Spaulding, Robert 



642 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Gould; 1830, N. Paine, H. Walker; 1831, F. Dane, 
H. Waklen ; 1832, W. Emerson, J. D. Baldwin ; 1833, 
James Bicknell ; 183-1-37, no pastor; 1837, I. Banney ; 
1838, I. Banney, W. S. Campbell ; 1839, J. T. Sturte- 
vant; 1840, William S. Simmons; 1841, George M. 
Carpenter; 1842, Levi Daggett, Jr.; 1843, S. Fox; 
1844, M. J. Talbott; 1845, Benjamin L. Sayer; 1846- 
47, J. E. Giftbrd ; 1848, no pastor ; 1849, E. B. Hinck- 
ley ; 1850, J. M. Worcester; 1851-52, Lawton Cady ; 
1853-54, Ormando N. Brooks; 1865, J. N. Collier; 
1826, John Livesey ; 1857-58, Varnum A. Cooper ; 
1859, C. Collard Adams; 1860-61, Joseph Baker; 
1862-64, Henry H. Smith; 1865-67, William Penn 
Hyde; 1868-70, E. L. Hyde; 1871-72, C. S. Morse; 
1873-75, George H. Lamson ; 1876-77, George W. 
Wright; 1878, S. H. Day ; 1879-81, E. Tirrell ; 1882- 
83, John Livesey. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.'— The first regular 
Methodist services in Somerset were held in a sail- 
loft on Burgess' wharf in 1841 by Bryan Morse, a 
local preacher traveling under the presiding elder, 
Kev. Bartholomew Othemau. Mr. Morse held a pro- 
tracted meeting, in which he was assisted by Kev. 
George M. Carpenter, of South Somerset, and John 
Livesey, local preacher, from Fall River. The result 
of this meeting was an extensive revival. The or- 
ganization of the church soon followed, and in 1842 
a church edifice was erected and dedicated by Rev. 
David Patten, D.D. 

The first Conference appointee was Rev. Levi 
Daggett, who was followed, in 1844, by Rev. E. W. 
Stickney. Then followed the appointment of Israel 
Washburn, local preacher, in 1845, Rev. John W. 
Case in 1846, and Father Nathanial Paine in 1847-48, 
whose labors were quite successful. At the close of 
his pastorate he left a membership of forty names. 

Mr. Paine was succeeded in 1849 by Rev. Charles 
Hammond, who enjoyed a very harmonious, prosper- 
ous, and pleasant pastorate. 

In 1851, Rev. Carlos Banning was appointed to 
the charge, but failing to appear, his place was sup- 
plied by Father Filmore and Samuel Jackson, under 
whose zealous efforts the membership was consider- 
ably increased. 

From 1852 to 1859 the following appointees served 
the church with varied success : Revs. E. H. Hatfield, 
William H. Richards, John Livesey (local preacher), 
Franklin Gavitt, James McReading, and Edward A. 
Lyon. The administration of Mr. Lyon was success- 
ful and generally acceptable, and the Sunday-school 
reached the highest number on record, but a ruling 
minority objected to his reappointment, and the new 
Conference year brought to the front Rev. C. M. Al- 
vord, much to the gratification of some and the an- 
noyance of others. The consequence was a disruption 
and the withdrawal of twenty-one members with 
their families, who formed the Congregational Church 

1 By Rev. J. D. King. 



in the village, leaving the Methodists with a congre- 
gation of twenty-eight members, which, however, at 
the close of the year numbered seventy-five, with a 
considerable increase of church membership. 

In 1862-63, Rev. William Worth filled the pastor- 
ate successfully. 

From 1864 to 1869 the following names appear on 
the record as pastors: Revs. C. S. Sanford, B. K. 
Bosworth, George L. Westgate, Samuel J. Carroll, 
and M. J. Talbot. 

The last of these five years the church was sufl'ering 
under great depression, but under the labors of Rev. 
H. H. Smith, who was appointed to the charge in 
1870-71, she fully recovered herself. 

In 1872-73, Rev. O. H. Fernald received the ap- 
pointment, by whose energetic eflbrts the church edi- 
fice was rebuilt, and at the close of his work the 
church numbered eighty-four members. 

From 1876 to 1883 the following names appear as 
pastors: Revs. S. M. Beal, C. M. Dunham, C. E. 
Walker, George H. Bates, and J. D. King, the pres- 
ent incumbent. 

The First Christiah Church. — This church was 
organized in 1841 by Rev. Mr. Shurtlelf, now of 
Providence, R. I. 

Mr. Shurtleff remained but a short time, and was 
succeeded by several preachers, each remaining only 
a few years. Among the number were Revs. Mr. 
Briant, B. F. Summerhell, and John N. Haley. In 
1870, Rev. C. A. Tiliinghast was called, and remained 
pastor nine years, during which time the church 
was prosperous. He was called to Broad Street 
Christian Church, Providence, R. I. In 1879 he 
was succeeded by Z. A. Past, who remained two 
years, when he accepted a professorship in the Suf- 
folk Collegiate Institute in Virginia. He was fol- 
lowed by Rev. R. Osman Allen, the present pastor. 
There has been in the forty-two years an aggregate 
membership of two hundred and thirty, which has 
been depleted by deaths and removals, until now 
the actual membership is one hundred. 

First Congregational Church.'— Most of those 
who at first formed the Congregational Church in 
this village had been members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

For a long time the Conference authorities had 
appointed or removed the pastor in entire disregard 
of, and sometimes in direct opposition to, the wish 
and vote of the majority of the church. The fact, 
well understood, was that the action of the Confer- 
ence was controlled and directed by one or two men, 
— members of the church (Methodist Episcopal) lo- 
cated in Somerset. To such an extent had this man- 
ipulation been carried that many of the people felt 
it was time for decisive action in opposition to what 
was termed " one-man power." Accordingly, a re- 
monstrance was sent to the Conference. The Con- 

- By Eev. J. C. Halliday. 



SOMERSET. 



643 



ference paid no regard to it. The parties aggrieved 
felt that there was no redress to be expected from 
the authorities of the church. After much thought, 
discussion, and prayer the act of withdrawal was 
decided on. This was in the year 1860. Those with- I 
drawing were now homeless as to a place of worship. 
No definite plan as to the future had been determined 
upon, either as to the form of church government to 
be adopted or house of worship. If I have been 
correctly informed, a second Jlethodist Church was 
the thought in a few minds at least. The motive in 
withdrawing was not dislike of the church in which 
those separating from her had been nurtured, but 
the right to a vote and voice in the church that would 
count something in the management of church affairs. 

The spirit of those who withdrew may be inferred 
from the following statement, which I copy from the 
records: " Although the seceders constituted a large 
majority of the church and the society, and although 
they had made large investment in pews, they with- 
drew, leaving all" with that part of the church and 
society which remained. 

They first hired a hall named Central Hall, and fitted 
it up as a place of worship. They then attempted to 
secure a i\Iethodist preacher on their own respon- 
sibility. They soon learned that no man connected 
with the Conference could be induced to accept their 
invitation. 

They therefore began to look in another direction. 
A minister of the Congregational order was invited 
to the care of this body of believers and others inter- 
ested in the new enterprise. He accepted the trust, 
and for something over a year ministered to this 
people, who were all this time without church organ- 
ization. In the early summer of 1861 the decision 
was reached to form a church of the Congregational 
order. It will be seen that there was nothing hast)' 
in the movement. It was one of very serious import 
not only to the parties immediately concerned, but to 
the community at large and to the church universal. 
Time to think, to deliberate, to pray was needed, and 
it was taken, and a decision reached. 

The writer of this article was informed that a goodly 
number of those who at first withdrew went back to 
the Methodist Church when it was decided to form a 
Congregational Church. Possibly they had a dread 
of Calvinism ; possibly they thought that a house 
of worship must be erected, and that that would cost 
money ; at all events they took their departure, re- 
ducing the number about to form themselves into the 
new church. 

The body of believers worshiping in Central Hall 
having determined to organize a church, and having 
decided what denominational name to assume, issued 
letters missive to neighboring churches of that name. 
In response to the letters missive there convened at 
Central Hall, July 3, 1861, the following-named 
churches in the person of pastors and delegates : 
Churches in Taunton, Berkley, Dighton, Assonet, 



Kaynham, Rehoboth, and Fall River. I believe all 
the churches invited responded. A council was 
formed by the choice of Rev. E. Maltby, of Taunton, 
for moderator, and Rev. S. T. Fay, of Fall River, 
scribe. The council having examined all the papers 
presented, having listened to the statements of dif- 
ferent parties, and having carefully examined the 
church's probable future, decided unanimously in 
favor of the new movement, "and voted to prdceed in 
the afternoon with the usual public services of recog- 
nition and organization." Twenty-two persons pre- 
sented themselves, and were formed into and approved 
as " The First Congregational Church, Somerset." 

The church and society (for there was a society 
acting conjointly with the church in the support of 
the gospel) continued to worship in Central Hall till 
1865. In the mean time preliminary steps were being 
taken towards the erection of a church edifice. When 
the pressure of work and of giving began to be felt 
there were some who lost their enthusiasm. 

Thus occurred a second reduction of the number 
on which must devolve the care of the new enter- 
prise. Such is human experience. There are people 
in the world who are ready and willing any time to 
sit by your fire, to read by your light, and to eat at 
your table if you furnish all the money, take all the 
care, and do all the necessary labor. They come, not 
to minister, but to be ministered unto. 

In March, 1865, a neat and comfortable church 
edifice was completed and dedicated. Seasons of ad- 
versity and seasons of prosperity have fallen to the 
lot of this church and society since that time. The 
people at times adopted a custom which proved detri- 
mental to them as a church and society, a custom not 
uncommon. I refer to it here because I wish to put 
on permanent record my earnest protest again.st it. I 
refer to the plan of liaving pulpit supplies sent from 
Sabbath to Sabbath for six months, a year, or two 
years, no pastor on the ground. The man who is sent 
may have been virtually out of the ministry for ten 
or twenty years, may be in some other calling; he 
comes Saturday night in the last train, and goes away 
Monday morning in the first, and knows as much 
about the wants of the people as men generally know 
of what they know nothing. If the sermons are not 
heavy with age, the paper on which they are written 
has a color that is suggestive of antiquity, not to 
speak of fossils. 

Churches sometimes follow this plan with the idea 
that it is economy to do so. It is, in fact, just the op- 
posite of economy. The efiect generally is to weaken 
the power of the church in her divine work, to loosen 
her hold on the community, and to empty her coffers. 
When a pastor is called, provided the church survives 
the torturing ordeal, he has double work to do. Years 
are often required to offset the evilthusunintentionally 
brought upon the church of Christ. Another diffi- 
culty that must be encountered in the building of a 
new church enterprise in a manufacturing village is 



644 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the ceaseless coining and going of different families. 
Sometimes it is an actual gain to have certain fami- 
lies go, if tliey would only stay away. In the case of 
other families a severe and heavy loss is suffered 
when they go. I speak of these matters because the 
Congregational Church of Somerset has had large 
experience in them. Her history would not be com- 
plete without a reference to them. 

The number enrolled as members now on the 
church records is fifty-four. The two causes con- 
tributing most largely to the slow growth of the 
church, as it seems to me, have been alluded to, .viz., 
the fluctuating population and the Sabbath supply. 
Perhaps a third should be .added, — the many ex- 
tremely (I had almost said unpardonably) short pas- 
torates ; someof tliem indeed do not deserve tlie name 
of pastorate. 

The first preacher, Rev. Charles D. Lathrop, sup- 
plied the pulpit for a year and a very small portion 
of a year. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Butt, of Fall 
River, who supplied a short time, so short tliat no 
record was made of the time. 

From January, 1862, to June, 1864, Rev. N. Rich- 
ardson was pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. N. H. 
Besson, who served the church and society till April, 
1865. In the same month of that year Rev. Nelson 
Clark began his labors in the gospel ministry among 
this people. He remained with them five years and 
three months. His work did much to strengthen and 
increase the church. The years of his ministry were 
years of prosperity. When the people permitted him 
to go away, they did a very unwise thing. His labors 
closed with this church iu July, 1871. He was fol- 
lowed by Rev. L. S. Coau, who remained one year 
only. Mr. Coan was succeeded by Rev. E. J. Ged- 
dings, who remained just as long as his predecessor. 
In February, 1875, Rev. W. N. T. Dean was installed 
as pastor of this church. His stay was short, for in 
July, 1876, he was dismissed, having served the 
church not quite a year and a half. Rev. John 
Dodge supplied the pulpit for three months. Rev. 

Farnum, of Boston, supplied the pulpit for a 

time (I know not how long), coming Saturday and 
going Monday. 

The present pastor, Rev. J. C. Halliday, began 
work here in June, 1877. He has held the office of 
pastor of this clinrch nearly six years. Those years 
have been years of gradu.al growth, numerically, finan- 
cially, and I may say spiritually. The growth has 
not been spasmodic, nor has it been remarkable at 
all, but steady. The transfer of the nail-works from 
East Taunton to Somerset has added a goodly num- 
ber of worthy members to the congregation, and given 
us some good workers for the Master. But aside from 
that, we can tell of growth in church and society. 

The Congregational Church of Somerset has strug- 
gled hard with a great many untoward circumstances, 
and has overcome them. She was organized with a 
fixed purpose, to continue to be. With God's help, and 



kindness shown her by other churches and societies 
and individuals, she has continued until this day, 
witnessing to small and great the power of divine 
grace, and seeking to say none other things than 
Moses and the prophets did say should come. We 
rejoice in a prosperous Sabbath-sphool, the happy, 
healthful, helpful child of the church. Home and 
foreign missions receive attention. The cause of 
temperance is not forgotten in our church work. 
The order of services, which gives most general satis- 
faction in our community, is, Sabbath-school in the 
A.M., beginning at half-past ten ; preaching at half-pa-st 
two in P.M., and conference meeting in the evening. 
The prospects of this church as a power for Christ 
were never better than they are to-day. There is 
harmony in her counsels and unity in her movements. 
No note of discord for the piist six years has reached 
the ears of the pastor. It is pleasant to sing, — 

" Blest be the tie that binds 
Our hearts in Christian love," 

but it is pleasanter to feel the power of the truth em- 
bodied, to feel it iu the relation of the people to each 
other, and in the relation of people and pastor. 

St. Patrick's Church' was built eight years ago 
by Rev. William H. Brie, of Fall River, at a cost of 
about eight thousand dollars. It is a frame building, 
eighty-five by forty-three feet, with slate roof. Tlie 
first resident pastor was Rev. E. E. Nobert, who has 
officiated to the present time. The church has a 
membership of about six hundred. 

Post-Office.— Previous to 1825, Mr. Isaac Pierce 
had cliarge of the mail for Somerset, which was left 
at Swansea village. In 1825, Elisha Slade was ap- 
pointed postmaster, and held the office until 1853, 
when John A. Sayler succeeded him, who filled the 
office until December, 1860, when the present incum- 
bent, Mr. N. S. Davis, was appointed. 

In consequence of the loss of records by fire in 
1875 the exact date when the post-office was first es- 
tablished cannot be given ; but for some time after 
Mr. Shide was appointed the mail was carried on a 
baggage- wagon, which made about weekly trips be- 
tween Bristol, R. I., and Boston ; the pouch was then 
left at Nathaniel Mason's, nearly two miles from the 
present office, and the postmaster had to go or send 
some one there after it. The office now receives and 
sends five mails daily. 

The Somerset Co-Operative Foundry Company 
was organized Oct. 10, 1867 ; officers elected Oct. 29, 
1867, as follows: President, William M. Bartlett; 
Trea.surer, William P. Marble; Clerk, E. A. Davis; 
Foreman, R. C. Woodward ; Directors, R. C. Wood- 
ward, T. A. Marble, H. D. Spinner, E. A. Davis, 
John O. Babbitt, C. A. Davis, J. H. Luther, W. P. 
Hood, G. W. Nye, and William P. Marble. Capital 
stock, $15,000; capital stock now, $30,000, with sink- 
ing fund of $25,000. First year's business, $25,000, 

1 Contributed by Rev. E. B. Nobert. 



SOMERSET. 



645 



has increased to $75,000. Present officers : President, 
AVilliam P. Marble; Treasurer, E. A.Davis; Fore- 
man, G. H. Sherman ; Directors, C. Fuller, Joseph 
Cundall, J. Woodward, Joseph Shurtletf, G. L. Davis, 
E. P. Hathaway, and D. B. Hood. This is a rep- 
resentative establishment, and manufactures ranges, 
cooking, parlor, and office stoves in all styles, also 
hollow-ware, sinks, etc. 

This company has been very successful, and has 
steadily increased its volume of business ; is well es- 
tablished, and has the reputation of producing the 
finest goods in the country. Par value shares, one 
hundred dollars ; has sold as high as one hundred 
and forty dollars per share; has paid an average div- 
idend of seven and a half per cent., and accumulated 
a sinking fund, as stated before. Ail goods manufac- 
tured are made from patterns made and designed 
under their own supervision. 

A writer in the Providence Star of May 6, 1883, 
speaking of Somerset, says, — 

" In glancing westward from Fall River across the 
Taunton River people get a glimpse of the southern 
portion of the town of Somerset, which portion at this 
time is entirely devoted to agricultural pursuits, as, 
in fact, the whole town was mostly until within forty 
years. This town was originally a portion of the town 
of Swansea, and is what was known formerly as the 
' Showamut Purchase.' It lies along the river men- 
tioned, and forms its west bank for about eight miles, 
and is very narrow, the town being in one place only 
about a half a mile from the river to its western 
boundary, and in no part of it much more than a mile 
and a half wide. Atone time the principal business 
done in the town was at the village of ' Egypt,' so 
called, where quite an amount of ship-building was 
carried on, and it is within the memory of the oldest 
inhabitants when ' Egypt' was the important point of 
the town. But those days have gone, and the people 
who were most active in the business have, alas ! 
passed away, and now all that remains is a small 
cluster of houses, with nothing to remind the passer- 
by that any activity ever existed there. About half 
a mile north of 'Egypt' is the village of Pottersville, 
so called from the fact of there being located there a 
pottery for the purpose of making earthen- and stone- 
ware. 

"This industry was begun njany years ago by the 
Chase family, and formerly a very extensive business 
was done there, but those who started the pottery en- 
terprise have long since died, and finally the business 
has dwindled down to a small amount, comparatively 
speaking, of what it used to be, and the company be- 
coming seriously embarrassed, it was sold, a little more 
than a year ago, to a new company, composed princi- 
pally of persons from Fall River, who with an in- 
creased capital will, it is hoped, make a success of 
the enterprise in the future. 

"Somerset Pottery Company, incorporated in 1847 
with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. 



In 1882 the business was sold to a new company, com- 
posed of some of the strongest men financially in this 
section of the country. The stock was reduced to fif- 
teen thousand dollars, and immediately increased to 
thirty thousand dollars. Under the management of 
the officers of the new corporation a very large in- 
crease in orders was made, and with the old facilities 
they were troubled for a time to meet the demand for 
their goods. It was again voted to double the capital 
stock, making it sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Field, 
the agent and general manager, then began in a sys- 
tematic manner to increase their facilities, and at the 
same time hold the fast-increasing trade. A person 
now visiting the pottery will find numerous new 
buildings for the old kilns, and for the new kilns 
which have taken the place of the old ones. The 
place that was once noted for its rusty and worn-out 
appearance is now fresh and new. In fact, a complete 
regeneration of the place has been made. The point 
upon which the company base their success is in their 
economy in manufacture. One thing w-e should not 
forget to mention, and that is the special fire-bricks, 
cupola, and stove-linings manufactured with proper 
mixture of granite clay, of which they are the sole 
agents. Although they are but commencing the 
manufacture of these articles, large orders have been 
received and filled, which give in all cases perfect 
satisfaction. The success of the new company is 
already assured. 

" At the north part of the town is located Somerset 
village, or what was formerly called Bowers' Shore, a 
quiet rural village of about fifteen hundred inhabi- 
tants, and which is now about all there is of Somerset as 
regards inhabitants and enterprise. Previous to the 
year 1850 there was not much business done here, ex- 
cept the catching of oysters in the spring and autumn 
of the year, and even then the business had not 
assumed the proportions that it has now attained. 
During the oyster seasons scores of men and boys are 
employed in catching and assorting the bivalves for 
shijjment to other places for ' plant,' a large portion 
of which go by vessels to Providence, where they are 
bedded for a certain length of time, when they are 
again fished up and are then served up as the fiimous 
' Providence River oysters.' The amount shipped dur- 
ing the two seasons of the year mentioned will aggre- 
gate thousands of bushels, and it is said that Somer- 
set sends out the best ' plants' that are to be had, 
although the oysters that are allowed to grow to their 
full size in their native waters are not considered fit 
for use, the most of them having a coppery taste, 
which is entirely removed by lying in other waters 
for a season. 

" About the year 1850, or a little before, Mr. James 
Hood began the business of ship-building at Somer- 
set village, and conducted it quite successfully until 
1854, when a large vessel which he had on the stocks 
nearly completed was entirely destroyed by a sup- 
posed incendiary fire, which caused great excitement 



646 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



at the time. This was the last of ship-buildiiig in 
Somerset, and its destruction was a very disastrous 
blow to the place. 

"In the 3'ear 1853 a new industry was commenced 
in this village through the liberality of Mr. J. Q. 
Pierce, who gave a tract of land lying on the river, 
and so situated as to be available as a wharf-privilege. 
A company was formed for the manufacture of ship- 
anchors and other large forgings. This company 
was organized as the Somerset Iron-Works Company, 
with William S. Sampson as agent and treasurer, 
who, after erecting buildings, etc., necessary to carry 
on the business and running for a short time, failed 
to conduct the business profitably, and in two years 
after commencing closed entirely. This was a sad 
blow to the industries of the place and to many of its 
inhabitants financially, as the capital which was put 
into the business was mostly furnished by Somerset 
residents, who not only lost all they put in, but those 
who had other property were obliged to ' furnish 
money to pay the debts of the concern. From the 
time of closing of the works to 1855 nothing was done 
with them, and they lay as a monument to the capital 
that had been sunk in thfeir erection. 

" In the year 1855 the late Albert Field, of Taun- 
ton, in connection with his son-in-law, Mr. J. M. 
Leonard, bought the property, and fitted it up for a 
rolling-mill and nail-factory, and they were incor- 
porated under the name of the Mount Hope Iron 
Company. This company, notwithstanding the large 
outlay of money and the extreme depression of 1857, 
passed through it successfully under the guidance 
and direction of its manager, Mr. Leonard, and did a 
successful business until the fall of 1866, when the 
rolling-mill and nail-factory connected therewith 
were entirely destroyed by fire, leaving only the 
building tributary to the business standing. But the 
company, nothing daunted at their great loss, which 
was not fully insured, began immediately the erec- 
tion of a larger and more improved mill upon the site 
of the former buildings, and in about one year from 
the time the old mill was destroyed the new one was 
running successfully, and continued operations until 
1871, when it was sold to persons belonging to and 
buying in the interest of the Parker Mills, of Ware- 
ham, Mass., a large and prosperous concern. They 
continued to run it, with Mr. O. A. Washburn, Jr., 
of Providence, as agent and treasurer, for about eight 
years. The extreme depression of the iron business 
in 1875 and later forced them to give up to the in- 
evitable, and in the spring of 1878 they ceased opera- 
tions entirely, and remained quiescent until the fall 
of 1881, when it was sold to the Old Colony Iron 
Company, of Taunton, who have and are still running 
it successfully. 

"At the time of the disposal of their works by the 
Mount Hope Iron Company, it was the purpose of 
Mr. J. M. Leonard, who had been its manager from 
their starting, to retire from business and enjoy his 



ease, he having acquired a competency by his years 
of industry; but having been actively engaged in 
business for so long a time, that after a short period 
ease grew to be so monotonous that he began the 
erection of another mill on some property a short 
distance from the old one, which w,as not disposed of 
at the sale of the first mill. Mr. Leonard having been 
engaged so long in the business was enabled to build 
the new mill on a much improved plan, and in about 
three years he started his new mill for the purpose of 
not only making nails, but also a very superior qual- 
ity of tack and shovel-plate. Mr. Leonard still acts 
as treasurer of the concern, and he is ably assisted by 
his .son, Mr. H. B. Leonard, who is the agent of the 
company. The two mills employ about five hundred 
men, and have a capacity of about four thousand 
casks of nails per week, besides a large quantity ot 
plate, which is used for the purpose of making tacks 
and small nails, and also for shovels and spades. 

" Another industry was begun in this place about 
1854, known as the Boston Stove Foundry, for the 
manufacture of stoves and hollow-ware. This was 
not a success financially at the commencement, and 
was run at a loss to the owners until about the 
year 1867, when a company was formed called the 
Somerset Co-operative Foundry Company. This was 
composed mostly of workmen, who at once began 
operations, and although it was a severe struggle at 
first, yet by perseverance and energy it has grown to 
be a large concern, and now gives employment to 
about fifty men, most of whom are stockholders, and 
manage the business among themselves. 

This company was organized and jts first ofiicers 
chosen as follows: President, Wm. M. Bartlett; 
treasurer, Wm. B. Marble; Clerk, E. A. Davis ; fore- 
man, R. C. Woodward ; Directors, H. D. Skinner, 
George W. Nye, J. C. Babbitt, I. A. Marble, and 
Wm. P. Hood. The capital stock was fifteen thousand 
dollars. The first year's business amounted to twenty- 
five thousand dollars. The capital stock was after- 
wards increased to thirty thousand dollars, which, 
with the accumulated, makes a working capital at 
present of about fifty-five thousand dollars. Last 
year's sales amounted to seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars, being limited only by the capacity for produc- 
tion. The company has not been able during tlie past 
four years to fill its orders, and its business is con- 
stantly increasing. It has the reputation of producing 
the best goods in the market. All goods manufac- 
tured by the company are made from patterns de- 
signed and constructed under its supervision. The 
present officers of the company are: President, Wm. 
P. Marble; Treasurer, E. A. Davis; foreman, Geo. 
H. Sherman ; Directors, James Cundall, C. Fuller, 
J. Woodward, E. P. Hathaway, David B. Hood, J. 
L. Shurtleff", and George L. Davis. 

" Previous to the extension of the Old Colony Rail- 
road by the way of Taunton, Somerset was completely 
isolated from the outside world by rail communica- 





^''^^ 



a-^^ 



tit^t;<^-£>^ 



SOMEKSET. 



647 



tion, and all her productions had either to be shipped 
by water or else carted to Fall River or Taunton for 
shipment by rail. But with the completion of the 
railroad through to Boston, it now enjoys complete 
rail connections. 

" In addition to the industries already mentioned 
is another which should not be ignored, and that is 
the landing of coal and other products for ship'ment 
by rail to various points. This business lias grown 
until the quantity now landed amounts to hundreds 
of thousands of tons yearly, and gives employment 
to many men. With all the industries running there 
is disbursed about twenty thousand dollars monthly, 
so that any one may readil}' see that this place occu- 
pies no mean position with the outside world, and 
with her water and rail accommodations is destined 
in the future to grow to be a very populous and busy 
community." 

Military Record. — The following enlisted from 
this town during the war of the Rebellion: George 
Allen, Joseph Allen, John Briggs, James 0. 
Bryen, P. Beekton, G. O. Bourne, Daniel Briggs, 
James Cranage, James W. Chace, E. D. Connors, 
Edw. Cleveland, John W. Conroy, B. R; Chace, J. 
Chace, Thomas Conerty, Charles Caswell, William 
H. Clark, N. H. Clark, George F. Chace," M. P. 
Chace, George A. Chace, J. B. Carniichael, M. Car- 
roll, Benjamin F. Chace, Charles H. Colwell, S. R. 
Davis, E. J. Dyer, Eugene Dwight, W. Deckinton, 
N. S. Davis, Hiram Eldridge, Ira Emery, Warren 
Ellis, George A. Edson, F. P. Evans, W. T. Fields^ 
George Forrester, A. W. French, Robert Gregory, S. 
W. Gibbs, Jos. Gibbs, A. T. Sommers, W. H. H. 
Hood, C. Hagerty, Frank Hatton, M. B. Henry, 
Daniel B. Hood, John Hardy, George W. Hathaway, 
John R. Holton, M. Holton, N. H. Hall, E. Hancock, 
George N. Hood, John G. Kendrick, M. Kendrick, 
John Hane, William Herr, George E. Leonard, J. S. 
Luther, A. C. Luther, Richard Larry, R. Lahus, J. R. 
Lampson, James Murphy, J. H. Mantier, M. Marks, 
Benjamin Marble, George W. Marble, A. H. Marble, 
E. F. Mosher, Daniel Maines, .1. M. Moore, George 
O'Neil, James O'Neil, Charles Nightingale, O. W. 
Phillips, F. A. Percy, W. C. Peirce, S. M. Padleford, 
S. C. Purinton, C. B. Peckham, Charles Rice, William 
Regan, P. Swift, H. M. Slade, George Swift, P. Swift, 
Jr., S. A. Sisson, L. H. Sherman, A. Stefanski, B. D. 
Simmons, William Scott, John Shaw, .Tohn Shay, Jr., 
A. Smith, J. A. Scoyles, Peleg Swift, J. Sullivan, Ira 
M. Sherman, O. Simmons, J. Shipman, Frederick W. 
Shaw, P. Sullivan, W. Thompson, W. H. Talmon, 
Charles Tompkins, S. Tryan, B. Terry, John W. 
Wood, Andrew Wilmarth, Thomas Wrightington, 
C. M. Wheaton, J. W. Walsh, J. M. Whitman, John 
Wilson. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JONATHAN SLADE. 

Jonathan Slade, son of William and Phebe (Law- 
ton) Slade, was born in the town of Somerset, Mass., 
Sept. 23, 1816. His father was a son of Jonathan 
and Mary (Chace) Slade, and was born in Somerset 
(then Swansea) in July, 1780. (See biography of 
William L. and John P. Slade.) He married Phebe 
Lawton, and had seven children, viz., Abigail L., 
Lydia A., Amanda, Jonathan, William L., David, 
and Mary, all born in Somerset on the ancestral farm 
now in the possession of the subject of this sketch. 
William was a farmer by occupation, and in connec- 
tion therewith owned and operated the ferry known 
as Slade's Ferry until the bridge was built in .Jan- 
uary, 1876. This ferry has been in the family since 
1680, — more than two hundred years, — and has been 
handed down from father to son during that long 
period. 

The Slades are of Welsh origin, being descended 
from Edward and William, his son, who were both 
born in Wales, and came to Rhode Island prior to 
1659, at which date the records show that William 
was admitted -a freeman of the colony. Jonathan 
was a son of Edward, of tlie tliird generation, the 
(me who inherited the ferry from his uncle, Capt. 
Jonathan Slade, and was grandfather of our subject. 
He had seven children, of whom William Slade was 
one. (See sketeh of William L. Slade.) 

Jonathan Slade, the immediate subject of this 
notice, received a common school education, and in 
addition thereto spent a few months at the Friends' 
Academy in Providence, R. I. He was reared a 
farmer, and has always followed that honorable call- 
ing. His father died Sept. 7, 1852, and his mother 
March 18, 1874, aged nearly ninety-three years. 
They were members of the Society of Friends, as had 
been their parents before them. 

Mr. Slade owned and managed the Slade Ferry 
after the death of his father, until it was superseded 
by the erection of the bridge in 1876. He owns an 
interest in several mills in Fall River, and is one of 
the directors of the Slade Mills, of which his brother, 
William L. Slade, is president, also one of the direc- 
tors of the Davol Mills, and of the Metacomet Bank 
of Fall River. 

In politics he is a Republican. He has been select- 
man of his town, and has held various other local 
offices, and served as a member of county and other 
conventions. In 1849 and 1850 he was a member of 
the State Legislature, and served his constituents 
with acceptance aud honor. 

He has been twice married, — first, to Caroline B., 
daughter of Dr. John Winslow, of Swansea, in July, 
1841, by whom he has one son, William W., a farmer, 
residing in Swansea. She died Feb. 1, 1845, aged 
thirty-three years. Second, to Emaline Hooper, 



618 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



daughter of Salmon and Rebecca Hooper, of Wal- 
pole, N. H., May 29, 1851. She was born in Wal- 
pole, N. H., Feb. 23, 1820. Of this union there is 
one son, David F. Slade, born Nov. 5, 1855. He 
graduated from Brown University in the class of 
1880, and from the Boston Law School in June, 1883. 



WILLIAM L. SLADE. 



The first ancestor of the Slade family in America 
was Edward, who was born in Wales, Great Britain. 
Little is known of him except that he lost his life on 
a voyage between this country and England. 

He had a son William, born also in Wales, who set- 
tled first on the island of Rhode Island, where he was 
admitted a freeman in 1C59, and in 1680 he removed 
to Slade's Ferry, in Swansea, now Somerset, Bristol 
Co., Mass. He was a large land-owner in that vicinity, 
and portions of his original estate are now owned by 
his descendants, Jonathan and William L. Slade. 
William Slade, the ancestor, was the first white man 
to own and keep the ferry known as Slade's Ferry, 
which tradition says had been previously run by the 
Indians. He married Sarau^^Sghter of Rev. Oba- 
diah Holmes, of Rehoboth, ■Shd had ten children, 
three sons and seven daughters. William Slade died 
in 1729; his wife Sarah died several years later, and 
at the time of her death had five hundred and thirty- 
five descendants. 

The sons of William and Sarah (Holmes) Slade 
were Jonathan, Edward, and W^illiam. The descent 
of William L. Slade is through Edward, the second 
son of William ; then Samuel, sou of Edward ; then 
JonaUian, son of Samuel ; then Wi/Ham, son of Jona- 
than ; then WilUam L. 

Edward, the ancestor of our subject in the third 
generation, was a member of the Society of Friends ; 
he was twice married, but his first wife was the mother 
of all his children, and she was a Chace. 

Samuel Slade was a native of Somerset. He niai'- 
ried Mercy Bufl'um, of Salem, Mass., and had nine 
sons, of whom the eldest was Jonathan, born about 
1743. Samuel received the ferry and homestead by 
bequest of his uncle, Capt. Jonathan Slade, who died 
without issue, and besides conducting the ferry car- 
ried on farming and blacksmithing. 

Jonathan Slade married Mary Cliase, and had nine 
children, whose names are as follows : Jonathan, Wil- 
liam, Nathan, Mercy, Mary, Patience, Lydia, Annie, 
and Pliebe. He died in 1811, aged sixty-eight. His 
wife Mary died. 

William, son of .louathan Slade, was born in July, 
1780; he married Phebe, daughter of William Law- 
ton, and had seven children, viz. : Abigail L., Lydia 
A., Amanda, Jonathan, William, David, and Mary, 
all born in Somerset. 

William Slade was one of the original proprietors 
of the Pocassett Manufacturing Company of Fall 



River, and also of the Watuppa Manufacturing Com- 
pany. He was a highly-esteemed and influential 
man, and held several ofiices of trust in his town. In 
1826 he began to run a horse-boat on the ferry, and 
in 1846 put ou a steamboat. 

William Lawton Slade, the immediate subject of 
this notice, was born Sept. 6, 1817, on the farm in 
Somerset. Here he was brought up, working as a 
farmer and ferryman, and received his education at 
the Friends' school in Providence. In 1871 he pur- 
chased the ferry property on the East Side, which he 
still owns. He is the owner of several fine farms, 
and has followed mainly the pursuit of an agricultu- 
rist. 

In 1860 he was elected a director in the Fall River 
National Bank. He is the originator of the Slade 
Mills, of which company he is president; also a di- 
rector in the Stafford Mills, and president and director 
in the Montaup Mills, besides owning stock in various 
other manufacturing interests. 

In his political principles he is a Republican, and 
although not an office-seeker he has several times 
been elected to discharge important public duties. 
For many years he has served his town as selectman ; 
was a representative to the Legislature in 1859, a 
member of the Senate in 1863, and again elected to 
the House in 1874. While in the House the first 
term he served on the Committee on Agriculture ; also 
served on the same committee in the Senate, and in 
the House the second time he served on the Commit- 
tee on Public Charitable Institutions, and was one of 
the committee of arrangements fpr the burial of Hon. 
Charles Sumner. In the settlement of estates Mr. 
Slade has had considerable experience, and he is at 
present a commissioner for dividing estates. 

He married Mary Sherman, daughter of Asa and 
Elizabeth (Mitchell) Sherman, Oct._5, 1842. She was 
born in Portsmouth, R. I., Sept. 16, 1815. They have 
had five children, viz. : Caroline E., married Heze- 
kiah A. Brayton, and lives in Fall River; Abigail L. 
(deceased), married James T. Milne, of Fall River; 
Mary (deceased), married Velona W. Haugliwout, 
and left three children ; Sarah, died at two years of 
age, and Anna, in infancy. 



DANIEL WILBUR, 



Daniel Wilbur is a lineal descendant in the seventh 
generation from Samuel Wildbore, of Boston, the 
name being differently spelled as Wildbore, Wilbore, 
Wilbour, Wilbor, Wilber, Wilbar, and Wilbur, the 
latter being now the most common orthography. 
The original American ancestor is believed to have 
settled in Boston in 1633, as the records of the First 
Church contain the following entry: "Samuel Wild- 
bore, with his wife Ann, was admitted to this church 
Dec. 1, 1633." 

The line of descent to Daniel Wilbur, whose name 






trcz^//^^ 




r /^ f \ 



>^r ^ 





t^i^-^^l^-^^^ 






-u-e^. 





SOMERSET. 



649 



stands at the head of this sketch, is as follows : 
Samuel', William-, DanieF, Daniel*, Daniel', Daniel", 
Daniel'. 

William Wilbor (supposed third), son of Samuel, 
of Boston, settled in Portsmouth, R. I., on lands of 
his father. It i.s uncertain whom he married, but of 
his nine children, Daniel, born in Portsmouth, R. I., 
in 1666, was the first settler of the name in Somer- 
set, on lands purchased by his father in 1680. He 
was then fourteen years of age, and inherited the 
property upon his father's death in 1710. His wife's 
name was Mary Barney. They had several children, 
among whom was Daniel*, born March 31, 1697. He 
was a prominent man, and held various town offices. 
He married Ann Mason, and had two children, — 
Daniel and Elizabeth. His death occurred in June, 
1759. Daniel' w.as born in Somerset, April 26, 1749. 
He married Mary Barnaby, of Freetown, and had 
children, viz.: Daniel, James, Ambrose, Elizabeth, 
Barnaby, Mary, William, Hanan, and Anna. All 
except Ambrose and Anna, who died in infancy, 
lived to be aged. Daniel* died March 2, 1821. His 
wife died Dec. 21, 1826, aged eighty-four. Daniel" 
was born Jan. 28, 1773, and died Feb. 24, 1844. He 
married Sarah, daughter of Zephaniah Sherman, of 
Somerset. She was born January, 1779, and died 
Feb. 11, 1860. They had children as follows: Am- 
brose B., Elizabeth (Mrs. Oliver Mason, of Bristol, 
R. I.I, Daniel, Jr. (died at eight years of age), Mary 
B. (residing with her brother Daniel), Daniel', and 
Sarah (deceased), all born in Somerset, Mass. 

Daniel Wilbur, son of Daniel and Sarah (Sherman) 
Wilbur, was born Nov. 14, 1818. His advantages for 
an early education were such as the common schools 
of his neighborhood afforded. He was reared a farmer, 
and remained with his parents till their death. Upon 
the decease of his father in 1844 he came into pos- 
session of the ancestral home, which had been in the 
family since 1680. As a farmer he ranks among the 
be.st of his town. 

He is a Republican in politics, though liberal or 
independent. In 1843 he was a member of the State 
Legislature, and was returned to the same body in 
1879, and served on the House Committee on Prisons. 
While in the Senate, in 1854, he served on the Com- 
mittee on Engrossed Bills, and as chairman of the 
Committee on Capital Punishment. In local affairs 
he has had much experience, having been selectman, 
delegate to county conventions, and chairman of town- 
meetings and public gatherings. 

Mr. Wilbur has been twice married. First he mar- 
ried Nancy O., daughter of John and Raciiel (Horton) 
Slade, Feb. 3, 1845. They had four children, viz., 
Daaiel (residing in Somerset), Angelina (deceased), 
William B. (a resident of Wisconsin), Roswell E. 
(deceased). The last named died in 1876, while a 
student at college. We append the following beauti- 
ful tribute to his memory by a committee of the Alpha 
Delta Phi Society, of which he was a member : 



IN MEMORIAM. 

" With sorrow do we record the death of our brother, Roswell E. Wil- 
bur, who died at bis home in Somerset, Mass., on the 20th of September, 
1876. 

** He entered college in the Class of 1876, and continued as a member 
until the beginning of his Senior year, when the disease which finally 
terminated his life compelled him to relinquish the studies he had so 
ardently pursued. In his college course he distinguished himself by 
the breadth and accnr^'cy of his scholarship. He had a clear, well-bal- 
anced mind, which bespoke for him a brilliant career. 
' " But, above all. do we feel compelled to speak of those graces of char- 
acter which shone so clearly during bis entire college course. Pure, 
unselfish, kind, and considerate, he made friends of all who came in 
contact with him. 

'" None knew him but love him. 
None loved hitn but to praise.' 

" We, the members of this society, who have been called to mouru the 
loss of his cherished classmates, Liucoln and Greene, deeply feel our 
great bereavement. 

"To his family, bowed down with grief, we bear our warmest sympa- 
thies. May He who brightened your home so many years with so kind 
a brother and dutiful a son, grant you consolation in your hour of 
trial . 

" Charles V. Chapin, 
*' Benj. W. Steele, 
{ " Charles T. Aldrich, 

" Committee for the Chapter" 

Mrs. Wilbur was born in September, 1822, and died 
March 22, 1860. 

Mr. Wilbur married his second wife, Sarah E., 
daughter of John Mason, of Swansea, Oct. 31, 1861. 
She was born in Warren, R. I., in 1833. They have 
two children, Henry E., of Providence, R. I., and 
Sarah S., living at home. 



AVERY PARKER SLADE. 
Avery Parker Slade is a lineal descendant from 
Edward Slade, the emigrant, and from William Slade, 
the first of the name in Somerset in 1680. (See biog- 
raphy of William L. Slade, of Somerset.) His great- 
grandfather was Edward Slade, who had a son ]5aker, 
who was a farmer in Somerset. Baker married Han- 
nah Pierce, and had nine children, one of whom was 
Edward, born in Somerset, Jan. 8, 1787, married Mary 
A., daughter of Capt. Benjamin A. Davis, of Som- 
erset, Mass. They had four children, — (1) Mary A. 
(Mrs. Edward Edmonds) ; (2) Avery P. ; (3) Eliza D. 
(deceased), wife of Rev. Micah J. Talbot ; (4) George 
D., died unmarried, .January, 1863. Edward Slade 
was a ship-builder for more than forty years of his 
earlier life, but subsequently was a farmer. Politi- 
cally he was a Democrat of the old school, till the 
Republican party was formed, in 18.J6, when he be- 
came one of its stanch defenders. He held various 
offices of trust in his native town during the war of 
1812 to 1815, and subsequently till the close of life. 
He represented Somerset in the General Court from 
1819 to 1830, a period of eleven year.s, during which 
time he served on important committees. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Slade were active members of the Methodist 
Church. She died in September, 1868, and he died 
February 14, 1878. 



650 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Avery Parker Slade, named for Hon. John Avery 
Parker, of New Bedford, was born in Somerset, Mass., 
.Tune 13, 1818. He received a common-school and aca- 
demic education. He began teacliing at the age of six- 
teen at Bristol, R. I., and his first school numbered more 
than seventy pupils. He continued teaching until he 
was married. He was taught the trade of his father, 
that of ship-building, and followed the same till he 
was some twenty-three years of age. He married, 
April 4, 1844, Rebecca W., daughter of Cassina and 
Clarissa (Walker) Shaw, and has had four children, — 
(1) Edward (deceased); (2) Edward second (de- 
ceased) ; (3) Nathan D., engaged in the manufacture 
of iron ; (4) Cassina D., a book-keeper in the First 
National Bank, Fall River. 

April .5, 1844, Mr. Slade settled on his present farm, 
which has since been his home. It contains about 
fifty acres, which are in a fine state of cultivation. He 
has excellent buildings, erected by himself He is 
quite extensively engaged in the growing of small 
fruits, and has been uniformly successful. He is one 
of the best and most progressiv-e farmers in Somerset. 
In politics he is a Republican. In 1847 he, with 
Joseph Marble and Henry B. Parcels, held the first 
anti-slavery caucus in Somerset, and they nominated 
as their representative to the General Court Jonathan 
Slade, Esq., who was at home sick and unable to at- 
tend. Mr. Slade has been justice of the peace for 
many years, and has held various other town offices. 
In 186G he was elected a member of the State Bbard 
of Agriculture, and has continued to serve acceptably 
till the present time, except one term, when Judge 
Bennett, of Taunton, took his place. He conducts 
" Farmers' Institutes," and lectures in all the adjoin- 
ing counties on farming, and is often called to distant 
counties. His views on farming and horticulture are 
considered authority, and his services are always in 
demand for institute work. He is methodical in his 
work, and aims to carry out his theories. He is con^ 
servative in his views on all the questions of the day, 
and is respected both at home and abroad. 

During the great civil war he was enrolling oflicer 
for Somerset, and though exempt from military duty, 
yet he put into the field a substitute and paid for the 
same himself 

Mr. and Mrs. Slade are Unitarians in religious be- 
lief, though not members of any society. Mr. Slade 
possesses sound judgment and keen foresight. He is 
very cautious, and thinks twice before he acts. He 
seems to enjoy life well, and is surrounded with the 
comforts of a pleasant, happy home. 



CAPT. NATHAN DAVIS (2d). 
Capt. Nathan Davis (2d) was born in Freetown, 
Mass., Jan. 17, 1803. He is a lineal descendant in 
the fifth generation from William Davis, one of the 
early settlers of Freetown, Mass. At what date this 
William Davis settled in Freetown, or when he came 



to America, is not known to the writer of this sketch, 
but from data contributed to the " Historical and 
Genealogical Register'' by Gen. Ebenezer W. Peirce, 
of Freetown, we learn that William Davis (1st) was 
a grand juryman in 1697 ; that he married, March 1, 
1()S<), Mary, daughter of William and Ann (Johnson) 
Makepeace, of Freetown, Mass. Ann Johnson was 
the granddaughter of Thomas Makepeace, of Boston. 
William Davis had twelve children, the fourth of 
whom was Jonathan-, who married Sarah Terry, and 
had five children, the second of whom was Jonathan', 
born May 26, 1736; was twice married, first to Mar- 
garet Baggs, of Freetown, March 20, 1757 ; second, to 
Sa:rah Treadwell, of Freetown, Jan. 16, 1772. He 
died Jan. 1, 1808. He had by his first wife, Margaret 
Baggs, a daughter, Margaret, who died young, and a 
son, Jonathan^, born Jan. 7, 1770. 

Jonathan' married Chloe vSimmons, daughter of 
Zephaniah and Abigail (Parker) Simmons. She was 
born June 29, 1779, died. 

Their children were Jonathan", Nancy'', Abby', 
Zephaniah S.^, Eliphatel'', Nathan\ Louisa^, Chloe", 
Bradley', Sarah", Harret", Russel-', Sarah'' (2d), Sybil 
P.', and Phebe A.* Jonathan* died. 

Nathan" Davis, whose portrait accompanies this 
sketch, has spent the larger portion of his life on the 
water. His father was engaged in the coasting busi- 
ne.ss, and young Nathan was early made acquainted 
with that business. At the early age of ten years he 
commenced going on the Taunton River, and after a 
service of seven years, in which he had become so 
familiar with the coasting business that he became 
master of the sloop "Mary" at seventeen years of age, 
he commanded her some five or six years. Soon after 
he built the sloop "Ranger," in company with Capt. 
Joseph Simmons, and ran her between Fall River 
and Taunton. After a few years he built another 
sloop, which he named " Temperance." A little in- 
cident in connection with the dedication of this sloop 
is worthy of a place here, as it rears to his memory 
a monument more worthy and more enduring than 

i granite or marble. It was customary in those days 
when a sloop, bark, or vessel of any kind was being 
dedicated to the purpose for which she was built to 
break a bottle of rum over her bow, but Capt. Davis 
departed from this time-honored custom and ventured 

\ the experiment of breaking a bottle of pure water 
over the bow of his sloop. He would have the entire 
service in h.armony with the name she bore. This 
was probably the first sloop or vessel of any kind 
built in this country and dedicated to commerce in 
the name of temperance. Capt. Davis was one of 
the pioneer temperance men of this section, and has 
ever been a consistent advocate of that cause. It is 
a remarkable fact well worthy of mention that Capt. 
Davis and his five sons have each commanded the 
sloop "Temperance," and she has proven to be one 
of the most profitable sloops that ever sailed. 

Capt. Davis continued to follow the coasting busi- 




^A^^^^^^'^'^ 



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'y^^ /y^c /-? 



SOMERSET. 



651 



ness till 1873, when he retired. From 1845 to 1855 
he was engaged in the grocery business in Somerset, 
Mass. He became a member of the First Baptist 
Church in Somerset in the prime of life, and in 1838 
he was ordained deacon, which position he continues 
still to hold. He has also been trustee of the same 
for a great many years. Politically, he is a Repub- 
lican. 

He married Clarissa, daughter of John Bowen, of 
Fall Elver, Jan. 1, 182(5. Their children are: (1) 
Sarah A., wife of William P. Hood, of Somerset; (2) 
Nathan S., postmaster in Somerset since I860; (3) 
William B., died young; (4) Elijah G., a citizen of 
Fall River, and captain of a steamer on the Old Col- 
ony Line; (5) Mary E., wife of John A. Chase, of 
Fairhaven ; (6) Amos N., lost at sea, March 20, 1867 ; 
(7) Joseph F., died young; (8) Joseph F.', master of 
vessels, and one of Somerset's most respected citizens ; 
(9) Ellen M., died young; (10) William H. H., died 
young; (11) Jonathan B., died young; (12) Clarissa E., 
wife of James F. Gardiner, of Somerset; (13) Corne- 
lius A., master of schooner " William P. Hood," and 
a highly-esteemed citizen of Somerset; and (14) Ke- 
ziah M., wife of Edward Mosher, of Fall River. 
Mrs. Davis was born in 1811. In cases of need she 
was always ready to assist, and having reared a large 
family herself she was peculiarly well qualified to care 
for the sick. She was one of the strongest temperance 
persons in the town, and much credit is due her for 
the position the town took on that question during 
her lifetime. She died March 27, 1871, in the sixty- 
first year of her age. She was a faithful wife and 
devoted mother, and the impress of her Christian 
character may be seen to-day, not only on her own 
children, but upon all those with whom she came in 
contact. 

JOB M. LEONARD. 

Job M. Leonard was born in Raynham, Bristol 
County, Mass., Sept. 1, 1824, and is a direct descend- 
ant of one of the Leonard families from Wales, who 
settled in Raynham in 1652. 

He was educated at the common schools, and worked 
on a farm until about sixteen years of age; then he 
entered a hardware-store in Taunton as clerk and re- 
mained until 1844, when he commenced business on 
his own account. In 1849 he established an office in 
Boston, which has continued to the present time. 

In 1850, Mr. Leonard organized the East Bridge- 
water Iron Company and continued with them about 
five years, when he disposed of his intere.st in that 
establishment and organized, in 1855, the Mount 
Hope Iron- Works at Somerset. He planned and built 
the two iron-works in that town for the manufacture 
of nails and plate iron. The old works were sold to 
the Parker Mills in 1868, and subsequently passed 
into the hands of the Old Colony Iron Company. 
The present works of the Mount Hope Company Mr. 
Leonard erected in 1872, and employs from two hun- 



dred to two hundred and fifty men. LTpon the organ- 
ization of the company Albert Field was. elected 
president, and remained as such until his death. Mr. 
Leonard has been treasurer of the company since its 
organization. His son, Mr. Henry B. Leonard, is 
now the agent and general manager of the new Mount 
Hope works. 

Mr. Leonard was married in 1848 to Caroline, 
daughter of the late Albert Field. 

The iron business seems to have been an heirloom 
in the Leonard family. From 1652, when the first 
iron-works on thi.s continent were established in Rayn- 
ham by James and Henry Leonard and Ralph Rus- 
sell, to the present time descendants of the Leonards 
have been prominent and successful iron men both in 
this and other States. Not only were Mr. Leonard's 
father. Job Leonard, and his grandfather, Samuel, 
iron manufacturers, but his great-grandfather. Russell 
Leonard, was also engaged in the same industry, em- 
bracing, with Mr. Leonard and his son Henry B.,.five 
generations in direct descent who have been engaged 
in the iron industry. 

James and Henry Leonard and Ralph Russell es- 
tablished the first iron-works on this continent in 
1652, in the town of Raynham, on Two-Mile River, 
so called, where they secured the privilege of cutting 
wood to make charcoal, and to dig and mine ore at 
Two-Mile Meadows or any other common property of 
the town. This business continued in the possession 
of the Leonards and their descendants for over one 
hundred years. They were enlarged from time to 
time, and subsequently converted into a forge for 
making anchors. Henry and James Leonard, at- 
tracted by more abundant ores in New Jersey, re- 
moved there and established the first iron- works in 
that province. 

Mr. Leonard has been four times elected to the 
State Legislature, and has held various minor posi- 
tions of trust in the State, always discharging his 
duties with credit to himself and to the entire satis- 
faction of his constituents, and is justly regarded as 
one of the leading men of Southeastern Massachusetts. 



DARIUS BUFFINTON. 

Darius Buffinton was born in Swansea, Mass., May 
29, 1829. His father was Moses Buflinton, who was 
born Jan. 25, 1799, on the island of Prudence, R. I., 
and was a son of Moses Bufiinton, born 1768, who 
married Sarah Chace, and whose parents were Moses 
Bufiinton and his wife, Isabel, daughter of Daniel 
and Sarah Baker. 

Moses Bufiinton, the third of the name, was a 
farmer, and lived first in Prudence, R. I, and after- 
wards in Swansea, Mass. He was a birthright mem- 
ber of the society of Friends, and married Ruth 
Borden, "wBo was born in Swansea, Jan. 25, 1795. 
They had five children — Abner (died young), Darius, 
Abner (deceased), Lois (Mrs. John P. Slade), and 



652 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Susan S. (deceased). Mr. Buffinton died Nov. 2, 
1SC9. His wife survived him, dying Feb. 9, 1873. 

Darius was educated at common schools, and had 
a short tuition at the Friends' school at Providence, 
R. I. He became a farmer and resided with his 
father on the homestead, in Swansea, consisting of 
about seventy acres, and remained there until his 
father's death. In 1870 he built liis present neat and 
attractive residence on the place of seventeen acres, 
which he purchased in Somerset, and removed thither 
the same year. He married, Jan. 15, 1861, Julia A., 
daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Pierce) Whitwell, 
who was born in Fall River, Mass., March 25, 1843. 
Their children were Julia E. (died an infant), Wil- 
liam S. (died young), and Henry W., an active and 
promising lad, drowned in his twelfth year while 
bathing. 

Mr. Buffinton has combined the avocation of market- 
gardener with that of farmer, and has sufficient prop- 
erty to enable him to gratify the correct taste so 
nicely shown in everything connected with his home. 
He is a stockholder in Fall River National and Union 
Banks of Fall River, and also in the Shove Mills. 
He is a Republican, and both he and his wife are 
members of the Friends' Society. He stands well in 
the esteem of the community and is a valuable citizen. 



CHAPTER LIU. 

SWANSEA.' 

Geographiciil— Incorporation of the Town — " Waunamoisett" — Docu- 
mentary History — Karly InliabitnutB — Division of Lands — King Phil- 
ip's War — Original Grant — Capt. Thomas Williams' " Proposals" — 
Adniissiun of Inhabitants — First Deputy Elected — John Allen — Town 
Officers of 1G70 — Extracts from Early Records — Revolutionary War — 
Committee of Inspection — Various Votes concerning the Revolu- 
tionary Period — Election of 1780 — Pioneer Schools — First School- 
master — John Myles — 1702, Town Fined for not Having School. 

Swansea lies in the southwestern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows : On the north by 
Seekonk, Rehoboth, and Dighton ; on the east by 
Dighton and Somerset; on the soutii by Somerset 
and Mount Hope Bay. 

A portion of this town was originally comprehended 
within the limits of ancient Rehoboth. 'It forms a 
part of tiie tract called by the Indians " Waijna- 
inoisett," situated in this town and Barrington, R. I. 
This town was incorporated in 1077, and then in- 
cluded williin its limits the present towns, Somerset, 
Barrington, and the greater part of Warren, R. I. 
The town derived its name from "Swan sea," in 
Wales, and was so spelled in the earliest records. In 
1649, Obidiah Holmes and several others, having em- 
braced the Baptist sentiments, withdrew from Mr. 
Newman's church, and set up a separate meeting of 

' The editor acknowledges his indebtedness to Rev. J. W. Osboru for 
tlie larger portion of the following history of Swansea. 



their own. The attempt to break them up, and the 
persecutions tliey met with, only increased their 
numbers. In 1603 they were much strengthened by 
the arrival of Rev. John Myles and his church. In 
the same year Mr. Myles formed a Baptist Church in 
Rehoboth (the fourth in America). It was organized 
in the house of John Butterworth, and commenced 
with seven members. These and subsequent proceed- 
ings were considered such an evil by the rest of the 
inhabitants that an appeal was made to the Plymouth 
Court to interfere. Each member of this new church 
was fined five pounds, and prohibited from worship 
for a month. They were also advised to remove from 
Rehoboth to some place where they would not preju- 
dice any existing church. They accordingly moved 
to Wannamoisett. 

Capt. Thomas Willett, a magistrate, and a man of 
great ability and enterprise, having large possessions 
at Narragansett, near by, came and settled here. 
Hugh Cole and some others followed. Capt. Willett 
became subsequently the first English mayor of New 
York. He and Mr. Myles may be justly styled the 
fathers of the town. 

In 1670 it was ordered that the lands should be 
proportioned according to three ranks. Persons of 
the first rank were to receive three acres ; of the 
second, two acres; of the third, one acre. In admit- 
ting inhabitants, the selectmen were to decide to 
wliich rank they should be apportioned. This sin- 
gular division existed nowhere else in New England. 

This town is memorable as the place where the 
first English blood was shed in "King Philip's 
War."^ On Sunday, June 20, 1675, King Philip 
permitted his men to march into Swansea and annoy 
the English by killing their cattle, in hopes to pro- 
voke them to commence the attack, for it is said that 
a superstition prevailed among them that the side 
who shed the first blood should finally be conquered. 
The Indians were so insolent that an Englishman 
finally fired upon one of them, and wounded him. 
The Indians upon this commenced open war. As 
soon as tlie intelligence of this massacre reached 
Boston, a comi)any of foot under Capt. Henchman, 
and a troop under Capt. Prentice, immediately 
marched for Mount Hope, and being joined by 
another company of one hundred and ten volunteers 
under Capt. Moseley, they all arrived at Swansea 
June 28th, where they joined the Plymouth forces, 
under Capt. Cudworth. Mr. Mile-s' house, being gar- l 
ri.soncd, was made their headquarters. About a dozen 
of the troop went immediately over the bridge, where 
they were fired upon out of the bushes, and one killed 
and one wounded. The English forces then pursued 
the enemy a mile or two, when the Indians took to 
the swamp, after having lost about a half-dozen of 
their number. The troop commenced their pursuit j 
of the Indians next morning. They passed over 

2 For Indian history, see Chapter II. 



SWANSEA. 



653 



Miles' Bridge and proceeded down the river till they 
came to the narrow of the neck, at a place called 
Keekamuit, or Kickaniuit. Here they found the 
heads of eight Englishmen, that the Indians had 
murdered, stuck on poles; these they buried. On 
their arrival at Mount Hope, they found that i)laee 
deserted. 

Documentary History.— A true copy of the grant 
of this townshi|)or New Swansea, lying on record at 
the court of New Plymouth, 1667 : 

"Whereas, Liberty Imtli hccn formerly granted by the Cuurt of jurJs- 
tUction of New Plymouth, unto Captuin Thuiuiia Willeit and his neigh- 
bors of Wannaniuisott, to bocumo a townahip there it' they hUouM see 
good, and that lately the said Capt. Willett and Mr. Myles, and others, 
their neighbors, have requiisted of the Court that they nmy be a town- 
ship there or near thereabout, and likewise to have granted unto them 
such parcel Is of land as might be accommodate thereunto not disposed 
of to other Townships; this Court luivo gratited unto them all wmh lands 
that lyeth between the Saltwater Buy and coming up Tnunton Kiver 
(viz.), all the Land between the Salt water and river and the bounds of 
Taunton and Rehoboth not prejudicing any man's particuhir Interest, 
and forasmuch an lleliobolh hath meadow lands within the line cf Wun- 
namoisett, and Wannamoisett hath lands within the line of Kehobolh, 
lying near the South line of Relioboth— if the two townships cannot 
agree about them amongst themselves, the Court reserves it within tlieir 
power to deteiniiiie any such controversy. 

"16G7, March. The Court hath appointed Oaptaine Willett, Mr. Paine, 
Senr.. Mr. Brown, John Allen, and Jnhn IJutterwurth, to have the trust 
of admittance of Town Inhabitants into the said town, and to have the 
dispnsall of ttic Land therein, and ordering of other the affairs of waid 
Town. The Court doe Allow and Approve that the Township Grunted 
unto Capt. Willett and others, his neighbors, at Wannami)isett and parts 
adjacent, shall henceforth be called and known by the Jiame of Swansea. 

"The Knterys above are a Copy taken out of the Court Records at 
Plymouth. Nath'l Clark. And above Entrys hereof by William lu- 
graliam, Town Clerk. 

"Whereas, Capt. Thomas Willett, shortly after the grant of this town- 
ship, made three following proposals nnto those wlio wore with him, by 
the Court at Plymouth, empowered for the admission of inhabitants, and 
of granting lots, viz.: 

*'l. That no erroneous person he admitted into the township as an 
inliabitant or sojourner. 

" 2. That uo man of any evill behaviitur or contentious persons to bo 
admitted. 

"3. That none may be admitted that may become a charge to the 
place. 

"Thecliurch here gathered and assembling did thereupon make the 
following address unto the said Capt, Willett and his associateB, the 
Trustees aforesaid. 

"We being engaged with yon (according to our capacity) in the car- 
rj'ing on of a townsliip according to the grant given us by the honored 
Court, and desiring to hiy huch a foundation thereof as may effectually 
tend to God's glor}-, our futun.' peace and comfort, and the real ben«-fit 
of such as shall hereafter join with u>* herein, as also to prevent all fu- 
ture jealousies and causes of dissatisfaction or disturbance in so goud a 
work, doe in relation to tiie three proposals made by our much honoured 
Capt. Willett, humbly present to your serious consideration, before we 
proceed further therein, that the said proposalls may bo consented to and 
tHuhscribed by all and every townman under the following explications: 

"1. That the first proposal relating to the non-admission of erroneous 
persons may be only understood under the e.\plications following (viz.), 
of such as hold damnable heresies inconsistent with the faith of the 
. Gospel, as to deny the Trinity or any person therein, i the Deity or sin- 
less Humanity of Chi-ist, or the uniun of both natures in him, or his 
full satisfaction to the Divine justice by his active and passive obedience 
for all his elect, or his resurrection, or ascension to heaven, intercession, 
or his second personable coming to judgment, or the resurrection of the 
dead, or to maintain any merit of works, consubstautiation, trausub- 



1 The Toleration Act passed by the British Parliament twenty-two 
yeai-8 later, while relaxing the stringency of former laws against ilis- 
senters, expressly denied toleration to such as rejected the doctrine of 
the Trinity.— J. W.O. 



stantiation, giving Divine adoration to any creature or any other anti- 
Christian doctrine, thereby directly opposing the priestly, proidietical 
or kingly office of Christ, or any pjirt thereof; or seconclly such as hobl 
such opinions as are inconsistent with the well-being of the place, as lo 
deny the magistrates power to punish evil-doers as well as to punish 
those that do well ; or to deny the first day of the week to bo observed by 
Divine institution as the Lord's day or Christian Subbath, or to deny 
the giving of honor to whom honor is due, or to offer those civil respects 
tliat are usually performed according to the laudable custom of our 
nation, each to other, as bowing the knee or body, etc., or else to deny 
the office, use, or authority of the ministry or comfortable maintenance 
to bo due to them from such as partake of their teaching, or to speak 
reproachfully of any of tlie churches of Christ in this country, or of 
any such other churches as are of the same common faith with us and 
them. 

"2. That the second proposall, That no man of any ovill behaviour, 
or contentions persons be admUted. 

" We desire that it be also understood & Declared that this is not un- 
derstood of any holding any opinion different from others in any dis- 
jmtablo pt. Yet in controversy among the Godly Learned, the beleefe 
thereof not essentially necessary to salvation, such pado-baptism, anti- 
pado-bapti>ni, church discipline or the like. But that the minister or 
ministers of the Town may tjike their liberty to baptise Intants or grown 
persons as the Lord shall persuade their consciences, and so also the In- 
habitants of the town to take their liberty to bring tlu-ir children to 
baptism or forbear. That the second proposall relating to nonorecep- 
tion of any of evill behaviour, such as contentious persons, Ac, may be 
only understood of those truly so called, and not of those who are differ- 
ent in judgment in the particulars last-mentioned and nmy be therefore 
counted contentious by some, though they are in all fundanientallB of 
faitii orthodox in . . . and excepting common Infirmities blameless in 
conversation. 

" That the proposall Relating to the non-admission of such as may be 
a charge to the Town be only understood so as that it may not hinder a 
godly man from comeing among us, whilst there is accommodation that 
satisflo him, if some Itesponeible Townsman will be bound to see the 
town harmless. 

"These humble tenders of our desires we hope you will without 
offence receive, excusing us therein, considering that GodV glory, the 
future peace and wellbeing, not only of us and our posterity who shall 
settle Iiere, but also of those severall good and peaceaide-minded men 
whom you allready know are liked, though with very inconsiderable 
outward accommodation to come among us are very much concerned 
therein. Our humble prayers both for ourselves A you is that God 
would b<; pleased to cause us to aim more & more at his glory and less 
to our earthly concernment that so wo may improve the lavors that 
hath been handed down to us by our honoured nursing fathers to the 
advancement of the glory nf God, the interest of our Lord Jesus Ciirist, 
& to the common benefitt botli of the Town & Colony, wherein he hath 
providentially disposed of us to serve our generation. Your Brethren 
to serve you in Christ. ' 

"Signed in behalf A in the name of the church meeting in Swansea 
by 

"John Mvi.es, i'u^for. 
"John BirrTEUwoitTii. 

" The foregoing proposalls being according to the desire of the church 
aforesaid, fully A absolutely condescended to, concluded A agreed upon 
by A between said Capt;un Willett, al his associates aforesaid, A the 
church under the reservation A explications above written, A every of 
them, it was sometime after propounded at a meeting of s'' town, law- 
fully warned on the two A twentieth day of the twelfth month, IGGO, 
that the said agreement might be by the whole town ratified A con- 
firmed A settled as the foundation order, to which all that then were or 
afterward should be admitted inhabituufH to receive lands from the 
town, should manifest their assent by subscription thereunto, whereupon 
the following order (the said Capt. Willett, al his associates aforesaid 
being present) was freely passed by the whole town nemine contradiceute. 

" At a town meeting lawfully warned, on the two A twentieth day nf 
the twelfth month, commonly called February, in the year of our Lord 
16G9, it is ordered that all persons that are or shall be admitted inhabi- 
tanis within this town, shall subscribe to the three proposalls above 
written, to the severall conditions A explanations therein ex|ires8ed 
before any lot of land be confirmed to them or any of them. 

" We, whose names are hereunder written, do freely, upon our admis- 
sion to be inhabitants of this town of Swansea, assent to the above 
written agreement, made between the church now meeting here at 



054 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Swansea & Capt. Thomas Willett & his associates, as tlie s'^ agreement is i 
specified & declared in the tliree proposalls afore written, wjtll tlie sev- 
eral conditions & exi)lanations thereof concerning the present & future 
settlement of this town. In witness whereof we have hereunto sub- 
scribed." 

[Signed by fifty-five persons.] 

(1074. — John Harding Smith, refusing to sign the 
" fundamental agreement," was deprived of his land, 
and warned " to go out of the Town.") 

" At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned y'' !'.>"' of 
May, 1670, John Myles, juu''., is chosen Clerk for this 
present year. John Allen, senr., is chosen Deputy, 
Nath'. Chafy constable, Samuel Luther grandjury- 
man, Benj. Alby waywarden, for the ensuing year. 

"Mr. James Brown, Nicholas Tanner, and John 
Allen, sen'., were chosen selectmen for ye ensuing 
year." 

"At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned on ye 11"' 
of May, 1671, Mr. James Brown was chosen Deputy, 
and Hugh Colegrandjuryman, and John Martin Con- 
stable. Nathaniel Peck, Joseph Carpenter, and Zech- 
ariah Eddy were chosen waywardens. Mr. James 
Brown, Hugli Cole, and Samuel Luther were chosen 
selectmen." 

" At a Town-meeting lawfully warned November 
ye 8'^ 1671, John Allen, Snr., Hugh Cole, Nicholas 
Tanner, & Nathan' Peck are chosen Eaters for a 
Town Rate." 

"At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned on ye 21 
May, 1672, Mr. Brown was chosen Daputy & Thomas 
Barnes constable. Thos. Lewis grandjuryman, Nath'. 
Chafy & Jonathan Bozworth, & Hezekiah Luther, 
surveyors of highways ; Mr. Brown, Thos. Luis were 
chosen selectmen." 

1670. " It was ordered yt whatsoever inhabitant 
shall absent himself from any Town-meeting to which 
he shall at any time hereafter be Legally warned, he 
shall forfeit for every such absent four shillings." 

" It is ordered that all lotts & divisions of land that 
are or shall be granted to any particular person shall 
be proportioned to the threefold rank underwritten, 
so tliat wliere those of the first rank have three acres, 
those of the second rank shall have two, and those of 
the third rank shall have one." 

(Those admitted to the first rank are recorded as 
Mr. ; the others with no title. These were land- 
holders rviihoiU rank.) 

1671. "Those of ye first rank shall pay three 
pounds twelve shillings apiece, and those of the 
second rank shall pay two pounds eight shillings 
apiece, and those of the third rank one pound four 
shillings apiece." 

Aug. 28, 109.3. " The warrant from ye quarter ses- 
sion was read, requiring the Town to chuse a minister 
according to law; after sum Debate the meeting was 
adjourned for half an hour. The church by Lieut"'. 
Cole returned and replied thus : that they had a min- 
ister they apprehended was according to Law, viz., 
Elder Samuel Luther, and desired the vote of ye 
Town to see their assent and approbation, and after 



som debate ye meeting was adjourned for half an 
hour, and then againe after a considerable debate the 
Town-meeting was adjourned to ye 3d Tuesday in 
October, at 9 o'clock in the morning at tlie usual 
place of meeting." 

Oct. 17. "Chose Elder Samuel Luther minister for 
ye Town." 

"John Pain and John Cole, son of Hugh Cole, to 
look after & to prosecute any breache of ye acte made 
about Horses, the late act published both civil and 
military." 

1711. Referring to a petition for the division of the 
town (that a Puritan minister could be supported by 
taxation) liy inhabitants of the western part, "it 
passed in y' negative unanimously." " If any per- 
sons would supply y' selectmen with money for y° 
present management of s** aft'airs they should be re- 
imbursed." (£29 2s. were borrowed.) 

1712. " Granted a fund or bank of £.500, or as much 
more as there may be occasion of, to maintain and 
defend y" Town grant and foundation settlement." 

1717. On a petition for a tax of "sixscore pounds" 
to support a Puritan minister, " after considerable 
fayer and loveing conference with s*" petitioners, it 
was agreed and voted and concluded that the inhab- 
itants should enjoy conscience liberty according to 
the foundation settlement." 

The representative was paid £12 12s.; school- 
master, £17 10s.; assessors, £4. 

1718. " Every householder shall kill 6 blackbirds 
or six squirreDs, or one crow shall count for two 
squirrells or blackbirds ;" " or he shall forfeit 2 pence 
for as many as he comes short of six." 

In 1729, " voted 2d. to every one that kills a crow, 
blackbird, jaybird, or squirrell." 

In 1740 the premium was increased to fourpence. 

In 1741 the vote of 1708 was reaffirmed, with a 
proviso that for every one above the required number 
a premium of fourpence should be paid ; for killing a 
grown fox, five shillings; a young fox, two shillings, 
in 1736. 

1715. Voted that John Devotion should "teach 
our youth to Read Inglish and Lattin, and write and 
sifer, as there may be ocation." 

(Capt. Joseph Mason, the Swansea representative, 
was tlie only member of the General Court who in 
1732 voted in favor of fixing a salary for Governor 
Belcher, as required by the British government.) 

1742. Voted that until the king decides whether to 
annex Swansea to Rhode Island the town ought to 
pay no tax to Massachusetts. 

1749, Oct. 23. " It being a very rainy day, and but 
few^ men met, and considerable business to be done, 
it was tho't proper to adjourn s'' meeting." 

"It was voted that town take all the tickets in the 
lottery granted by the Great and General Court for 
building the great bridge not sold by Feb. 26." 

1759. "Voted to hire a house to put the French 
people in that were sent to our town." 



SWANSEA. 



655 



1764. Appointed Jeruthamul Bowers, Esq., to so- 
licit relief from the General Court for the "great suf- 
ferance in the smallpox." A])propriated ninety 
pounds for care of patients. 

Three hundred pounds lent to the town by the 
Province ; the mone}' was loaned to individuals, and 
subsequently many of the poor borrowers received by 
vote of town the gift of their notes. 

This year and several years in succession commit- 
tees were chosen to prevent the killing of deer out of 
season. 

1766. Voted the town treasurer five shillings for 
his services. 

Revolutionary War.— April 21, 1775, "Voted that 
40 guns, 2.50 fts. powder, 750 ftis lead, and 600 flints 
be provided. The committee of inspection shall pro- 
vide provisions and all other necessaries for the poor 
upon any special emergency. That 50 men be en- 
listed to be ready at a minute's warning, and pd. 3s. a 
week for exercising two half days a week, and 6 dolls, 
bounty if called out of town. The officers to have 
the same as Rehoboth pays their officers." 

" That we keep a post to ride to Boston (and leave 
it to the selectmen how often) for the best intelligence 
that can be had there." 

May 22. Chose a committee of regulation and in- 
spection. "The Town will secure and defend the 
said committee and empower them to follow and ob- 
serve such directions as they shall receive from time 
to time from the Provincial Congress or Committee 
of Safety." 

Five shillings penalty was imposed for wasting a 
charge of powder, and the oftender's ammunition was 
forfeited to the town. 

April, 1777. "Voted, in addition to what the Gen- 
eral Court pays, £20 to every soldier enlisted in the 
Continental service for three years or the war;" sub- 
sequently restricted to " those credited to the quota of 
the town." Later the town treasurer was allowed 
to pay what he chose to secure men for the quota, 
" and the town will make him complete satisfaction 
for his trouble therein." 

Chose a committee to provide for the families of 
"soldiers in the Continental service." 

Jan. 5, 1778. " Voted that inoculation shall not be 
set up in Swansea, by a unanimous vote." 

January 26th. " Voted that inoculation shall be 
set up in Swansea ;" also to provide a hospital. 

Voted to buy one hundred bushels corn for soldiers' 
families. 

Voted six pounds to the treasurer for his services. 

June 1st. " The selectmen shall provide warlike 
stores for every man in the town and distribute the 
same at their discretion." 

June 23, 1778. " By unanimous vote promised : 

" 1. To turn out upon all alarmsagainst the enemy. 

" 2. To throw aside all partyship for the future. 

" 3. To return humble and hearty thanks to Gen. 
Sullivan for his company and good institutions. 



" Voted, August 31st, to provide soldiers with 
shirts, stockings, and shoes." 

November. " Requested Gen. Sullivan to provide" 
a guard against the enemy on Rhode Island." 

May, 1779. " Voted that there be a guard on each 
of the necks for the safety of the good people of the 
town ; that each man have four dollars for each night's 
service on guard. Capt. Philip Slead to go to the Gen- 
eral Court at Boston to see whether the court would 
make any allowance to the town for those men which 
the town hired to go on the line. Chose the town clerk 
to draw up something for Capt. Philip Slead to carry 
to the council." 

1779. " Voted twenty-two men to guard the shores, 
who shall have four dollars per night, or, if they 
choose, two dollars with rations and Continental 
wages. 

"Voted a committee to visit Gen. Gates to see if 
he will provide for the safety of the town. 

" The Committee of Safety to go to Concord to 
meet with the Committee of Correspondence in Con- 
gress on July 14, 1779. The selectmen shall send to 
Boston for fire-arms." 

January, 1780. " Voted four thousand pounds to 
buy blankets, according to the order ,of the court, 
and to pay necessary expenses." 

June, 1780. " Voted three hundred pounds Conti- 
nental money to all who enlist for six months." 
This was at the next meeting increased to four hun- 
dred pounds, then to seven hundred pounds, then to 
one thousand pounds. Then " one hundred and 
twenty silver dollars" were oflered, " and the select- 
men have power to increase the sum if necessary." 

1780. " For gate and posts for the pound and put- 
ting up same, one hundred dollars. 

" Voted eleven thousand seven hundred and sixty 
dollars for the purchase of horses to send to Taunton 
by order of the General Court. 

"Voted one hundred and forty dollars Continen- 
tal money to pay for an ax ; the selectmen to have 
fifty dollars a day in Continental money." 

1783. " Petitioned General Court for a lottery to 
rebuild Myles' bridge." 

1785. " Chose a committee to divide the school 
districts to accommodate the children." 

1791. For representative to Congress, one hundred 
and seventy-seven votes were cast, of which Bishop 
had one hundred and seventy-one votes. 

1804. Presidential election ; the electoral ticket 
headed by James Sullivan had one hundred and 
sixty-one, and that headed by David Cobb, four 
votes. 

Sept. 4, 1804. Election for State officers: John 
Hancock, Esq., for Governor, seventeen votes ; James 
Boardman, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor, seventeen 
votes ; Thomas Durefey, Esq., councilor, seventeen 
votes ; Walter Spooner, Esq., councilor, eleven votes ; 
Ephraim Starkweather, Esq., councilor, seventeen 
votes ; Nathaniel Leonard, Esq., councilor, six votes. 



656 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Pioneer Schools. — Dec. 19, 1673. " It was voted 
and ordered, nemine contradiceiite, that a school be 
forthwith set up in this town for the teaching of gram- 
mar, rhetoric, and arithmetic, and the tongues of 
Latin, Greelc, and Hebrew ; also to read English and 
to write, and that a salary of forty pounds per annum 
in current country pay, which passeth from man to 
man, be duly paid from time to time, and at all times 
hereafter, and that John Myles, the present pastor of 
the church here assembling be the schoolmaster." 

1698.' — Jonathan Bosworth was employed as teacher 
at £18, one-fourth in money and the rest in provisions 
at money prices. 

1702. The town was fined £5 for not having a 
school, and employed John Devotion at £12 and diet, 
and £20 for keeping a horse. (Terms of school were 
kept in different parts of the town.) The next year 
his pay was £16; in 1709 he was employed for six 
years ; in 1715 for twenty years more. 

Miles' Bridge— Lottery. — One of the earliest 
bridges erected in this section of Bristol County was 
the one at this point. It is impossible at this late day 
to ascertain the exact date of the building of the 
first bridge at this point, but it was doubtless in the 
early part of the last century, for the Provincial stat- 
utes of 1736-37 refer to a bridge called Miles' Bridge 
in a' country road had theretofore been constructed 
and had fallen into decay, and the towns of Swansea 
and Barringt(m were ordered " to build a good and 
substantial cart bridge across the said river in the 
country road aforesaid where the said bridge did 
stand." 

The present iron bridge was built in 1878. It is 
seventy-five feet long, and rests on two abutments 
with wing walls. 

In 1749 an act was passed allowing the town of 
Swansea to raise funds by lottery for the rebuilding 
of this bridge, as follows : 

"The Province of the Massachusetts Ba\, 
" Dec. 11, 1749. 
•'An act (0 iiUow the tomi of Swunsea, in the covnty of Bristol^ to set np and 

carry on a lolterij for the rehmUimj anil keeping in rejiair Miles' Bridijein 

mid town : 

" Whereas, By a law of this province made in the sixth year of tlie 
reign of liis late Maje!>ty King George the First, entitled, ' An act to 
suppress lotteries;' and another law made in the sixth year of his pres- 
ent Majesty's reign, in addition to the aforesaid act, the setting up or 
carrying on lottenes are suppressed, unless allowed by act of Parliament 
or law of this province ; and 

" Whereas, The said town of Swansea have represented their inability 
of rebuilding and keeping in repair the great bridge and causeway in 
said town, called Miles' Bridge, by reason great part of said town is 
taken off to Khode Island by the late settlement of the boundary line 
betwixt the two governments, and pray the allowance of setting up and 
carrying on a lottery in said town for that purpose,— 
" Be it therefore enaeUd bi/ the Lieutenant- Gmemor, Council, and Home of 

Representatives : 

" Sec 1. That the said town of Swansea be and hereby is allowed and 
authorized to set up and carry on a lottery within said town for the use 
and purpose aforesaid, of the amount of twenty-five thousand pounds, 
old tenor, drawing ouLof such prize ten per cent., and said town be em- 



powered to make rules for the regular and practicabfe proceeding in said 
affair, and to appoint times and places, and meet persons for managers 
therein, who shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of their trust. 

" And in order to prevent any bubble or cheats happening to the pur- 
chasers or drawers of the tickets, 

" Be it further enacted : 

" Sec. 2. That said Swansea shall be answera])le to the purchasers or 
drawers of the tickets for any deficiency or misconduct of the managers, 
according to the true intent of lotteries." 

Deputies and Representatives from 1670 to 
1884"' have been as follows : 

1670, John Allen; 1671-72, James Brown; 1674-75, Hugh Cole; 1677- 
79, Samuel Luther; 1680, Hugh Cole; 1681-82, Obadiah Brown; 
1683-86, Hugh Cole; 16S9, Lieut. Timothy Brooks and William 
Howard; 1G91, Capt. John Brown; 1G92. "Representatives to a 
great and general court or assembly to be held at ye town-house in 
Boston." Capt. John Bi'own and Mr. Samuel Newman ; 1693, Kben- 
ezer Brenton ; 1697, Ensign Joseph Kent; 1698-1705, Ephraim 
Peirce; 1706, Hezekiah Luther; 1707-8, Joseph Mason; 1709-10, 
Ephraim Pierce; 1711-12, John Thomas; 1716-18, John Rogers, 
Esij. ; 1720, Joseph Mason, Jr., and William Salisbury; 1724, Capt. 
John Brown; 1726-27, Eph. Pierce; 1728, Hugh Cole; 1730-33, Jo- 
seph Mason, Jr.; 1736, Justice Brandfnrd, Esq.; 1738, Justis Ma- 
son; 1739, William .\nthony; 1741, Mr. Ezek. Brown; 1743, Perez 
Brandford, Esq. ; 1744, " Voted not to have a Representative;" 1745, 
Ezek. Brown; 1746, Mr. Caleb Luther; 1747-50, Mr. Ezek. Brown; 
1751-52, William Slade; 1754, John Anthony ; 1756, William Slade; 
1757-58, John Anthony; 1759-74, Jeruthamel Bowers; 1775, " Jer- 
uthamel Bowers and Philip Slead to represent the Town in the Pro- 
vincial Congress, and that these two persons have no more than the 
wages of one ;" 1777, Col. Andrew Cole and Mr. Philip Slead ; 1778, 
Col. Edward Anthony ; 1779, Philip Slead and Israel Barney ; " Is- 
rael Barney, delegate to the Convention at Concord in October;" 
"Capt. Philip Slead and Mr. John Mason, delegates to represent the 
town at Cambridge in forming a new constitution ;" 1780, 1783, Ju- 
rathamel Bpwers, " John Richmond to go to Boston the first Wednes- 
day of June ;" 1781-82, voted not to send a Representative ; 1784, Sim- 
eon Potter; 1785-86, Christopher Mason; 1787, Christopher Mason 
and James Luther: 17S0-1S 3, Christoplier Mason; 1806-7, Daniel 
Hale; 1809-10, Daniel Hale and Edward Mason; 1811-12, Daniel 
Hale and Benanuel Marvel; 1813-19, Daniel Ilale ; l(-20. Dr. John 
Winslow; 1821-22, .lohn Mason; 1823-25, Benanuel Marvel; 1826, 
Benjamin Taylor; 1827, Daniel Hale and John Buffingtoti, " Voted 
that D. Uale be instructed to attend the Legislature, and if in his 
opinion it is necessary for John Bnffington to attend, he must write 
or send to him, and he is instructed to attend if called for;" 1828, 
John JIasou and John Bnffington. May, 1829, "Voted to exonerate 
John Mason from paying into the Treiisury the sum generally ex- 
pended in treating the inhabitants of the town at a choice of rep- 
resentatives, which he agreed to at his election in 1828." 1829, 
Luther Baker and Benajah Mason. " Voted, That the Keps be in- 
structed to oppose all RR. constructed at the expense of the State." 
1830, L. Baker and B. Mason : 1831, John Earl and B. Mason ; 1832, 
Benanuel Marvel; 1833, B. Marvel and John Earl; 1834, James 
Cornell; 1835, J. Cornell and George Austin; 1830-37, George 
Mason; 1838-39, Artenias Stebbins; 1840, Jonathan R. Brown; 
1841-42, Stephen Bufflngton ; 1843, James Cornell; 1844-45, Philip 
M. Marvel; 1840-47, Jonathan Barney; 1848-49, Ezra P. Short; 
j 1850, William T.Chase; 1851, Daniel Edson ; 1852, no choice; 1853, 

Horatio Peck ; 1854, Allen Mason ; 1855, Benjamin S. Earl ; 1856, 
voted not to send a representative. 
Kepresentatives from the district, residents of Swansea : 1859, Edward 
F. Gardner; 1802, W. H. Pearse ; 1865, Ezra P. Short; 1868, Rnfus 
Slade; 1871, Job Gardner; 1874, Nathan M. Wood; 1878, James E. 
Estabrookfi; 1882, James H. Mason ; 1883, Job M. Leonard. 



1 From records of town condensed. 



2 Compiled by Rev. J. W. Oshorn. 



SWANSEA. 



657 



CHAPTER LIV. 

SWANSEA.— ( Conthmed.) 

PIONEER IIISTOEY— KING PHILIP'S WAR. 

The following chapter was contributed by Hon. George B. Loring, 
being an ailiiress deliyereii by tiim in this town in 1875, at the two hun- 
dredth anniversary of the massacre of the inh.abitants during King 
Philip's war. 

" My Friends and Fellow-Citizens, — I have 
accepted your invitation to deliver thi.s address on the 
occasion of the second centennial anniversary of the 
great tragic event in the history of your town with 
extreme reluctance and with many misgivings. I 
cannot expect to share with you all those hallowed 
memories which spring up in your minds and warm 
your hearts whose homes are on this spot, whose an- 
cestors repose beneath this sod, whose hearthstones 
are here, whose eyes have beheld the domestic scenes, 
and whose hearts have felt the joys and sorrows which 
make up the story you would most gladly hear to-day. 
To you who enjoy this spot as home, the church, this 
village-green, these farm-houses, every field and 
wooded hill, the highway and the by-path, the valley 
and the brook, all tell a tale of tender interest, to 
you who remember the events of childhood here, to 
you who to-day return from long wandering, to you 
who have remained and have brought this munici- 
pality on to an honorable era in its history, to you who 
turn aside to linger over the grave of a beloved pa- 
rent, and to you who still pause and drop a tear on 
that little mound where your child has lain so long, 
and from which through all the years that have passed 
since it left you its sweet voice has been heard, re- 
minding you of your duty in this world, and assuring 
you of the peace and joy of the world to come. To 
me, indeed, the domestic record of this town, the 
most sacred record to you, is, as it were, a sealed vol- 
ume, open only to my gaze as a member of the same 
human family with yourselves, and as one feeling that 
common sympathy which binds as with a silver cord 
all the sons of God into one great brotherhood. 
While, therefore, I cannot intrude upon the sacred- 
ness of your firesides, nor claim a seat in your do- 
mestic circle, nor expect to be admitted within the 
railing of your altar, I can call to your minds those 
events in the history of your town which have estab- 
lished its intimate relations with that interesting ex- 
periment of society and state which has been worked 
out on this continent during the last two hundred 
years. 

" In celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of 
a great historic incident in the history of a New 
England town, the peculiar and extraordinary nature 
of a civil organization of this kind should not be 
forgotten, especially by those who enjoy the high 
privileges which belong to it. To many nationalities 
and peoples a town means nothing more than a clus- 
ter of houses surrounded by a wall and fortified, or 
the realm of a constable, or the seat of a church. But 
42 



to us in New England the town was in the beginning, 
as it is now, the primary organization, sovereign in 
itself ' The colonists had no sooner formed a settle- 
ment and erected their cabins in convenient prox- 
imity to each other than they organized themselves a 
town, an independent municipality, in which every 
citizen had a voice and a vote.' The first duty of this 
organization, in the minds of olir fathers, was the es- 
tablishment of a church, and the erection of a meet- 
ing-house and a school-house received their earliest 
care and attention. It is remarkable and interesting 
to see how in the little municipalities of New Eng- 
land all the rights of citizenship were cherished, and 
how silently and unostentatiously all the elements of 
a free State were fixed and developed. Starting away 
from the original colonies, they planted themselves 
in the wilderness, and assumed at once the duty 
of independent organizations. Their citizens in town- 
meeting assembled had the control of all matters re- 
lating to their civil and criminal jurisdiction. In the 
New England colonies the towns were combined in 
counties long after their establishment and repre- 
sentation as towns, so that the county here was a col- 
lection of towns rather than the town a sub-division 
of a county. This system of town organization is 
maintained throughout New England to the present 
day, constituting one of the most interesting features 
of the civil polity of this section of our country. 
Says Barry, in his ' History of Massachusetts,' ' Each 
(town) sustained a relation to the whole analogous 
to that which the States of our Union hold respec- 
tively to the central power or the Constitution of the 
United States.' Says Palfrey, in his 'History of 
New England,' ' With something of the same pro- 
priety with which the nation may be said to be a 
confederacy of republics called States, each New 
England State may be described as a confederacy of 
minor republics called towns.' Neither in New 
York, with its great landed properties, at first held 
and occupied by a kind of feudal tenure and after- 
ward with its counties, nor in the Western States, 
where the town survey carries with it no local politi- 
cal authority, nor in the South, where the county or- 
ganization is the one which governs local matters, 
can be found that form of self-government which 
gives the New England towns their individuality, 
and which has enabled them to enroll their names on 
the brightest pages of American history. How in 
the olden time they cherished the church and built 
the meeting-house ! How they fostered education and 
erected the school-house! How they selected their 
wisest and bravest men for the public councils ! How 
they resolved for freedom in open town-meeting! 
How they hurled defiance at the oppressor, and 
sprang up an army of defiant communities, each one 
feeling its responsibility and ready and anxious to 
assume it! Would you study the valor of your coun- 
try in its early days '? — go to the town records of New 
England. Would you learn where the leaders and 



658 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



statesmen were taught their lesson of independence 
and nationality? — read the recorded resolves of the 
New England towns. 

" The origin and organization of these New Eng- 
land towns were by no means uniform. In some 
instances they were founded immediately on the 
landing of the colonists out of lands conferred upon 
them by their charter ; in other instances they were 
made up by grants of land to an offshoot from the 
parent colony, whose enterprise consisted in organiz- 
ing a new town ; in other instances grants of land 
made from time to time to individuals and corpora- 
tions for farms and other purposes, wbich grants were 
consolidated into townships. 

" The proprietors and settlers on the lands of Swan- 
sea, a name derived from the town of Swansea, in 
Wales, from whence came the Rev. John Miles, the 
first minister, in 1663, secured their title to the land 
here from the Plymouth Court, or by Indian deeds 
confirmed by grants from this court. For a long time 
this power was exercised by the Plymouth Colony, 
and it not only extended its possessions in the direc- 
tion of Mount Hope, whose lands were vastly more 
attractive than those lying towards Cape Cod, but 
they were in constant controversy with the colony of 
Massachusetts Bay with regard to the boundary line 
separating them along the towns of Hingliam and 
Cohasset. The lands lying within the limits of Swan- 
sea, which then included Somerset and Barrington, 
were in this manner conveyed to Governor Bradford, 
Samuel Newman, Peregrine White, Josiah Wiuslow, 
Governor Prince, and others, and were by them held 
in joint-stock companies, and sold to those who de- 
sired to become actual settlers. It is the record of 
these sales, kept by the clerk of the court at Plym- 
outh, and constituting each proprietor's title to the 
lands which he sold and each settler's title to the 
lands which he occupied, that lies at the foundation 
of that system of land-holding known now as being 
peculiar to America, and as the commercial in contra- 
distinction to the feudal tenure, — a system in which 
our Pilgrim fathers were more than two centuries 
ahead of the times in which they lived. To this 
liberal system, through which has grown up the 
division and sub-division of land in New England 
from the earliest period of its history, I always tiun 
with pride, as I do with pride and gratitude to that 
provision made in every colony for endowing with 
landed possessions the institutions of religion and 
learning. But, in addition to this, to Swansea be- 
longs the curious distinction of having organized a 
division of lands based upon ranks and orders in 
society. The selection of a committee of five persons 
to classify society, and to indicate how much land 
the members of each class shall hold, with power also 
to elevate and to degrade according to their pleasure, 
is a novelty in popular institutions confined, I am 
happy to learn, to this town, and abolished, when its 
despotic and feudal characteristics became kn -"wn and 



understood, with more promptness than it was adopted. 
Possessed, however, of lands in this manner, and un- 
doubtedly drawn together by a catholic and gentle 
religious sentiment, the Rev. Mr. Miles, Capt. Thomas 
Willett, James Brown, John Allen, and others, about 
the year 1667, organized a separate town corporation 
under the name of New Swansea. Mr. Miles was 
one of the pure-minded, earnest, liberal religious 
leaders of his day, — a man full of religious tolera- 
tion, based upon a firm and abiding religious faith. 
Thomas Willett was an energetic, brave, intelligent, 
and cultivated friend of the Pilgrims both in Eng- 
land and Holland, and was considered to be a fit. 
successor of Miles Standish in the command of the 
Plymouth militia, — a man equal to any heroic occa- 
sion, any emergency calling for high moral and men- 
tal powers. John Brown stands by the side of Capt. 
Willett, his peer in all those qualities which ennoble 
and dignify mankind. He, too, was brave, intelli- 
gent, and pious, — a model of those great men upon 
whom has fallen from age to age the high duly of 
founding states and empires. It was these men, with 
their associates, who erected that first primitive 
church on New Meadow Neck, and provided liberally 
for the education of the children of the town, upon 
whom were to fall the obligations and services of 
Church and State, and in all these things they did 
their work well. In church the Rev. John Miles 
toiled on for more than twenty years, setting an ex- 
ample of fidelity, purity, charity, and honesty worthy 
of all imitation, and securing for his name such im- 
mortality on earth as grateful man can bestow. 

" From the simple and unostentatious institution 
of learning stepped forth Samuel Myles, a graduate 
of Harvard, and for forty years an able and be- 
loved rector of King's Chapel, Boston. With what 
thrift and economy were the meeting-house and the 
school-house of that day erected ! With what slender 
stipend were the laborers in those vineyards re- 
warded ! What the Rev. Mr. Miles received does not 
appear, but, among the schoolmasters, Mr. Bosworth 
got twenty pounds per annum for his services ; Mr. 
John Devotion, twelve pounds, agreeing also to pay 
for his diet, and to allow him twenty pounds for the 
keeping of his horse. 

■' Of the motives and manners and customs of those 
who founded this town let me here say a word. They 
formed a pai't of that large body of dissenters who 
under various names came to New England and set- 
tled the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts 
Bay. They came, it is true, to enjoy religious free- 
dom, but they also sought a civil organization tbunded 

I upon the right of every man to a voice in the govern- 
ment under which he lives. In the charter of all the 
towns granted by the General Court it was provided 
that the grantees were 'to procure and maintain an 
able orthodox minister amongst them,' and to build 
a meeting-house ' within three years.' This was their 

, motive. In all their customs they were obliged o 



SWANSEA. 



659 



exercise tbe utmost simplicity, and they voluntarily 
regulated their conduct by those formal rules which, 
in their day, constituted the Puritan's guide through 
the world. We are told, as an illustration of their 
character and manners, that by the laws of the colony 
in 16S1 'dancing at weddings' was forbidden. In 
1660. ' William Walker was imprisoned a month for 
courting a maid without the leave of her parents.' 

" In 1675, because ' there is manifest pride in ap- 
pearing in our streets,' the wearing of 'long hair or 
periwigs,' and also 'superstitious ribands,' used to 
tie up and decorate the hair, were forbidden under 
• severe penalties. Men, too, were forbidden to 'keep 
Christmas,' because it was a ' popish custom.' In 
1677 an act was passed to prevent ' the profaneness' 
of 'turning the back upon the public worship before 
it is finished and the blessing pronounced.' Towns 
were directed to erect ' a cage' near the meeting- 
house, and in this all oft'enders against the sanctity 
of the Sabbath were confined. At the same time 
children were directed to be placed in a particular 
part of the meeting-house, apart by themselves, and 
tithingmen were ordered to be chosen, whose duty it 
should be to take care of them. So strict were they 
in their observance of the Sabbath that John Ather- 
ton, a soldier of Col. Tyng's company, was fined by 
him ' forty shillings' for ' wetting a piece of an old 
hat to put into his shoes,' which chafed his feet upon 
the march, and those who neglected to attend meet- 
ing for three months were publicly whipped. Even 
in Harvard College students were whipped for grave 
ofl'enses in the chapel, in presence of students and 
professors, and prayers were had before and after the 
infliction of the punishment. As the settlers of Swan- 
sea are described as being of 'sober and orderly con- 
versation,' we may suppose that these laws and cus- 
toms were in this town rigidly enforced. 

" Perhaps a word upon the subsistence and diet of 
your ancestors may interest you here. Palfrey tells 
us that 'in tbe early days of New England wheaten 
bread was not so common as it afterwards became, 
but its place was largely supplied by preparations of 
Indian corn. A mixture of two parts of the meal 
of this grain with one part of rye has continued until 
far into the present century to furnish the bread of 
the great body of the people. In the beginning there 
was but a sparing consumption of butcher's meat. The 
multiplication of flocks for their wool, and of herds 
for draught and for milk was an important care, and 
they generally bore a high money value. Game and 
fish to a considerable extent supjjlied the want of ani- 
mal food. Next to these, swine and poultry, fowls, 
ducks, geese, and turkeys were in common use earlier 
than other kinds of flesh meat. The New Englander 
of the present time, who, in whatever rank of life, 
would be at a loss without his tea or coftee twice at 
least in every day, pities the hardships of his ances- 
tors, who almost universally for a century and a half 
made their morning and evening repast on boiled In- 



dian meal and milk, or on porridge, or broth made of 
peas or beans and flavored by being boiled with 
salted beef or pork. Beer, however, which was 
brewed in families, was accounted a necessary of life, 
and the orchards soon yielded a bountiful provision 
of cider. Wine and rum found a ready market as 
soon as they were brought from abroad, and tobacco 
and legislation had a long conflict, in which the latter 
at last gave way. 

"Population. — It is diiHcult to realize how feeble 
and few were the colonists at the time when this town 
was passing out of its confederation of farms into an 
organized corporation. There were then probably in 
New England from forty thousand to forty-five thou- 
sand English people. Of this number twenty-five 
thousand may have belonged to Massachusetts, ten 
thousand to Connecticut as newly constituted, five 
thousand to Plymouth, and three thousand to Rhode 
Island. They inhabited ninety towns, of which four 
were in Rhode Island, twelve in Plymouth, twenty- 
two in Connecticut, and the rest in Massachusetts. 
. . . Connecticut, according to the account sent home 
by the royal commissioners, had many scattering 
towns not worthy of their names, and a scholar to 
their minister in every town or village. In Rhode 
Island, they said, were the best English grass and 
most sheep, the ground very fruitful, ewes bringing 
ordinarily two lambs, corn yielding eighty for one, 
and in some places they had had corn twenty-six 
years together without manuring. In this province 
only they had not any places set apart for the wor- 
ship of God, there being so many sub-divided sects 
they could not agree to meet together in one place, 
but, according to their several judgments, they some- 
times associated in one house, sometimes in another. 
In Plymouth it was the practice to pursuade men, 
sometimes to compel them to be freemen, so far were 
they from hindering any. They had about twelve 
small towns, one saw-mill for boards, one bloomery 
for iron, neither good river nor good harbor nor any 
place of strength ; they were so poor they were unable 
to maintain scholars to their ministers, but were ne- 
cessitated to make use of a gifted brother in some 
places. The commodities of Massachusetts were fish, 
which was sent into France, Spain, and the Straits, 
pipe-staves, masts, fir-boards, some pitch and tar, 
pork, beef, horses, and corn, which they sent to Vir- 
ginia, Barbadoes, etc., and took tobacco and sugar 
for payment, which they often sent for England. 
There was good store of iron made in this province. 
In the Piscataqua towns were excellent masts gotten, 
... and upon the river were above twenty saw-mills, 
and there were great stores of pipe-staves made, and 
great store of good timber spoiled. In Maine there 
were but few towns, and those much scattered. They 
were rather farms than towns. In the Duke of York's 
province, beyond the Kennebec, there were three 
small plantations, the biggest of which had not above 
thirty houses in it, and the.se very mean ones too, 



660 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and spread over eight miles at least. Those people 
were, for the most part, fishermen, and never had any 
government among them ; most of them were such 
as had fled hither to avoid justice. 

" In Boston, the principal town of the country, the 
houses were generally wooden, the streets crooked, 
with little decency and no uniformity; and there 
neither months, days, seasons of the year, churches, 
nor inns were known by their English names. At 
Cambridge they had a wooden college, and in the 
yard a brick pile of two bages for the Indians, where 
the commissioners saw but one. They said they had 
three more at school. It might be feared this college 
might afford as many schismatics to the church, and 
the corporation as many rebels to the king as for- 
merly they had done if not timely prevented. 

" As a part of the social and civil organization 
which I have described, the old town of Swansea is 
full of interest and significance; but as the home of 
the Rev. John Myles, it is connected with some of the 
most important religious movements of a time made 
illustrious by its great protests, and by its heroic de- 
votion to freedom of conscience in matters of church 
and state. John Myles was a Baptist, born in a re- 
gion which had long attbrded protection to the perse- 
cuted and oppressed, and which was the birthplace 
of Roger Williams and Oliver Cromwell. A leader 
of his denomination in Wales, he exercised great 
power among the churches there and in England ; 
was among the first to sutler from the tyranny of 
Charles II. after the restoration, and also among 
the first to seek freedom to worship God on these 
shores. With Nicholas Tawner, Obediah Brown, 
John Thomas, and others, he came to America, 
bringing with him the doctrines of his church in 
Wales, a devoted heart, and a calm and undying 
courage. Taught by the experience of Obediah 
Holmes, who was excommunicated by the church in 
Salem in 1646, who was cruelly condemned by the 
court at Boston to suflfer punishment with thirty 
lashes from a three-corded whip for preaching heresy 
to the brethren in Lynn, but who when complained 
of before the Plymouth Court was simply directed to 
'refrain from practices disagreeable to the brethren,' 
taught, morever, by the similar experience of Roger 
Williams that the rights of conscience were not uni- 
versally respected even in New England, he betook 
himself to this region of liberality where we now sit, 
and founded here the second Baptist Church in 
America, the first having been gathered not long pre- 
vious at Rehoboth, in the house of John Butterworth. 
It was, however, from the church in Swansea that 
the first Holy Covenant emanated, a broad and liberal 
document, in which, with profound piety and the 
warmest Christian charity, it is declared that, " So 
we are ready to accept of, receive to, and hold com- 
munion with all such as by a judgment of charity 
we conceive to be fellow-members with us in our 
head, Christ Jesus, though difiering from us in such 



controversial points as are not absolutely and essen- 
tially necessary to salvation." It is difficult to realize 
in this day the difficulties which surrounded such 
generous sentiments as these, and the bitter persecu- 
tion exercised towards their advocates when John 
Myles sought shelter within the' narrow domain of 
the Plymouth Colony, and availed himself of the 
only liberal jurisdiction then on earth — the Plymouth 
Court — for the protection of himself and his followers. 
And we are filled with wonder and admiration at the 
powerful influence exercised through all the ages that 
have followed by this narrow Pilgrim empire of inde- 
pendent conscience, religious freedom, and human ele- 
vation and equality. The pages of history are crowded 
with records of national power and renown, and of 
personal heroism, genius, and greatness, but they all 
surrender now to the immortal force of that little col- 
ony which set the first example of self-government, 
and in an age of various and constant persecution 
laid down the law of personal freedom and right. 
What a noble instance of true devotion to the high- 
est principle it was when the followers of John Rob- 
inson, of Leyden, Calvinists all, opened their doors 
to the followers of Roger Williams and John Myles, 
and manifested their grand conception of the true 
meaning of religious toleration ! What a lesson they 
taught the world ! And how, as by the guidance of 
the Divine Father, who ' raaketh His sun to rise on 
the evil and the good,' did they secure to themselves 
an eternal association with the radiant progress of 
civil and religious freedom ! When the Pilgrim at 
Plymouth gave the protection of his little colony to 
the Baptist driven from his home among the moun- 
tains of Wales, he took to his heart the pioneers of 
human progress and assertion, and became one in an 
immortal copartnership engaged in liberalizing and 
humanizing and elevating the church and the state; 
for of their associates in this great work, the friends 
of Roger Williams and John Myles, Sir Isaac New- 
ton says, ' The Baptists are the only body of Chris- 
tians that has not symbolized with the Church of 
Rome.' Of them Bancroft says, ' With greater con- 
sistency than Luther, they applied the doctrines of 
the Reformation to the social positions of life, and 
threatened an end to priestcraft and kingcraft, spirit- 
ual domination, titles, and vassalage. They were 
trodden under foot with most arrogant scorn, and 
their history is written in the blood of thousands of 
the German peasantry, but their principle, secure in 
their immortality, escaped with Roger Williams to 
Providence, and his colony is witness that naturally 
the paths of the Baptists are paths of freedom, pleas- 
antness, and peace.' Of them Mr. Locke has said, 
'The Baptists were from the beginning the friends 
of liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial 
liberty.' Of them Dr. Williams says, 'To this 
Iiody English liberty owes a debt it can never ac- 
knowledge. Among the Baptists Christian freedom 
found its earliest, its stanchest, its most consistent. 



SWANSEA. 



661 



and its most disinterested champions.' Of tliem 
Judge Story says, ' In the code of laws established 
by them in Rhode Island we read for the first time 
since Christianity ascended the throne of the C:esars 
the declaration that conscience should be free, and 
men should not be punished for worshiping God in 
the way they were persuaded He requires.' Of them 
the world may now say that their spirit has become 
the spirit of Christianity, and in the light of freedom 
which poured from their humble abodes all denomi- 
nations, all forms of faith, all believers walk, sup- 
ported and bound together by one sublime sentiment 
that they are all ' heirs of God and joint heirs with 
Christ.' 

" Casting our eyes now over the numerous colonies 
which two hundred years ago had been organized on 
this continent, and which were engaged in all the 
various enterprises for which colonies are founded, 
we should naturally expect for this fair section of the 
Old Colony, founded as it was on the doctrine of 
' peace on earth and good will to men,' an immunity 
from those conflicts with hostile savages which per- 
plexed and distressed and threatened to destroy many 
of their less humane and more worldly-minded neigh- 
bors. The lands which the colonists occupied here 
had been secured by fair and honest purchase, and, 
with the exception of the natin-al antagonism be- 
tween a stern and high-toned and self-sacrificing and 
self-respecting form of humanity and a wild and .abo- 
riginal and selfish and cruel and self-indulgent and 
low-minded and hollow-hearted product of a society 
without principle or regulation or thought or high 
purpose, with the exception of antagonism like this 
between man in the image of his Maker and man in 
the image of a beast, the relations existing between 
the early settlers of this town and their savage pre- 
decessors were such as seemed to promise long-con- 
tinued and unbroken peace. But to the wild man of 
the woods, who carried his law in his quiver, and toma- 
hawked his enemy with impunity, and knew neither 
liearthstone nor altar, and drove his squaw from the 
servitude and social vulgarity and filth of a wigwam 
to the toil and heat and weariness of the cornfield, 
the just punishment of crime and a rebuke for a mis- 
demeanor were equivalent to a declaration of war and 
an attack. 

" And so when Sausaman, an Indian of the Massa- 
chusetts tribe, a disciple of Eliot, was murdered and 
his body concealed beneath the ice in a pond at Mid- 
dleborough, and his murderers brought to justice, 
Philip, of Mount Hope, considered it a sufficient 
reason for a rapid development of the murderous 
hostilities for which he had long been preparing. 
Loaded with broken promises, black with treachery 
and deceit, thirsting for the blood of those whose ad- 
vancing civilization he saw was developing all the 
arts of peace and the health and joy and strength of 
civilized society upon the lands from which his own i 
debauched and war-stricken and plague-stricken 



tribes were gradually being exterminated, he struck 
that fearful blow which fell two hundred years ago 
upon this devoted town. It was on a day of fasting 
and humiliation and of prayer to Almighty God that 
He would avert the horrors of the impending war, the 
24th of June, 1675, that the savage made his second 
attack on the town. The people here had been lulled 
into confidence and repose by a consciousness of their 
own honest? intentions, and by daily familiar inter- 
course with the aboriginal occupants of the wigwams 
which crowned these hills and sought seclusion and 
protection in these valleys. The old men here had 
taught themselves to believe that their gray hairs 
were safe and respected, the young men had con- 
fidently applied their strength to a better service than 
the work of w.ar, the mother had long since laid 
aside all fear for the safety of her child, the child 
had not yet learned that the red-skinned maiden was 
her natural foe when the mask fell from the face of 
the savage and his cruel and infernal designs became 
manifest. The doors of the little church had just 
closed, and the worshipers were returning to their 
homes, heavy with the thought of the danger which 
hung over them like a dark and threatening cloud, 
when the attack was made. We are told that one 
was killed and others were wounded ; two men were 
killed who were sent for a surgeon, and near Bourn's 
garrison six more were murdered, upon whose bodies 
the savages ' exercised more than brutish barbarities, 
beheading, dismembering, and mangling them and 
exposing them in the most inhuman manner, which 
gashed and ghastly objects struck a damp on all be- 
holders.' 

" The war became general throughout the Massachu- 
setts and Plymouth Colonies. Philip, subtile, vindic- 
tive, ambitious, and desperate, united all the tribes 
from the waters of the bay to the Connecticut River 
in what he called a desperate struggle for the land of 
his fathers. For a time the conflict was confined to 
the Plymouth- Colony, and Middleborough, Taunton, 
and Dartmouth had suffered from attacks, but Philip's 
emissaries were everywhere. An attempt of the Eng- 
lish to treat with the Nipmunks resulted in a most 
bloody and disastrous fight at Brookfield. The In- 
dians in the valley of the Connecticut entered the 
field, and Hadley, Hatfield, and Deerfield, Long 
Meadow and Westfield, Springfield and Northamp- 
ton, all suffered severely. Even the ' Pr.aying' Indians, 
who for a long time either aided the English or were 
neutral, began to join the warlike bands of Philip. 
The commissioners of the colonies found it necessary 
to issue a declaration of war, and agreed to raise a 
thousand troops, of which Massachusetts was to raise 
five hundred and twenty-seven, Plymouth one hun- 
dred and fifty-eight, and Connecticut three hundred 
and fifteen. Plymouth promptly responded. Maj. 
Cudworth was chosen commander-in-chief A com- 
mittee was appointed to take an account of the charges 
of the war, ' the salaries of the commanders and 



662 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



common soldiers' were fixed, ' and during the time of 
danger it was ordered that every one should take his 
arms to meeting on the Lord's day until further notice, 
furnished with at least five charges of powder and 
shot, under penalty of 20s. for every default.' The 2d 
of December, 1075, was designated by the several 
courts as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer 
throughout the colonies, and on the 8th the Massa- j 
chusetts troops under Maj. Appleton, the Plymouth 
forces under Maj. Bradford, and the Connecticut forces 
under Maj. Treat set forth to unite upon an attack 
upon the Narragansett country, the home and head- 
quarters of the hostile Indians. The hardships of 
that winter march through deep snows, the murderous 
fire of the savages from their fort, in assaulting which 
Johnson and Davenport, two of the bravest officers 
from Massachusetts, fell, the deadly conflict within 
the walls of the fortification, the fiendish warfare of 
the savages, their desperate struggles, their final rout, 
the destruction of their entire settlement, in which' 
five hundred wigwams were burnt, and their corn, 
stores, and utensils were destroyed, and many of their 
men, women, and children perished miserably, form 
a picture of colonial trials and distresses from which 
we turn our eyes in horror, and whose shadows still 
fall darkly across this fair land. 

" The war was now transferred to the interior. The 
winter campaign was trying beyond words to express, 
the Indians declaring that they would ' fight to the 
last man rather than become servants to the English,' 
and the colonies feeling that they were struggling for 
their very existence. Lancaster and Groton became 
battle-grounds, Marlborough was burned, the un- 
speakable horrors of Long Meadow were enacted, 
the slaughter at Sudbury filled the colonies with 
dismay, sorrow returned to the homes of the Pil- 
grims, Plymouth was attacked, and the remainder 
of the village of Middleborough was devoted to 
destruction ; the valley of the Connecticut was again 
ablaze, the stream ran blood, and before midsummer 
of 1676, after less than one year of war, Massachu- 
setts and Plymouth presented one sad and sicken- 
ing scene of the atrocities of savage warfare. It 
is difficult now to describe it. A people thinly 
scattered over the pleasant land, exposed, feeble, and 
few, are suddenly swept by wild and raging war. 
The sky was red with the flames of burning towns 
and hamlets, the forests rung with the shrieks of 
agonized women, the piteous appeals of children torn 
from their mothers' arms, the yells of triumphant 
savages, all commingling to tell those dark and dis- 
mal solitudes the fearful story of man's inhumanity 
to man. The tale of sufiering is sad indeed. At 
least thirteen towns were wholly destroyed, more 
than six hundred stalwart and brave men of the 
colonists fell upon the battle-field, many of the sur- 
vivors were disabled by wounds received in the des- 
perate and bloody encounters, almost every family 
had a sufferer, more than six hundred buildings 



were consumed by fire, and the feeble' and exhausted 
colonies, — poor indeed before the war, but poverty- 
stricken after it, — were left with a heavy and bur- 
densome war debt. When, on the 12th of August, 
1676, Philip fell and the war ended, a land bowed 
down with grief, and hung everywhere with the 
drapery of war, turned prayerfully to God, and en- 
tered once more upon its work of peace and progress. 

" As we rehearse this story of suffering and valor, 
my friends, how our hearts are filled with respect for 
the high qualities which enabled the liberty-loving 
founders of this town to bear themselves with self- 
possession through such trying scenes. We muse 
upon a life like theirs, and we learn how heroes are 
made and sturdy and heroic people are born. The 
possession of those high moral and religious faculties 
which belonged to your ancestors seemed to be assur- 
ance enough that human rights would always find 
here warm and uncompromising defenders, and the 
highest doctrines of government and society would 
find able and fearless advocates ; but from the events 
which fill with romantic interest the early pages of 
your history we may learn once more how in every 
crisis American nationality and American institutions 
would find here eager and ever-ready defenders. And 
so it has proved. The experience of the old Indian 
wars has not been in. vain. Do you turn with amaze- 
ment to that little armed band gathered at midnight 
on the green at Lexington ? Are you filled with 
wonder and admiration at the calm courage of the 
men of action at the bridge at Concord ? Do you 
look with breathless astonishment upon the self-pos- 
session displayed by the patriots at Bunker Hill before 
the imposing approach of the veteran troops of Eng- 
land? Remember, then, that the citizen-soldiery of 
Concord and Lexington and Bunker Hill were heirs 
of the blood and traditions of the great Indian cam- 
paigns, and that many a Revolutionary soldier learned 
his lessons at Louisburg and Quebec. The land was 
filled with men who had seen service, or whose sires 
and grandsires had told them of the adventures, 'the 
hair-breadth 'scapes' of those wild, wintry forest cam- 
paigns. Were they the rangers of the old French war ? 

"The half-tamed savage, borrowing from civiliza- 
tion nothing but its maddening vices and destructive 
weapons, was their sworn enemy. Huntsmen at once 
and soldiers, their supply of provisions on many of 
their excursions was the fortune of the chase and a 
draught from the mountain stream that froze as it 
trickled from the rocks. Instead of going into quar- 
ters when the forest put on its sere autumnal uniform 
of scarlet and gold, winter, Canadian winter, dreary 
midwinter, on frozen lakes, through ice-bound forests 
from which the famished deer, chased by the gaunt 
wolf, was fain to fly to the settlement, called the poor 
rangers to their field of duty. . . . Not only was the 
foe they sought armed with the tomahawk and the 
scalping-knife, but the tortures of the fagot and the 
stake were in reserve for the prisoner who, for wounds 



SWANSEA. 



663 



or distance, or any other cause, could not readily be 
sold into an ignominious slavery among the Canadian 
French. . . . There could not have been less than 
twenty or thirty of the citizens of Lexington who had 
learned the art of war in some department or another 
of the military colonial service. They had tasted its 
horrors in the midnight surprise of the savage foe, 
and they had followed the banners of victory under 
the old provincial leaders, Gridley and Thomas, and 
Euggles and Frye, up to the ramparts of Quebec. 
No wonder they started again at the sound of the 
trumpet; no wonder that men who had followed the 
mere summons of allegiance and loyalty to the shores 
of Lake Champlain and the banks of the St. Law- 
rence should obey the cry of instinct which called 
them to defend their homes. The blood which was 
not too precious to be she 1 on the Plains of Abraham 
in order to wrest a distant colony from the dominion 
of France might well be expected to flow like water 
in defense of all that is so dear to man. And so the 
sons of the old warriors of this town served their 
country well in the great war of independence. 

" But, my friends, while we turn with pride to the 
high and honorable record of this town in its early 
hei'oic days, and remember with pride the battle-fields 
of the Revolution, we are filled with the tenderest 
emotions as we rehearse the gallant deeds performed 
by our sons and brothers in defense of the flag during 
the trials and hardships of the great civil war. The 
events of this imposing chapter in our national his- 
tory have passed before our very eyes. We heard the 
gun which was fired on Sumter; we knew the boys 
who fell at Baltimore ; we sat down with Grant before 
Yicksburg, and followed him in his weary and bloody 
march through the Wilderness ; from our firesides 
went forth the men who swept through the valley 
with Sheridan, and traversed the victorious highway 
from Atlanta to the sea with Sherman, and ascended 
Lookout Mo""tain with Hooker, and sailed with 
Farragut and Winslow. The tears shed over the suf- 
ferings at Andersonville and Salisbury and the Libby 
are not yet dry. The widows are not gone ; the or- 
phans yet remain ; the wounded soldier still walks 
our streets. Around the memory of many who are 
gone, and around the lives of many who are still with 
us cluster all the glories of that conflict, all its vic- 
tories and defeats, all its joys and sorrows, all its 
gloomy morning hours, all the brilliant achievements 
for freedom which mark its close, and all the gentle 
associations which soften the savagery of war, and 
which especially belong to this great conflict for 
human right. History has immortalized the generous 
and self-sacrificing deed of Sir Philip Sidney, as he 
stayed the hand which would moisten his own parched 
and dying lip until the agony of his expiring com- 
rade had been relieved. Shall not history also tell of 
him whose last words were, ' Write to mother, and tell 
her I behaved well;' of him whose glazed eye was 
turned upon the picture of his child so far away, held 



there in his stiffening grasp; of him who, defiant of 
wounds, rushed on to battle still, and who fell at last 
with this message on his lips, ' Tell my father I was 
dressing my line when I was hit ;' of him who clasped 
to his heart in its last throb the written words of her 
whom he loved ; of him who rejoiced in death, and 
only asked that he might be buried in his native town ; 
of him who preferred death on the picket-line to a 
surrender; of the thousands who, we are told, rose 
superior to the agony of the hospital and declared, 
as the holy light irradiated their pale faces, that they 
could die without regret in the great and good cause ! 

" Shall not all this be told of the heavenly voice 
uttered by Christian heroes bearing to the battle-field 
all the moral obligations, the kind affections, the pious 
sentiment, the intelligent devotion of free and edu- 
cated Christian heroes from their Christian homes? 

" I congratulate this town upon the part it per- 
formed in the great drama of this continent, perhaps 
of this age. It is the same story, I know, repeated 
so often in the thousands of towns throughout the 
North, but none the less admirable and in.structive. 

" You who sit here have not forgotten the prompt 
and ready response from those men who enrolled 
themselves for active service almost before the sun 
which rose on the first day of the conflict had reached 
midheaven ; those who started forth without count- 
ing the cost, obedient to a proud sense of patriotic 
duty, unmindful of doubt and hesitation, and forget- 
ful of danger and death ; those men who first taught 
foreign and domestic foes that the Union had its de- 
fenders, and who saved the capital of our country 
until the great armies of the war could be brought 
into the field. 

"Year after year the call was made on you, and 
year after year the same response was given. A 
hundred and thirty-four of your men were enrolled 
in the army and navy. Large sums were expended 
in bounties to the soldiers, partly contributed by pri- 
vate liberality and partly drawn from the treasury of 
the town. Your charities were large. Individuals 
and associated effort was unremitting in smoothing 
the rugged pathway of the soldier, in providing for 
those whom he had left behind, and in alleviating 
his toil on the field and his suflerings in hospital and 
camp. From your firesides to every battle-field was 
stretched the silver cord of affection and solicitude, 
bringing home close to your hearts the great events 
of the war, and binding your familiar and household 
names to every far-off spot in our land which the 
war clothed with immortal renown, for your sons 
were on every field, your blood was spilled in almost 
every conflict. 

"The sacrifices which you made were great. Of 
those who went forth twenty laid down their lives in 
their country's service, defending her flag on many a 
hard-fought field, and filled by your public declara- 
tions with the loftiest principles. 

" Of this chapter of heroisjn what an impressive 



664 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



beginning, what a radiant close! Far back through 
the generations I see them now, those earnest and 
manly sons of Puritan warriors and teachers, who had 
filled the pulpits and town-houses and armies of our 
land during a century of protest and trial and self- 
sacrifice and defiance, rising higher and higher in 
their indignant sense of duty as the fierce periods of 
our popular Declaration were launched forth upon 
an approving American mind. And can you not feel 
with them the hot blood of the early pioneers cours- 
ing through their veins as the ardent appeals went 
on? The memory of long and weary trials in the 
cause of civilization there in the wilderness, of the 
precepts of those old teachers who were gone, of the 
bloody seas through which they had been brought to 
their great assertions of the wrongs of the past, this, 
and their glowing understanding of the promise of the 
present hour and of the future, all inspired their minds 
with wisdom and their hearts with courage for the oc- 
casion. From their humble homes they had stepped 
forth, not to follow but to lead, not to listen alone but 
to speak, not only to be taught but to teach mankind 
to be true to the highest demands of a free and inde- 
pendent spirit. It was to the voice of the popular 
assemblies like these that our fathers of the Revolu- 
tion listened. It was the wisdom of such assemblies 
that guided their councils and gave the American 
people their greatness. It was this spirit that made 
Swansea heroic when the first shot was fired at Lex- 
ington, and true and patriotic when the first gun was 
aimed at Sumter. 

"And now, my fellow-citizens, this brief and im- 
perfect story of the piety and heroism of your town 
for two centuries is told. I have not explored the 
deepest recesses of your annals for marks of your 
eccentricity, or for those personal details which, 
while they amuse for the hour, make no appeal to 
those sentiments of pride and satisfaction which 
should fill the breast of every man who muses by 
the graves and studies the high qualities of his an- 
cestors. 

" I have not forgotten the errors here, the local 
controversies, the short-comings, the temporary irri- 
tations ; but I have passed them by, and have en- 
deavored so to deal with your history as to fill your 
minds with respect for your ancestors, and with a 
determination to transmit in more radiant form the 
blessed institutions which you have inherited to those 
whose duty it shall be to preserve them, and to cele- 
brate them at the next centennial anuiversary of the 
tragic period in the history of this town." 



CHAPTER LV. 

SWANSEA.— (Coi/(i'ii«erf.) 

ECCLESIASTICAL HLSTOIIY. 

The First Baptist Cliurch — The Non-Sectarian Christian Church — 
Clirist Churcli, Swansea Village — The Six-Principle Baptist 
Church — The Universalist Church. 

The First Baptist Churcli in Massachusetts was 
constituted at Rehoboth, Bristol County, in the year 
1663, in the house of John Butterworth. The names 
of its constituent members were John Myles, pastor; 
James Brown, Nicholas Tanner, Joseph Carpenter, 
John Butterworth, Eldad Kingsley, and Benjamin 
Alby. 

As this is the first Baptist Church formed in this 
State, and as its origin was peculiar, had the events 
of its early history been preserved, it would have been 
a matter of unusual interest to the Baptists of the 
present time. Hitherto churches of this order had 
been kept out of every New England colony except 
Rhode Island. An attempt was made to form one in 
16.39 in the town of Weymouth, but it was defeated 
by the magistrates, and those concerned in it were 
scattered. After this no further effort seems to have 
been made for more than twenty years. 

The history of this church possesses more than a 
local and temporary interest, as it relates to the reli- 
gious and secular interests of all this region of country 
for a period of more than two centuries. Indeed, its 
history, with that of some of its pastors, connects it 
with some of the most important movements in the 
early annals of these colonies. Several of the con- 
tiguous towns, including Warren and Barrington, now 
in Rhode Island, and Somerset in this State, formed 
a part of Swansea, and the people were generally in- 
terested in the church, many of them as members, 
and most of them as adherents and coadjutors. Lib- 
eral measures were provided for the education of the 
young, and for the accommodation of all the- people 
with the means of religious instruction and worship. 
Among the most active of the men thus employed was 
Mr. Myles and Capt. Thomas Willett, the latter, who 
at a later period of life became the first English mayor 
of New York on its cession from the Dutch. Happy 
would it have been for the social, educational, and 
moral prosperity of the town of Swansea if the same 
principles could have been carried to their maturity 
which were so nobly acted on in the first period of its 
history. 

It will be seen that the church was, in a manner, 
the reorganization of an exiled church driven from 
Swansea, in Wales ; it will therefore be necessary to 
go to the history of that church. It is known that 
from the earliest times there were many friends of 
Christ in that country, who were greatly multiplied 
after the Reformation. A little more than two hun- 
dred years ago a number of men of great power were 
raised who preached with much success, and many 



SWANSEA. 



665 



people were turned to the Lord. Among these men 
was Rev. John Myles, the founder of tliis church. 
He began his ministry in Soutli Wales about the year 
1645, and was instrumental in raising a church in 
Swansea in 1649. This was the first year of the Pro- 
tectorate of Oliver Cromwell, under whose govern- 
ment the Dissenters were indulged with greater lib- 
erty than before, the result of which greatly tended 
to the prevalence of religion. This church was greatly 
prospered, so that in ten or twelve years between two 
and three hundred were added to it. Mr. Myles seems 
to have accepted a support from the government, and 
his place was registered as thus supported. 

After the death of Cromwell, Charles II. came into 
power, and the " Act of Uniformity" was passed in 
1662, by which two thousand of the best ministers 
were ejected from their places because they refused to 
conform to the Church of England. Among these 
non-conformist ministers was Mr. Myles. This act, 
and afterwards the Conventicle Act and the Oxford 
Act, in effect, silenced these men. This was a time of 
terror, and it is said that eight thousand persons were 
imprisoned and reduced to want, and many to the 
grave. In this state of things Mr. Myles emigrated 
to this country ; whether he was accompanied by any 
members of the church besides Nicholas Tanner is 
uncertain. By whom and for what reason the records 
of that church were brought here, as also the circum- 
stances of his departure from Wales, and his arrival 
in this country, are matters to us unknown. The first 
knowledge we gain of him in this country is that he 
was in Rehoboth in 1663, when this church, now 
known as the " First Baptist Church in Swansea," 
was organized. 

As soon as the fact of its organization and that it 
was maintaining the institutions of Christianity be- 
came known, the orthodox churches of the colony 
solicited the court to interpose its influence against it. 
This movement was probably led on by the same per- 
sons wlio instigated proceedings against Holmes, 
Clark, and Crandal, by which they were imprisoned, 
scourged, and fined in 1651 for holding public wor- 
ship in the town of Lynn. The same sleepless vigi- 
lance which had followed them pursued this little 
church, and each of its members were fined five pounds 
for setting up a public meeting without the knowledge 
and approbation of the court, to the disturbance of 
the peace of the place. They were ordered to desist 
from their meetings for the space of a month, and ad- 
vised to remove their meeting to some other place 
where they might not prejudice any other church. 
Upon this order and advice Mr. Myles and his church 
removed from Rehoboth to New Meadow Neck, a 
place south of Rehoboth, which is now Barrington, 
R. I. Then it was not embraced in any town. They 
appear to have erected a house for worship soon after 
their removal beyond the bounds of Rehoboth. This 
house seems to have been about two and a half miles 
from the present house, west. 



In 1667 the Plymouth Court granted to this church, 
with others, a grant of a town to be called Swansea. 
The grant of this town, that the Baptists might have 
a resting-place, shows that the Plymouth Colony was 
much more tolerant than the Massachusetts Colony. 
We now find our fathers of this church, with their 
pastor, free from oppression. On the incorporation 
of the town the church entered into covenant with 
each other, as appears by the covenant itself on record. 
Whether they had a covenant before is not known ; 
neither have we any means of knowing whether the 
church increased, diminished, or remained stationary. 

In 1675 the Indian war commenced, under King 
Philip, of Mount Hope. This town and this church 
first felt the calamities of that war, which spread such 
devastation over much of New England. Here it first 
began. While this church was engaged in public 
worship, the Indians were preparing to attack the 
people of this new and unprotected town on their re- 
turn home. They killed one and wounded others. 
Here its effects fell with great severity, as it is said 
one-half of Swansea was burned. The house of Mr. 
Myles was made into a garrison. As to the state and 
progress of the church, we have nothing to enlighten 
us. From the nature of the case all must have been 
gloomy. 

Mr. Myles preached much of three years in Boston, 
previous to 1679, and whether this church was supplied 
during his absence is doubtful. About this time the 
town voted to remove the meeting-house to the lower 
end of New Meadow Neck. It seems this idea was 
abandoned, and it was voted and ordered, Sept. 30, 
1679, " that a meeting-house of forty feet in length 
and twenty-two in breadth and sixteen feet between 
joints be forthwith built." From the above and other 
records it appears the place of meeting was changed, 
and that the minister went there also. 

Feb. 3, 1683, Mr. Myles closed his labors on earth, 
having been in the ministry about thirty-eight years. 
His age and the place of his burial are unknown, but 
he left a character behind that will be honored as long 
as Palmer's River shall run. He was succeeded by 
Capt. Samuel Luther, who was ordained July 22, 1685, 
by Elders Emblen and Hull, of Boston. He was a 
man of character and talents, and discharged with 
exemplary fidelity the duties of his oifice for nearly 
thirty-two years. He died Dec. 20, 1716, and was 
buried at Kickamuit. During his ministry, probably 
about 1700, the meeting-house was removed to near 
Myles' Bridge. Perhaps this might have had some 
connection with the separation of Barrington from 
Swansea, and its formation into a separate town. The 
church seems to have prospered to a considerable ex- 
tent during the whole of Elder Luther's ministry. 
We cannot say how large it was with certainty, prob- 
ably about two hundred, scattered in Rehoboth, Mid- 
dleborough, Bellingham, Haverhill, Taunton, and 
what is now Warren .and Somerset. 

In 1704, Mr. Ephraim Wheaton became associate 



666 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



with Elder Luther, and at his death sole pastor. In 
1718 the church records seem to begin. Mr. Wheaton 
appears to have been a man who exerted a great and 
good influence on the church, and on others also. 
His ministry was eminently successful, and the church 
was highly prosperous. According to the records we 
have, about one hundred were added to the church. 
He died April 26, 1734, in the seventy-fifth year of 
his age, and was buried in Rehoboth. 

In 1733, April 18th, Mr. Samuel Maxwell was or- 
dained associate with Mr. Wheaton, and at his death 
became sole pastor. He continued till April 15, 1739, 
when he was dismissed. About fifty were added to 
the church during his ministry. 

For two or three years the church was without a 
pastor, after the dismissal of their former one, when 
the labors of Elder Benjamin Harrington was ob- 
tained, and he was installed pastor Aug. 1.5, 1742. 
He was dismissed May 3, 1750. 

In 1748, Mr. Jabez Wood, of Middleborough, a 
member of tliis church, was requested to supply the 
pulpit. Accordingly he supplied three years and a 
half, and was ordained pastor Sept. 5, 1751. 

At the time Mr. Wood was ordained the church 
was without deacons. Benjamin Cole died in 1748, 
and Jonathan Kingsley in 1750. These men served 
in this office from 1725 till they died in old age, 
having executed important trusts for the church in 
their day. The first notice we find of deacons in the 
records is that John Thomas, Nathaniel Luther, and 
Richard Harding were ordained deacons in 1718, that 
the two first named died in the discharge of their 
holy trust, but when they died we cannot say. To 
supply the deficiency of these necessary officers, Rob- 
ert Wheaton and Thomas Peck were chosen Aug. 6, 
1752. Deacon Peck served about seven years till the 
time of his death, in 1770. He was a useful man. 
His place was supplied by Nicholas Thomas till 1771, 
when he was removed from his sphere of usefulness 
on earth to rest with God. At the death of Deacon 
Thomas, David Kingsley was elected clerk, and 
served forty-five years. In 1776 he was also chosen 
to the office of deacon, and served more than fifty 
years. He died Oct. 25, 1830, aged ninety-two. 
Thomas Kingsley was chosen deacon in 1771, and 
served till his death in 1809, aged eighty-three. The 
two Deacons Kingsley, David and Thomas, were men 
unusually free from fault, and good men, but not very 
efficient. Deacon Wheaton lived to a great age, and 
was highly esteemed. He was the son of Elder 
Wheaton, and died Nov. 22, 17S0, aged ninety-two 
years. 

The interests of the body seemed to droop and de- 
cline for a length of time, when Elder Wood vacated 
his office in 1778 or 1779, the precise date not being 
on record. The state of the church was now de- 
pressed and low. The number of members when he 
left is not known, as no list of members had ever 
been kept, and the alterations, except by baptism, 



were not kept with accuracy. The Whole country 
was now in perilous circumstances, being involved in 
the Revolutionary war. Those nearest the sea-shore 
suffered the most, and this people was not exempt. 
On the 25th of May, 1778, the Baptist meeting-house 
and parsonage in Warren were burned by British 
troops, and Mr. Thompson, the pastor, taken prisoner. 
In this afflicted, depressed, and scattered state, the 
church was unable to sustain public worship. It 
was proposed to return to the maternal bosom, till 
they might be able to return to Warren as before. 
This proposal was accepted, and the brethren in that 
manner joined this church. Mr. Thompson became 
the pastor, and settled with the people, Oct. 7, 1779. 

The settlement of a minister so deservedly emi- 
nent, and the accession of help from Warren, seemed 
to put new life into this body. The Lord evidently 
came with the new pastor, as he -baptized one only 
three days after his election, and two more before 
the 1st of January, 1780. During that winter fol- 
lowing there was a great revival of religion, not only 
in this church but throughout the country. This has 
been called the year of the great revival. The num- 
ber baptized here was sixty-seven, in 1781 five more, 
making seventy-five since Mr. Thompson became 
pastor. About this time the remains of the Oak 
Swamp Church joined here in the same manner the 
Warren brethren had done. These accessions ren- 
dered this church large, and in some respects 
strong, though there is no means of knowing the 
exact number. There is probability that it was 
nearly or quite two hundred. 

In 178G the Warren brethren went back, were re- 
organized, built a house of worship, and again had 
the institutions of the gospel at home. The num- 
ber who returned was twenty- eight. 

In 1789 the Lord was pleased to appear again to 
build up Zion, and fifty-four were baptized, which 
greatly encouraged the hearts of both pastor and 
people. This was a very interesting revival, and 
greatly added to the strength of the church. 

In 1801 the Lord again visited his people, and 
twenty-six were baptized. The last baptism in this 
place by Mr. Thompson occurred Sept. 5, 1802 ; with 
the year he closed his pastoral relation, after hav- 
ing served with ability, fidelity, and success, a little 
more than twenty-three years. During his ministry 
one hundred and seventy-six were baptized by him 
and added to the church. The first seven pastors 
occupied a term of one hundred and forty years, 
averaging twenty years to each. Perhaps this pe- 
riod of the existence of the church is by far the 
most important, not only for its general historical 
interest, but for the influence of the church upon 
all the surrounding community. 

Mr. Thompson was succeeded by Rev. William 
Northrup, probably in the spring of 1804. He con- 
tinued four years, and baptized twenty-nine and 
received eight others, in all thirty-seven. 



SWANSEA. 



667 



He was followed by Rev. William Barton, who 
preached two years but without success. He was 
dismissed at his own request in the spring of 1810. 

In 1811, Eev. Abner Lewis became a member and 
the pastor of this church, and preached here till 
April, 1819, when he was dismissed. He departed 
this life July 7, 1826, aged eighty-one, and is in- 
terred in the burial-ground connected with this 
house. 

After his dismissal the church was supplied by 
Elder Benjamin Taylor, a preacher of the Christian 
Connection, who continued for a part of two years, 
when he closed in the spring of 1821. 

The next minister was Rev. B. Pease, until 1823; 
Rev. Luther Baker, from 1824 to 1832 ; Jesse Briggs, 
two and a half years ; O. J. Fisk, from Oct. 1, 1835, 
to April 1, 1836; Abiel Fisher, from 1836 to 1846; 
J. J. Thacher, 1846 to 1854; Silas Hall, 1854 to 
1857; J. W. Horton, 18.57 to 1864; Rev. A. W. Ash- 
ley settled as pastor July, 1864, closed his labors Oc- 
tober, 1867; Rev. J. A. Baskwell, settled May, 1868; 
closed his pastorate September, 1870; January, 1871, 
called Rev. C. Bray to the pastorate, he closed his 
labors May, 1874; the church was supplied by R. E. 
Barrows and others until April, 1876, when Rev. J. W. 
Horton was settled for the second time; he closed his 
labors about the 1st of January, 1882. 

The present pastor, Rev. G. W. Bixby, commenced 
his labors in February, 1882. 

Up to 1846 this church occupied, probably, the 
oldest church in this county, and the oldest Baptist 
house in America. Tradition says it was built the 
year after Elder Luther's death,— that is, in 1717, and 
in 1723 an order was passed by the church for raising 
money to complete the payment for building the 
meeting-house. It was forty-one and a half feet long 
and thirty-three feet wide, about twenty-two feet be- 
tween joints, unplastered, and open to the roof till 
1802. It will thus be seen that this church, the first 
Baptist. Church in Massachusetts and the fourth in 
America, has maintained its visibility over two hun- 
dred years. Four churches have been formed from 
this. 

The church is now in a low state, having been Re- 
duced by deaths, removals, and exclusions, numbering 
now about iifty. Most of these are elderly persoos, 
invalids, or on the retired list, unable to do much for 
the church or cause of Christ. The senior deacon, 
who for many years had been the leading spirit in the 
church, died Nov. 29, 1882, at the age of ninety-two. 
The Non-Sectarian Christian Church.'— Swansea 
was settled by men who believed in liberty of con- 
science. Probably it was the only town within the 
territorial jurisdiction of the Pilgrims, which recog- 
nized tiie right of free thought. While all desired 
freedom for themselves, nearly all in that age would 
" use the sword of the civil magistrate to open the 

> By Rev. J, W. Osborn. 



understandings of heretics, or cut them off from the 
State, that they might not infect the church or injure 
the public peace." 

John Myles, the first minister of the town, while 
exposed to persecution in his native land, had learned 
the lesson of tolerance. Not only did the town in its 
organic capacity concede freedom of religious opinion, 
but the church of which he was pastor, although 
composed of Baptists, admitted to communion all 
persons who (the original covenant declared), "by a 
judgment of charity, we conceive to be fellow-mem- 
bers with us in our head, Christ Jesus, although dif- 
fering from us in such controversial points as are not 
absolutely and essentially necessary to salvation." 
The successors of Mr. Myles were Calvinistic Baptists, 
and the church covenant was changed to harmonize 
with their views. That church (now under the pas- 
toral care of the Rev. Mr. Bixby) is the oldest con- 
gregation of the Baptist denomination in the State of 
Massachusetts. 

Perhaps the erection by the town of the " new 
meeting-house on the lower end of New Meadow 
Neck" (in what is now Barrington, R. I.), in 1680, 
may have been one reason why the inhabitants of the 
"easternmost part of the town upheld a religious 
meeting" at a more accessible place. Although ser- 
vices were maintained from "about the year 1680," 
there was no formal church organization until 1693. 
In the original record book (very plainly written and 
still in excellent condition) the church is styled 
simply a "Church of Christ in Swansea." No doc- 
trinal tests were made conditions of admission, but all 
Christians were recognized as possessing equal rights 
in the "household of faith." Perhaps there was 
then no other church in all the earth which received 
as members all Christians irrespective of divergent 
opinions concerning the various points of speculative 
theology. In 1725, nearly half a century after the 
" meeting" was established and a third of a century 
after the church was organized, it was decided to re- 
ceive members only by the "laying on of hands." 
The church was then ecclesiastically independent. 
From the year 1803 to 1819 it was represented by 
"messengers" in the " Yearly Meeting of the Six- 
Principle Baptists." After a connection of sixteen 
years with that body the church withdrew, declaring 
"the Lord Jesus Christ the great head of the Church 
to be tlieir leader, and the Scriptures a rule to govern 
their faith and practice by, and receive their princi- 
ples and doctrine from." This action was taken Feb. 
10, 1820. The church thereby regained tlie freedom, 
says the record, " which it enjoyed under the pastoral 
care of Job and Russell Mason before it was consid- 
ered a branch of the yearly meeting." From that 
time to the present all persons giving satisfactory 
evidence of Christian character have been welcomed 
to the communion, and also to membership in the 
church. A few years ago the church united with the 
" Rhode Island and Massachusetts Christian Confer- 



668 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ence," but this relation does not restrict fellowship, 
as the Conference discards doctrinal tests in regard to 
subjects concerning which Christians differ in opinion. 

As there was for thirteen years a congregation 
without a church, so there was a religious service 
without a clergyman. The record book says, " We 
upheld a religious meeting partly by some improving 
their gifts among us and partly by helps from other 
places." In 1693, Thomas Barnes was ordained pas- 
tor. It has been represented that he was a man of 
some note in Plymouth Colony. He was one of the 
original proprietors of the town, although a very 
young man when the first settlement occurred. Ac- 
cording to the system of "ranking" adopted soon 
after the charter of Swansea was obtained, Mr. Barnes 
belonged to the " second class" of the landed aris- 
tocracy, as did also Samuel Luther, who succeeded 
John Myles as pastor of the Baptist Church. The 
Colouial Records afi'ord incidental but positive proof 
that the " court" acknowledged the validity of his 
claim to be recognized as a clergyman, notwithstand- 
ing he was a "Separatist." The church record says, 
" Our beloved elder, Thomas Barnes, continued with 
us till June 8, 1706, and then it pleased God to re- 
move him by death." When he assumed the duties 
of pastor the church consisted of only seventeen 
members. There is no statement on record of the 
number received in the thirteen years of his ministry, 
but nine years after his decease the church had one 
hundred and twenty-nine members. Making due 
allowance for losses by death and from other causes, 
it will be perceived that the increase was remarkable. 
This growth affords evidence of the efficiency of both 
Mr. Barnes and his immediate successor. 

Among the former soldiers of Cromwell who came 
to this country at the time of the restoration of the 
Stuart family to the English throne was one Samson 
Mason. From him are descended most of the rather 
numerous families of that name now residing in this 
vicinity. Six of his sons were living in or near Swan- 
sea when the youngest was seventy years old. One of 
the sons, Isaac, was the first deacon of this church; 
another son, Joseph, succeeded Mr. Barnes as pastor; 
a third son of Samson Mason, Pelatiah, was the 
father of three ministers, — Job, Russell, and John, — 
two of them serving as pastors of this church, as also 
did their cousin Benjamin, son of Samson Mason, 
Jr., these prophets not being without honor in their 
own country and among their own kin. 

There is evidence that a considerable part of the 
increase in the numerical strength of the church, 
already mentioned, occurred in the early part of the 
ministry of Joseph Mason. It is assigned as a reason 
for the ordination of his colleague, John Pierce, in 
1715, that it "had pleased God to increase our num- 
bers." 

The first meeting of the voters of the parish of 
which there is a record took place in 1719, the con- 
gregation concurring with the church in the election 



of Joseph Mason as pastor. He had long served in 
that capacity, and this action was taken to avoid legal 
difficulties. The town of Barrington had not long 
before been set off from Swansea that a Puritan 
minister might be supported therein by taxation, re- 
peated efforts, beginning about the time of the ordi- 
nation of Mr. Barnes, having failed to induce or 
compel the undivided township to conform to the 
custom which prevailed elsewhere throughout the 
colony. The inhabitants of the remaining portion of 
the town disliked both the exclusive spirit of Puri- 
tanism and the system of taxation for the support of 
religious institutions. When Mr. Mason was in due 
form pronounced the law ful pastor, he publicly declared 
himself satisfied with the voluntary contributions of 
the congregation for his subsistence, and expressly 
waived all claim to support by taxation, while recog- 
nizing the duty of all "to uphold and maintain ye 
ministry and worship of God in ye severall churches 
or congregations where they respectively belong or 
assemble," " and not in any other church or congre- 
gation." It was while Joseph Mason was pastor and 
John Pierce his assistant that the meeting-house was 
built (to be described in a subsequent paragraph), 
which for more than a century was occupied for pub- 
lic worship. 

Joseph Mason died in 1748, John Pierce in 1750, 
each attaining " the great age of abotU ninety years." 
They had " in January, 1737-38" (in January, 1738, 
"new style"), requested the church to provide them 
a colleague, and Job Mason, a nephew of the senior 
pastor, was selected. Four months after the choice 
was made, in May, 1738, he was ordained. A few 
months after the death of Joseph Mason the legal 
voters of the parish ratified the action of the church, 
and Job Mason declared that he was satisfied with 
such support as his hearers should " freely and will- 
ingly" afford him, "also denying any support by way 
of a tax," regarding the voluntary system "to be 
most agreeable to the mind of God, contained in the 
Scriptures." 

Favored with the ministry of this judicious pastor 
and able preacher, the church attained a great degree 
of prosperity. In later times many of the older 
members recalled the " days of Job Mason" as the 
"golden age" in the history of the church. "She 
sent forth her boughs unto the sea and branches unto 
the river." In 1753 thirty-three members residing 
in or near Rehoboth were dismissed at their own re- 
quest to constitute a church to meet in that town. 
Daniel Martin, a member of this church, was or- 
dained pastor. It is worthy of mention that the 
gentleman who now — one hundred and thirty years 
after — sup|)lies so acceptably the pulpit of that parish 
is likewise a native of Swansea and a son of this 
church. In 1763 several members, with others from 
Rehoboth and some from Providence, R. I., emigrated 
to "Sackville, a township in the government of Nova 
Scotia" (now New Brunswick). Before removing to 



SWANSEA. 



669 



their new home the adventurers met at Swansea to 
be organized as a churcli, and Nathan Mason, of this 
place, a son of the second Samson Mason, was or- 
dained pastor. 

After a useful ministry of many years, Job Mason 
died at the .age of fourscore, one month after the 
battle of Bunker Hill, July 17, 1775. Several of his 
descendants are members of the church at this time. 

Russell Mason was chosen colleague with his 
brother Job in 1762, and was pastor (and also much 
of the time clerk of the church) until his death in 
1799, at the age of eighty-five years. The period of 
his ministry comprehended the stirring scenes of the 
Revolutionary war and all those important events 
connected with the transformation of the American 
colonies into a nation. Undoubtedly the church was 
somewhat depleted, perhaps depressed, in "the time 
that tried men's souls," and between July 17, 1775, 
and Dec. 28, 1780, there is not a single entry in the 
book of records ; but the record last referred to im- 
plies that public worship had been regularly main- 
tained. In 1788 members living in Dartmouth were 
organized "for religious worship," and John Mason 
(a brother of Job and Russell) was ordained pastor. 
He died in 1801, aged eighty-five years. The church 
speedily recovered much of its former strength, for 
within the year 1789 there were, it is recorded, 
" eighty-six persons baptized and added to the 
church." The widow of Russell Mason long sur- 
vived him, and (in accordance with a vote of the 
church after her husband's decease) continued to 
occupy the parsonage until her death. 

The oldest son of the first Samson Mason bore his 
name. He remained unmarried until about seventy- 
three years of age ; when he was eighty the youngest 
of his four children was born. Like Israel, he called 
the son of his old age Benjmnm. Like his brother 
Nathan, already mentioned, Benjamin Mason became 
a minister. In 1784 he was ordained to assist his 
cousin Russell, and at his senior's death succeeded 
him. He died in 1813, at the age of eighty-three 
years. It will be noticed that the posterity of the 
sturdy soldier evinced by their longevity the posses- 
sion of some of the characteristics which gave to the 
adherents of the Protector the appellation of " Oliver's 
Ironsides." For more than a century the successive 
pastors bore his name, and the one who died j'oungest 
attained the age of eighty years. 

Increasing infirmities prevented Mr. Mason from 
preaching statedly for several years, although he fre- 
quently participated in the .services when his colleague 
preached. An aged member of the church, recently 
deceased, could recall but one, and that the last oc- 
casion on which he addressed the people of his charge. 
The venerable man, after alluding to that feeling of 
loneliness which sometimes oppresses the aged pastor 
when he realizes the changes wrought by death, as he 
misses so many of the attendants on his early minis- 
try, and to his consciousness of the decay of his own 



powers, preached on " The Perpetuity of Faith, Hope, 
and Love" from the text, " Now abideth faith, hope, 
charity, these three." 

In 1801, Philip Slade (ordained as an evangelist 
fourteen years before) became assistant minister ; after 
Mr. Mason's death he sustained the relation of pastor 
until the close of 1819. He had been unable, how- 
ever, to perform all the duties of that position for 
several years, even the Sunday service being fre- 
quently omitted. For some time the church obtained 
transient "supplies" for the pulpit. Afterward, with 
Mr. Slade's approbation, Benjamin Taylor, then pas- 
tor of the North Christian (_!iuirch in New Bedford, 
was engaged to preach at a special service on Sunday 
afternoons, the pastor continuing the stated meeting 
in the morning. But the great congregations which 
assembled to hear Mr. Taylor so contrasted with the 
meagre attendance at the forenoon service that Mr. 
Slade, who was not aware of the failure of his own 
mental faculties, became much dissatisfied. Eventu- 
ally the church, by vote, decided to dissolve the pas- 
toral relation, as the " beloved elder is out of health 
both in body and mind." 

Although this action was taken with much una- 
nimity, at least two members, both deacons, sympa- 
thized so much with JMr. Slade that they withdrew 
from the church. Some others followed their exam- 
ple, but the strength of the parish was not sensibly 
impaired, for in less than a year afterwards there, 
were two hundred and ninety-eight members con- 
nected with the church. 

Soon after the dismissal of Mr. Slade the church 
(with the concurrence of the congregation) made 
choice of Mr. Taylor as pastor. The position was a 
difficult one, and it was with some reluctance that he 
accepted the call. But his ministry was highly suc- 
cessful. He won the esteem of the entire commu- 
nity, and often officiated in the pulpits of the various 
denominations in the vicinity. He remained with 
the parish ten years, in which time one hundred and 
thirty-three persons were added to the church. 

In his youth Mr. Taylor made several voyages at 
sea. He always retained an interest in the welfares 
of seamen, and some time after leaving Swansea he 
established the Mariners' Bethel at Providence, R. I. 
Mr. Taylor was born at Beverly, Mass., in 1786, and 
died in Michigan in 1848. He had three brothers 
who were ministers, and a sister who was a minister's 
wife. 

Richard Davis became pastor in November, 1830, 
and discharged the duties of that ofl^ce two years and 
six months. He died at Milwaukee, Wis., in 1868. 
A few years before his death, and a third of a cen- 
tury after the dissolution of his connection with the 
parish, the church sent a liberal sum of money to 
assist him in his old age. Tlie church edifice now in 
use was built while Mr. Davis was pastor, although 
it was not ready for occupancy until the beginning of 
the ministry of his successor. 



670 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY", MASSACHUSETTS. 



Mr. Davis was succeeded by James J. Thatcher. 
His ordination as pastor was the first that had oc- 
curred since 1784. He remained vvitli the church 
nearly eight years. His ministry here was very suc- 
cessful, as were his subsequent labors elsewhere. Mr. 
Thatcher was born in Staftbrdshire, England, in 1811, 
and died in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., in 1874. 
The later years of his ministry were spent with 
churches of the Baptist denomination, and at one 
time he was pastor of the Baptist Church in Swan- 
sea. 

In October, 1842, Isaiah Haley was ordained pas- 
tor. Although a worthy man, his ministry with this 
church continued only a few mouths. His death took 
place in 1869 in the State of Maine. 

The next pastor was Jonathan Thompson. He 
was born in Vermont in 1794, and entered the minis- 
try at an early age. In New York State, in the course 
of nine years, he organized several churches. After 
leaving New York he was pastor at Fall River two 
years, and at Boston two. From Boston he removed 
to Swansea, in the year 1843, to take the pastoral 
care of this church. At the end of five years he ac- 
cepted a call to Providence, where he remained until 
1850, when he returned to this place, and supplied 
the pulpit to the close of the year 1851. He died in 
New York in 1866, at the age of seventy-two years. 

The Sunday-school was organized in the early part 
of Mr. Thompson's ministry, probably in the spring 
of 1844. In that year, and for the gratification of the 
members of the infant organization, who marched in 
procession from the church to the grove, each wear- 
ing a red ribbon as a badge, was instituted the " clam- 
bake," still recurring annually on the last Wednesday 
of August. 

Mr. Thompson's successors are all living, and it 
will sutfice to mention their names, — H. P. Guilford, 
from 1848 to 1850 ; between 1851 and 1864, S. Fel- 
lows, B. F. Summerbell, S. K. Sweetman, and G. H. 
Allen ; from 1864 to the present time, J. W. Osborn. 

In former times this church was known as a mother 
of churches ; in later years a large proportion of its 
young members have made their homes in neighbor- 
ing cities, and in this way it has helped to increase 
the strength of many congregations. More than 
twenty of its members have been ministers, but of the 
number only one, the Rev. William Miller, is now 
li^^ng. 

The first deacon of the church, as has been stated, 
was Isaac Mason. Without recording the names of 
all who have served in that position, it may be men- 
tioned that within the present century five have 
borne the name of Buffinton, — three brothers, Gard- 
ner, John, and Stephen, Martin, a son of John, and 
Benjamin T., a son of Stephen. The last-mentioned 
father and son still survive, although Gardner, the 
older of the two brothers of Deacon Stephen Buflin- 
ton, began to ofiiciate three-fourths of a century ago. 

• It is of interest to notice in the early records how 



frequently occur the names of members which, though 
borne by remote descendants, still occupy a place on 
the list. 

The religious services on Sundays in the olden 
times consisted of a meeting for preaching at eleven 
o'clock, and a meeting for prayer and exhortation at 
four o'clock. The fashion of preaching but one sermon 
on Sunday, so common now but generally regarded as 
an innovation, has with occasional exceptions long 
prevailed in this church, perhaps from the time of the 
ordination of the first pastor. There is a tradition, 
on which the church records throw no light, that at 
first singing was excluded from the services. It is 
certain that there was opposition to the use ol' ii/usicnl 
notes at the time they were introduced by singers. 
When the " service of song in the house of the Lord" 
came to be regarded as an important part of public 
worship, it was scarcely possible to provide books for 
the congregation. From what was perhaps the only 
hymn-book in the parish the minister read a hymn ; 
he then passed the book to one of the deacons (those 
oflicials then occupying elevated seats near the 
pulpit), and he read a line or couplet; after that was 
sung he read as much more, and thus the alternate 
reading and singing continued to the end of the hymn. 

At one time there was dissatisfaction on the part of 
several members because the majority "would not 
approbate women's public speaking in the church by 
way of exhortation." The church censured those 
disaffected members, but subsequently the censure 
was by unanimous vote expressly revoked. 

As was the custom also in the Puritan meeting- 
houses in the former days, the sexes occupied' oppo- 
site sides of the audience-room. 

The congregation early built or otherwise obtained 
a house of worship, for in 1719 a parish-meeting was 
held "in the meeting-house near William Wood's," 
and before the end of that year it was proposed to 
"make some addition to the meeting-house." This 
project was not carried into elfect, but " soon after" a 
new house was built. In the Puritan Churches of 
New England there was (even within a time quite 
recent) a strong prejudice against kindling fires in a 
house of worship. But the builders of the meeting- 
house of 1720 did not share that superstition. Two 
platforms of brick were constructed, each surrounded 
by a row of bricks turned up edgewise (with no out- 
let for smoke or gas), and in cold weather charcoal 
fires were kept burning upon them. The house was 
built of oak and chestnut, and stood until the church 
edifice now used was occupied. In the " September 
gale" (1815) the roof was blown oft". The building 
was square in form, and when the roof was replaced 
it was so turned that what had been the ends of the 
house became the sides. At one extremity of the 
audience-room there was a pulpit large and high, 
flanked by the "deacons' seats."' These were not 
merely for ornament but use, for it is recorded that 
at a regular church-meeting for the transaction of 



SWANSEA. 



671 



business two brethren were chosen deacons, but as 
some members were absent, that action was sub- 
mitted to an adjourned meeting on the following 
Sunday, when unanimous approval was expressed ; 
the deacons-elect (although to be " ordained" on a 
subsequent occasion) "then took their seats." What 
better example can be found of a recognition of both 
the rights of voters and the dignity of office? At 
the rear end of the room and on both sides were gal- 
leries capacious enough to accommodate a large part 
of the congregation. 

The spacious and pleasant edifice now occupied was 
dedicated April 10, 1833. The noted Luther Baker 
preached. All the clergymen who participated in 
the services have passed away from this life. The 
house was entirely remodeled and somewhat enlarged 
in 1873. 

The land comprised in the churchyard of the 
former house was given " for the accommodation of a 
meeting-house," by Dr. William Wood and Capt. 
John Brown. The portion giveu by the latter is de- 
scribed in the deed as a triangular lot of one-half 
acre. An adjoining lot was given for a parsonage in 
1772 by Deacon James Brown. The parsonage was 
bought for thirty pounds, and moved to the place 
where it stood until torn down in 1865. Previous to 
that purchase the church had received bequests from 
Edward Luther, Jonathan Slade, and Anna Monroe, [ 
and soon after one from Sybil Slade. Borrowers paid i 
interest in some cases by "sweeping the meeting- 
house" and in "coals for the meeting-house." The 
depreciation of the currency was such that only " nine 
dollars and one-eleventh in silver" were realized from \ 
a debt of "fifty pounds, old tenor." One of the 
"communion cups of solid silver" was given by 
Katherine Tilley, and the other by Elizabeth Slade. 

In times more recent the church has been blessed 
with benefactors. Tamar Luther, Candace Bright- 
man, William Mason, Joseph G. Luther, Elizabeth 
Bosworth, the sisters Joanna, Lydia, and Hannah. 
Mason, Mary Gardner, Phebe Kingsley, Samuel and 
Patience Gardner, and Betsy Bushee Pierce, by will 
or otherwise, have given money or pews, the income 
of which assists in defraying the current expenses of 
the parish. These generous persons are held in 
grateful recollection by those who enjoy the benefit of 
their considerate kindness. 

Possibly this is the oldest church in Massachusetts 
which never had legal connection with a town. A 
brief outline of events connected with its history has 
been given, but the real Idstonj of a church (and es- 
pecially of one including among its members so many 
generations, with modes of thought and life so diver- 
gent) can never be written. The effects of moral 
forces no man can chronicle, for no man can compre- 
hend. 

The Six-Principle Baptist Church.— In 1820, 
after the termination of Elder Philip Slade's con- 
nection with the parish of which he iiad been pastor, 



he conducted services at the residence of Deacon El- 
lery Wood. His adherents were recognized by tlie 
Six-Principle Baptist Yearly Meeting as a church of 
that denomination. Deacon Wood bequeathed his 
homestead for the maintenance of worship, and for 
several years after his decease meetings were statedly 
held on Sundays in a room of the dwelling which 
became the residence of the pastor, Elder Comstock. 
Occasional services were held after the removal of Mr. 
Comstock for some time, but not in the few years past. 
The farm is held by a trustee for the benefit of the 
Six-Principle Baptist denomination. 

Christ Chitrch, Swansea Village.'— Bishop East- 
burn, in his official report of 1846, says, "For the 
establishment of the church in this place we are in- 
debted, under God, to the zealous labors of the Rev. 
Amos D. McCoy, rector of the Church of the Ascen- 
sion, Fall River." 

The church record states that " Mr. McCoy offici- 
ated in this village, on Sunday evenings and other 
occasions from the second Sunday in May, 1845, 
until November, 1847." 

At thiit time no regular religious services were held 
in the community, the " Union Meeting," which ded- 
icated its house of worship about 1830, having disin- 
tegrated. There were then but four communicants of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church resident in the town, 
and they were members of St. Mark's, Warren, R. I., 
and probably it was at the suggestion of the rector of 
that church (the Rev. George W. Hathaway) that 
services were first held in Swansea. 

The Sund.ay-school was organized and superin- 
tended by Dr. George W". Chevers (then a practicing 
physician in Fall River, and afterwards a successful 
clergyman of the churcfh), "who with exemplary self- 
denial and untiring assiduity devoted himself to this 
labor of love. This gentleman, for the nine months 
previous to January, 1848, conducted lay-reading on 
Sunday mornings and afternoons. He also engaged 
in soliciting funds toward the erection of the church," 
and doubtless his labors went very far toward making 
the enterprise successful. 

Prominent among the first organizers of this parish 
were the Hon. John Mason, Capt. Preserved S. Gard- 
ner, John A. Wood, John E. Gr.ay, Hon. George 
Austin, William Pearse, and Benjamin H. Chase. 
Of these only two (the last mentioned) were ever 
communicants. Capt. Gardner was formerly a Bap- 
tist. But they were all men of integrity, faithful 
supporters of the church, and regul.ar attendants at 
its services. 

William Pearse, John A. Wood, and Capt. Gardner 
at their decease left to the parish five hundred dollars 
each as a permanent fund for the support of the 
church. 

Mr. William Pearse, though residing three miles 
from the village, and perhaps more naturally con- 

> By Kev. Otis O. Wright. 



HISTOllY OF BKISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



nected with St. Mark's, Warren, always made it a 
point of honor to support and attend with liis fiiraily 
this less flourishing church ; and this high principle 
of devotion, characteristic of that old church family, 
has continued to be exemplified in Mr. William H. 
Pearse and family, who came in time to take the 
place of his uncle. 

Mr. John A. Wood, though never a communicant, 
was devotedly attached to the services of the church, 
and for many years voluntarily assumed the care of 
the Lord's house without compensation, and was 
always particular that it should be comfortable and 
in order. And after his decease his son, Henry O. 
Wood, immediately succeeded him as a vestryman, 
and has long since served the parish as warden, treas- 
urer, and clerk with a faithfulness worthy of his 
father's example. 

Benjamin H. Chase, the only survivor, when about 
forty years of age, prepared for the ministry and work 
of the church, to which he was ordained by Bishop 
Eastburn in 18.54, and at this present time (1883), 
after a term of nearly thirty years of active and suc- 
cessful labors, is the highly-esteemed rector of St. 
Paul's Church, Portsmouth, R. I., which he is serving 
for the fifteenth successive year. Mr. and Mrs. Chase 
did much toward establishing Christ Church, and are 
still, as they ever have been, deeply interested for its 
present and future usefulness. 

The lo.ss of those first supporters has never been 
fully repaired by any new accessions to the parish. 

Christ Church, Swansea, was duly organized as a 
parish under the statute of this commonwealth on 
the 7th of January, 1846. The first vestry was com- 
posed as follows : William Pearse and John Mason, 
Esq., wardens ; .Tohn A. Wood, Joseph D. Nichols, 
Preserved S. Gardner, Benjamin H. Chase, and John 
E. Gray, vestrymen. 

The building committee were John E. Gray, John 

A. Wood, and William Pearse. 

The services of the church were held at first inthe 
Union meeting-house. 

The church edifice was built largely by subscrip- 
tions outside of the community, and was consecrated 
the 2d day of December, 1847, at ten o'clock a.m., 
by the Rt. Rev. Manton Eastburn, of Massachusetts. 

There were present of the clergy the Rev. T. W. 
Snow, of Taunton ; James Henry Eames and John 

B. Richmond, of Providence ; James Mulcahy, of 
Portsmouth ; Benjamin Watson, of Newport ; and 
George W. Hathaway, of Warren. 

The building is a neat wooden structure, of simple 
Romanesque architecture, finished to the roof inside, 
has about two hundred sittings, and cost about two 
thousand dollars. 

The bell cost one hundred and sixty-three dollars, 
and the handsome pipe-organ, which was built to 
order in 1867, cost one thousand dollars. These were 
both obtained by contributions solicited at home and 
abroad. 



The font, of " Pictou stone," was presented by the 
ladies of St. Michael's Church, Bristol, R. I. 

"Five infants and two adults received baptism, 
and five persons were confirmed during the time Mr. 
McCoy officiated in this parish." 

The first rector was the Rev. John B. Richmond, 
of Providence, R. I., who served from Jan. 1, 1848, 
till the 1st of January, 1852. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. Benjamin Austin, 
who, at his request, was released from his engage- 
ment after the 1st of November of the same year. 

About the beginning of the year 1853 the Rev. 
William Withington, of Boston, took charge of the 
parish, and remained until the 1st of January, 1856. . 

He was succeeded by the Rev. William B. Colburn, 
of whose term of service the records are not clear. 

The Rev. N. Watson Munroe was duly elected rec- 
tor March, 1859, and closed his official relations to 
the parish February, 1864. 

The church was then served by the Rev. A. F. 
Wylie, rector of the Church of the Ascension, Fall 
River, and by his assistant, the Rev. A. E. Tortat, 
until April, 1808, when the Rev. George Heaton, 
M.A., of Cambridge, England, became the resident 
minister, and remained until August, 1869, when he 
resigned. 

In June, 1871, the Eev. N. Watson Munroe re- 
sumed the care of the parish and remained rector 
until Easter Monday, 1877, when he resigned. 

The Rev. William T. Fitch, rector of the Ascen- 
sion, Fall River, soon assumed the charge and offici- 
ated most of the time until about the 1st of July, 
1881, when the present rector, the Rev. Otis 0. Wright, 
of Providence, R. I., began his labors. 

The valuation of the parish property, including 
fifteen hundred dollars' investments, is four thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

The membership of the church, which has always 
been small, at present numbers but fourteen, and the 
Sunday-school has twenty-six scholars. 

The population of the community, which would 
naturally be considered as the parish, is only about 
two hundred, nearly one-fourth of whom are con- 
nected with other Christian bodies, though most of 
them take more or less interest in the services of this 
church. 

As in most of tli« agricultural towns, many of the 
young people leave the parish for vocations in other 
places, where they often become active and influential 
churchmen because of their early home training, so 
that, though the permanent growth of Christ Church 
has been both slow and small, the work of the parish 
has been vitally important both to the community and 
to the church at large. 

This parish has always received financial aid from 
the Diocesan Board of Missions, and for many years 
its various interests have been largely sustained by 
the liberality of Mr. Frank S. Stevens, well known as 
the principal business man of the place. 



tp 






■*-^' 





f 



SWANSEA. 



673 



The church wardens at present are William H. 
Pearse and Henry O. Wood, and the vestrymen are 
F. S. Stevens, Dr. J. L. Wellington, T. C. Chace, 
Jonas Altham, and Jeremiah Gray. 

The TJniversalist Society of Swansea and Re- 
hoboth.. — More than twenty years ago Mr. A. M. 
Rhodes began to preach on alternate Sundays in the 
former school-hou.se known as Liberty Hall, at Swan- 
sea Factory. Subsequently Union Chapel was erected, 
in which Mr. Khodes still officiates once in two weeks. 
The late James Eddy, Esq., a well-known and highly 
esteemed citizen of this town, was accustomed to con- 
tribute liberally for the support of this society, of 
which he was a steadfast member from its origin. 

Military Record, 1861-65.— The following en- 
listed to fill the quota of this town during the war of 
the Rebellion : 



Allen, Charles C. 
Allen, Theodore H. 
Ashton, Henry H. 
Alden, Joseph. 
Bosworth, Otis. 
Bosworth, Joseph F. 
Briggs, Edward. 
Boyd, Wm. A. 
Barney, W. T. 
Barney, Charles. 
BufFington, S. L. 
Bufflugton, G. 0. 
Blanding, Frank. 
Brown, Wm. 
Beanboucher, Victor. 
Case, D. H. 
Chase, Reuben (2d). 
Chate, Reuben (3d). 
Chase, Christopher. 
Chase, F. R. 
Chase, C. D. 
Chase, Wm. P. 
Collins, Stephen. 
Calillian, Dennis. 
Corthell, James H. 
Cassell, Ale.xander. 
David, Joseph J. 
Dempsey, Joseph. 
Dilson, John. 
Eddy, C. H. 
Eagan, John. 
Follet, John J. 
Follet, Wm. H. 
French, Wm. H. 
Foulds, Robert, 
Franke, Joseph. 
Fitzpatrick, John. 
Graham, Isaac. 
Graham, Henry. 
Green, Wm. H. 
Gibbs, Horatio. 
Godsoe, George. 
Hamlin, Wm. 
Heath, Charles. 
Hunter, George. 
Horton, Horace, 
Handy, W. D, 
Holmes, W. H. 
Hart, F. B. 
Hatch, Grafton. 
Hupkins, William. 
Hodgdon, Charles. 
Hanley, Daniel. 
Knight, B. 

43 



Kiugsley, Amos N. 
King, Wm. T. 
Kelley, James. 
Lawton, A. J. 
Landing, John. 
Libby, Nelson. 
Lyon, J. A. 
Lepo, .\ndrew. 
Ludwig, Charles. 
Lufe, Francis. 
Locke, G. W. 
Miller, M. L. 
Maker, William H. 
McNeil, James. 
Mason, Wm. P. 
Martin, A. F. 
MiUer, William H. 
Blurray, Edward. 
Magratli, Lawrence. 
MuDsher, E. 
Mowry, C. M. 
Moise, A. D. 
Nolan, Matthew. 
O'Chaloner, Henry. 
O'Donovan, Michael. 
O'Connor, Michael. 
Pierce, George R. 
Pierce, James M. 
Pierce, Ezra V. B. 
Peck, Joseph T. 
Peck, A. S. 
Peck, George E. 
Perkins, L.T. 
Petra, James. 
Piper, Joseph. 
Powers, J. P. 
Kay, D. S. 
Bay, T. S. 
Reekton, Thomaa. 
Ramsey, Michael. 
Romeo, John. 
Reynolds, John. 
Ragan, James. 
Shove, Geo. A. 
Snow, C. H. 
Smith, Solomon. 
Smith, John. 
Smith, Andrew. 
Smith, Newton. 
Slade, Alfred L. 
Sherman, Edwin. 
Stevens, Peter. 
Sweeney, Michael. 
Seymour, James A. 



Tompkins, Daniel. 
Tompkins, James. 
Thurber, Jonathan. 
Tripp, John E. 
Thurber, James F. 
Tower, Lorenzo. 
Taylor, George A. 
Taylor, Janies. 
Thompson, William. 
Ueber, William. 
West, Edward G. 



Whiltemore, George W. 
Wheaton, Joseph H. 
Wheeler, Joseph. 
Wood, Adoniram. 
Wheldon, Silas H. 
Wallow, Oliver R. 
Whitney, Franklin T. 
Welsli, Maurice. 
Welflon, Henry. 
Woodman, Edmund E. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ABNER SLADE. 
Abner Slade, sou of Benjamin and grandson of 
Joseph Slade, was born in Swansea Oct. 2, 1792, on 
the homestead of his father, within a short distance 
of which his long lii'e of usefulness was passed. He 
was in the fifth generation from the first of the family 
who settled in Swansea, and the line of descent is 
(1) William, (2) Edward, (3) Joseph, (4) Benjamin, 
(5) Abner. (For ancestral history of the Slade family, 
see biography of William Slade, Somerset.) Mr. 
Slade was reared a farmer and tanner, and succeeded 
his father in business, and made tanning and currying 
his principal avocation during life. When he first 
began it, the custom was for the tanner to travel 
through the country on horseback and purchase 
hides, which, when tanned into leather, were sold, 
largely on credit, to the farmers and traveling shoe- 
makers of the period. From this primitive condition 
of the trade Mr. Slade built up a business of large 
proportions, which became very remunerative. He 
was one of the most industrious, systematic, and per- 
severing of men, and looked sharply after the minute 
details of every transaction. He was very successful, 
and this success may be attributed to his sterling in- 
tegrity, his good judgment, and his earnest and steady 
persistency. He retired, with a handsome competency 
as the reward of his application and energy, from 
active business about 18-56, and the subsequent years 
of his life were devoted, in a busine.ss way, only to 
looking after his various investments. He never ac- 
cepted nor wished for office in town, nor had political 
aspirations. He was a director of Fall River National 
Bank many years, and was interested in the Old Colony 
Railroad, and to some extent in the Providence and 
Worcester Railroad. He was also stockholder in 
various corporations and manufactures in Fall River. 
He married, Sept. 30, 1829, Sarah, daughter of Asa 
and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Sherman, who was born 
Feb. 20, 1810. (Asa, son of Samson and Ruth Sher- 
man, of Portsmouth, R. I., was born Dec. 22, 1779, 
and died in Fall River, Mass., Dec. 29, 1863, aged 
eighty-four years. He was a lineal descendant of 
Philip Sherman, who in 1636, with seventeen others, 
purchased from the Indians the islands of Rhode 
Island,— Patience, Hope, and Conanicut. Elizabeth, 
his wife, daughter of Richard and Joanna Mitchell, 



674 



HISTOKY OF BKISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of Middletown, R. I., was born Oct. 17, 1782, and 
died in Fall River April 22, 1858, in liis seventy-sixth 
year. They had ten children, of whom Mrs. Slade 
was third.) 

Mr. and Mrs. Slade began housekeeping in a house 
standing on the .site of the present residence of Mrs. 
Slade, and for over half a century enjoyed as perfect 
felicity as can come from marriage of congenial 
spirits. Nothing ever cast a cloud over their home, 
and it was at the home circle where Mr. Slade sought 
rest and comfort after the toils of the day were over. 
They had no children, but they adopted a little girl 
of about two years, Sarah Bowers by name, to whom 
they gave the care of parents until her death in her 
twentieth year. They afterwards adopted Adeline 
F. Cole, when a girl of seven, and reared and edu- 
cated her. She has lovingly repaid the care and at- 
tention given her. She was born March 29, 1849, 
married Charles A. Chace, son of Obadiah and Esther 
(Freeman) Chace, of Warren, R. I. They have three 
children, Benjamin S., Arthur F., and Warren O. 
They reside with Mrs. Slade. Mr. Slade passed 
through the years of life to a hale old age, in which 
the powers of thought and consolations of religion 
held sway until the last, and died Dec. 2,. 1879. 

At a special meeting of the board of directors of 
Fall River National Bank, held Dec. 4, 1879, the fol- 
lowing preamble and resolution was passed : 

'* WiiKREAS, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove by death 
our higlily-respected associate, Abner Slade, at the ripe age of eighty- 
seven years, who has been identified with this bank as director for more 
than tlvirty-three years, giving to it his counsel and judgment. A man 
honored for his sterling integrity and Christian cliaracter; therefore, 

" Resolved, It is not as a mere formality that this board recognize the 
loss they have sustained, and in token of respect to his memory, and to 
manifest our sympathy with his family, this board will attend hia 
funeral in a body." 

Mr. Slade was an earnest and unassuming member 
of the Society of Friends, and was beld in the highest 
esteem by his brethren. The Friends' Beview gave 
this just and well-deserved notice of him: "Abner 
Slade, an elder of Swansea Monthly Meeting of 
Friends, deceased, twelfth month, second, 1879, aged 
eighty-seven. He was truly a fiither in Israel. 
While we deeply feel our loss, and miss his sweet 
words of counsel, we can but rejoice when we think 
of his triumphal death, and remember how his coun- 
tenance beamed with joy when he told us he was 
going to his home in heaven." 



FRANK SHAAV STEVENS. 

Frank Shaw Stevens was born in Rutland, Vt., 
Aug. 6, 1827. His father, Chauncey, married Lu- 
cinda Weeks and had four children, of whom Frank 
S. is the second. 

Chauncey Stevens was a stage-man, and the pro- 
prietor of a hotel, stages, and livery in Westfield, 
N. Y. He finally settled in Willoughby, Ohio, where 



he died in 1858, his wife having died' in 1832, when 
they resided at Whitehall, N. Y. 

Frank S. received a common school education. 
After the death of his mother, when he was in his 
fifth year, he lived with his uncle and aunt, Nathan 
Cushman and wife, with whom he resided for two or 
three years, and then went with his father to Ogdens- 
burgh and Oswego, N. Y., remaining three or four 
years, then spending the balance of the time till he 
was thirteen with his uncle and aunt at Cleveland 
and Willoughby, Ohio. At the age of fifteen he en- 
tered the store of George T. Camp & Co., at West- 
field, N. Y., as clerk, and was engaged in that ca- 
pacity about four years. 

This ended his youthful experience in these pur- 
suits, for about this time the fame of the gold discov- 
eries in California had reached him, and he resolved 
to try his fortune in a new field. To one of his tem- 
perament the adventures of an overland journey to 
California presented unusual attractions. It was in 
the spring of 1849, when the waste of mountain, plain, 
and wilderness lying between the Mississippi and 
the Pacific Coast had been almost wholly unexplored, 
except by such bold hunters as Carson and Fremont. 
A few of the "Argonauts of '49," had sailed for the 
newly-discovered El Dorado via Cape Horn ; a shorter 
cut had been explored across the Isthmus of Panama, 
and a few had gone that way ; a few caravans, per- 
haps, had been fitted out to cross the " Great Ameri- 
can Desert" and the Rocky Mountains, but scarcely 
had a path been opened in the latter direction when 
Mr. Stevens and his company set out in the spring of 
1849. 

Their destination was Sacramento, Cal., vin the 
plains, going by water to Chicago, and by canal and 
river to St. Louis. They purchased their outfit in the 
latter city, and packing their goods in boats ascended 
the Missouri River to Omaha ; thence by teams they 
passed over the plains and the Rocky Mountains, ar- 
riving at Sacramento the last of August, 1849, having 
left Omaha early in May. 

Mr. Stevens worked a short time at mining, but did 
not like the business. He returned to Sacramento, 
and there he met one Durfee, who was induced to 
join him in purchasing four yoke of oxen and an 
outfit for the purpose of hauling goods and provi- 
sions to the mountains to supply travelers and miners. 
Their team and equipments cost them one thousand 
and fifty dollars. Yet it was a profitable investment; 
the enterprise was a success from the first, but after 
making three or four trips high water came on, and 
they were compelled to give it up. Then he em- 
barked ill the restaurant business, and was successful. 
He owned and ran stages from Sacramento to Placer- 
ville and Jackson until 1854, at which time the Cali- 
fornia Stage Company was organized with a capital of 
one million dollars, composed of all the stage lines in 
the State. He was its first vice-president, and had 
charge of certain divisions of the road until 1866. In 




■%. 




(yira/P^c^^ '//^- Ua~z.^L 



SWANSEA. 



675 



the fall of 1858 he came to Washington, D. C, to look 
after his interests of the company, and from that time 
till 186G he made several trips back and forward. He 
continued in the livery business till 1858, and both in 
that and in "staging" he was quite successful. In 
1858 he came to Swansea, and since 1866 has made 
it his principal home. 

In 1862 he became engaged with Sherman Paris 
and Marshall J. Allan, under the firm-name of Paris 
& Allan (now Paris, Allan & Co.), wholesale liquor 
dealers, 51 Broadway, New York. Since 1869 he has 
been connected with the firm of W. A, Gaines & Co., 
in the distilling business in Kentucky. 

Mr. Stevens is a director of the Mechanics', Granite, 
Stafford, Davol, Osboru, Slade, Laurel Lake, Bourne, 
and Globe Yarn-Mills, is president and director of 
the Merino Mills, and has been since the organiza- 
tion, also president of the Davol Mills, and was treas- 
urer for three years. He is a director of the Meta- 
comet Bank of Fall River. 

In politics, his afliliations were with the Demo- 
cratic party till the commencement of the war of the 
Eebellion, since which he has been a Republican, 
but he has never been an aspirant for political 
honors. 

He has been twice married. First he married, in 
July, 1858, Julia A. B., widow of James E. Birch, 
and daughter of David Chace, of Swansea. She died 
in February, 1871 ; and he married for his second 
wife, in April, 1872, Elizabeth R., daughter of Joseph 
and Eliza Case, of Swansea. 

Mr. Stevens is an attendant and supporter of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. 

His farm in Swansea is one of the finest in the 
vicinity of Fall River, and is well stocked with fine 
horses and cattle. 



NATHAN MONTGOMERY WOOD. 
The first of the Wood family who came to America 
of whom there is any authentic record was William' 
Wood, who came from England, and after spending 
some time in the new colonies returned to England, 
and in 1634 published in Loudon a book entitled 
" New England's Prospects." Very meagre records 
were kept in those days, and it is not positive how 
many children this William Wood had, or what their 
names were, but after consulting all available authori- 
ties relative to early genealogical data, we feel justi- 
fied in .stating as most probable that he had at least 
one son, John'-, who came to Plymouth Colony in the 
early days of that settlement, married and had two 
sons, John and Thomuf?, who were great hunters, and 
possessed of that hardy adventurous spirit so charac- 
teristic of our early pioneers. In search of a country 
where game was plenty, they first came to Seaconnet 
or thereabouts, and soon after went to Swansea, where 
Thomas settled. John, so tradition says, went still j 
farther west into Connecticut, which was then a wil- i 



derness. Thomas Wood^ was evidently a man of 
considerable consequence in his town. He was a 
surveyor, and divided and surveyed much land. He 
held in Swansea a large landed estate containing sev- 
eral hundred acres. Records indicate that he had 
two sons, Thomas and Joliii*. 

This John had two sons, Noah and John. By his 
will he bequeathed the mill-place to his son John', 
and to Noah he gave the landed property west of the 
mill-farm, consisting of three farms, one of which, the 
homestead, is still in possession of the family. Noah 
had four sons, — Nathaniel, Aaron, Levi, and Jona- 
than. He bequeathed the homestead farm and the 
one adjoining to his son Aaron, and to the others he 
gave farms in the immediate vicinity. 

Aaron, son of Noah, had children, — Nathan, Isaac, 
Levi, Aaron, Noah, Mason, Freelove, Sarah, Eliza- 
beth, Innocent, Mary, and Polly. In the distribution 
of his property he bequeathed the homestead to his 
son Aaron. This Aaron had seven sons, — Levi, John, 
Nathan, Benjamin, Ira, Hiram, and Pardon, and two 
daughters, Polly and Sarah. Upon his decease the 
homestead went to all the sons, and to his wife, Polly, 
the use of it during her life. She died March 12, 
1883, in her ninety-ninth year. The homestead farm 
is now in possession of Nathan Wood, son of Aaron, 
and Benjamin N. Wood, grandson of Aaron Wood, 
and nephew of Nathan M. Wood. 

Johiv' Wood, who inherited the mill place from his 
father John*, had four sous,— John, Isaac, Nathan, 
and Seth, and two daughters, — Bethiah and Penelope. 
Seth!^, upon his father's decease, inherited the mill 
farm. He was a man of consequence in his day ; took 
much interest in public affairs, and during the war of 
the Revolution was commissioned directly from the 
State authorities as collector of taxes. He had three 
.sons, — John, Seth, and Haile, the latter by a second 
wife. Col. Haile" inherited the ancestral acres. He 
was one of the leading men of Swansea, holding va- 
rious town offices and positions of trust and honor. 
He was an enterprising man, and one of the original 
founders of the Taunton Britannia Works, now known 
as Reed & Barton's Works. He resided in Taunton 
four years. He was colonel of militia, and took much 
pride and interest in military afiidrs. He was said to 
be the best horseman in the county. He was a man 
of fine physique, stood over six feet high, and weighed 
over two hundred pounds. He was a Whig and Re- 
publican in politics, and an ardent prohibitionist. He 
married Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Howard, of 
Woodstock, Conn., and had eleven children, — Haile N. 
(married Marian L. Chace, they have one son), Mary 
A. (deceased ; married E. Brayman, had six children, 
all of whom are dead), Williaia (deceased; married 
Harriet Burbank, of Taunton, had three children), 
Seth (married Mary Carver, of Taunton, had four 
children), Elizabeth (married Nathan Wood, of Swan- 
sea, had two children), Adeline (deceased; married 
Benjamin B. Wood, of Swansea, had five children), 



«76 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Walter H. (married Amanda Gardner, has two chil- 
dren), Aiujusta (second wife of Benjamin Wood, they 
have one son), Laura (deceased; died unmarried), 
Nathan M., and Angeline (died in infimcy). Col. 
Haile was born November, 1788, and died May 6, 
1860. His wife was born March, 1785, and died Octo- 
ber, 1872. 

Nathan M. Wood was born in Swansea, Mass., 
Jan. 16, 1825. His education was obtained at the 
common schools of his native town. His father was 
a farmer and miller, and Nathan was brought up to 
the same business, and, with the exception of about 
one year passed in Maine, he has always resided at 
his home in Swansea, which has been in the family 
so many generations. Nov. 7, 1848, he married Abby 
M. Kingsley, second child and eldest daughter of 
Elisha and Mary (Mason) Kingsley, of Swansea. She 
was born April 10, 1828, and is descended on the 
maternal side from Samson Mason, who was an Eng- 
lishman, and an officer in the army of Oliver Crom- 
well until the latter was made lord protector of Eng- 
land. About 1650 he came to America, and was 
admitted an inhabitant of Rehoboth Dec. 9, 1657. 
His children were Samson, Noah, John, Samuel, 
Bethiah (who became the wife of John Wood), Sarah, 
Mary, James, Joseph, Isaac, Peletiah, Benjamin, and- 
Thankful. Peletiah had three sons, all of whom were 
ministers. Job, Russell, and John, all of them re- 
sided within a mile of each other. They were black- 
smiths by occupation, and it is said used to "preach 
with their leather aprons on." They preached at a 
church occupying the site of the present Christian 
Church near Luther's Corners. 

Job Mason had a sou Job, who occupied the ances- 
tral home, and who had a son named Gardner, who 
was a seaman, and was drowned at Providence, R. I., 
while his vessel lay at that port. His wife's maiden 
name was Susanna Vinnicum. He left a daughter, 
Mary O., who was the mother of Mrs. Nathan M. 
Wood. 

Nathan M. Wood is a Republican in politics, 
but liberal in his ideas in political as in all other 
matters. He has held various official positions, in- 
cluding nearly all the principal town offices, and some 
of them for more than twenty years. He was repre- 
sentative to the Legislature in 1875. 'He is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church, and is also a member of 
Washington Lodge, No. 3, F. and A. M., and Webb 
Council, Warren, R. I.; Royal Arch Chapter, Fall 
River; and Cavalry Commandery, Knights Templar, 
Providence, R. I. 

He has five children, — Nathan Howard, born Feb. 
15, 1851, died in infancy; Abby Isabel, born Nov. 16, 
1854 (married Hiram E. Thurston, has one child, 
Louise, resides in Providence, R. I.) ; Mary R. P., 
born May 28, 1857 (married Nathan Slade, has one 
child, Mary A., resides in Somerset) ; Angeline H., 
born June 30, 1859 (married Franklin G. Arnold, and 
resides with her parents) ; and Eloise K., born Aug. 



19, 1861, and they continue the business of the farm 
and mills. 

Mr. Wood is one of Swansea's most prominent and 
prosperous men, and, aside from his farming and mill- 
ing business, is largely interested in a manufacturng 
business in Fall River. 



MARCUS A. BROWN. 
Marcus Aurelius Brown, son of William and Free- 
love (Wood) Brown, was born in Swansea, Mass., 
Dec. 19, 1819, near what is now Cole's Station. He 
comes from an old New England family of conse- 
quence in the days of the first settlements. From 
old records and historical documents we ascertain 
that John Brown, the first of this line of Browns, 
had acquaintance with the Pilgrims in Leyden, Hol- 
land, before the sailing of the " Mayflower" in 1620, 
in which vessel he probably was financially interested. 
He was originally from England, where he was born 
in 1574, but we cannot definitely trace the family in 
that country. The exact year of his coming to 
America is unknown, but in 1636 he was living in 
Duxbury, and in 1643 in Taunton. He was a man of 
importance in public affiiirs, and one of the leading 
men of Plymouth Colony. He was assistant for 
seventeen years from 1636, served as commissioner of 
the United Colonies for twelve years from 1644, and 
died in Swansea, near Rehoboth, where he had large 
estates. Savage gives the date of his death as April 
10, 1662, and says that his will, made three days be- 
fore his death, provides for the children left to his 
care by his son John, and names his wife Dorothy 
and son James executors. This is doubtless the cor- 
rect date of his death, as his wife Dorothy died Jan. 
27, 1673 or 1674, aged ninety. John Brown-, born 
1636, died in Rehoboth in 1660. He married a daugh- 
ter of William Buckland, and had five children, — 
Jo/to', Joseph, Natlianiel,Lydia, and Hannah, — whom 
he left, as above mentioned, to the care of his father. 
He was a strict Puritan and a devout man, standing 
high in community and colony affiiirs. John Brotun^ 
was born about 1657 in Rehoboth, m.arried Ann Den- 
nis, of Norwich, Conn., and had two children, — John* 
and Samuel. He died in 1724. He was a man of 
positive nature, unflinching in the discharge of every- 
thing he deemed a duty. It is said of him that he 
was so enraged at his son (John) when he joined the 
Baptist Church that, supposing the latter's residence 
to be partially on his land, he was going to pull the 
part to which he laid claim away from the other, thus 
aiming to destroy the house, but a survey made to 
ascertain the fact showed that no portion of the house 
touched his land. Whether the tradition be true or 
false, it tells the character of the men of that perilous 
pioneer period. Athletic, strong-minded, and posi- 
tive in character, they were well fitted to develop 
civilization from the unpromising and savage sur- 
roundings, and to contend ably with its foes. Among 




<^y^^u^^^C'(^^ ^ . 



f-yc^ii^/)^- 



SWANSEA. 



677 



these settlers the Browns were leaders, and their dif- 
ferent generations were prominent in church and local 
matters. From 1672 to 1692 the deputy for several 
years was a Brown. John Brown* was born April 23, 
167.5, in Swansea, married Abigail, daughter of James 
Cole, July 2, 1696, and died .^pril 23, 17.'52, leaving 
at least one son, Johiv'. The lands bequeathed to Mrs. 
Brown by her father were transmitted from their 
purchase from the Indians to generation after genera- 
tion for more than two centuries, and never were con- 
veyed by deed until their purchase by H. A. Gardner. 
John* was also prominent, held a captain's commis- 
sion, and was an earnest and consistent man. We 
extract from church records in Swansea : " The 
Church of Christ in Swansea, soon after December, 
1719, built a new meeting-house on land given said 
church by Capt. John Brown and William Wood for 
that purpose." Lieut. John Brown" was born in 
Swansea in 1700, married, in 1722, Lydia, daughter 
of Joseph Mason. She was born in Swansea in 1704. 
They had five children, one of whom was William. 

John Brown" was a large farmer, owning slaves. He 
was well to do, and was honored with various offices. 
He is recorded as Lieut. John Brown. We extract 
again from the church records : " June 14, 1753, 
James Brown was on a committee to receive in be- 
half of the church a deed of some land which our 
beloved brother, John Brown, proposes to give to 
said church for its use and benefit forever." He died 
May 18, 1754. His wife died Feb. 17, 1747. 

William Brown (sixth gener.ation) was born April 
14, 1729, in Swansea, was a farmer, and much em- 
ployed in public matters; he surveyed land for years, 
settled many estates, was a man of distinction and 
ability, and much esteemed by his townsmen. He 
owned a handsome property in land and slaves. He 
married in 1753, Lettice, daughter of Hezekiah Kings- 
ley, who was born in 1732. They had eight children, 
— Elizabeth, married Edward Gardiner (they were 
grandparents of Mrs. Marcus A. Brown) ; Joseph 
(died aged twenty, a British prisoner on one of the 
terrible prison-ships); Luranella, married Reuben 
Lewis ; Amy ; Betty, married Aaron Cole ; Mary, 
married Benjamin Butterworth ; Sarah, Williaml 
Mr. Brown died in 1805. His wife survived him two 
years. William Brown, Jr. (seventh generation), was 
born on the old home in Swansea, a short distance 
south of Cole's Station, Sept. 13, 1776. He was 
reared a farmer, and inherited the entire landed 
estate of his father (about one hundred and forty 
acres). He was an unassuming, hard-working man, 
very social, with a remarkable memory (a faculty 
possessed by many of the family in a large degree). 
He could repeat whole chapters from the Bible, and 
had no need to refresh his memory of any event 
by memoranda. He devoted himself to agriculture ; 
married Freelove, daughter of Aaron and Freelove 
(Mas(m) Wood, of Swansea, in 1799. She was born 
Sept. 28, 1780. They had nine children attaining 



mature years, — Marcia W., Gardner, Nathan W., 
Mary A., Samuel, Aaron, Mason, Betsey (Mrs. 
Charles B. Winslow), and Marcus A. All are now 
dead but Betsey and Marcus. Nathan, Gardner, and 
Samuel were seafaring men. Gardner became cap- 
tain, and died in Swansea, May, 1848. The others 
were young men of promise, but died young. Mason 
was a farmer, and was a great reader. Of strong 
memory, he was well versed in historic and gene- 
alogic lore, and was held in high repute by the com- 
munity. He died Dec. 9, 1882. Mr. William Brown 
held a high place in the esteem of the community, 
although a plain, unostentatious man of strongly 
marked honesty and fixed principles. He was a 
Whig, but never sought office. In religion he was 
independent, rather skeptical, but never argued with 
others, and considered every other person entitled to 
freedom of belief and action. He died April 8, 1840. 
Mrs. Brown died Nov. 14, 1855. They, like their 
American ancestors of each generaticni, are buried in 
the cemetery in North Swansea. 

Marcus A. Brown (eighth generation) stayed on the 
farm until he was twenty-four, managing the farm 
after his father's death, having limited educational 
advantages at the common schools in summer until 
nine years old and in winter until fifteen, the last 
term being at Warren Academy. He then learned 
the mason's trade and worked at that several years. 
He then purchased a farm of forty acres in Somerset 
and lived there eight years, selling it after six years, 
however. His whole residence in Somerset was sev- 
enteen years, following his trade after giving up farm- 
ing. He passed two years in Maine, working as a 
mason. He married, Dec. 7, 1847, Maria Frances, 
daughter of David and Sarah Wilbur. She was born 
in Warwick, R. I., July 10, 1828. Like her hus- 
band, Mrs. Brown was the youngest of ten children. 
Her paternal grandparents were residents of that part 
of Swansea now Somerset, and resided about one mile 
west of the village. Their children were James, Ruth, 
Phebe, Peleg, Chloe, Patience, Polly, Thomas, and 
David. David Wilbur was a machinist, married Sarah, 
daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Gardner, and 
had ten children, — Sarah G. (Mrs. Charles F. Brown), 
Harriet G., David G., Thomas B., Peleg N., Caroline 
A., and Maria F. Mr. Wilbur lived in Pawtuxet, 
R. I., and died in 1837, aged fifty-three. His wife 
died in 1856, aged seventy-two. The children of 
this marriage are Marion F. (born Sept. 14, 1848, 
married Daniel Wilbur, Jr., and has one child. Ber- 
tha F.) and Clarence A., born June 3, 1850. He mar- 
ried Emma L. Frost, and has one child, Marcus R. 

Mr. Brown removed to Fall River in 1866, and has 
since resided in the house he then purchased. He 
worked steadily and faithfully at his trade until com- 
pelled by failing health to relinquish it in 1873. He 
is an honest, modest man ; has held the even tenor of 
an industrious, hard-working life, and is a law-abiding 
citizen, caring not for nor meddling with official hon- 



678 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ors, supporting, however, the Whig and Eepublican 
tickets. He has been successful in business and en- 
joys the esteem of his acquaintance, and lias ever 
been a useful member of society. 



STEPHEN WEAVER. 

Stephen Weaver was born Dec. 9, 1826, in Mid- 
dletown, R. I. He was son of Parker and Lydia 
(JIanchester) Weaver. Matthew Weaver, father of 
Parker Weaver, was a farmer in his native town, 
Middletown, where he lived to be quite old, dying 
about 1830. Parker was a farmer also, and quite a 
successful and active man. He was an industrious, 
earnest, honest man, strictly temperate in all things, 
and noted for purity and strength of character. He 
was prompt and reliable in business, of active, per- 
severing nature, calm and deliberate in matters of 
judgment. He attended closely to his own personal 
matters, never aspiring to office, but avoiding every- 
thing savoring of publicity. He was a member of the 
Christian Baptist Church, which he worthily honored 
until his death, March, 1870, at eighty -three years. 

Stephen attended common and select schools in 
Middletown, studied much at home, and when but 
nineteen was competent to teach, which he did for 
thirteen years with marked success. He studied 
hard while teaching, improving himself greatly while 
advancing others. The relation of a fact to illustrate 
the filial love and justice of Mr. Weaver may not be 
deemed out of place here. When he was young his 
father owned a large farm, but became financially 
embarrassed. Stephen, in order to assist his father, 
worked on the farm during summer, and gave his 
labor without charge towards the clearance of the in- 
debtedness, clothing himself by his wages as teacher 
in the winter, continuing to do this until his twenty- 
fourth year. He married Ruth A., daughter of Bar- 
zillia and Ruth (Chase) Buffinton, of Swansea, Nov. 
3, 1850. She was born April 8, 1830. Their children 
are Anna A., born March 1, 1854, married Rowland 
G. Buffinton, had one child, Wallace W., and died 
May 7, 1877 ; Emma B., born Jan. 8, 1856, married 
Thomas H. Buffinton, has one child, Mabel L. ; Ar- 
tkiir TK, born June 9, 1859, married Laura R. Peck; 
LlUhtn F., born Sept. 29, 1869. 

Immediately upon his marriage Mr. Weaver rented 
a cottage near his father's residence, and for three 
years worked on the farm, teaching school during the 
winter seasons. He then rented a farm for himself 
and worked that two years, and discontinued it for 
one year on account of the failing health of his wife, 
he working out by the month. He then removed to 
Somerset, where he rented a farm and remained thir- 
teen years. By industry and economy he accumu- 
lated some money, and, in partnership with his wife's 
father, purchased a farm and mill in Swansea, con- 
tinuing there only eighteen months. By reason of ill 
health he was compelled to relinquish labor, and sell- 



ing out his share of the mill, he went and resided 
with Mr. Buffinton. Mr. Weaver suffered from severe 
nervous prostration for two years, and was much 
broken in health, but finally fully regained his health, 
when he succeeded to the management and possession 
of the farm of Mr. Buffinton. On this he has made 
valuable improvements, erected a splendid barn, and 
made it one of the best-arranged farms in the town. 
He is a pushing, energetic man of enterprise and 
thought. While agriculture has been his avocation, 
he has kept apace with the thinking minds of the 
day, and grapples with the most advanced ideas. He 
is well read and thoroughly informed, not only in the 
events of the day, but in the practical and useful im- 
provements in his life-work, agriculture. He culti- 
vates about eighty acres of land, and in addition has 
thirty acres of woodland, and is one of the substan- 
tial citizens of Swansea. 

Barzillai Buffinton was born in Swansea in 1798, 
and was son of Job and Phebe (Chase) Buffinton. 
He was a farmer and peddler of earthenware. He 
was a hard-working and self-denying man, and accu- 
mulated a fine property. He married Ruth, daugh- 
ter of James and Rebecca (Mott) Pierce, of Somerset. 
They had five children, — Amanda M. (deceased), 
married William Richardson, of Newport, R. I., had 
one child; Job (deceased); Rachel P., married Ben- 
jamin A. Chace, has two children ; Philip, has two 
children, and lives in Warren, R. I. ; and Ruth (Mrs. 
Stephen Weaver). Mr. Buffinton and wife began 
housekeeping at Somerset village, but finally pur- 
chased the place now occupied by Mr. Weaver, and 
removing thither, passed his life there, dying May 7, 
1879, aged eighty-three. He was a birthright Friend, 
and Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are members of the same 
society. He was a selectman for many years, and 
held other positions of public trust. He was a calm, 
deliberate, reserved man of few words, but good judg- 
ment and great decision of character. Possessing a 
robust constitution, he enjoyed labor and worked 
hard. He was a man of great exactness in money 
matters, paying for all things on the spot and never 
running a bill. He made deposits in the Fall River 
Savings-Bank for and in the name of each of his 
children, and although precise and accurate in finan- 
cial transactions, desiring every dollar due him, such 
was his justice in his dealings with others as to give 
him the reputation of possessing strict honesty and 
integrity. 



CHAPTER LVI. 

AVESTPORT.' 

Westport lies in the southwestern part of Bristol 
County, and is bounded as follows: Northerly by tlie 
city of Fall River, easterly by the ancient and time- 

1 For the Revolutionary and ancient history of tliis town the reader 
is referred to the liistory of Dartmouth and New Bedford, elsewhere in 
this history. 




t5^^:/^S^ ^%/f^^^z^-^ 



WESTPORT- 



679 



honored town of Dartmouth, southerly by Buzzard's 
Bay, and westerly by the towns of Tiverton and Little 
Compton in the State of Rhode Island. 

The territory embraced within the bounds of the 
present town of Westport formed a portion of the old 
town of Dartmouth until 1787, when it was incor- 
porated as a separate town under its present name. 

The Indian name of the town was Acoaxet, and it 
was early settled by a hardy, industrious, and intelli- 
gent class, who have left the impress of the sterling 
New England character upon their descendants. 

The original bounds of Westport have been enlarged 
by the addition of a portion from Dartmouth Feb. 25, 
1793, and still another addition from the same town 
March 4, 1805, and a part of Portsmouth, R. I., was 
also annexed in 1861. 

Documentary History. — The following is a record 
of the first town-meeting, with names of officers 
elected, together with other interesting votes, among 
which appear the votes concerning the location and 
building of the first town-house, which seemed to 
have given the good people of the town considerable 
vexation : 

" In compliance with a Warrant issued from Benja- 
min Russel, Esq., Directing William Almy to Notify 
and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Westport to 
meet Together at some suitable place in said Town to 
choose all such Town Oflicers as Towns are required 
to choose at their annual Town-meetings in the 
mouth of March or April annually, and a Committee 
to settle with the Towns of Dartmouth and New Bed- 
ford agreeable to a late act of the General Court, for 
incorporating said Town of Westport. 

" The inhabitants of said Town of Westport who 
were qualified by law to vote, being legally Notified 
and Warned by the said William Almy, assembled 
at the Dwelling house of William GifTord, in said 
Westport, on Monday the Twentieth day of August, 
1787, at ten of the clock, a.m. 

" And proceeded agreeable to the directions of said 
warrant. 

" 1. William Almy was chosen Moderator of said 
meeting. 

" 2. Abner Brownell was chosen Town Clerk for the 
year ensuing, and was duly sworn by William Davis, 
Justice Pacis, to authorize him to otiiciate in said 
office. 

" 3. William Almy, Richard Kirby, and Edward 
Borden were chosen Select Men for the year ensuing, 
and took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance to 
authorize them to officiate in said office. Before me 
Abner Brownell, Town Clerk. 

"4. Richard Kirby was chosen an Assessor for the 
year ensuing, and was duly sworn, to authorize him 
to officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, 
Town Clerk. 

" 5. Thomas Tripp, Stephen Cornell, and Pardon 
Brownell were chosen fence-viewers for the year en- 
suing, and were duly engaged to authorize them to 



officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, 
Town Clerk. 

" Abner Brownell was chosen Town Treasurer for 
the year ensuing, and was duly sworn to authorize 
him to officiate in said office. By William Davis, 
Justice Pacis. 

" 7. Stephen Davis Carpenter and Barjonas Devol 
were chosen Surveyors of lumber for the year ensuing, 
and were duly engaged to authorize them to officiate 
in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, Town 
Clerk. 

" 8. Thomas Tripp and Stephen Cornell were chosen 
Field Drivers for the year ensuing. 

" 9. Nathaniel Kirby was chosen Pound-keeper for 
the year ensuing. 

"10. Benjamin Brownell, Sen., was chosen Sealer 
of Weights and measures for the year ensuing. 

" 11. Benjamin Cory was chosen sealer of Leather 
for the year ensuing. 

" 12. Abner Brownell was chosen warden for the 
year ensuing. 

" 13. Caleb Earl and Edward Boomer were chosen 
Tithingmen for the year ensuing. 

" 14. Stephen Davis, Carpenter, and Barjonas De- 
voll were chosen measurers of wood for the year en- 
suing. 

"15. George Tripp (2d) and AVilliam Ahny were 
chosen Hog Reeves for the year ensuing. 

" 16. Benjamin Davis, Innkeeper, Israel Bright- 
man, Jonathan Davis, Wanton Case, Jonathan Taber, 
Capt. Sylvanus White, George Lawton, Job Almy, 
Pardon Brownell, Samuel Willcox, Peleg Cornell, 
Junr., and Lemuel Milk were chosen Surveyors of 
Highways for the year ensuing. 

" 17. It was voted to have three men chosen for a 
committee to settle with Dartmouth and New Bedford 
agreeable to the Act of Incorporation of said Town of 
Westport. 

"18. Stephen Peckham, Wesson Kirby, and Wil- 
liam Davis, Esq., were chosen said Committee. 

" 19. Lastly it was voted for this meeting to be ad- 
journed to Thursday Sept. 20, 1787, at one of the 
Clock P.M. to be holden at the dwelling house of 
Joseph Giflford, Inn-keeper." 

"In compliance with a Warrant Issued from the 
Selectmen of the Town of Westport, Requiring any 
or either of the Constables of said Town to notify and 
warn the inhabitants thereof to meet at the dwelling 
house of William Giffi^rd in said Town on Thursday, 
Nov"' 22, 1787, at ten of the clock a.m. for the pur- 
pose of choosing a Delegate, Agreeable to a late Re- 
solve of the General Court, to Represent this town in 
the Convention to be holden at the State House in 
Boston, the second Wednesday of January next, 1788, 
for the purpose of Assenting to, and Ratifying the 
Constitution of the United States, as proposed by the 
Federal Convention lately assembled at Philadelphia. 

"The inhabitants of said town of Westport who 
are qualified by law to vote for Representative, being 



680 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



legally Notified iind Warned by Benjamin Cory one 
of the Constables of this Town Assembled on Thurs- 
day Nov"' 22, 1787, at the Dwelling House of Wil- 
liam Gilford at ten of the clock a.m. And proceeded 
agreeable to the directions of said warrant, — 

" 1. Job Almy was chosen Moderator for said meet- 
ing. 

" 2. William Alniy was chosen a Delegate to Repre- 
sent this Town in Convention at the State House in 
Boston on the second Wednesday of January next, 
1788, for the purpose aforesaid." 

"At a Town meeting held on Monday the 7th day 
of April, 1788. 

" 14. The Article was taken up Respecting the 
building of a Town House or not, and it passed in 
the Affirmative. Nextly it was Motioned to choose a 
Committee to look and enquire for the best accommo- 
dations for a place to set it and to make report thereof 
to the next Town Meeting. Also a vote was called 
how many the Committee should consist of, and it 
was voted to have three upon the committee. And 
William Almy, Wesson Kirby, & Edward Borden 
were Nominated to be of the Committee, and they 
were Chosen and were to make report of their doings 
to the next town meeting. 

"15. The Article was taken up Respecting the 
Regulating of the Fishery and a vote was called 
whether the Town would Tolerate the inhabitants 
thereof to proceed in the method of Seining fish, or 
not, & it passed in the Aflirmative. 

" Lastly the meeting was adjourned to the second 
Monday of May next following to meet at the same 
house at ten of the Clock a.m." 

"Agreeable to an adjournment of the meeting of 
the 7th of April last past that was adjourned to this 
day & house (viz.:) to the 2°'' Monday of May, 1788, 
at 10 O'clock A.M. at the House of Joseph Giflbrd. 

" Voted to allow those accounts brought against 
this Town, viz.: To Mr. Stokes Potter, for keeping 
Job Potter from the 2d of July, 1787, to May 16, 
1788, forty-five weeks and four days, at 5/ 6rf. pr. 
week, twelve pounds, ten shillings, and Id. To Susa 
Dick, for keeping Hannah Simon (a Black Womanj 
from July 2, 1787, to November 1, 1787, Seventeen 
Weeks and an half, at 3/ pr Week, and from Novem- 
ber 1, 1787, to January 14, 1788, ten weeks and two 
days, at G/ pr week. Total five pounds fourteen shil- 
lings and sixpence. To Abiel JIacomber, for keep- 
ing Ann Worgin when Sick, from Jan. 28, 1788, four 
weeks, viz., one week at 12/, next at 9/ Do., at 5/, and 
Do. at 2/, Total £1 8/. To Edward Borden, for some 
provisions for the use of Ann Worgin, 6/. 

" To William Almy, for Funeral Cloths for Han- 
nah Simon, Jan., 1788, viz.: to 1 sheet, 7/ Bd ; one 
shift, 6/; one cap, 1/; one handkerchief, 1/ 6rf. ; to 
Cash paid Saml. Fales, Esq., for a Warrant, &c., 1/; 
Total, 17/. 

" To Levy Sherman, for a Coffin for Hannah 
Simon, 8/. 



"The Sum total of the above Said Accts. is 
£21 4/ Id. 

"Voted that the Town Clerk Certify upon the 
Accts. allowed by the town when the allowance 
thereof is, and Record the same ; and that the Town 
Treasurer be directed to issue to such possessors of 
accts. allowed, as shall apply for the same, a certifi- 
cate or certificates, in Lieu of such accts., which cer- 
tificates shall be received in payment by the Town 
Treasurer for any Town Tax not all payed in at the 
time of the date of the Certificate, equal to the same 
sum in Gold and Silver. 

" A further proceeding upon the article respecting 
the building of a Town House, and it was motioned 
that the committee, which was chosen for the pur- 
pose of enquiring for the best accommodations for a 
jjlace to erect the Town House should he called upon 
to make a report. The Committee being called upon, 
reported that at Stephen Kirby's, Northwest corner of 
his Land adjoining the Road, was the best place ; 
and the town to receive of the said Stephen Kirby 
four rods of laud each way, — that is. Sixteen Square 
Rods, upon the condition of his being exempted 
from paying his proportion of the expense of build- 
ing said Town house. 

"Voted that the Town house be erected at the 
place above mentioned on the said condition with 
Stephen Kirby. 

" Motioned that a Committee be chosen for the 
purpose of building said house, and George Lawton, 
Wesson Kirby, and William Hicks were chosen. 

" Voted that the Committee be impowered to con- 
duct as they think proper, in preparing Materials for 
said house, and in the method and order of erecting 
it, having regard to the manner of doing of it, so 
that the inhabitants of said town, in things they re- 
ceive of them, may be as justly proportioned, according 
to the circumstances of the Town, and apprized by 
the said committee in as near an e(iuality as they can 
come at it; also voted that the committee be impow- 
ered, if in case the aforesaid quantity of land should 
not be enough for the use of said town for the pur- 
pose of a Town house Lot (in their opinion), that 
they purchase as much more as will be sufficient. 

"At a town-meeting held Aug. 2, 1788, acting on 
the following article of the warrant, viz.: 1st. To 
take into consideration the expediency of reconsider- 
ing the former vote of said Town respecting the place 
of building a Town House, and if thought proper by 
said town, to agree on a more suitable place for the 
above said purpose, or otherwise, for the town to act 
and do what shall be thought most pro|)er respecting 
said building. 

"The matter respecting a place for building a 
Town-house was taken up and a vote was called 
whether the Town would reconsider a former vote 
(which was for erecting said house at the Northwest 
corner of Stephen Kirby's land) or not, and it passed 
in the affirmative. 



WESTPORT. 



681 



" A vote was called whether said house should be 
erected at Stephen Kirtw's, Soutliwest corner of his 
land, or at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's 
land, and it passed to have it erected at William 
Gifford's. 

"Voted that the Committee first chosen for build- 
ing said house, viz., Capt. William Hicks, Wesson 
Kirby, and George Lawton, be further impowered to 
proceed therein agreeable to the last vote for said 
house, and according to the former instruction. 

" At a town-meeting held at the house of We.sson 
Kirby, Sept. 6, 1788, 

" A vote was called whether the Town would re- 
consider the former vote passed for building a Town 
House at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's 
land or not, and it passed in the negative not to re- 
consider it, 58 voting for and 63 against reconsider- 
ing of it. 

"Voted that the Committee for building said Town 
House, viz., Capt. William Hicks, Wesson Kirby, 
and George Lawton, be further instructed to proceed 
in building said house, so far as to inclose it Conve- 
nient & Sufficient for holding the next Annual Town 
Meeting in March or April, 1789, if possible. 

" At a town-meeting held at the house of Wesson 
Kirby on Monday, Oct. 13, 1788, 

" Voted for the town to jiurchase two Rods each waj' 
of land of Ichabod Potter in the Southeast corner of 
his home farm, and give him Six Dollars for the same. 

" Voted to reconsider the former vote of said Town 
for building a Town House at the Northwest corner 
of William Gifford's, and to build it at said Southeast 
corner of Ichabod Potter's land. 

"Voted that the Committee chosen for building 
said house be directed to build it at this place, agree- 
able to the former instructions. 

" The town-house was accordingly built at the last- 
named place, and was so far completed that a town- 
meeting was held therein for the first time on the 
sixth day of April, 1789. This house is the one now 
in use by the town. The committee were paid for 
their service and attendance in building the house at 
the rate of 3/ per day each. The workmen were paid 
4/ per day each. The timber and plank, which was 
mostly of oak, was purchased of twenty-five different 
persons, and ten other persons furnished shingles in 
quantities of from 250 to 519 shingles; and the nails, 
which were made by hand, were furnished by seven 
different persons. The total expense of the house for 
materials and labor, so far as finished to May 13, 
1789, was £30 1/ 5-?." 

Deed of Stephen Neck. — The following is a copy 
of the Indian deed to Stephen Neck, contributed by 
G. Frederic Davis : 

" To all people to whom these presents shall come, 
Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomoch, sister to 
said Jonotus, Indians of the town of Little Compton, 
in the county of Bristol, in New England, sendeth 
greeting; 



" Know'Ye, that we the said Jonotus, Sam Para- 
chus, and Sue Codomoch, for and in consideration of 
the full and just sum of One Hundred and Twenty 
Pounds of current lawful money in New England 
aforesaid, to us in hand paid before the sealing and 
delivering of these presents by Capt. William South- 
worth, of Little Compton aforesaid, and John Rogers, 
some time an inhabitant of Boston, in New England, 
and now in said Little Compton, of which said sum 
of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds we the said 
Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomoch do own 
the receipt of, and thereof and every part and parcel 
thereof acquit, exonerate, and discharge the said 
Wm. Southworth, John Rogers, them, and their, and 
either of their heirs, Executors, and Administrators 
forever, by these presents have given, granted, bar- 
gained, and sold, alienated and enfeoffed, confirmed, 
and by these presents do freely and absolutely give, 
grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, and confirm from 
us, the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codo- 
moch, our heirs, and each of our heirs, unto Wm. 
Southworth and John Rogers, their heirs and each of 
their heirs and a.ssigns forever, a certain Neck of 
Land. Said Neck lyeing and being in the township 
of Little Compton aforesaid, and in that part of the 
town called Coxit, commonly called and known by 
the name of Stephen's Neck. Bounded as fblloweth, 
viz. : 

" On the North side or end partly by the lands of 
Isaac, an Indian preacher, now deceased, and partly 
by a straight line drawn from the South East corner 
bounds of said Isaac's land. Eastly by a snag wood 
tree, and from said snag wood tree bounded on the 
East side by a strait line running southerly to the 
South West corner of a great rock that lieth about 
two rods Eastward of a little brook, the bounds of a 
parcel of medow land formerly sold by Mamanuah 
unto Capt. Wm. Southvvorth and Wm. Soale, as may 
appear by a deed under the hand and seal of the said 
Mamanuah, bearing date April 2, 1694, and then 
bounded by said brook on the East side of the brook 
until said brook falls into th^ pond called Coceast, 
and then bounded on the East side of said pond to 
the place where said pond runs into the sea. Bounded 
on the West side from the said Isaac's South West 
corner, bound Southerly by the bounds that were 
formerly the land of Peter Quashim, until it comes to 
a pond called by the Indians Nonoqueshago, and 
then said pond to be the Bound on the West side un- 
till it comes to the place where said pond runs Into 
the sea. The sea being the bound on the South side 
or end of said Neck, containing about Three Hun- 
dred acres of land, be it more or less, with all the 
singular, the privileges, and appuranenses thereunto 
belonging in Little Compton aforesaid, called Ste- 
phen's Neck, with all and singular the privileges and 
appurtanenses thereunto belonging, as it is herein 
before butted and bounded unto the said Wm. South- 
worth and John Rogers, they and either of them, 



682 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



their and either of their executors, assigns forever, 
to the only proper use and behoof of them tlieir heirs 
and assigns forever, free and clear, clearly acquitted 
of and from all other and former grants, bargains, 
sales, leases, mortgages, dowers, intangles, aliena- 
tions whatsoever made, committed, or done by us the 
said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, Sue Codomock, or any 
of us or our heirs, or any of our heirs or assigns 
whatsoever, and that it shall and may be lawful, by 
virtue of these presents, to and for the said Wm. 
Southworth and John Rogers, and either of their 
heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, and every 
of them from time to time, and at all times forever 
hereafter freely, peacably, and quietly to take and 
possess, occupy, use, aud enjoy before bargained 
premises without any lawful suit, trouble or denial, 
interruption, eviction, or disturbance of us or any 
of us, the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, aud Sue Cod- 
omock, or any of our heirs or executors or assigns 
whatsoever, and that we the said Jonotus, Sam 
Parachus, and Sue Codomock do own and affirm to 
be th"e true proprietors and lawful possessors of the 
above Neck of land, and for the confirmation of the 
sale thereof, in manner and form above expressed, we 
the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomock 
have to these presents set our hands and seals this 
6th day of April, Anno Domini One Thousand seven 
Hundred, in the twelfth year of the reign of William 
the Third of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, 
King. 

" Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of 
us witnesses, 

" John Coe, 
"William Pabodie, Jr. 
" Bristol, ss., April 9, 1700. The above-men- 
tioned Jonotus, Sam Parachus, Sue Codomock ap- 
peared before me, the subscriber, one of his majesty's 
Justice of Peace for said county, and acknowledged 
the above written instrument to be their own free act 
aud deed. 

" Thomas Leonard. 
" The mark of Jonotus^ aud a [seal] 

" The mark of Sam Parachus aud a [seal] 
" The mark of Sue Codomock and a [seal] 
" Entered April the 11th by John Cory, Recorder. 
" Bristol, .ss., Uth. May 12, 170?., then taken out 
of the record for said county and is a true copy 
thereof. 

" Attest, Jolin Cory, Recorder." 

At the south end of the town of Westport lies a 
small harbor, at the mouth of Westport River, "for- 
tunate in the natural position of its boundaries," and 
favorable for a good harbor, so situated that one of 
the boundaries of the harbor laps by the other so as 
to completely mislead one as to the entrance thereto. 
So complete is the deception that during the Revo- 
lutionary war it gained the name of the " Devil's 
Pocket-Hole," as vessels acquainted could enter, sail 
up the river a short distauce, and drop their sails at 



the wharves of Westport Point, where only the masts 
could be seen, but no manner of admittance thereto; 
and such was the anger of the Britishers at being thus 
foiled of their prey that they, after cruising back and 
forth, in wrath would open fire upon the hamlets 
lying along the shore, and during one of these flurries 
the south side of the present dwelling of G. Frederic 
Davis was carried away by a shell from a vessel lying 
about half a mile off the shore, marks of which the 
ancient building carried till thoroughly renovated a 
few years siuce. 

Militia. — From IGGi until 1787, a period of one 
hundred and twenty-three years, the local militia of 
that section of country now Westport formed a part 
of the military forces of Dartmouth, which forces 
were, in 1667, by the Colonial Court ordered to sub- 
mit to the orders of Sergt. James Shaw and Arthur 
Hatherway, who by the authority of the said court 
were appointed to exercise tlie men in arms in the 
town of Dartmouth. About six years later, viz., 
March 4, 1673, John Smith was appointed and com- 
missioned lieutenant commandant of all the local 
militia of Dartmouth, aud consequently of those re- 
siding within the limits of what subsequently became 
Westport. Lieut. Smith's subordinate officer was 
Jacob Mitchell, who was commissioned ensign-bearer. 

It is extremely difficult, and in some cases impos- 
sible, to learn who were the military leaders, the 
" Train Band Captains" of the local militia of the 
different towns, as very meagre records of these aj)- 
pear in the public archives in the office of the Secre- 
tary of State in Boston, and these are particularly 
deficient for the century commencing at the date 
when the colonies of Massachusetts Bay in New Eng- 
land and that of New Plymouth, now called Old 
Colony, were united. Indeed it was not until the 
adoption of a State Constitution, near the close of the 
war of the American Revolution, that order came out 
of confusion, system and care succeeded irregularity 
and neglect, and the military history of each town 
can be definitely and easily traced iu the offices of 
the Secretary of State and Adjutant-General in Bos- 
ton. 

While the French and Indian war was progressing, 
Zacheus Tobey and Ebenezer Willis were captains of 
Dartmouth militia. Capt. Tobey was promoted to 
major of the Second Regiment in 1762, and Capt. 
Willis was promoted to major of the same regiment 
in or about 1771, and discharged Sept. 19, 1775. 

As early as 1762, the militia of old or original Dart- 
mouth had become so numerous as to be divided into 
five companies, one of which doubtless embraced the 
train band and alarm list of what is now Westport. 
The commissioned officers of these companies at that 
date were as follows : 

Captains. — Ebenezer Aiken, Job Almey, Ezekiel 
Cornell, Benjamin Sherman, and Elkanah Wiuslow. 

Lieutenants. — Jonathan Wiuslow, James Wilkey, 
William Hix, Thomas Dennis, and Benjamin Terry. 



WESTPORT. 



683 



Ensigns. — Elkanah Tobey, James Richmond, Sam- 
uel Brownell, John Babcock, and Jarius Clark. 

Nineteen years later tlie militia of ancient Dart- 
mouth had been increased to nine companies, and 
that part of these forces in what subsequently be- 
came Westport appeared under these officers, viz. : 
Robert Earl, captain; Sylvester Brownell, lieutenant; 
and John Hix, ensign. 

In July, 1788, Capt. Robert Earl was promoted to 
major of the Second Regiment of the Bristol County 
brigade, and Lieut. Sylvester Brownell advanced to 
captain of the Westport company. 

May 20, 1794, Capt. Sylvester Brownell was pro- 
moted to major. 

Barber, in his " Historical Collections," published 
in 1848, in speaking of Westport, says, "This town, 
previous to it« incorporation in 1787, was a part of 
Dartmouth. There are two small villages in the 
town, one at the head of East River, the other at 
Westport Point. The people are much divided in 
religious sentiments. There are five meeting-houses : 
two for Friends, two for Baptists, and one for Meth- 
odists. There is also a small society of Congrega- 
tionalists. The village at the head of East or Nocha- 
cuck River is about eight miles from New Bedford, 
eight from Franklin, and twenty-one from Newport. 
Formerly considerable quantities of timber were ob- 
tained in this town. The whale fishery is now an 
important branch of business ; eight whaling vessels 
now go out from Westport Point. There is a cotton- 
mill in this town having 3072 spindles, which in 1837 
consumed 300,000 pounds of cotton ; 270,000 pounds 
of cotton yarn were manufactured, the value of which 
was S67,o00." 

Westport in 1883. — The town of Westport has 
five post-otlices, viz. : North Westport, Westport, 
South Westport, Central village, and Westport 
Point. The principal villages are Westport Point, 
Head of Westport, and Westport Factory. 

Westport Point is situated at the southerly part of 
the town, between the east and west branches of 
Westport River. It contains about one hundred and 
fifty inhabitants, many of whom are engaged in fish- 
ing. Whaling vessels were formerly fitted from this 
])ort, but there is no large shipping there at this time. 

Head of Westport, or Westport village, is situated 
at the head of the east branch of Westport River, 
and contains from one hundred and fifty to two hun- 
dred inhabitants. 

Westport Factory village is situated one and a half 
miles northerly from Westport village and partly in 
the town of Dartmouth. It contains upwards of two 
hundred inhabitants, most of whom are employed by 
the Westport Manufacturing Company, who carry on 
an extensive business in the manufacture of carpet 
warp, twine, wicking, cotton batting, etc. 

Westport Harbor is situated on the west side of the 
West River, nearly opposite Westport Point. It has 
a large boarding-house and several cottages, which 



are occupied by visitors from abroad during the sum- 
mer season. The New Bedford and Fall River Rail- 
road passes across the northerly part of the town, but 
is of little advantage to the majority of the inhabit- 
ants of the town. 

The Fall River correspondent of the Providence 
Journal, in speaking of Westport Factory village, 
says, — 

" One of the most quiet, pleasing, and successful 
business villages in the vicinity of Fall River is 
Westport Factory, some six miles out from this city, 
on Westport River, in the town of Westport. A long 
time ago capital was invested there and a cotton-juill 
of medium size was erected, the power being fur- 
nished by a dam across Westport River. Some 
twenty or more years ago this property was pur- 
chased by Mr. William B. Traftbrd, who for some 
years previously had been associated with Mr. Au- 
gustus Chace, of this city, in manufacturing enter- 
prises. Mr. Trafford reorganized the mill and in- 
fused a new life into every department, and it soon 
became a standing success. Mr. Traflbrd secured the 
best of help, discouraged the use of alcohol, encour- 
aged the operatives to build themselves permanent 
homes, and in the history of the concern there has 
been no clashing between employer and employe on 
the questions of labor or wages. No strikes are said 
to atHict this concern, because the work-people are 
contented and satisfied. Many of them own their neat 
little homes, and on riding through the village a no- 
ticeable feature is the cleanliness of everything and 
the quietness surrounding the place. A neat little 
chapel has been erected, which is occupied half of 
each Sunday by a Protestant and the other half by a 
Roman Catholic preacher, if they choose to preach, 
and as there is no liquor-shop allowed, there is no 
drunkenness unless the victim buys his liquor abroad. 
In fact, it is a strict rule that the work-people must 
keep sober, and the rule is obeyed. Mr. William B. 
Traflbrd was a man of great public spirit, and paid 
out of his own pocket half the expenses of a new 
road from the Narrows to the Factory, three miles or 
more, some ten years ago. He died about 1880, but 
fortunately had reared his sons to the business. 
Within a year after his death the oldest .son was 
thrown from his buggy and killed. Mr. Chapin Traf- 
ford, another son, now manages the concern. The 
business now carried on is buying the waste of the 
cotton-mills in Fall River and cheap cotton, and 
manui'acturing cotton batting and yarn for cheap 
goods. All their supplies are hauled from this city, 
and the finished goods returned the same, and their 
heavy teams are quite a feature on our streets. The 
business has been highly profitable. Mr. Traftbrd, 
the manager, completed an elegant mansion in the 
Factory village last year, and lives neighbor to his 
operatives, but in elegant style. It is rare to find an 
established business that has done better than this in 
the same number of years." 



684 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The First Christian Church in Westport.-— Near 

the close of the last century this vicinit}', so long 
under the influence of religious tenets of the Friends, 
was inspired with a desire for more comprehensive 
religious ()pinions, and as the Baptist Church at 
North Dartmouth (Hixville), under the pastorshi]) 
of Elder Daniel Hix, had adopted the Bible as their 
only rule of faith, and Christian experience their 
only test of religious fellowship (so considering all 
creeds unnecessary), this doctrine of gospel liberty 
naturally extended itself into this town, where Elder 
Hix was well known and much respected. 

In 1819 religion? meetings were held at the Head 
of the River, when Peleg Sisson, Jonathan Mosher, 
George Mosher, Thaddeus Reynolds, Catharine Sowle, 
Sophia Tripp, Rachel Tripp, Susannah Lawton, Eliz- 
abeth Tripp, and Phebe Mosher, being in " fellow- 
ship, requested Elder Daniel Hix, of Dartmouth, to 
meet with them, and, agreeable to their request, ac- 
knowledged them the First Christian Church in 
Westport, Mass." They continued to worship in pri- 
vate dwellings until the completion of their house of 
worship, which was erected uijder the following call : 

" Whereas, It is esBential ill all civilized societies that some suitablo 
place bo provided for public worship, and as there is none uear the vil- 
lage at the head of the east branch of Acoaxet River, in Westport, the 
subscribers hereby agree to pay what we here subscribe, in order to build 
a house for public worship, said house to be free for all denominations 
of Christians to assemble in and v^orship in their own way, when unoc- 
cupied by the church and society established at that place by the name 
of the Christian Cliurcb and Society. 

" Westport, September, 1823." 

There were no officers chosen until November, 1825, 
" when they made choice of Peleg Sisson for minis- 
ter, and Brethren George M. Brownell and Jonathan 
Mosher for deacons, agreeable to the directions given 
in the Holy Scripture, by fasting, prayer, and laying 
on of hands. Elder Si.sson lived about eleven months 
from that time. His days were filled up with a good 
degree of usefulness, agreeable in life and lamented 
in death." He was succeeded by Elder Howard 
Tripp, a young man whose praise is in all the church, 
under whose labors the membership increa.sed to one 
hundred and eighty-four. Deacon Mosher moved to 
New Bedford soon after his appointment, and Deacon 
Brownell died Sept. 20, 1830. They were succeeded 
in office by Benjamin Tripp, whose labors continued 
until his death, Jan. 17, 1874, and Howland Tripp, 
who united with another church in 1843. Since then 
other members have served as occasion demanded. 
Deacon Howland Tripp was chosen first clerk Oct. 
16, 1830; Robert Lawton, Aug. 20, 1841, and John A. 
Smith, the present clerk, March 9, 1878. 

About 1833 they were troubled with Mormon mis- 
sionaries, who persisted in occupying their house of 
worship, and in 1844 they were greatly annoyed by 
those who headed the cry, " Come ye out of Babylon," 
but the timely counsel of Rev. I. H. Coe, and the 



1 By Curtis I. Pierce. 



adoption of the following resolution presented by 
him, made them more passive : 

" WliereaSy Some of us have followed false doctrines, and doctrines 
which have proved to be false ; therefore 

"Besolvetl, That we hereby confess our mistake, and acknowledge our 
regrer that such should have been the case, and thereby the feelings of 
some have been injured." 

The first mention of a Sabbath-school is July 16, 
1842, but it is known to have existed before this. 
Jan. 9, 1844, the society was incorporated, and in 
18.54 pews were put in the house of worship. Pres- 
ent value of property is about eight hundred dollai's. 
In 1842, Abner G. Devol was "licensed to improve 
his gift." Since then James L. Pierce, John G. Gam- 
mons, Gideon W. Tripp, as ordained ministers, and 
Robert A. Lawton, a licentiate from this church, 
have joined the Rhode Island and Massachusetts 
Christian Conference, the church joining September, 
1862. 

This church has enjoyed a number of revivals, and 
as the nucleus of religious effort here has the pleasure 
of recognizing the following societies as her offspring: 
The Second Christian Church at South Westport, or- 
ganized Sept. 18, 1838 ; the Third, at Central Village, 
June 10, 18.39; the Fourth, at Brownell's Corner, 
July 4, 1843; and the Pacific Union Congregational, 
May, 1858. Services were held at Westport Factory 
for many years, and they continued with us until 
1871. Since then a respectable congregation of Chris- 
tians assemble regularly, but are as yet unorganized. 

No article of faith has ever been received by this 
body, but rules for business have been adopted when 
necessary, all of which passed a complete revision 
March 9, 1878. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Tri]5p, wife of Deacon Benjamin, 
the last of the original members, died in the year 
1883 at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Three 
hundred and twelve persons have joined this church, 
its present membership being eighty-one. 

The following have been pastors and supplies: 
Peleg Sisson, Howard Tripp, John Phillips, Isaac 
Smith, William W. Smith, Wesley Burnham, I. W. 
Graffam, R. B. Eldridge, Samuel White, James L. 
Pierce, John B. Parris, George W. Dyer, John G. 
Gammons, Gideon W. Tripp, A. D. Blancbard, F. P. 
Snow, Gardner Dean, Curtis I. Pierce, H. P. Guilford, 
and Curtis I. Pierce. 

The Second Christian Church at South West- 
port was organized Sept. 18, 1838, with the follow- 
ing members: Sanford Brightman, David Brownell, 
Sarah W. Brownell, Betty Brightman, Mary Bright- 
man, Myra E. Brightman, and Ann Macomber, Elders 
Moses How, Charles Morgaridge, and Gardner Dean 
participating in the inaugural services. David 
Brownell was chosen clerk, and was the only officer 
until Aug. 28, 1841, when Brethren Jacob Chase and 
John Allen were chosen deacons and ordained soon 
after. With the decease of Deacon Chase the office 
remained vacant until Aug. 28, 1880, when Charles 



WESTPORT. 



085 



R. Allen was chosen junior deacon. Deacon Allen 
was chosen clerk Nov. 2, 1849, and continued thirty- 
one years; Abraham Allen, present clerk, Aug. 28, 
1880. The Sabbath-school was organized June 5, 
1849. Feb. 1, 1876, they dedicated their new house of 
worship, valued at sixteen hundred dollars. Aug. 28, 
1880, they revised their articles of church government. 

This church has enjoyed a good degree of prosper- 
ity, even without much pastoral labor, one hundred 
and forty-two having joined since its organization, 
and numbering fifty-five at present. 

The following have been pastors and supplies : 
Elder Matthi.is E. Gammons, Cephas Chamberlain, 
Gideon W. Tripp, Philip Sanford, Benjamin Masher, 
Nathaniel Lovering, Charles P. Snow, N. S. Chad- 
wick. 

The Third Christian Church, at Brownell's 
Corner, was organized July 4, lS4o, with the fol- 
lowing membership: Howland Tripp, Gideon Tripp, 
Philip Devol, Holder Earl, Thomas Sanford, Eliza- 
beth Tripp, Sarah Lawton, Basheba Earl, Mary 
Sanford, Maria Devol, Naomi Briggs, Betsy Petty. 
The house of worship was opened and dedicated the 
same day. Elder Howard Tripp delivered the dedi- 
catory sermon, and continued as pastor until the 
summer of 1847. Since then the following have 
served as pastors : Elders Frederick Tripp, John W. 
Hunter, Matthias E. Gammons, Philip Sanford, 
Ephraim Burroughs, Benjamin F. Masher, Gould 
Anthony, O. F. Woltze. Howland Tripp and Gideon 
Lawton were the first deacons. Isaac D. Earl and 
Edwin Lawton are the present deacons ; Isaac D. 
Earl, present clerk. Seven years from its organiza- 
tion it numbered seventy-five members; whole num- 
ber who have joined is one hundred and nineteen; 
present membership, fifty-one ; value of property, 
eight hundred dollars. There are six of the first 
members still living. The oldest is Mary Sanford, 
aged ninety-one. 

The First Christian Church, North Westport, ' 
was organized Jan. 1, 1858, with the following mem- 
bers : Joshua Wordell, Perry Davis, Gershom Wor- 
dell, Sylvia Wordell, Rachel Davis, Edmund Wor- 
dell, Peleg Dennis, Mahaley Dennis, Mary Blossom, 
Sarah Ann Crapo, Patience A. Barney, Isaac A. An- 
thony, Christiana Anthony, Abiel Davis, Rhoda 
Davis, Abby S. Sherman, David D. Petty, Louisa 
Sherman, Clarissa Blossom, Rosina Sherman, Martha 
Millard, Ann Mariah Branley, Ruth B. Davis. 

The first pastor was Elder William Faunce, who 
served the church until Feb. 20, 1864. 

At a church-meeting held Sept. 10, 1864, J. B. Par- 
ris was chosen pastor, and at a meeting held April 10, 
1866, Stephen M. Andrews was chosen pastor, and 
Jan. 26, 1873, A. H. Francis was accepted as pastor 
of the church, and was ordained by request of the 
church. 



The next account of a pastor is in 1875, when Elder 
Elihu Grant commenced his work the second Sabbath 
in January, and resigned in March, 1879. Rev. B. F. 
Mosher, the present pastor, was chosen the same 
spring. 

The society has a fine church edifice, free from debt. 

The church accepts no creed but the Bible, and fel- 
lowships all who maintain a Christian character. 
There are on rolls one hundred and nineteen names, 
twenty-four of whom have died, eight have been dis- 
missed, one excommunicated, leaving seventy-six on 
the roll at present, many of whom are non-residents, 
having moved from the place. The edifice was erected 
before the church was organized ; probably completed 
in 1857. There is no date of the dedication of the 
building, but probably it was dedicated on the same 
day of the organization. 

The Third Christian Church-' of Westport was 
organized June 10, 1839, with the following mem- 
bers: Daniel Tripp, Abner Tripp, Gidean W. Tripp, 
Green Allin, Silva Tripp, Susanah Tripp, Pheby 
Potter, Pheby Allin, Susan T. Brownell, Christiany 
Allin, Cathriue Tripp, and Pheby Tripp. The fol- 
lowing is a list of pastors from its organization to the 
present time: Ekler Callogue, Elder George Dyre, 
Elder Gideon W. Tripp, Elder Isrel Wood, Elder 
Orrin J. Weight, Eider Bardon M. Bacer. The 
church building was erected in 1842. The present 
officers are: Deacons, Henry Brighton and Godfry 
Cormet; Clerk, Henry Brightman. 

Friends' Church, Central Village.'— The Friends' 
Meeting at Central village was set oil" from Dartmouth 
Meeting in the year 1766, under the name of Acoaxet 
Monthly Meeting,— this village at that time being the 
western part of Old Dartmouth, and called by tlie In- 
dian name of Acoaxet. Several years afterwards its 
name was changed to Westport Monthly Meeting. 
The present house was built in 1814 at a cost of 
eleven hundred and ninety-eight dollars. This was, 
however, a rebuild (but we have no record of when 
the house was built which was occupied previous to 
this). I wish I could give you a picture of it. It is 
with great pleasure I look back to my childhood 
days, and think of that large, commodious old meet- 
ing-house, with its bright, blazing fires in the large 
fireplaces, and its rows of venerable gray heads 
arranged along on the high .seats. No paint or 
marks of decoration were seen upon its massive 
beams or walls, no stufied cushions on its benches, 
or carpets covered its sanded floors, but the whole 
was a picture of neatness. In 1872 the old meeting- 
house was summoned to lay aside its quaint old 
garb and undergo another remodeling, which is the 
present house now occupied. 

The first members were Ichabod Eddy, Joshua 
Devol, Mercy Devol, Israel Wood, Philip Tripp, 
Margaret Tripp, Christian Brightman, Sarah White. 



By Kev. B. F. Mosher, 



- By Henry Brightman. 



3 By Hannah R. Giffurd. 



686 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



List of ministers: Warren Gifford, Tabitha Gifford, 
Jeremiah Austin, William P. Macomber, Joseph 
Tripp, Rebekah Tripp, Annie Macomber, Mary E. 
Gifford. 

I cannot justly leave the history of this meeting 
without making particular mention of one of its 
members. I allude to Capt. Paul Cuff, whose name 
has been handed down from generation to generation 
as a man of great worth and noble character. He 
was born on Cuttyhunk, one of the Elizabeth Islands, 
in the year 1759. His father was a slave, his mother 
a native Indian by the name of Ruth Moses. He 
was tall and dignified in his appearance, his hair 
straight, and his complexion was not dark. A man 
of limited education, and, in traveling over the world 
as he did, sensibly realized what a loss he sustained 
by this privation. Several times during his voyages 
he took home with him poor boys from foreign ports 
to educate them. In two weeks he learned enough of 
navigation to command his own vessels, of whicli he 
built seven. 

At the age of sixteen he became a sailor, and made 
a whaling voyage to the Gulf of Mexico. His second 
voyage was to the West Indies, but on the third he was 
captured by a British ship during the Revolutionary 
war (in 177G), and held a prisoner three months at 
New York. He joined this meeting in the year 1S08, 
and often appeared in the ministry with deej) devo- 
tional feelings. 

In ISIO he received a certificate from the meeting 
to visit Africa ; later he had one to go to Washing- 
ton ; still later, two others, one to visit Africa the 
second time. He had a strong attachment for the 
people of his own color. 

It was this same Capt. Cuff, with his brother John, 
who sent in a petition to the Legislature in the year 
1778 which was the means of passing the law giving 
all free persons of color equal privileges with other 
citizens, also rendering them liable to taxation, — a 
day which ought to be gratefully remembered in 
connection with the name of Paul Cufl' by all the 
colored people of Massachusetts. 

One more incident of this worthy man. On a cer- 
tain time he visited New Bedford, and stopped at a 
public-house with some friends, and was sitting in 
the travelers' room, warming himself by the fire. 
When the hour of dinner arrived the landlady en- 
tered the room and told Capt. Cuff she would set him 
a separate table. He politely thanked her, and then 
told her he had previously accepted an invitation to 
dine with Hon. William Rotch. 

He owned a farm in Westport of one hundred 
acres, about two miles south of Hix's Bridge ; also a 
store-house and wliarf, where his vessels were built. 

He died at his home in 1817, and his remains lie 
buried in Friends' burying-ground at Central village. 

Pacific Union Congregational Churcli.'— In the 



1 By J. L. Anthony. 



month of March, 18.50, Rev. J. B. Parris was engaged 
to supply the pulpit of the Old House (so called), it 
being the first Christian Church in Westport of that 
denomination. Mr. Parris labored with them two 
years. His salary was small, and obtained by volun- 
tary subscription. At or near the close of his second 
year, as usual, a committee was chosen to solicit sub- 
scriptions for his salary the coming year. The day 
before his last Sabbath for the year a meeting of the 
church and society was held to hear the report of the 
committee. The committee reported they had been 
unable to obtain the amount for his salary. The 
moderator of the meeting (Dr. B. B. Sisson) suggested 
that he, Mr. Parris, be informed of their inability to 
continue his labors longer, and that a letter of recom- 
mendation be given him to other sister churches. A 
letter was written and presented to the meeting, and 
a vote passed tiiat the clerk inform him of the doings 
of the meeting, and present to him the letter of rec- 
ommendation. 

The week following his last Sabbath at the Old 
House he was called upon by three gentlemen, two of 
whom a short time previous had returned from Cali- 
fornia, and neither of the three had been an attend- 
ant upon his ministry, but were highly pleased with 
his deportment as a minister of the gospel. They 
questioned him to know if he would continue his labors 
in the village and preach in Washingtonian Hall 
if they could obtain subscriptions to the amount of 
his salary, assuring him that no effort had been made 
to obtain it, and the people were anxious for him to 
continue with them. His answer to them was that if 
the people wished him to stay and preach in the hall 
he had no objection, and the amount raised on or be- 
fore Saturday. A subscription paper was started, 
and before Saturday night he was informed the 
amount had been obtained, and Sunday he commenced 
his labors in the hall, it being March, 1852, where 
most of the church members from the Christian Chucli 
and all the congregation followed him. 

Mr. Parris continued his labors in the hall till De- 
cember, 1855, when the Pacific Union Church build- 
ing was completed and dedicated, and he was invited 
by its proprietors to occupy its pulpit, which he did 
till March, 1858, when he informed his friends and 
congregation he should not be a candidate for the 
pulpit any longer, as his throat had troubled him 
much during the past year, and several Sabbaths was 
unable to preach. 

In the month of December, 1853, Zacheus Gifford, 
an attendant at the hall, after the close of the services 
one Sabbath-day, stated to P. W. Peckham, Stephen 
Howland, and C. A. Church, in my presence, that a 
short time previous he attended the rededication and 
sale of pews at the church at Hix's meeting-house, 
which had been repaired and pewed ofl' and nicely 
fitted up, and that the sale of the pews amounted to 
more than the expense incurred, leaving a balance on 
hand, and that a new house was needed here, and he 



WESTPORT. 



687 



thoup;ht one could be built and paid for from the sale 
of pews. From that time the enterprise commenced 
to be agitated, and as the hall was uncomfortably 
crowded most of the time, it was concluded to call a 
meeting on the subject. 

The following is a copy of a call for the first meet- 
ing on the proprietors' records: 

*' Notice. 

"All persons feeling interested in the cause of Christianity in this 
Village, are requested to meet at Washington Hall on Thursday, Feb. 23, 
1854, at 2 o'clock P.M., to consult together upon the present state of the 
cause and the hest means for its promotion. 

" Westport, Feh'y 22d, 1854." 

The meeting was held and a vote passed that one 
of the means to promote the cause of Christianity 
in this village is to build a meeting-house. A com- 
mittee was chosen to draft and report resolutions at 
the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned to 
Wednesday, March 1, 1854. 

March 1, 1854, meeting held, and committee re- 
ported that a good degree, a healthy state of religious 
feeling and interest, and for the welfare of the cause 
of Christ these should be concentrated in some form 
of religious association, and offered the following res- 
olutions : 

"That in the opinion of the committee the cause of Christ would be 
best promoted by a speedy organization of a church. 

'■2d, That the cause would be promoted by the formation of a society 
to co-operate with the church. And that it would be promoted by the 
erection of a building suitable for a place of worship. That it is exjie- 
dient to refer the choice of the form of church organization to such as 
are willing and ready to become members of a church. And that such 
consult together and come to some decision, and report to the adjourn- 
ment of this meeting." 

It was voted that the committee, of which Rev. Mr. 
Parris was chairman, be instructed to give a general 
invitation to all persons desirous of becoming mem- 
bers of the proposed church to meet at such time and 
place in said village of Westport, Head of the River, 
as said committee may designate. Said notice was 
given, and a meeting held at the house of Hon. N. C. 
Brownell, Esq., Saturday evening, March 4, 1854. 
Adjourned to meet at the house of Stephen Howland 
on Tuesday, March 9th, and from there to the house 
of Thomas Winslow. 

Meeting called to order by Rev. J. B. Parris. C. A. 
Church chosen chairman ; Stephen Howland, secre- 
tary. Prayer otfered by Rev. J. B. Parris. The arti- 
cles, confession of faith, and covenant of a Congre- 
gational Church was adopted. At this point of the 
proceedings Zacheus Gilford and Adam Giftbrd with- 
drew from the enterprise, they wanting the church 
to be of the same denomination as the old church, 
which had no creed. There were several meetings 
held during the year and the matter discussed, but no 
definite action taken to form a church, some taking 
the ground that it would be better to have a place to 
worship in before forming a church organization. 

A meeting of the citizens held in the hall March 8, 
1854. Meeting called to order by the president, B. B. 



Sisson, Esq. The report of the doings of those wish- 
ing to join a church was presented by Mr. Howland, 
in the absence of Mr. Parris. Remarks were made 
by Mr. Sisson, Brownell, Church, and others. Voted 
that the report made by the committee of which Mr. 
Parris was chairman be placed on file. Voted that it 
is expedient to form a society to act in consort with a 
church to be formed upon the plan proposed in the 
report of said committee, or something similar. 

Voted to choose a committee of five to report where 
a lot can be obtained to erect a house of public wor- 
ship on and price of same, the size of the house 
and probable cost, and the mode of raising the 
funds. Ye meeting adjourned to Wednesday, March 
22, 1854. 

Meeting held March 22d by adjournment. N. C. 
Brownell, Esq., chairman of committee appointed at 
the previous meeting, presented the report of com- 
mittee, — that a suitable and convenient lot, east of 
Adam Gilford's, about five rods front on the street, 
and extending back eight rods, may be had, as in- 
formed by Stephen Howland, for | ; that the 

committee had examined several houses of worship, 
and are of opinion that a house suitable for the pres- 
ent and prospective wants of this village and vicinity 
should be about forty by fifty feet in size; that the 
probable cost, including furniture, would be from 
two thousand five hundred to three thousand dollars. 
In regard to raising funds for the object proposed, 
your committee recommend it be raised by subscrip- 
tion in shares of twenty-five dollars each, and they in- 
dulge the hope that the interest felt in religious obser- 
vances, the we.lfareof the rising generation, and morals 
of the community will insure a subscription commen- 
surate with the great object in view. Stephen How- 
land then presented in writing that he wished to give 
the association the lot reported on the following condi- 
tions, viz. : that the association erect a meeting-house, 
make and maintain an inclosure around said lot, that 
the meeting-house be on the plan now in contempla- 
tion, with a vestry to be on the floor above the ground, 
and that if any soil is to be removed from the lot that 
is not needed on it, that he should have the refusal to 
remove said soil in a reasonable time. Also at any 
time when said lot is not occupied for a meeting- 
house for a religious church or society, it shall then 
return back to said Howland or his heirs or assigns, 
provided that in case of fire or to rebuild a new house 
for the purpose of religious worship there should be 
time allowed to build. It was voted unanimously to 
accept the above proposal. A subscri])tion paper was 
drawn up with certain conditions, and a committee 
chosen to obtain subscriptions. 

A clause in the subscription paper provides that at 
the first meeting after the subscriptions are obtained, 
such officers may be chosen and such action taken as 
the subscribers then pre-sent may deem necessary to 
accomplish the object intended. Also, at all meet- 
ings of subscribers each shall be entitled to one vote 



688 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



for each share by him subscribed for. But no sub- 
scriber sliall be entitled to more tlian ten votes. 

The committee having attended to their duty, at a 
meeting held in the hall on the 7th of April, 1854, 
reported one hundred and twenty shares had been 
subscribed for at twenty-five dollars per share, amount- 
ing to three thousand dollars. The said meeting chose 
P. W. Peckham, treasurer, and Stephen Howland, 
clerk. 

Voted to choose a committee of three to be called 
the building committee, and C. A. Church, J. L. 
Anthony, and Daniel H. Waite were chosen. 

September 21st, a meeting was held in hall, and the 
building committee made their first report. They re- 
ported they had advertised for proposals and visited 
many carpenters in New Bedford and Fall River, that 
but five carpenters have sent in their proposals, and 
these they deemed all too high in warranting them to 
make any contract this fall. 

Voted to accept tlieir report, and the committee 
was instructed to continue their efl!brt to make a con- 
tract to build the ensuing year. 

March 5, 1855, met according to notice in the hall 
at 6.30 P.M., B. B. Sisson, Esq., in the chair. 

Voted that the building committee are hereby in- 
structed to go on and contract for and build said 
meeting-house according to plans and specifications 
furnished by Cleveland & Eaton, and they be author- 
ized to raise what money may be necessary to accom- 
plish the object beyond the amount already subscribed 
by a lien on the house. 

On the 28th of March, Stephen Howland, the largest 
subscriber to the stock, died after a short sickne.ss ; but 
before his death directed his two sods to carry out all 
his intentions in regard to the enterprise. Then fol- 
lows the certificate of the treasurer that the subscrib- 
ers had all paid in their subscriptions except Mr. 
Howland, which was paid by his executors. 

Then follows the certificate of Mr. Church, chair- 
man of the building committee, that in June, 1855, 
he had received of the treasurer twelve hundred dol- 
lars, and in the month of September the sum of eigh- 
teen hundred dollars, it being the whole amount sub- 
scribed. 

The office of clerk being vacant by the death of 
Mr. Howland, a meeting was called on the 16th day 
of November, 1855, and N. W. Winchester was chosen 
clerk. 

Voted that the stockholders have the privilege of 
turning in what amount each had paid into the treas- 
ury towards the payment of his pew or pews that he 
may purchase, and that if his purchase exceeds the 
amount already paid in, the balance shall be paid in 
cash to the treasurer. And voted that all votes in- 
consistent and conflicting with the above vote are 
hereby repealed. 

Voted that the stockholders ofler the meeting- 
house to the public upon the following conditions: 
That upon the conclusion of the dedicatory services 



' the pews be offered for sale, and all purchasers of 
pews shall come together and organize a society, each 
person having one vote, but in no case shall one pew 
be represented by more than one vote, and a majority 
shall govern, giving it such name as they shall 
: think proper. And said society shall make such rules 
and regulations as they shall deem best for its future 
government. And shall call such a preacher as they 
shall determine. The meeting was then adjourned 
to meet that evening at six o'clock at the same place. 
The adjourned meeting came together, the chairman 
being absent, C. A. Church was called to the chair. 

Voted that a committee of five be chosen to ex- 
tend an invitatiou in behalf of the stockholders to 
such ministers of the gospel as said committee shall 
I think proper to come and take part in the dedicatory 
services. And said committee shall also liave the 
management and superintendence of said services. 

Voted that B. B. Sisson, P. W. Peckham, Stephen 
Tripp, J. T. Thompson, and N. W. Winchester, be 
that committee. 

Voted the com' on dedication carry the vote into 
effect respecting the offering the house to the public. 
Voted the building com' and the com' on dedication 
be a com' on the apprisal of the Pews in said house. 

Voted to adjourn to meet on Friday evening, Nov. 
30th, at 6 o'clock. N. W. Winchester, Clerk. 

Then follows the following notice: 

*' To THR Public. 

"The uudersigned, a com' in behalf of the stockholders of the Meet- 
ing-House lately erected at the Head of the River, Weslport, would 
inform the public that Wednesday, the 5tii of December, has bten ap- 
pointed for dedicating it to the worship of God, and it is expected Rev. 
Mr. Thurston, of Fall River, will preach the sermon on the occasion. 
Religious services will be contiuued until Friday noon, in wlii^h min- 
istei'S of different denominations have been invited to participate. A 
cordial iuvitati<'n is hereby extended to all to attend the meetings; 
trusting that they will prove both interesting and profitable, and be at- 
tended with spiritual good. 

"Ou Friday afternoon, the 7th, the Pews will be offered for Sale upon 
the following liberal conditions: The purchasers or owners of Pews 
shall, as soon as practicable after the sale, meet together aud proceed to 
organize a Society (each person having one voice, and a Majority of 
Voices to govern), giving it such name as they may deem propei-, also to 
enact all needful rules and regulations for its future government aud 
management; to choose such Committees and OHicers as may be neces- 
sary, and to make such arrangements respectiug a Pastor as in their 
judgment will best promote the welfare of all, and to transact such 
other business as may be tliought expedient and proper. 

" The committee would now take the liberty to address a few remarks 
to the friends of religion, and of the public woi-sliip of God in this com- 
munity. 

"This House has been erected under peculiar circumstances, and dif- 
fering essentially from houses as usually erected for public worship. 
They almost without exception originate with au Organized Church 
and Society, and are of a fixed denominational character. 

" It is therefore known from the first what religious views govern 
them, and those who sympathize with tliose views readily associate to- 
gether. Not so with us. Seventeen persons in this community, differing 
in their religious views, but feeling that the morals and religious wants 
of this village and vicinity demanded a new house for public worship, 
and that that demand could only he supplied by laying aside minor 
dilTerences of Opinion and acting togetlier, adopted that course, believ- 
ing that a just and discriminating Christian sentiment would in the end 
sustain and justify their Action. The result of their united efforts is 
the edifice now about completed, the external appearance of which we 
1 think will add somewhat to our village, while its interior arrangements 



WESTPORT. 



689 



and completeness of finisli will reflect no discredit on the liberality of 
the Stockholdei-8. The funds for its erection have been contributed 
wholly by them ; no pecuniary aid has been received or asked for from 
any denomination or from any other Source. The conditions on which 
it is offered to the public we believe to be just, open, and fair to all, and 
free from any reasonable objection. 

" The object and design of its erection are to subserve as far as possi- 
ble the moral and religions welfare of the Community, & we trust and 
believe in the Providence of God that desirable end will lie attained ; 
but to accomplish this all friends of moral and religious improvement 
should come together in a spirit of true ChrislJMn liberality, all minor 
difTerences of opinion and jealousies must be olTered a willing sacrifice 
on the .\ltar of charity, concord, and Uiuflly feelings. If this be done 
may not hope that God will own and bless our efforts and crown them 
with success; and that He will so direct and goveru them by this spirit 
as will redound to the good of all and to His honor & Glory. 

*' J. B. Parris, 
" B. B. S18S0N, 
" P. Vf. Peckham, 

"J, J. ThoMI'SON, 

"N. \V. Winchester, 
"Stephen Tripp, 

" Committee, 
" Westport, Nov. 23, 1855." 

At a meeting held Nov. 30, 1855, it was voted that 
all pews remaining in the hands of the original stock- 
holders unsold, and not leased by them, shall be ex- 
empt from taxation for incidental expenses attending 
public worship, and no pew shall be taxed for the 
support of the ministry. 

Voted that the house be appraised at four thou- 
sand dollars, and the pews be appraised to cover that 
amount. A committee of three was chosen to sell and 
convey the pews. Adjourned to Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1855, 
at 9 A.M., at the meeting-house. At this meeting it was 
voted that the stockholders reserve to themselves the 
privilege of inviting a preacher to officiate until a 
society is formed and a preacher called by it. Ad- 
journed to 3 P.M. Adjourned to Friday morning, 
December 7th. At eight and a half o'clock Friday 
morning the committee on appraisal presented their 
report, which was accepted by the meeting, as fol- 
lows : That the apprisals of the pews shall forever 
hereafter be the basis for taxation. 

Voted that the front seats, Nos. 19, 20, 43, 44, be 
forever free seats. Voted that the committee on ded- 
ication be a committee to invite a preacher to .supply 
the pulpit until a society is formed and a preacher 
supplied by them. Voted to adjourn to meet in the 
evening at six and a half o'clock. 

Rev. Mr. Parris was invited from the hall to the 
new house by said committee. 

At the adjourned meeting held on Friday evening, 
voted that the committee on selling pews be author- 
ized to lease the unsold pews at the rate of eight per 
cent, on their appraised value and payment of taxes 
for incidental expenses, with a provision that should 
any one wish to purchase said pew, the lessee shall 
have the first privilege of purchase ; but if he does 
not wish to purchase, shall then peacefully surrender 
said pew, and have the privilege of leasing another. 
Voted that the sale of pews and the purchaser, their 
valuation, number, and premium paid for choice be 
recorded in the stockholders' records ; also each pew 
44 



shall bear its proportion of insurance, to be paid by 
its purchaser, one-third of purchase money to be 
paid on delivery of deed, and one-third in thirty 
days, and one-third, or balance, in sixty days there- 
after. The records show there were eighteen sold 
and sixteen leased out of the forty-two to sell or 
lease. 

Of those who were numbered among the stock- 
holders that purchased one or more pews six have 
died, three have moved away and sold their pews. 
Of those who leased pews, six have died, six have 
left town, and four remain. 

It was also voted at the meeting held Friday even- 
ing, December 7th, that the superintendent of the 
Sunday-school at Washington Hall transfer said 
school to this vestry. 

Adjourned to Saturday evening, December 15th. 

Voted to have the records revised and written up 
in consequence of the sudden death of our respected 
and lamented friend, Stephen Howland, a former 
clerk of this association. Adjourned to Tuesday 
evening, Dec. 18, 1855. Meeting held, B. B. Sisson 
in the chair. Clerk read the records of the last meet- 
ing. Voted that the committee appointed at the 
last meeting on revising the records be empowered 
to take such action as shall be necessary to organize 
the stockholders into a legal corporate body. Voted 
that the sum of two thousand dollars be assessed on 
the stockholders for the purpose of paying the out- 
standing debts against the house and preparing the 
lot; that the same be assessed and collected and paid 
into the treasury on or before the 15th day of January, 
1856. Voted to adjourn to meet at Washington Hall, 
Dec. 26, 1855, at 6.30 p. m. Meeting held according 
to adjournment. The committee to organize thestock- 
holder.s as a corporate body report they are engaged 
in the business, and will report as soon as sufficient 
progress shall have been made to enable them to do so. 
Voted to adopt the book of records now present and 
in the hands of the clerk as the book in which to re- 
cord the doings of the stockholders, and this vote be 
entered at the commencement of the records. 

Voted that all meetings in the future be called by 
posting up notices in two public places three days at 
least before the time for holding said meetings. Voted 
that in the death or absence of the clerk the meeting 
shall be called by the treasurer. 

Voted that the building committee be authorized 
to draw on the treasurer for such sums as may be 
necessary to discharge the debts against said house 
and lot. Voted to meet at Washington Hall on the 
evening of December 26th, at six and a half o'clock. 

Dec. 26, 1855. Meeting called to order by the clerk ; 
chairman being absent, J. L. A. chosen pro tern. The 
chairman of committee appointed to revise and ex- 
amine the records as left by Mr. Howland, the former 
clerk, made their report, which was accepted. Voted 
to adjourn without day. 

N. W. Winchester, Cleri. 



690 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The next meeting was called by the clerk to meet 
in the vestry of the church, Monday evening, 20th, 
at eight o'clock ; first, to choose a moderator ; second, 
to hear the report of the committee on the organiza- 
tion of the proprietors; third, to hear tlie report of 
the building committee. C. A. Church, rhairman of 
the building committee, read the report: 

*' The Com' report they had Erected a Meeting-house for the public 
Worship of God in the Village, Having from time to time made jtartial 
report as all weiO aware in the Worlt. Having as they believe Com- 
pleted the Work assigned or Confided to them, they are Xow prepared 
to make a final report a[id settlement of^the business assigned them. 
They presented to the Meeting the Accompanying bills of Expendi- 
tures and the receipts in tlie hand of Treasurer to show what became of 
their Money. It being so arranged as to siiow in detail the amount ex- 
pended in the Various departments, deeming it the most business like 
and probably the must satisfactory to the stockholders who have a right 
to know, wheie &: for vliat purpose their money has been expended. 
The ComMhouglit it desirable that all debts against tlie Ilouse should 
l)e paid with as much promptitude as possible. And they think tliey 
may Assert with .Safety that rarely has a house of the Ivind been erected 
where the debts against it liave been more promptly paid. They also re- 
turn their thanks to the Stockholders for their liberality and promptness 
in furnishing them with tlie means for doing so. The Com' would also 
say in conclusion they liave endeavored to discharge the duties Assigned 
them to the best of their ability and that all will agree they are attended 
with no little troulile and anxiety and responsibility, and that better 
and more competent persons from among our numbers, could have been 
chosen, we do not doubt ; but as we are of your own choosing the re- 
sponsibility you have to assume. We charge Nothing for our Services 
and if they are worthless, you pay Nothing for them. It they have 
been of any Value whatever it may be, You are welcome to them. And 
we hope that he who governs all things will own and bless the Edifice 
that we all have contributed to erect; And make it instrumental in pro- 
moting his honor and Glory. We respectfully submit this report and 
accompanying Account and ask to be discharged from furtlier Service. 
"Signed 

" C. A. Church, 
" J.. L. Anthony, 
"Dan. H. Waite, 

" CoinviUteey 

The bills of each person employed in preparing the 
lot for the foundation, stone-work, plans, carpenter's 
bill, masons, painters, furnace, upholstery, chairs, 
table, .sofa, Bibles for vestry and auditorium, insurance 
for five years, dedication expenses, etc., amounted to 
$5092.50. The above account and report was accepted 
and ordered to be recorded. 

The following report was presented on organizing 
the stockholders into a legal body of proprietors as a 
corporate body : 

"The undersigned a Com' appointed to present some plan the said 
organization of the Stockholders as a Corporate body, report that they 
have examined the subject and consulted Council in the case, and they 
recommend tlie Stockholders to organize under the 43d chapter of the 
Revised Statutes. 

(Signed) " Isaac Howland, 

"P. W. PrCKHAJI, 

" C. A. Church, 

" Comlnittee. 
" Westport, July JS, 1856." 

Then follows a copy of a deed given by James B. 
Oongdon and wife to owners of pews of the lot on 
which the house stands, said lot having previously 
been conveyed to him by the heirs of Mr. Howland, 
who were now stockholders in common. Said deed 
conveys to each stockholder the amount of his share, 
also naming each heir of Mr. Howland, the share of 



each belonging to their father, who was the largest 
shareholder (and his heirs being.five). 

Then follows the petition to George H. Giftbrd, 
justice of the peace, representing that they with others 
are the proprietors and holders in common of certain 
real estate situated in Westport; that they are de- 
sirous of forming themselves into a corporation ac- 
cording to the statutes in such cases made and pro- 
vided. Wherefore they request that you, the said 
justice, issue your warrant calling a meeting of said 
proprietors to be held for the purpose of organizing 
themselves as a corporation under the provision of 
the law in such cases provided ; and to choose all 
necessary oflicers, and to determine the manner of 
calling all future meetings, and make arrangements 
for the sale or transfer of their property, and trans- 
act other busine.ss that may be necessary and proper. 

Dated July 28, 1856. Signed by C. A. Church, J. 
L. Anthony, and seven others. 

George H. Gilford, the justice, issued his warrant 
to the said holders in common, directing them to 
call a meeting of said proprietors to be held in the 
vestry of the new meeting-house at the Head of the 
River, in Westport, on Monday, the 25th day of 
August, in the year 1856, at seven and a half o'clock 
P.M., for the purposes aforesaid, by posting up a no- 
tice containing the substance of this warrant, signed 
by you, the said C. A. Church, in one or more public 
places in said Westport, fourteen days at least before 
said meeting, and also by publishing the same in a 
newspaper printed in said county of Bristol. Given 
under the hand and seal of said George H. Gifford, 
justice of the peace. Then follows the certificate of 
C. A, Church that he had complied with the order of 
the warrant. The meeting was held according to the 
warrant, J. L, Anthony, chosen moderator; N. W. 
Winch'ester, chosen clerk, and sworn by the mod- 
erator; P. W. Peekham, chosen treasurer; Isaac 
Howland, collector; C. A. Church, assessor ; J. L. A. 
I. Howland, J, T. Thompson, chosen a committee to 
sell or lease unsold pews, and make the necessary 
conveyances, and to have the general care of the 
house and lot. 

Voted tiiat the pews now sold or leased by the 
stockholders be approved by this meeting. 

Voted that this corporation shall be known by the 
name of the proprietors of the Pacific Union Church. 
It was also voted that the clerk shall call all future 
meetings of the corporation by posting up one notice 
at the church and at one or more public places in the 
village seven days at least before the holding of the 
meeting, and in case of death or absence of clerk, 
meeting shall be called by treasurer. 

Voted that the clerk shall call a meeting at any 
time on application of three or more of the proprie- 
tors in writing, stating the object of said meeting, and 
at all other times when he shall deem it expedient. 
Voted that five shall constitute a quorum for the 
transaction of business of this association. Voted 



WESTPOKT. 



691 



that each share shall be entitled to one vote, and that 
no person be entitled to more than ten votes. Voted 
to reconsider the vote for treasurer, and that the col- 
lector, Isaac Howland, be the treasurer. Voted that 
the committee on sale of pews be directed to erect a 
suitable fence around the lot as soon as may be, in 
compliance with the stipulations in the deed of said 
lot. Voted to adjourn without day. The next meet- 
ing of interest was held Friday, March 6, 1857, at 
which the treasurer presented his report for the past 
year, showing there had been received into the treas- 
ury the sum of $189.49 from taxes, leases, and rents 
for the incidental expenses, and he had sundry bills 
to the amount of $186.56, leaving a balance in the 
treasury of $2.93. It was proposed and voted that 
an individual account be opened in the records with 
the proprietors, and that each proprietor be furnished 
with a statement of his account. Voted to adjourn 
without day. N. W. Winchester, clerk. 

The next meeting was held by the proprietors on 
the 5th day of March, 1859, at three o'clock, p.m., 
under a call by the proprietors to the clerk. When 
the necessary oflicers and committees were chosen for 
the year. There was presented to the meeting from 
a committee of the Union Sewing Circle a statement 
that from means obtained from the fair held by them 
in December last, and from the aid of kind friends in 
and out of our village, they have been enabled to 
raise a sum sufficient to warrant them in contracting 
for a bell for the tower of the church and a clock for 
the vestry, and therefore ask of the corporation their 
acceptance of the same, and permission for them to 
place the bell and clock in their appropriate places 
in the church. Signed, Westport, March 5, 1859. 
Mary A. Church, Lucilla S. Borden. 

Voted that the proprietors of this church accept 
with gratitude and pleasure the above kind donation 
of a bell and clock from the ladies of the Westport 
Union Sewing Society, and earnestly hope, with the 
blessings of God, that the donation made and the 
edifice which may contain them be ever used to pro- 
mote His glory and the moral and religious welfare 
of this community ; and that a committee consisting 
of Capt. Charles Little and Isaac Howland be ap- 
pointed to accept said donation, and render any aid 
necessary in placing the bell and clock in their aj)- 
propriate places. 

Voted that a copy of this vote be given to the com- 
mittee of the sewing society. The meeting was then 
adjourned to March 11, 1859, at three o'clock p.m. 

At the meeting held March 11, 1859, the committee 
appointed at the previous meeting reported that they 
had given the subject much thought, as regards the 
rights and duties of all the stockholders and the gen- 
eral interest of this community in which the church 
is located. They are of an opinion, as there is not 
much probability of selling the pews on hand at their 
present valuation and paying the indebtedness to the 
stockholders, that those stockholders to whom there 



is a balance due draw out the amount of said balance 
in pews and dispose of them as they shall deem best; 
and those of the stockholders who have purchased 
pews, the value of which exceeds their amount of 
i stock, that they pay up their balance. This will close 
i up with but little delay the whole matter of the stock- 
' holders and the proprietorship, and the business can 
be transferred or merged into the society. This is 
' very desirable, and your committee earnestly hope it 
! may be accomplished. They are authorized to state 
that those stockholders to whom there is a balance 
I due are ready to take out those balances in pews on 
reasonable and just conditions, and hope those in- 
! debted will manifest an equal promptness in settling 
their balances. The next consideration, what in jus- 
: tice should be done with those pews drawn out by the 
I stockholding creditors, in regard to taxation for inci- 
dental expenses, when not used or wanted by them. 
Having purchased pews sufficient for themselves and 
families, the stockholders propose to surrender them, 
or such of them as they do not wish to retain, to the 
use of the proprietors for one year, for them to be 
! leased at auction or otherwise, and the amount re- 
ceived be applied towards the payment of the inci- 
dental expenses of supporting public worship in the 
hofise, reserving the right of selling only should op- 
portunity offer. 

This certainly is a fair and liberal offer, and w^ill 
have the effect to reduce materially the expenses on 
the single pew-owners of the stockholders. There 
are many, your committee think, in the community 
who are desirous of purchasing or leasing pews who 
cannot afford to pay the present valuation prices or 
lease at the present rates ; what the committee desire 
is a price within their reach. The stockholder own- 
1 ing pews can sell at any price he feels disposed to, 
' and those surrendered to the proprietors can be leased 
at rates sufficiently low to bring them within the 
means of all who desire to rent. Free seats will be 
furnished to all unable to purchase, and that the rea- 
sonable wishes of all can be supplied. The great ob- 
ject should be to throw open as widely as possible the 
doors of the sanctuary of public worship, that the 
poor as well as the rich should equally partake of its 
blessings and privileges. Your committee feel it their 
duty, whether acting the part of committee or stock- 
holder, to do all they can to accomplish so desirable 
an end, and would therefore recommend the adoption 
of the following votes : 

The first, second, and part of third article in the 
vote recommended is to cover the ground in the re- 
port pre.sented with the following items of additions, 
the reservation for a pew for the use of the minis- 
ter's family : That the money received from pews 
leased be appropriated towards the incidental ex- 
pense, and the balance shall be taxed on the pews 
remaining in the hands of stockholders, owned and 
retained by them, according to the established valua- 
tion of said pews ; and that no lease shall interfere 



692 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



with right of any stockholder to sell his pew and give 
immediate possession, the lessee only paying for the 
time occupied, and that said pew sold or the owner 
thereof shall be liable to the same taxation as the 
pews owned and used by the stockholders or others. 
The vote also recommends that the committee on sale 
and lease of pews shall give public notice that they 
will lease pews at public auction on some day (they 
shall name) as soon as practicable for the term of one 
year as many pews (after making the above reserva- 
tion) as the community shall, by offers made, evince 
a desire to lease. The residue, if any, may be leased 
thereafter (if opportunity offers) on such terms and 
conditions as the committee shall judge best for the 
interest of all parties; and that all pews, when not 
occupied by the lessee or owner, may be occupied by 
others, under the direction of the committee on sale 
and leasing of pews. 

Voted to adopt the report of the committee. 

Voted that the three votes recommended by the 
committee as recorded be adopted. A committee of 
three was then appointed to sell and lease the pews, 
as follows: C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, and Isaac 
Howland, and that the said committee be authorized 
to make necessary conveyance to the stockholders and 
others of those pews already purchased or drawn out 
by them, also of those the stockholders may hereafter 
draw out ; also lease such pews as may be surrendered to 
the use of the proprietors, agreeable to the vote adopted 
in the report of said committee as above recorded, 
and that a stockholder be permitted to exchange his 
pew if said committee deem it best; also arrange for 
the settlement of any balance due to the stockholders 
on pews drawn out, on such terms as they shall deem 
for the interest of parties. A request from the pro- 
prietors to the clerk to call a meeting to be held in 
the vestry of the church on Monday, April 11th, at 
seven o'clock p.m., the third article was to ascertain 
if the proprietors will sell or convey the house and 
lot to the Pacific Union Society and close up the 
affairs of the corporation, and to appoint a committee 
with authority to make the necessary conveyance to 
accomplish that object, and to repeal any former vote 
of the proprietors that may be inconsistent with the 
above. 

Meeting held ; being stormy and but few present, 
and it being desirous to have a full representation of 
the proprietors, voted to adjourn to Tuesday, April 
12th, at three r.M. 

April 12, 1859. The proprietors met by adjournment, 
a full representation present. The committee on sale 
and lease of pews presented their report, which was 
accepted and adopted : 

" The undersigned appointed a Com' at a Meeting of the proprietors 
held on the llth day of Marcli, 1859, for the purpose of Conveying to 
individual proprietors such Pews as they shall see fit to draw out to- 
wards the ha^ due them of stock in the Corporation, and to settle and 
close up its affairs in Order that the control and management of the 
House of Worship should be translerred to the racific Union Society. 
Report that they might proceed legally Sc Lawfully in the matter have 



taken legal advice, and that it is recommended that tlie proprietors of 
the Pacific tJniou Church shall convey said Church & Lot by deed to 
the Pacific Union Society, and that said Society shall nuilce the division 
deeds of Pews to its members. And as the members of said Society are 
also proprietors in the Cliurch & Owners of the larger portion of the 
same; and are desirous of drawing out their bal. due them in Pews, the 
division of Pews will be so arranged by the Society as to meet tbe views 
of those proprietors as well as if done by tbe Corporation. This course 
will give to the Society tbe same control of the House as is now pos- 
sessed by the proprietors whicli was one of the Objects necessary to be 
attained in referring tlie subject to your committee. 

"Your Com' concur in the above recommendation, and regard it jia 
the proper course to pursue to bring about the wishes and intentions of 
the proprietors. But doubt \Vliether you have conferred on them the 
power and Authority to miike said conveyance, and would ask that you 
would confer upon them or others such necessary powers & Authority 
that the Object desired may be accomplished. 

(Signed) "C. A. Church, 

*' J. A. Anthony, 
"Isaac Rowland, 

" CommiHffC." 

It was voted that C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, 
Isaac Howland be a committee with authority and 
power to sell and convey to the Pacific Union Society 
in AVestport the house of public worship and lot be- 
longing to the proprietors known as the Pacific Union 
Church, and to make all necessary conveyance of the 
same and to close up as soon as may be the affairs of 
the corporation. 

Voted that any vote heretofore passed by us in any 
way inconsistent with the preceding vote is hereby 
repealed. There were seventy-five votes cast in the 
affirmative and none in the negative. Voted to ad- 
journ to April 19, 1859. 

April 19th. A meeting held; nothing of importance 
acted on. Voted to adjourn to April 26th. 

April 26th. A meeting held; no important busi- 
ness done, and adjourned to meet at the house of P. 
W. Peckham, May 6, 1859, at 7.30 p.m. 

May 6, 1859. Meeting held and the committee re- 
ported they had leased of the unsold pews, according 
to the instructions given them, at auction and other- 
wise, twenty pews for the sum of fifty-six dollars and 
twenty-five cents. That they have also assigned pew 
No. 16 for the use of the minister's family, and seats 
for persons unable to hire, and five pews not leased, 
but the committee are of the opinion that every pew 
on hand will be leased or assigned to those wishing to 
attend public worship in the church. Though the 
pews have been leased for a comparatively small 
amount for the coming year, yet your committee 
are of the opinion that great spiritual blessings will 
follow the course which the proprietors have been 
pleased to pursue to enable all wlio desire to attend 
public worship in this house to procure a seat for 
what they please to give. And they doubt not that 
as the interest increases from a regular attendance 
upon the public worship of God, that in a pecuniary 
point of view we may with hope look forward for the 
blessing of Almighty God to attend the efforts and 
sacrifices made by the proprietors of this house for 
the moral and religious welfare of this place. Signed, 
in behalf of the committee, by J. L. Anthony. 



WESTPOET. 



693 



The committee chosen at a previous meeting re- 
ported that tliey had sold and conveyed said house 
and lot by the following deed, a copy of which is 
hereto annexed. And in order to close up the affairs 
of the corporation the undersigned committee have 
made an agreement intended to accomplish that 
result, with a committee duly authorized by the Pa- 
cific Union Society to purchase said house and lot, 
and to adjust and settle all matters in relation to said 
purchase. Said deed and agreement we present with 
this report and ask that they be ratified and entered 
in the book of records of the proprietors. Then fol- 
lows the deed and agreement on the part of the two 
committees as recorded in the proprietors' records. 

Then said deed and agreement was ratified and ap- 
proved, and the clerk directed to enter them in the 
records of the proprietors. Voted to adjourn without 
day. 

A meeting called according to notice, to be held on 
Friday evening, 3d month 9, 1866, was adjourned to 
April 3, 1866. Meeting held April 3, 1866, by ad- 
journment, and it appearing from the records that 
there has been a final distribution of the common 
property belonging to the proprietors, and that there 
are no debts owing from the proprietors and none due 
them, and that the business of the corporation is 
closed up, therefore voted that the book of records be 
deposited with the clerk of the Pacific Union Society, 
said society having been the sole purchasers of all the 
property formerly belonging to the proprietors. 

Voted to adjourn sine die. 

Attest: N. W. Winchester, C/eri. 

On the 9th of May, 1858, a notice was read from the 
pulpit by Rev. Isaac Dunham stating that it was 
thought necessary to have an organized church con- 
nected with this house of worship, and that all who were 
willing to unite in the formation of a church to meet 
in the vestry of the church building the next after- 
noon. May 10, 1858, at 3.30 o'clock, to consider upon 
the subject, and to take steps for its completion. 

The meeting was held, moderator chosen, as also a 
secretary. There were seventeen persons present. 
Remarks were made by J. L. Anthony setting forth 
the necessity of an organized church, and the desires 
of a number to connect themselves with it. By per- 
mission of the meeting the secretary read articles of 
faith, covenant, and standing rules of a Congrega- 
tional Church which, if satisfactory, would recom- 
mend for adoption,if thought best to have a Congrega- 
tional Church. As there were persons in the meeting 
that thought a church of the Christian or Methodist 
denomination would be preferable, it was concluded 
to take a vote and have the majority to decide the 
question. The vote stood: for the Christian, three; 
for Methodist, two; for a Congregational, nine; and 
three not voting either way. It was voted to call a 
council for the organization of a church three weeks 
from that day. Meeting then adjourned sine die. 

On the; 26th of May, 1858, letters missive were sent 



to the following-named churches to send pastors and 
delegates to meet on Monday, May 31, 1858, at ten 
o'clock, A.M., to advise and aid in forming a church 
on Congregational principles, and publicly to recog- 
nize the same, if in the judgment of the council it 
should be thought expedient so to do.. Signed, J. L. 
Anthony, D. H. Kay. 

Pursuant to letters missive an ecclesiastical coun- 
cil met at the meeting-house in Westport, May 31, 
1858, for the purj)ose of organizing a Congregational 
Church. 

Present, North Congregational Church, New Bed- 
ford, Rev. H. W. Parker, pastor; Brother T. R. Den- 
nison, delegate. Trinitarian Church, New Bedford, 
Rev. Wheelock Craig, pastor ; Brother Robert Gibbs, 
delegate. Pacific Church, New Bedford, Rev. Tim- 
othy Stowe, pastor; Brother J. Freeman, delegate. 
Central Congregational Church, Fall River, Rev. Eli 
Thurston, D.D., pastor; Brother Nathan Durfee, 
delegate. 

The council was organized by the choice of Rev. H. 
W. Parker, moderator ; and Brother Nathan Durfee, 
scribe. 

Meeting opened by prayer by Rev. Mr. Craig. 

Rev. Mr. Dunham was invited to take a seat with 
the council. 

J. L. Anthony was called upon to give an account 
of the previous prospects of the society ; what means 
were at command to sustain the ministry provided a 
Congregational Church was organized. 

Mr. C. A. Church gave his views in regard to the 
control of the house, expressing his opinion that, 
provided a church was formed, most of the stock- 
holders would heartily co-operate. Rev. I. Dunham 
gave his opinion that the time had come for the or- 
ganization of a church. 

The articles of faith and form of covenant were 
presented and read, whereupon it was voted that the 
articles of faith and form of covenant, together with 
the name of the church, and their rules and regula- 
tions now presented, are satisfactory to the council. 

The following-named presented themselves, and 
were examined upon certificate or by profession of 
their faith, and the examination proving satisfactory 
to the council, it was voted to proceed to the organ- 
ization of the church : J. L. Anthony, Rev. J. B. 
Parris, Dr. B. R. Abbie, David H. Kay, Miss Caro- 
line Tallman, Mrs. Mary Rowland, Elizabeth G. 
Rowland, Mrs. Mary W. Anthony, Mrs. Mary J. 
Rowland, Mrs. Eliza A. Macomber, Miss Nancy A. 
Cornell. 

Order of exercise for the organization of the church : 
Reading of the minutes, by the scribe ; invocation and 
reading the Scriptures, by the Rev. J. B. Parris ; in- 
troductory prayer, by Brother Dennison ; sermon, by 
Rev. Eli Thurston, — text was, " For the zeal of thine 
house hath eaten me up," Psalm Ixix. 9 ; reading con- 
fession of faith and covenant, by Rev. Timothy Stowe; 
recognition of church and consecration prayer, by 



t 



694 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Rev. H. W. Parker ; fellowship of church, Rev. Mr. 
Craig; concluding prayer, Rev. Mr. Dunham. 

The confession of faith, covenant, etc., in pamphlet 
form, is herein inclosed. 

A meeting of the church was held Aug. 21, 1858, 
at which a clerk and deacon was chosen. It was also 
voted that this church extend an invitation to the 
Rev. I. Dunham to serve them as pastor for the year 
commencing June 1, 1858. The articles of faith, 
covenant, and standing rules of the church were read 
for the information of those present desirous of join- 
ing this church. Voted that those persons present 
who wish to join the church be examined on their 
profession of faith. 

Mrs. Hannah Crocker, Mrs. Phebe Tripp, and Miss 
Lucilla Borden presented themselves, and were exam- 
ined by the committee, and the examination proving 
satisfactory, it was voted that they be propounded. 

Voted that the clerk inform the society that they 
had concurred with them in extending an invitation 
to the Rev. Isaac Dunham to become their pastor. 
Rev. Mr. Dunham accepted the invitation. Voted to 
adjourn for two weeks. At the meeting held on Sept. 
4, 1858, Brother J. B. Parris was chosen treasurer, 
which oiEce he has held to this day. 

On Sunday, September 5th, to which the last meet- 
ing was adjourned, the three persons previously pro- 
pounded were received into full membership. 

Nov, 7, 1858. Rev. I. Dunham and wife were re- 
ceived into the church by letter from Wesleyan Meth- 
odist Church in Duxbury, Mass. 

Jan. 1, 1860. Mrs. Alice T. Peckham was publicly 
received into membership of this church. 

June 5, 1861. Mrs. Lucy Adams was received into 
this church. 

June 30th. Eleven persons were received into the 
church. 

Dec. 29, 1861. Matilda Gifford was received into 
membership of this church. 

May 3, 1862. Capt. R. W. Crapo and wife were re- 
ceived into membership of this church. 

July 5, 1863. Four persons were received into mem- 
bership of this church. 

September 6th. Seven persons were received into 
membership. 

. July 10, 1864. Mrs. H. Bosworth was received into 
membership by letter from Middle Street Christian 
Church, New Bedford. 

March, 1866. At the request of Sister Hannah Cobb 
to join the First Presbyterian Church in Oswego, 
N. Y., and Sister H. W. Bosworth to join the Middle 
Street Christian Church, New Bedford, it was voted 
that their request be granted, and lettei's given them. 

August 9th. The ordinance of baptism was admin- 
istered to the infant son of John H. and Rebecca A. 
Gitford, and infant daughter of Thomas and Georgie 
R. Cornell. 

May 13, 1866. Mrs. Nancy Pool was admitted a 
member by baptism and profession of faith. 



November 1st. H. C. Sawin was received by letter 
from Brookline, N. H., Church of Christ recommend- 
ing him to P. U. Church in Westport. 

Sept. 1, 1867. The ordinance of baptism was ad- 
ministered to Emma Cowen, and she was admitted 
to the fellowship of this church. The ordinance of 
baptism was administered to Thomas Ashiy, infant 
son of John H. and Rebecca A. Gifford. 

January, 1868. Rev. Isaac Dunham, who had been 
the acting pastor of this church nearly ten years, de- 
clined to serve it longer, as he wished to go and 
build up a church at Whittenden, near Taunton, 
His year expiring April 1, 1868, he had provided a 
pastor for the church, if they should unite in calling 
him, by the name of Leonard, who came and jireached 
a sermon Feb. 19, 1868, and the call was given Feb- 
ruary 22d. For many other items of interest, they 
will be found in extracts from the society records. A 
council was called June 80, 1868, and Rev. H. P. 
Leonard was installed as pastor. Brother Leonard 
continued his pastorate till March 16, 1875, when, at 
his request, a council was called and dissolved his 
connection with this church. The pulpit was sup- 
plied to June 1, 1875, by Rev. H. P. Gilford, N. S. 
Moore, and Rev. N. S. Moore engaged for six months, 
or to Dec. 1, 1875, after which the pulpit was agairi 
supplied to Oct. 20, 1876, by Mr. Bonnell, Dyre, Gil- 
ford, D. D. Campbell, Pettee, Smith, Allen, Bacon, 
Prescott, Atwood, and Bristol. 

Oct. 20, 1876. The church and society invited Rev. 
F. L. Bristol as their acting pastor for one year, which 
was accepted. 

At the request of Brother H. P. Leonard and wife, 
the usual letters from this church to the Congrega- 
tional Church at East Taunton was sent him, and 
notice received July 3, 1877. Rev. F. L. Bristol gave 
notice that at the close of his year of labor with this 
church and society he should leave, and therefore 
should not be a candidate for acting pastor the next. 
The church was supplied thereafter till Jan. 1, 1878, 
by Mr. Bonnell, L. P. Atwood, Mr. Dodge, Mr. 
Tenney, Mr, Willams, and William P, Alcott, The 
committee then agreed with Rev, L. P. Atwood to 
.supply the church and society for three months from 
Jan. 1 to April 1, 1878. He (Mr. Atwood) was en- 
gaged from year to year till April 1, 1883. He then 
declined to be a candidate to supply the church and 
society longer. 

Sept. 27, 1880. At the request of Sister Ellen M, 
Leland to change her connection from this dear church 
of her childhood to the West Newton Bajitist Church, 
the letter of recommendation and dismission was 
granted by vote of the church, and notice received, 

Mrs, Rebeccah A. Smith having signitied to Rev. 
L, P, Atwood her desire tor baptism, and being re- 
ceived into this church, a committee waited upon her 
at her house, she being sick and in feeble health, and 
upon examination of her experience and profession 
of faith, and it proving satisfactory in finding her in 



WESTPOKT. 



695 



fellowship with the articles of faith of this church, 
and of her hope in the blood of Christ which cleanseth 
from all sin, a vote of the church was taken on the 
report of the committee, which was unanimous to re- 
ceive her after the ordinance of baptism had been 
administered. 

Sabbath afternoon, July 2, 18S2, Rev. Mr. Atwood 
and members of the church assembled at her home, 
and the ordinance of baptism by sprinkling was ad- 
ministered, and she admitted to this branch of Christ's 
visible church in usual form, after which the sacra- 
ment was administered. 

On the 31st of December, 1882, a letter was re- 
ceived from Brother Atwood stating that he respect- 
fully declined the candidacy to supply the pulpit 
after expiration of his present year of labor, ending 
the last Sabbath of March, 1883. 

Jan. 18, 1883. The letter of Rev. Mr. Atwood read. 
On motion of Brother Dr. J. B. Parris, it was voted 
that a letter of recommendation be given him to sister 
churches. 

The following preamble and resolution and letter 
were offered and voted, and a copy furnished Mr. 
Atwood: 

"Whereas, The Rev. Lewis P. Atwood, who has labored with this 
church and society for more than five years past, has declined to be a 
candidate for the pulpit the coming year, it is therefore 

" Eesoli-ed, Thai we deeply regret the severing of the Cliristian and 
brotherly ties that bound our hearts together, and this church doth cor- 
diatly and cheerfully recommend Brother Atwood to the confidence and 
Christian fellowship of sister churches who may be in want of a pastor, 
he being an earnest, faithful, and devout minister in his Lord's vine- 
yard, and deeply interested in Sabbath-schools and its work, for which 
he is well adapted. 

" In behalf of the church, 

"J. L. Anthony, Clerk." 

Representatives. — The following is a, listof repre- 
Court from 1788 to the 



sentatives to the General 
present time : 

17SS. William Davis, Esq. 

1789. Mr. William Almy. 

1790. Voted not to send. 

1791. Capt. Sylvester Brownell. 
1792-99, William Almy. 
1800. Voted not to send. 
1801-3. Abner Brownell. 

1804. William Almy. 

1805. John Mosher. 
180fi-7. William Almy. 
1808-9. Sylvester Brownell. 

Abner Brownell. 
1810-12. Abner Brownell. 
Sylvester Brou uell. 
Abner Gilford. 

1813. Abner Brownell. 
Abner B. Gifford. 
Isaac Cory. 

1814. Abner Brownell. 
Abner B. Gifford. 
•Tohn Anthony. 

1816-10. Abner Brownell. 

Sylvester Brownell. 

Abner B. Gifford. 
1817. Voted not to send. 
1818-19. Sylvester Brownell. 

1820. Voted not to send. 

1821. Abner Brownell. 

1822. Voted not to send. 



1823-24. None. 

1825 Abner B. Gifford. 

Tillinghast Almy. 

Nathan C. Brownell. 

1826. None. 

1827. Tillinghast Almy. 
Nathan C. Brownell. 

1828. Tillinghast Almy. 
Abner B. Gifford. 
Nathan C. Brownell. 
None. 

Abner B. Gifford. 

Nathan C. Brownell. 

Anselm Bassett. 

Abner B. Gifford. 

James H. Handy. 

1832-34. Abner B. Gifford. 

James H. Handy. 

Jonathan Davis. 
1835. James H. Handy. 

Jonathan Davis. 

Christopher A. Church. 
1836-:)7. Nathan C. Brownell. 

Jonathan Davis. 

Christopher A. Church. 

Nathan C. lirownell. 

Jonathan Davis. 

Nathan C. Brownell. 

Gamaliel Church. 



1829, 
1830, 



1831. 



1840. Gamaliel Church. 
John Avery Gifford. 

1841. James H. Handy. 
1S42. John Avery Gifford. 
1843. Gamaliel Church. 
184.^.1 Jonathan Davis. 
1846-47. Perry Davis. 
1848. Benjamin B. Sissou. 
I860.' George H. Gifford. 
1851-52. rrederick Brownell. 
1853-54. Isaac A. Anthony. 
1855. Benjamin B. Sisson. 
18.56-57. Abiel Davis. 
1858-59. Ezra P. Brownell. 

1860. Perry Davis. 

1861. Ezra P. Brownell. 

1862. C. A. Church. 



186.3-05. Ezra P. Brownell. 

1866. Andrew Hicks. 

1867-68. Ezra P. Brownell. 

1869. Isaac .\. Anthony. 
j 1870. Ezra P. Brownell. 

1871. Stephen A. Brownell. 

1872-73. Giles E. Brownell. 

1874. Joseph C. Little. 
t 1875-76. Benjamin Gifford. 

1877.3 George R. Reed, of Dart- 
mouth. 

1878. Charles Fisher * and William 

P. 31rtcomber. 

1879. William P. Macomber. 
1880-81. Henry A. Slocum, of 

Dartmouth. 
1882-83. John W. Gifford. 



Town Clerks from 1787 to 1883.-The following 
is a list of town clerks from 1787 to the present time: 

1787-88. Abner Brownell. 

1790-91. Robert Earl. 

April 2, 1792, to May 14, 1792, Na- 
thaniel Kirby. 

May 14, J792, to Nov. 28, 1807, 
William Almy. 

Nov. 28, 1S07, to April, 1812, Wil- 
liam White (2d). 

1812-18. Abner B. Gifford. 

1818-45. Frederick Brownell. 

Military Record. — The 

names of the soldiers and 
Westport during the war of 

Averill, William. 
Abbott, Hiram P. 
Adams, C. F. 
Allen, Stephen H. 
Anthony, Nicholas B. 
Andrews, Thomas. 
Allen, Albert M. 
Allen, George E. 
Adison, William. 
Angien, John. 
Arthur, Joshua. 
Burt, Charles A. 
Borden, Peleg S. 
Bullock, Isaiah B. 
Bowen, Daniel W. 
Bryant, George H. 
Broadhurt, Thomas R. 
Baunan, James. 
Breck, Elijah F. 
Broadbent, Samuel S. 
B.aker, Abraham M. 
Borden, Isaac S. 
Brown, Samuel. 
Bradbury, Robert. 
Baker, Henry C. 
Brightman, John H. 
Bradley, George E. 
Brownell, Jirah F. 
Bosworth, Henry L. 
Brown, William. 
Burch, Edward. 
Babbit, Albert. 
Bean, Elisha B. 



1845-50. Peleg W. Peckliam. 
1850-50. George H. Gifford. 
1850-02. Israel Allen. 
1862-64. Isaac Rowland. 
1864-65. Israel Allen. 
1866-74. Albert C. Kirby. 
1874-78. John A. Macomber (2d). 
1878-80. Robert A. Lawton. 
1880-83. Johti A. Macomber (2d). 

following is a list of the 
sailors from the town of 
the Rebellion : 

Barton, Franklin .\. 

Brightman, .Alexander S. 

Borden, John S. 

Began, John. 

Chappell, Augustus G. 

Crowley, Patrick. 

Cary, Michael. 

Cordingly, Thomas R. 

Curran, James. 

Connick, Henry. 

Cornell, Stephen B. 

Cutler, Israel. 

Chappell, John. 

DevoU, George R. 

David, Solon. 

David, Charles. 

David, Edward. 

Dalton, Warren R. 

Devoll, Henry S. 

Demorauville, Stephen E. 

Dyer, Stephen K. 

Dillon, John. 

Dolon, Andrew. 

Dewire, William. 

Davis, James F. 

Dutcher, George 0. 

Dengan, Simon. 

Durfee, James D. 

Dollard, Thomas. 

Dillingham, Edward I£. » 

Davis, Pardon E. 

Dean, John P. 

Davenport, Charles W. 



1838. 



1839. 



t In 1844 William G. Siade had the highest number of votes on each 
of four ballotings, and the polls closed at sunset, no choice. 

2 In 1849, George H. Gifford had the highest number of votes on each 
of two ballotings, but no choice was made. 

3 Dartmouth ignited with Westport and sent but one representative. 

* Charles Fisher's seat contested by William P. Macomber, who was 
admitted. 



696 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Estes, Daniel B. 
Emerson, Jo.seph A. 
Easton, Jtisiali J. 
Earl, Andrew R. 
Eastlier, John. 
EveiiBon, Blicliaol. 
Faj-, Kilwunl A. 
FnlliM-, Juhn H. 
rors>tli,.Ii)hn. 
Fiske, Joseph. 
Frencb, Alfred. 
Feeney, Patrick. 
Fegiirado, Julin L. 
Fuller, Presfott H. 
Fnrr, William N. 
Ferpne-on, Waldernutnn. 
FitzgeiukI, Geurge. 
Fibli, Sanmel. 
Frazier, Peter. 
Giffurd, George A. 
Gooding, Charles H. 
Greenhalgh, Joseph. 
Gammons, John Q. 
Gifford, Ahral:am. 
Gifford, James B. 
Gammons, Lemuel T. 
Gifford, Kli. 
Grey, Sidney N. 
Giffurd, Almenzo. 
Green, Dennis. " 
Gallagher, Edward. 
Green, John C. 
Gahna, Josepli. 
Gree, James. 
Green, Dennis. 
Gagin, Edward. 
Graff, Frederick. 
Galpin, John L. 
Gleason, Daniel. 
Hedge, Lemuel M. 
Hedge, Mortimer. 
Hasty, Alviii A. 
Harrington, Daniel, 
Hoklin, Micliacl. 
Harrington, Timothy. 
Hekelsey, John. 
Holmes, Jolm J. 
Rowland, Alhert F. 
Hartley, James. 
Harrison. Edward. 
Hart, Pliilip W. 
Harrington, John. 
Hazzard, John H. 
Howard, William. 
Huniidireys, Richard. 
Howland, Rohert S. 
Tngraimm, Frederick W. 
Jenks, George A. 
Jordan, John F. 
Jones, John. 
Jeiinoy, Benjamin K. 
Jackson, William S. 
Jennings, Asa M. 
Johnson, William H. 
Kendall, John. 
Kearnt'y, Unfiis J. 
Keleyor, William. 
Kelley, Henry. 
Kclley, John. 
King, Stephen S. 
Kanuse, Samuel T. 
Kelley, James. 
Kimball, James W. 
Kelley, Patrick. 
Kelly, Daniel W. 
Keeler, Andrew J. 
Keenan, John. 



Keree, Patrick. 
Litchfield, James A. 
Leary, James, 
Lowden, Edward. 
Libhy, Joshua. 
Lewis, Charles. 
Lewis, Edward H. 
Maconiber, William R. 
McCarthy, John, 
Mordo, J. A. 
Martin, Peter. 
Manchester, Edward F. 
Manchester, John. 
Munliall, John. 
Jliller, George. 
McNaugbter, Charles. 
McGowan. John. 
Manchester, GiUiert, 
Mayhew, Allen G. 
Mosher, Benjamin F. 
Morisey, John. 
Moore, Sidney. 
Macomber, Leonard W. 
Macombcr, D;)vid W. 
Macomber, Richmond. 
Mosher, Andrew J. 
Mosher, Willard B 
Mead, Charles F. 
Marshall, Augustus L. 
Manley, Henry B. 
Miller, Louis. 
McCord, Were. 
McDonald, James D, 
McCullay, William. 
McCarty, Mortimer. 
McLane, Benjamin L. 
Pool, Edwin R. 
Pettey, James H. 
Pettey, Hiram S. 
Pagan, Jeremiah. 
Pickels, James. 
Pierce, George F. 
Potter, Charles F. 
Pettey, Daniel A. 
Platree, Henry. 
Pettey, Charles A. 
Pettey, Pardon Z. 
Page, Charles A. 
Peckham, Israel. 
Perry, William H. 
Perry, Orrin G. 
Palmer, Abner D. 
Reed, Peleg P. 
Rowbotham, James. 
Riley, Henry. 
Reed, Charles W. 
Ryan. William. 
Russell, George W. G. 
Russell, John W. 
Sanford. Jqliu G. 
Sharon, Edward. 
Sanford, A. H., Jr. 
Sherburne, E. G. 
Stoddart, Sargent L. 
Short, Charles. 
Smith, Robert. 
Sowle, Robert F. 
Shaw, Charles. 
Sanford, Daniel M. 
Sanford, Barnabas B. 
Sowle, James H. 
Sutton, Benjamin 0. 
Snider, Asa. 
Sullivan, James. 
Scott, Charles E. 
Scott, Thomas, 
Stephens, John A. 



Sisson, Luscomb F. 
Sanford, Alexandei-. 
Simmons, Abner. 
Tripp, Joseph H. 
Tripp, James A. 
Tripp, Christopher B. 
Tripp, Charles M. 
Tripp, Allen H. 
Tripp, Charles F. 
Tripp, Daniel H. 
Tripp. Robert L, 
Tripp, Ephraim T. 
Tripp, David R. 
Tripp, Augustus W. 
Tripp, Alden W. 
Tripp, William G. 
Tripp, Edwin. 
Tripp, Charles. 
Tripp, Almenza. 



Tripp, Theodore J. 
Tracey, William. 
Tracey, John. 
Tabreta, Robert. 
Wright, SylvauuB. 
Wei re, Stephen. 
Waite, Ishmael S. 
Wise, ■\VIiitlock. 
Wright, William H. 
Wilson, James. 
Williams, Edward. 
Wilboiir, Philander. 
Wood, Horatio M. 
Welch, John. 
Wood, George P. 
Wolf, Herman. 
Wier, Frederick. 
Williams, Jesse L. 
Watson, William. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ANDREW HICKS. 

Robert Hicks came from England in ship " For- 
tune"'in 1621. His wife, Margaret Hicks, two sons, 
Samuel and Ephraim, and two daughters came in 
ship " Ann," August, 1623. He was in 1618 a leather- 
dresser in London. He died March 24, 1647. Samuel 
Hicks, eldest son of Robert, Plymouth, 1643. removed 
to Eastham ; there married Lydia, daughter of John 
Doane, Esq.; was a representative in 1649; removed 
later to Barnstable, where he was engaged in pro- 
moting the settlement of Dartmouth. He was among 
the thirty-six original purchasers of that town, who 
met at Plymouth, March 7, 1652, to divide their pur- 
chase. He- owned one-thirty-fourth of the town, 
where he removed before 1670, as on May 20th of 
that year we find him recorded as one of the seven 
freemen of Dartmouth. , , 

His descendant, -Jacob Hicks, who married Mary 
Earle, was a fiirmer in that part of Dartmouth now 
Westport, He had three children, — Oabriel, William, 
and Mary Durfee. Gabriel was a farmer and tanner, 
and owned about one hundred acres of land. He 
married Mary Manchester, and had eight children, — 
William, who married Susannah West; Joseph; Ben- 
jamin, married Mary Gibson; John, married Mary 
Congdon ; Thomas, married Hannah Sowle ; Comfort, 
married John Potter; Elizabeth, married Constant 
Sisson; and Susan, married William Macomber. 

Joseph Hicks, born Feb. 22, 1722, was a farmer and 
tanner, and, like his father, was a valued citizen and 
of sound judgment. He married Elizabeth Waite, 
and reared a family of twelve children. They were 
Benjamin, married Eunice Briggs; Oliver, married 
Polly Earle ; Barney, married Sarah Cook ; Durfee, 
married Susannah Potter; Thomas, married Eliza- 
beth Davis ; Comfort, married Philip Corey; Mary, 
married Stephen Earle; Lucy, married Philip Taber; 
Priscilla, married Stephen Earle '(second wife) ; Deb- 





^^//?UL 




'C4 




WESTPORT. 



697 



orah, married John Pearce ; Prudence, married An- 
thony Ahiiy; and Hannah, married Paul Earle. 

•Mr. Hicks died Oct. 12, 1798. Mrs. Hiclcs was born 
Jan. 20, 1727, and died Sept. 25, 1827, having attained 
the remarkable age of one hundred years, eight 
months, and five days. 

Barney Hicks, third son and child of Joseph 
and Elizabeth (Waite) Hicks, was born in 1754. Be- 
fore he was of age he became a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary war, enlisting as a private soldier under 
Maj. Manchester, in a Rhode Island regiment of the 
colonial army, and was for some months in service. 
He then fitted out a sloop at Westport for the West 
India trade, and started on a voyage. His sloop was 
captured by a British cruiser, however, before night 
of the first day out. The weather becoming rough, 
the sloop could not be carried in to Newport, as the 
captors desired, and they bore away for New York. 
The storm continued, and they were cast away near 
Little Egg Harbor, and all were lost except Mr. 
Hicks, one other man, and a dog, who reached a 
small desert island. The cold was intense. Mr. 
Hicks' companion and the dog were frozen to death. 
Mr. Hicks was so badly frozen as to lose both feet 
from this cause after the lapse of twenty years. At 
last he attracted the attention of the residents of the 
Jersey shore, and they succeeded in rescuing him 
from his perilous condition. He remained at the 
house he first reached twelve months before he re- 
covered his health so far as to do any business. Then 
going to Philadelphia, he engaged, with some New 
Bedford friends, in fitting out a privateer. In three 
weeks after sailing he returned to Philadelphia in 
charge of a captured vessel, and after receiving his 
share of the prize-money he paid for his year's board 
in New Jersey. He soon sailed as captain of another 
privateer. On the first voyage the vessel was cap- 
tured and taken to Plymouth, England, and after a 
short captivity in a prison-ship, Capt. Hicks was sent 
to America. During a fog he incited a mutiny and 
captured the vessel. The fog lifting, the attempt at 
escape was discovered, and the vessel retaken by the 
British. Capt. Hicks again succeeded in capturing 
the vessel, and this time cut her out from the fleet 
and brought her safely as his prize into Boston. He 
made other privateering cruises, was again captured, 
and held for nearly two years a prisoner on a prison- 
ship at New York. When the war closed he entered 
the merchant service, which he followed until he was 
about forty years old, when he returned to his farm 
in Westport, where he spent the rest of his life. He 
made forty-five voyages to San Domingo, and on his 
last voyage sailed to Africa and the East Indies. 

He married, about 1798, Sarah Cook, born in 1776, 
and had twelve children, — -Betsey, married Nathaniel 
Tompkins; Aiulrcw ; Lydia, married Nathaniel 
Church, and now lives in Fairhaven ; Isaac, married 
Huldah Tompkins; John, married Caroline Almy ; 
Hannah, married Edward G. Sowle (their children 



are Sophia, Francis, Andrew, Julia, — Mrs. C. B. Tripp, 
and Joseph); Barney, married Catharine Seabury; 
AVilliam, married Eliza Seabury ; Reuben, married 
Sarah Kirby ; Alexander, married Elizabeth How- 
land ; Sarah, married Ephraim Brownell ; Joseph, 
married Betsey Briggs. Three of these children, An- 
drew, Isaac, and Lydia, are now living, each over 
eighty years of age. Notwithstanding his privations 
and vicissitudes, Mr. Hicks attained the age of seventy- 
eight, dying in 18.32, showing that he must have had 
an unusually strong constitution. He was prompt, 
decisive, and resolute, and was esteemed by his ac- 
quaintances. His wife died in 1826, aged fifty. 

Andrew Hicks, son of Barney and Sarah (Cook) 
Hicks, was born in Westport, Mass., June 17, 1799. 
His boyhood until his thirteenth year was passed on 
the fiirm. He then engaged as clerk in a store in 
Adamsville, R. I., where after eight years' service 
he opened a store of his own. After trading three 
years he returned to the farm of his ancestors. In 
1836 he fitted out a vessel and began an extended 
whaling business, continuing from that time down to 
the present. He has ow'ned interests in eleven ves- 
sels at one time. He has seen the various stages of 
this great enterprise of other days, from its palmy and 
prosperous days to its decay and subsidence. He has 
built eight vessels for whaling, and his ventures have 
met with very satisfactory results. 

Mr. Hicks was in former days a Whig. Since the 
formation of the Republican party he has been active 
in support of its principles. He has been justice of 
the peace for twenty-eight years, and represented 
Westport in the Legislature of 1866. He is a director 
of the Merchants' Bank of New Bedford, and is uni- 
versally considered a sound financier, careful, prudent, 
and fortunate. He now owns .sixty acres of the home- 
stead farm, dating back over two hundred years in its 
possession in his family. He has never married, and 
at the advanced age of eighty-four years has a re- 
markable memory of events and dates and unusual 
clearness of intellect. 



THE GIFFORD FAMILY. 
From the English book of heraldry, otherwise called 
" The Doomsday Book," we extract the genealogy of 
the Giflord family down to the emigration of the first 
American of the name in 1630: "The family of Gif- 
ford is of high antiquity, and was seated at Hontteur, 
in Normandy, three hundred years before the conquest 
of England by William the Norman. At the battle 
of Hastings (1066), 'Sire Randolph de GiflTorde' was 
one of the Conqueror's standard-bearers, and was 
rewarded by him with land in Somersetsliire and 
Cheshire, which was created into a barony, from 
which his descendants had summons to Parliament. 
In the reign of Henry II., Sir Peter GifTord married 
Alice, daughter and heiress of Sir Guy de Corbuchin, 
with whom he had the lordship of Chillington, in 



698 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Cheshire, which was the seat of the Dukes of Buck- 
ingham of this family. Sir Stephen Gifford was one 
of the barons accompanying Richard CciHir de Lion 
to the Holy Land, and was killed at the siege of Je- 
rusalem. His son Sir Stephen was wounded there. 
The family enjoyed great distinction in the English 
court for several centuries, and no less than five peer- 
ages existed in it at one time. Baron George Gifford 
was made Earl of Buckingham by Henry V., but 
joining the House of York against that of Lancaster, 
and being one of the prime favorites of Edward V., 
he was created Duke of Buckingham, and married the 
Princess Maude Plantagenet, the king's cousin. His 
son, George Giflbrd, Duke of Buckingham, was one 
of the favorites of the Duke of Gloucester, afterwards 
Richard IIL Being detected by that tyrant in the 
act of corresponding with the Earl of Richmond 
(Henry VII.), he was attainted of high treason and 
beheaded by Richard's orders. This Duke of Buck- 
ingham left several children, but as they had been 
deprived of their lands and titles, the mercenary king 
(Henry ViL) found it more convenient not to restore 
them, and Humphrey Stafford, a very rich and pow- 
erful nobleman, having married the oldest daughter 
of Henry, was created by him Duke of Buckingham. 
The Staffords followed the fate of their maternal an- 
cestor (Gifford), (or the grandson of Humphrey was 
beheaded and his family deprived of their vast estates. 
Of the sons of the last George Gifford, Duke of Buck- 
ingham, George continued the first line, and continu- 
ally solicited the crown and Parliament for his res- 
toration, but, from the powerful opposition of his 
brother-in-law (Stafford), was always defeated. The 
Giffords, in the reigns of Henry VIII. and Queens 
Mary and Elizabeth, ineffectually put their claims 
before the English Parliament, never, however, being 
able to obtain a judgment. In the reign of James I., 
Sir Ambrose Gifford claimed before the House of 
Peers to be Duke of Buckingham, and in the second 
year of the reign of Charles I. his claims were disal- 
lowed on account of his poverty. Walter Gifford, 
the son of Sir Ambrose, emigrated from England to 
Massachusetts Bay in 1630, and was the originator of 
the American branch of this family." All thosq bear- 
ing the name in New England are traceable to this 
ancestor, and the descendants in America are found 
no unworthy bearers of the honorable name, as they 
have distinguished themselves in art, literature, and 
science. Honesty, sturdy independence, and industry 
have been characteristic of the name in Bristol County, 
where many now bear it. 



GEORCiE H. GIFFORD. 
George Howland Gifibrd, son of Elihu and Barbara 
(Howland) Gifford, was born in Westport, Mass., Feb. 
9, ISOIi. His grandfather, Stephen Gifford, married 
Rhoda Anthony. He lived on the line of Dartmouth, 
was a farmer, and died advanced in years, leaving five 



sons and two daughters. Elihu, one of his sons, was 
born .Ian. 9, 178.3, married Barltara, daughter of .Tohn 
and Elizabeth Howland, about 1804. She was born 
in Westport, Nov. 12, 1782. They had five children, 
— GeoTije H., Keziah H. (married Henry B. Gifford, 
lives in Providence, R. I., and has three children now 
living), Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac Howland, of Westport), 
.Tohn H., of Springfield, and George E., of Westport. 
Elihu was a blacksmith of that early day, ran a forge, 
made hoes, axes, and other cutting instruments, in 
connection with his brothers Job and John, and 
worked at his trade until his early death, Dec. 26, 
1809. He was a nervous, impulsive, and impetuous 
man, hard-working, social, fond of his family, and a 
member of the Friends' Society. His widow married 
John W. Gifford, and died Oct. 6, 1867, in her eighty- 
fifth year. She was a woman of great strength of 
character. Very thoughtful of others, she was uni- 
versally loved, and was called by every one in her old 
age "Grandmother Barbara." She learned the trade 
of tailoress at the age of fifteen, and was very ingeni- 
ous, making dresses, coats, vests, bonnets, etc. She 
was erect and quick in her movements, retained her 
activity until her death, and was noted for her superb 
horsemanship. She was an elder of the Friends' So- 
ciety and held in high esteem. 

George H. Gifford was educated at common school, 
and attended the select school, which enjoyed high 
reputation, under the teaching of George W. Baker, 
fitting himself for an instructor. He began to teach 
in 1827, and devoted himself to this for several years, 
part of the time being in charge of a high school- 
He married, Dec. 3, 1826, Rebeckah, daughter of .lo- 
seph and Judith (Briglitman) Davis. She was born 
at Westport, Sept. 18, 1806, and died Dec. 21, 1879. 
Their children were (1) Henry T. (deceased), mar- 
ried Mary E. Ramsdell, and had one child, George 
H.; (2) Julia S., married William Davenport, has 
two children, George W. and James H., and lives 
in Fall River; (3) Naiioij H., married Edwin R. Pool, 
who died in Salisbury prison while serving as a sol- 
dier in the Union army during the late civil war; 
they had two children, Augusta D. (married C. W. 
Tripp, and has one child, Edwin P.) and Carrie 
May ; (4) George D., died in infancy. In the family 
of Mr. Gifford was reared Frank Seymour Davis, a 
son of Mrs. Giffbrd's brother ,Iohn and his wife, Emily 
Wilbur, and he has ever been considered by all a 
member of the family, and was made an heir of Mr. 
Gifl'ord equally with his children. 

After the death of her husband Elihu, the mother 
of Mr. Gifford returned with her children to her 
father's home, and for seventy years thereafter, and 
until his death, this was Mr. Giffbrd's home. He 
became a farmer, and purchased the place after his 
grandfather's death, varying this avocation by sail- 
ing, Aug. 23, 1837, on brig "Elizabeth," from West- 
port, on a whaling voyage which lasted nine months. 
With this exception, this farm was Mr. Gifford's resi- 




Cj,o 3L, Ci'MA 



WESTPORT. 



699. 



dence for seventy years and until his death. On his 
return from this voyage he engaged in manufacturing 
shingles in connection with forming, and also became 
a carriage-maker. He bought the Moose Mill, in 
Westport, and made carriage woodwork, and owned 
the mill at his death. 

But it was his long and active career in public af- 
fairs and his prominence in temperance work that 
most deserves perpetuation. He was much in public 
life. He was commissioned justice of the peace about 
1845, and continued in that office until his death. He 
held every town office, and represented his town in 
the Legislature. He settled many estates, and also was 
chief surveyor of this vicinity for many years. He 
was often called upon to give advice, and was a wise 
and sagacious counselor. He was a popular auctioneer, 
and continued to transact some kinds of business till 
within a few days of his death. May 19, 1882. He 
acted at various periods of his life with the Demo- 
cratic, Republican, and Prohibitory political parties. 
His temperance history was a marked one. At the 
formation of the Washingtonian Temperance Society, 
in 1842, he was somewhat dissipated, but such was the 
interest in him and desire to secure his aid that when 
organizing the Westport Society the office of vice- 
president was left vacant to be given him if he would 
take the pledge and join them. He did so, became 
its first vice-president, and held that office, or that 
of president, so long as the society existed. He took 
hold of temperance with all the ardor of his positive 
nature, and fought the rum-demon everywhere and 
at all times. He was a forcible speaker, and soon 
received the sobriquet of the " Old Temperance War- 
horse." He had the satisfaction of knowing that 
tangible and permanent results came from his efforts. 
He was chief officer of Sons of Temperance and Good 
Templars for a number of terms. In religion he was 
liberal and independent, inclining, however, to the 
Friends' belief He was accurate, methodical, and 
systematic in all things, and correct in all business 
matters, and successful in the acquisition of property. 
He was a kind and loving husband and father, covering 
a warm heart by an appearance of austerity and gruff- 
ness. He was an agreeable social companion, full of 
humor and laughable stories. Honored by the com- 
munity, his death was deeply regretted. 



WILLIAM GIFFORD AXD WILLIAM H. GIFFORD. 

From Eli Wodell's genealogical work — a rare and 
really ingenious and labored production— we glean 
something of the North Westport Giffords. Ana- 
nias (?) Gifford had at least five children, — Benjamin, 
Recompence, Abigail, Mary, Kezia. Benjamin was a 
cooper, died in Westport about 1817. (E. W. says 
he was son or brother of Ananias Gifford.) He had 
children, — Nathaniel, James, Stephen, John. Oeorge, 
and Ruth. ("George Gifford, son of Benjamin and 



Susan Sherman, daughter of Sampson Sherman, his 
second wife, was married four times, and barely es- 
caped two other such cal'imlties. He was to marry 
Miss Andrews, who died bride expectant. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Wodell, Susan Sherman, Ruth Cottle, 
and Mercy Bullock, and escaped Miss Andrews and 
Mrs. Randall, to whom at his death he was con- 
tracted. He was a good and .sensible man, and had 
considerable literary talent." — Eli Wodell.) George, 
born Feb. 17, 1772, in Freetown, was a farmer, well 
read, and a good penman. He acted as clerk at 
auctions, town-meetings, etc. He was also a school- 
master, and a worthy and deeply-devoted member of 
I the Baptist Church. He moved in later life to Graf- 
ton, N. H., and in that new country was very useful, 
and by his aid in forming churches and religious so- 
cieties, made a permanent impress on the place. By 
his first wife he had Elizabeth, married Samuel 
Thurston ; by his second wife, Susan, he had William, 
Stephen, and Charles (who died at Fort Mahon, Aug. 
2, 1828, while in the United States naval service) ; and 
by his third wife he had one daughter, Caroline. 
He died at an old age. 

William Giffokd was born in Westport, Mass., 
Feb. 12, 1794. He was reared on the farm, and be- 
came a farmer. Married Deborah, daughter of Thomas 
Freelove, of Troy (now Fall River). She was born 
Oct. 12, 1791. Their children attaining mature years 
i were Ruth and William H. Ruth married Jacob 
Hicks, of Fall River, Mass. Her only surviving 
[ child, Charles, married Catharine Paine, and had one 
I son, Charles A., now a practicing physician in Fall 
j River. Mr. Gifford was an energetic and an indus- 
trious man, and possessed good intellect. He taught 
! school in early life successfully, and was a farmer the 
rest of his days. He was one of those earnest and 
devoted yeomen who did good service in the progress 
of the better elements of civilization. Quiet and un- 
j demonstrative in manner, he read much, and had clear 
i and original thoughts and ideas. His judgment was 
' sound, and weighed impartially all things, and rarely 
, was it at fault in its conclusions. He was a Christian, 
a worthy member of Elder Hicks' (Baptist) Church 
I at North Dartmouth, where he retained his member- 
I ship during life. His religion was not the pompous 
religion that flaunts itself obtrusively in all unseemly 
places with a Pharisaical pride. It was a portion of 
his being, and his heart was the prompter of every 
! thought, word, and deed, which so worthily adorned 
this modest child of Christ. It modified all his life. 
In social, family, and business relations it gave gen- 
tleness and kindness, and a sterling love of right for 
right's sake, and made him the steadfast foe of every- 
thing tending to draw men downward. Consequently 
we find him an active member of the first temperance 
society (the Washingtonians) organized in this sec- 
tion, and equally as strong and pronounced was he 
against the monster evil of slavery. He was uni- 
versally esteemed for his many good qualities, and 



TOO 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



none were more sincerely mourned at his death, 
which occurred Dec. 22, 186-5. 

William Henry Gifford, son of William and 
Deborah (Freelove) Gifford, was born Jan. 19, 1827, 
in Westport, Mass., not much more than forty rod.-* 
from his present residenise. He had common school 
education; became a farmer; inherited his father's 
real estate of about seventy acres, to which by his 
industry, economy, and thrift he has added largely, 
owning now about seven hundred acres of land in' 
this vicinity, beside real estate in Fall River. He 
has been a worker. From eai'ly morn till late at 
night he has wrought diligently, and has never eaten 
the bread of idleness. He has invariably sided with 
the political and moral forces which promised the 
elevation of the lower classes and the benefit of 
humanity. Never caring for nor accepting office, 
he has done good service in the Republican party, 
and in the old Washingtonian Temperance Society 
was one of the most efficient laborers, and secretary 
of the society in his neighborhood for years. To 
these principles he still tenaciously adheres. Al- 
though lie could realize larger rents for various prop- 
erties of his in Fall River if he would allow liquor 
to be sold on the premises, he was true to his princi- 
ples, refusing to let to such parties, even if they re- 
mained vacant. He was at one time somewhat inter- 
ested in whaling, owning three-fourths of a whaler;, 
but it did not prove profitable, and he sold out in 
1881. He has been stockholder and director of the 
Barnard Manufacturing Company, of Fall River, 
from its organization. He married Ruth L., daugh- 
ter of David and Zilpha (Devoll) Brownell, of West- 
port. After a short wedded life she died, leaving her 
infant daughter and namesake, Ruth Louisa, to fol- 
low her to the grave in three short months. Although 
these deaths occurred twenty-five years ago, Mr. Gif- 
ford has remained true to his first love and never again 
married. He is to-day one of the wealthy and -pro- 
gressive citizens of his town. 



CAPT. BEN.TAMIN GIFFORD. 
Capt. Benjamin Gifford, son of Humphrey and 
Pliebe (Davis) Gifford, was born in Westport, Mass., 
July 11, 1824. He commenced coasting voyages 
with his father when but seven years old, so had but 
little advantages for education except that given by 
personal application on board of ship, where lie was 
a diligent student. He sailed on his first whaling 
voyage on his fifteenth birthday in bark " Hope," his 
uncle, Capt. Gideon Davis, being master. He re- 
turned in November, 1840. He then made three 
voyages in brig " Mexico," and two in " Dr. Frank- 
lin." The last one he commanded the vessel, rising 
to his position of master by steady promotion. The 
wages of his first four voyages were taken by his 
father, for he was under age. He next commanded 
the bark " Marion," of New Bedford, on a three and 



one-half years' cruise. His next vessel was the bark 
" Mattapoisett," of Westport, and the next, in which 
he made three voyages, was the bark " President," of 
New Bedford. He afterwards went three voyages as 
captain in the vessels "Glacier," "Spartan," and 
"Sunbeam," of New Bedford. He returned from 
his last voyage Dec. 2, 1879, having accumulated 
quite a property by his services. He was very con- 
scientious in all things, so much so that an acquaint- 
ance remarked once, when the captain was talking 
of leaving the sea an(i engaging in merchandising, 
" He never would make a living, for he was too hon- 
est." He married, Aug. 14, 1853, Hannah R., daugh- 
ter of Stephen iind Hannah (Baker) Allen, an esti- 
mable and generous lady who survives him. 

Capt. Gifford was a Republican in politics, and as 
such represented Westport two terms in the State 
Legislature. He died April 18, 1881. He was a re- 
markably genial man, knowing no difference in his 
intercourse between the high and the low, the rich 
and the, poor, and won the love and confidence of 
all. He was generous to a fault, and never refused 
to assist any benevolent object. He was dignified in 
appearance, but with a cheerful courteousness he was 
a pleasant companion, with many a repartee and 
ready joke. He was of nervous temperament, and 
rarely'sat down an hour in his house, but was busy 
in something he wished to do. He was a devout 
Christian, belonging to the Friends' Society. When 
stricken down by paralysis, and forced to leave all 
active labor by being deprived partially of the use 
of his right side, he never murmured, but with cheer- 
ful content accepted the condition with the remark, 
" It is all right ; I have already had my share of 
good health," and during one long year of invalid 
and suffering life he retained the same cheerfulness, 
filling the hearts of all who were near him with sun- 
shine, .and when he died a host of friends mourned, 
and letters of coudolence came to his widow from all 
quarters of the globe. The New Bedford Mercury, 
April 19, 1881, contained this short tribute to his 
memory: "Capt. Benjamin Gifford, of Westport 
Point, died of paralysis yesterday morning, aged 
fifty-six. He made quite a number of voyages suc- 
cessfully in whaling, his last one being in the ' Sun- 
beam,' of this city. He was not a great man ; he was 
more than that, he was a tjood man. Honest and 
straightforward in his transactions, and of pleasant 
disposition, he won the respect of all who knew him. 
He was a strong advocate of temperance and a 
Friend. He was a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of Massachusetts, 1877-78." 



CHRISTOPHER BORDEN. 

Christopher Borden, son of Abraham and Phebe 
(Barker) Borden, was born Oct. 20, 1815, on the lands 
possessed by four or five generations of his ancestors 
in Tiverton, R. I., now Westport, Mass. (For ances- 






p,^ V^(Cj 



^^4?^^ 




<\.- 




a 



xt^ <^'A&^ 



^^^^^jr^^-g^^ 'V 



WESTPORT. 



701 



tral history of Borden family see biography of Cook 
Borden, Fall River.) The line of descent to Chris- 
topher from Richard, the emigrant, is Richard', John-, 
Richard^, Thomas*, Christopher^, Jonathan", Abra- 
ham', Christopher'. Thomas Borden (fourth genera- 
tion) gave the Cranberry Neck property with other 
, woodlands to his son Christopher, who became a 
farmer there, and probably built the first saw-mill on i 
the site where stands the mill of his descendant 
Christopher. He was a man of respectability and sub- 
stance, owning much land and many slaves, married 
Hannah, daughter of Stephen and Penelope Borden, 
Dec. 24, 1748, and died suddenly, an old man. His 
son Jonathan, boi'n May 5, 1761, married Elizabeth , 
Bowen, and had Hannah, Abraham, Phebe, Thomas, [ 
Rhoda, Isaac, and Elizabeth. He was a farmer and 
mill-owner, held some offices, and was social, honest, 
straightforward, and always full of business, which he 
uniformly conducted to a successful issue. He died 
May 19, 1848. Abraham was born near the present 
residence of Chri.stopher, July 20, 1792, and always 
lived on the farm where he commenced housekeeping. | 
He was a man of quiet and undemonstrative nature, 
yet strongly fixed in his opinions. He never cared 
for office, but steadily kept the even tenor of his way, 
undisturbed by political turmoil. By purchase and 
by legacy he received from bis father two hundred 
and seventy acres of land. He was engaged in lum- ; 
bering in addition to farming. He married Phebe, 
daughter of Lemuel and Maria (Tripp) Barker, of 
Dartmouth, and had three children, — Christopher, 
Rhoda (Mrs. Abiel Davis), and Maria R., who died 
one year after her marriage to Capt. Weston Jenney. 
Mrs. Borden was a Friend, and Mr. Borden attended 
their meetings regularly, although not a member of 
the society. He died Oct. 28, 1864. 

Christopher Borden (eighth generation) was edu- 
cated at common schools and the Friends' school at \ 
Providence, R. I. He remained with his father after | 
returning from school, and became associated with 
and finally .succeeded him in charge of the farm and 
lumbering interests, which latter has been somewhat 
e-xtensive in the departments of cedar and shingles. 
He married Lucy H., daughter of Peter and Sarah 
S. (Hovvland) Davis, Feb. 11, 18.39. She was a native 
of Westport, Mass., and born Feb. 11, 1818. They 
have had six children,^ — Jonathan, married Mary M. 
(Snell) Estes, has seven children, and lives on the 
old homestead; Alice A., married George H. Hicks, 
lias five children, and lives in Fall River; Mary E., 
married Isaac W. Howland, of Little Compton, R. I., 
and has one child; Othniel T., a youth of bright 
promise, who was accidentally and fatally shot in 
his twentieth year, Jan. 22, 1866 ; Edwin, married 
Mary E. Young, has five children, and lives near his 
parents ; Phebe S., married Arthur D. Cornell, has 
two children, and lives in Fall River. 

The home of Mr. Borden has always been on the 
homestead of his forefathers. By the fluctuation of 



boundary lines it has been in two States and three 
towns,— Tiverton, R. I., Fall River, R. I., and West- 
port, Mass. 

Mr. Borden has been much in public service. He 
was a member of the Town Council of Tiverton, has 
been selectman of Westport year after year, has been 
on auditing committee for several years, and has also 
held minor offices. He has been called upon to ad- 
minister on many estates, and in all his range of 
official duties and trusts he has ever acted with strict 
integrity, directness of purpose, and rapidity of exe- 
cution. He is a pleasant, kindly gentleman, whose 
many good qualities attract numerous friends. Whig 
and Republican in politics, he has never swerved 
from support of those principles. He has been pros- 
perous in business, has been a farmer, and, with his 
sons, has done much in lumbering. He now leaves 
the principal part of the labor on younger shoulders, 
and looks merely after the investments which from 
time to time he has made. He is a stockholder in 
Metacomet, Pocasset, and Union Banks, Fall River, 
and Commercial Bank, New Bedford. He is also a 
stockholder in the Flint, Barnard, and Weetaraoe 
Mills, Fall River, and is interested in and a director 
of the Fall River Manuiacturing Company. He is 
held in high esteem by his fellow-townsmen and 
entire circle of acquaintance, and is justly considered 
one of Westport's leading citizens. 



LEONARD MACOMBER. 

Leonard Macomber, son of John and Mary (Slade) 
Macomber, was born in Westport, Mass., Feb. 8, 1818. 
He comes on both sides from early settlers of this sec- 
tion, who have given to their descendants not only 
good estates but honorable records. His grandfather, 
Nathaniel Macomber, was a native of Westport (then 
Dartmouth), and was a farmer and nurseryman. He 
married Susanna Macomber, and had a large family 
of children, and bequeathed his farm and nursery to 
his son John, who for many years carried on the same 
business as his father. John married Mary Slade, of 
the old Swansea (Somerset) family. (See biographies 
of William L. and Jonathan Slade, in history of Som- 
erset, in this volume.) They had eight children, of 
whom Leonard was the fourth. Leonard had com- 
mon school education, and attended the Friends' 
school at Providence, R. I. He married Esther A., 
daughter of Joshua and Diana (Manchester) Austin, 
of Little Compton, R. I. They had three children, 
Elizabeths., John A., and Hannah D. (married George 
E. Tripp, and has two children). 

Leonard lived on a farm adjoining the homestead 
of his father, and never changed his residence. Like 
his father and grandfather, he enjoyed a high degree 
of public confidence, which has been in each genera- 
tion justly deserved. He was a pleasant neighbor, 
plain and straightforward in business, and a good 
citizen. He was of irreproachable character, kind- 



702 



HISTOKY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



hearted and generous, and a friend to the poor. In 
all his public and private transactions he manifested 
sound judgment, strict integrity and ability, and his 
unostentatious demeanor won him many friends. 

He was strictly temperate in all things, and gave 
his influence and support to all measures which tended 
to promote the intelligence and welfare of his fellow- 
citizens. Although not aspiring to political promi- 
nence, yet the people of Westport, in their confidence 
in his integrity, for quite a number of years intrusted 
to his care the treasury of the town, to the universal 
satisfaction of all. He was also tax collector several 
years, and was often called to administer on estates. 
In these onerous and complicated duties he was uni- 
formly successful in harmoniously adjusting whatever 
seemed in disorder, and his clear judgment and wise 
counsels were often asked for others. He was a birth- [ 
right member of the Society of Friends, and his life 
was an example of their peaceful creed. He died 
Jan. 31, 1873. 

Mrs. Macomber was born Feb. 23, 1819, and is now 
residing at Central village) surrounded by her children 
and grandchildren, and passing a kindly and cheerful 
old age. 

John A. Macomber (2d), son of Leonard and Diana 
M.acomber, married Esther A., daughter of Stephen 
and Ann D. Allen, and has two children. He is at 
the present writing town clerk of Westport, and is I 
an honored and useful citizen of his native town. 



EZRA P. BROWNELL. 

Ezra P. Brownell, son of Jireah and Sarah (Kirby) 
Brownell, was born in Westport, Mass., Aug. 10, 
1819. His paternal grandparents were Benjamin and 
Abigail (Milk) Brownell. His early education was 
acquired at common schools, which he supplemented 
by two terms atPierce Academy, Middleborough, Mass. 
This he accomplished by teaching in the winter, and 
using the funds thus acquired in attending the sum- 
mer sessions of the academy. His early life was in 
no respect one of ease or wealth, but a constant 
struggle with adverse circumstances to attain a sat- 
isfactory position in society. He was imbued with 
a desire to benefit his fellow-men, and every action 
of his kind and philanthropic nature had some aim 
of this nature in view. His desire to aid in relieving 
the sufferings and misfortunes of others far exceeded 
his wish for wealth or personal gratification, as many 
living can testify. His son states that many are the 
instances where strangers have met him by chance, 
and, ascertaining that he was the son of Ezra P. 
Brownell, have with great emotion recalled some act 
of his which had materially assisted them in some of 
the difficult places in their pathway. 

Mr. Brownell served faithfully in every station of 
public trust, — as school committee nineteen years 
(1845 to 1866), auditing committee, selectman ten 
years, chairman of the board seven years, member 



of the Lower House of the State Legislature nine 

years (1857 to 1869),, State senator in 1861. He was 
appointed county commissioner in 1865, and served 
three years. As a member of the Legislature, he won 
the respect and confidence of all his associates, and 
by force of his integrity exerted a' marked influence. 
He was modest and unostentatious, rarely addressing 
the House, never taking the floor e.xcept when im- 
pelled by duty, and then speaking with a simplicity 
and directness which gained attention. Rarely ab- 
sent from his seat, he entered into the business of the 
session with conscientious diligence, advocating those 
measures he deemed best for the public good, and 
sometimes carrying them to a successful issue almost 
wholly by his personal efforts. 

His love for his country and its free institutions 
caused him to take a deep interest in aiding the gov- 
ernment in its efforts to suppress the Rebellion, and 
in the capacity of recruiting officer he was one of the 
most active in the cause of the Union. To this he 
gave his thought and time night and day. He advo- 
cated good pay and large bounties for the enlisting 
soldiers, guaranteed that their families should be 
taken care of, and the widows and orphans supported, 
and his promise was by him fulfilled down to the 
day of his death. His untiring eflbrts, patriotic labors, 
and rare discretion attracted the notice and won the 
hearty commendation of Governor Andrew. He 
saved the town from draft by placing in service the 
full quota of men. All this valuable service was 
done without any compensation. 

As a county commissioner, he enjoyed the implicit 
confidence of his associates, who bear willing testi- 
mony to his soundness of judgment, his patience in 
investigation, his wise economy, and his conscientious 
fidelity to every trust. He did not escape detraction, 
and was violently assailed atone time with the charge 
that he h.ad not accounted for money of the town 
which had been placed in his hands. His vindica- 
tion was complete, however, and the assault only 
served to strengthen him in the regards of his towns- 
men, who answered the charges by re-electing him 
the same year to the Legislature, casting for him four 
hundred and seven votes, the largest number ever 
given any one in the town. He died Sept. 6, 1870, 
from shock arising from amputation of his left leg, 
rendered necessary by a cancer from which he had 
suffered seventeen years. He was a Universalist in 
religion, and no stronger proof was needed of the 
strong hold he had upon all classes than to witness 
the unanimity with which his townspeople of all 
parties and creeds attended bis funeral services, which, 
through the kindness of the Society of Friends, was 
held in their meeting-house, and which a bereaved 
community filled with mourners, who seemed to con- 
sider his death not only a personal bereavement but 
a public calamity. 





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J^-cv 



WEST PORT. 



703 



B. F. TRIPP. ] 

Benjamin Franklin Tripp, son of John and Beer- 
sheba (Potter) Tripp, was born in Westport, Mass., 
March 23, 1804. He is of English ancestry. The 
name was early connected with Dartmouth, Joseph j 
and James Tripp being among those who were named 
as proprietors in the confirmatory deed of William 
Bradford, Nov. 13, 1694. The descendants of these 
]Honeer settlers are very numerous, and are mostly 
worthy scions of the sturdy stock from which they 
sprung. John Tripp, the grandfather of Benjamin 
F., was born in 1727, in that part of Dartmouth now 
Westport ; was a farmer on a few acres, a diligent, 
thoughtful, industrious man, of deep religious princi- 
ples, which were perhaps too exaggerated. He was 
a follower of Anna Wilkinson, and, it is said, so in- 
jured his health by trying to fast forty days as to fall I 
a victim to measles, in consequence thereof, in his 
sixty-fourth year, dying in 1791. He married Penel- 
ope Brightuian, and had five children, — Phebe, Mary, 
Thankful, Peace, and John. His farm of about forty 
acres was located a short distance north of Central 
village, near the cemetery where he and his wife lie 
buried. John, his son, born July 8, 1761, was a far- 
mer, of au exceedingly ingenious mechanical turn of 
mind. He was a much better educated man thau 
most of his townsmen, was a great reader, particularly 
of history, and, in connection with farming, used to 
make the wooden plows then so much in use. He 
married, in April, 1786, Beersheba, youngest daughter 
of Stokes and Phebe (Spooner) Potter. They had 
eight children attaining maturity, — Amy, Penelope, 
Cynthia (married Cliristopher Weston), Carmi, Ma- 
rina (married Hilliard Gifford), Wilkesou, Anna 
(married William Potter), and Benjamin F. All of 
these are dead but Marina and Benjamin F. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Tripp were independent in re- 
ligious thought; were members of no church organi- 
zation, although regular attendants at the Friends' 
meeting-house. Mi-. Tripp had imperfect vision in 
one eye, and was slightly lame from birth. These 
freed him from military duty. He brought up a large 
family well, did not, although a hard-working, indus- 
trious man, accumulate much property. He was a 
Whig in politics, but avoided office. His oldest son 
lived with him in his latter years on his small farm, 
where he died June 30, 1851, very nearly ninety years 
old. His wife, born in Westport, Feb. 5, 1765, was 
youngest daughter of a large family. Her father, 
Stokes Potter, was a shoemaker, and died about 1809. 
Mrs. Tripp died in 1854. 

B. F. Tripp had only the very meagre opportunities 
of book education aflbrded by a few weeks' attendance 
each winter, from the time he was nine until he wa.s 
fifteen, at the country schools of that period. Robust 
in health, he was fond of work, and aided his father ' 
in his farm-work, the older brothers being away at 
work for themselves. He remained at home until he 
was of age, when he engaged one season during hay- 



ing to mow for a farmer in Little Compton, R. 1. 
The next year he w^orked eight months for John Ma- 
comber, near Central village, on the farm and in the 
nursery. For nine consecutive seasons he was thus 
employed. He passed the winters at his father's, 
chopping cord-wood. He married, Dec. 11, 1834, 
Patience, daughter of Richard and Rebecca (Cook) 
Gittbrd, who was born June 2, 1806, in Westport. 
Her line of ancestors on her father's side is (1) Chris- 
topher, (2) William, (3) Richard, (4) Rebecca, (5) Pa- 
tience. William, son of Christopher, was a man of 
consideration and inn-keeper at Hicks' Bridge, which 
he owned and maintained as a toll-bridge. He mar- 
ried Patience Russell, and lived to be old. Of his 
children, Richard lived just south of Westport Centre, 
married Rebecca, daughter of Pardon Cook, of Tiver- 
ton, R. I. He had five children, of whom Mrs. Tripp 
was youngest. 

The children of B. F. and Patience Tripp are Re- 
becca Cook, born Dec. 9, 1835 ; Phebe Dwelly, Sept. 
19, 1837; Edwin Irving, Nov. 20, 1838; Mary Almy, 
June 16, 1840; Cook Gifford, Feb. 16, 1844; and 
John Richard, May 24, 1850. Rebecca married 
Barney Giflford, lives in Adamsville, E. I., and has 
four children, — Ella V., Emma C, Frederick B., and 
Lena G. Mary married Charles H. Brownell, lives 
in New Bedford, and has two childreji, — Elma W. 
and Ulysses G. Cook G. married Ellen M. Snell, 
and has two children, — Anna K. and Benjamin F. 
Edwin I. married Mary E. Brownell, no children. 
John R. married Mary E. Mosher, lives on his father's 
place, and has four children, — Florence D., Clara P., 
Eddie I., and Lottie E. 

Mr. Tripp began housekeeping the summer after 
marriage, moving to the house he now occupies, 
which he has changed and repaired and completely 
altered. From a date found on the planking the 
house was evidently built in 1727, and it was occu- 
pied, if not erected, by Capt. Philip Taber, an officer 
of the Revolution. Mrs. Tripp died Jan. 23, 1878, 
aged seventy-one. She was an estimable woman, 
ruled well her household, and is honored by her de- 
scendants. Mr. Tripp has been highway surveyor 
many years, and was one of the committee of public 
landing for twenty-five years. He has never sought, 
but rather avoided oflice of importance, but has 
merited and enjoyed the confidence of both political 
parties, so as to receive the full suffrages of the town 
when he was a candidate. He has been a great 
reader and thinker, and an inflexibly honest man. 
He has a very accurate and strong memory, and a 
wonderful fund of knowledge, which he takes pleas- 
ure in giving to others. He is an amiable, pleasant, 
warm-hearted gentleman, with very many friends. 
He is independent in politics, and thoroughly inde- 
pendent also in religious thought, with strong ten- 
dency to Universalism. He has been a hard-workino- 
man all his life, but has husbanded his strength and 
health, and never had to call a physician but twic 



704 



HlSTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in his life. He has built a great deal of stone wall, 
and has stoned about one hundred cellars. He has 
been prosperous financially, owns seventy-five acres 
of good land, and has a competency to supply all 
wants of his declining years. Blest with a cheerful 
disposition, surrounded by affectionate descendants, 
and the regards of all who know him, Mr. Tripp is 
passing with honor to the close of an active and 
useful life. _ 

SAMUEL T. SANFORD. 

Samuel Tripp Sanford, son of Capt. Thomas San- 
ford and Charity D. Capron, his wife, was born in 
Troy, now Fall River, Mass., May 2, 1825. His father 
was born in Westport, Jan. 1.5, 1772, and from a com- 
mon sailor rose to be master before he was twenty- 
one. He commanded vessels many years, mostly on 
trading voyages to South America. At one time he 
invested all his property in a large brig and cargo, 
which was almost entirely owned by himself. She 
was lost, and Capt. Sanford lost everything, not even 
saving a suit of clothes. There was no insurance on 
either vessel or cargo, and the labors of years were 
swept away. Of strong mind and physique, he went 
to work with a will, and soon more than made good 
his loss. He married Charity Davis Capron, Oct. 2, 
1797. She was born in Freetown, Aug. 18, 1780. 
They had nineteen children, seventeen of whom lived 
to maturity. They were Hannah W., married John 
Bowcock; Ruth Gilford, married John Lindsay; 
John C, Thomas, Edwin, Rhoda, Samuel R., David, 
Hope, Almanza, Brunette, married George W.Chase; 
Emmeline, married Lloyd N. Pierce; Caroline, mar- 
ried David A. Mason ; Hope Ann, Amanda B., Mel- 
vina F., married John H. Wady ; Newton F., adopted, 
and Samuel Tripp. Capt. Sanford built, in 1798, the 
laro-est house in Troy, now Fall River, and he 
shrewdly predicted that the water-power here would 
build up a large city, being one of the very few who 
were clear-sighted enough to see this. He was a 
positive man, of much originality of thought. He 
was skeptical in religion, and his opposition to the 
creeds of the churches tended to injure him finan- 
cially. He was a good logician and well read in the 
Bible. He condensed his religion into this nutshell: 
"Give sixteen ounces to the pound, keep your pigs 
and chickens out of your neighbors' yards, help your 
neighbors when in need without telling everybody 
you meet about it." He died Jan. 2, 1847, aged 
seventy-four. His wife died Oct. 24, 1871, aged 
ninety-one. While in South America he purchased 
a very valuable recipe for preparing a blood-purifier, 
and, under the name of "Sanford's Great Spanish 
Remedy," it won success in this country, and caused 
him and (after his death) his son Samuel to devote 
much time to its manufacture. 

Samuel T. Sanford, from early boyhood, manifested 
a great inventive genius. He was always suggesting 
an easier way of performing work or of lightening 



household labor. He had a very active brain, which, 
joined to a not very vigorous body, made his health 
always delicate. He invented several valuable ma- 
chines and improvements, among which was a ma- 
chine for punching copper (for which he received 
five thousand dollars), a self-opening and closing 
gate, a shingle-cutting machine, an apple-parer, a 
shoe-fastener, and an oscillating water-meter, which 
he patented in April, 1879, only about a month 

I before his death. He married, Sept. 10, 1858, Susan, 
daughter of Rescom and Henrietta (Sanford) Borden. 
She was born at Westport, Mass., Sept. 10, 1837, and 
studied medicine two years at the Women's Medical 
College of Philadelphia. Her family (the Bordens) 
can trace its ancestry for about one thousand years 
back through England and the Norman conquest to 
the village of Bourdonnay, France, where for cen- 
turies they were landed proprietors. She is descended 
from Richard Borden, who came to America in 1635. 
(See biography of Cook Borden, Fall River, on 
another page of this work.) This union was blessed 
with four children, — Bordena ; Charitta L., born 
April 16, 1863; Threlia D., March 13, 1871 ; and Sam- 
uel N. F., Aug. 2, 1872. Mr. Sanford began house- 
keeping in the same house where his mother resided 
in Fall River immediately upon his marriage. The 
house is still standing, yellow in color, on the corner 
of Bedford and Quarry Streets, on the .same lot as the 
Staffcrd Mills. Here their oldest child, Bordena, was 
born, Oct. 28, 1859. 

Mrs. Sanford having inherited a large landed prop- 
erty of about one thousand acres from her father (a 
portion of the purchase made by her ancestors over 
two hundred years ago), they removed to ^Vestport, 
both to look after her property and for Mr. Sanford's 
health, which became very poor. Here they lived 
about ten years, Mr. Sanford following agriculture in 
connection with his inventive endeavors. Here also 
were born the other children. Deeming their chil- 
dren worthy of better education than Westport could 
give them, in the fall of 1873 they removed to Nor- 
ton, and for five years gave their children the advan- 
tages of the celebrated Wheaton Seminary. They 
then removed to the present residence of Mrs. San- 
ford in Fall River, which has since been the family 
home, and where he died May 8, 1879. Mr. Sanford 
was a hearty supporter of everything tending to ad- 
vance, educate, or elevate humanity. He took an 
active part in agricultural matters, and was a close 
investigator into the origin and philosophy of the 
operations of nature, and wanted to demonstrate the 

i truth of every theory, not by the word of some indi- 
vidual, but by logic, reason, and science. He was of 
a warm and affectionate nature, fond of society, and 
with a large fund of vivacity, was the gayest of the 
gay. He was a devoted husband, and an indulgent 
and affectionate father. Loyal in his friendships, the 
closer ties of the family relation were the most firmly 
attached to his nature, which, sympathetic and loving, 




^^ „ o 







SILABE, 



WESTPORT. 



705 



drew the inspiration for his studies (whicli were 
largely' at night after his family liad retired) from tlie 
happy countenances of his wife and children. He 
was a law-abiding and useful citizen, one who never 
souglit oflice, but who preferred to look into the mys- 
teries of nature as a pleasurable employment. He 
studied geology and chemistry at the university at 
Philadelphia in 1857-58, and collected quite a geo- 
logical cabinet. He was a good chemist, and pos- 
sessed a rare fund of general information, which he 
delighted to impart, and was a great reader of solid 
and scientitic works. In his latter days he was an 
earnest investigator of the spiritual philosophy. 



NATHAN SLADE. 



Nathan Slade, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Chace) 
Slade, was borp Jan. 20, 1803, in Somerset, Mass. 
His father, Henry Slade, was born also in Somerset, 
Feb. 0, 1775, and was son of Robert (see history of 
Slade family in town of Somerset, in this volume). 
Henry was during his early life a seafaring man, and 
became a master. He lived in Fall River after retir- 
ing from the sea. He built Slade's wharf in that city, 
and was in the grain and commission business there 
until 1843. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Na- 
than and Ly3ia (Anthony) Chace, of Somerset, Sept. 

24, 1801. She was born June 3, 17S0, and died Jan. 
8, 1843. Their children were Nathan. Henry Buffum, 
and Lydia A. (died young). Henry Slade died Nov. 
28, 1853. 

Nathan had the usual education given at common 
schools of that early day, and as a youth went to 
Westport and learned the trade of blacksmithing, as 
they called it at that time, but which, combined with 
blacksmithing both that of machinist and the making 
of edge tools, axes, hoes, etc. After learning his trade 
he established himself in Fall River as a machinist, 
and married Oct. 27, 1824, Phebe, daughter of Isaac 
and Ann (Weeden) Macomber. She was born in 
Westport, Mass., Dec. 12, 1803. The young couple 
began housekeeping in Westport, where they lived 
six years. Closing his business in Fall River, Mr. 
Slade purchased a farm near \\'^estport Point and re- 
sided there, and was a farmer until his death, Nov. 
21, 1870. He had two children, Edwin, born March 

25, 1826. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. 
Joseph Swift, of Falmouth, Mass., and is a druggist 
in Sheboygan County, Wis. Elizabeth A., born Jan. 
21, 1828, married April 20, 1882, John C. Taylor, of 
Belgrave, Me., and resides in Westport. 

Nathan Slade was a quiet, retiring man, of quick 
sensibilities, and great love of home. He was in 
accord with all the better portion of the community 
in everything tending to advance or improve the con- 
dition of his town, but never sought to be conspicu- 
ous in any matter, and never desired office. He was 
Whig and Republican in political faith, and both he 
45 



and his wife were birthright members of the Friends' 
Society. He was emphatically an honest man, " the 
noblest work of God." 



ISRAEL MACOMBER. 
The name Macomber or Macumber is variously 
spelled. It is of Gaelic or Highland Scotch, and sig- 
nifies the son of the counselor or wise man. From 
records we find that two brothers, John and Wil- 
liam, came in 1638 from Inverness, Scotland, to 
America. John settled in Taunton; was subject to 
military duty in 1643; was a land-owner, and in 1659 
was permitted to build a saw-mill. He was taxed 
seven shillings that year on twenty-four acres and 
four "heads." His descendants still live in that lo- 
cality. William, the ancestor of Israel jMacomber, 
settled in Duxbury, Mass., in 1638, and afterwards 
removed to Marshfleld,.and about 1750 removed to 
Dartmouth and resided there, and in Tiverton, until 
after 1686. He was an energetic man, of great pru- 
dence and force of character, and was esteemed for 
his probity. He was a great Biblical student, and a 
strict Puritan. His. descendant, Timothy Macomber, 
(third generation), resided near the Massachusetts 
and Rhode Island line, and was connected with both 
States; He was a farmer and a useful citizen. We 
can say but little of him further than that he was 
married, and had children, one of whom was William 
(fourth generation). This William located in Dart- 
mouth ; married Sarah Brownell ; was a larmer and 
shoemaker, tanning and currying his, own leather. 
He was an honest, hard-working man. Both he and 
his wife lived to be old, she attaining more than 
ninety years. He had ten children, — William, Gil- 
bert, Rogers, Thurston, John, Simeon, Margaret (Mrs. 
John Palmer), Mary (Mrs. Nath Potter), Eliza- 
beth, and Sarah. William (fifth son) was born in the 
town of Westport, Nov. 28, 1771, and married Rachel 
Brightman, who was born March 17, 1778. He started 
in life poor and was truly a self-made man. In those 
early days there was a hard struggle with the hard 
climate and sterile soil of New England, and well did 
William Macomber do a man's work. He was a quiet, 
reserved, and una.ssuming person, never seeking office, 
but devoting his energies to the maintenance of his 
family. He was a Whig in politics, and a worthy 
member of the Methodist Church. He died April 15, 
1839. Mrs. Macomber was a more than ordinary 
woman. She was remarkable for her active and vig- 
orous constitution and her tenacious and active mem- 
ory. She took great interest in matters of history 
and genealogical details of her own and other fami- 
lies of her acquaintance. She was much consulted 
as an unerring informant for facts and dates in these 
and kindred matters in her later years. She died in 
1873, aged ninety-four years and five months. She 
was one of the three constituent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Westport Point, and 



706 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



remained a consistent and earnest member during her 
life, and was reverenced as a " motlaer in Israel." She 
was born in Westport. Her father, Israel Brightman, 
was a Revolutionary soldier, and received a pension. 
To him and his wife Bethany were born six children, 
—Christian, born Aug. 31, 1777; Rachel, March 17, 
1778; Israel, Feb. 15, 1780; John, April 29, 1782; 
Cornelius, Nov. 29, 1783 ; Lemuel, Feb. 20,1780; and 
Bethany, Jan. 13, 1792. 

Israel Macomber (sixth generation), only son 
and child of William and Rachel (Brightman) Ma- 
comber, was born in Westport, Mass., March 24, 1810. 
He had but limited education at schools. The schools 
of that period were very poor, and a large part of his 
knowledge from books was acquired at the home fire- 
side. He made the most of his opportunities, how- 
ever, and became quite proficient in several branches, 
particularly so in arithmetic. He was reared a farmer, 
and a farmer he has remained through life. In 1827 
his fether removed to the place where Israel now re- 
sides, and ended his days there, Israel succeeding 
him on the place. Here he done his work well, 
shrinking not from labor, and finding his eflbrts 
crowned with substantial' success. He is an unassum- 
ing man, has never sought or held office, refusing to 
leave his own affairs to be neglected while he was at- 
tending to the business of others. He has been more 
or less interested in whaling-vessels for the past forty- 
five years. He married Mary E., daughter of Hercu- 
les and Abby (Tripp) Manchester, May 7, 1834. She 
was born Dec. 11, 1814. For nearly half a century 
has this good couple walked hand in hand, bringing 
up their children to maturity and an honorable posi- 
tion in life, and have the satisfaction of knowing that 
none are recreant to the principles inculcated by their 
ancestors. Their children are (1) WiUiam P., born 
Aug. 23, 1837. (He married, first, Abby, daughter of 
Godfrey Cornell. They had two children, Mary C. 
and Theresa H. After her death he married Nellie, 
daughter of Edward Tucker, of Dartmouth. They 
have one child, Edward.) (2) Isaac B., born Nov. 9, 
1839, married Sarah, daughter of Godfrey Cornell. 
They have two children. Bertha and Nason. (3) Adin 
H. N., born Aug. 12, 1845. (4) Elihue G., born Dec. 
20, 1846. The two last reside with their parents. 
William and Isaac passed several years in California, 
are now located in beautiful homes not far from the 
paternal mansion, and are more than ordinarily suc- 
cessful men. 

In 1SG8, Mr. Macomber erected the residence he 
now occupies. It is a very substantial and pleasant 
home. Situated as it is on the highest point of a 
beautiful promontory, surrounded by bays, inlets, 
islands, etc., with Buzzard's Biiy and the broad At- 
lantic stretching away to the south, and on either 
side an extended view of a more than usual romantic 
coast-line, it presents as fine a view as can be ob- 
tained for many a mile of distance. 

Mr. Macomber has been an active and leading 



member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more 
than half a century. He has been class-leader, stew- 
ward, or trustee for many years, and has been a lib- 
eral sujiporter not only of the church but all worthy 
objects. Both he and his worthy- wife have been 
more than mere spectators in the cause of morality 
and religion, and have given largely, both of personal 
endeavor and their possessions, to assist the good 
work. Mrs. Macomber has been a church member 
since 1845. In politics Mr. Macomber is a Republi- 
can. Among his townsmen he is regarded as an 
honest, successful business man, a good and law- 
abiding citizen, and a valued friend and neighbor. 



GEORGE LAWTON. 



George Lawton, son of Job and Hannah (Kirby) 
Lawton, was born in Westport, Mass., Feb. 8, 1804. 
He is of good English stock, and his American ances- 
tors were among the first settlers of Portsmouth, R. I., 
and George seems to have been a favorite name with 
them ; as far back as 1650 tliere were two or three of 
them in the town. In 1701, George Lawton, of Ports- 
mouth, R.I. (we cannot ascertain of which particular 
family), purchased one hundred acres of land in Dart- 
mouth, now Westport, Mass., in the north part of the 
town, for thirty pounds, and settled upon it. This 
land is now occupied and owned by one of his de- 
scendants, Robert Lawton, and has never been out of 
the ownership of the family. This George married a 
daughter of Gideon Freeborn, who, for his second 
wife, married the widow of a George Lawton. She 
received from her fiither as her marriage portion 
one-fourth of one share of land in Westerly, R. I., 
deeded in 1697. They had one son, John, who mar- 
ried a Dennis. He built the first grist-mill at the 
" Head of Westport," a short distance above the 
present village, about 1750, on the site of a mill now 
owned by Alden Sisson. He had one son, George, 
born Nov. 8, 1739, and several daughters. It is said 
he also owned a small coasting-vessel plying to New- 
port. He was a man of some consequence, a hard- 
working, honest man of good reputation, but not very 
successful financially, as the building of the mill in- 
volved him much, and after his death his children 
redeemed it from his obligations. He died May 2, 
1753. His son George was brought up as a farmer, 
and succeeded his father in the possession of his 
homestead. He married Patience, daughter of Oba- 
diah Mosher, and had John, David, Job, Adam, Rich- 
ard, George, Patience, and Hannah, besides three 
others. He was prosperous, and brought up a large 
family in good circumstances. He was a man of in- 
telligence, industrious and prudent, plain and direct 
in speech, and was a very useful citizen, popular with 
all classes, and generally known as " Uncle George 
Lawton." His wife was a member of the Society of 
Friends, and he was a regular attendant of their 





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KAYNHAM. 



r07 



meetings. He died Sept. 20, 1820, nearly eighty-one 
years old, surviving his wife a very few years. 

Job LawtoD, his son, was born Nov. 12, 17G4. He 
married Hannah, daughter of Weston and Hannah 
(White) Kirby. She was born in Westport about 
1769. They had three children,— Silas, Obadiah, 
and George. He had the educational advantages 
generally given their children by the New England 
farmers of that day, and combined the avocations of 
farming and shoemaking. He settled about a mile 
above the " Head of Westport," buying a farm of 
about forty acres. He resided there for several 
years, then selling this he purchased another of 
one hundred acres farther toward Central village, 
whither he moved in 1815 or 1816. He was always 
a great sufferer from asthma. He was a quiet per- 
son, not giving to notoriety or office-seeking. He 
died, of cancer, March 5, 18-13. The George Law- 
ton whose portrait accompanies this sketch lived 
with his father, having slight school privileges. 
After he was twelve he attended the school at Cen- 
tral village a few weeks each winter for a limited 
period. He married, Nov. 26, 1826, Ruth, daughter 
of Joshua and Elizabeth (Wood) Potter. She was 
born within a mile of the Rhode Island line, in 
Westport. Her family was an old one in the town. 
Her father was a farmer, who lived to be very old. 
He had fourteen children, of whom eleven attained 
mature years. She was youngest girl, and was born 
April 25, 1809. Her grandfather was Abner Potter, 
whose wife, Patience, was a most splendid specimen 
of true womanhood, bringing cheer and happiness to 
all within her sphere of action. Mr. and Mrs. Law- 
ton had nine children, — Eli Potter, born Sept. 20, 
1827, married Mary E., daughter of Jeremiah and 
Barbara Dcvol, has two children, and lives in West- 
port ; Uriah W., born April 27, 1831, married Au- 
gusta King, of Taunton, has three children. He 
graduated at Brown University, and is now super- 
intendent of schools in Jackson, Mich. Mary E., 
born July 2, 1834. She married George J. Allen, 
had two children, Jacob and Ella, both of whom are 
married. Jacob lives in Providence, R. I. ; lias four 
children, — Ella, married Thomas Nye, has one child, 
and lives in West Somerville, Mass. ; Hannah A., 
born Sept. 30, 1837, married William J. Chadwick, 
of New Bedford, has four children ; Ann M. (died 
young); George F., born Nov. 11, 1844, lives with 
his parents; Ruth A., born July 3, 1846, married 
William P. Kirby, lives in Jersey City, N. J., and 
has one son ; William 0., born March 16, 1850, mar- 
ried Rachel Wing, lives in New Bedford, and has 
one child; Amanda M., born June 21, 1854, married 
T. A. Tripp, of New Haven, and has one child. 

Mr. Lawton lived with his fiither for several years 
after marriage, then purchased a small farm near 
Hicks' Bridge, for which he agreed to pay fourteen 
hundred dollars. His capital at this time was only 
eight hundred dollars. After a stay of two years he 



sold out, removed to Westport Point, purchased a 
farm of sixty acres, and resided there from 1839 to 
1881. The four youngest children were born here. 
Mr. Lawton and his wife practiced the cardinal vir- 
tues of diligence and industry, and by long years of 
toil, in which there was perfect harmony between 
them, they built up a handsome competency. Al- 
though economical and prudent, they were not nig- 
gardly. All laudable charities met a hearty re- 
sponse from them, and all along life's pathway has 
the same generous feelings been exhibited. In 1847, 
Mr. Lawton erected a grist-mill on his farm, and 
attended to that personally for the many years he re- 
sided on the farm. He sold it, however, in March, 
1881, and removed to the Head of Westport, where 
he now resides. His has been a life of honest labor. 
Every dollar he possesses has been paid for by its full 
equivalent in hard work. He has been Whig and 
Republican in politics, and, as such, has been over- 
seer of the poor three years, and selectman during 
three years of the civil war. He and his wife belong 
to the Society of Friends. Mr. Lawton has the honor 
of being the second resident of Westport to graduate 
a child at college. After tifty-seven years of connu- 
bial felicity, Mr. and Mrs. Lawton are passing down 
the declivity of life with the esteem of a large circle 
of friends, and enjoy in their latter years the results 
of their industry, and leave lives that their numerous 
descendants may worthily emulate. 



CHAPTER LVII. 

RAYNHAM. 

Geographical — Early History — The First Iron-WorliB in America — The 
Leonards — Indian History — Pioneer Families — The Old Leonard 
House — The Revolutionary War — Votes of the Town — Names of 
Soldiers — Seth Dean — Ecclesiastical History — The Congregational 
Church — The Baptist Church — The Unitarian Church — Educational 
— Early Sc.hoolniasters — Their Salary — School Money in 1777 — List 
of College Graduates — Militia Officers — Early Merchants — Physi- 
cians — Longevity — Justices of the Peace — High Sheriffs— Villages 
— Incorporation of the Town — First Town-Meeting— Officers Elected 
— Selectmen — Representatives and Town Clerks frpm 1731 to 1SS4 
— Early Votes — Military Record. 

The town of Raynham lies in the northeastern 
part of the county, and is bounded as follows : On the 
north by Easton, on the east by Bridgewater and 
Middleborough in Plymouth County, and on the 
south and west by Taunton. 

Much of the early history of Raynham will be 
found in the history of Taunton, of which it origin- 
ally formed a part, being known as the east precinct 
of Taunton. 

Although Taunton was settled in 1638, no settle- 
ment was made in Raynham until 1652, when James 
Leonard, Henry Leonard, and Ralph Russel, from 
Wales, located here for the purpose of setting up a 
" bloomary work." For a full description of the 



708 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pioneer iron-works, the reader is referred to the'his- 
tory of Tiiuntoii, where the matter is fully treated by 
that indefatigable worker in historical lore, Capt. J. 
W. D. Hall. 

Oct. 21, 1652, the following entry .appears in the 
records of Taunton : " It was agreed and granted by 
the town to the said James and Henry Leonard and 
Ralph Russel, free consent to come hither and join 
with certain of our inhabitants to set up a bloomary 
work on the Two-Mile Eiver." Then no stranger 
could become an inhabitant without permission. 
" It was agreed and granted, by a free vote of the 
town, that such particular inhabitants as shall con- 
cur with said persons in their design shall have free 
liberty from the town to do so, to build and set up 
this work, and that they shall have the woods on the 
other side of the Two-Mile Eiver, wheresoever it is 
common on that side of the river to cut for their 
cord-wood to make coals, and also to dig and take 
mine or ore at Two-mile meadows, or in any of the 
commons appertaining to the town where it is not 
proprietary." 

." In accordance with this vote and the permission 
granted, the above-mentioned individuals erected 
works for the extraction of iron from the native ore, 
being the first iron manufactory established on the 
continent. These works continued in the possession 
of the Leonards and their descendants a hundred 
years, were enlarged by additional furnaces, and 
subsequently converted into an anchor forge. 

" The original projectors, Henry and James Leon- 
ard, attracted by more abundant ores in New Jersey, 
removed there and established the first foundry in 
that province." — Sanford's History of Raynliam. 

"During the Indian war of 1675, which desolated 
many of the towns of Plymouth and Massachusetts 
colonies, the inhabitants of Taunton were exempt 
from attack. Philip, the chief instigator of that war, 
had a summer hunting-seat near the Fowling pond. 
The Leonards had supplied him with beef, repaired 
his muskets, and furnished him with such simple 
tools as the Indians could use. These acts of friend- 
ship were remembered, and when other towns suffered 
from savage incursions, Raynham and Taunton es- ! 
caped. Philip's influence and friendship protected 
them. The people, however, were on their guard, 
and constructed fortified houses capable of resisting 
an Indian siege. A house belonging to Samuel 
Leonard, which stood a few rods east of the forge, 
■was surrounded by palisades and provisioned. A 
fort also was built. The towns of Barnstable, Yar- 
mouth, and Easthani, on account of their position, 
were secure from Indian dejjredations. The inhab- 
itants of these Cape towns invited the people of 
Taunton, Eehoboth, Raynham, and Bridgewater to 
leave their settlements and live with them for greater 
safety. Taunton replied thus: 'We bless Gftd that 
he hath given us mucli room in your hearts, that you 
so freely tender to us a part with you in your houses. 



fields, and provisions at such a time when the Lord 
is threatening us with the bereavement of our own. It 
muchcomfortethus in thisday of darkness and distress. 
We shall want no succor you are able to aflbrd us. We 
therefore return you all serious tha/uks for your sin- 
cere and abundant love, beseeching the Lord to con- 
tinue and increase your ability, peace, and promptness 
to relieve distress in this evil day. Nevertheless, 
upon our serious and mature deliberation upon, and 
consideration of, your great offer, we cannot at pres- 
ent comply with a motion to remove and quit our 
places and leave our habitations to be a desolation, 
and that because we fear, in so doing, we should be 
wanting to the name of God and interests of Christ 
in this place, and betray much difficulty and cow- 
ardice, and give the adversary occasion to triumph 
over us to the reproach of that great and fearful 
name of God which is called upon us.' " 

This reply was signed by Richard Williams, Walter 
Deane, and others.' 

First Settlers. — Prominent among the early set- 
tlers and a leading family in the town were the 
Leonards. The Washburne familes were also promi- 
nent. Israel Washburne, the third of that name, re- 
moved to Maine, and had three sons who became 
members of Congress from three different States. 
One was Governor of Maine, and one, Elihu P. Wash- 
burne, was Secretary of State, etc. Among other 
prominent families, the following are mentioned : 
The Kings, the Deans, Shaws, Halls, Gushees, Wil- 
liamses, Gilmores, Andrews, Hathaways, Whites, 
Tracys, Knapps, etc. Hon. Josiah Dean was a mem- 
ber of Congress, elected in about 1808. He was a 
leading man of the town and county. 

The pioneer " Leonard House" was located near 
the forge, and was probably erected in about 1670. 

Dr. Fobes, in his " History of Raynham," published 
in 1793, in referring to this house, says, " In the 
cellar was deposited, for a considerable time, the head 
of King Philip ; for it seems that even Philip shared 
the fate of kings ; he was decollated, and his head 
carried about, and shown by one Alderman, the In- 
dian who shot him. 

"There is yet in being an ancient case of drawers 
which stood in the house, upon which the deep scars 
and mangled impressions of Indian hatchets are now 
visible. Under the door-steps of the same house lie 
buried the bones of two young women, who, in their 
flight here, were shot by the Indians ; 6ut more for- 
tunate was the flight of Uriah Leonard, who, as he 
was riding from Taunton, was fired upon by the In- 
dians. But he swung his hat around, which started 
his horse in full canter ; he reached the dam without 
a wound, but bullets passed through the hat and the 
neck of the horse he rode. While Deacon Nathaniel 
Williams was at work with some others in the fields 
on the south side of the road, about half a mile from 



1 See History of Taunton. 



RAYNHAM. 



709 



the forge, one of the number discovered a motion in 
the bushes at a little distance; he immediately pre- 
sented his gun and fired, upon which the Indians 
were heard to cry, ' C'ocoosh !' and ran off; but soon 
after one of the Indians was found dead near the 
Fowling pond." 

The house was demolished about thirty years ago. 
A picture of this ancient mansion may be found in 
Barber's " Historical Collections." 

Revolutionary War. — The first reference on the 
old town records to the war of the Revolution is under 
date of Aug. 5, 1774, as follows : 

" The town voted £1 4«. 6c?. to pay its proportion 
towards defraying the expenses of the Continental 
Congress. 

" July 18, 1775. The town directed the purchase of 
ten guns. 

"November 20th. Voted £20 to Lieut. Benjamin 
King for services as delegate to Provincial Congress. 
Zephaniah Leonard, Joseph Shaw, and Seth Jones 
were chosen as committee to manufacture saltpetre. 

" March 4, 1776. Israel Washburn, Joshua Leonard, 
Benjamin King, and Elijah Leonard were chosen a 
Committee of Safety. 

"Voted that every person from sixteen and up- 
wards, except those whom the committee shall see fit 
to exempt, contribute £10 each for a fund from which 
to pay soldiers. 

" Ebenezer King and Capt. John King were drawn 
jurors, for the trial of Tories, at a special term of 
court at Taunton. 

"July 29, 1778. Voted to levy a tax upon the pro- 
duce of the town to pay six Continental soldiers for 
nine months' service. 

"July 25, 1779. Voted to raise £111 to pay for 
soldiers' shirts, shoes, and stockings. Josiah Dean 
was chosen delegate to convention at Concord. 

" November 15th. Voted £407 lis. for the commit- 
tee to expend in hiring soldiers for the public service, 
and procuring blankets. 

" July 7th. Made appropriation for six additional 
Continental soldiers. • 

" In 1778 the town raised $35,416 (depreciated cur- 
rency) for paying soldiers, and $24,000 to purchase 
six thousand pounds of beef. 

"September 27th. Voted to buy 11,523 pounds of 
beef at £3 lis. per hundred in new emission currency, 
or in old currency, at equitable exchange. 

" In 1781 a bounty of one hundred hard dollars was 
offered annually to all the men who would enlist for 
three years. 

" Voted to asse.ss the town S80 in hard money to 
pay for beef called for by the General Court. Also, 
one hundred and eighty-five hard dollars to pay three 
soldiers, enlisted for five months, to serve in Rhode 
Island, and fifteen dollars a month for the three men 
enlisted to serve in New York." 

It appears that the quotas of Raynham, paid for by 
the town, were principally from other places. 



The following-named citizens of the town served in 
person : Capt. Abraham Hathaway, Elijah Gushee, 
Gains King, Job Hall, Benjamin Cane, Seth Dean, 
Joseph Shaw, George King, Solomon Leonard, Ste- 
phen Williams, Chaplain Perez Fobes, Noah Hall, 
and Samuel Hall. 

These are but a part of the men from the town who 
belonged to the Continental army of the Revolution. 

Rev. Enoch Sanford, A.M., in his " History of Rayn- 
ham," gives the following sketch of Seth Dean: 

"Mr. Seth Dean volunteered as a soldier at the age 
of seventeen, when the British force occupied Boston. 
Mr. Joseph Shaw and other young men of this town 
were enrolled with him in a company, of which John 
King was captain and Noah Hall lieutenant. Seth 
Dean was thus in the first campaign of the war, 
and went into the army then assembled around Bos- 
ton, under command of Washington, whose head- 
quarters were in Cambridge. He then served during 
a term of eight months. 

" He was on Boston Neck when Bunker Hill battle 
was fought, June 17, 1775, and saw the burning of 
Charlestown. During that battle, and on several suc- 
cessive days, cannon-balls were flying over the Neck, 
where be was stationed. 

" Returning home in January, he enjoyed repose 
but a few weeks, for in the inclement month of Feb- 
ruary, 1776, he returned again to the army and served 
two months at Cambridge, Winter Hill, and Dor- 
chester Heights. 

" Mr. Dean was with the troops when the British 
evacuated Boston. The cannonading commenced in 
the town at twelve o'clock at night, and created much 
alarm among the people. At daylight he saw the 
British go on board their ships and leave the harbor. 
This was a day of rejoicing. Then Washington 
marched in his forces and took possession of the town. 

" Afterwards, Mr. Dean was in the army on Rhode 
Island when the French fleet, under Count de Grasse, 
had come to our assistance and taken possession of 
the island. 

" Subsequently he enlisted on board the privateer 
ship ' Hazard,' of sixteen guns, and was on a cruise 
four months. The ' Hazard' came into action with a 
British vessel of the same number of guns and men 
on the 16th of March, when, after a severe and bloody 
struggle, the British vessel struck her colors. The 
British captain, in coming on board, said, 'You have 
killed half of my men.' The captain of the ' Hazard' 
replied, 'You should have struck sooner.' 

" In that sea-fight Mr. Dean said he felt death near 
him, when, as he was loading a cannon, his com- 
panion, Gaius King, brother of Asa King, was shot 
through the head and fell dead at his side. 

"Finishing this voyage, in which he gained but 
little except a knowledge of the ravages of war, he 
returned to his home in the southeasterly part of this 
town, and was married to a daughter of Joseph Shaw 
in 1780. 



710 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



" Mr. Seth Dean had two military commissions of- 
fered him, that of ensign and lieutenant, and after- 
wards was chosen captain of militia, but in his mod- 
esty declined them all. 

"Though in his early youth his courage led him to 
face danger in the lield, no one was fonder of home 
or more calculated to make home pleasant. A man 
of a milder spirit, and at the same time more resolute 
against disorder or indecorum, cannot easily be found." 

Educational. — Not only were the early settlers of 
Eaynham interested in the religious welfare of the 
town, but the educational interest also early received 
their attention, and in 1742 we find a Mr. Fisher was 
schoolmaster. I 

In 1744 Mr. John Lea was employed to teach seven ) 
weeks and four days for sixteen pounds and sixteen j 
shillings. 

In 1752 we find that the good people voted not to 
hire a teacher. In 1753, however, sixteen pounds 
thirteen shillings and four pence and board at four 
shillings a week was voted for teaching six months. 
In 1777 three hundred and thirty-three dollars and 
thirty-three cents were appropriated for schools. 

The first settlers were intelligent and virtuous, and 
having made great sacrifices in coming to the wilder- 
ness, determined to give their children opportunities 
for instruction. Until after the Revolution the school- 
master instructed the children in reading, writing, 
arithmetic, and morals for ten pounds a year. His 
school was occasionally removed from one section of 
the town to another for the convenience of his pupils. 
Some of the intelligent boys studied surveying, and 
all recited weekly from the Assembly's Catechism. 

Many school-teachers, male and female, have origi- 
nated in this town, and some of them have attained 
superiority in the profession. 

Of those who have received college degrees there 
are the following: 

Ze])haniah Leonard (Yale), 1785, colonel and high 
sheriff, Bristol County. 

Joshua Leonard (Brown), 1788, pastor, Pompey, 
N. Y'. 

John Hathaway (Brown), 1793, pastor. 

Zephaniah Leonard (Brown), 1793, physician. 

William Augustus Leonard (Brown), 1793, mer- 
chant. 

Jahaziah Shaw (Brown), 1792, lawyer. 

Mason Shaw (Brown), 1795, lawyer. 

Lloyd Bowen Hall (Brown), 1795. 

Elijah Leonard (Harvard), pastor. 

Abiel Williams (Brown), 1795, pastor. 

Abraham Gushee (Brown), 1798, pastor.- 

Samuel Wales (Yale), professor of divinity. 

Samuel King Williams (Brown), 1804, lawyer. 

Jonathan Gilmore (Brown), 1800, pastor. 

Philo Hortensius Washburn (Brown), 1801, lawyer. 

John Gilmore Deane (Brown), 1806, pastor. 

Melvin Gilmore (Brown), 1805. 

Silas Hall (Brown), 1809, pastor. 



Eliab Williams (Brown), 1821, lawyer. 

George Leonard (Brown). 

Abiel Williams (Yale), 1835, M.D. 

Christopher Williams (Brown). 

Linus Shaw (Brown), pastor. 

Edward Sanford (Harvard), M.D. 

Enoch Warren Sanford (Brown), physician. 

Elliot Sanford (Amherst), 1861, lawyer. 

Amos Robinson (Brown), 1861, pastor. 

An account of the educational and intellectual fea- 
tures of Raynham would be imperfect without an 
allusion to the Lyceum, or debating society, existing 
thirty years ago. Its organization embraced most of 
the intelligent residents at the Centre, and the active 
minds of the time participated in its deliberations. 
During the winter for many seasons there were de- 
bates upon the topics of the day and objects of liter- 
ary interest, and once a fortnight a lecture was ex- 
pected either from gentlemen at home or from abroad. 
Hon. Francis Baylies, of Taunton, sometimes read an 
address, or the audience listened to an essay from 
William P. Daggett, tlie talented son of Rev. Simeon 
Daggett. 

Mr. Eli K. Washburn, distinguished for sound 
sense and a clear understanding, frequently spoke. 
Once or more Joseph Dixon, chemist and necro- 
mancer, then of Taunton, lectured before the Lyceum, 
and the neighboring clergy were nearly all heard. 

In 1810 there were two companies of uniformed 
militia in the town. The south company was com- 
manded by Capt. Barzillai King, and the north com- 
pany by Capt. Simeon Wilbur. Their uniforms were 
caps plumed with horse-hair and coats faced with 
red. 

The following attained to positions in the local 
militia higher than that of captain : 

Colonels.— l^oah Hall, from March 22, 1792, to 
1795; Warren Lincoln, from Aug. 13, 1831, to 1832. 

Lieutenant- Coloneh. — Zephaniah Leonard; Jona- 
than Shaw, from 1781 to 1788; Noah Hall, from May 
15, 1788, to March 22, 1792 ; Warren Lincoln, from 
Sept. 23, 1829, to Aug. 13, 1831 ; William L. Wilbur, 
from Oct. 23, 1838, to April 24, 1840. 

Senior Major.- — John Gilmore, from 1805 to 1806. 

Majors. — Jonathan Shaw, from 1779 to 1781 ; John 
Gilmore, from April 26, 1798, to 1805 ; Eliab B. Dean, 
from Sept. 16, 1817, to 1822; William D. Robinson, 
from May 13, 1837, to April 24, 1840. 

All these field-officers held their military positions 
in the Third Regiment, in Second Brigade, Fifth 
Division, except Eliab B. Dean, who was major of a 
battalion of cavalry. 

Early Merchants. — Nehemiah Jones kept a vari- 
ety store for many years at the centre. He was also 
postmaster. Abisha Lincoln traded at the north end, 
Sylvanus Makepeace at Prattville, Hanscome and 
Samuel Robinson at Gilmoreville, and Theodore 
King and Edward Wilbur at the centre. Richard 
Leonard, postmaster, was associated with King & 



RAYNHAM. 



711 



Wilbur. At the south end were David Deau and 
C'haunc}' G. Washburn ; at the east, Silas, Shaw. 

Physicians. — ^Early in the century Dr. Seth Wash- 
burn practiced to some extent. Dr. Walker came 
here in 1815 and acquired an extensive business, 
which he was obliged before long to abandon on 
account of ill health. In 1820, Elisha Hayward, of 
Easton, a graduate of Brown University in the class 
of 1817, commenced practice. He studied medicine 
at New Haven, under the famous Dr. Smith, and 
acquired an excellent medical education. 

He soon had a good practice, extending into the 
neighboring towns. His personal characteristics 
were strict integrity, kindness of heart, and devotion 
to the interests of his patients. He was unselfish in 
the discharge of his duties, thinking more of the well- 
being of others than of his own advantage. With an 
individuality i:)eculiarly his own, with no ambition 
beyond his business, farm, and home, he was never- 
theless a faithful practitioner, respected for his steadi- 
ness of purpose, and regarded by a large circle of pa- 
tients as their firm friend and reliable adviser. He 
died in 1868, at the age of seventy-four, and Rev. Mr. 
Sanford pronounced his eulogy. 

Gains Dean, M.D., resided in this town for several 
years towards the close of his life, which had been 
principally spent in Virginia, where he had a lucrative 
practice. He was a native of Taunton, son of Deacon 
Ebenezer Dean, and a graduate of Brown University 
in the class of 1795. As his health became infirm, 
he removed to this town with his children, and re- 
sided near his sister, Mrs. Gushee. His motto was 
" Miser miseris succurrere disco" (" Infirm myself, I 
learn to succor the miserable.") 

Longevity. — Two persons have lived beyond a 
hundred years, — Jlrs. Abigail Leonard, wife of Col. 
Zephaniah Leonard, and Mrs. Lydia Snow, whose 
home was with Miss Hannah Jones, near the forge. 

Justices of the Peace. — Jonathan Shaw, at the 
north end, was an acting justice for many years. He 
was a firm supporter of law and order, and criminals 
received their deserts at his hands. Capt. Samuel Wil- 
bur was a justice and deputy sheriff, and once a mem- 
ber of the Legislature. 

High Sheriffs, — Col. Zephaniah Leonard was high 
sheriff of the county about thirty years. His son, 
Horatio Leonard, succeeded him, and held the office 
thirty-five years. 

At Squawbetty, which lies on both sides of the 
Taunton River, partly in Taunton and partly in 
Raynham, are the Old Colony Iron-Works. These 
are extensive works, and employ a large number of 
men. 

Benjamin Shaw had a saw-mill in 1700 on the 
Fowling Pond stream, which runs into Two-Mile 
River a mile above the old iron-works. He was a 
shareholder in the works, and was the ancestor of 
the Shaws of Taunton (Raynham in 1731). He died 
in 1723. 



In 1770, James Presbo had a grist-mill near above 
location, on the same dam and stream, at the head of 
Two-Mile River. His son, Zadoc Presbo, who was a 
moulder, was associated with Capt. Israel Washburn 
in carrying on a furnace at the same dam for manu- 
facturing hollow-ware for many years. It was the 
oldest hollow-ware furnace in this section, except 
"King's Furnace." They mined all their ore for 
years on the banks of the river, in the " Mine 
meadows and bogs" in that vicinity. 

Capt. AVashburn also purchased the grist-mill of 
James Presbo in 1784. He died in 1796, leaving the 
furnace and mill to his son, Dr. Seth Washburn, who 
continued the hollow-ware business with Mr. Presbo 
many years, the latter having charge of the furnace, 
in which Carmi Andrews and others were moulders. 
In 1810, Mr. Presbo sold his share of the furnace and 
privilege to Dr. Washburu and removed to Vermont, 
the latter continuing the business a few years. He 
died in 1837, leaving the furnace and mill to his son, 
Franklin Washburn, who sold the privilege and 
property a few years later to George W. King, who 
for many years manufactured shovels, forks, and 
nails. 

Pending the noted Shay's rebellion in October, 
1786, a demonstration was made in this county by 
about a hundred of the adherents of Shay, under one 
Col. Valentine, of Freetown, to frighten Gen. Cobb, 
then presiding as judge of the Court of Sessions in 
Taunton, to deliver the papers of the court and break 
up the session in Bristol County. The followers of 
Shay had succeeded in two counties. Orders had 
been previously issued by Gen. Cobb (then in com- 
mand as well as judge) for the militia to appear at 
the court-house to protect the court, but only two 
companies had responded that morning, both from 
Raynham, one commanded by Capt. Noah Hall, the 
other Capt. Israel Washburn's company, but being 
absent Lieut. Reuben Hall was in command. The 
companies performed their duty, and their prompt 
response has gone into history. Capt. Noah Hall 
had served in the war of the Revolution, closed but 
a few years before, and was the friend of Gen. Cobb, 
accompanying him to Gold-sborough, Me., where he 
died May 6, 1835, in his ninety-iburth year. Capt. 
Israel Washburn was the grand;ancestor of the Con- 
gressmen Washburn brothers. He served as one of 
the commissioners of the commonwealth for the dis- 
posal of " confiscated property" of the " Tories" after 
the war, residing in Bristol County. A number of 
farms were thus disposed of, as records show. 

The Congregational Church.'— Anticipating the 
duty of supporting public worship, the people had 
erected and partially finished a meeting-house two 
years before the town was incorporated. The first 
town-meeting for choice of officers was held April 
22, 1731. On the 10th of May following the town 

1 CondeDsed from ReT. Mr. Sanford'a " History of Raynham." 



712 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



voted to pay all the expenses which iudividuals had 
incurred in building the meeting-house, and a tax 
was levied for that purpose. At the same meeting 
Mr. John Wales, who had been preaching there one 
year and a half, was chosen minister. 

His salary was fixed at one hundred pounds per 
annum in bills of credit, and two hundred pounds 
settlement. His income was subsequently increased 
to four hundred pounds, equal to ^53 6«. Sd., lawful 
money, or about two hundred and sixty-six dollars. 
It was also voted to finish the church by plastering 
it, constructing pews and a gallery floor. 

The records of the town show the following vote, 
Sept. 20, 1731 : " Agreed to set apart the 20th of Oc- 
tober next for the ordination of Mr. John Wales, our 
present minister, as pastor and gospel minister of 
Christ over a Church of Christ in this town, the town 
having heretofore chosen and elected him thereto." 
Fifteen pounds were appropriated to pay Zephaniah 
Leonard for entertaining the council. 

The church, which was organized the day before 
the ordination, consisted of fourteen men and seven- 
teen women, who were transferred from the First 
Church in Taunton. 

The following record from the church books of the 
First Congregational Church in Taunton, by Rev. 
Thomas Clapp, pastor, shows the names of the per- 
sons constituting the new church : 

" At a church meeting held at the publick Meeting- 
house in Taunton, October 7, 1731, 

"The request of Abraham Jones, John Staples, 
John Leonard, Samuel Hacket, Senior, Joseph Jones, 
Samuel Leonard, Seth Leonard, Samuel White, Eben- 
ezer Campbell, John White, Gabriel Crossman, Jona- 
than Hall, Thomas Baker, and Samuel Hacket (2d), 
as also the request of Hannah White, Mary Hacket, 
Katherine Leonard, Hannah Campbell, Susannah 
White, Hannah Staples, Mehitable White, Eulh 
Crane, Elizabeth Shaw, Mary Jones, Joanna Leonard, 
Abigail Hall, Lydia Britton, Patience Hacket, Sarah 
Hall, Rebecca Leonard, and Abigail Baker, all breth- 
ren and sisters in full communion with this churcli, 
living in the town of Raynham, for a dismission, was 
read to the church, in order to their being incorporated 
into a church state by themselves, and have the ordi- 
nances of the gospel.administered among them. 

" The church taking the matter into consideration, 
and approving their desires to be regular, voted that 
they be dismissed accordingly, commending them to 
God and the word of His grace, which is able to build 
them up, and to give them an inheritance among all 
those who are sanctified. 

" At the same time the request of several persons 
who had only renewed their baptismal covenant for a 
dismission was read, upon which the church voted. 
That, if any of them did desire to embody in a church 
state with the aforesaid brothers and sisters, they 
might do it without any offence to this church." 

Mr. Wales' ministry continued thirty-four years. 



He died Feb. 23, 1765, in his sixty-sixth year. His 
son Samuel, baptized March 6, 1747, graduated at 
Yale College, received the degree of D.D., and be- 
came Professor of Divinity in that institution. His 
son John was a member of the United States Senate 
from Delaware. Catherine, who was baptized Nov. 
25, 1750, married Samuel Montgomery, a graduate of 
Yale, a surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Her 
daughter Catherine married Job Godfrey, Esq., of 
Taunton. Mr. Wales' daughter Prudence became 
the wife of Rev. Dr. Fobes, her father's successor. 

Like many in New England, this church early 
adopted what was called the half-way covenant. 

This town was organized in the belief and practice 
of evangelical doctrines. The people were true sons 
of the Puritans, respecting whom Hume, though not 
their friend, declared that they were the first people 
in England who possessed the true principles of lib- 
erty. 

July 29, 1776, about two years after the death of 
Mr. Wales, Perez Fobes, of Bridgewater, was chosen 
pastor. The town concurred in the choice, and voted 
liim a salary of seventy-eight pounds per annum, 
equal to about three hundred and ninety dollars. 

Mr. Fobes graduated at Cambridge in 1762. Dur- 
ing the Revolution, notwithstanding his frail health, 
he served as a chaplain in the army. In 1786 he 
acted as president of Brown University while Presi- 
dent Manning was .absent, and was subsequently 
chosen Professor of Experimental Philosophy in the 
college. In the deficiency of adequate illustrative 
apparatus, he constructed an orrery designed to ex- 
hibit the mechanism of the solar system, and by his 
energy and application rendered important service 
upon the faculty of the institution. In 1787 he was 
chosen a fellow of the college, and in 1792 received 
the degree of Doctor of Laws. 

The advancement of education occupied much of 
his time. It has been said " that the schools of Rayn- 
ham, under his patronage and inspection, were for 
many years an example for the country, and bore an 
honorable testimony to the public of the importance 
of a learned clergy to the country." But Dr. Fobes 
excelled as a preacher. By his own bearing he illus- 
trated the assertion of Euripides, that the dignity of 
a speaker adds force to his words. He had a marked 
talent for extemporaneous speaking, and could thrill 
an audience with spontaneous eloquence. 

During Dr. Fobes' ministry of forty-five years one 
hundred and thirty-six persons were admitted to the 
church, three hundred and four infants and adults 
baptized, and about two hundred and twenty marri- 
ages solemnized. His house stood one-fourtli of a 
mile east of the church, on the road to Tearall. His 
farm was of considerable extent, and was acquired 
through his wife, the daughter of Mr. Wales. The 
house was two stories in front and one in the rear, after 
the mode of that day. He accumulated property and 
often lent money, to the convenience of the public, in 



RAYNHAM. 



713 



the absence of banks. He never owned a riding car- 
riage, but made all his journeys on horseback, in ac- 
cordance with the custom of the times. 

After the death of Dr. Fobes the church was with- 
out a pastor seven months. Rev. Stephen Hull was 
installed Sept. 2, 1812. Mr. Hull was a fluent speaker, 
and peculiarly attractive in conversation. In May, 
1823, he was dismissed at his own request. He died 
at sixty, and was buried beside his first wife in the 
Central Cemetery of this town. 

The first meeting-house stood a fourth of a mile 
east of the forge, on the north side of the road lead- 
ing to Squawbetty. It was a very plain structure, 
without blinds, steeple, bell, or stoves. It cost four- ! 
teen hundred dollars, and was conveniently placed for 
the early inhabitants. Mr. Wales preached in it 
thirty-four years, and Dr. Fobes eight years. 

The second house was built in 1773, by Mr. Israel 
Washburn, by whom the pews were sold to purchasers. 
It stood at the centre of the town, and as originally 
constructed had no steeple. The land upon which 
it was erected belonged to Mr. Amariah Hall, from 
whom it was purchased. It continues in the posses- 
sion of the parish, and upon it the present church 
stands. 

The pews were square and high, the railing around 
them of turned balusters. The galleries extended on 
three sides ; there were no blinds ; the pulpit with its 
sounding-board stood on the east side. The front 
door opened into the broad aisle, but there were end 
doors with entries. A steeple and bell were added to 
the house some years after its erection. It had no 
apparatus for warming until 1830, when Gen. Shepard 
Leach, of Easton, gave a box-stove, which was placed 
near the deacons' seat before the pulpit. A very 
correct picture of this house is in the possession of 
the writer. It is the only one in existence, and time 
increases its value. 

There was opposition to the proposals of Mr. Wash- 
burn for the erection of this house. Thirty-four 
voted to adopt the plan and twenty-seven opposed it. 
The objectors lived in the southerly part of the town, 
and undertook to repair the old house and continue 
worship there. A council ensued to heal the seces- 
sion. This, the first church built in Raynham, stand- 
ing on the Squawbetty road, was taken down about 
1780. 

The disposition made of its venerable pulpit will 
be seen from the following interesting letter by Dr. 
Fobes, written in choice ecclesiastical English, re- 
cently discovered by Mr. Eliot Sandford, of New 
York, among the forgotten records of Dr. Hopkins' 
church at Newport, R. I. The gift of a pulpit from 
Raynham to Newport is unique. It can scarcely 
have been very elaborate in structure. The entire 
cost of the church from which it was taken reached 
but fourteen hundred dollars, and a pulpit built upon 
the same scale of expenditure probably was not of 
rosewood or mahogany. It had been seasoned, how- 



ever, in the glow of sound doctrines, and suffered 
no declension in the occupancy of Dr. Hopkins. 

The record is prefaced as follows, in Dr. Hopkins' 
hand : 

"In August, 1782, this church received a decent 
pulpit, sent as a present from the church in Rayn- 
ham, which came to us by water, without any charge, 
accompanied by the following letter, viz.: 

" U.VVNHAM, July 28, 1782. 
" The ChurcJi of ChriM in Raynham to the First Cotigl-egalional Church in 
Newport sentleth greetinij : — 

"Whereas our beloved hrotlier, Mr. Samuel ViUBon, having informed 
us of your afflicted state, and of the many losses you have in the time 
past sustained by the reason of the British troops among you, and, in 
particular, the destruction of the pulpit belonging to your house of 
worship: 

" Holy and Beloved ; — We lament your calamity, and desire as your 
brothers and companions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, 
cordially to sympathize with you in your alfliction. In testimony of 
this, we present you with another pulpit, only desiring that yon would 
accept it as a little token of alTcction and communion with you. It was, 
we would inform you, the joint property of Col. Shaw, Mr. Josiah 
Dean, and Capt. John King, and his brother, Capt. Philip King, all of 
this town, of whom the two first are brethren in the church. Upon a 
representation of your circumstances, they all fully relinrinished their 
rights and left it in the hands and at the disposal of the church. We 
most gladly received it for your sakes, and to cast it into your treasury 
as two mites of a poor woman, most ardently wishing that it may be 
always filled with a pious and successful minister of the gospel, and 
that the word of life may, through the blessing of heaven, prove what 
the blood of ancient martyrs did, the seed of the church from genera- 
tion to generation. Asking your prayers to God for us, we conclude, 
praying that blessings of every needed kind may descend from the great 
head of the church upon you and your children, and your respected 
pastor and all of tlie dear people of his most important charge. We 
subscribe ourselves, the brethren, in the faith and fellowship of God. 

'* Perez Fobes, Pastor.^^ 

After the present house was erected in 1832, there 
was doubt as to the best disposition to be made of 
the old church. 

This house stood near the angle of the common, 
leaving an abundance of room and a better site for 
the new church near the centre of the lot. When 
completed the old bell was transferred to the belfry 
of the new house, and the parish voted to disestab- 
lish the old church by pulling it down, when some 
legal imjiediments were urged on behalf of the town, 
which in former years had acquired a right to hold 
its meetings there, in consideration of having once 
appropriated money for repairs made upon tlie house. 
Up to that time town-meetings had been holden in 
the church, and doubtless many remember the litter 
of ballots sometimes seen in the aisles and before the 
pulpit, remaining unremoved over Sunday. The 
town had no other place to assemble. It was not 
probable the parish would consent to have the new 
house used for municipal purposes, and the continu- 
ance of the old edifice upon the common would be 
inconvenient and unsightly. Some of the conserva- 
tives were fearful of consequences, and threats of a 
suit for damages for removal of the bell had already 
been made. 

The tower stood at the west end, fronting upon one 
of the streets that bounded the common, and was 



714 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



attached to the church by one of its sides only. Its 
dimensions on the ground were probably about 
twenty feet square, and tall enough to overtop the 
apex of the main building in a very commanding 
manner. One night this tower was severed from the 
church and overturned. By a summary process some 
of the young men took it upon tliemselves to cut the 
knot which their elders thought it difficult to untie. 
In the morning the tower lay upon the ground, ex- 
tending across the street, interrupting travel, the 
spire projecting into the orchard of Mr. Amos Hall, 
complete with vane and lightning-rod. What the 
contiguous dwellers thought of the crash in the night 
it is impossible to say, but daylight revealed the dis- 
membered church and the prostrate tower, to the no 
small surprise of many lookers-on. Subsequently no 
serious objection was made to the removal of the 
building. Its relics were distributed about, and some 
of them could have been seen until recently. 

The fourth pastor of this church was Rev. Enoch 
Sanford, of Berkley, who graduated at Brown Uni- 
versity in the class of 1820, and was subsequently 
tutor in that institution two years. He studied the- 
ology with Calvin Park, D.D., Professor of Moral 
Philosophy in the college, and was admitted to orders 
in the ministry, by the Old Colony Association at 
Berkley, in 1822. He had preached a year in See- 
konk, while an ofiicer in the college, was evangelical, 
but not high Calvinistic, and conservative in hi.s sen- 
timents. As there were in Raynham a number verg- 
ing towards Unitarianism, it was thought he would 
not be unacceptable to the different parties, and after 
preaching here four months was ordained Oct. 2, 
1823. The vote calling him was unanimous, and the 
salary five hundred dollars, with the use of the par- 
sonage and glebe. At his ordination a great assembly 
collected, filling the house below and above. 

After a service of nearly twenty-five years, Mr. 
Sanford resigned in 1847. Notwithstanding the Uni- 
tarian withdrawal during that period the church in- 
creased and prospered, receiving during his ministry 
one hundred and twenty-five new members, augment- 
ing its numbers from eighty to one hundred and 
forty-nine. Largely through his influence the so- 
ciety received several thousand dollars in donations 
and legacies. The Sabbath-school was instituted in 
1723, and Deacon E. B. Deane became the first super- 
intendent. Amicable relations were maintained with 
the venerable pastor of the new society, and no dis- 
sonance ever arose. In the superintendence of the 
public schools where Mr. Sanford was active for 
thirty years, and in sustaining the various public in- 
terests of the community, the two pastors acted cor- 
dially together. 

In 1824, Mr. Sanford was married to Miss Caroline 
White, of Weymouth. They lived for more than 
twenty years in the parsonage house, and there five 
children were born. 

The church now standing was commenced in 1832. 



The corner-stone was laid in May, with religious ser- 
vices, and the house soon completed. The church 
contains sixty-eight pews, and cost about five thou- 
sand dollars. It was dedicated in March, 1834, in the 
presence of a large audience, and the pews were sub- 
sequently sold for a thousand dollars more than the 
cost of the house. 

In the vestibule of the house where the stove once 
stood, before a furnace for warming was introduced, 
there formerly hung a glass case, interesting to the 
connubially inclined, in which the publication of 
the banns of intended marriages was made in accord- 
ance with the ancient law. For many years the in- 
strumental accompaniment of the choir consisted of 
Deacon Elijah Gushee's viol and the double-bass viol 
played by Mr. C. Sumner Knapp. When an organ 
was introduced, in subsequent years, Mr. Ruel Hall 
and (after his decease) Mr. Edward King played the 
instrument. 

The disposition of the old hoyse, which was per- 
mitted to stand until the completion of the new one, 
has been related on a previous page. After its 
destruction the town had no place to assemble until 
the present hall was built. One town-meeting was 
warned upon the site of the demolished church, and 
convened there on a cold day in November. After 
the meeting was organized in the open air. Major E. 
B. Deane invited the assembly to adjourn to a com- 
fortably warmed building in the vicinity. The suit 
which the town brought against the parish for dam- 
ages in taking down the church, in which it was al- 
leged the town had acquired an interest, was decided 
adversely to the jjlaintiffs. It appeared that the par- 
ish had acted legally in appraising the pews and ten- 
dering payment to each owner. 

Rev. Robert Carver, a graduate of Andover Theo- 
logical Seminary, was settled in 1847. 

In 1853 he was elected representative to the Legis- 
lature, and soon after resigned his pastoral charge to 
remove to Norton. Subsequently he preached in 
South Franklin. At the commencement of the Re- 
bellion he became chaplain of the Seventh Massa- 
chusetts Regiment, and was present at the Seven 
Days' battle before Richmond, under Gen. McClel- 
lan, from the suffering and exposure of which his 
health became impaired beyond permanent recov- 
ery. Rev. Mr. Maltby, of Taunton, preached his 
funeral sermon, and he lies in the North Cemetery 
at Taunton. 

The next clergyman, Rev. John Haskell, devoted 
his abilities assiduously to the ministerial work. In- 
stalled Jan. 15, 1859, he remained about five years. 

The Rev. W. J. Breed, who succeeded Mr. Haskell, 
was a native of Taunton and a graduate of Yale Col- 
lege in the class of 1831. He died April, 1869, aged 
fifty-nine years. 

Rev. F. A. Fisk succeeded, and was inducted to 
the settlement by public services, at which Rev. Dr. 
Blake, of Taunton, preached. After officiating one 



KAYNHAM. 



715 



year, Mr. Fisk resigned in order to join the Episcopal 
Church. 

The deacons have been : 1731, John Staples and 
Samuel Leonard; 1741, Jonathan Shaw; 1750, Jona- 
than Hall and Edmund Williams; 1761, Elijah 
Leonard and Israel Washburn ; 1780, Jonathan 
Shaw; 1797, Abiel Williams and Oliver Washburn ; 
1819, Lloyd Shaw; 1824, Horatio Leonard; 1828, 
Eliab B. Deane and Elijah Gushee ; 1850, Samuel 
Jones.' 

The Baptist Church.— Dr. Fobes stated, in 1793, 
that there were one thousand inhabitants in Rayn- 
ham, one-sixth of whom were Baptists. When there 
was no distinction between town and parish all the 
inhabitants were required by law to jiay the assess- 
ments laid for ministerial support. In 1783 the town 
voted not to compel those who professed to be Baptists 
to pay the clerical tax for the support of a minister 
whose preaching they could not conscientiously at- 
tend, alleging that " to compel them to pay it would 
endanger that peace and harmony which should sub- 
sist in a town society." 

The Baptist Church was organized in 1839, and a 
house of worship built a few years after. Rev. Eb- 
enezer Briggs became the first pastor, and under his 
ministrations the church largely increased. He for- 
merly lived on the shores of Long Pond, in Middle- 
borough, where, upon his own farm, he maintained 
a generous hospitality. His preaching was earnest, 
faithful, and effective, and his correct life reflected the 
sincerity of his heart. 

Rev. Ephraim Ward, of Middleborough, a gradu- 
ate of Brown University, succeeded Mr. Briggs, and 
Ijreached acceptably three years, when he resigned 
and removed to Illinois. In 1846, Rev. Silas Hall 
became minister, and has since been followed by a 
number of preachers, who remained but a short term 
each. 

The deacons of this church are Godfrey Robinson, 
Esq., and Capt. William King. The chief benefactor 
and j)atron of the society was Mr. Asa King, whose 
life is included in the published "Genealogy of the 
King Family." 

Unitarian Church.- — For several years Mr. San- 
ford maintained pulpit exchanges with the neighbor- 
ing clergy indiscriminately, but when the distinction 
between orthodoxy and Unitarianism became more 
accurately defined, he deemed it inconsistent with his 
duty to continue exchanges with ministers of the latter 
denomination. This refusal raised opposition from a 
portion of the church and society, which presently 
took a definite form and expression. While Mr. San- 
ford was absent at the anniversaries in Boston, the 
dissatisfied members prepared a remonstrance re- 
questing him not to discontinue such exchanges, 
stating therein that his settlement was on the expec- 



^ See Appendix. 

'^ Condensed from Rev. Mr. Saoford's " History of Raynbam,' 



tation that ministerial intercourse should be main- 
tained alike with liberal and orthodox clergymen 
irrespectively. 

On his return another memorial was presented, de- 
siring him to regulate the matter of exchanges accord- 
ing to his own judgment and discretion, declaring that 
his settlement was not on the expectation that he 
should exchange with Unitarians. This paper was 
signed by about two-thirds of the voting members of 
the church and society. Prior to this time the line 
of separation had never been so clearly drawn. There 
were articles of faith adopted and formerly used by 
the church in admitting members. This creed and 
covenant was similar to that of other evangelical 
churches, but had been lost or suppressed during Mr. 
Hull's ministry. 

These discords resulted in the formation of a Uni- 
tarian Society in 1828, comprising twenty-five of the 
church and a portion of the society. The new organ- 
ization, styled the Second Congregational Society, 
iijcluded some of the most respected and influential 
families in the town. They first worshiped in Capt. 
Reuben Hall's public hall, and at length built a 
church a little north of the first church, on land 
presented by Ellis Hall, Esq., and engaged Rev. 
Simeon Doggett, of Mendon, for their minister, who 
continued to preach while the organization was main- 
tained. 

The new society received few accessions, and at the 
end of a dozen years services were discontinued, and 
a portion of the congregation and their pastor attended 
public worship at the old church. 

Before the separation was accomplished various 
circumstances occurred tending to a division. Some 
wished to introduce the Unitarian hymn-book. The 
leader of the choir, Mr. Otis Washburn, conferred 
with Mr. Sanford upon the expediency of the change, 
who advised to leave the decision to the church. New 
books were, however, distributed among the choir 
without further consultation. On the following Sun- 
day, when the hymn was announced from Watts as 
usual, the choir remained silent. In the afternoon 
Mr. Wheeler Wilbur volunteered to lead the tune, 
and the choir followed in the accustomed hymn. Soon 
after, at a meeting of the church and society, a ma- 
jority determined to make no change in the hymn- 
book. 

Subsequently, difficulties arose concerning the funds 
of the first society, the trustees of which were Horatio 
Leonard, Maj. John Gilmore, and others, who were 
all among the seceders. They refused to pay over 
the income of the investment. Suit was brought, and 
the case conducted by Z. Eddy, of Middleborough, 
carried before the Supreme Court, where the decision 
was in favor of the first society, on the ground that 
the funds were originally given to it, and those who 
withdrew from the society could not lawfully carry 
any portion of the funds with them. The income 
then was about two hundred dollars, formerly it had 



716 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



been more. Not long after Capt. Edward Leonard 
left to the society by his will a legacy of one thousand 
dollars and land worth eight hundred dollars. He 
also gave one thousand dollars to the Unitarian So- 
ciety in behalf of his brother Samuel, who intended 
to make the bequest had he executed a will. 

Rev. Simeon Doggett, pastor of the Unitarian 
Church, came irom Mendon to Raynham soon after 
the formation of the church in 1S28, and died in 1852. 
He was the first preceptor of Bristol Academy, a 
scholarly man of dignified habits, and highly re- 
spected for his worth. He married a daughter of Dr. 
Fobes, and lived at the Centre, in the house now oc- 
cupied by E. B. Dean. His will, on record at the 
probate office, commences thus: "Impressed with the 
words of the prophet Isaiah, who said to Hezekiah, 
' Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not 
live.' " His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. 
Charles Brigham, of Taunton. 

The Union Church at North Raynham' was or- 
ganized in 1875, the following being the originjil 
members : Willard M. Copeland, Mrs. W. M. Cope- 
land, Lafayette Dean, Mrs. Cassander Gilmore, Bar- 
num Hall, Edwin B. Hall, Mrs. Hiram E. Hall, Mr. 
and Mrs. J. Frank Hall, Mrs. Harriet E. Howard, 
Mrs. Julia A. Kelly, Mrs. James S. Leach, Mrs. S. 
Russell Lincoln, Rev. and Mrs. C. A. G. Thurston, 
Mrs. John D. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer B. 
Towne, Mrs. Charles E. Wetherell, Mrs. Sarah E. 
Wilbur, Barnum Hall and E. B. Towne, deacons, 
Willard M. Copeland, clerk and treasurer. 

This society was established in accordance with a 
liberal bequest of Martin Luther Hall, of Brookline, 
a native of North Raynham, son of the late Seth and 
Selina Hall. He was a Boston merchant, and died 
Feb. 19, 1875, at the age of seventy-three years, leav- 
ing in his will a bequest of fifteen thousand dollars to 
purchase the land and build a church for the " North 
Raynham Religious Society for Christian worship 
forever," the trustees being his brothers, Barnum 
Hall, John G. Hall (of Boston), and Cassander Gil- 
more, of North Raynham. A handsome and tasteful 
church edifice was erected in 1876, in compliance with 
bequest, by the trustees co-operating with Deacon E. 
B. Towne, and was dedicated in November of that 
centennial year. The two latter trustees have de- 
ceased since the church was completed. Rev. C. A. 
G. Thurston was called as first pastor. He subse- 
quently resigned, and since that time the society has 
had no settled minister, but regular services are held, 
and the Sunday-school with scliolars is in a prosper- 
ous condition. Edwin B. Hall was the first superin- 
tendent. 

Baptist Church.'— The Baptist Society in Rayn- 
ham was organized in 181L Meetings were held at 
the house of Asa King, and preaching services con- 
ducted by Rev. James Barnaby, Rev. Silas Hall, and 



1 By Capt. J. W. D. Hall. 



■ By Mr. J. M. Manuiog. 



others. In May, 1815, Rev. Ebenezer Briggs, pastor 
of the Fourth Baptist Church in Middleborough, com- 
menced preaching for the Raynham Society one- 
fourth of the time, and thus continued his labors for 
fifteen years. From 1830 until 1843'he preached one- 
half of the time. Previous to 1831 he baptized five 
or six of the Raynham people. These joined the 
Fourth Baptist Church in Middleborough. In 1831 
he baptized twenty-two in Raynham. From this date 
until 1839 the Raynham people were known as a 
branch of the Fourth Baptist Church in Middle- 
borough. 

In 1832 the church edifice was erected at an ex- 
pense of about two thousand five hundred dollars. Asa 
King, Nathan Williams, Godfrey Robinson, Dorme- 
nio Hall, Turner E. King, and Job Robinson were 
the largest contributors to this object. After the com- 
pletion of the edifice the pews were sold and the 
money put on interest for the benefit of the society. 
Additions were afterwards made to this fund by 
Joseph Hall, Alvin Dean, and Bathsheba Caswell. 
The society now owns twenty-seven shares in the 
Bristol County Bank, and has three hundred dollars 
in the Taunton Savings-Bank. The income is annu- 
ally appropriated for the support of prealching. 

In 1834 a deep religious interest prevailed. Rev. 

D. M. Crane, a student of Pierce Academy, preached 
evenings and alternate Sundays for a year or more. 
In the summer of that year Elder Briggs baptized 
forty-seven persons in Raynham. From this date 
until 1843, Professor Briggs or students from Pierce 
Academy frequently occupied the pulpit on the alter- 
nate Sundays. 

The church was legally organized April 6, 1837. 
The following are the names of the constituent mem- 
bers, all of them being dismissed from the Fourth 
Baptist Church in Middleborough : Nathan Williams, 
Lucy Williams, Turner E. King, Charity Washburn, 
Rebecca King, Thankful King, Philip King, William 
P. King, Luoinda King, Samuel Shaw, Jr., Rachel 
Shaw, Mary Leonard, Serena T. Leonard, Hannah 
Robinson, Lucy Hall, Polly Allen, Mary Allen, Wil- 
liam King, Ardelia King, Job Robinson, Abiather 
Leonard, Alice Leonard, Morrill Robinson, Mary S. 
Robinson, Hannah Hall, Achsah Reed, Elvia Ann 
White, Philo Leonard, Serena K. Leonard, Soranus 

E. Leonard, Augustus L. Pratt, Vashti Pratt, Sidney 
Leonard, Hannah Leonard, Amasa Leonard, Dorine- 
nio Hall, Anna Hall, Enoch King, Elvira King, Silas 
King, Jr., Lucy King, Godfrey Robinson, Alanson 
Shaw, Elijah Dean, Hannah Dean, Martha S. Wil- 
liams, Abigail King, Mary Ann Hall, Phebe K. Hall, 
Eugenia Hall, Elizabeth Ann Waterman, Silas S. 
King, Philip K. Dean, Nancy Dean, William R. Rich- 
mond, Abigail Richmond, Bennet Perkins, William 
W. King, Fanny Hooper, Chloe Leach, Lerenda 
King, Bathsheba King, .Julia K. Leonard, Keziah 
Leonard, Sarah Leonard, Phebe Leonard, Sarah 
Waterman, Susan Hall, Mary Eaton, Edward Gushee, 



RAYNHAM. 



717 



Fanny D. Gushee, Betsey B. Bump, Abigail Shaw, 
Caroline E. Shaw. 

Dec. 7, 1839, Godfrey Robinson was chosen clerk of 
the church, and filled that office nearly thirty-five 
years. At the same date William King was chosen for 
one of tlie deacons, and Sept. 12, 1840, Godfrey Rob- 
inson was chosen for the other. These two performed 
the duties of this office for many years, the former 
most of the time until Jan. 31, 1880, when the present 
deacons were chosen. Enoch King has served as 
deacon for several years. 

Elder Briggs baptized eleven in 1840. In 1842, 
Rev. A. W. Carr, a student from Pierce Academy, 
aided the pastor in an extensive revival. Fourteen 
were baptized in July of that year. 

Feb. 22, 1843, Rev. Ephraim Ward was ordained 
pastor of the church, and continued as such about 
three years. He was followed by Rev. Silas Hall for 
one year. From 1847 to 1855 the church had no 
pastor. Rev. Abijah S. Lion, Rev. Charles Randall, 
Rev. Richard Lentell, Rev. Ebenezer Briggs, Rev. 
Silas Hall, and others supplied the pulpit. 

In January, 1855, Rev. James Andem became 
pastor. During his pastorate five were baptized and 
the church was reorganized. Only those who signed 
the covenant anew, thus pledging themselves to at- 
tend the meetings of the church, were afterwards 
considered as members. 

In 1855 the present parsonage was erected, costing 
sixteen hundred dollars. This expense was borne by 
individual proprietors. It is now owned in part by 
proprietors and in part by the Baptist Society. 

In May, 1857, Rev. William Reed entered upon his 
duties as pastor. He baptized fifteen in 1858, and 
continued his pastoral labors until January, 1860. 
Rev. Thomas Atwood was the next pastor. Twenty- 
four were baptized by him in 1860. Rev. John Blain 
supplied the church with preaching for nearly a year, 
closing his labors in the spring of 1863. In the July 
following Rev. Lumin Kinney was chosen pastor, 
and remained as such over two years. In 1866, Rev. 
Asa Bronson occupied the pulpit from April until 
November. Rev. Ambler Edson was pastor from 
March, 1867, until January, 1870. He baptized fif- 
teen. 

During the summer of 1870 the meeting-house was 
thoroughly remodeled inside and provided with a 
furnace, at an expense of about two thousand dollars. 

Rev. Albert Colburn served the church as pastor 
from November, 1870, until May, 1873, and Rev. J. 
W. Lathrop from November, 1873, until November, 
1875, baptizing six in 1874. In December, 1875, Rev. 
T. C. Tingley was unanimously chosen pastor. He 
baptized eleven in 1877. The church then numbered 
one hundred and four. 

In 1863, Amos Robinson was licensed by the church 
to preach the gospel, and in 1877, William K. Miller 
received from the church a similar license. Both have 
been preaching in Iowa. 



W. K. Miller served as church clerk for two years. 
Aug. 4, 1877, the present clerk was chosen. 

In 1840 the Raynham Church was received into the 
Old Colony Baptist Association, and remained con- 
nected with that Association until 1860, then it united 
with the Taunton Baptist Association. 

The present officers are Rev. T. C. Tingley, pastor; 
J. G. Robinson, O, T. Dean, deacons; J. M. Man- 
ning, clerk. 

Incorporation of the Town.— Raynham was set 
oS' from Taunton and incorporated as a separate town 
April 1, 1781. Among other things the act of incor- 
poration provided " that the inhabitants of said town 
do, within the space of three years from the publica- 
tion of this act, procure and settle a learned and or- 
thodox minister of good conversation, and make 
provision for his comfortable and honorable support, 
and likewise jjrovide a schoolmaster to instruct their 
children to read and write." 

The council ordered Ebenezer Robinson, one of the 
principal inhabitants, to warn a meeting of the citi- 
zens to choose town officers. The warrant was issued 
under the authority and in the fourth year of the 
reign of His Majesty George II. 

At the first town-meeting Samuel Leonard', Jr., was 
chosen town clerk, and John Staples, Samuel Leonard, 
and Ebenezer Robinson selectmen. 

In 1732, John White was chosen clerk of the market. 

Elijah Dean and Thomas Baker were elected tith- 
ing-men. 

Selectmen, Town Clerks, and Representatives 
from 1731 to 1884' have been as follows: 



1744. 
174S. 
1751. 



1756. 
176U. 
1762. 
1776. 

1776. 
1778. 

1781. 

1782. 



1787. 
1792, 



.Tohn Staples. 
Ebenezer Rubinsoil. 
Shadiacli Wilbui-. 
Joseph Jones. 
John White. 
Jacob Hall. 
Jonathan Shaw. 
Josiah EdsoD. 
Setli Leonard. 
Edmund Williams. 
Israel Washburn. 
Joseph Dean. 
Elijah Leonard. 
Ebenezer Britton. 
Benjamin King. 
Joshua Leonard. 
Joseph Dean. 
Jonatiian Hall. 
Gamaliel Leonard. 
Paul Leonard. 
Stephen Dean. 
Josiah Dean. 
Andrew Gilmore. 
Aliiel Williams. 
Mason Shaw. 
Col. Jonathan Shaw. 
Amos Hall. 
Thomas Pean. 
.John Gilmore. 
George Williams. 



SELECTMEN. 

1795. 
1798. 
1802. 



1804. 
1806. 

181.17. 

1813. 
1814. 
1820. 
1826. 

1824. 

1826. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1836. 



1842. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 



Eeuhen Hall. 
Abraham Hatliawa.v. 
Seti] Dean. 
William Byram. 
Godfrey Robinson. 
Nehemiah Jones. 
Thomas Leonard. 
Barzillai King. 
Edward Leonard. 
Seth W'ashbnrn. 
Lloyd Sliaw. 
Capt. Samuel Wilbur. 
Amos Hall. 
Sylvester Robinson. 
Nathan Williams. 
Silaa King. 
Sylvester Kobinson. 
Warren Lincoln. 
.Silas Shaw. 
Eli K. Washburn. 
Leoiiid<i6 Dean. 
Enoch King. 
Ziba Wilbur. 
John Tracy. 
Job Robinson. 
Abisha Lincoln. 
Jahasiali King, 
Absalom Leonard. 
Amos It. Hall. 
Charles Robinson. 



t For continuation of Representatives see Appendix. 



ri8 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1848. Henry H. Crane. 

Benjamin F. Dean. 
1860. Nathaniel B. Hall. 

Philo Leonard, 

1863. Alpheus Pr.itt. 

1864. Martin White. 
1855. Thomas F. Cnshnian. 



1855. Abiathar Leonard. 
1860. Richard G. Kuhinson. 
1858. John D. G. Williams. 

Henry H. Crane. 

Enoch RobiuBon. 
1865. Thomas B. Johnson. 
1868. Thomas S. Cushman. 



1731. Samuel Leonard. 
1749. Josiall Dean. 
1764. Zephaniah Leonard 
1777. aiason Shaw. 
1781. Robert Britton. 
1786. Seth Washburn. 
1806. Josiah Dean. 
1806. Horatio Leonard. 



TOWN CLERKS. 

1821. Abraham Hathaway. 
1832. William Snow. 
1846. Soranus Hall. 
1857. Samuel Jones. 

1865. Dennis Rockwell. 

1866. Samuel Jones. 
1868. Aruniih A. Leach. 



Repre-sentatives to the General Court.— 
"By reason of the smallness of the town" no repre- 
sentative was chosen for the first thirty years of its 
existence. Then each town paid its own representa- 
tive. In 1759, Zephaniah Leonard was chosen but 
declined to serve. The next year the town was fined 
for not choosing a representative, and Josiah Dean 
was delegated to petition the General Court to remit 
the fine. In 1768 and 1709, Zephaniah Leonard was 
chosen to represent the town, and received £7 7s. 6d. 
for the two years' service. This sum he gave to the 
public for the purpose of purchasing a lot for the 
proposed new meeting-house. 

Benjamin King was chosen in 1774, and also to act 
as delegate to the Provincial Congress which met at 
Salem in October of that year. In 1775 he was again 
chosen, and in 



1777. Zephaniah Leonard. 

17S0. Israel Washburn. 

1782. Noah Hall. 

1792. And the three following 
years, Josiah Dean. 
To the convention for rati- 
fying United states Consti- 
tution, Israel Washburn. 

1795. Seth Washburn. 

1798. George Williams. 

1799. Josiah Dean. 

ISOl. Abraham Hathaway. 

lSu:i. William A. Leonard. 

18'M. Israel Washburn. 

1810. Josiah Dean. 

1S13, John Gilmore. 

I82U. Delegates to Convention for 

revising Constitution, Rev. 

Silas Hall. 

1821. Samuel Wilbur. 

1822. Godfrey Robinson. 
1825. Amos Hall. 



1828. Samuel Wilbur. 

1830. Godfrey Robinson. 

1831. Ellis Hall. 
1835. William Snow. 

1837. Amos Hivll. 

1838. Enos L. Williams. 
Absalom Leonard. 

1839. Amos Hall. 

1841. Carmi Andrews. 

1842. William King. 

1843. Abisha Liucolu. 
1860. Cassander GiUnore. 
1862. Soramus Hall. 
1853. Barzillai King. 
1867. Rev. Robert Carver. 

1858. John D. G. Williams. 

1859. Hiram A. Pratt. 
18611. Enoch Robinson. 
1S63. Henry H. Crane. 
1865 Theodore Dean. 
1869. Enoch King. 



Many members of the board of selectmen served a 
number of years; the date of election only is given. 



" In the north part of the town are a number of 
intelligent and thrifty families of African descent. 
Their ancestor was Tobey Gilmore, a servant of John 
Gilmore the 5th. He served in the Revolutionary 
army, was servant to Gen. Washington, his particular 
duty being the care of the general's tents. He saved 
his bounty, bought land, and founded a family. He 
died April 19, 1812 ; lies in the North Cemetery, under 



a blue headstone, and numerous descendants have 
preserved his name. One Boland, who became a 
Tory in the Revolution, formerly occupied the land 
confiscated and sold to Tobey. It subsequently ap- 
peared that Boland held only a life interest in the 
land, and the State repaid his heirs twenty thousand 
dollars about the year 1845, to indemnify them for 
the sale. 

" Cuff Leonard, a colored citizen of this town, who 
died in 1825, was eight years in the Revolutionary 
army, a part of the time in the ranks, and a part of 
the time as servant of Governor Brooks. Cull' was 
brought up in the family of Capt. Joshua Leonard, 
from whom he derived his surname. Tradition says 
he captured six Hessians one night, when on picket 
guard, and brought them into camp. He was at 
the battle of Saratoga and surrender of Burgoyne. 
He received a pension, lived comfortably near the 
house of Mr. Macy Williams, and left a son Charles, 
famed for his amiability, intelligence, and debonair 
manners." 

For many years after the organization of the town 
few debts were incurred. Money was scant, and stren- 
uous efforts were made to avoid liabilities. In 1754 
the town voted " that their treasurer receive'the bar- 
iron due to the town on their half-share on the old 
iron-works, and that he dispose of a part of it to buy 
a funeral pall for the use of the town, and keep the 
remainder till further ordered." 

" It was put to vote to determine if the town would 
add three hundred pounds, old tenor, to Rev. Mr. 
Wales' salary, in order to raise it to four hundred 
pounds, one-third to be paid in bar-iron at nine 
pounds per hundredweight, the other two-thirds in 
provisions, — Indian corn at twenty shillings per 
bushel, rye thirty shillings, beef eighteen pence per 
pound, which sum, reduced to sterling money, is fifty- 
three pounds, six shillings, eight pence," and was 
voted in the affirmative. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CHARLES ROBINSON. 

As the orthography indicates, the Robinson family 
originated in the Highlands of Scotland, where for 
many years they bore a prominent part in the stir- 
ring events of that country's history. Later they 
emigrated to the north of Ireland, and became lead- 
ing Protestants and earnest opposers of the Papal 
power. 

Gain Robinson, the first American ancestor, brought 
to this country with him recommendations from the 
leading Protestant churches and churchmen in Ire- 
land. He landed at Plymouth, lived a while at both 
Braintree and Pembroke, but finally settled in East 
Bridgewater. His wife was Margaret Watson, by 
whom he had several children, one of whom was a 



KAYNHAM. 



719 



sergeant in the French war, under Gen. Winslow, 
and died in Nova Scotia. Gain' died in East Bridge- 
water in 1763, aged eighty-one. His wife died in 
1777, aged seventy-seven. 

Gain'', son of Gain', was born in 1724. He )narried 
a Dyer. They had nine children. He died of small- 
pox in 1778. 

Oain', son of Gain*, married a Gardner, by whom 
he reared a faiiiily, of whom Dyer* was one. He was 
born Feb. 28, 1765. He married Abigail, daughter of 
Abishai Stetson, 1787, and settled in South Bridge- 
water. Their children were Clara, born Nov. 19, 
1787, died Oct. 12, 1859; Increase, born Dec. 25, 
1789, died July 17, 1869; Dyer, born Oct. 15, 1792, 
died Feb. 15, 1873 ; Gad, born Nov. 13, 1795, died 
May 27, 1880; Jacob, born Oct. 24, 1798; Charles, 
born Oct. 15, 1800; Salome, born March 3, 1803; 
Nabby, born May 25, 1805; Enoch, born July 31, 
1808. 

Dyer was by occupation a forgeman in iron-works, 
and his sons were brought up to the same business. 
Charles and Enoch early became practical iron-work- 
ers, and Charles, when a young man, was employed 
in the office of Lazell Perkins & Co. (now Bridge- 
water Iron Company). He was also at one time en- 
gaged, with an uncle of his, at Marshfield, Mass., 
trading, and when about twenty years old spent one 
winter in North Carolina on a trading expedition. 
About 1828 he came to East Taunton as agent for 
Horatio Leonard & Co., the then owners of what is 
now Old Colony Iron- Works. The position he filled 
was equivalent to general manager or supervisor of 
the entire works, which consisted in nail and tack 
manufacturing and rolling iron, together with a store 
for furnishing supplies to the operatives. Some years 
later the style of the firm was changed to Taunton 
Iron Company. In the stock of this company both 
Charles and Enoch Robinson became shareholders, 
and Charles still retained the general management. 
In 1842 the works suspended, or rather an assignment 
was made to trustees, in order to have the affairs of 
the concern looked into and settled up. This inves- 
tigation resulted in finding the business solvent and 
capable of paying all indebtedness. In 1843 the 
works were sold at auction, and bought in by a syn- 
dicate, of which Charles and Enoch Robinson were 
members. In 1844 it was reorganized and incor- 
porated as Old Colony Iron Company, and was offi- 
cered as follows : Samuel L. Crocker, president ; 
Charles Robinson, as agent and secretary ; George 
A. Crocker, as treasurer ; and Enoch Robinson, as 
superintendent. About 1856, Charles was chosen 
treasurer. He held the position of secretary till 
1866, when his son, Charles T., was chosen in his 
stead. • He continued, however, as treasurer of the 
company to the time of his death. Upon the reor- 
ganization of the company in 1844 they greatly en- 
larged the sphere of their operations, and from that 
time to the present they have year by year added to 



their facilities and increased their production. In 
August, 1881, they met with a very considerable loss 
in the destruction by fire of their nail-factory and 
steam tack-plate mill. Instead of rebuilding the 
nail-factory, they purchased what was known as the 
Somerset Iron Company's works, located at Somerset, 
Mass. This mill is now a part of and conducted under 
the charter of the Old Colony Iron Company. The 
tack-plate mill was rebuilt, and that department of 
the business is continued at East Taunton, as before. 
Prior to the fire they manufactured more nails than 
any other one concern in New England, their pro- 
duction liaving reached as high as one hundred and 
thirty thousand kegs in one year. They now make a 
specialty of shovels, and also do a large business in 
rolling all kinds of iron plates for the manufacture of 
tacks and for various other purposes. 

Jlr. Robinson was at different periods stockholder 
and director in the Bridgewater Iron Company, Par- 
ker Mills, Weymouth Iron Company, Taunton Loco- 
motive Manufacturing Company, and Taunton Oil 
Cloth Company. He was a very successful business 
man, and continued in business up to the time of 
his death. He was a Whig and Republican in poli- 
tics ; was selectman in town many years, and was a 
member of the Unitarian Church at Taunton. He 
married Ann M. Keith, Nov. 24, 1825 ; she was the 
daughter of Zenith and Jane H. (Carey) Keith, of 
East Bridgewater. They had five children, — Charles 
T., Lucy Ann, Albert Jenks, Theodore (deceased), 
and Edgar. Mr. Robinson died Feb. 8, 1882, in the 
eighty-second year of his age, he having been born 
Oct. 15, 1800. 

Enoch Robinson was born July 31, 1808. He had 
even less opportunities for education than had most 
boys of that period, as he only attended school one 
three-months' session, but by applying himself dili- 
gently to study at home during his leisure hours he 
managed to obtain a very fair English education. 

At the age of seventeen he went to East Bridge- 
water and worked eighteen months for his brother 
Jacob ; then to South Bridgewater, where he finished 
his trade, making forgings of all kinds for Lazell 
Perkins & Co. ; then in 1829 came to East Taunton. 

Like his brother Charles, he learned his trade as 
iron forger, making anchors, etc., as soon as old enough, 
and in 1829 he came to East Taunton and began work 
in the mills of which he is now superintendent. The 
development of this industry from its small beginnino- 
to its present large proportions has been largely due 
to the efficient management and superintendence of 
the Robinson brothers, and it stands to-day a monu- 
ment to their skill, enterprise, and ability. Mr. Rob- 
inson has devoted himself strictly to his business, and 
has sedulously avoided, so far as in his power, all 
offices. He has, however, been one of the selectmen 
of his town since 1848, and was a member of the State 
Legislature in 1860. He has been ever since its or- 
ganization one of the directors of the Old Colony 



720 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Iron Company, and is also director of the Bridgewater | 
Iron-Works, the Weymouth Iron- Works, Parker Mills, 
the Taunton Locomotive- Works, and a shareholder in 
all of them ; also in the Tauuton> Oil Cloth Company. 
He is a Republican in jjolitics. In 1834 he married 
Sophia V. Saunders, daughter of William Saunders, 
of Eaynhara, by whom he had six children, — Enoch 
(deceased), Amanda L., Henry H., Nalium S. (de- 
ceased), Caroline E., and Nahum S.^ Mr. Robinson , 
married, second, Nancy T. Jewett ; no issue. His ,, 
third and present wife is Julia (King), daughter of 
Daniel Hall, of Marion. They have one child, — 
Marie Dyer. 

Of the children above named, Nahum S. is located 
at Somerset, and is one of the proprietors of that 
branch of the business. Henry is with his father in 
Raynham, and is assistant superintendent of the 
works. Amanda is now Mrs. Charles L. Haskins, of 
East Raynham. Caroline E. is now residing with her 
father. 

Mr. Robinson is a hale, well-preserved man, and 
bids fair to live many years. 



TOWNE F,\MILY. 

The name of Towne, Town, or Townes, as it is 
sometimes spelt, is one of not frequent occurrence. 
It may be found here and there, generally in com- 
munities of Anglo-Saxon derivation, and though sur- 
names began to be used in England about the time of 
the Norman Conquest, and from time to time for three 
or four centuries continued to be adopted till they 
came into general use, this does not seem to be one 
that met with much favor. The earliest existence of 
it known to the writer was a.d. 1274, when William de 
la Towne, of Abvely, a village in the county of Shrop- 
shire, England, about twenty miles southeast of Shrews- 
bury, the capital of the county, was at that time in 
the prosecution of a suit at law against one of the 
officers of the parish, and the following year was on 
a jury at Astley, in the same county. The next we 
hear from it is one hundred and thirty or forty years 
later, in the reign of Henry IV., when uijon the win- 
dows of the church in Kennington, Kent County, im- 
paled with that of Ellis, of the same place, were the 
arms of a family by this name, being argent on a 
chevron, sable, three cross crossletts, ermine. Thomas 
at Towne, who at this time possessed much land about 
Cheving, and who bore the same coat of arms, married 
Beuedicta, only daughter of John Brampton, aJias 
Ditling, of Ditling Court, and thereby inherited a 
manor in Throwley, where he remained and erected 
a seat about one-fourth of a mile from the church, 
and named it Towne Place, soon after which he died, 
leaving his possessions to three daughters, coheiresses, 
of whom Eleanor married Richard Lewknor, of Chul- 
lock. Bennet, or Beuedicta, married William Wattin, 
of Addington, and Elizabeth married William Sernes, 
of the same parish. His estate was divided about a.d. 



1446, when Throwley was allotted to Eleanor, the wife 
of Richard Lewknor. From the manner of the division 
it is quite evident that he died without leaving de- 
scendants to transmit his name to posterity. The next 
reference to this name known to the writer is in the 
county of Lincoln, where it has existed for more than 
four centuries. In a.d. 1459, William Towne, D.D., 
was collated (became the clergyman of the parish) at 
Stow in Lindsey, in this county. In a.d. 1470 he was 
appointed almoner to King Henry VI. In old age 
he accepted an income from the parish, and died A.D. 
1490. In 1470, John Towne, Professor of Divinity, 
succeeded Alexander Prowett, of Lincoln, as precentor 
(leader of the choir in the Cathedral), which place 
he resigned in 1473 for the prebend of Dunholme. 

John Towne, of Irby, county of Lincoln, made his 
will Nov. 18, 1540. To be buried in the church of St. 
Andrews, at Irby. Legacies to Anne, Thomas, and 
George Towne, his brother William, of Irby, being 
principal heir and executor. His will was proved 
June 1, 1541. John Towne, of Ludborough, county 
of Lincoln, executed his will under date of Jan. 24, 
1637. Sons, Leonard, John, and William, and brother 
Richard Towne. 

Richard Towne, of Braceby, in the same county, 
married Ann, and had children as follows: Richard, 
who died 1617, leaving wife Alice, son Leonard, and 
daughter Helen, not twenty-one years of age; Ed- 
ward, who had children in 1630; Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried Phillips ; Helen, who married Oxman ; 

Prudence, who married • Walton ; Ann, who 

married Armstrong ; Ketherine, baptized Oct. 14, 

1599 ; Mary, baptized April 15, 1601 ; William, bap- 
tized May 21, 1603, and Margery. The earliest we 
find the name in this country is in 1635, when Wil- 
liam Towne was an inhabitant of Cambridge. On 
the 18th of the month of April, 1637, he appeared 
before the General Court and took the oath required 
to become a freeman or voter. He was town clerk in 
1639 ; purchased land in Cambridge of David Stone 
and Thomas Danforth in 1653, and in 1655 of Ed- 
mund Goffee ; was tythingman in 1680, and died April 
30, 1685, aged eighty years. His wife Martha died 
January, 1074. His children were Mary and Peter. 

We come now to William Towne, the Anglo-Ameri- 
can progenitor of descendants who have settled in a 
majority of the States in the American Union. Of 
his birthplace or parentage we know nothing positive, 
though he may have come from the county of Lin- 
coln, in England, and may have been the son of 
Richard and Ann Towne, of Braceby. The earliest 
positive information we have relative to him is at 
Yarmouth, Norfolk County, a city of considerable 
maritime importance, situated on the east coast of 
England, one hundred and eight miles in a direct line, 
and one hundred and twenty miles by railroad north- 
east from London. 

William Towne and Joanna Blessing were married 
in the St. Nicholas Church, in Yarmouth, March 23, 




S5, 



Cr-ct^"'^-'-^ 



RAYNHAM. 



721 



1620, and had their first six children baptized there. 
The next we hear of the family is at palem, Essex 
Co., Mass. William Towns's residence was in that 
part of Salem known as the North Fields. He re- 
mained here till 1651, the year following the incor- 
iroration of the town of Topsfield, where he purchased 
a tract of land in the latter place of William Paine, 
of Ipswich, containing about forty acres. In 16.52 he 
sold his property in Salem to Henry Bullock ; in 1656 
purchased additional land in Topsfield, and in 1663, 
"in consideration of mutual affection and contem- 
plated marriage of their son, Joseph Towne, with 
Phebe, the daughter of Thomas Perkins," he and his 
wife conveyed to their son Joseph two-thirds of their 
home wherein they did then dwell, with barn, out- 
buildings, yard, gardens, and orchards, lying, situated, 
and being in Topsfield, together with one-third of all 
his real estate. All these conveyances being made 
with the desire that this said son should have the first 
refusal of the remaining thij-d when the same should 
be sold. He died about 1672. The six children bap- 
tized in Yarmouth, England, were Rebecca, John, 
Susanna, Edmund, Jacob, and Mary; Sarah and 
Joseph were born and baptized in Salem. 

Joseph Towne, youngest son of William and 
Joanna Towne, was born in 1639, and married Phebe, 
daughter of Deacon Thomas Perkins, of Topsfield. 
He accompanied his father in his removal from Salem 
to Topsfield, was made a freeman March 22, 1690, was 
a member of the church at the latter place, and died 
1713, aged seventy-four years. Their children were 
Phebe, Joanna, Mary, Susanna, Joseph, Sarah, John, 
and JIartha. 

Joseph Towne, son of Joseph and Phebe Perkins 
Towne, was born in Topsfield, March 22, 1673, and 
Nov. 9, 1699, married Margaret Case, of Salem. They 
were admitted to the church in 1709. He gave his 
estate to his son David in 1749. Children, Margaret, 
Joseph, Archilaus, Israel, Elisha, Bartholomew, Mary, 
David, Abigale, Phebe, Hannah, Martha, Sarah, and 
Joanna. 

Israel Towne, son of Joseph, and third descendant 
of William, who came from England, was born in 
Topsfield, Mass., March 24, 1705, and May 23, 1729, 
married Grace Gardner, of Middleton, Mass. He 
was one of the early settlers of Narragansett, No. 3 
(Amherst, N. H.), probably 1734. Capt. Israel 
Towne died in Amherst in the year 1803, aged ninety- 
six years. Their children were Thomas, Archilaus, 
Israel, Moses, Gardner, Elisabeth, Susanna, Mary. 

Israel Towne, son of Israel Towne, and fourth de- 
scendant of William the first settler, was born in 
Topsfield, Mass., Nov. 16, 1736, and when very young 
came with his father to Amherst, N. H., where he 
remained till about 1782, when he went to Stoddard, 
N. H. He was an enterprising, active man, filled 
various town offices, being selectman in 1769 and 
1773, and married Lydia Hopkins, of Milford, July 
31, 1760. She was born April 27, 1737. Israel Towne, 
46 



Esq., died in Stoddard, April 28, 1813, aged seventy- 
seven years. Their children were Israel, William, 
Gardener, Benjamin, Andrew ,Lydia, Daniel, Hannah, 
Lemuel. 

G.4.EDXER Towne, son of Israel and Lydia Hop- 
kins Towne, and fifth descendant of William the first 
settler, was born in Amherst, May 1, 1765, and Jan. 
27, 1795, married Lucy Bancroft, of Tyngsborough, 
Mass., daughter of Col. Ebenezer Bancroft. She was 
born June 7, 1773. In 1782 lie went with his father 
j from Amherst to Stoddard. At an early age he began 
' merchandising and the keeping of a public-house, 
in both of which he continued business successfully 
until his death. He held many offices in town and 
county affairs, was justice of the peace, and a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order in high standing. His 
ofiicial docket was larger than any other justice in 
the county of Cheshire at that time. Col. Ebenezer 
Bancroft, the father of Lucy Bancroft Towne, was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was last but 
one to leave the intrenchments of Bunker Hill, June 
! 17, 1775, and in making his escape leaped the ranks 
of the British, and left his long Indian gun on their 
shoulders and ran. In his flight he received thirteen 
bullet-holes in his clothes and lost one forefinger. He 
claimed to have shot the cannon-ball that struck the 
Brattle Street Church, Boston, which remained there 
until the church was taken down a few years since. 
The British soldiers were encamped in the church at 
that time. He based his claim to this honor upon 
the fact that he fired every ball that was thrown into 
Boston from Cambridge that day. 

Gardner Towne died in Stoddard, N. H., Dec. 16, 
1815. His wife died in the same place April 14, 
1849. Their children were Christiana, Rebecca, .fioH- 
eroft, Susanna, Oka, Cleon G., Orr Noble, Ebenezer 
Bancroft, Lucy Bancroft, Solon, Mary. 

Ebenezer Bancroft Towne, son of Gardner and 
Lucy Bancroft Towne, and sixth descendant of Wil- 
liam the first settler, was born in Stoddard, N. H., Dec. 
14, 1809. After the death of his father, he lived with 
his mother until her marriage with Levi Warren, of 
Alstead, N. H., and was afterwards with the Rev. Isaac 
Robinson, of Stoddard, N. H., about two years, and 
with Deacon John Farwell and his son, John, Jr., of 
Tyngsborough, Mass., six years, and was oflered an 
heirship if he would remain with the latter until 
twenty-one. He began his apprenticeship with Sam- 
uel S. Lawrence, in Tyngsborough, at fifly-two dollars 
a year and board, and finished it with his brother, 
Orr N., in Boston, at two thousand a year. He was a 
partner with his brothers Orr Noble (in Boston) and 
Cleon Gardner (in Stoddard) until Orr Noble's re- 
tirement from business. He then associated himself 
with William W. Kendrick, under the style of Towne 
& Kendrick, and four years afterwards George W. 
Skinner, another of the salesmen, was admitted as 
partner. This firui carried on an extensive business 
in hats, caps, buffalo robes, furs, and straw goods, in 



722 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Boston, until Mr. Towne, compelled by ill healtli, 
retired from the firm. His business career, in city and 
country, covered a period of more than fifty years, 
during which time he met every financial obligation 
at maturity, and never had a bill but what was paid 
at the first presentation, when just. He has had six 
partners in business. — three in his Boston business, 
two in a country store, and one in -tanning hides into 
leather, — and never had the least trouble with either 
of them, neither did they at any time show him the 
disrespect to use a profane word in his presence. 
Since residing in Bristol County he was county com- 
missioner six years (two terms), and got the nomina- 
tion for a third term, but declined the honor. He has 
been' connected with the Bristol County Agricultural 
Society, as treasurer and in other responsible posi- 
tions, about ten years. He at the present time (1883) 
is engaged in no business. 

Mr. Towne married for his first wife Almeda Wil- 
son, daughter of Joel and Polly Wilson, of Stoddard, 
N. H. She left no children. She died in Amherst, 
N. H., Oct. 21, 1845 ; and for his second, Mrs. Chlora 
Adaline Gilmore, widow of the late H. T. Gilmore, of 
Eaynham, Mass., and daughter of Sylvanus and Polly 
Braman, of Norton, Mass., who is still living, and by 
whom he has had three children, — Almeda Wilson 
(who died at two years old), Edward Bancroft (who 
is designated E. B. Towne, Jr., because there is an- 
other in a brother's family having the same initials), 
and Etta Buffington. 

E. B. Towne, Jr., is a wholesale dealer in hats, 
furs, etc., in Boston. 



NATHAN W. SHAW. 



We are indebted to Capt. J. W. D. Hall for the fol- 
lowing ancestral history of the Shaw family. 

Benjamin Shaw, the ancestor, was one of the early 
settlers of Taunton ; was a shareholder in the Taun- 
ton Iron-Works in 16 — , and had a saw-mill on the 
stream above the works now Raynhani ; he died in 
1723 ; wife Hannah and son. 

Deacon Jonathan Shaw, born 1705 ; died 1768 ; had 
wife, Mercy, who died Jan. 8, 1750 : son. 

Deacon Jonathan Shaw, married (2d) Mrs. Han- 
nah, widow of Lieut. Stephen Dean. 

Col. Jonathan Shaw, born Feb. 14, 1732; died Nov. 
27, 1797 ; married only daughter of Nehemiah and 
Bethiah (Williams) Hall,' born 1735; died 1781: 
son. 

Col. Jonathan Shaw, married (2) Lydia Godfrey, 
of Taunton, who married (2d) Dr. George Wheaton, 
of Norton. 

Jonathan Shaw, who was a justice of the peace and 

1 Nehemiah nail", son of Joseph^, George^, married Bethiah WilliamaS 
from Rifliartl W'illiame. Both ancestors were among the chief founders 
of Taunton in 1639. 



born Sept. 6, 1758; died May 12, 1829; married 
Lydia, born ; son, Cassini Shaw. 

Cassini was a farmer, a quiet unobtrusive man who 
shrank from any kind of publicity or official position. 
A useful, meritorious, and much respected citizen. He 
was so rigidly strict in his temperance principles 
that when it was the custom of the county to have 
intoxicating drinks at all public gatherings, he was 
the first man to raise a building without furnishing 
his neighbors who helped him liquor to drink. An- 
other fact which illustrates the consistency and per- 
sistency of the man is the fact that, from the time he 
was twenty-one years of age to the day of his death, 
he never failed to cast his vote at every election with 
the Whig and Republican party, whose opinions he 
espoused. He was a great reader, and especially in 
his declining years he spent most of his time perus- 
ing his favorite authors, and seemed to derive great 
comfort and pleasure from his books. In religious 
belief he was a Unitarian, and was a regular attend- 
ant at service. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. 
He married Clarissa, daughter of John Walker, of 
Dighton, Nov. 2, 1817. They had two children, Re- 
becca W. (now Mrs. A. P. Slade, of Somerset, — see 
Slade biography), and Nathan W., born Oct. 11, 1823. 
Mrs. Shaw died March 27, 1863, and Mr. Shaw died 
Dec. 27, 1881. 

Nathan W. Shaw had what educational facilities 
were aflforded by the common schools of his district, 
and an attendance at Bristol Academy and Bridge- 
water Normal School. He was brought up on the 
farm, and when twenty -one years of age began teach- 
ing school. This he continued during the winter 
months fourteen years. He has always been much 
interested in and given much attention to educational 
matters. He has been a member of the school com- 
mittee of Raynham twenty-eight years, and is now 
superintendent of i)ublic schools. He has been as- 
sessor fifteen years, and has been justice of the peace 
more than twenty years. He has been several years 
trustee of Bristol Academy. 

He married, June 19, 1856, Sarah J., daughter of 
Jahaziah S. and Jane (Sampson) King, of Raynham. 
She was born Sept. 7, 1832. They have but one son, 
Alexander W., born Sept. 14, 1868. 

Mrs. Shaw is descended from one of the oldest and 
most respectable families of Raynham. Concerning 
her father, we clip the following notice of his death 
from a Taunton paper: 

" Mr. Jahaziah S. King died at his residence in 
Raynham, Wednesday morning last, at the advanced 
age of eighty-three years. Mr. King was of a retiring 
disposition, a kind-hearted and liberal man. He had 
always lived in Raynham, being born on the same 
farm on which he died. At one time he was largely 
engaged in manufacturing, and in the early days of 
the California gold discovery he had a large trade in 
shovels, picks, and forks. Mr. King was a man of 
an inventive turn. He made the first sooop-sho-vel 






^>t^^ 




i4Lttm ^iFi^a^no 



RAYNHAM. 



723 



in this country, and also invented a machine for 
rolling down the straps on shovels, before which all 
were hammered down by hand. He afterwards in- 
vented a machine for making sharp-pointed clinch- 
nails." 



MARTIN 6. WILLIAMS. 

Martin G. William.s, third son and child of Francis 
and Louisa (Gilmore) Williams, was born Dec. 11, 
1807, on the old home of the Williams family in 
Taunton, and is a descendant in the seventh genera- 
tion from Richard Williams, who settled in Taunton 
in 1638. (For ancestral history, see history of Taun- 
ton, heading, " The Williams Family.") He labored 
in early life at the various avocations of farming, 
brick-making, and lumbering, and had advantages 
of the schools of his native town. He remained at 
his father's home until he attained his majority. He 
then passed a few months at Ellsworth, Me., and then 
for six years he was at work for his father. In 1834 
he came to Raynham, and settled on a farm of forty 
acres given to him by his father. He assiduously 
applied himself to agriculture, and has been very 
successful. He married Tempe, daughter of Joseph 
and Zervia (Dillingham) Hamlen, of Barnstable, 
Mass., Feb. 16, 1842. They had two children,— 
Emma Bathsheba and Melvin Gilmore. Emma was 
born Aug. 8, 1844, and was married to Bradford B. 
King, of Raynham, Nov. 18, 1880. They reside with 
Mr. Williams, whose wife died March 23, ^877. Mel- 
vin G., born Nov. 23, 1846, married Mrs. Susan W. 
Greenough, daughter of William O. Snow, of Rayn- 
ham, Sept. 27, 1882. He resides near his father. 

In 1842, Mr. Williams purchased the saw- and 
grist-mills of John and Salmon Washburn, and has 
kept them in operation until the present time. His 
son and son-in-law are the active workers of the busi- 
ness now, for of late years Mr. Williams has been 
confined most of the time to his house. For about 
twenty years of his life he was engaged in the man- 
ufacture of boat-nails, which business at one time 
assumed quite large proportions. Mr. Williams 
inherits the caution, prudence, and financial skill so 
largely developed in his father, and is fond of safe 
investments, never being dazzled by brilliant specu- 
lations. He is stockholder in various corporations 
and railroads, is a man of good, practical common 
sense, and sound judgment. Raynham has probably 
never had a better citizen, or one who more highly 
respected the majesty of the law. He is Unitarian 
in church belief, and Whig and Republican in poli- 
tics, ever, however, preferring the ease and freedom 
of his quiet home to the cares and turmoil of ofiicial 
station. 



JOSEPH W. WHITE. 

There are many conflicting accounts in the bio- 
graphical and genealogical records of most of the 
early settlers in New England, owing to the meagre 
data which, in the colonial days, was placed on 
record, and the White family is no exception in this 
particular. We find it impossible, from the authorities 
at hand, to trace with positive certainty the ancestral 
history of that branch of the White family now re- 
siding in Raynham. The first one of whom we can 
obtain reliable information was John White, who in 
1731 was a landholder and resident of that part of 
Taunton now Raynham. That he was a man of 
consequence and prominence is shown by the fre- 
quent mention he receives in the early records of that 
town. 

He had a son named Samuel, born in Raynham, 
who had by his wife Susan a son also named Sam- 
uel. His will, dated May 20, 1755, is still in exist- 
ence and in the possession of his descendant, Joseph 
W. White, the present town clerk of Raynham. 
This Samuel, Jr., married Hannah Andrews, of Rayn- 
ham, about 1760. They had six children, the oldest 
of whom was Perez, born Feb. 1, 1762. Samuel was 
by occupation a miller, and died April 26, 1808. 
Perez followed the same avocation as his father, and 
succeeded to his father's possessions. He married 
Deborah Leach, of Bridgewater, Jan. 1, 1788. Their 
children were Sybil, Sidney, Sybil ^ Daniel L., Isaac 
K., Samuel D., and Deborah L. Perez was an influ- 
ential and much-respected citizen of Raynham, and 
was sexton of the old Congregational Church of that 
town many years. In 1818 he moved to Westmore- 
land, N. H., where he engaged in farming, and there 
spent the remainder of his days. He died June 13, 
1850, in his eighty-ninth year. 

Isaac K. was born Aug. 29, 1801, in Raynham, 
M5ss., grew up to manhood there, and when a young 
man was captain of militia. He removed to West- 
moreland, N. H., and married Penelope Knight, of 
that town, Jan. 1, 1825. They had ten children, — 
Joseph W., born Oct. 1, 1825; Eunice K. (deceased) ; 
Eunice K.= (deceased) ; Lucy A., born Aug. 31, 1830 
(now Mrs. William Patton, of Westmoreland, N. H.) ; 
Fanny M. (deceased), born Aug. 20, 1832; Henry K., 
born Oct. 16, 1834 (now a farmer in his native town) ; 
Damon D., born Nov. 28, 1836; John V. (deceased), 
born May 2, 1839 ; Frances M., born June 20, 1842 
(now the widow of Rev. Trueman A. Jackson, who 
died in Andersonville prison, October, 1864. She is 
now a practitioner of medicine, and resides in Em- 
poria, Kan. She is a graduate of Medical Depart- 
ment of Boston University) ; Su.san E., born Jan. 13, 
1845. 

In politics Isaac K. was formerly a Whig, but upon 
the dissolution of that party he became a Democrat, 
and was twice elected to the New Hampshire State 
Legislature on that ticket. He was a deacon of the 
Universalist Church, and a man of strict morality, 



.24 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



sterling integrity, and of broad and liberal views. He 
died in Raynliani, Mass., while on a visit to liis son, 
Damon D., July 9, 1881. Mrs. White had preceded 
hira only a few years ; she died Sept. 10, 1874. 

Joseph W. White was born in Westmoreland, 
N. H. When a j'oung man, in 1849, he came to 
Eaynham, Mass., and engaged with George W. King 
as an employe in his tack-works. In 1858 he 
changed his occupation and took up shoe manufac- 
turing, which has been his pursuit to the present time, 
he now being engaged in the shoe manufacturing es- 
tablishment of his brother. 

He is one of the most respected and esteemed citi- 
zens of the town. In 1872 he was chosen deacon of 
the Congregational Church of Raynham. In-1873 he 
was chosen town clerk and treasurer, and has held 
that position to the present time. In 1876 he was 
elected to the State Legislature. He has been for 
many years and is now justice of the peace. All the 
various trusts reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen 
have been conscientiously discharged, and the duties 
of officer, Christian, and citizen faithfully performed. 
He married, June 16, 1353, Eowena Hayward, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Elisha Hayward, of Raynham They have 
two living children, — Clarence H., born Oct. 8, 1863 
(graduated at Bristol Academy June, 1882, and now, 
1883, a student at Amherst College), and Harry T., 
born Nov. 2, 1868. 

Damon D. White was bom in Westmoreland, 
N. H., Nov. 28, 1836. He was brought up on the 
farm and in the blacksmith-shop with his father 
until twenty years of age. In 1857 he came to 
Northern Massachusetts, and worked one year in a 
chair-factory. His start in life was not very encour- 
aging, as his employer failed and he lost the most of 
his year's wages. In the autumn of 1858 he came to 
Raynham, and soon after commenced work, running 
a pegging-machine in the shoe-factory which he now 
owns, and which was then owned by Martin White, 
and run as a " bottoming-shop" by A. & A. B. 
Keith. This factory was first established in March, 
1859, and Mr. White was one of the first operators. 
He continued in this establishment until the spring 
of 1868. Having accumulated some money, he de- 
termined to start in business for himself. In pursu- 
ance of this idea be spent some months traveling 
through the West, looking for a location. Not find- 
ing a satisfactory site he returned to Massachusetts, 
and engaged with Orr & Sears, of North Bridgewater, 
as a shoe-bottomer, where he worked one year. He 
then started a manufactory of his own in that town, 
which he conducted about a year and a half, when he 
closed out and returned to Raynham. Here he rented 
a factory of William Snow, began manufacturing 
shoes, and continued in this place till 1873, when he 
rented of Martin White the factory in which fourteen 
years before he had learned his trade. One year 
later, upon the decease of Martin White, he |jur- 
chased the factory, and is now the owner and pro- 



prietor. The business has assumed considerable 
proportions. Mr. White manufactures from ten to 
fifteen cases per day, and employs about forty-five 
hands. His goods are chiefly placed in the New 
England market, and his trade is la.rgely to Boston 
jobbers. He married April 15, 1862, Huldah A., 
daughter of Zenis and Harriet Britton, of West- 
moreland, N. H. They have one child, Hattie M., 
born Jan. 13, 1876. 



GEORGE W. KING. 

Philip King, the first American ancestor of 
George Washington King, of Raynham, emigrated 
from England in company with a brother, Cyrus, 
and settled at Braintree some time prior to 1680. 
He came to Raynham, then Taunton, bought land, 
built a house, and became a jiermanent settler. The 
deed of sale to him of this land bears date 1680. He 
married Judith, daugliter of Rev. William Whit- 
man, of Milton. He was a man of high character, 
courage, and decision, and was well adapted to be a 
leader in the pioneer days. He was a man of ster- 
ling honesty, and won the love of the Indians by his 
just dealings, and, during all the troublous times of 
Indian warfare, was never molested l)y them, nor his 
property injured. He was captain, and, probably, a 
deputy to Plymouth. A large number attended his 
funeral, which was conducted with military honors. 
He had seven children, of whom John was youngest 
and only son. He was born about 1681, and died in 
1741. He married, in 1700, Alice Dean, who died in 
1746. He was, like his father, a very devout and con- 
scientious man. Rev. Mr. Sanford says of him, "The 
contract to build the second meeting-house in Taunton 
was taken by John King. He drew logs and timber 
on the ice of Taunton River, and landed them at 
Barney Hill, a little this side of the village. The 
house was three stories high, containing, like the old 
South Church, Boston, two tiers of galleries on three 
sides. It was built in 1729. The expense of the 
house much exceeded his expectations, and to make 
up his loss the town made him a present of the 
"Great Neck," so called, in Raynham. John, like 
his father, felt a great interest in the welfare of the 
Indians. He educated two men at his own expense 
to become missionaries to their native brethren. 
Their names were Campbell and Occura. He had, 
according to Rev. Mr. Sanford, six sons and two 
daughters, — Philip, John, Josiah, David, Jonathan, 
Benjamin, Hannah, and Abigail. 

Benjamin King (third generation), son of John 
and Alice (Dean) King, was born in 1720, and owned 
a large amount of land, much of which is now held 
by his descendants. He was three times married, (1) 
to Abiah, daughter of Deacon Samuel Leonard", by 
whom he had six children ; (2) to Deliverance, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Eildy, of Taunton, by whom he had 
six children; (3) to a Mrs. Cobb (no oftspring). He 





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l,i ;^ ^ 




^-T^ /7/ A^t/yy^^ 



KAYNHAM. 



725 



was called upon to do much public business, laying 
out roads, setting off farms, establishing and build- 
ing meeting-houses, etc. He contributed forty pounds 
toward the erection of the Taunton meeting-house, 
and was a man of substance and respectability. We 
quote again from Ke v. Mr. San ford : " Rayuham for 
many years did not send a representative to the Gen- 
eral Court, as each town then had to pay its own 
I'epresentatives. In 1774 Benjamin King represented 
the town when the storm of the Revolution was 
gathering and the General Court at Boston was 
harassed by the Governor. He was afterwards a dele- 
gate to the Provincial Congress, held in May of the 
same year, and was also, in 1776, one of the Commit- 
tee of Safety in the State." He died in 1803, at the 
advanced age of eighty-three years. 

Stephen King (fourth generation), oldest child 
of Benjamin and Deliverance (Eddy) King, was dis- 
tinguished for enterprise and energy of character. 
He owned a large farm near King's Bridge, on Taun- 
ton River, and, in spite of great opposition from the 
people, who contended that the herring fishery would 
be ruined and thousands of acres of meadow land 
flooded, he obtained authority from the Legislature 
to construct a dam across the river, and in a few 
years it gave power to iron-works, giving employ- 
ment to hundreds of persons, and bringing a large 
population to the village, which, in consequence of 
this action of one man of far-seeing sagacity, sprung 
up like magic. This village was called ".Squawbetty," 
continuing the name previously applied to the locality 
from an Indian squaw named Betty, who formerly 
lived there. He married Hannah, daughter of Mason 
Shaw, Esq. They had seven children, of whom 
George W. was fourth son. Stephen King was a firm 
supporter of religion and a man of superior ability, 
and much reverenced in the community. 

George W. King (fifth generation) was born in 
Raynham, Mass., Jan. 24, 1800. Like most boys of 
that period he had but very meagre educational ad- 
vantages. There was a school taught about three 
months each year, and labors at home frequently de- 
tained the young scholar from its instruction. Being 
the son of a farmer and brickmaker (which he carried 
on besides other branches of industry) he was early 
taught to labor, and thus, although debarred from a 
liberal scholastic education, obtained a very valuable 
practical one, which he has through a long and busy 
life used to advantage and made the foundation of his 
success. The principal branches of this education 
were labor and economy. These brought to him a 
hardy and robust constitution which has enabled him 
to retain great vigor at his eighty-third year. Upon 
arriving at his majority he entered the employ of 
H. Leonard & Co., as forgeman. In this capacity 
he remained two winters. He then engaged to do 
their teaming, which he did for seven years. He was 
then employed in their shovel-factory in " handle- 
ing" shovels, and for several years remained at this 



work. In 1837 he began, in a small way, the manu- 
facture of shovels on his own premises in Squawbetty. 
His business increased, and he added to his produc- 
tions year by year until he had one of the representa- 
tive manufactories of this section. In 1841 he bought 
the privilege formerly used by Raynham Furnace, 
moved his business thither, and changed his residence 
to that place In December, 1844. In the spring of 
1842 the dam and buildings of his manufactory were 
carried away by the floods, but rebuilt immediately. 
In December, 1845, the works were entirely burned, — 
no insurance. 

At the time of the breaking out of the great Re- 
bellion of 1861, he was making shovels, nails, tacks, 
etc., and employing thirty people. About this time 
he discontinued making shovels, owing to heavy 
losses caused by the failure of large New York houses 
with whom he was dealing. He struggled along, 
however, continuing the manufacture of nails. This 
he gradually built up into a successful business, in 
which he was engaged until the autumn of 1882, 
when he retired. 

In connection with his manufacturing, Mr. King 
has always been a farmer on a small scale. When a 
young man he made a trip to South Carolina with 
two of his brothers, and passed some months in getting 
out hogshead staves. 

Mr. King married Susan Young, daughter of Asa 
and Susannah (Randal!) Howard, of Easton, Mass. 
She was born in 1813, and died March 1, 1879. They 
had two children, — Susan Howard, born May 6, 1836, 
and Eliza A., born Dec. 20, 1838. Susan married, 
Jan. 30, 1861, George William Andros, of Taunton, 
now cashier in Taunton National Bank. They have 
five children, — Susan A., born Dec. 2.5, 1861 ; Annie 
H., born Feb. 4, 1863 ; Frederick W., born March 19, 
1865; Charles H., born Nov. 29, 1869; and William 
N., born Jan. 10, 1879. (We trace the Howard family 
as follows : John Howard with his brother James 
came from England to Duxbury, and was registered 
as one able to bear arms there in 1643. In 1651 he 
was one of the original proprietors and settlers of 
West Bridgewater. He was young when he came 
over, and it is said lived in Capt. Miles Standish's 
family. He was one of the first military ofiicers in 
Bridgewater, and a man of much consideration. He 
took the oath of fidelity there in 1657. He always 
wrote his name Haward, and so did all his descend- 
ants until 1700, and it is thus spelled in the early 
town records, but since that date it has been written 
invariably Howard. It is remarkable that the names 
of Hayward and Howard, which have been called 
distinct names, were originally pronounced alike, 
Howard. They were the same originally, and both 
Hayward; but in writing John omitted the "y." 
This John died about 1700, leaving children, one of 
whom was Jonathan, who married Sarah Dean, and 
was a major. He had nine children. His estate was 
settled in 1739. His sixth child, Abiel, born 1704, 



726 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



graduated at Harvard University 1729, becanie a 
physician, married Silence, daughter of Xehemiah 
Washburn, and had several children. He died Jan. 
10, 1777 ; his wife died Aug. 17, 1775. Nehemiah, 
son of Dr. Abiel Howard, born in 1740, married 
Hannah, daughter of Dr. Dean, of Easton, born 
1745. They had six children, and resided in Easton, 
adjoining the Bridgewater line. Nehemiah died Sept. 
30, 1825, and his wife died Nov. 2, 1820. Asa, son of 
Nehemiah, born 1775, died Jan. 1, 1838; married 
Susannah Eandall, and had seven children, of whom 
Susan Young, who married George W. King, was 
fourth child and eldest daughter.) 



SAMUEL JONES. 

Of the numerous branches of the Jones family, 
both in England and the United States, that to which 
Samuel Jones belongs has been among the most 
prominent. The famous Lieutenant-Governor, Wil- 
liam Jones, of New Haven Colony, was a descendant 
originally of this same family. The first American 
ancestor, however, of Samuel Jones, was one Thomas 
Jones, of Hingham, England, who in 1G38 emigrated 
to America in the ship " Confidence," was made a 
freeman in 164G, was by occupation a tailor. His 
wife was named Ann. They had four children, of 
whom Joseph was one. The following data concern- 
ing the ancestry from that time to the present has 
been contributed by Mr. Jones himself. 

The ancestors of Samuel Jones and Samuel Gusliee 
Jones, his son, now residing in Raynhani, Mass., 
1883, were as follows: 

First generation : Joseph Jones, who settled in that 
part of Taunton now Eaynhani. By Probate Rec- 
ords, book 5, pages 324 and 325, it appears that he 
died in 1726. He must have lived to a great age, as 
his son Abraham was then sixty-seven years old. 
Joseph Jones' (his son) will, proved Dec. 18, 1740, 
(vol. X. p. 6), shows his children were Benjamin, 
Nathan, Elnatlian, Submit (married Partridge), Sa- 
rah, Lidia (married Bosworth), Rebeecah (married 
Dyer), and Mary Jones. Their posterity have scat- 
tered over the country we know not where. 

Second generation : Abraham Jones, son of Joseph 
Jones (1), died March 18, 1735, aged seventy -six 
years. He was one of the thirty-two persons dis- 
missed from the parent church in Taunton to organ- 
ize the First Church in Eaynham, Oct. 19, 1731. His 
residence was a few rods southwest of the late anchor 
forge, on the site of the first bloomery in the country. 
His children were Timothy, Isaac, Jacob, Israel, 
Hatherly, Ruth (married Dean), Sarah (married 
Pratt). 

Third generation : Timothy, son of Abraham, died 
Sept. 10, 1781, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. 
His wife was Sarah Shaw, of Rayuham, and died 
1774. Their children were Timothy, born 1727 ; 
Abraham, born 1730 ; Hannah, born 1733 ; Samuel 



Jones, born Nov. 15, 1738. His residence was on 
Pleasant Street, half a mile northeast of the First 
Congregational Church, and it is now standing and 
has been the birthplace of his children and grand- 
children and great-grandchildren in our line. His 
grandson, Samuel, then about eight years old, at the 
dark day. May 19, 1780, remembered how calm and 
composed he was when the people thought the last 
day had come. 

Fourth generation : Samuel Jones, son of Timothy 
and Sarah Jones, died Sept. 15, 1808. His first wife 
was Mercy Gushee, daughter of Abraham and Han- 
nah Gushee. Their son, Samuel Jones, was born 
July 13, 1772. He often remarked, when speaking 
of his youth, that he was four years a subject of King 
George. 

Fifth generation : Samuel Jones, sou of Samuel 
and Mercy, died Dec. 26, 1854, aged eighty-two years. 
His wife was Mary, daughter of John and Silence 
Williams. She died July 11, 1847, aged sixty-six 
years. Their children were Samuel Jones, born Sept. 
13, 1807; Mary, born July 30, 1809 (nuirried Henry 
H. Crane), died 1863; Mercy .lane, born Aug. 28, 
1811 (married Seabury Thayer, of Taunton) ; John 
W. Jones, born Feb. 11, 1814, died September, 1842 ; 
Martha, born Dec. 30, 1816 (married George B. Crane, 
of Norton) ; Caroline E., born Dec. 6, 1819 (mar- 
ried James T. Bassett, of Taunton). 

Rebekah, born Feb. 10, 1823, married Adnah Har- 
low. 

Sixth generation : Samuel Jones, son of Samuel 
and Mary, married Martha W. Bliss, daughter of 
Asahel and Deborah Bliss, of Kehoboth, April 3, 
1838. Their children were Mary A. Jones, born Jan. 
10, 1839, died Dec. 5, 1866 ; Abraham Jones, born 
March 13, 1841, died Aug. 14, 1843 ; Caroline E. 
Jones, born Oct. 18, 1843, married George F. Bloom, 
of Remington, Ind. ; Abraham Bliss Jones, born 
March 14, 1846 ; Samuel Gushee Jones, born Oct. 
31, 1848 ; Julia E. Jones, born Oct. 1, 1851, died July 
26, 1853 ; Emma E. Jones, born Oct. 16, 1854. 

Seventh generation : Abraham Bliss Jones married 
O. Jane Foster, of Kansas, February, 1874. Their 
children are Jesse Samuel Jones, born Dec. 8, 1874 ; 
Frederic Clarance Jones, born Jan. 26, 1879. Their 
residence is at White Cloud, Kan. 

In looking at the names which the Pilgrims gave 
to their children we see how strong was their faith 
that the Lord had said unto them, as to Abraham, 
"Get thee out of thy country, and irom thy kindred, 
and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will 
show thee ; and I will make thee a great nation." 

And may we not say of them, — 

"These all died in the faith, not having received 
the promises, but having seen them afar ofi", and were 
persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed 
that they were Stra/njers and Pilyrims on the earth." 

Samuel Jones did not receive a collegiate education, 
but he has always been a great reader, aud of an in- 





dJ^ 



^^//i^c ^ A-a^ c 




RAYNHAM. 



727 



quiring and investigating turn of mind. The result 
is that his mind is well stored with a fund of miscel- 
laneous and useful knowledge, and he is conversant 
with a great variety of topics. Among other things 
he has studied for his amusement Pitman's system of 
phonography. This he took up after arriving at 
middle life, and yet he is quite a proficient shon-hand 
writer. When about twenty years of age he began 
teaching school, and this he continued during the 
winter months for more than thirty years. He learned 
surveying when young, and has done most of the 
surveying in his section from that time to the present. 
He has been a member of the school committee many 
years ; was town clerk and treasurer during the war, 
when the duties of the office were arduous and re- 
sponsible. He has been justice of the peace more 
than twenty years, and has done considerable probate 
business. In politics, he is a Republican. His resi- 
dence is situated a few rods northeast of the old ances- 
tral home, where lived and died his father and grand- 
father, and on land which has been in the family 
since its first settlement. He was chosen deacon of 
the First Congregational Church Oct. 1, 1848, and 
from that time to the present has held that position. 
He is a man of sound judgment, much thought, 
honest convictions, and pure and exalted character, 
modest, dignified, and unassuming, a great lover of 
morality, and is a highly-esteemed and useful citizen 
of the community. 

Mrs. Jones is a daughter of Deacon Asahel and 
Deborah (Martin) Bliss, of Rehoboth, Mass. She is 
descended from one of the oldest and best families of 
the town. (See Bliss genealogy.) Her father was 
deacon of the Congregational Church in his native 
town nearly fifty years. He was a man of high moral 
principles, an earnest and devoted Christian, and 
when he died, at the advanced age of eighty-three, 
his mourners equaled the number of his acquaintances. 



JOHN TRACY. 
Many of the New England Tracys are descended 
from Sir John Tracy, Knight of Tuddington, county 
of Gloucester, England. A number of the name 
came from England and settled at and about Nor- 
wich, Conn. The first, however, of whom there is 
any definite knowledge was Stephen, who came over 
in the "Ann," and landed at Plymouth in 1623 with 
his wife Tryphosa, whom he had married at Leyden, 
Jan. 2, 1G21. From him it is, very probable Jolni 
Tracy, of whom we write, is descended. He was born 
in Pembroke, Mass., Nov. 11, 1798; is the son of 
Jacob and Hannah (Ford) Tracy, grandson of Asaph 
and Mary (Jacobs), and great-grandson of Thomas, 
who was born about 1695, and resided in Pembroke; 
he died 1755. But little is known of him further 
than the place of his abode, but he must have been a 
man of some consequence, as his name frequently ap- 
pears in the early records of that town. Asaph, his 



son, was born in 1723 ; married Mary Jacobs, 1748, 
who was born 1725, and died Dec. 6, 1786. He died 
July 6, 1799. He was a farmer by occupation, and 
was a Revolutionary soldier. They had children, of 
whom Jacob was One. Jacob was born Aug. 6, 1760, 
at Pembroke, was a farmer and mechanic. He mar- 
ried Hannah Ford, daughter of Johu and Mary Ford, 
Feb. 24, 1788. They removed to Raynham, Mass., 
where their latter years were spent. He died July 
21, 1831 ; she died Oct. 24, 1852. 

John Tracy was quite young when brought by his 
parents to Raynham. Here he grew up to manhood, 
and married Huklah Miles, daughter of Joel and 
Mary Miles, June 1, 1828, in Boston, Mass. She 
was born May 11, 1800, at Fitzwilliam, N. H., and 
died July 21, 1878. He died Dec. 10, 1875. They 
had no offspring. 

Mr. Tracy was a representative farmer and busi- 
ness man of Raynham, and one of its most respected 
citizens. In connection with his farming interests he 
also established a saw-mill, which is still owned and 
operated by his legal successor, James R. Tracy. * 

In politics, he was a Republican. He was assessor 
and selectman of his town, and always closely identi- 
fied with the best interests of the community. Though 
conservative in sentiment, yet he was liberal and pro- 
gressive in his ideas. He was a kind, good man, one 
who spoke and acted fearlessly and from conviction. 
He was very charitable to the poor and liberal towards 
the church. He was a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mrs. Tracy was a noble type of woman, 
pure and exalted in character, and kind and lovable 
in disposition. 

As they had no children of their own they adopted 
James L. S. Russell, who now bears the name of his 
adopted parent. He was born in Boston, Aug. 25, 
1835, came to reside with Mr. Tracy in 1847, and has 
since been a citizen of Raynham. He married, June 
7, 1863, Mary F., daughter of Col. Franklin and Mary 
(Forbes) Leach. She was born March 10, 1844. They 
have two children, — Huldah M. and Louise M. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Tracy are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and for many years their parlors 
have been used weekly as a place of public worship. 
Mr. Tracy is an officer in the church, and one of its 
most liberal sujiporters. Their daughters are bright, 
intelligent, and accomplished. Rev. David Russell, 
father of James, was born in Hartford, Conn., mar- 
ried Lydia Thompson, and had four children — Mary 
E., Charles G., James Lawrence Scott, and Edwin B. 
He was an exemplary Christian, and a gifted minister 
of the Episcopal Churcli. He died in New York City, 
August, 1871, where he was deeply interested in the 
cause of missions. His son Edwin B. is rector of a 
church in Paterson, N. J. Charles G. was first lieu- 
tenant in Company D, Col. Webster's regiment, and 
was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. 
Mrs. Russell died Jan. 5, 1881, aged seventy-nine. 
I James R. Tracy is of active, unobtrusive character, a 



728 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



good citizen, and a worthy Christian. He pays this 
tribute to the memory of his foster-father that his 
name and the record of his good deeds may live 
through the coming years. 



CHAPTER LVIIL' 

TAUNTON. 
Boundaries — Topography — City Orgaoization — Population. 

[PREFATonY Note. — No one can be more sensible than myself of the 
incompleteness of the following sketch. It is not claimed to be a his- 
tory ; at the best, it is bnt a contribution towards a history. But, imper- 
fect as it is, it has extended much further tlian was contemplated when 
I consented to write something concerning the early planting of the 
town and its first settlers. No history of Taunton has yet been written. 
Mr. Baylies furnished much interesting and important matter relating 
to its history for the first fifty years, and Rev. Mr. Emery, in his '* Minis- 
try of Taunton," gave a great deal more, covering a much longer period, 
which is of great value. Sketches, reminiscences, and single items have 
froiA time to time been given to the public, but all this has necessarily 
been fragmentary and, of course, un..^atisfactory. 

In what is here presented it has been my object, so far as possible, to 
let the fathers speak for themselves, and therefore original papers, to a 
greater e,\tent perhaps than some will a|iprove, have been given in their 
integrity. Some of the more im]>ortant laws of the colonial period, de- 
fining the duties of town officers, have also been given in full rather 
than abstracts from them, for it was a characteristic of the early legis- 
lation to give the reasons for particular enactments in the enactments 
themselves in ample and explicit phrase, so that from these laws a 
truer and more graphic picture of the period can be obtained than from 
almost any other source. " The reason of the law is the life of the law." 
For the same reason tlie orders of the General Court and the votes of the 
proprietors are in most instances given at length. .\n abstract or para- 
phrase might be more brief, but the original flavor would be gone. 

It has been a personal satisfaction to commune for a time with the 
fathers and founders of our ancient town and the earlier generations of 
their successors. A higher appreciation of their sturdy manhood and 
integiity has thus been gained. If it shall have this effect in any degree 
upon those who may read what is here written, my best expectations 
will be realized. 

James Henrv Dean. 

Taunton, May, 1883.] 

The city of Taunton lies in the northeasterly part 
of Bristol County, and is bounded on the northwest 
by Norton, on the northeast by Easton, on the east 
by Raynham, Middleborough, and Lakeville, on the 
south by Berkley and Dighton, and on the west by 
Rehoboth. In its greatest lengtli, from northwest to 
southeast, it measures rather over ten miles ; its 
greatest breadth, being across its northwesterly por- 
tion, from northeast to southwest, is nine miles, while 
across its central portion, between Raynham and 
Berkley, it is less than two miles. Its present outline 
is extremely irregular and awkward, the result of 
setting off several new- towns from the original terri- 
tory, in which more regard seems to have been had 
for the symmetry of the parts thus taken than of the 
part that remained. 

It has few marked topographical features, the sur- 
face being generally level. Prospect Hill, two and a 

* By James Henry Dean. 



half miles north of City Square, is one hundred and 
seventy-five feet above City Square, and is the highest 
point within the city limits. At its southerly base 
lies Prospect Hill Pond, a beautiful sheet of water, 
surrounded by liigh land, except on, the southerly 
side, from which a small outlet flows easterly into the 
Fowling Pond in Raynham. Still farther northwest- 
erly are Scadding's and Watson's Ponds, which are 
connected by an outlet from the latter, Scadding's 
also receiving a small stream flowing from Winni- 
cunnett Pond, which lies just across the northwest- 
erly boundary in Norton. Mill River is the outlet of 
Scadding's Pond, and flows in a southerly direction 
through the manufacturing villages of Whittenton, 
Britanniaville, and Hopewell, affording water-power 
to each, and also to several manufactories in the cen- 
tre, and empties into Taunton River at the Neck of 
Land. 

Three-Mile River, formed by the junction of Rum- 
ford and Wading Rivers in Norton, flows through the 
villages of Oakland and Westville, in the westerly 
part of the city, to the village of North Dighton, 
which is partly in Taunton, and from there it forms 
the boundary between Taunton and Dighton for a 
distance of a mile and a half, until it empties into 
Taunton River. It furnishes valuable water-power 
in each of the villages named. 

The principal stream is Taunton River, called by 
the inhabitants the Great River, to distinguish it 
from Mill River, which is commonly called the Little 
River. It has its sources in several small streams in 
Plymouth County, forms the boundary between Rayn- 
ham and Middleborough, Taunton and Middlebor- 
ough, and the southerly boundary between Raynham 
and Taunton. At East Taunton there is a dam which 
furnishes a head of water for the Old Colony Iron 
Company, located there. The tide ebbs and flows to 
this point, and tugs and scows ascend thus far with 
freight. The head of navigation for sailing vessels 
is at Weir village, which has a large and important 
trade in iron, coal, and grain. Some seventeen miles 
below this place, at Fall River, it empties into Mount 
Hope Bay. 

In the easterly part of the city there are several 
ponds, known as Furnace Pond, Robinson c^ King's 
Pond, Dean Factory Pond, and Bear-Hole Pond, 
which afford by their outlets water-power for several 
saw-mills. 

There are forests of considerable extent in the out- 
lying districts, the largest being the Great Cedar 
SwaiTip, several miles in extent, which covers the 
northeasterly corner of the territory. Apart from 
this the prevailing growth is white-pine, although 
there are large oak and maple forests, interspersed 
with chestnut, beech, ash, and other hard-wood trees, 
and pitch-pine is found to some extent. 

On the first Monday of January, 1865, two hundred 
and twenty-eight years, at least, after the first settle- 
ment of Cohannet, and two hundred and twentv-five 



TAUNTON. 



(29 



years after receiving the name of Taunton, a city or- 
ganization was inaugurated, and the territory was 
divided into eight wards. The population at that 
time was 16,005. In 1765 the number of families in 
the town was 493, and the population was 2745; in 
1800 the population was 3860 ; in 1810, 3907 ; in 1820, 
4520. Since the organization of the city the popula- 
tion has increased as follows: 1870, 18,629; 1875, 
20,445; 1880,21,213. 



CHAPTER LIX. 

TAUNTON'— ( Conliuued.) 
Early Explorations— First Settlenieot — Acquisition of Territory. 

Taunton is the oldest settlement in Bristol County, 
and the third in order of time, after Plymouth itself, 
in Plymouth Colony, Scituate having been incor- 
porated in 1636, Duxbury in 1637, and Taunton in 
1639. 

A romantic interest attaches to the pioneers in any 
new enterprise, and especially to those who found a 
new settlement in a wild and uninhabited region. 
And when such enterprise is exposed to dangers from 
savage attack, made more fearful by reason of dis- 
tance from friendly help, our admiration is kindled 
for adventure so daring and heroic. 

Such an interest in the first settlers of Taunton 
must always be felt by the successive generations of 
dwellers in this ancient town. Could the name of the 
very first settler be known, the date when he "sat 
down" here, the location of the lands he first cleared, 
the spot on which stood his first rude dwelling, it 
would satisfy that strong natural desire to ascertain 
the origin of things, and a spot so interesting would 
doubtless be marked by some permanent memorial. 
But such certainty of knowledge is now probably un- 
attainable by the most patient research. The settle- 
ment of Plymouth was made before the eyes of 
the world. Every detail in the movements of the 
" Mayflower," from Provincetown to Plymouth Har- 
bor, has been preserved, and the rock on the shore 
upon which her immortal ship's company stepped as 
they landed has become the " head of the corner" in 
our national temple. The towns north and south of 
Plymouth, upon the sea-shore, were settled mostly by 
Plymouth men, and under the immediate super- 
vision of the parent colony, and so their very earliest 
beginnings are known. But the early settlers of 
Taunton were not from Plymouth, although they 
were men of a like spirit with those colonists. The 
location was far inland, and they had no annalist 
among them like Winslow or Bradford to record their 
doings. Their early history must be gleaned from 
the proprietary records, — often tantalizing in their 

1 By James Henry Dean. 



character, — from the dealings of the government of 
Plymouth Colony with the town after its incorpora- 
tion, and from deeds, wills, and correspondence that 
chance has jireserved, and allusions found in the 
dealings of other towns with this. 

The first Europeans who traversed the territory 
were undoubtedly Edward Winslow, afterwards Gov- 
ernor of Plymouth Colony, and Stephen Hopkins, on 
their journey to visit Massasoit in June or July, 1621. 
The narrative of this visit in " Mourt's Relation," 
written most probably by Winslow himself, has been 
often cited, but it has an appropriate place in this 
history, and is here given in part. The original or- 
thography and punctuation are retained : 

" It seemed good to the Company for many considerations to send 
some amongst them to Massasoyt, tlie greatest Commander amongst the 
Savages, bordering about us; partly to know where to find them, if 
occasion served, as also to see their strength, discover the Country, pre- 
vent abuses in their disorderly coniming unto us, make satisfaction for 
some conceived injuries to be done on our parts, and to continue the 
league of Peace and Friendship between them and UB. For these, and 
the like ends, it pleased the Oovernuur to make choice of Steven Hop- 
kins, & Edward Winsloe to goe unto him, and having a fit upportunitie, 
by reason of a Savage, called Tisquantum (that could speake English) 
coniming unto ns ; with all expedition provided a Horse-mans coat, of 
red cotton, and laced with a slight lace for a present, that both they and 
their message might he the more acceptable amongst them. The Mes- 
sage was as followeth ; That forasmuch as his subjects came often and 
without feare, upon all occasions amongst us, so wee were now come 
unto him, and in witnesse of the love and good will the English beare 
unto him, the Governour hath sent him a coat, desiring that the Peace 
and Aniitie that was betweene them and ns might be continued, not 
that we feared them, but because weiutended not to injure any desiring 
to live peaceably : and as with all men, so especially with them our 
nearest neighbours. But whereas his people came very often, and very 
many together unto ns, bringing for the most part their wives and chil- 
dren with them, they were wellcome; yet we being but strangers as yet 
at Patnxet, alias New Plimmnuth, and not knowing how our Come 
might prosper, we could no longer give them such entertainment as we 
had done, and as we desired still to doe: yet if he would be pleased to 
come himseife, or any Bpeciall friend of his desired to see us, coniming 
from him they should be wellcome; and to the end we might kuow 
theui from others, our Governour had sent him a copper Cliayne, desiring 
if any Messenger should come from him to us, we ntiglit know him by 
bringing it with him, and hearken and give credit to his Blessage accord- 
ingly. Also requesting him tiiat such as have skins, should bring [hem 
to us, and that he would hinder the multitude from oppressing ns with 
them, and whereas at our first arrival! at Faomel (called by us Cape Cod) 
we found there Corne buried in the gi'ound, and finding no inliabitants 
but some graves of dead new buryed, took the Corne, resolving if 
ever we could hears of any that had right thereunto, to make satisfac- 
tion to the full for it, yet since we understand the owners thereof were 
fled for feare of us, our desire was either to pay them with the like qnan- 
titie of corne, Englisli nieale, or any other Commodities we had to 
pleasure them withall; requesting him that some one of bis men might 
signifie so much unto tliem, and we would content him for his paines. And 
last of all, our Governour requested one favour of him, which was, that 
he would exchange some of their Corne for feede with us, that we might 
make t'yall which best agreed with the soyle wliere we live. 

"With these presents and message we set forward tlio tenth June, 
about 9 a clocke in the Blorning, our guide resolving that night to rest 
at ATomrtScAe/, a Towne under Musaasoi/t, and conceived by us to bee very 
neere, because the Inhabitants Jlocked so thicke upon every slight 
occasion amongst us: but wee found it to bee some fifteen English 
myles. On the way we found some ten or twelve men women and 
children, which had pestered us, till wee were wearie of them, perceiv- 
ing that (as the manner of them all is) where victuall is easiliest to be 
got, there the.v live, especially in the summer: by rea.son whereof our 
Bay aifording many Lobsters, tliey resort every spring tide thither: & 
now returned with us to Namaschet. Thither we came about 3 a clocke 
after noone, the Inhabitants eulertaiuing ns with joy, in the best man- 
ner they could, giving us a kinde of bread called by tlieni Maizltun. and 



730 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the spawne of Shnda, which then they got in abundance, in so much | 
as they gave us spoones to pate them, with these they boyled ninstie 
Acorns, but ot the Shads we eate heartily. After this they desired one 
of our uien to shoote at a Crow, complaining what damage they sus- 
tained in their Corne by them, who shooting some fourscore off and 
killing, they much admired it, as otlier shots on other occasions. After 
this Twiuantum told us wee should hardly in one day reach Pakunolcick, 
moving us to goe some 8 myles fnrthur, where we should finde more 
store and better victuals than tiiere : Being willing to hasten our jour- 
ney we went, and came thither at Sunue setting, where we found nniny 
of the Niimiuicheitcka (they so calling the men of Namnschet) fishing 
uppon a Ware which tliey had made on a River which belonged to 
tlieni, where they caught abundance of Basse, These wehommed us 
also, gave us of their fish, and we them of our victuals, not doubting but 
we sliould have enough where ere we came. There we lodged in the 
open fields: for bouses they liad none, though they spent tlie most of 
the Summer there. The head of this Kiver is reported to bee not farre 
.from the place of our abode, upon it are, and have been many Townes, 
it being a good length. The ground is very good on both sides, it being 
for the most part cleeied : Thousands of men have lived there, which 
dyed in a great ptaguo not long since : and pitty it was and is to see, so 
many goodly fieldes, A sf well seated, without men to dress and mauure 
the same. Upon this River dwelleth Massasoi/l: It commeth into tlie 
Sea at the Narrohigtmant Bay, where the French men so much use. A 
sbipp may goo many myles up it, as the Salvages report, and a shallop 
to the liead of it: but so farre as wee saw, wee are sure a Shallop 
may. 

"But to returne to our Journey: The next morning wee brake our 
fast, tooke our leave and departed, being then accompanied with some 
sixe Salvages, having gone about sixe myles by the River side, at a 
knowne shole place, it beeing low water, they spake to us to put oft' our 
breeches, for we must wade thorow. Heere let me not forget the vallour 
and cimrrage of some of the Salvages, on the opposite side of the river, 
for there were remaining alive only 2 men, both aged, especially the 
one being above tJireescoure; These two espying a company of men en- 
tring the River, ran very swiftly & low in the grasse to meet ns at the 
banck, where with shrill voyces and great courage standing charged 
upon us with tlieir bowes, they demanded what we were, supposing us 
to be enemies, and thinking to take advantage on ns in the water: but 
seeing we were friends, tliey welcomed us with such foode as they had, 
and we bestoweil a small bracelet of Beades ou them. Thus fane wee 
are sure the Tide ebs and flows, 

" Having here againe refreshed our selves, we proceeded in our Jour- 
ney, the weather being very bote for travell, yet the Country so well 
■watered that a man could scarce be drie, but he should have a spring at 
hand to coole his thirst, beside small Rivers in abundance; but the Sal- 
vages will not willingly drinke, but at a spring head. When wee came 
to any small Brooke where no bridge was, two of them desired to carry 
us tbniugh of tlieir owne accords, also fearing wee were or would lie 
weary, t>fiVied to carry our peeces, also if we would lay ofl" any of our 
clothes, we should have them carried; and as the one of them bad 
found more special! kindnesse from one of the Messengers, and the 
other Salvage from the other so they shewed their thankefulnesse ac- 
cordingly in affording us all belpe and furtherance in the Journey. 

" As we i)a8sed along, we observed that there were few places by the 
River, but had beene inliabited, by reason whereof, much ground was 
cleare, save of weedes which grewe higher than our hefids. There is 
much good Timber both Oake, Waltnut-tree, Firre, Beech, and exceed- 
ing gn-at Cliesnut-treus. The country in respect of the lying of it, is 
both Clianipanie and hilly, like many places in England. In some 
places its very rockie both above ground and in it: And though the 
Conn trey bee wilde and overgrowne with woods, yet the trees stand not 
Ihicke, but a hum may well ride a horse amongst them. 

'' Passing on at length, one uf the company, an Indian, espied a man, 
and ttdd the rest uf it, we asked them if they feared any, they told us 
that if they were Narrohiggamet tiien they wuuld not trust them, whereat, 
we called for (>nr peeces and bill tliem not to feare ; for though they were 
twenty, we two alone would nut care for them: but they buyling liim, 
hee proved a Irieiul, and had onely two women with him : their baskets 
were empty, but they fetched water in their bottles, so that we drauke 
with tliem and departed. Alter wo met another man with other two 
women, which had beene at Randevow by the salt water, and their bas- 
kets were full of rosted Crab fishes, and other dryed shell fish, of which 
they gave us, and wee eate and dranke with them: and gave each of the 
women a string of Beades, and departed. 

"After wee came to a Towne of Massasoyts^ where we eat Oysters and 
other fisli. From thence we went to Packanokick." 



The date given as the time of starting on this ex- 
pedition is probably wrong, as the 10th of June fell 
on Sunday, when these strict observers of the Lord's 
day would be most unlikely to undertake such a jour- 
ney. Morton, in the " New England Memorial/* 
gives July 2d, which was Monday, a^ the time, and 
Bradford, in his " History of Plymouth Plantation," 
gives the same date. This agrees better with other 
events narrated by Winslow, and is probably correct. 

Namaschet, the Indian village where they first 
stopped, is in the town of Middleborough, upon Na- 
masket River, which is an outlet of Assowompset 
Pond, and empties into Taunton River. There the 
first English settlement in that town was made, and it 
still bears the name of Namasket village. The place 
where they spent the night was on Taunton River, in 
the northwesterly part of Middleborough, called by 
the Indians, together with the region in that vicinity, 
Tetiquet. A pleasant village in the same locality 
perpetuates the name as Titicut. It was also an- 
ciently known as the Old Indian Wear. From there 
it seems they followed the river until they reached 
" the knowne shole place,'' which was undoubtedly at 
Squawbetty, or East Taunton, at or near the location 
of the Old Colony Iron-Works, where they crossed 
the river and continued their journey on the northerly 
and westerly side, probably along the route of the pres- 
ent road from East Taunton to Taunton Green, through 
Dean Street, and so following the river southerly, 
through the present towns of Dighton, Somerset, and 
Swansea, to " Packanokick," the residence of " Massa- 
soyt," in what is now Warren, R. I. 

In March, 1023, Winslow made another visit to 
Massasoit, his companion being John Hampden, 
thought by Hon. Francis Baylies, in his "History of 
Plymouth Colony," and by Dr. Belknap, in " Ameri- 
can Biography," to be the English patriot of tliat 
name so prominent in the time of Charles I. The 
first part of Winslow's narrative is as follows: 

*' During the time that the captain i^Slandish) was at Macomet, news 
came to Plymouth that Massassowat was like to die, and that at the 
same time there was a Dutch ship driven so high ou the shore by stress 
of weather, right before his dwelling, that till the tides increased she 
could not be got off. Now, it l-eing a commendable manner of the In- 
dians, when any, especially of note are dangerously sick, for all that 
profess friendship to them to visit them in their extremity, either in 
their persons or else to send some acceptable persons to them ; there- 
fore, it was thought meet, being a good and warrantable action, that as 
we bad ever prtffessed friendship so we should now maintain the same 
by observing this their laudable custom; and the rather because we de- 
sired to have some conference with the Dutch, not knowing when wo 
should have so fit an opportunity. To that end myself, having formerly 
been there and understanding in some measure the Dutch tongue, the 
Governor laid this service upon myself, and fitted me with some cordials 
to administer to him: having one Master John Hamden, a gentleman 
of London, who then wintered with us and desiied much to seethe 
country for my comfort, and Hobbamock for our guide. So wo set for- 
ward and lodged the first night at Nemasket, where we bad friendly 
entertainment. 

" The next day about one of the clock we came to a ferry in Conbat- 
auls' country, where upon discharge of my piece divers Indians came 
to us from a house not far off." 

The " ferry" referred to is thought to have been 
where Slade's Ferry now is, between Somerset and 



TAUNTON. 



731 



Fall River. It is reasonable to suppose that Winslow 
took the same route as on his former visit, sto|)ping, 
as he says, the first night at " Nemasket," and follow- 
ing the river till he reached the ferry. 

As to the identity of his companion with the John 
Hampden of the English revolution, Drake, in his 
edition of Baylies, says, " It is pretty certain that the 
patriot was a resident of London between 1619 and 
1623. On a survey of what is at present known on 
the subject, it seems quite probable that Dr. Belknap 
conjectured rationally, and that there is more than a 
probability that the afterwards renowned gentleman 
was once in New England." Savage, however, in 
" Genealogical Dictionary," strongly dissents from this 
conclusion, and rather ridicules the idea. In this bal- 
ancing of probabilities, aided by the few known facts, 
the preponderance is rather in favor of the belief that 
the renowned patriot did winter in Plymouth, and 
desiring much to see the country, followed the course 
of our beautiful river from Titicut to the " ferry" 
with Winslow, and with him visited the sick sachem 
of the Wampanoags. 

In the accounts of these visits, Winslow gives the 
only original description we have by an actual ob- 
server of the territory of Taunton and the other towns 
on Taunton River as it appeared before any settle- 
ments were made by the English. His graphic pic- 
ture is of very deep interest. The ground was very 
good on both sides, springs and small .streams 
abounded; thousands of men had lived there who 
died in a great plague ; much ground was clear, save 
of weeds, which grew higher than their heads ; there 
was much good timber, and pity it was to see so 
many goodly fields, and so well seated, without men 
to dress and manure the same. 

The vacant ground, deserted, depopulated, waited 
for a superior race to enter in and subdue it and 
multiply therein. Just how long it waited for the 
beginning of a permanent settlement we know not. 
There is a tradition, mentioned by Mr. Baylies, that 
settlers were here as early as 1626 ; but the tradition 
fastens upon no names or localities, and has nothing 
to support it. 

• In Plymouth Colony Records, voL.i. p. 53, under 
date of March 7, 1636-37, there is a list of one hun- 
dred and twenty-three names, headed, "The names of 
the Freemen." At the end of the list, inclosed in a 
bracket, are the following seven names : Mr. William 
Poole, Mr. John Gilbert, Sr., Mr. Henrj' Andrews, 
John Stronge, John Deane, Walter Deane, Edward 
Case, and against them the words, " of Cohannett." 
This was the Indian name of the locality, and the 
name by which the settlement was at first designated. 
The residence of no others in the list is designated, 
except " Mr. John Lathrop, pastor of Scituate." The 
best of evidence is thus furnished that early in the 
year 1637 a settlement was already established here 
having at least seven freemen. In vol. xi. of the 
same records (Laws), p. 27, under date of Oct. 2, 



1637, in the margin, are these words, " Taunton began 
here to be added to this bookc." In vol. i. p. 10.5, 
Dec. 4, 1638, is this entry, " John Strong is sworne 
constable of Cohannett until June next." In vol. xi. 
again, p. 31, March 5, 1638-39, it is ordered, "That 
Captaine Poole shall exercise the inhabitants of Co- 
hannett in their armes." 

Ancient Cohannett had thus both a civil and mili- 
tary organization. The appointment of constable 
was a recognition of the settlement as a separate 
town. No formal acts of incorporation were passed 
in that early time, as was the custom afterwards, but 
when a community had acquired the quality of per- 
manence, bad sufficient numbers to form a church 
and support a minister, and a reasonable prospect of 
being able to defend itself against Indian attacks, it 
was allowed by the government at Plymouth to have 
officers and an organization of it.s own, and was 
thenceforth treated as a political unit. The only 
civil officer, intrusted with executive functions also, 
appointed for the towns for a long time was the con- 
stable. He represented the power and authority of 
the General Court. He was the right hand of the 
government in each separate community. He per- 
formed the duties of a sheriff, of a police-officer, of 
a collector of public rates and taxes, and was the 
guardian of the good order and morals of the inhab- 
itants. The importance and comprehensive nature of 
his duties may best be seen by the form of oath pre- 
scribed, which was as follows : 

"You shall swear to be truly loyal to our sovereign lord, King Charles, 
his heirs and successors. You shall faithfully serve in the office of con- 
stable fur the ward of for tiie present yi-ar, according to that 

measure of wisdom, understanding, and discretion God hath given you, 
in which time you shall diligently see that His Majesty's peace com- 
manded be not broken, but shall carry the person or persons before the 
Governor of this corporation or some one of his assistants, and there 
attend the hearing of the case, and such order as shall be given you. 
You sIihU apprehend all suspicious persons and bring them before the 
said Governor or some one of his assistants as aforesaid. You shall duly 
and truly serve such warrants and give such summons as shall be di- 
rected to you from the Governor or assistants before mentioned, and 
shall labor to advance the peace and bai)pinesd of tliis corporation, and 
to oppose anything that shall seem to annoy the same by all due means 
and courses. So help you God, who is the God of truth and punisher of 
falsehood." 

After the civil organization was effected, the next 
thing to be done was to appoint a military officer, 
who should form a company from those of suitable 
age and exercise them in their arms. And so Capt. 
Poole was appointed to that duty. Although the 
treaty made by the Plymouth Colony with Massasoit 
in 1621 had thus far been faithfully kept, yet as the 
colonists were few in number and sojnewhat widely 
separated, and the Indian character was not entirely 
reliable, common prudence dictated the necessity of 
keeping themselves constantly on a war footing. The 
General Court made strict regulations as to the num- 
ber of arms, the amount of ammunition and other 
military stores that should be kept in readiness by 
the towns, and prescribed regular days for the train- 
ings. 



732 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Up to the year 1639 the whole body of the freemen 
had been required to attend the General Courts at 
Plymouth. In this body thus constituted resided the 
authority for making all needlul regulations and 
laws. As the number of freemen increased, and new 
settlements sprang up at considerable distances from 
Plymouth, this duty became not only inconvenient 
but extremely burdensome. It was apparent that the 
system must soon become entirely impracticable. To 
meet tliis difficulty the General Court at a session 
held March 5, 1638, old style (16.39, new style), in- 
augurated the representative system by passing an 
act as follows : " Whereas, complaint is made that 
the freemen are put to many inconveniences by their 
continual attendance at the courts ; it is therefore 
enacted by the court, and the authority thereof, for 
the care of the several towns of this government, that 
each town shall make choice of two of their freemen, 
and the town of Plymouth of four, to be committees 
or deputies to join with the bench, to enact and make 
all such laws and ordinances as shall be judged to be 
good and wholesome for the whole, provided that the 
laws they do enact shall be propounded one court to 
be considered of till the next, and then to be con- 
firmed if they shall be approved of, except the case 
require present confirmation ; and if any act shall be 
confirmed by the court and committees which upon 
further deliberation shall prove prejudicial to the 
whole, that the freemen at the next election court, 
after meeting together, may repeal the same and 
enact any other useful for the whole ; and that every 
township shall bear their committee's charges, which 
is two shillings and sixpence a day, and that such as 
are not freemen but have taken the oath of fidelity, 
and are masters of families, and inhabitants of the 
said town, as they are to bear part in the charges of 
the committees, are to have a vote in the choice of 
them, provided they choose them, only of the freemen 
of the said town whereof they are ; but if such com- 
mittees shall be insufiicient or troublesome, that then 
the bench and the other committees may dismiss 
them, and the town to choose other freemen in their 
places." 

At the next session of the General Court, June 4, 
1689, deputies were present from Plymouth, Duxbury, 
Scituate, Sandwich, Cohannett, and Yarmouth. Capt. 
William Poole, Mr. John Gilbert, and Henry Andrews 
are named as the deputies from Cohannett. Among 
the acts passed at the session held March 3d follow- 
ing (1640) appears this brief statement: " That Co- 
hannett shall be called Taunton." No further legis- 
lation upon the subject appears. By these few words 
the Indian Cohannett became the English Taunton. 
In a report made by a committee of the town many 
years after, the reason for the change of name is given 
in these words : '" In honor and love to our dear and 
native country, we called this place Taunton." But 
this act was not the incorporation of the town, although 
it is commonly spoken of as such. No new powers' 



were thereby conferred. Under its former name civil 
and military officers had been appointed, and it had 
been represented by deputies in the General Court. 
The precise date when the settlement became a town 
it may be difficult to fix, because, as has already been 
stated, no formal act creating the town was ever passed. 
The appointment of a constable in December, 1638, 
is a significant fact'; the naming of the seven freemen 
in March, 1637, as of Cohannett seems to be such a 
recognition of its distinct character as to warrant the 
belief that it was then clothed with the authority of 
a town. 

The first purchase of territory, it is generally agreed, 
was made in 1637. The names of the purchasers, with 
the shares owned by each, stand in the following 
order : 



Henry TJxley 8 

Ricliiird Williams 12 

.loBeph Wilson 8 

Bi-njamln Wilson 8 

William Coy 8 

George Hall 12 

David Corwitliy 12 

Mr. William Pool 12 

George Macy 8 

William Phillips 8 

William Hailstone 8 

William Parker ;'. 12 

John Parker. 8 

John Riclimond 6 

William Holloway 12 

The Widow Randall 6 

Francis Doty 12 

William Dunn 8 

William Harvey 8 

Hezekiah Hoar 8 

Walter Dean 12 

John Dean 12 

John Strong 12 



Henry Andrews K. 12 

Thomas Cooke 6 

John SmitI 12 

Mr. Thomas Farwell 12 

Edward Ca^e 8 

John Kingsley 12 

Richard Paul 6 

Richard Snnth 12 

Mr. .John Gilbert 12 

William S(^adding 12 

John Bryant 6 

Anthony Slocum 8 

John Gengille 8 

Francis Street 8 

Hngh Rossiter 8 

John Gilbert 12 

Thomas Gilbert 12 

Robert Hobell „ 6 

Richard Bnrt „ 8 

John Grossman .'. 6 

John Lnther 6 

John Drake 12 

Mr. John Brown 



The foregoing list is given upon the authority of 
Mr. Baylies. It is not identical with the list now to 
be found in the proprietors' records, which is the 
only one now known to exist. Mr. Baylies, writing 
fifty years ago, probably had access to some papers 
among the old records which have since been lost. 
The most of the names on both lists, however, are 
the same. The deed, if any was given by the Indian 
owners of the territory, has long since disappeared, 
and no copy of it is on record. 

This first purchase has been called by Mr. Baylies 
and by others following him the" Tetiquet purchase," 
on the supposition that it was made from the Tetiquet 
Indians. There are not sufficient grounds for such 
belief, as will hereafter be shown. 

In 1640 the territory thus purchased was run out 
and bounded by a committee appointed by the court, 
in pursuance of the authority constantly exercised 
over purchases of lands and the boundaries of towns. 
The report of the committee is found in Plym.outh 
Colonial Records, vol. ii. page 99, and is here given : 

" The limits and bounds of the town of Taunton, 
alias Cohannett, within the Government of Plymouth, 
bounded and ranged for length and breadth, by order 
of the Court, by Miles Standish and John Brown, 
gentlemen a.ssistants in the government, the nine- 
teenth day of June, anno domini 1640, in XVI. year 
of our sovereign Lord, Charles etc., as follows, viz.: 



TAUNTON. 



733 



" htiprinns. From two marked trees near unto Assonet, a neck of 
land lying between Assonet and them lying southerly, and from the 
said marked trees ranging east and by sonth foui' miles; ranging also 
from the extent of the four miles north and by west; also fiom two 
marked trees near the Three-IiUle River, lying southerly of Tannton, the 
range to run four miles west and by north ; and from the extent of this 
last-mentioned four miles, the range to run north and by west eight 
miles; moi'eover, from the extent of this eight miles range, then the 
range to run on the east and by south line to meet with the former ex- 
pressed north and by west line upon a long square; always provided, 
that if these ranges do not take in a place of Schadingmore meadows, 
the sjiid SLdiiidingmore meadows to be included as belonging to the 
aforesaid town of Taunton, with one thousand acres of upland near ad- 
jacent unto said meadows; provided likewise, that these lines do not 
entitle the said town of Taunton to intermeddle within two miles of 
Teiglitaquid. 

" Miles Standish. 
"John Biiowx." 

John Brown, of the above committee, was the same 
person as Mr. John Brown the last in the list of pur- 
chasers. He afterwards removed to Kehoboth, and 
was for many years one of the Governor's assistants. 

The only permanent monument given in the boun- 
daries of the town is Three-Mile River. The starting 
point was undoubtedly on the east side of Tauntou 
River, opposite to and somewhat north of the mouth of 
Three-Mile River. From thence the line extended 
four miles eaSt and by south, thence north and by west, 
making an acute angle twenty-two and one-half de- 
grees less than a right angle. Then returning, crossing 
the river, and starting from a point near Three-Mile 
River, where the present line between Taunton and 
Dighton first strikes the river, it ran four miles west 
and by north, making the whole line eight miles in 
length. Thence running eight miles north and by west, 
making an obtuse angle twenty-two and one-half de- 
grees more than a right angle, and from thence running 
again east and by south, making an acute angle and 
meeting the first north and by west line. It was in- 
tended to be eight miles on a side, but the measure- 
ments in those days were liberal. It was not rectan- 
gular but diamond.-shaped, and was hence called a 
long square. The northerly angle was within about 
two miles of tlie Massachusetts Colony line, and near 
the centre of the present town of Mansfield. 

It was not long before a request was made for an 
increase of pasture and meadow lands, and in March, 
1640, the court answered it by passing the following 
order : 

" Whereaa, the inhabitants of Cohannett, now called Taunton, have 
complained of their great want of meadow grounds, the which has 
been seriously weighed and considered upon special order of the 
whole court, and frnding their want to be such that unless they be 
supplied of meadow lands they cannot comfortably there subsist, 
the court doth therefore now order and grant the meadow lands at 
Assonet and betwixt Taunton and Assonet on both sides of the river 
unto the said inhabitants of Tauntou, provided always that the minis- 
ters and people now there which are fit and do precede and continue in 
a church estate there the space of seven years next ensuing (except 
some special act of God do hinder the same), that then the meadow 
lands aforesaid shall he to them and their heirs forever. And the court 
doth further order that they will see Mr. Hooke, Mr. Streete, and Mrs. 
Pool shall have competent meadow and uplands for farms laid forth for 
them about May next, by Capt. Standish and such othere with him as 
shall be especially assigned thereto." 

In June, 1643, another grant was made, as follows : 



" Concerning the request of the inhabitants of Taunton for wood and 
lands. 

'■ The Court is willing to condescend thus far, that those lands which 
belong to Ilesbone may be procured them by all due means, and with 
what convenient speed may be ; also, that the liest and speediest means 
be used to procure them further enlargement on that side the main river 
to answer Mr. Hook's and Mr. Street's farms on the other side; and 
whereas, they desire the neck of Assonet for pasturing young beasts, it 
is also grajited by the Court, provided leave can be procured from Ussa- 
mequiu,and all payments to be made by themselves, without any charge 
to the country; but whereas, the timber is requested below the said 
bounds, that we cannot grant without great detriment to another plan- 
tation intended below that." 

Rev. William Hooke, the first minister of Taunton, 
Rev. Nicholas Streete settled at the same time as 
teacher of the church, and the successor of Mr. Hooke 
in the pastoral office, and Elizabeth Pool, sister of 
Capt. William Pool, who has been called the foundress 
of Taunton, are the persons referred to by those names 
in the foregoing grants. 

At the General Court held Oct. 5, 1663, an enlarge- 
ment of territory on the southeast was granted, as 
follows: 

"The inhabitants of the town of Taunton having several times, for 
divers years, complained of the straitness of the bounds of their town, 
aud having petitioned the Court for some enlargement, the Court, having 
desired some to take a view of what they have desired, and finding that 
it is not likely to he prejudicial to any, they grant as follo»eth, viz.: 
that the path which goeth from Namasakett to Assonet River be their 
bounds on the southeast, and so by a line from thence to Baiting Brook, 
and from Baiting Brook a north line till it meet with their opposite 
line called the Long Square, provided that it come not within two miles 
of Tetacutt; also it is granted that the inhabitants of Taunton that have 
interest in the iron-works there shall have free liberty to cut wood on 
those lands for the use of their iron-works, but not any foreigner, ex- 
cepting Richard Church, of Hingham." 

The largest addition of territory was made in June, 
1668, and was called the North Purchase. It com- 
prised all the lands between Bridgewater on the east, 
Rehoboth North Purchase (now Attleborough) on the 
west, the Massachusetts line on the north, and Taun- 
ton first purchase on the south. The whole of the 
present town of Easton, nearly all of Mansfield, and 
almost half of Norton was included in this purchase. 
The movement culminating in this purchase com- 
menced as early as 1661. In October of that year 
the Plymouth Court made this order: "The Court 
have granted unto the ancient freemen of Taunton, 
that in case any land can be found on the north side 
of Taunton bounds, towards Seeounke cartway, which 
will not fall within any lands already put in for by 
the children of the first comers, that they may make 
report thereof to the Court ; and a competency shall 
be granted unto them, if the Court shall see reason." 

The matter was again referred to by the court held 
in June, 1662, when the major, Capt. Southworth, and 
Capt. Bradford were appointed to purchase lands on 
the northerly bounds of Taunton of the Indians in 
behalf of thirty-two persons named in the order 
several of whom belonged in Plymouth. In October 
following Capt. Willett and some others w'hom he 
should think best were requested by the court to 
view the bounds of Taunton, wherein they desired to 
be enlarged, and if he should see it convenient, and 



734 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



not prejudicial to others, to confirm it to them. 
The matter then seems to have rested until 1668, 
when the grant was made as follows : 

•' Whereas the General Ckturt of New Plymouth have empowered Mr. 
Thomas Prence, Major Josias Winslow. Capt. Thomas Southworth, and 
Mr. Constant Southworth to take notice of some purchases of laud 
lately made by Capt. Thomas Willett, and to settle and dispose the said 
lands for the Colony's use; know therefore all whom it may anyway 
concern, that the above named Mr. ThonmsPrence. Capt. Thomas South- 
worth, Mr. Constant Southworth, and Major Josias Winslow, by virtue 
of power by and from the said Court, devised unto them, have and by 
these presents do bargain, sell, grant, alien, allott, confer and make 
over unto Richard Williams, Walter Dean, George Macy.Jjinies Walker, 
Joseph Wilbore, William Harvey, Tiiomas Leonard, John Turner, Henry 
Andrews, John Cobb, George Hall, John Hall, Samuel Hall. James 
Leonard, sen'r., Nathaniel Williams, Thomaa Williams, Nicholas 
White, sen'r, Nicholas White, jun'r., Hezekiah Hoar, Alice Dean, 
Robert Grossman, Sluulrach Wilbore, Thomas Caswell, John Macumber, 
John Smith, Edward Kew, John Parker, Saumel Paul, Thomas Linkon, 
sen'r., Thom as Ha rvey, the elder, Nathaniel Thayer, Thomas Linkon, 
Jr., Peter Pitts,Jonah Austin, sen'r., John Tlicliniond,Siimuol W illiums, 
Christopher TliraslierT'MiBtress Jane Gilbert, George Watson, Samuel 
Smith, James Burt, Richard Burt, John Tisdale, sen'r., John Tisdale, 
jun'r., James Phillips, Edward Babbitt, John Hatlieway, Jonathan 
Briggs, Increase Robinson, John Bryant, Thomas Harvey, jun'r., 
Proprietors of the town of Taunton, and to their heirs forever, a 
certain tract of land lying and being on the northerly side of Taun- 
ton, aforesaid, and is bounded as foUoweth, viz.: Beginuing on the 
northfvest, at the bounds of the lauds formerly sold hy us unto the 
town of Rehoboth, and to be bounded on the northerly side by the 
Massachusetts line, until it cometU to beare with the western bounds 
of the town of Bridgewater, and so from the said Massachusetts line 
by a south line home to the bounds of Taunton, and thence by a west- 
erly line until it meets with the bounds of Rehoboth, aforesaid, and 
60 to follow all the lands within this compass, excepting only a small 
parcell granted unto John Bundy, and also a grant made unto Thomas 
Briggs (the sou of Clement Briggs), together with the meadows, woods, 
waters, and all other benefits, privileges, emoluments, profits, and im- 
munities thereunto appertaining and belonging. 

"To Have and to Hold," etc. 

Dated June 1, 166S. The consideration paid was 
one hundred pounds. 

The name of Mr. George Shove was afterwards, 
March 8, 1682, affixed in the margin by order of the 
court upon satisfactory proof that he was a proprie- 
tor. Mr. Shove was the third minister of Taunton. 

Meantime a movement had been set on foot to pro- 
cure lands down the river for an enlargement iu that 
direction. In July, 1667, the court granted unto some 
ancient freemen living in Taunton, viz. : Richard 
Williams, Walter Dean, George Hall, AUis Dean, 
(the wife of John Dean, deceased), Mr. John Pool, 
Peter Pitts, James Walker, and Henry Andrews, that 
they shall have some supplies of land upon the west 
side of Taunton River, if not already granted to any 
other, or some other place if it may be obtained. 

Again, in March, 1672, "James Walker and John 
Richmond are autliorized by the court to purchase 
the land of the Indians in the behalf of the town of 
Taunton, lying on the west side of Taunton River, 
from the Three Mile River down to a place called the 
Store House." 

The town also took action in the matter as follows : 

"This Gth of May, IfiCQ. The town hath voted and chosen Lieut. 
George Macy, Henry Andrews, and Joseph Wilbore to go down to Philip 
Sachem and confirm with him about buying of ye land from the Three 
Mile River down as far as Store House point, as far as the meadows, 



:^ 



and to buy it of ye Sachem as far as they can into ye woods from ye 
Great River, an<l what bargain the above said men shall make with him 
the town doth engage to perform, and the above said men are to go 
duwn about the abovesaid design the next week." 

"This Isth of December, 1671. It is voted and agreed upon by ye 
town that the selectmen now in being are now empowered to use the 
best of their discretion for ye procuring of ye land down ye river from 
ye Tliree-Mile River to Store House point, that it may be confirmed to 
our township by the Court." 

" This 19th October, 167'2. It is voted, and ye town hath chosen Lieut. 
George Macy, Ensign Thomas Leonard, and William Wilberell, to go to 
Plymouth to act for ye good of ye town, about ye new purchase down ye 
river as need may require for ye good of ye town. 

"This 2d of September, 1672. The purchasers or free inhabitants of 
Taunton beingin a probable way to purchase a certain tract of land lying 
down ye great river, of Philip Sachem, therefore, for the better managing 
of ye purchase of ye said land, and for the procuring of fiim deeds from 
ye said Sachem and for ye looking to ye payment of ye purchase of the 
said land, the abovesaid purchasers hath chosen this committee follow- 
ing: William Brenton, Esq., Walter Dfan, William Harvey, Lieut. 
George Macy, James Walker, John Richmond, Richard Williams.'' 

This committee were given full power to make deeds 
of the Indians, proportion what every man should 
pay, and if any man should fail to pay he should 
lose his right. In furtherance of the plan this com- 
mittee obtained a deed from Philip, the son of Mas- 
sasoit and sachem of the Pokanokets, conveying a 
tract three miles by four, beginning at Three-Mile 
River, and extending southerly by the Great River 
three miles, and westerly from the river four miles, 
for the consideration of one hundred and forty-three 
pounds. This deed was dated Sept. 28, 1672. By a 
deed dated Oct. 1, 1672, Philip conveyed to Mr. Con- 
stant Southworth, treasurer of the colony, ** the other 
mile iu breadth and four miles in length, adjoining 
the three miles in breadth and four miles in length 
already sold to Taunton men," which deed Mr. South- 
worth assigned to the committee. The consideration 
paid was tbrty-seveu pounds. The whole tract, four 
miles square, was conveyed by the committee to the 
associates by a declaratory deed, which is recorded in 
the Taunton Proprietors' Records, vol. iv. p. 232, and 
I is as follows : 

"Know all men whom it may concern, that whereas we, William s, 
Brenton, Esqr., Richard Williams, Walter Dean, James Walker, Wil- 
liam Harvey, and John Richmond, hath through difticulty obtained of 
Philip, Sachem, and of Mr. Constant iSouthworth, as Treasurer for ye 
Colony of New Plymouth, a tract of land containing four mile square, 
lying and situate below ye Three-Mile River (so called), for themselves 
and their associates, as appeals by deeds, we, ye abovesaid William ^ 
Brenton, Esq., Richard Williams, Walter Dean, James Walker, William / 
Harvey, and John Richmond, do, hy these presents, declare to be our 
associates, and to be ecjually interested in ye abovesaid four miles of 
land, the now living free inhabitants of ye town of Taunton, whose 
names are underwritten, always piovided that all those associates shall 
truly and faithfully pay, or cause to be paid, their full propordon to ye 
purchase, and all other necessary charges expended in or about ye 
above-said land, as they shall be appointed, both to ye sum and specia 
and time and place of payment; hut if any of these associates shall re- 
fuse or fail to pay their full proportion to all payments as abovesaid, 
they shall lose their right and interest to ye abovesaid land, and it shall 
he forfeited to ye remainder of ye associates. 3dly. That these asso- 
ciates shall not make any alienation of their part or interest in ye 
abovesaid land to any foreigner, except first approved by the town of 
Taunton. The names of ye associates. 

*'Johu Tisdale, sen'r, George Shove, Giles Gilbert, John Macomber, 
sen'r, John Dean, Peter Pitts, Mr, John Pool, Edward Rew, Henry 
Andrews, Jr., Nicliolas_WJ4te, sen'r, Thomas Leonard, Thomas 
Dean, James TiscTiile, Thomas Linkon, seu'r, Francis Smith, Georgo 



TAUNTON. 



735 



Watson, Sh ad nicli M'ilbore, Samuel Smith, Samuel Holloway, Joseph 

Hall, George Macy, Hezekiah Hoar, Jaiii«?s Phillips, Joseph Williore, 

Thomas Gilbert, Christopher Thrasher, John Coli, Thomas Caswell, 

Samuel Pitts, Samuel Hall, Natliauiel Williams, Joseph Williams, 

Israel Deau, Thomas Linkon, Jr., James Burt, Richard Stacy, John 

Smith, sen'r, Rober t Gr ossman, een'r, Slalachi Holloway, Mary 

Street, Henry Andrews, .lohn Hall, John Hathaway, Aaron Knap, 

Richard Burt, John Briant, Edward Bobit, William Wetherell, 

Samuel Williams, James Leonard, sen'r, Robert Thuruton, John 

1^ Tisdale, Jr., Jonathan Briggs, John Turner, Jonah Austin, sen'r, 

Jolin Hodges, Thomas Harvey, sen'r, William I'anll, Easter GoUop, 

,. Kathaniel Thayer, Increase Robinson, Ezra Dean, Peter Walker, 

Nicholas White, Jr., James Leonard, Jr., Richard Stephens, Jonah 

Austin, Jr., John Smith, Jr., Aaron Knap, Jr.. Joseph Willis, 

Thomas Harvey, Jr., William Hailstone, Israel Thrasher, James 

Bell, John Linkon, Thomas Williams, Richard Briggs, John Ma- 

coniber, .Jr., ye son of John Macomber, John Eddy, Isaac Dean, 

James Walker, Jr., Samuel Macy. Jared Talbot, Stephen Caswell, 

William Witherell, Edward Cobb, Thomas Armshee. 

" These persons named we acknowledge to be our associates upon the 

condition above written. 

"November 26, 1672. 

"Walter Dean, "Richard Williams, 

"William Harvey, "James Walker, 

"John Richmond." 

Assonet Neck was conveyed, Nov. 12, 1677, by 
Constant Southworth, treasurer of the colony, to 
^ George Shove, James Walker, James Tisdale, Walter 
Dean, William Harvey, and Richard Williams. 
This and several other unoccupied tracts of territory 
in this part of the colony had been pledged by the 
government for the payment of the soldiers engaged 
in the Indian war of 1675 and 1676. The lands on 
the east side of Taunton River, between the bounds 
of the first purchase and Assonet Neck, seem to have 
been included in the previous grants of 1640 and 
1643, which were in somewhat indefinite terms. In 
July, 1682, the following order was passed: "This 
court orders the land called Assonett Necke, being 
purchased by some of Taunton, that the said tract of 
land shall be in the township of Taunton." This 
was the last grant of territory to the town of Taunton. 
It now included the present towns of Dighton, Berk- 
ley, Raynham, Norton, Easton, and Mansfield. Rut it 
was not until 1711, when Norton was incorporated, 
that it began to be shorn of its large dimen.sions. 

As to the question of whom the first purchase was 
made, in the absence of the original deed and of any 
copy, other proof must be resorted to for an answer. 
In the first place the purchase was made under the 
direction and by the permission of the Plymouth 
Court, who acknowledged Mas.sasoit as the chief 
sachem and owner of all the territory in Plymoutli 
Colony. The boundaries as fixed by Standish and 
Browne provide that these lines do not entitle the 
said town of Taunton to intermeddle within two miles 
of Titicut. The territory of Bridgewaterwas bought 
of Massasoit. The North Purchase is said to have 
been made of King Philip, the son and successor of 
Massasoit, by the committee of the General Court, 
who conveyed it to the Taunton proprietors. The 
South Purchase was also made of Pliilip. In a con- 
firmatory deed, given by Governor Hinckley in 1685, 
intended to include all the lands then belonging to 



Taunton, it is recited tliat " the first settlers, proprie- 
tors, and some of the said iiiliabitants, having also 
purchased the said lands of Woosoquequen (aHas 
Ousameqnin, Massasoit), the then chief sachem of 
Mount Hope and the Pokanket country, and since 
confirmed unto them by Philip, his son," etc. This 
is a significant recognition of the fact that the first 
purchase was made of Massasoit. 

Still more significant is the confirmatory deed of 
King Philip given in 1668. Mr. Baylies simply re- 
fers to the deed without giving a copy, and as it is 
interesting in itself and has an important bearing 
upon the point in question it is here presented: 

PHILIP'S CONFIRMATORY DEED. 

" March 23, 1663. These Presents witnesseth. That whereas there 
was a plantation granted by the Court of Plymouth in the year one 
thousand si.\ hundred thirty-eight fnnlned Taunton) to sundry per- / 
sons who there sat down, viz,, Capt. William Pool, Mr. John Gilbert, '^ 
Henry Andrews, John Dean, Walter Dean, and sundry others, the 
bounds of which plantation are expressed in the grant of the Court of 
Plymouth according to the several points of the compass, therein ex- 
pressed, which plantation so bounded as above mentioned, together 
with the meadows upon the Great River downward so far as the Store 
House Point so called, with all the meadows of Assonett and Broad 
Cove, with a small tract of land bought of Ishhen lying betwixt the 
marked tree at the pond and tite mouth of the Nistoquahamock on the 
Three-Hile River, which lands and meadows with their appurtenances 
immunities, and privileges whatsoever so bought of Ossamequin by the 
parties above-mentioned : I Philip Sachem do therefore by these pres- 
ents, ratify and confirm for myself my heirs and successors the granted 
premises made by the Court of Plymouth and also assented unto by Os- 
Bamequin my father, to the aforesaid inhabitants of Taunton and their 
heirs and successors forever, peaceably to enjoy without molesfcition or 
disturbance from, by or under me. Witness my hand and seal the day 
and year above written. 

"Philip the Sachebi 
"his P mark 

" and [seal]. 
" Witness 

"John Sassomon, /«Ier^rcter. 

" The mark X of Pemichason iillis NiMROD. 

" This confirmation was signed and sealed before me the day and year 
above expressed. 

" Witness my hand, Thomas Willett." 

A communication from John Riclimond, son of the 
first John Richmond, refers to the first purchase as to 
a matter within his personal knowledge, and would 
seem to settle the question. Such parts as have a 
bearing upon the matter are as follows: 

"Taunton, April 30, 1698. A comnmnication from 
John Richmond addressed to Lieut.-Col. Elisha 
Hutchinson, Esq., Capt. Samuel Sewall, Esq., and 
Elisha Cook, Esq., Boston." 

After referring to a dispute with Bridgewater men 
about town bounds, and to what liis neighbor Hatha- 
way had said, he proceeds : 

"And, first, I desire it may be considered bow 
inconsistent to justice their sense is, for they say and 
sense it that although Taunton hath the eldest grant, 
yet it is theirs notwithstanding, because it was granted 
before ; and although it be Taunton's by purchase 
from the Indians three times over, for we bought it 
first of Woosamequin in the year '39 or '40 (this was 
in my minority), the sum paid I know not; then we 
bought all again of Philip, and paid him sixteen 



736 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pounds for it ; then we bought that very spot of 
Josiah, he claiming some land there, as appears by 
his deed ; then we bought that spot again, with other 
lands, of Maj. Bradford, he had twenty pounds more ; 
and they have owned that they never made any pur- 
chase, yet theirs because granted before," etc. (State 
Archives, vol. cxiii. p. 167.) 

The evidence to support the contrary view consists 
of a statement made in a quit-claim deed given in 
1686 to a committee of the town of Taunton by 
Josiah, alias Charles, and Peter and David Hunter, 
three Indians,— Josiah being the great-grandson of 
Chickatabut and the other two Indians of Titicut. 
The statement is as follows : 

" Know ye, tlmt whereiis it ilotli appear to the saiJ .losiali and Peter 
and David, l>otli by Indian and Knglisli testimonies, that Mrs. Elizaheth 
Pool, formerly of Tannton, in tlie government of New Plynionth afore- 
said did, for and in belialf of tlie said town of Taunton, purchase tlie 
lands of Titicut in the year 1037, and that the right owners of the said 
lands did then make Bale thereof to the said Mrs. Elizabeth Pool as 
abovesaid, and received pay of her for it, and those Indians or Indian 
Sachems that formerly were the right owners of those lands at said Titi- 
cut being tliose tliat were the predecessors of the said Josiah, alias 
Charles, and Peter and Da^id. Know ye therefore," etc. 

The deed purports to convey "so much of the 
lands of all sorts, formerly called Titicut lands, as 
are and do lie within the township of said Taunton, 
by virtue of agreements made between the agents of 
said Taunton and the agents of Bridgewater, on the 
northwestwardly side of Titicut Kiver, and between 
the agents of said Taunton and the agents of Middle- 
bury on the southeastwardly side of said river." The 
object of this deed is apparent. There had been 
controversies between Taunton and Bridgewater and 
Taunton and Middleborough about their respective 
bounds. These controversies had been mutually set- 
tled by the agents of the towns, and the three Indians 
named claimed that the bounds of Taunton, as thus 
established, included some of the Titicut lands bor- 
dering on the Titicut Kiver. The Taunton proprie- 
tors were willing to pay a small sum to quiet the 
title, and so the deed was procured. The subject 
matter of the deed has nothing to do with the orig- 
inal eight-mile purchase of the territory of Taunton, 
and whatever else it may prove or suggest, it has no 
tendency to prove that Elizabeth Pool or any other 
person made that purchase of the Titicut Indians. 

There is a deposition of five Indians preserved in 
the Plymouth Colony Records, vol. ii. p. 157, re- 
latin" to the extent of Chickatabut's lands, which 
tends to the same conclusion. It is as follows : 

'• PecunUe, .Muumpuni, Catscimah, Webacowett, and Masbanomett 
do all affirm that Chickatawbutt bis bounds did extend from Nisha- 
reagoquanett, near Duxbery mill, to Teghtacutt, near Taunton, and to 
Nuuckatatesett, and from thence in a straight line to Wauamampnke, 
which is the head of Charles Kiver; this they do all scdeumly affirm, 
God knuweth it to be true, and knoweth their hearts. 



saying, 

" Dated the 1st of the 4th month, 1650. 
"Witness: 



' Encrease Nowell. 
'John Ei.iot. 
'John Hoabe." 



Uxley and his associates or by a committee of the 
Plymouth government who conveyed to them, was 
made of Massasoit. 

The military affairs of the town can be more satis- 
factorily treated in a separate chapter, which will 
next be given, and afterwards the geheral history so 
far as practicable. 



CHAPTER LX.' 



Upon these facts there is a moral certainty that the 
original purchase, whether made directly by Henry 



TAUNTON.— (Co«(i«i,«/.) 
MILITARY AFFAIR.S DURING THE COLONIAL PERIOD. 

Military organization and discipline were among 
the very earlie.st matters for which provision was made 
by the colony. In 1634 it was ordered " That all and 
every person within the colony be subject to such 
militar)' order for training and exercise of arms as 
shall be thought meet, agreed on, and prescribed by 
the Governor and assistants." In 1041 it was ordered 
that a barrel of powder, and lead or bullets answer- 
able, be provided by every township. In 1640 it was 
required that there be six trainings a year. This law 
was re-enacted several times until 1677, when the 
number of trainings was reduced to four a year. 

As has been already mentioned, as early as March, 
1638-39, it was ordered " that Capt. Poole shall exer- 
cise the inhabitants of Cohannett in their armes." V 
No other military oiBcer seems to have been appointed 
until June, 1651, when Mr. Oliver Purchase was "al- 
lowed and approved to be ensign-bearer of the mili- 
tary company of Taunton." In October following, 
James Wyatt was similarly appointed to be lieu- 
tenant. 

Sept. 27, 1642, a special session of the court was 
held to provide forces for an offensive and defensive 
war against the Indians. All the inhabitants were 
warned, yet, in the language of the record, " they ap- 
peared by their several deputies as they had liberty / 
to do." Capt. William Poole and Henry Andrews 'Y 
appeared for Taunton. Intelligence had been re- 
ceived of a general conspiracy among the Indians to 
cut oft" all the English, and prompt and vigorous 
measures were adopted to meet the danger. The 
several towns were rated to defray the charges for 
the soldiers that might be sent forth. Taunton's rate 
was two pounds, ten shillings. A Council of War was 
chosen, consisting of the Governor and eleven other 
persons, one of whom was Mr. John Browne, of 
Taunton, who were invested with extraordinary 
powers in all matters relating to the military forces 
of the colony. 

It was also " agreed and concluded that Mr. Ed- 
ward Winslow, Mr. Tymothy Hatherly, and Capt. 
Miles Standish shall be sent into the Bay to and have 

1 By James Ilem-y Dean. 



TAUNTON. 



737 



power to agitate and couclude with them for a present 
combination with them in the present wars, and to 
treat with them about a further combination or league, 
but not to conclude that without consent of the court 
here." This was the first step taken by Plymouth 
Colony towards a general confederation of the New 
England colonies. It resulted in 1643 in the adop- 
tion of articles of confederation between the colonies 
of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New 
Haven. Plymouth authorized Edward Winslow and 
William CoUyer to subscribe the articles in the name 
of the colony, which was done at Boston, Sept. 7, 
1643. 

One of the articles provided that the commissioners 
for each jurisdiction from time to time should bring 
in a true account of all their males from sixteen years 
old to sixty being inhabitants. The charges of all 
just wars, both in men, provisions, and all other dis- 
bursements, were to be borne by the members of the 
confederation in proportion to the number of males 
thus returned. In obedience to this requirement each 
of the towns in the colony sent in a list of their 
males between the prescribed ages. These lists are 
given in volume viii. of Plymouth Colonial Records, 
and are of very great value as showing nearly the en- 
tire adult population of the colony at that date. The 
Taunton list is here given. It constituted Capt. 
Pool's company : 

Atif/nst^ 1043. 

Walter Deane. 
William Hodges. 
Willmm Phillips. 



Mr. John Browne. 
Mr. Williiim Poole. 
John Browne. 
James Browne. 
James Walker. 
Oliver Purchase. 
Thomas GiUiert. 
Ricliard Stacye. 
William Hollway. 
Tymothy Hollway. 
William Parker. 
Peter Pitts. 
John Parker. 
William Hailstone. 
Edward Bobbett. 
Bicliard Paule. 
Anthony Slocome. 
Edward Case. 
Thomas Farewell. 
Tobias Saunders. 
Henry Andrewes. 
John Gallop. 
John Gilbert, Jr. 
.rolin Stronge. 
Thomas Cassell. 
John Deane. 
Edward Abbott. 



John Macumber. 
Thomas Coggin. 
James Wyatt. 
Edward Rew. 
Thomas Harvey. 
James Chichester. 
William Seward. 
Aron Knapp. 
John Biirratt. 
Nicholas Hart. 
William Powell. 
William Wetherell. 
Hezekiali Hore. 
George Macie. 
George Hall. 
John Perry. 
Benjamin Wilson. 
Mr. Street. 
Richard Williams. 
William EvaTis. 
Christopher Thrasher. 
Thomas Cooke. 
Thomas Cooke, Jr. 
John Gingell, — 54. 



Twenty-five of the foregoing names are found in 
the list of original purchasers. Of the twenty other 
males on that list some were dead, some are known to 
have left the town, and others were probably above 
sixty. 

A special court was called Oct. 10, 1643, upon occa- 
sion of the insurrection of the Indians against the 
Dutch and English at Manhattan. It was concluded 
and agreed upon to raise and make ready thirty men 
47 



for the war, according to their proportion with the 
other confederates. "The rule which was thought 
most equal for number of persons in every township 
was to take one of a score in every township." Taun- 
ton was to furnish three, and was to pay a r.tte of two 
pounds ten shillings towards the charges. John 
Strong and Richard Williams were the deputies from 
Taunton at this court. The proposed expedition 
seems not to have been sent forth. 

At the court held Aug. 20, 1644, " Attachments are 
to be sent forth to bring in the bodies of George 
Massy, John Maycumber, Thomas Coggen & Jacob 
Wilson, for non appearance this Court, for making 
the allarum at Taunton." 

Governor Winslow and Mr. John Browne, of Taun- 
ton, were chosen commissioners by Plyiriouth Colony 
for the year 1644, to treat with the commissioners 
from the other colonies of the confederation, each 
colony being allowed to send two. 

There was another alarm of war in 1645, occasioned 
by the threats of the Narragansett Indians against 
Ilncas, sachem of the Monheagans. The commis- 
sioners of the United Colonies met in Boston in July, 
and determined to raise a force of three hundred men, 
of which Plymouth was to provide forty. These were 
under the command of Capt. Standish, who went 
forth about the middle of August to the relief of 
Uncas, and marched as far as Rehoboth, where he 
was to meet the forces from Massachusetts. But the 
Narragansett sachems, becoming alarmed, in the 
mean time repaired to Boston and sued for peace. A 
treaty was the result, and the troops were recalled. 
" The towns of Taunton and Rehobotli were freed 
from sending forth any men in regard they are fron- 
tier towns, and billeted the soldiers during the time 
they were forth." The towns were rated for the 
charges of the war. Taunton's rate was five pounds, 
two shillings, and sixpence. The court for special 
consideration abated twenty shillings to Barnstable 
and forty shillings to Taunton, adding that it .should 
not be a precedent for after-times ; " and Rehoboth 
was not rated at all, both because it was a new plan- 
tation, and billeted all the soldiers freely during all 
the time they staid there." 

July 7, 1646, the court ordered that the committees 
of every town send the names of all their males from 
sixteen years of age to sixty to the Governor, sealed 
up, by the 1st of August next. If such lists were 
sent in they do not apjiear on the published records. 

At the General Court, June, 1649, the whole body 
of freemen assembled, and on account of the unset- 
tled state of public affairs in their native country, 
unanimously concluded not to proceed in the election 
of magistrates and other officers, and that all officers 
should continue in their places for the year to come. 
Charles I. had been beheaded January 30th of that 
year, and the sombre shadow of the English revolu- 
tion fell upon the young colony. 

At the meeting of the court in October news had 



738 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



been received that the Indians had been murdering 
some of tlie English at Stamford, in Connecticut, and 
other places, and threats were made of furtlier vio- 
lence. The commissioners for the United Colonies 
had signified to the several colonies to be in readiness 
with their forces in case of need. The court there- 
fore ordered that due provision, both of men and 
ammunition, with powder and shot and necessary ]iro- 
vision for forty men for three months, be forthwith 
made, and that every town provide for their own men. 
Capt. Standish was appointed general officer. No 
further action in the matter appears. 

March, 1652, the grand jury presented the town of 
Taunton for not having a common stock of powder 
and shot according to order. It is added to the record, 
"They will endeavor forthwith to provide." Other 
towns in the colony were frequently presented for 
their shortcomings in lulling to keep up military 
discipline, or in not having the required stock of am- 
munition on hand. 

In April, 165.3, the court took action as follows: 
" Whereas, We have intelligence out of our native 
country of danger that may be towards us in regard 
of the great variance betwixt the two nations of Hol- 
land and England, the court have ordered that war- 
rants be directed to every town within the government 
forthwith, to require them to make choice of two 
deputies for each town, to meet with the magistrates 
at Plymouth, on Wednesday, the sixth of April next, 
and with them to treat and conclude on such military 
atiairs as through God's blessing may probably tend 
to our present and future safety." 

Ensign Purchase appeared as deputy from Taunton. 
Lieut. Wyatt, the other deputy, was fined for his non- 
appearance. Important military orders were adopted 
affecting all the towns in the colony, the principal of 
which were these: Fifty pounds to be raised from the 
several towns for the purchase of powder and shot, 
arms and locks sent out of England ; the military 
officers of every company to present the defects of the 
arms of their companies at the next Court of Assist- 
ants ; a military watch in every town to be continued 
until further order ; all men, though above the age of 
sixty, to watch in their turn, except such as through 
both age and poverty are disabled, either by finding 
a sufficient man or in their own person; and such 
widows as have estates to bear their part by finding 
one to watch according to their proportions ; that a 
considerable company of half pikes be provided in 
every town at the charge of the township ; that every 
town should provide a barrel of powder and bullets 
in proportion for every fifty soldiers ; that no man 
make an alarm without apparent danger, one gunshot 
in the night to be taken as an alarm to the town, to 
be answered by any man hearing the same; three 
shots or continued shooting, or the beat of a drum, to 
be an alarm to be taken from town to town ; that in 
case any town be distressed by real assault upon them, 
such towns as have certain intelligence thereof to 



afford relief; that one-third of every company bring 
their arms, with powder and shot, to the meetings on 
the Lord's day, forenoon and afternoon. The court 
also recommended to every town to provide some place 
of security whither they might bring their wives and 
children in times of imminent danger. They also 
engaged, in behalf of the country, to provide the sum 
of thirty pounds to hire a guard for the Governor's 
person, and the deputies undertook, in behalf of their 
several towns, to provide their proportions. Ensign 
Purchase engaging for Taunton. In regard of the 
many appearances of danger towards the country by 
enemies, and the great necessity of counsel and advice 
in that respect, the court thought it meet to make 
choice of a Council of War. Nine persons were ac- 
cordingly elected, one of whom was Mr. .Tohn Browne, 
formerly of Taunton. 

This Council met at Plymouth, May 12, 1653, and 
having received intelligence from the commissioners 
met at Boston of their agitations concerning a war 
with the Dutch in these parts of America, concluded 
after due deliberation to be in readiness, through the 
help of God, to assist and engage therein according 
to their proportions and utmost abilities. Warrants 
were accordingly issued for the pressing of sixty men 
able and fit for war, if need shall require, to be taken 
from the several towns according to their proportion. 
Plymouth was to provide seven, Duxburrow six, Sci- 
tuate nine. Sandwich six, Taunton five, Yarmouth 
six, Barnstable six, Marshfield six, Kehoboth six, 
Eastham three. The commanders appointed for the 
expedition were Miles Standish for captain, Thomas 
Southworth for lieutenant, and Hezekiah Hoar, of 
Taunton, for ensign. 

A query was proposed to be made to the next court, 
whether such persons as are pressed to go forth as 
soldiers on public service, their estates shall be liable 
to be rated towards the payment of their wages or 
not. 

It seems there was no call for this expedition dur- 
ing the year. At a meeting of the Council at Plym- 
outh, June 20, 1654, warrants were issued in the 
name of His Highness the Lord Protector of England, 
Ireland, and Scotland for the pressing of fifty men to 
go forth with Maj. Robert Sedgwick and Capt. John 
Leveritt on an intended expedition against the Dutch 
at the Monhatoes. Of this number Taunton was to 
furnish five. Matthew Fuller was substituted for 
lieutenant; the other officers were the same as for the 
first expedition. On the 23d of June, however, tid- 
ings were received of a peace between England and 
Holland, and all further preparations ceased. 

At the court held Oct. 3, 1654, the commissioners 
for Plymouth informed the court that at their last 
meeting it had been determined to send a certain 
number of horse and footmen on a special message 
to Ninnegrett, the Niantick sachem, and in case there 
should be necessity they had jointly agreed to send a 
second supply of men out of the four United Colonies 



TAUNTON. 



739 



to war against the said Ninnegrett. Warrants were ' 
accordingly directed to the constables of each town 1 
to press the due proportion of men out of each town. I 
Five was the share of Taunton. The following year ] 
the towns were rated to pay the charges of the expe- 
dition, Taunton's amount being £3 14s. 

At the October court, 1655, " In answer to a peti- 
tion preferred by three men belonging to the iron- 
works at Taunton, requesting that they inay be ex- 
empted from training, the court doth grant that at 
such time as when their worke is in hand that they are 
exempted, unless upon some special case of watching 
that may arise." The names of these three men are not 
given. In June, 1662, appears this order : " James 
Leonard, of Taunton, was freed from training in the 
military company of Taunton in reference to his call- 
ing, being a bloomer, and in respect to a former order 
of court wherein he was exempted in that respect." 
By the reference to the former order it is probable he 
was one of the three before exempted. James Leon- 
ard was one of the founders of the iron-works in 
Taunton in 1652, said to be the first establishment of 
the kind in North America. This action of the 
court shows the high value set upon the enterprise by 
the government. It is also a pleasant and significant 
foreshadowing of the policy ever since pursued by 
Massachusetts in fostering her manufactures. 

In 1656, Capt. Miles Standish died at an advanced 
age. In all military matters lie was most trusted 
and relied upon, and a few years before had been ap- 
pointed chief military oflicerof the colony, but with- 
out any other distinctive military title than that of 
captain. In 1658 the court, by joint consent, agreed 
that a chief military officer should be chosen to be 
styled a major, and at a meeting of the Council of 
War in October of that year, Capt. Josias Winslow 
was chosen to that oflice and received his commi-ssion 
as major. A council, with whom he was to be ready 
on all occasions to advise, was also appointed, con- 
sisting of nineteen military oflScers, of whom Capt. 
William Poole, of Taunton, was one. 

The country's stock of powder and lead was dis- 
posed of among some of the towns where it was 
thought most convenient for the public use. A barrel 
of powder and a quantity of lead was committed to 
the charge of James Leonard, of Taunton. 

James Wyatt, the lieutenant of the Taunton com- 
pany, was found dead in his meadow, July 5, 1664, 
and a jury was summoned to inquire into the cause 
of his death. The jury found that on the day men- 
tioned he rode to a meadow of his to cut grass, a ser- 
vant of liis, an Indian boy, following him, and when 
he came to the meadow he found his master dead. 
John Hall, Thomas Deane, and James Bell rode to 
the meadow, and there found that he had cut some 
grass, and was gone out of the meadow, and was there 
fallen down dead ; and upon search the said jury 
finds not any cause of any violent death, but the 
immediate hand of the Lord. 



The following June (1665), Ensign George Macey 
was appointed lieutenant and Thomas Leonard en- 
sign. Oliver Purchase, the former ensign, had re- 
moved to Lynn as early as 1660, and probably some 
time before, as in that year he was a deputy from 
Lynn to the General Court in Boston. 

The Council of War met at Plymouth, April 2, 1667, 
and passed a number of important orders. From the 
character of some of these orders the meeting seems to 
have been occasioned by the hostilities then in prog- 
ress between Charles II. and the Dutch and French. 
It was determined "that Dutch and French be looked 
upon as our common enemy while so to our nation, 
and shall be resisted, opposed, and expelled by the 
forces of this jurisdiction to their utmost ])ower, and 
that all advantages shall be used to that end." The 
Indian sachems were advised to employ their men in 
looking out to sea for shipping, and give speedy intel- 
ligence to the English of any vessel and their mo- 
tions. It was ordered that every town provide some 
" place of retire" for their women and children in case 
of an alarm, as the discretion of each place may guide 
them, that so the men may with less distraction face 
an enemy. Men were appointed to be of council 
with the commissioned officers in each town, and it 
was ordered " that it shall be in the power of such as 
are appointed a council in every town, in any exigent 
or sudden occasion, to dispose of the general stock of 
arms and ammunition in that town, or any part of it 
as occasion may require." James Walker, William 
Harvey, and Richard Williams were appointed to be 
of council in Taunton. 

In 1671, James Walker was chosen one of the gen- 
eral Council of War. 

Taunton had now been settled for more than thirty 
years. It had gradually increased in population. 
Settlements had been pushed northerly as far as 
Winnicunnet Pond, where in 1669, William With- 
erell had established himself on its southeasterly 
shore. Southerly, on the easterly side of the Great 
River, the settlements had extended nearly if not 
quite to Assonet Neck, and on the westerly side be- 
low Three-Mile River, while to the eastward they 
reached beyond Sipiabinanset and nearly to Titicut. 
Of course the dwellings were scattered, and, in the 
remote parts of the town, widely separated. 

While during all this time military discipline had 
been carefully attended to, and there had been sev- 
eral occasions when soldiers were called forth upon 
some alarm of war, and constant watchfulness had 
been exercised in respect to their Indian neighbors, 
it had really been a period of substantial peace. Of 
an Indian war they had had no experience. The 
possibility of such a war was perhaps always before 
them, but with so little probability that it occasioned 
no uneasiness. The Pequot war was over before the 
settlement of Taunton, and it was mainly confined to 
Connecticut. During the lifetime of the good old 
Massasoit the treaty made by him with Plymouth 



740 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



was faithfully observed. Upon his death, in 1661, he 
was succeeded by hisoldestson, Wanisutta "I'ias Alex- 
ander. He lived only about a year, dying some time 
in 1662. His brother Pometacom, or Metacomet, as 
it is sometimes written, but better known by his Eng- 
lish name Philip, then became the chief sachem of 
the Wampanoags. It soon became evident that Philip 
was no lover of the English. He could not look com- 
placently upon the rapid growth of their settlements, 
and the consequent crowding of bis race into con- 
stantly narrowing quarters. The Plymouth govern- 
ment became suspicious of him. Rumors came to 
them that he was secretly plotting with the Narra- 
gansetts and other tribes against them for their ex- 
termination. He was sent for to make his appear- 
ance at Plymouth on the 6th of August, 1662, that he 
might clear himself from these suspicions. Philip 
appeared, and professed himself desirous to continue 
the friendship and amity that had formerly subsisted 
between them and his deceased father and brother, 
and he signed a treaty of submission and mutual 
friendship and helpfulness. His uncle Uncompowett 
also signed the treaty. 

In the summer of 1667 he was again sent for to 
clear up reports that he had expressed himself ready 
to join with the French or Dutch against the Eng- 
lish. He again succeeded in juitting a fair face upon 
the matter, and upon his earnest protestations of 
friendship was allowed to depart, and for three years 
nothing occurred to occasion any special apprehen- 
sion. Early in 1671, from some real or pretended in- 
jury to his planting lands by the English he began 
to make hostile demonstrations, and the Plymouth 
government, taking the alarm, sent messengers to 
Boston with a request that the Massachusetts govern- 
ment would use its endeavors to induce Philip to be- 
come peaceable. They also sent messengers to Philip 
to discover his intentions. Massachusetts, anxious to 
prevent a rupture, sent word to Philip to meet certain 
gentlemen whom they would appoint, with others 
from Plymouth, at Taunton, that they might, if pos- 
sible, reconcile the ditl'erences that existed between 
them. William Davis, William Hudson, and Thomas 
Brattle were deputed on the part of Massachusetts, 
and Governor Prence, Josias Winslow, and Constant 
Southworth, with some others, appeared for Plymouth. 
They met at Taunton, April 10th, and while confer- 
ring together a messenger from Philip arrived with 
the information that he was at Three-Mile River 
(some four miles south of the village), and wished 
the Governor of Plymouth to meet him there. This 
the Governor declined to do, and sent Mr. James 
Brown and Mr. Roger Williams' to desire Philip to 
come to the Green, that being the place appointed 
for the meeting. They found Philip with quite a 
body of his men painted and equipped as if expecting 
a battle. Philip finally consented to come if hostages 
were left with his men, and Mr. Brown and Mr. Wil- 
liams remained with a part of his men as hostages. 



He then came accompanied by some of his force as 
far as the grist-mill, which stood on the west side of 
Mill River, between the present Cohannet and Win- 
throp Streets, having taken the precaution to post 
sentinels on Grossman's Hill in his, rear, and again 
sent for the Governor to meet him there. The towns- 

I people with the Plymouth men becoming exasperated, 
were eager to attack Philip, but the Massachusetts 
commissioners wisely interposed, and prevented so 
rash an outbreak, and prevailed on Philip to come to 

j the Green, he stipulating that the conference should 
be held in the meeting-house, he and his men to oc- 
cupy one side, and the English the other. 

Never before had the old meeting-house witnessed 
so remarkable a scene. Civilization and barbarism 
were arrayed against each other, and the result could 
not be doubtful. Our sympathies are involuntarily 
awakened for the proud and independent race des- 
tined to fade away. But it was a crisis for the broader 
and more important interests of civilization and Chris- 
tianity. Had Philip succeeded in the scheme which 
he was then engaged in maturing, of uniting all the 
native tribes of New England and New York for the 
extermination of all the European settlements, its 
effects, it can be seen, would have been most disastrous 
to the highest interests of humanity. 

Philip, being confronted with the charges made 
by the commissioners, at first denied having any hos- 
tile designs, and averred that his warlike preparations 
were directed against the Narragansetts ; but upon 
being told that they had proof that he was on better 
terms with them than ever, he was covered with con- 
fusion and acknowledged the truth of the charges. 
He was required by the commissioners to make repar- 
ation for past injuries and to give security against 
such injuries in the future. The first part of the 
requirement was abandoned, but he was required to 
give up his arms. The following submission was 
drawn up, which he signed. It may be found in 
Mather's " Brief History of King Philip's War." 

"Tadnton, .\pril 10th, 1671. 

" Whereas my father, uiy brotlier, and myself, have formerly submitted 
ourselves and o<ir people uuto the king's majesty of England, and to this 
colony of New Plymouth, by solemn covenant under our hand; but I 
having of late, through my indiscretion, and the naugliliuess of ray 
heart, violated and broken this my covenant with my friends, by taking 
np arms with evil intent against thera, and that gronndlesbly; I being 
now deeply sensible of my nnfaithfnlness and folly, do desire at this time 
solemnly to renew my covenant with my ancient friends, and my father's 
friends above mentioned, and do desire (that) this may testily to the world 
against me, if ever I shall again fail in my faithfulness towards them 
(w hom I have now and at all times found so kind to me) or any other of 
the English colonies ; and as a real pledge of my true intentions, for the 
future to be faithful and friendly, I do freely engage to resign np unto 
the government of New Plymouth, all my English arms, to be kept by 
them for their security, so long as they shall see reason. For the true 
peiibrmance of the premises, I have hereunto set my hand, together 
with the rest of my council. 

*' The mark of Philip chief sachem of Pocanoket. 

" The mark of Tavoser. 

"The mark of WoonbaponebUNT. " In presence of 

"The mark of Capt. Wispoke. " William Davis. 

"The mark of NijiRon. "William Hudson. 

" Thomas Brattle." 



TAUNTON. 



741 



It was obvious that so humiliating a submisslcn 

■would not result in a permanent peace. Some of his 
captains were so angry at him on account of it that 
they could scarcely forbear seeking immediate ven- 
geance. Hubbard says that one of them, of far bet- 
ter courage than himself, when he saw his cowardly 
temper and disposition, flung down his arms, saying 
he would never own him again or fight under him, 
and immediately joined the English, and fought on 
their side throughout the war that followed. 

The arms of the Indians were not sent in as the 
Plymouth government claimed they ought to have 
been by the terms of the treaty. It could not rea- 
sonably have been expected. Fire-arras had become 
a necessity to the Indians, not only for offensive and 
defensive warfare, but as instruments in procuring a 
livelihood. It is not strange, then, that in June fol- 
lowing the court should find reason to complain that 
Philip, instead of influencing his subjects to bring in 
their arms, had taken means to secrete them and 
carry them away beyond their reach. The arms that 
had been surrendered were distributed among the 
towns, and Philip saw that his own arms, instead of 
being returned, were likely to be used against him. 

■Active measures were taken by the government at 
Plymouth to secure the submission of the various 
small tribes in their vicinity. At a meeting of the 
Council of War, July 8, 1671, it was agreed that one 
hundred men should be pressed out of the towns to 
go forth under command of Maj. Wiuslow against 
the Seconet Indians in case they should fail to sub- 
mit themselves and give up their arms. Taunton was 
to send twelve men. William Witherell, of Taunton, 
was one of the " sarjeants." The 8th day of August 
was to be the time of their setting forth, " on which 
day the towns of Taunton, Rehoboth, Bridgewater, 
and Swansey are to cause their soldiers that are to be 
sent forth to give meeting to the major and the rest 
of the company, at or near Assonet, about John Tis- 
dall's farm." 

The Council of War met again the 23d of August. 
The principal subject of consideration was the failure 
of Philip to comply with the terms of the treaty made 
at Taunton. It was determined to require his per- 
sonal appearance '' to make his purgation in refer- 
ence to the premises," and in case of his refusal to 
" endeavour his reducement by force." Inasmuch as 
a war with Philip would concern all the English 
plantations, it was decided to send letters to the 
neighboring colonies of Massachusetts and Rhode 
Island, as well as to Philip. The letter to Philip was 
sent by Mr. James Walker (of Taunton), one of the 
council, " and he was ordered to request the company 
of Mr. Roger Williams and Mr. James Browne to go 
with him at the delivery of the said letter," in which 
Philip was required to make his personal appearance 
at Plymouth the 13th of September next. 

Philip did not appear in answer to the summons, 
but instead repaired to Massachusetts and there made 



complaint of the Plymouth authorities. A letter was 

sent by some of the gentlemen in place there to the 
Governor of Plymoutli, intimating that they did not 
understand the covenants and engagements of the 
treaty as their Plymouth brethren did, and offering 
their mediation in the premises. This offer was ac- 
cepted, and the commissioners of Massachusetts and 
Connecticut (who were then in Boston) and some 
other gentlemen were invited to come to Plymouth 
and afford their help. " Accordingly on the 24th of 
September, 1671, Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of 
Connecticut, Maj.-Gen. Leverett, Mr. Thomas Dan- 
forth, Capt. William Davis, with divers others came 
to Plymouth and had a fair and deliberate hearing of 
the controversy between our colony and the said 
sachem, Philip, he being present, at which meeting it 
was proved by sufficient testimony to the conviction 
of the said Philip and satisfaction of all that audience, 
both the said gentlemen and others, that he had broken 
his covenant made with our colony at Taunton in 
April last in divers particulars, as also carried very 
unkindly unto us divers ways." A series of articles 
was then drawn up and read to him for his acceptance 
or rejection as he should see cause, the substance of 
which was that he and his subjects acknowledged 
themselves subjects of the King of England and the 
government of New Plymouth, that he promised to 
pay one hundred pounds damages provided he could 
have three years to do it in, that he would send in to 
the Governor five wolves' heads yearly, that he would 
refer any difference between himself and the English 
to the Governor of Plymouth to rectify, that he would 
not make war but with the Governor's approbation , and 
that he would not dis]>ose of any of his lands without 
the approval of the Plymouth government. Probably 
Philip saw no other way out of his present difficulty 
but to yield, and accordingly he with seven of his 
council signed the articles. But, as the result showed, 
he went on to perfect his vast scheme of uniting the 
Indian tribes in a general war with the English. 
This was the last agreement or treaty made by Philip 
with the colonists. 

Another speck of war appeared in tlie distance in 
the latter part of 1673. At the meeting of the Gen- 
eral Court in December of that year the following 
action was taken : 

" This court upon serious consideration of the injurious actings of 
tlie Dutch, our neiglii-ors at New York, in tlie snrprisal of several ves- 
sels and goods of our confederates, and refusing to make .just satisfac- 
tion for tlie same upon demand,'. . . minding also that they have declared 
tliese their actings to be grounded on tlie national quarrel between them 
and us in Europe, and accordingly declare their commission and orders to 
be to do all possible spoil and damage to the States' enemies I'y land and 
water, ... for our more necessary defense we judge it requisite to en- 
deavor tlieir removal, and to raise anil maintain one hundred men in 
the expedition, if we can at present be sujlplied witli what is necessary 
for their march or voyage. 

"And that instructions be given to tlie commanders-in-chief, first to 
summon them to yield, witll their promise of enjoying their estates and 
liberties. 

"The names of the commanders chosen by the court were Captaine 
James Ciidworth, for captaine; Mr. John Gorum, for lieutenant; Mr. 



;42 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Michaell Peirse, for ensigne; for Sarjeants, William Witliorell, Thomas 
Harve>', Jolin Witlierell, Pliillip Leouard. 

" Tlie Governor bestows a ilrum towards tlie expedition, and the otlier 
to l»e had at Taunton ; one pair of colors to be had at Swansey." 

From the names, the sergeants all seem to have 
been Taunton men. As had been the case with sev- 
eral previous expeditions proposed against the Dutch, 
this appears to have gone no further than the i)rop- 
arations tlierefor. 

Tlie Indian war-cloud that had lain so long on the 
horizon of the colonies, at times causing apprehension 
by ominous mutterings, and then sinking almost out 
of sight, at length burst with terrible suddenness 
over the town of Swansea. On Thursday, June 24, 
1675, as the best authorities agree, the first English 
blood was shed in King Philip's war in that town. 
It was a day which had been set apart by Governor 
Winslow for fasting and humiliation in view of the 
impending dangers. As the Swansea people were re- 
turning from meeting the Indians fired upon them, 
killing one man and wounding others. Two men, 
who were sent for a surgeon, were killed by the In- 
dians on their way, and in another part of the town 
six others were killed, making nine in all. Thus be- 
gan that fearful life and death struggle between the 
Indians and the English which lasted more than a 
year, and carried devastation and death into very 
many of the towns in the colonies. 

It is not intended here to give a history of that 
war. It belongs to the history of Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island and Connecticut, as well as to that of 
Plymouth Colony, and it affected several other towns 
in Bristol County far more severely than Taunton. A 
few incidents only which relate particularly to Taun- 
ton will be given. 

On the Sunday previous to the outbreak a mesT 
senger had carried intelligence of the threatened 
danger to the authorities at Plymouth, and the Gov- 
ernor had ordered that the captains of the towns 
should march the greater part of their companies and 
rendezvous at Taunton, Monday night, June 21st, 
where Maj. Bradford was to receive them. We should 
be glad to know what Taunton men, if any, joined 
this expedition for the relief of Swansea and Re- 
hoboth, but no information upon the point has been 
found. 

June 27th, the Indians (a straggling party prob- 
ably) burnt the houses of John Tisdall, Sr., and 
James Walker, at Taunton. They killed Tisdall 
and two other soldiers, — John Knolles and 'Samuel 
Atkins, of Eastham. Tisdall's house was near As- 
sonet. Walker's was on the westerly side of the Great 
River, and probably nearly down to Three-Mile River. 
At the March Court, J.G70-77, three Indians, named 
Timothy Jacked, alias Canjuncke, Nassaniaquat, and 
Pompacanshe, were indicted for murdering the three 
men above named, and were tried by a jury of twelve 
men after the manner of the English. The verdict 
of the jury concerning Timothy Jacked and *Nassa- 



maquat was, " We find they are very suspicious of 
the murder charged on them. And in reference 
unto Pompacanshe, we find nothing against him." 
No further evidence appearing to clear up the case, 
the sentence of the court was, " That, the two former 
were to be sent out of the country speedily, and the 
other likewise, as he is prisoner taken in war." 

It may be interesting, as showing the care of the 
court concerning the proper settlement of the estates 
of deceased i)ersons, to give their action in reference 
to Tisdall's estate. Administration was committed to 
his four sons, — John, James, Joshua, and Joseph. 
Subsequently, in answer to a petition of John Smith 
and James Dean referring to the settlement of the 
estate, the court ordered that the whole estate, being 
appraised, should be distributed as follows: To the 
eldest son a double portion, and to the other three 
sons and four daughters an equal proportion, unless 
in case of weakness there may be reason to advance 
to any for their necessary supply. And for the better 
execution thereof, Mr. James Browne (of Swansea 
probably), William Harvey, Richard Williams, and 
Lieutenant George Macey were appointed a com- 
mittee to take notice of the whole estate. Further- 
more, in reference to the controversy among the 
children, the court's advice was, that concerning the 
two younger sons, in regard that they had approved 
themselves to be faithful in the preservation of the 
estate since their father's death, in spending much of 
their time therein to the endangering of their lives, 
that they be considered by the committee in the dis- 
tribution of the estate. (See Ply. Col. Rec, vol. v. 
pp. 212, 219, 224.) 

Taunton, lying in tlie direct route from Boston to 
Swansea and Mount Hope, and also in the most con- 
venient way from Plymouth thither, was frequently 
made a rendezvous for the troops. It seems that 
several houses had been turned into garrisons. Mr. 
Baylies speaks of the march of the Massachusetts 
troops, who were under the command of Maj. Savage, 
from Swansea to Rehoboth, in pursuit of Philip, and 
not finding him there, he having retired to a swamp 
in Pocasset, they proceeded from there to Taunton, 
which they reached July 17th, where they found the 
people secured against a sudden onset in eight garri- 
soned houses. 

About tills time Philip, being closely pressed, made 
his escape into the Nipmuck country, comprising the 
southerly part of central Massachusetts, and extend- 
ing into the northerly part of Connecticut, and for 
several months the towns of Plymouth Colony had a 
respite. 

On Dec. 19, 1675, occurred the great Narragansett 
Swamp fight, in what is now the town of Kingston, 
R. I. Ill preparation for this great struggle the 
Council of War held a meeting at Plymouth, Decem- 
ber 6th, at which volunteers were called for, and the 
towns were urged to present their ablest and fittest 
men. " Such as cheerfully tender themselves to the 



TAUNTON. 



Y43 



expedition or to presse shall be looked upon with 
singular respect." Governor Josias Winslow was ap- 
pointed commander of the united forces, and Capt. 
Bradford and John Gorum to be particular command- 
ers of the Plymouth forces. The forces were ordered 
to rendezvous at Plymouth on the 7th, at Taunton on 
the 8th, at Rehoboth on the 9th, and at Providence 
on the 10th. Taunton was represented in Capt. 
Gorum's company (or Gorham, as the name was 
afterwards spelled) by William Wetherell, who was 
first .sergeant. Rev. George F. Clark, in his excellent 
"History of Norton," says that in a deed given by 
John Wetherell, son of William, it is stated that he 
was an " Eldest Sergeant in Capt. Gorrom's Company 
in the great Narragansett Swamp fitt," Dec. 19, 1675. 
In an account rendered by Peleg Sanford, of Rhode 
Island, against the colony for various disbursements 
on account of soldiers that came to his house after 
the fight, is the following : 

"To 8 yds. of diiifls to Sergt. Witherly, James Bell, and other Taunton 
men that came wounded to my house, Dec. 24, £2 : 08. To cash to 
James Bell to bear his charges home, 4s." 

There is also a charge for the hire of a room " from 
the 24 of Dec. to the 17 of Oct., 1(576, the day that 
Sergeant Witherell went out of it, at £5 per year, 
£4:01:7-!." It is evident from this charge that 
Wetherell must have been severely wounded, as it 
was nearly ten months before he could be carried 
home. James Bell was also in the fight, and other 
Taunton men, as mentioned in the first of the above 
charges, but in which company is not known. Gen. 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, in his very valuable " Indian 
History and Genealogy," p. 120, states that William 
Hoskins, of Taunton, was in the Narragansett expe- 
dition. The names of the other Taunton men who 
went wounded to Sanford's bouse have not been as- 
certained. Wetherell received a grant of ten pounds 
in June, 1685, on account of his wounds, and in July, 
168G, the court gave him a fine of five pounds in the 
hands of Robert Godfrey, of Taunton, the treasurer 
of the colony to give order for the payment of the 
same to said Wetherell. 

During the progress of the war several orders for 
the raising of men and money were made by the Gen- 
eral ('Ourt and the Council of War. It was ordered, 
Oct. 4, 1675, that soldiers be pressed out of each town 
to go forth as occasion may require, and twenty-five 
for the garrison at Mount Hope. Taunton was to 
furnish twenty for the general service, and three for 
Jlouiit Hope. At a meeting of the Council, Dec. 30, 
1675, it was proposed to raise one thousand men out 
of the United Colonies, of which Plymouth Colony 
was to furnish one hundred and twenty-two, Taun- 
ton's share being thirteen. March 29, 1676, three 
hundred soldiers were ordered to be raised and 
pressed for the present emergency, Taunton to fur- 
nish thirty men, to be ready by the 11th of April 
next. 

June 7, 1676, the court voted to raise one hundred 



and fifty English and fifty Indians with the best speed, 
the time of sending forth being Wednesday, June 20th, 
" to be sent forth towards the frontier parts of this col- 
ony, to be upon motion to scout to and fro for the 
safety of the colony." Money was ordered to be 
raised to the amount of £164 10s. The proportion of 
Taunton was fifteen men and £16 in money. In Feb- 
ruary, 1675-76, James Walker, William Harvey, and 
John Richmond were appointed the Town Council of 
Taunton. The Council of War at their meeting in 
March, 1675-76, imposed fines upon a number of de- 
linquent soldiers, and fined the con.stables of Taunton 
four pounds for pressing Joseph Deane, a man unfit 
to go forth on service. They were afterwards released 
from the fine. At the same meeting a rate of £1000 
was assessed upon the towns, to be paid in clothing, 
provisions, or cattle, for the payment of soldiers who 
needed other supplies rather than lands, of which 
Taunton's proportion was £92 13s. Gd. 

In the spring of 1676 the Indians kept the inhab- 
itants in continual uneasiness and fearby theirstealthy 
attacks, burning dwellings and barns, and killing any 
whom they could surprise in an unguarded situation. 
Bridgewater, Taunton, and Rehoboth, being frontier 
towns, were peculiarly exposed to these attacks. The 
Cape towns, Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth, and 
Eastham, had by a committee, of which Thomas 
Hinckley was chairman, invited the inhabitants of 
these towns to remove and take up their residence 
with them until the termination of the war. But the 
towns each sent a letter declining the ofter. The 
reply of Taunton by its committee is here given : 

"Taunton, .\pril 15, '76. 
" Honored and Beloved: 

" We have received your affectionate letter full of love and undeserved 
bounty towards ns, your unworthy brethren and neighbors, and we 
bless God that He hath given us so much room in your hearts, that you 
so freely tender us a part with you ill your houses, fields, and provisions 
at such a time, when the Lord is threatening lis with bereavement of 
our own. It much comfortetti us in this day of darkness and distress; 
we assuring ourselves thereby that if our distresses continue and in- 
crease, we shall want no succor you are able to aftbid us. We therefore 
return you all serious thanks for your sincere and abundant love, be- 
seeching the Lord still to continue and increase your peace, and ability 
and promptness to relieve the distressed in this evil day. Nevertheless, 
upon our seiious and mature deliberation upon and cnnaideration of 
yovlr'so great offer, we cannot at present comply with a motion to re- 
move .and quit our jilaces, and leave our habitations to be a desolation, and 
that because we fear we should in so doing be wanting to thename of Gk)d 
and the interest of Christ in this place, and betray much diffidence and 
cowardice, and give the adversary occasion of triumph over us, to the 
reproach of that great and fearful name of our God that is called on us. 
Our sins are already such as might render our friends (did they know 
us) afraid to entertain us, and what can we expect as the issue of such 
an addition tllereunto, but that the hand of the Lord would follow us 
and find us out whithersoever we flee? 

" Besides, if the Lord have any pleasure in us, and will so far favor and 
honor us, we judge we may here he more serviceable to our country 
than elsewhere, and hazaids of removal (as great as of abiding where 
we arei avoided ; and who can tell but that the Lord may make way for 
our enjoyment of seed time and harvest here by prospering our forces 
which are coming forth, if we could but humble ourselves before him ? 
And if the Lord have no delight at all in us, but will for our sins (which 
were but just) make his dwelling place here as Shiloh, we are in His 
hands, the Lord do with us as seenieth good in His sight. Here we 
have sinned, and here we submit ourselves to suffer, except the Lord's 
providence and order or advice of authority should plainly determine 



744 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



us to removal; in case whereof, we shall esteem it an unfieserved kind- 
ness to find shelter among yourselves, and comply with your motion for 
aught yet appears, more generally than with any course we can propose 
to ourselves. As a pledge whereof, we are willing, if it may be judged 
convenient by you, to secure some of our cattle in your parts, that they 
may be no booty or succor to the enemy, if the Lord spare them so long 
as that we may have opportunity to convey them, in whicli we desire 
your speedy advice. And beseeching you not to cease to pray for us that 
the Lord would heal our backslidings, and prepare us for what measure 
of the cup of His indignation it may seem good to Him to order us to 
drink, we present you with our respects, service, and love, and sub- 
scribe ourselves your obliged brethren and friends and servants in the 
Lord. 
" To this we subscribe in tlie name of the town. 

"Richard Willi\3is, 
" Walter Deane, 
"George Macev, 
*' Will Harvey." 

Soon after the sending of this letter, so admirable 
in its spirit of gratitude, humility, courage, and 
cheerful confidence in God, several persons were 
killed by the Indians in Taunton, a contemporary 
account of which is given in a letter of Gen. Josiah 
Winslow to Thomas Hinckley and John Freeman. 
That part of the letter which refers to affairs in Taun- 
ton and vicinity is as follows : 

" May 23, '7G, 
" Gentlemen, — My respects, &c. It pleaseth the only wise and most 
just God still to keep us under his rod. Since the damage done at Bridge- 
water and Plymouth, which you have knowledge of; tlie enemy have 
killed four stout men at Taunton, and carried away two lusty youths, — 
Mr. Henry Andrews, James Bell, Sargt. Phillips, and the two youths, 
all at one time, being securely planting, two or three miles from the 
town; the other one, E<lward Bobit, Itilled at another place; the four 
men leaving thirty-two fatheiless children in a hard world. The last 
Tuesday, they killed a man between Hinghani and Conoliasset, and then 
fell to burning, beginning with Mr. Gilden's saw-mill,and Jo. Silvester's 
house and barn ; but not a man from Scituate would stir to remove 
them. But fourteen of our town's wardens marched up to Jo. Bares- 
toe'a: but, being unhappily discovered by them also, they ran away, 
leaving some horses and cattle they were about to carry away, and those 
houses at that time spared from the flames. Taunton and Bridgewater 
men are confident tliat they are planting about Assawamset or Dart- 
month ; and did yesterday track two hundred of them, as they judge, 
towards Assawamset." 

Henry Andrews, one of the men killed, was the 
son of Henry Andrews, one of the original purchasers. 
James Bell was in the Narragansett fight, and was 
carried wounded to Peleg Sanford's house as already 
stated. Sergt. (James) Phillips was the son of AVil- 
liam Phillips, also one of the first purchasers. Gen. 
Peirce, in his Indian history already referred to, page 
246, states that " Edward Bobit was slain in a part 
of Taunton, now Berkley, and the spot of his inter- 
ment is still pointed out." . He gives the tradition 
concerning him substantially as follows : that he had 
abandoned his home at " the farms," so called, in 
Berkley, and with his family and neighbors had taken 
refuge in a garrisoned house at " the Green," in Taun- 
ton. On his return from a visit he ventured to make 
to his home, he was pursued by an Indian, hid him- 
self among the leafy branches of a tree, was betrayed 
by the barking of his dog, when his pursuer shot at 
and killed him. He was buried near the spot where 
he fell. Gen. Peirce further says that he " visited 
the grave of Edward Babbett June 17, 1878. It is 



not far from the Dighton and Berkley Bridge, and on 
the Berkley side of Taunton River. On his grave- 
stone, after considerable labor in scraping ofl' moss, 
I was able to decypher 

" B B Be T 
K I L L ed 

J U Ne 1676.' 

The Rev. Dr. Perez Fobes, in a topographical his- 
tory of Raynham, published in 1793, in vol. iii. of 
the Massachusetts Historical Society Collections, in 
giving some account of occurrences in Philip's war, 
says, "Deacon Nathaniel Williams with some others 
were at work in the field when one of the number 
discovered a motion of the bushes at a little distance ; 
he immediately presented his gun and fired, upon 
which the Indians were heard to cry Cocoosh! and ran 
off, hut soon after one of the Indians was found dead 
near Fowling Pond. Near the great river (Taunton 
River) are now to be seen the graves of Henry An- 
dras and James Phillips, who with James Bell and 
two sons were killed by a number of Indians who 
lay in ambush. This happened in the place called 
Squabette." Mr. Baylies, writing in 1830, says, " The 
graves of these men are still to be seen near the 
river." The place is still pointed out, although there is 
a growth of wliite birch and underbrush whicli covers 
the locality. It is about half a mile above the dam 
at East Taunton on the Raynham side, near the edge 
of the river. The writer is informed by Mr. John 
Wales Dean, whose father, Jonathan Dean, owned 
the premises in 1820, that he well remembers when a 
boy seeing the two graves, which were marked by 
rough stones at the head and foot of each. 

Dr. Fobes further says, "Uriah Leonard" (who 
was a son of James Leonard, Sr.), " as he was riding 
from Taunton to the forge in this place, was discov- 
ered and fired upon by the Indians. He instantly 
plucked off his hat and swung it around, which started 
his horse, and in full career he reached the forge dam 
without a wound; but several bullets were shot 
through the hat he held in his hand and through the 
neck of the horse near the mane, from which the 
blood on both sides gushed and ran down on both his 
legs." 

Hubbard, in his " History of the Indian War," in- 
forms us that on June 20, 1676, the Indians killed 
Mr. Hezekiah Willett, at Swansea, and took a negro 
belonging to the household prisoner, who, afterwards 
escaping, gave information of an intended assault by 
Philip upon Taunton. Philip, with all the forces he 
could get or that he had left, having, as ^yas conceived, 
many hundreds in his company, assaulted Taunton 
July 11th ; but his design being discovered by this 
negro they provided themselves with soldiers, whereby 
they were able to repulse the enemy upon the first 
approach, so as he only fired two houses and then 
fled away. Dr. Increase Mather gives substantially 
the .same account, putting the number of Philip's men 
at about two hundred, and saying they fled after they 



TAUNTON. 



745 



had fired two houses, but not an English life was lost 
in this engagement. 

The name of this negro, who thus saved Taunton 
from surprise, and perhaps destruction, was Jethro, 
as we find from the action of the Pl_vmouth Court in 
reference to him. The court ordered, and agreed vvith 
Mr. John Saffin, administrator of Capt. Willett's es- 
tate, that the negro should serve two years longer in 
the family of Capt. Willett, and should then be set 
at liberty, provided that during said term he should 
be furnished with meat, drink, and apparel fitting for 
one in his degree, and at the end of his service that 
he go forth competently provided for in reference to 
apparel. Not very liberal treatment for one who had 
done such service. 

The war with Philip was now drawing near its 
close. On the 6tb of August an Indian deserted from 
the camp of Weetamoe, the widow of Philip's brother 
Alexander, and came to Taunton, where he offered to 
conduct a party to her hiding-place, representing that 
her numbers were few and might be easily taken. 
Twenty men started out and, surprising them, cap- 
tured the whole, twenty-six in number. But Wee- 
tamoe escaped upon a raft. She did not succeed in 
reaching the opposite shore, however, but was prob- 
ably drowned, her dead body being found not long 
after upon the shore at Mattapoisett, now called Gard- 
ner's Neck, in Swansea, near the place where she 
had concealed herself, and where her followers were 
taken. Her head was severed from her body, carried 
to Taunton and set upon a pole, where the sad and 
barbarous spectacle caused great lamentations among 
the Indian prisoners, her former subjects. Weeta- 
moe was drawn into the war unwillingly through the 
influence of Philip, and her melancholy fate must 
always excite our pity. A few days after this, viz., 
on August 12th, Philip himself was surprised and 
slain in a swamp near Mount Hope. On August 
28lh, Annawan, Philip's chief captain, who escaped 
from the swamp at Mount Hope with some fifty or 
sixty followers, was captured by Capt. Church in Re- 
hoboth, at a place ever since called Annawan's Rock. 
Church took his prisoners including Annawan to 
Taunton, where his unexpected success caused great 
rejoicing. The prisoners, except Annawan, were 
sent under guard to Plymouth, Church taking the 
chief to his home on Rhode Island, and afterwards 
proceeding with him to Plymouth. All the efforts of 
Church to save the life of the venerable chief were 
unavailing, and by order of the authorities he was 
beheaded. The death of Annawan practically ended 
the Indian war. There were occasional skirmishes 
with scouting parties, and Indian prisoners continued 
for a time to be taken in small numbers, but the 
power of the native tribes was completely broken. 

As has been stated, Taunton suffered less than 
most of the towns in this part of the colony. One 
reason given for this exemption is that Philip was on 
friendly terms with some of the inhabitants, especi- 



ally with the Leonard family, who were principal 
owners in the iron-works, and who had accommo- 
dated him by repairing his guns and mending his 
tools. It was said that he had given orders that none 
of that family should be molested, and that Taunton 
and Bridgewater should be spared until the other 
towns were destroyed. Philip made the Fowling 
Pond a place of frequent resort in the summer for the 
purpose of hunting. He had a house on the northerly 
side of the pond, which was called Philip's hunting- 
house. The winters he mostly spent at his seat at 
Mount Hope. It is not improbable that his ac- 
quaintance with some of the Taunton people, and 
kindnesses received from them, influenced him in 
the early part of the war to preserve the town so far 
as he could from attack. 

Dr. Increase Mather, in a list which he gives of 
the numbers killed in the various towns during the 
Indian war, says " fifteen persons slain by the In- 
dians at Taunton, — eleven men, two maids, and two 
youths, besides a man slain in the fight with Capt. 
Beers, — some in the year 1675 and some 1676." Dr. 
Fobes, in his history, already referred to, says that 
two young women slain in King Philip's war were 
buried under the doorstep of the ancient Leonard 
house, built some years before that war, and which 
was standing at the time he wrote, and within the 
recollection of persons now living. He also mentions 
the tradition that the head of King Philip was for a 
time deposited in the cellar of the house. The latter 
statement or tradition is probably without founda- 
tion, as the head of Philip was carried to Ply- 
mouth. 

The war had been a very costly one to the colonies, 
especially Plymouth, both in the loss of lives and 
property. The government was poor and weak, and 
had to depend upon the readiness and patriotism of 
the towns in times of emergency. It was ordered in 
June, 1676, that each town should make a rate to 
pay all their soldiers and officers which have been 
out on their country's service from first to last their 
full due, and that an account of their particular dis- 
bursements be sent in to the July court, that so there 
might be a right proportioning of the whole charge 
upon the several towns. It was also ordered that 
each town should send one man to meet, July 1st, 
with the magistrates and adjust their accounts re- 
specting the charges of the war. Accounts of dis- 
bursements were accordingly sent in, amounting for 
all the towns to £3692 16?. 2rf. Taunton's disburse- 
ment was £327 15s. 6d. 

A contribution was made by divers Christians in 
Ireland, supposed to have been procured through the 
efforts of Rev. Nathaniel Mather, a Congregational 
minister at that time residing in Dublin, for the re- 
lief of such as were impoverished in the Indian war, of 
which Plymouth Colony's part was £124 lOrf. Com- 
mittees were appointed in each town to distribute the 
fund. William Harvey, James Walker, and John 



746 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Biclimond were the committee for Taunton, whose 
share was ten pounds. 

In 1677 the conquered lands of Showamett and 
Assonet were ordered to be sold, and the proceeds 
divided among the towns to make up their disburse- 
ments in the war. In 1680 the Mount Hope lands 
wei'e sold to John Walley, Esq., Col. Nathaniel Bye- 
field, Stephen Burton, Esq., and Nathaniel Oliver, of 
Boston, who immediately proceeded to establish a 
settlement there, which was incorporated the same 
year as the town of Bristol. The proceeds of these 
lands were applied to the same purpose. A commit- 
tee of twelve was appointed by the General Court to 
hear and determine all claims against the colony by 
individuals and the towns concerning the war. Taun- 
ton was represented on the committee by William 
Harvey. 

A warrant was sent by the court, June, 1078, to the 
constables of Taunton, requiring them to warn the 
town to come together to make a I'ate for the pay- 
ment of some charges incurred during the war with 
the Indians, viz. : for billeting Capt. Freeman and 
his men and horses, for billeting some men left in the 
town by Mr. Saberey, and some of the town soldiers 
after they were pressed, likewise to pay for beef that 
was disposed of when Capt. Freeman was there, 
either by Capt. Freeman or any of the selectmen, for 
the relief of some of the poor who were in extremity, 
and also to pay for carrying Jane Halloway to Plym- 
outh. " The court, having taken these things into 
consideration, doth see good reason to place the charge 
of these forementioned particulars on your town; 
therefore fail not in any of the particulars." 

In March, 1679-80, the court ordered four pounds 
to be paid by the treasurer to William Ho.skins, of 
Taunton, who was in the Narragansett fight, "in re- 
gard of his low condition, he having lost all he had 
in the late war, and being grown old and unaljle to 
labor." 

In July, 1681, Jarud Talbutt, of Taunton,. petitioned 
the court in reference to moneys claimed to be due 
him, which was in the hands of William Harvey, 
James Walker, Sr., and William Wetherell, a com- 
mittee that had the ordering and disposing of the 
charges respecting the late war. The court ordered 
Mr. Browne and Mr. Smith, assistants, to call the 
committee to account of what they received and how 
it was disposed, and if they found their accounts not 
to bejust to cause them to appear and answer at the 
next court. 

Mr. James Walker, of Taunton, was appointed one 
of the Council of War again in 1681. 

The court and the Council of War, with all their 
' urgency and strictness in managing military affairs, 
could be lenient upon occasion. In October, 1684, 
it is recorded, "The Council of War see cause to free 
Samuel Hall, of Taunton, from training, he being 
hard of hearing, and having three sons of age and 
able to bear arms, whom he engageth they shall be 



ready, if life and health, to serve the country upon 
any such occasion, and Nicholas White, Jr., if Leit- 
tenant Macye and Ensigne Leonard, of Taunton, 
shall see cause." 

Upon the division of the colony into three coun- 
ties in 1685, a major was chosen for each county as 
follows : For Plymouth, Maj. Wm. Bradford ; for Bris- 
tol, Capt. John Walley ; for Barnstable, Capt. John 
Freeman. Capt. Walley was one of the principal 
proprietors and early settlers in the town of Bristol, 
which was incorporated in 1680, and was made the 
shire town of Bristol County. 

Soon after the accession of William and Mary to 
the throne of England in 1689, the war known as 
King William's war commenced between England 
and France. It extended to their American colonies. 
The Indians and French attacked the feeble and un- 
])rotected settlements upon the coast of Maine, and 
partially destroyed Dover, in New Hampshire. A 
party of three hundred French and Indians were sent 
by Governor Frontenac from Montreal to destroy 
Albany. Through deep snows in the month of Feb- 
ruary they made their way as far as Schenectady, 
which they attacked at midnight, burned the dwell- 
ings, and murdered more than sixty of the inhab- 
itants. 

The colonies were deeply alarmed. A general con- 
vention was held in Boston to consider measures of 
defense. Capt. Church was prevailed upon to take 
command of an expedition composed of English and 
Indians, and volunteers were called for. The mili- 
tar}' officers of each town were ordered to use their 
endeavors to encourage English and Indians to a 
voluntary going out in the expedition. The depu- 
ties and selectmen were also ordered, in such way as 
might seem to them most suitable, to use their interest 
with tlie inhabitants of the several towns to lend for 
the colonies' use so much money as they should be 
willing to, and not lo be less than a certain propor- 
tion. The amount expected of Taunton was six 
pounds in money, four men, and four arms. Each 
soldier was to be "provided with a well-fixt gun, 
sword, or hatchet, a home or cartouch-box, suitable 
ammunition, and a snapsack." If a sufficient num- 
ber failed to volunteer the deficiency was to be made 
up by press in the delinquent towns. Any person 
being pressed and refusing to go upon the service 
was to be fined four pounds, or otherwise to be com- 
mitted to prison by authority of the Town Council. 

A levy was made in October, 1689, upon the towns 
towards the charges of the war. The amount levied 
upon Taunton was sixty pounds. It was to be paid 
one-third in money, one-third in grain, — Indian corn 
at two shillings per bushel, rye two shillings and six- 
pence, barley two shillings, wheat four shillings, — the 
other third in beef at ten shillings per hundred and 
pork at two pence per pound. 

In December a committee was chosen for each 
countv to settle the charges and disbursements of the 



TAUNTON. 



747 



war, and to adjust the accounts of all officers and 
soldiers engaged therein. The committee for Bristol 
County was composed of Mr. John Saffin, Capt. 
Thomas Leonard, and Mr. Joseph Church. 

In May following another call was made for sixty 
men , to be sent by water to Albany or elsewhere, to 
join with the forces of New York, Massachusetts, or 
Connecticut, etc., for the defense of said places, or 
other service of their majesties' against the common 
enemy. Taunton was to raise five men. In June 
the General Court resolved to rai-e two hundred men, 
one-quarter of them Indians, for the expedition to 
Canada. Bristol County was to furnisli fifty-one men 
and eighteen arms, — Taunton fourteen men and four 
arms, a larger number than any other town in the 
county. 

In November a rate of £1350 was laid upon the 
towns in the colony for the payment of soldiers* 
wages and for other charges, the amount to be paid 
by Taunton being £100 16.^. dd. This rate was doubled 
in December. Committees were appointed for the 
counties, and also a general committee for the whole 
colony, to receive and prepare the accounts of all per- 
sons to whom the colony was indebted, and to adjust 
the accounts of the soldiers. Capt. Thomas Leonard, 
of Taunton, was a member of the committee for Bris- 
tol County, and also of the committee for the whole 
colony. 

A controversy, causing much local excitement, arose 
in 1690 concerning the military company of Taunton. 
It had its origin in an order of the General Court, 
passed Dec. 25, 1689, which was as follows : 

"Ordered, that tlie town of Tauuton have liberty to be two companies, 
and choose officers accordingly, provided they can agree to divide by the 
ground; otherwise that they forthwith come to an orderly choice for a 
captain and other officers, if needed, and make a return of their choice 
to the major of the regiment that he may, by the first opportunity, get 
them allowed and commissionated." 

In obedience to a warrant issued by Maj. AValley, 
under authority of the foregoing order, an election 
was held March 31, 1690, the result of which was 
communicated to the major by the following 

Certificate of Election. 
"We, tlie iubabitants and military company of Taunton, being re- 
quired, by a warrant from our honored Major Walley. to meet together 
tbe3l8t day of Marcli, 1G90, either to divide by ground, or to come to an 
orderly choice; and, upon disagreement of the ancient inhabitants and 
the major part of the military company about division by the ground, 
we therefore proceeded to an orderly and legal choice of captain, lieu- 
tenant, and ensign, according to an act of the General Court, holden, in 
their majesties' names, at Plymouth, the 2'tth day of December, 1689; 
as followeth : — 

" First for captain : — 

"Thoniiis Leonard 88 votes. 

"George Macey 3 votes. 

"Secondly, for lieutenant : — 

"James Leonard, Jun 08 votes. 

" Henry Hodges 3 votes. 

" J"hu"HalI, Sen 4 votes. 

"George Macey 1 vote. 

" Thirdly, for ensign : — 

"Henr>- Hodges 70 votes. 

"John' Hall, Sen I vote. 

"James Leonard, Jun , 1 vote. 



" And being desired by the ancient inhabitants of this town, and like- 
wise by the military company, to take an account of the votes and their 
orderly proceedings therein, and wo both being personally present, did 
take an account in reference to the votes above mentioned, that they 
were orderly and legal; and to make return hereof to our honored 
major on their behalf, which weis also their desire ; which the abovesaid 
is the return by us. 

" Shadrach Wilbore, 

" Town Clerk of Tauiiton 
" RoBKUT CitossaiAN, Jun., 
" Clerk of the MUitai-y fjompnny of Taunto7i. 
"Tatixton, the :ilst of Marcii, 1090." 



D 



April 2d, only two clays after this election, the 
Council of War, at a meeting held at Plymouth, took 
action as follows : 

" In order to a present settlement of the militia of 
the town of Taunton, and for composing the uncom- 
fortable differences that have been and yet continue 
there, in respect to their chief military officers it is 
ordered by this Council, that Mr. George Macey is 
approved, allowed to be, and sustain, the office of a 
captain in said town, and such soldiers of said town 
as desire the same forthwith to list themselves under 
his command and be obedient to him as their captain. 

" Mr. Thomas Leonard is likewise approved of per 
this Council, and allowed to be and sustain the office 
of a captain in said town, and such soldiers as desire 
the same forthwith to list themselves under his com- 
mand and be obedient to him as their captain. 

" And every of the soldiers of said town or place 
are hereby ordered and required forthwith to list 
themselves under the command of one of said cap- 
tains; and being listed as aforesaid, the said company, 
with such of the aged inhabitants or others of said 
town, who by law are allowed to choose officers, are 
hereby allowed and have liberty to choose officers 
under their said captains in their respective compa- 
nies, and so to continue until the General Court or 
Council of War shall otherwise order, and that colors, 
drums, and halberts for each company be provided 
and paid for by all the ratable inhabitants of said 
town. 

" And the Council advise the said captains not to 
call both companies together for ordinary trainings 
on one day, but to appoint their days of training at 
distinct times or days." 

It is obvious from the cautionary advice given in 
the last sentence of the orders that there were two 
parties formed, and trouble was anticipated between 
them. These orders of the Council of War, so incon- 
sistent with the orders of the General Court, threat- 
ened to produce great disturbance, and called forth 
the following plain and spicy letter from the authori- 
ties of the town to the Governor: 

"Tauntox, April 7, 1690. 
" To Vie Sonornhle Mr. Thomas Hinckley, Governor of their M<ijeeties^ CoU 

any of New Plymouth : 

"Honored Sir,— It is our great joy that God lias continued you 
among ns, hitherto to be the stay and staff of cliurcli and state. We 
bless Gad,tliat lias restored our judges as at tlie iii-st,and our counselors 
as at tlie beginning; ; our rulers from among ourselves, wlio have a pa- 
ternal affection to us, and wish our welfare, and to wlioni we may freely 
speak our thoughts without such danger as heretofore we stood in ; yet 



748 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



desire not to abuse ancli freedom to impudence, as some do, in uncivil 
and corrupt disrespect of autliority. We are sensible that your lu«nor 
lies under a great burden, on whom is the care of all the towns and 
churches among us. The Lo I'd be your great reward and the renewer 
of your strength, tliat you may be enabled to grapple with and over- 
come tliis difference which the present tottering condition of our State 
does produce! Our design is not (we hope) \i> imreu^e ynnr hurden of 
cnre, but rather to lighti'U it if we conld. The Lord huniMe us for our 
present differences, and show ua tlie cause of them, and give us wisdom 
to beiiave ourselves aright before Him! Our differences are most un- 
eeasonalile and unreasouable, but in time, we trust, the dust will be 
allayed. 

" Honored sir, although we, the subscribei's, are such as did vote for 
Capt. Leonard, yet did it not for tlie promoting of difference, but acted 
our judgments and consciences in so doing, and are all of us of that 
principle, that, had the major vote fallen on the other person, we could 
have submitted lo him, and hope can all of us sincerely say that in this 
manner we do and shall abhor division, and now are ready to join with 
your honor, and other loving fathers in government, for the liealing 
this diffeience among us, and shall accept and promote all your whole- 
some counsel and advice to us for peace. Your honor liitherto has been 
misinfurmeil concerning the distemper of our body politic, which till 
the physician doth truly know the poor patient can't expect a cure. 
The remedy last afforded for healing has not that eff"'ct among us, and 
not to lose our scope we liave digested our thoughts with a few parts. 

" 1. Tliat the liberty granted to all to list under wliom they pleased 
it will make such a division in the town as portends nothing but confu- 
sion and ruin. No man of either part, that has the face of honesty, will 
profess himself tlie promoter of it. Had the division been made by the 
ground, or some other orderly way, the difhcnlty had been less; but in 
this way there seems to be a core of distance and contention engen- 
dered in men's hearts. All the good men of the place (except a very 
few tliat may labor under some present discontent) do heartily pray 
it may be prevented, if it be God's will ; yea, otherwise, some threaten 
removing out of town. From lience will come continual opposites in 
town-meetings and all otlier affairs of a civil nature. Wo would hope 
it may produce none in the churcti, who are all of one mijid (blessed be 
God) except three or four, and they will submit to oider and the deter- 
mination of the Court. 

"2. That hereby is increased upon us, in the most or greatest part, 
charges to procure new military instruments. The other party (though 
they falsely feign themselves so numerous) are some of them main- 
tained, in part, by the town; many others by parents and masters, be- 
ing yet under their care and tuition (thougli drawn away by seditious 
persons), and so will not bear the twentieth i)art of the charge. Yea, 
some hot persons begin to say, 'How can tlie Court force to pay such 
charges, if they can't make others vote, and submit to their own orders?' 

"li. The fieemen among us begin to grumble that tlie orderof a Gen- 
eral Court should be altered by a Council, and talk of petitioning to the 
General Court about it ; which we hope may be prevented. 

" 4. The contempt of authority by one party seems to he too little dis- 
countenanced ; for whereas the Court ordered the people should vote, 
and come to a choice, they dismissed the company and dispersed them- 
selves its Soon as thr>y saw it promoted, and by such doings lose an in- 
terest in our hearts. Thereby they wouhl have brought us, with them- 
selves, to incur the penalty of a tifty-pound fine for neglect of it. At 
this time, the leading men among them snid they were not for division 
of the company, and owned it would be our ruin : yet at the sa[mo lime] 
their agents promote it, and readily accept of commissions ; which is 
nothing ... if they can have their own wills, they care not if the whole 
be . . . of their petitioners, whicli they subscribe to their petitions,your 
honor . . . they have still in multiplication. Did you but know what 
pains they take ... as they call it, liow much drink is spent in pucuur- 
aging weak friends, and the . . . their party must have th'ir fill of cider 
in the morning before . . . you would account the whole matter, fiom 
the foundation, . . ." (Some of the words in the foregoing clause are 
obliterated in the original, as also the whole of the fifth and the begin- 
ning of the sixth.) 

"5. 

"6. . . . not ratify it, for good reasons well known to tliemselvea. 
But now the case is altered. Great changes have been in the worhi, and 
sad ones among us; ami, among the rest, our former reverend pastor, 
Mr. Shove, is taken away from us : yet we trust his memory is precious 
to >our honor. We suspect some friend in the court does us a displeas- 
ure in promoting petitions. But good men miss it. Wo can't but think 
of Eli's sin, though he was a good man. 

" 7. If the Honored Court Tiad never proposed it to iis to choose a 



captain, but taken the power of placing one over us into their own hands, 
though most would have grumbled at the lo'-s of their liberty, yet, for 
our jiarts. we would have yielded, and persuade others to yield, to it; 
and had rather stili that the court would put in whom they will, pro- 
vided we liave but one sun in our iirmament, for two will set the world 
on fire. 

'• S. The generality (we perceive) incline not to list themselves under 
either captain, provided it might not be construed contempt of the 
Council; in sending which they will rather yield to, if there be no lielp 
for it. Many are persuading Capt. Leonard not to accept of a commis- 
sion on these terms, but rather to train in one company, though as a 
private soldier. Your honor by this time sees our sore. We have a 
great deal more to say, but sluill not write it at present. Our honored 
Maj. Walley Itas been an eye-witness to our state (Your Honor but an 
ear- witness as yet), and it seems a reflection on our major that one or two 
sorry souls should have such credit before him ; but he is able to plead 
his own cause. We are far too bold and troublesome to your Honor, and 
crave your pardon. Shall finish all in a word or two. We humbly pro- 
pose that your Honor would take the pains to visit our town on some 
time appointed, when our Maj. Walley may be present also, and see how 
our state has been exceedingly misrepresented by such as may truly be 
called factious persons and turbulent spirits. We doubt not but your 
Honor may compose matters with a short visit. We shall be heartily 
engaged and obliged to pay you due service for it; and to make some 
alteration in under officers if your Honor advise to it. To prevent differ- 
ence the people would yield, though our town doth not abound with men 
of great abilities, and we should be at some loss if those should be laid 
by whom we, acting with best judgment and discretion, have pitched 
upon. 

" We leave the clerk of the company to treat your Honor further, and 
with hearty prayers for your Honor's long life and happiness, begging 
yours for us, we rest your humble supplicants, 

" W.\LTER Deane, 
"Nathan" Williams, 

" Deacons. 
"James Walker, Sr., 
" William Harvey, 
'* John Richmond, 

" 0/ the Town Council. 

'ISUADRACH WiLBORE, 

*' Toum CW-. 
" Robert Crossman, Jr., ] 
" Chrk of the Militnrfj. 
"Peter Walker, 
"Samuel Hall, 

" Constables. 
"John Hathaway, Sr. 

"We songiit not multitude of names to our petition, but offices or 
othcers (not to boast), but that your Honor may know how far we are 
engaged in acting or to act for the town, and that many eyes are upon 
us to lead in this matter." 

The trouble a.ssiiraed so much importance that on 
the 16th of April. Maj. Walley wrote to the Governor 
about it. As this correspondence gives a graphic 
picture of the times, so much of his letter as relates 
to Taunton afiairs is also here given. 

The originals of these documents are found in the 
Governor Hinckley papers, now deposited in the 
Boston Public Library. They were published in 
the collections of the Massachusetts Historical So- 
ciety, fourth series, vol. v. : 

" Bristol, the 16th April, 1690. 
"Honored Sir,— I received yours of 16th instant, and do think that 
if you understood the motion of Boston (which might be some direc- 
tion) it would be proper you should write Leisler an answer. I under- 
stand they have sent up a considerable strength to Albany. For the 
management of the affairs of Taunton I am exceedingly troubled, and 
the late order of the Council of War will be of veiy bad consequence, 
and (if you will pardon me), I will say, contrary to the order of the 
General Court, which order is fii-st to be observed. They had no liberty 
to be two companies, unless they could agree to divide by the ground, 
which they could not; and then, by order of the General Court, they 



TAUNTON. 



749 



were to proceed to choice, and were promised the major vote should be 
accepted. Now, contrary to order, to go about to please a minor part, 
less l'.v fai", both in weight and number; a pleasing of a party that a 
great many of them, I am afraid, will be angry with their minister ere 
long, and ready to oppose all that doth nut please them. Had you at- 
tended order surely it had been the safest way. You liave given such a 
precedent as never was in N. E., and other towns Jire a-pleading for the 
benefit of it ; and we ."ihall want not only two, but ten captains in a town. 
But, sir, though I write this- to you, yet Intend it chiefly fur the gentle- 
men that promoted the sending of two commissions. I have them yet both 
by Die, and at present shall forbear sending either of them. To send Cap- 
tain Leunard,! had almost said, an illegal conmiission, I am not willing, 
and, if be be wise (if I should), he would not accept it. Macey's party, 
by virtue of the order of Council, are daily listing soldiers, and take all 
opportunities to wheedle in all the youngsters they can. The other 
party loolc upon proceedings not to be proper, and so lie still. They are 
grown to that pass, that I despair of any success of giving them a meet- 
ing; and there is nothing will tend to peace, but for some (Mr. Cotton, 
Ac.) that have an interest in Wacey to persuade him, for the peace of 
the town, to lay down, which I believe he will liai-dly be persuaded to. 
I could enlarge, but I must forbear. My thoughts are to keep the com- 
missions, and acquaint them frum yourself and others of the Council. I 
am advised so to do until further order, and, in the mean time, to re- 
quire him as lieutenant, and Mr. Leonard as ensign, by virtue of former 
order, and until further order to take care, witli the rest of the Town Coun- 
cil, to meet and order watching, warding, and scouting as they judge 
needful. Swansey have had another choice : chose Brooks, captain ; 
James Cole, lieutenant ; and Robert Sanford, ensign, which have moved 
each according to the rules of discipline, and the choice, as things are 
circumstanced, n)ost likely for peace. But Cole and his party are dis- 
contented ; they are the least part and least considerable. But they 
will want Taunton liberty, if that may go (or a precedent." 

In order, if possible, to terminate tlie whole diffi- 
culty, the General Court at their meeting May 20, 
1690, passed the following : 

** Whereas, There have been and are several uncomfortable differences 
in the town of Taunton respecting their military company, especially 
relating to the officers thereof, and several ways have been propounded 
and tried for the r couciliug and healing thereof, all which have proved 
ineffectual to accomplish the same, and there having been several 
choices of officers among them, against all of which there have been 
objections made as to the legality thereof, it is therefore ordered by this 
Court and the authority thereof that the soldiers and inhabitants of the 
town of Taunton meet on the 2 day of June next, at ten of the clock, 
the soldiers complete in their arms, and that they make a choice of 
military officers according to law, and that their choice be returned to 
the next General Court, and that the whole company be under the com- 
mand of Lieut. Macey as chief, and Ensign Leonard under the major in 
the mean time; and Mr. Smith and Major Walley, one or both, are de- 
sired to be there to see a fair choice. And this notwithstanding any 
former act of the General Court, or order of the Council of War." 

Nothing further of interest appears in the Plymouth 
Colony records touching the military affairs of Taun- 
ton. In 1691, Plymouth Colony was united with 
Massachusetts under the province charter. The mil- 
itary history of the town beyond this period will be 
treated by other hands. 



CHAPTER LXI. 

TAUNTON.'— (f'o»(/<n,e,7.) 

Among the earliest matters that received attention 
by the General Court, when new settlements began 
to be made beyond the limits of Plymouth, was that 

t By James Henry Dean. 



of regulating the receiving in of persons to such 
plantations or neighborhoods and the disposing of 
lands to them. A form of deputation or committee- 
ship was adopted for the government of such as in any 
of the new plantations might be intrusted with this 
duty. They were to receive in such persons as might 
be fit to live together in the fear of God and obedience 
to the king, in peace and love as becometh Christian 
people, and they were to dispose of such equal and fit 
portions of land unto them as the several estates, 
ranks, and qualities of such persons as the Almighty 
in His providence should send in among them should 
require. 

It seems that a committee for this purpose had been 
authorized in Taunton, for in June, 1641, the General 
Court passed the following : 

"Whereas, those seven first freemen, men of Taunton, that liave un- 
dergone great travel and charges about the attending of the courts, 
laying out of lands, and other occasions for the town, it is thought meet 
by the government that therefore they have a pioportion of land in some 
convenient place lying together assigned them, so that it exceed not the 
quantity of forty acres apiece, besides the other proportions of lands in 
other places as other of the inhabitants of the said town of Taunton 
have, when the said lands shall come to be divided hereafter." 

A reference is made to a jirevious book for their 
names, upon turning to which we find they were Wil- 
liam Pool, John Gilbert, Sr., Henry Andrews, John 
Strong, John Dean, Walter Dean, and Edward Case. 
These are the same mentioned in the list of 1637 as 
freemen of Cohannett, and who are again named as 
admitted and sworn in December, 1638. They were 
the only freemen in Taunton until 1641, when Wil- 
liam Parker and John Parker were admitted. The 
public offices were filled by them until that year. 
John Strong was appointed the first constable in 
1638, and was appointed again in 1639. William 
Pool was appointed the chief military officer of the 
town, with the title of captain, in 1639, and seems to 
have retained the position for many years. William 
Pool, John Gilbert, and Henry Andrews were chosen 
the first deputies to the General Court in 1639, and in 
1640 Edward Case and Walter Dean were the depu- 
ties, and John Dean was constable. As the number 
admitted to the privileges of freemen increased in the 
town, the public offices were shared among them. 
But these first seven, so long as they lived and re- 
mained here, were prominent in all town and public 
affairs, and for a large part of the time held some im- 
portant office. They gave character and direction to 
the young settlement, and to them, if to any more 
than to all the first purchasers, belongs the honorable 
title of fathers of the town. 

The rights and duties of freemen were so important, 
and so nearly affected the management of all town as 
well as the more public affairs of the colony, that it 
may not be out of place to give here the laws regu- 
lating their admission and prescribing those rights 
and duties. Church membership does not seem to 
have been made a condition of admission, as was the 
case in the Massachusetts Colony, although, as a mat- 



750 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ter of practice, it probably amounted to very nearly 
tbat. In 1656 it was ordered that " hereafter such as 
are admitted to be freemen, the deputies of such 
towns where such persons live shall propound them 
to the court, being such as have been also approved 
by the freemen in that town where such persons live ;" 
and in 1657 it was ordered that " upon satisfying tes- 
timony given from the freemen of their town by their 
deputies, such to be forthwith received without any 
further delay at the same court wliere such testimony 
is given." But in 1658 this rule seems to have been 
thought too broad, and it was ordered that " all such 
as shall be admitted freemen shall stand one whole 
year propounded to the court, viz., to be propounded 
at one June court, and to stand so propounded until 
the June court following, and then to be admitted if 
the court shall not see cause to the contrary." 

By a law of 1674 lists of the freemen in each town 
were to be kept upon the town record, and no man's 
name was to be brought into the court to be pro- 
pounded unless he had had the approbation of the 
major part of the freemen at home, which was to be 
signified to the court under the town clerk's hand by 
the deputies. 

In 1652 it was enacted " that no Quaker ran to r or 
any such corrupt person shall be admitted to be a 
freeman of this corporation. 

" That all such as are opposers of the good and wholesome laws of this 
Colony, 01* manifest opposere of the tiue worship of God, or such as re- 
fuse to do the Country service being called thereunto, shall not be ad- 
mitted freemen uf this con>oration, being duly convicted of all ur any 
of these. 

"That if any that are freemen that are Quakers or manifest encour- 
agers of such and so judged by the court, or such .as shall fliieak cou- 
temptiiously of the court and the laws thereof, and such as are judged 
by the court grossly scandalous, as liars, drunkards, swearers &c. shall 
lose their freedom of this corporation." • 

At first the whole body of freemen were required 
to be present at every court, and a fine of three shil- 
lings was imposed for absence. 

In 1646 it was required that the whole body of free- 
men should appear at the Election Court the first 
Tuesday in June annually, and that they should then 
present such deputies as had been chosen by their 
towns. In 1660 the fine for not appearing at the 
June court of election was ten shillings, unless a 
reasonable excuse could be shown. By a law of 1646 
towns were fined forty shillings for not sending depu- 
ties, and deputies twenty shillings for not appearing, 
unless they had a reasonable excuse. 

In 1669 it was enacted that none should vote in 
town-meetings but freemen or freeholders of twenty 
pounds ratable estate and of good conversation, hav- 
ing taken the oath of fidelity ; and in 1678 it was 
further provided that a list of all that had taken the 
oath of fidelity should be kept by the town clerk of 
every town. 

As early as 1636 it was enacted " that an oath of 
allegiance to the King and fidelity to the Govern- 
ment and the several Colonies therein be taken of 



every person that shall live within or under the same ;" 
and in 1642 the admission of inhabitants was regu- 
lated by an enactment " that none shall come to in- 
habit without leave, and any intruding themselves 
without regard to such order, shall fortliwith be 
warned to go out of the Colony, which if they shall 
not speedily do then every offender to pay five shil- 
lings a week for every week's continuance." But it 
was also provided " that every person living quietly 
in a place and not excepted against for three months 
shall be reputed an inhabitant." 

The oatli of a freeman, as established in 1636, was 
as follows : 

" You shall be truly loyal to our sovereign Lord 
the King, his heirs and successors. You shall not do 
nor speak, devise or advise anything or things, act 
or acts directly or indirectly by land or water that 
shall or may tend to tlie destruction or overthrow of 
any of the.se plantations or townships of the Corpora- 
tion of New Plymouth ; neither shall you sufler the 
same to be spoken or done, but shall hinder, oppose, 
and discover the same to the Governor and Assistants 
of the said Colony for the time being or some one of 
them ; you shall taithful)}' submit unto such good 
and wholesome laws and ordinances, as either are or 
shall be made for the orderiug and government of the 
same ; and shall endeavor to advance the good and 
growth of the several townships and plantations 
within the limits of this Corporation by all due means 
and courses; all which you promise and swear by the 
name of the great God of heaven and earth, simply, 
truly, and faithfully to perform as you hope for help 
from God, who is the God of truth and the punisher 
of fiilsehood." 

These stringent requirements, as also the obliga- 
tion of frequent attendance at the General Courts at 
Plymoutli, and of accepting oflices requiring much 
outlay of time, under penalty of a fine for non-ac- 
ceptance, tended to keep the number of freemen, 
as compared with the whole number of male in- 
habitants, relatively small. The oath of allegiance 
and fidelity was required of all male inhabitants of 
legal age, and such were allowed to vote in town 
affairs if they possessed the necessary property quali- 
fication. The latter qualification, considerable for 
those of small means, probably cut off many from 
participation in public affairs who possessed every 
other qualification. 

For convenience of arrangement it is proposed to 
give the history of the town during the colonial 
period as shown by the action of the General Court 
touching particular individuals as well as town 
affairs, and afterwards as it may be gathered from 
the proprietors' records and from other sources. 

The earliest recorded marriage is given as follows : 
" Richard Paul and Margery Turner, of Cohannett, 
were married the 8uh of November, 1638." The next 
two are " William Harvey and Joane Hucker, of 
Cohannett, married the second of April, 1639." 



TAUiNTON. 



751 



''Thomas Gilbert and Jane Rossiter, of Taunton, 
married the 23d of March, 1639" (1640 new style). 
Jane Rossiter was the daughter of Hugh Rossiter, one 
of the first purchasers. Paul, Harvey, and Gilbert 
were also among the first purchasers. At first all 
marriages seem to have been solemnized at Plymouth, 
before the Governor or some one of the magistrates. 
Afterwards persons were appointed in tlie different 
towns to perform the ceremony. In 1650, Mr. Wil- 
liam Parker was deputed by the court to marry per- 
sons in Taunton. In 1657 the court " deputed some 
special men in the towns of Taunton, Barnstable, 
and Rehoboth, in regard of their far distance of place 
from any magistrates, to administer marriage, and to 
administer an oath to give true testimony and infor- 
mation to the grand inquest, and likewise in His High- 
ness' name to issue forth warrants to subprena in' wit- 
nesses to give testimony to the court or grand inquest 
in such cases." Mr. William Parker was appointed 
for Taunton. 

In 1662, James Walker was authorized to admin- 
ister an oath as occasion should require, as also to 
marry persons, William Parker having died about 
that time. In 1684, Thomas Leonard received the 
same authority, which he continued to exercise for 
many years. 

In March, 1655, the court ordered tliat " Whereas 
sundry persons have died at Taunton, whose wills 
and the inventories of their estates have not been or- 
derly proved, in regard those whom it concerneth, 
being widows cannot conveniently travel to the court, 
Mr. Browne is deputed by the Court to require them 
to take oath to such wills and inventories at Taun- 
ton, that so they may be recorded according to order." 
This Mr. Browne was John Browne, whose name 
stands at the end of the list of purchasers. He had 
moved to Rehoboth before the above date, being one 
of the first settlers in that town. He was for many 
years one of the Governor's assistants, and held other 
prominent and responsible positions. 

Richard Paul was licensed to keep a victualing- 
house at Taunton in 1640. He was propounded to 
take up his freedom in 1647, and again in 1653, but 
there is no record that he was ever admitted. 

At the March court, 1641, " Mr. Francis Doughty, 
of Taunton, for selling a pound of gunpowder to the 
natives (contrary to the acts and orders of the court), 
which was confessed by himself, is fined 30 shillings." 
At the same court, " Edward Hall, servant to Francis 
Doughty, for swearing profanely, is sentenced to be 
set in the stocks, which was accordingly done." 
Among the presentments by the grand inquest was 
the following : " We present . . . the son of widow 
Hoble for swearing. Witness, William Evans, John 
Golope." The widow of William Hobell, one of the 
first purchasers, was probably referred to by " widow 
Hoble." 

At the June court, 1641, " the town of Taunton is 
granted the thirty shillings, the tine of Mr. Francis 



Doughty, upon condition that the townsmen of 
Taunton shall make all the swamps betwixt Plym- 
outh and Taunton passable for man and horse." 
The grant of this sum does not seem to have proved 
a sufficiently powerful inducement for the town to do 
the work, for at the court in October, 1647, the fol- 
lowing action was taken : " Whereas, tlie township of 
Taunton had a fine of thirty .shillings given unto 
them for and towards the amending of their high- 
ways in certain swamps, the. court understanding that 
they having received the said fine, but not done the 
said work, doth order that the work be forthwith 
sufiicieutly done, or else that the money be repaid by 
them to the treasurer for the government's use by 
March court next. Mr. Browne undertook that the 
one of the two should be done." But even Mr. 
Browne's undertaking seemed to effect nothing, for 
two years after " the town of Taunton was presented 
for not mending the highways between Taunton and 
Plymouth, which they are ordered by the court to do, 
or to return the thirty shillings fine of Francis 
Doughty allowed them for that end." In March, 
1649, again, " We present the way wardens or survey- 
ors of Taunton for neglecting to mend the high- 
ways." The surveyors were Jolm Dean and Richard 
Stasy. It appears by an entry in the margin of the 
record that they were cleared. Whether the swamps 
between Taunton and Plymouth were made passable 
may be doubtful, but no further action in reference 
to Mr. Doughty's fine was taken. 

In March, 1645, " information was given unto the 
court by Mr. Browne, that John Gilbert, Jr., of 
Taunton, was vehemently suspected of felony for 
divers things, and obtaining leave to go for England, 
made over his estate in Taunton and elsewhere, 
amounting to the sum of forty pounds, or thereabouts, 
unto Nathaniel Sowther, for and on behalf of the 
government of New Plymouth, for saving this gov- 
ernment harmless concerning such things as might or 
may be objected against him for or concerning any 
matter or thing of such like nature, and for the an- 
swering of all such matters the next court, or else 
the next General Court after his return out of Eng- 
land, to answer in his own person, which is to be in 
two years next ensuing." At the June court follow- 
ing he was called, but neither he nor any for him 
made answer. At the same court, John Maycumber, 
of Taunton, was fined five pounds "for abusing the 
magistrates in concealing and misinforming the last 
Governor and Mr. Browne, and divers other of the 
assistants in the case of John Gilbert, Jr., whereby 
he is at large, and divers persons are deprived of re- 
ceiving their goods again, and the said Gilbert is 
gone into England." William Parker and Richard 
Williams became bound for his appearance at the 
next court. 

William Halloway complained to the court in 
.Tune, 1646, that an old woman whom he brouglit out 
of England was chargeable to him, whereupon the 



752 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, xMASSACHUSETTS. 



court took it into consideration and requested him to 
deliver her to tlietown, or wtiom theysliould appoint 
to receive lier, witli her clothes and bedding and such 
things as she had, and the town was to take order for 
her maintenance. 

At the June court, 1649, Edward Bobbit, of Taun- 
ton, was presented for receiving pay for stolen " wam- 
pom," and Thomas Gilbert, constable of Taunton, was 
presented for letting go of one whom he knew to have 
stolen a quantity of " wampampege," and was sus- 
pected of other things. But their reputations were 
relieved from these stains by being cleared. 

At the October court following, John Hathawaj', 
of Taunton, was presented for lending a gun to an 
Indian. He was cleared, with admonition to take 
heed for the future. William Shepherd, of Taunton, 
at the court in May, 1650, confessed himself guilty of 
a crime not so readily excused, that of purloining cer- 
tain goods from his mother-in-law. He was sentenced 
to return the goods and to be whipped at the post, the 
latter of which was forthwith performed. 

At the October court, 164S, James Walker, of 
Taunton, informed against William Hedggis, for 
that the said Hedggis, knowing of one that had 
traded shot unto the Indians, and refusing tO' de- 
clare who it was, by a summons sent unto him was 
required to appear at the next General Court ; ac- 
cordingly he did, and was cleared. At the court in 
June, 16-51, the grand jurymen of Taunton were pre- 
sented for being absent. George Macey and William 
Hailstone were the delinquents. 

The following is interesting as showing the minute 
care exercised by the court regarding paupers and 
others falling into distress : 

June, 1653. "Whereas, complaint is made of Tlionias»Brayman, of 
T.aunton, tliat by reason of a distracted condition in which lie Is, that 
both himself and wife are out of any employment which may conduce 
to their maintenance and subsistence, the Court have ordered that such 
of the town of Taunton who are deputed by the said town to order the 
especial affairs tin-reof, shall dispose of the said Brayman as they shall 
think meet for one in such condition, and that his wife he put forth to 
service, being young and fit for the same, and having no other way so 
likely to procure her maintenance." 

The reference to the men deputed by the town to 
order their special affairs shows that it was the prac- 
tice thus early to choose selectmen, although it was 
not until several years after that the law was passed 
requiring the towns to do so. 

At the court in March, 1654, the following action 
was taken: "Whereas, the wife of Mr. Thomas Gil- 
bert liath desired by her letter that lier servant, who 
hath received some hurt, and is now in Mr. Street's 
family, that there he might remain until her husband 
return from England ; the court hath granted her re- 
quest, provided that Mr. Street be freely willing to 
give him entertainment, but if not these were to re- 
quire the constable of Taunton to see that the said 
servant be provided for in some convenient place, and 
that he return not unto his mistress until his cause 
be heard and further order taken in the same." 



The matter was again referred to in March, 1658, as 
follows : " Concerning Joseph Gray, servant to Mrs. 
Gilbert, of Taunton, who was some time since frozen 
on his feet, and still is lame thereof. These are from 
the Court to the town of Taunton, to request them 
that whereas there is hopes that this spring he may be 
cured, if endeavors be used for that end, that they 
would please to take some course, either into the Bay 
or elsewhere, for his cure ; and what expense they 
shall be at about the same, in regard that his said 
mistress is not in a capacity to defray the charge, in 
case her husband do come again into the country, 
and be found able, he shall satisfy the said charge; 
if not, the Court hopes it will not be unrewarded of 
God." In May following the court ordered that a 
speedy course be taken for his cure, and that the town 
should make a rate to defray the charge. 

Jonathan Briggs, servant of William Hailstone, of 
Taunton, complained to the court in June, 16-54, that 
his master had not performed his covenants to him, — 
in that he did not learn him the trade of a tailor, and 
the court ordered that Hailstone should pay his ser- 
vant fifteen pounds in good and current pay with all 
convenient speed. In the record of the court in Oc- 
tober, 16-55, appears the following : 

"Whereas an execution was issued out of the Court in March last 
against William Ilailstono, of Tanntoo, in the beh.ilf of Jonathan 
Briggs, of Taunton aforesaid ; and one cow and two steers were thereby 
seized by the marshal, being in the custody of the said Hailstone and 
known to he his cattle; and at the seizing and prizing of the same the 
said Hailstone did not at all make any intimation, nor any else, that 
any other pei-son had any title toany of them, as the marshal teslifietli ; 
but after they were delivered unto the said Briggs, Nicholas White, of 
Taunton hath petitioned the Court that the two steers were not Hail- 
stone's, lint his by a former bargain, and paid for by him without auy 
fraud, as he saith. The court hath taken the same into consideration 
and ordered that at Mr. Browne's return home lie call the said White 
and Hailstone before him ; that if the said White do produce testimony 
upon oath that if the steer was bought and delivered for his use before 
the execution was served, then the steers to be returned to White, and 
Hailstone caused to make payment in oilier goods, else the steers to re- 
main as the goods of the said Briggs, his steers, to be disposed of by him 
to his best advantage. 

" William Bradford, 
"TnaoTHy Hatherly, 
" John Alden." 

It is probable that the steers were found to belong 
to White, for at the next June court the constable of 
Taunton was ordered, in case Hailstone did not pay 
the judgment, to attach his goods in satisfaction 
thereof, and for want of goods to attach his person 
and keep him safely until the next court. This 
proved efl'ectual, and the process was returned satis- 
fied with Briggs' receipt thereon as follows : " I, 
Jonathan Briggs, do most thankfully certify that I 
have received full satisfaction of William Hailstone 
of the sum of fifteen pounds," etc., " and hereunto I 
have set my hand June 21, 1656." The following 
September Briggs appeared at court, and for divers 
retisons and considerations made choice of Mr. Thomas 
Prence, of Eastham, to be his guardian until he was 
twenty-one. The court afterwards allowed to James 
Walker, for his pains and charges about the foregoing 



TAUNTON. 



753 



controversy the sum of twenty shillings, and the 
court conceived that Briggs ought to satisfy Walker 
further what was meet iu the premises, at least to 
make it up to forty shillings. 

A complaint was made at the .June court, 1657, 
against Robert Grossman, of Taunton, for wronging 
an apprentice of his, and the selectmen were ordered 
to take course about the same so that the said servant 
be heard in any just complaint, and relieved. But in 
case it could not be so settled, both master and ser- 
vant were ordered to appear at the court of assistants 
to be held at Plymouth the next August. At the 
March court, 1655, appears the following among the 
presentments of the grand inquest : " We present 
Robert Grossman for breaking open the pound by 
taking down a rail and taking out his calves, tending 
to breach of peace and disturbance of the neighbor- 
hood." March, 1657, we find it thus recorded, " Rob- 
ert Grossman, for attempting to strike George Macey 
with a fire brand, and for violently thrusting of him 
out of his house, coming in with his leave, fined five 
shillings." 

Another instance of violence between neighbors 
appears among the presentments at the June court, 
1656: "We present Timothy Holway, of Taunton, 
for his evil carriage unto Peter Pitts, tending unto 
the breach of the peace ; that is to say, that if Peter 
Pitts did stir to drive the oxen which then he had in 
his possession going to work, that he, that is, the 
aforesaid Timothy, would strike Peter down, having 
a pitch-fork in his hand, although he should be pres- 
ently hanged for it." In the margin it is recorded, 
"since cleared with admonition." 

About this time the town commenced action to rid 
themselves of certain persons of ill repute and con- 
versation, who had come to inhabit among them. 
The first action taken was at the February court, 
1656, and was as follows : 

" At this Court the constable of Taunton brought a certain Scote, a 
single man, and an Irish woman nameii Katheren Aimes, whom be had 
apprehended upon suspiciou of committing adultery each with other; 
but the Court, having examined them, could not proceed to punish 
them for want of clearer evidence, but having intelligence that sundry 
in Taunton could give evidence iu the case, who were not present, the 
Court committed the said man and woman to the custody of the mar- 
shal until the next Court, aud summoned in the witnesses to appear at 
the said Court, viz., Alexander Aines, John Muckclay, Daniell Blac- 
keney, Scotsmen, and a certain Irish woman named Elizabeth ; her 
other name none present do know." 

At the next court in March the name of the " cer- 
tain Scote" appears as William Paule, and for his 
unclean and filthy behavior with the wife of Alexan- 
der Aimes he was sentenced to be forthwith publicly 
whipped, and to pay the officers the charges of his 
imprisonment and punishment, which accordingly 
was performed. Katheren Aimes, for her participa- 
tion in the crime, and for the blasphemous words by 
her spoken, was sentenced to be forthwith publicly 
whipped at Plymouth, and afterwards at Taunton, on 
a public training-day, and to wear a Roman B cut 
out of red cloth, and sewed to her upper garment on 
48 



her right arm.* And Alexander Aimes, for his leaving 
his family and exposing his wife to such temptations, 
and being as bad to her therein, was sentenced to sit 
in the stocks the time said Paule and Katheren Aimes 
are whipped, which was performed ; and he was further 
ordered to p,ay the charges of his wife's imprisonment 
and punishment, which, because he was very poor, he 
was to pay by twelve pence a week until it was all 
paid, and James Walker, of Taunton, was appointed 
to receive it in the country's behalf. 

At the court iu October, 1657, the afiiiirs of Taun- 
ton received a good deal of attention, as appears 
from the record following: 

"Whereas complaint is made to the Court by the inhabitants and 
townsmen of Taunton tliat sundry unworthy and detiimed persons have 
thrust themselves into tiie said town to inhabit there, not having appro- 
bation of any two magistrates, according to an order of Court, and con- 
trary to the minds of divers of the iuhalntants, to their grievance, the 
Court, having taken their condition into serious consideration, doth 
order, — 

"I. That no such person be entertained by any inhabitant of the 
town, on the penalty of forfeiting twenty shillings for every week that 
they shall entertain them without the approbation of tlie five selectmen 
apiioiuted to order the public affairs of the town; and iu special that 
William Paule and his wife be forthwith expelled the town. 

" 2. Likewise, it is ortiered, that you give warning to your townsmen, 
that uo person or persons of your town do sell, hire, or give house or 
land to any person, so as thereby to biing them in to be inhabitants 
amongst them, but such as have approbation of two of the magistrates 
at least, according to au ancient order of Court, as they will answer 
their contempt in doing the contrary. 

*' 3 and 4. For your third and fourth grievance, we conceive that if 
your constable and graudjurymen do their duties, there will be a full 
redress of such abuses. 

"5. Mr. William Parker, being deputed by the Court to administer an 
oath to give true testimony to the grand inquest, and likewise in his 
higliness' name to issue forth warrants to subl)teua in witnesses to give 
te-^timony to the Court or graud inquest in such cases, that the Court 
order in the premises be improved as occasion shall require as a prepar- 
ative way to further justice. 

" Lastly, tlfe Court doth order that the five selectmen of your town — 
viz., Capt. William Pole, George Hall, Mr. William Parker, Lieftenant 
James Wyatt, and John Dean — do forthwith, on receipt hereof, require 
your constable to warn a town-meeting, that so these things may be 
published in your town." 

For the General Court held March 2, 1657-58, spe- 
cial warrants were issued to the constables of the 
towns, commanding them in the name of his high- 
ness, the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and 
Ireland, especially to warn the grand jurymen to be in 
attendance; also to warn their townsmen to come to- 
gether, and to declare unto them that forasmuch as 
there were divers persons in several places that by word 
and act represent things of sad consequence to the 
government, they should make choice of some able 
and fit persons for deputies to attend the General 
Court, to whom the matters complained of might be 
more fully imparted. William Parker and James 
Walker were chosen deputies from Taunton. 

During the session the case of William Paule again 
received attention, as follows: "Whereas the Court 
conceiveth that his abiding there will be a continued 
occasion of division and contention amongst the in- 
habitants thereof, they do therefore order that, ac- 
cording to a former order sent thither, wherein he is; 



754 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



requested to depart, tiiat accordingly he do so with all 
convenient speed." There is no sufficient reason for 
supposing this William Paule, " a Scote," to be the 
son of Richard Paul, one of the first purchasers. The 
whole dealing of the court and the town with him 
shows that he was a new-comer who had tlirust him- 
self in without the required approbation of two mag- 
istrates, and not a native-born citizen of the town. 

The sanctity of the Lord's day was vigorously 
guarded by the court. At the session in October, 
1658, it is recorded: "Leiftenaat James Wiatt to be 
shari)ly reproved for his writing a note about com- 
mon business on the Lord's day, at least in the even- 
ing somewhat too soon." At a previous court the 
grand jury presented " John Smith, of Taunton, for 
needless traveling upon the Lord's day from Taunton- 
to Nunckatateesett and so back again." 

The court took care that wood and timber should 
not be taken and carried av/ay by unauthorized per- 
sons, as the following order passed in June, 1661, will 
show : " It is ordered by the court that a special war- 
rant shall be directed to the constable of Taunton to 
attach the persons or estates of such as shall come up 
Taunton River to fetch away the timber or woods to 
convey it out of the government. . . . and that the 
like course be also taken with all such as shall come 
into the government and hire or buy lands of the In- 
dians without order." 

The following order in reference to distribution of 
lands was directed to the town of Taunton at March 
court, 1662-63 : 

'* Upou the complaint of eumo of the inliabitantfi of Ttmilton, that 
Bonie theie have gone ahuul to aUer ttie aiicieut way of distribution of 
hinds ill that town formerly settler! and long practiced, whereby, besides 
many other inconveniences that do arise thereby, some Indians that by 
the leave of the town had liberty to plant corn in the remote parts of 
the township are disturbed in the improvement of the said lands, to 
tlieir great impoverishing, by such persons their taking up such great 
quantities of land, which is ill resented by us; we do therefore require 
them to desist from any such practice as that whicli we fear may create 
much trouble and inconveniency, until we have further inquired into 
the same." 

Difficulties arose early in 1664 concerning certain 
injuries done to the saw-mills at Taunton in the night 
time, and William Witherell and Gyles Gilbert were 
suspected of being concerned in those injuries. They 
were bound over in the sum of twenty pc^unds each, 
to be of good behavior towards the king and all his 
liege people, and especially to keep from libelling, 
and to appear at the next court. Hezekiah Hoar was 
surety for Witherell and George Watson for Gilbert. 
The reason for requiring the bonds is given in these 
words: "That whereas James Walker, being a part- 
ner in the saw-mills at Taunton, complained of great 
hurt done to the said saw-mill by some persons Ihat 
came in the night in a felonious manner and stole 
away several tliings, and did great spoil, and left a 
libellous paper behind them ; and it being suspected," 
etc., bonds were required. At the next court in May, 
Joseph Gray and Samuel Linkorn, being summoned, 
appeared to answer for being partners in doing great 



hurt to the saw-mill at Taunton, and being examined 
in the premises owned that they were guilty therein. 
They were required to give bonds in twenty pounds 
each. George Watson was surety for Gray and Thomas 
Leonard for Linkorn. 

The saw-mill referred to was upon the Mill River, 
exactly where it i'? not easy to tell ; Witherell lived 
near Wiunecunnet Pond, and he and Gilbert owned 
woodland there and perhaps were interested in some 
other saw-mill, and so were jealous of Walker and 
his, partners. 

It may have been by way of retaliation that at the 
same court complaint was made of James Walker as 
follows : 

"Whereas, at this Court, the above bounden Joseph Gray and Samuel 
Linkorn, together with George AVatson, complained of great wrong, sus- 
tained not only by them, but by the whole town of Taunton, by Janiea 
Walker his neglecti tig, according to engagement, to leaveasnfBcient pas- 
sage for the herrings or alewives to go up in the river on which the saw 
mill Btaiideth, the Court directed an order to the constable of Taunton 
to require him to signify unto the said James Walker that he speedily 
take course that a free passage he left for the going up of the alewives 
in the said river while yet some part of the season remains- of their 
goiug up." 

At the June court a further order was made to the 
effect, " That betwixt this date and the next season 
of the fishes going up, they, the said owners of the 
mill, shall make or cause to be made a free, full, and 
sufficient p.assage for the going up of the said fish, or 
otherwise, upon the further complaint of "the town, 
the court will take an effectual course that the same 
shall he done." 

The iron-works received the attention of the court 
at the June session, 1665, after the following fashion : 

"To THE CLARKE OF THE IRON-WOBKS AT TaUNTON, GREETING: 

"These are to acquaint you that the Court requires you to signify 
unto the owners that are partners in the iron-worksat Taunton, that 
whereas there is great comjdaiiit of bad iron made there, that the Court 
requires them to take course with the workmen that henceforth the iron 
that shall be made there be good iind merchantable, that so the counti'y 
he no more wronged on that behalf. 

" The Court's order per me, 

" Nath. Morton, Clarke." 

Iron was used as a medium of exchange and for 
the payment of debts and public rates to a consider- 
able extent, which will explain another order of court 
passed in 1677, as follows: 

"The constables of Taunton, now in being, are required by the Court, 
that when a parcel of iron shall be attached by them for the defraying 
the rate for the soldiers' wages, that they require Ensigne Thomas 
Leonard, or James Leonard, to draw it forth into merchantable bars." 

In July, 1667, the court allowed the sum of ten 
pounds towards the building of a bridge over Taun- 
ton River. The locality of the bridge was not indi- 
cated. The general training for that year was ap- 
pointed to be at Taunton on Wednesday in the second 
week of October. 

The following appears in the records of the court, 
June, 1669 : 

'* In reference unto a gift pretended to be given by Philip, the sachem 
unto James Leonard, sen , the court have granted that in case he do 
produce a deed of gift from the said sachem for the said land, under his 
hand and seal, at tlie Court to be liolden at Plymouth the fii-st Tuesday 
iu July next, that then he shall have fourscore or a hundred acres of ft." 



TAUNTON. 



755 



In July the court refer to the matter again in 
nearly the same terms, granting his request " for a 
small neck of land," provided he can procure a deed 
from Philip, and that it prejudice no former grant. 

The manufacture of tar was an industry of consid- 
erable importance in the colony, and in 1670 the 
court took measures to prevent its indiscriminate sale 
to persons outside the jurisdiction, by providing that 
for the term of two years it should be sold to such 
within the colony as would agree to give eight shil- 
lings in money for every small barrel, and twelve 
shillings for every great barrel. A number of men 
contracted to buy all the tar made in the colony at 
the abovf price, the same to be delivered at the 
water-side in each town in good merchantable casks, 
and the towns were divided among them. Edward 
Gray and William Clarke took for their share Ply- 
mouth and all the western towns of the colony, 
"John Cobb's, of Taunton, being the place of deliv- 
ery of what tar shall be made within the liberties 
thereof" The court charged and required all coopers 
to see that the casks they made were sufficiently good 
and tight, and the casks were not to be less than 
would contain sixteen gallons, beer measure. 

William Witherell and Samuel Smith were ap- 
pointed in 1071 a committee for Taunton, to see to 
the gathering in of the minister's maintenance, the 
same to be paid "satisfactorily and seasonably both 
for time and specie." 

At the same court, June, 1671, action was taken to 
prevent excessive drinking of liquors in ordinaries 
or taverns, showing that the regulation of such places 
was a troublesome problem then as it is now. The 
action of the court is worth quoting: 

"For tlie prevention of abuse by the excessive drinking of liqnors in 
ordinaties, tin's court dotli order, tliat every ordinary-lieeper in tbis gov- 
ernment sliall be hereby empowered and required tliat in case any per- 
son or persons do not attend order, but cany tlieniselves uncivilly by 
beint; iniporliinately desirous of drink wlien denied, and do not leave 
tlic lioiiae wlien required, such ordinary-keeper stniil return tlieir names 
to tile next court, tliat 80 tiley may be prosecuted according to the 
nature of the offence, and in case any ordinary-keeper shall neglect so to 
do he shall Ite fined five shillings for overy default. It is furtlier ordered 
by this court, that some two or three men be appointed in every town 
of this jurisdiction to have the inspection of the ordinaries, or in any 
other places suspected, to take notice of such abuses as may arise in 
reference to the premises, or otherwise, and make report thereof to the 
court." 

Men were thereupon appointed for the purpose in 
each town, James Walker, Aaron Knapp, and John 
Dean being named for Taunton. 

" Speaking evil of dignities" was narrowly watched 
and summarily punished, as the following examples 
will show: June, 1671, "Nathaniel Woolward, for 
speaking abusive words against Mr. Shove, the pastor 
of the church of Taunton, was sentenced by the court 
to sit in the stocks during the pleasure of the court, 
which accordingly was performed." March, 1672, 
"Richard Godfrey, of Taunton, being presented for 
Speaking o])probriously of some in place in the town 
of Taunton, was sentenced by the court to sit in the 



stocks at Taunton on a training day, so as it exceed 
not two hours." If similar acts received a like pun- 
ishment now there would be a scarcity of lumber and 
a fearful multiplicity of courts. 

Frequent complaints were made to the court by the 
Indians of damage done to their corn by the horses 
and swine of the English, of which the courf took 
commendable notice, punishing the owners of the 
animals by fines, and ordering them to make restitu- 
tion. In 1671 committees were appointed in the 
several towns to view the damage thus done. John 
Hathaway, Edward Babbitt, and James Phillips 
were the Taunton committee. 

A controversy of long standing between William 
Hailstone and James Walker was referred to the 
court in July, 1672, for final direction and settle- 
ment. The trouble arose concerning the suit of 
i Jonathan Briggs against Hailstone, already raen- 
I tioned. Hailstone had petitioned the court for a re- 
view of that action, and his petition was granted, 
but he failed to prosecute his review, and was ac- 
cused of falsifying in several particulars in his peti- 
tion. The court had taken up these accusations, 
whether upon the complaint of Walker or not does 
not appear, but it seems Walker had made or repeated 
the accusations, and this was the occasion of the dif- 
ficulty between them. The matter had been referred 
to the arbitration of Mr. John Wiswall, Mr. Richard 
Callicott, and Capt. James Johnson, and their award 
was now brought to the attention of the court, who 
directed " that forasmuch as that it appears, upon ex- 
amination, that the said James Walker hath not per- 
formed the latter part of the said arbitration, viz., to 
repair the said Hailstone his reputation in the church 
. . . the court do therefore order that he shall pay, 
or cause to be paid, unto the said Hailstone the sum 
of five pounds, in either good, merchantable pork, or 
good bar iron, betwixt this date and the fifteenth day 
of October next, at price then current; and whereas 
the said James Walker did openly and unadvisedly, 
on a Lord's day, accuse the said William Hailstone 
of telling several palpable lies, and founded upon a 
lie, whereby the said Hailstone was much scandal- • 
ized, this Court doth hereby advise the said James 
Walker publicly to acknowledge the wrong he hath 
done him, in the meeting, on the Lord's day, in the 
congregation; and this our award and joint deter- 
mination to be a full and final issue of all such differ- 
ences and controversies as relate unto the premises." 
Ensign Leonard and John Tisdale, Sr., were ap- 
pointed by the court in October, 1672, as a committee 
: for Taunton, to see to the execution of the orders of 
court prohibiting the transporting of planks, boards, 
bolts, or bark out of the government, the order bear- 
ing date June, 1672. 

October, 1674, "An order was directed frv^m this 
Court to require several persons who have come into 
the colony without the approbation of the governor 
and two magistrates, contrary to order, living at 



r56 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Taunton and down Taunton Eiver, to depart the 
government betwixt this date and the 28th of Feb- 
ruary next, or to make their personal appearance at 
the Court of his majesty the first Tuesday in Marcli 
next, to answer their neglect or contempt of the said 
order." 

October, 1678, again, " Whereas complaint is made 
by some of Taunton that one Samuel Chivericke is 
come into their town disorderly, and continueth there 
contrary to the mind of the townsmen, these are 
therefore to require the said Chivericke either speed- 
ily to procure their approbation to stay there, or 
otherwise forthwith to depart the said town." 

At the above court, James Walker, James Wilbore, 
and Encrease Robinson were appointed " to take no- 
tice of such liquors as are brought in disorderly into 
the town of Taunton, and to make seizure thereof 
according to order." Truly the seizure clauses in our 
present liquor laws can claim a respectable antiquity. 

Provision was made at this court in the following 
terms for the widow of Lieut. Wyatt, who was found 
dead in his field, July, 1664, as related in another 
place : " Whereas it doth appear to the Court, that 
Mistress Mary Wyatt, of Taunton, widow, is in great 
necessity and a very low condition, in want of main- 
tenance, notwithstanding the estate of her deceased 
husband came by her, these are to give liberty, and 
appoint and authorize Mr. James Walker, William 
Harvey, sen. and Walter Dean, or any two of them, 
to lease out some of the land.s or meadows of the said 
Leiftenant Wyatt, and the pay or benefit arising 
thereby shall be improved for the relief of the said 
widow, Mary Wyatt." 

At the June court, 1680, notice w.as taken of a 
complaint made by the selectmen of Barnstable 

" that one Ephraim Phillips, an idle, extravagant man, and Marey, hia 
pretended wife, are lately cunie into Barnstahle without their consent, 
from Taunton, where they lately for some year or years have had their 
residenee, and notwithstanding tiie selectmen warning them not there 
to abide, hnt to depart out of tlie said town, they have refused, or 
quickly returned again after their departure out of the said town, in- 
tending there to reside, whereby they are likely to be charged, and 
otherwise annoyed and damnified; and whereas the selectmen have, ac- 
cording to order of Court in that case provided, made their application 
to this Court for redress, these are therefore in his majesty's name to 
will and require yon presently on receipt hereof, to attach the said 
Epliraim Phillips, and fliarey, his wife, and them to carry or convey to 
the constable or selectmen of the town of Taunton, who are hereby in 
his said majesty's nnme required to receive them, and there suffer them 
to abide until the Court shall otherwise order." 

The oyster fishery was attended to in this wise at 
the July court : 

" This Court doth order, th.at all such as are not of our colony be 
hereby prohibited of fetching oysters from Taunton River with boats or 
any other vessels ; and in case any such shall persist on iu so doing after 
warning given to the contrary, this Court doth order John Hathway, 
of Taunton, and do hereby empower him to make seizure of such boats 
and vessels for the colony's use." 

At the same court an order was sent to Philip 
Pointing, of Taunton, as follows: 

"These may certify unto you, Phillip Pointing, that you are not to 
prohibit or obstruct John Hathway, of Taunton, in his egress and re- 
gress in the way from a farm that was formerly Mr. Street's, and from 
thence to the town of Taunton." 



John Hathway, above named, was in September 
following " sworn constable of the neighborhood or 
ward of the Fall River and places adjacent," and 
John Read, of Taunton, was ordered by the court 
to appear at the next court to take the oath of a 
grand juryman for the same precincts. 

A lengthy pauper case was begun in October, 
1680, concerning the settlement of John Harmon, 
described as " a decrepit man who came from Taun- 
ton unto this Court, concerning whom debate hath 
been had before the Court by several of the town of 
Taunton, and several of the town of Plymouth, unto 
which place of the two he should belong," and the 
court ordered that he should remain at Plymouth 
until the next June court, one-half of the charge to 
be paid by Taunton to Plymouth, according to the 
engagement of John Richmond, their agent, and the 
court would then make a final determination. Sub- 
sequently the sum fixed for each town to pay to one 
Robert Rawson for his support was three shillings a 
week. At the July court, 1682, the town of Dart- 
mouth was notified to send an agent to the court, with 
other towns where the said Harmon had of late been 
residing, that their allegations might be considered 
pro and con ; but it was made to appear that he had 
for a considerable time immediately before the war 
been in Dartmouth, whereby he seemed as probably 
to belong to that town as to any other, and the court 
therefore ordered Dartmouth to keep him until the 
October court. In July, 1688, the final order was 
made that Plymouth should maintain him until their 
year was expired, and then Taunton to take him for 
a year, and so they were to entertain him alternately 
a year at a time, until it should be found just and 
equal that some other town should bear a part 
therein. No more sharply contested suits are tried 
in our courts at the present time than those between 
towns as to the support of paupers. The method of 
dividing the responsibility, in doubtful cases, be- 
tween two or more towns, however, is no longer 
practiced. 

In 1683 the profits of the Cape fishery were divided 
among .several towns for the benefit of the schools as 
follows: "To Barnstable scoole, twelve pound; to 
Duxburrow scoole, eight pound ; to Rehoboth scoole, 
five pound ; to Taunton scoole, three pound ; and two 
pound to Mr. Daniel Smith." Mr. Smith was of Re- 
hoboth, and was for many years one of the Governor's 
assistants, as also several times chosen one of the com- 
missioners of the United Colonies. 

At the court in July, 1685, Moses Knapp, of Taun- 
ton, appeared and gave bonds to appear at the October 
court, to make further answer unto such particulars 
as should be inquired of or laid to his charge con- 
cerning the death of Richard Stephens, Jr., of Taun- 
ton. At the October court this is the record : 

"Moses Knapp, of Taunton, being found guilty of the death of Rich- 
ard Stephens, by misadventure, by the grand jury of our sovereign lord 
the King for this colony, he, the said Knapp, owning the same and re- 



TAUNTON. 



757 



ferring himself to the Court, the Court, considering it was cnsu:il, and 
he cleared by the party before his death, and no relation aiii)earing 
against him, do therefore admonish the said Knapp and dismiss him.'" 

It has been mentioned that Ricliard Paul was li- 
censed in 1640 to keep a victualing-house at Taunton. 
That included the privilege of selling liquors under 
the strict regulations imposed by the law. In June, 
1644, it is recorded, " William Parker is licensed to 
draw wine at Taunton." 

In August, 1663, " libertj' is granted unto Thomas 
Leonard, of Taunton, sen'r, to sell strong liquors and 
wine in the said town betwixt this date and the Court 
to be holden at Plymouth in June next, and that he 
observe the orders of Court as are extant about selling 
liquors and wine, and that he keep good order in his 
house with them to whom he sells any." The follow- 
ing March the court, "understanding that James 
Leonard, of Taunton, having buried Iiis wife, and in 
that respect not being so capable of keeping a publick 
house, there being also another ordinary in the town, 
do call in the said Leonard his license." 

In March, 1677, Edward Rew was granted a license 
to keep an ordinary at Taunton, and it was enjoined 
upon him "that he keep good orders in his house, 
that so no abuse be suffered by him on that account." 
July following, Nicholas White, of Taunton, was fined 
thirty pounds for selling liquor to the Indians several 
times contrary to law. 

In June, 1679, James Walker was licensed to keep 
an ordinary at Taunton, with the usual injunction to 
keep good order and sufier no damage to be done. 
Edward Rew had died the previous year leaving a 
widow, whom Walker had married, he having lost his 
wife about that time. 

In June, 1685, we find it recorded, " The court hath 
granted liberty to Sergt. William Witherell, of Taun- 
ton, to retail cider, beer, and strong liquors," and in 
October following " the court have granted liberty to 
Thomas Leonard and Shadrach Wilbore, both of 
Taunton, to sell strong liquors by the gallon, so that 
they are careful not to sell to such as will abuse the 
same." In the proprietors' records, under date of 
Dec. 13, 1669, "Thomas Harvey, of the ordinary," is 
spoken of. It is probable that others not mentioned 
in the records sought and obtained what seems to have 
been regarded as the valuable privilege of " keeping 
tavern" and selling liquor. The license-fee fixed for 
retailers in Taunton in 1669 was two pounds. 

The territory of the colony was infested with wolves 
in the early days to such an extent that vigorous 
measures were taken by the General Court and the 
towns for their extermination. As early as 1642 it 
was enacted by the court that all the towns within 
the government should make wolf-traps, and bait 
them, and look to them daily under penalty of ten 
shillings for every trap that should be neglected. The 
number required to be made by the several towns was, 
for Plymouth, five; for Duxburrow, five ; forScituate, 
four; for Sandwich, three; for Taunton, two; for 



Yarmouth, three; for Barnstable, three; for Mans- 
field, two. In 1665 two wolf-traps were required in 
each town under a penalty of five pounds for neglect 
therein. Bounties were offered for trapping and kill- 
ing wolves. Five bushels of corn for every wolf 
killed were at one time allowed, and to an Indian 
half a pound of powder and two pounds of shot. 
Afterwards a coat of trading cloth was given to every 
Indian killing a wolf, and fifteen shillings a head to 
the English. In the lay-out of lands by the pro- 
prietors the wolf-traps are often mentioned to fix a 
boundary or locality. 

A few names of such as claimed the bounties for 
killing wolves are given in the Colonial Records. It 
may interest our modern sportsmen to know who some 
of the ancient Taunton wolf-hunters were. In 1690 
the account for Taunton was, — 

Henry Hodges, of Taunton, one; Joseph Leonard, 
of Taunton, killed by an Indian, one; Richard Steph- 
ens, of Tauuton, one; Thomas Briggs, Sr., of Taun- t 
ton, one. 

In 1691 the following was the list: Daniel Briggs, 
one ; Thomas Briggs, one ; Mr. Giles Gilbert, one ; 
Thomas Briggs, Sr., one; Richard Stephens, four; 
Joseph White, two. 

No more important local office was created by the 
General Court than that of selectman. It is not quite 
certain when the first law relating to the office was 
passed. In 1658 it was enacted by the court that one 
or two of the selectmen whom the court should ap- 
point in each township, be empowered to administer 
an oath in all cases committed to them, and to grant 
executions for the collection of judgments, and that 
they should be under oath. In certain action taken 
by the court, in 1653, relating to Thomas Brayman, of 
Taunton, already referred to, "such of the town of 
Taunton who are deputed by the said town to order 
the especial affairs thereof" are mentioned. Again, 
in 1657, the five selectmen are referred to by name. 
It does not appear that any law was passed requiring 
the towns to choose selectmen until 1662. In vol. 
ii. of Plymouth Colony Records, which is a volume of 
laws, the dafe of this law is given as 1665. It is not 
until 1666 that lists of the selectmen for the several 
towns are given in the above-named records, but from 
that time forward they are given regularly. The first 
section of the law is as follows : 



"It is enacted by the court, that in every town in this jurisdiction 
there be three or five selectmen chosen by the townsmen out of the 
freemen, such as shall be approved by the court, for the better manag- 
ing of the affairs of the respective townships, and tluit the selectmen iu 
every town or tht- major part of tiiem, are hereby empowered to hear 
and determine all debts and differences arising between person and per- 
son within their respective townships not exceeding forty shillings; as 
also they are hereby empowered to hear and detertnine all differences 
arising betwixt any Indians and the English of their respective towu- 
ships about damage done in corn by the cows, swine, or any other beasts 
belonging to the inhabitants of the said respective townships, and the 
determination of the abovesaid differences not being satisiied as was 
agreed, the party wronged to repair to some magistrate for a warrant to 
receive such award by distraint." 



758 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



By another section they were authorized to issue 
summonses to persons complained of and to summon 
witnesses. 

It is not quite accurate to say that this law created 
the office of selectman. It was rather recognizing a 
very useful class of officers already existing in the 
towns, giving them the sanction of the general law 
and clothing them with broader and more compre- 
hensive powers. In 1647, " the seven men chosen by 
the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid, to order the 
affairs of the town for that present year," execute a 
deed in behalf of the town to Henry Andrews. It is 
not to be supposed that this was the first year such 
officers were chosen. The inference is not easily re- 
sisted that it was the continuation of that useful body 
of prudential officers spoken of in an order of the 
General Court, given on a previous page, as " those 
seven first freemen, men of Taunton, that have under- 
gone great travel and charges about the attending of 
the courts, laying out of lands, and other occasions 
for the town." 

The adjoining town of Rehoboth, in 1644, the very 
first year of their organization as a town, made choice 
of nine men who were styled townsmen, for the de- 
ciding of controversies between party and party, the 
proposing of men's levies to be made and paid, and 
for the well ordering of the town affairs. In Blake's 
" Annals of Dorchester," under date of 1633, it is said, 
" This year the plantation began the practice of 
choosing men that we now call selectmen or towns- 
men. They chose twelve this year to order the affairs 
of the plantation." In the Massachusetts Colonial 
Records, under date of 1647, selected townsmen are 
first spoken of. In all these references there can be 
no doubt that the same class of officers is intended. 
The creation of .such a class of officers seems to have 
been the spontaneous act of those little democracies 
called towns. And nothing more strikingly shows the 
genius for self-government possessed by the early 
settlers of New England. 

At first, and before they were recognized by the 
general law, their functions and duties were pruden- 
tial and administrative. Afterwards thetr powers and 
responsibilities were widely extended. The oath of 
office was as follows: "You shall, according to the 
measure of wisdom and discretion God hath given 
you, faithfully and impartially try all such cases be- 
tween party and party brought before you, as al.so 
give summons respecting your trust according to 
order of the Court as a Selectman of the Town of 
— for this present year. So help you God." 

Besides the holding of courts for small causes, they 
were to take notice of such in their townships as 
should neglect, through profaneness or slothfulne^s, 
to come to the public worship of God, and require an 
account of them ; to see that no single person be suf- 
fered to live by himself or in any family but such as 
they should approve of; to have a vigilant eye over 
their brethren and neighbors ; to see that parents and 



masters have their children and servants taught the 
common branches of education ; to give in the names 
of such as misspend their time; to bind out neglected 
children ; to take notice of all who come into the 
government without the approbation of the Governor 
or two assistants, and to make provision for the 
poor. 

To such important, responsible, and delicate duties 
were George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Dean, 
James Walker, and William Harvey called, when, in 
1666, they were approved by the General Court as se- 
lectmen of Taunton. The peculiar nature of these 
duties suggested the apt name long ago applied to 
these officers of " fathers of the town." 

The law that most nearly affected Taunton as a 
town was that passed in 1685, dividing the colony 
into three counties. This law is not to be found in 
the published volumes of Plymouth Colony Records. 
It was contained in a revised edition of the colony 
laws published in 1685, and may now be found in the 
" Compact Charter and Laws of the Colony of New 
Plymouth," published in 1836, under authority of a 
resolve of the Massachusetts Legislature. It is there 
said that there is no manuscript copy of it existing. 
Extracts from it are here given. 

The first section : 

"It is ordered by this Court and tlie Authority thereof; tliat there 
sliaU be io tliis Colony three Counties, and that in eacli County tliere 
shall be kept annually two County Courts; which Courts sliall bo kept 
by the Magistrates living in the several Counties or by any other Slagis- 
trate tljat can attend tlie same, or by such as the General Court shall 
appoint from time to time, and to make a Court, there shall be present 
not less than three Magistrates or Associates, and in uo case shall judg- 
ment be given without there be two consenting, or the major part of 
more than four Judges; and in the absence of the Governor or Deputy 
Governor, the eldest Magistrate shall be President of the Court; which 
Court shall have, and hereby have power to order the choice of Juries 
of Grand In(]uest and trials in their several Counties, and to constitute 
Clerks and otlier needful Officers; the County Treasurer to be appointed 
and allowed of by said Court annually." 

" It is Ordered, That each County Coui-t shall have and hereby have 
power to Hear, Try and Determine according to Law all matters, Actions, 
Causes and Complaints, whether Civil or Criminal, in any Case not ex- 
tending to Life, Limb or Banishment, or matter of Divorce." 

The second clause of the third section : 

" It is further Ordered, That Bristol, Taunton, Rehoboth, Dartmouth, 
Swansey, Little Compton, Free Town, Sowammit, Pocasset, Punkatest, 
and all such Places, Towns and Villages as are or may be settled on said 
Lands shall be a County, Bristol the County Town, and tlie said County 
shall be called the County of Bristol; In which County shall be kept 
two County Courts annually at the County Town; one on the third 
Tuesday in May, and the other on the third Tuesday in November." 

Section thirteen : 

"That a Magistrate, or any Court shall have Power to determine all 
sucii matters of Equity in Cases or Actions that have been under their 
cognizance as cannot be relieved by the common Law, as the forfeiture 
of an Obligation, breach of Covenants without great Damage, or the like 
matters of apparent Equity." 

It was ordered by the General Court "that in the 
County of Bristol there be three Associates, or county 
magistrates — one at Taunton, one at Little Compton, 
and one at Dartmouth." Mr. George Macey, of 
Taunton, Mr. Joseph Church, of Little Compton, 
and Capt. Seth Pope, of Dartmouth, were chosen. 



TAUNTON. 



759 



The sam« number were to be chosen in each of the 
other counties. 

The manner in which the county of Bristol was 
constituted was very displeasing to Taunton, as is 
shown by the following vote: 

" Taunton ye 2S'i' of May 1689. The town of Taunton by vote elected 
Capt. Thomas Leonard and Nathaniel Williams Deputies for this Court, i 
and order and improve them to act for ye good of ye Ccdony in general 
and for us in this town in particular, and to do their utmost endeavors 
to get this town free from under ye County of Bristol which the town 
always have been unwilling to submit unto, and do now unanimously 
resolve against it for these reasons; 

"1" We humbly judge that neither Court or Deputies had power to 
sell us or our privileges to Bristol no more than to sell us to the French 
without our knowledge or approbation of ye town ; 

"2^ That ye County rates have been made upon us with an excess 
above our due proportion, and more than we apprehend we should have 
been rated if under ye County of Plymouth ; upon these grounds we 
judge it behooves us to labor to return to Plymouth again where at first 
we were." 

Whatever endeavors were made by the deputies for 
the end desired proved of no avail. The next attempt 
made was to procure some of the courts to be held at 
Taunton. 

"This n"" day of May, 1G93, the town hath voted: Whereas we the 
inhabitantsof Taunton judging it to be for ye public benefit of ye prov- 
ince that at least one of ye Superior Courts, if not some of ye Inferior 
Courts, be kept at Taunton, it being so much in ye centre of ye colony, 
and ye greatness of our number, compared with our neighbor towns, do 
order the selectmen to write a petition to ye next General Court to be 
held by ye Governor Council and Representatives, that we may have 
one or more of ye Courts held here in Taunton." 

Most faithfully did the selectmen perform the duty 
assigned them. The original petition is, fortunately, 
preserved in the State archives, and is well worth a 
place here. 

"Divers pleas of the selectmen of Taunton in the behalf of the Town 
to be presented to such as are willing to know the true groun'h why 
they make claim to the enjoyment of Courts in their Town." 

The committee notice first Bristol's principal plea 
against it, viz. : " Some clause inserted in their deed 
from our former government that they should be the 
County town when the County came to be divided 
into counties. Thereupon they plead they bought 
the privilege with the soil." 

" Ans. They gave not the more price for the soil on account of that 
privilege and huw cau a man be said to buy a thing when nothing- was 
to be paid for it." 

"2d. The General Court gave no insti-uctiona to Gov. Winslow and 
the other gentlemen employed in that affair to sell ur promise that 
privilege to Bristol." 

"The promise of Gov. Winslow and a few more is not like the law of 
the Mfdesand Persians." 

" Having thus answered Bristol's grand argument it remains to show 
the equity and conveniency that Taunton do onjoy some if not all the 
Courts held in this County. 

"Ist, Taunton is the most ancient plantation in the County, and not 
many in the Province that were planted before it, and by reason of 
their antiquity Taunton has still looked upon it as their birlhriglit to 
enjoy Courts among them. And some have observed that estates seldom 
thrive when the eldest son is deprived of his double portion. 

"2d. The inhabitants of Taunton being the first adventurers into such 
inland plnce were consequently exposed to many difficulties, as to go on 
foot to Plymouth or Dorchester to get corn ground into meal, and other 
hardshiiis too many here to relate. Therefore hoped their hazards and 
hardships should have been rewarded with such privileges as to have 
Courts among them in their own Town. 



" 3d. Were Bristol a populous city or a place of great trade by land 
or sea, so as to occasion most work for Courts, as was hoped at the first 
promising settlement, it were reason then that they should be con- 
sidered ; but seeing it is not so, no reason that the other inhabitants of 
the County should be burtliened to go sucli long stony journeys for the 
observance of formalities of law and order. In this case sliuuld be con- 
sidered rather what will be for the ease of the major part of the people 
and not for a handful, no reason the greater part uf the people should 
ride through the centre of the County into the most remote nook in the 
circumference of it, as they do when they ride to Mount Hope Neck to 
Court. It would be greater ease to Freetown, Little Compton, and Dart- 
mouth to come to Court to Taunton than to Bristol, especially consider- 
ing an ungovernable river betwixt Bristol and them, so that they must 
pass over two ferries to get thither, and if a storm arise on the Court 
day morning must ride many miles to head said river before they can 
get to Bristol, and expect to pay a fine for not coming soon enough. 

"4th. It tends to the creating and maintaining good respect in the 
minds of the people towards their authority and judges when they are 
spectators of their wise and orderly administration, and puts a blast ou 
those ill reports fomented against their authority, as it is in a manner 
lost when the most populous places are neglected and not made the 
theatre of their actions who are their rulers, but they ride into a corner 
to manage the great affairs of the County. Why should a caudle be put 
under a bushel, and where should a physician be but where there is 
most need of his applications ? 

"Most of the actions and lawsuits arising in any Town of this County 
(except in Bristol itself) are concerning the titles and bounds of lands, 
in which cases the most ancient inhabitants are best witnesses, having 
been present at the bounding of most lands, and whose memories are 
our best records, through thebrokenness of ancient times. These ancient 
witnesses are too old to travel twenty miles to Court, and the presence of 
a grave ancient person orally attesting to what he knows and explain- 
ing his testimony, is of far more advantage to a case than some shat- 
tered evidence he sends from home in writing. 

"6th. Taunton is nearer to Boston than Bristol is by twenty miles at 
least, wliich will save so much riding through very had way for the hon- 
ored judges of the Circuit in case the Superior Court he removed from 
Bristol to Taunton. 

" Upon these grounds our Town humbly desires that they may enjoy 
at least one or more of the quarter Sessions and one Superior Court. If 
they cannot obtain mure they hope they shall not be put off with less. 

"Subscribed in behalf of town by James Leonard, Henry Leonard, 
Thomas Dean, Shadrach Wilbore, Peter Walker, Selectmen. 

" Taunton, May 29, 1693." 

But this request met with no better fate at the 
hands of the Legislature of the Massachusetts Prov- 
ince than the former one at the hands of the 
Plymouth Court. Taunton had to wait more than 
fifty years for the advent of a County Court. In 
1746 the province Legislature passed an act pro- 
viding that *' from and after the thirteenth day 
of November, 1746, the town of Taunton shall be 
and hereby is made and established the county or 
shire-town of the county of Bristol." Under this act 
the first County Court, being the Inferior Court of 
Common Pleas, was held at Taunton the second 
Tuesday of December, 1746, being the ninth day of 
the month. The magistrates present were Seth Wil- 
liams, George Leonard, and Stephen Paine. Timo- 
thy Fales was tlie clerk of the court. 

The rates impo&ed upon the several towns by the 
court for the payment of public charges affords a 
basis for judging of their comparative wealth and 
population. In 1677 the rate of Taunton was £16; 
that of Scituate, £30 10s. ; of Barnstable, £24 ^s. ; 
of Sandwich, £22 16s.; of Plymouth, £19; of Yar- 
mouth and Marshfield, £18 10s. each. The rates of 
; the other towns were less than that of Taunton, 



760 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Swansea, the least, being £5. In 1689 the court 
passed the following, which is of interest as show- 
ing the value of various kinds of personal and real 
property : 

"October ye 2(1,1689. Ordered by the Court that the selectmen of 
each town take care forthwith to take a valuation of the estates of each 
town and village, according to the prices hereafter mentioned, viz.: 

X. 8. d. 

Every ox, at 2 10 

Every cow 1 10 

Every steer and heifor of three years old 1 TO 

Every two year old, at 1 00 

Every yearlinff, at 15 

Every horae and mare, at 2 00 

Every two year old colt, at I 00 

Every yearling colt 10 

Every swine of a year old and upwards 6 

Sheep of a year old and upwards by ye score C) 00 

Land in tillage, every acre 5 

Uleadow and English pasture, every acre 5 

Vessels and trading estate, not more than half price. 

"Faculties and personal abilities at will and doom; the like where 
any neglect or refuse to give in a just account of Iheir ratable estate." 

In 1690 a valuation was made as follows ; 

"Ratable estate of the several towns accepted by the General Court 
for to proportion the rates for the past and this present year, 1G90. 

" Bristol County. 

£. 

"Bristol 1049 

Taunton. 26S9 

Kehoboth 2117 

Dartmouth 2200 

Swansea 1500 

Little Compton 2000 

Freetown 249." 

It will be seen that the valuation of Taunton was 
larger than any other town in the county, and more 
than two and a half times larger than Bristol, which 
was made the shire-town. Bristol had been incor- 
porated only five years, Taunton forty-six years. 
It it no wonder that Taunton felt dissatisfied and 
wronged by the preference given to Bristol. But 
Bristol was purchased and settled by Boston gentle- 
men of considerable prominence, and attracted thither 
men of wealth and enterprise, who expected to make 
of it an important seaport. The influence of these 
men, with their promising expectations, doubtless 
secured the selection of Bristol for the shire-town. 

Thus far the records of Plymouth Colony have fur- 
nished important materials for this history. They 
have given a graphic picture not only of the public 
affairs of the towns but of the social and private life 
of the inhabitants. Those whose curiosity would 
seek further to disclose the faults and failings, the 
frailties even, of their ancestors, may find their curi- 
osity abundantly gratified in these quaint and out- 
spoken records. The attempt to restrain and remove 
by severe and degrading punishments evils of a 
social and private nature which the greater practical 
wisdom, or the looser principles of this age, would 
withdraw from the domain of legislation and the 
courts, shows how high was our fathers' standard of 
morality. 

The charter of the province of Massachusetts Bay 
passed the seals Oct. 7, 1001. The last General Court 
of Plymouth Colony of which there is any record 
was held July 7, 1691. The greater and more ambi- 



tious colony absorbed the less, and the distinctive 

history of Plymouth Colony was finished. 

From the old proprietors' records such extracts will 
be made as will best serve to illustrate the history and 
progress of, the town. For many years there seem to 
have been no separate town records kept, but the two 
were combined and intermingled without reference to 
order or chronology. The larger part of the ancient 
town records were consumed in tlie disastrous fire of 
1838, and there is no one now living who can tell how 
far back they extended as separate records. 

Orders conceniing dividing of lands. 

"March 11,1642. Imprimis. Whereas there was a rate of two shil- 
lings for an acre laid upon the inhabitants' home grounds, for the pay- 
ment of the purchase of the lands of the township to the Indians, and 
other persons being received since for inhabitants, were not rated there- 
unto. 

" It is therefore ordered that the said latter inhabitants, orothei-s that 
shall lifieafter be received tor inhabitants, shall pay for their home lots 
that shall be granted unto theui by the tfjwn, the said proportion of two 
shillings for an acre, and the said money to be kept for a public stock 
for such uses as shall be requisite for the use of the plantatiun." 

*' Nov. 28, l(i5;i. At an orderly town-meeting warned by the constable 
it is acted and vuted tliat there shall be a general division of land to 
every inch, and to whom right of divisiun do belong. 

" 2d. It is agreed that the rule for dividing of laud shall bfi by lots, 
head-', and estates, according to the last rate made, which was a rate of 
eight pounds made for public charges, to country charges upon every 
inhabitant by the raters that made that rate, and in the division three 
acres to be laid to a bead, and three acres to every shilling that is charged 
in that rate contained iu this order, and three acres to the house or lionie 
lot, and those that are single men to be looked upon as two heads. This 
said agreement was changed, February 20tli, to be ttne-half portion in 
the division," 

" Feb. 20, 1053-54. It is voted and granted tliat such as possess the 
lands that those that removed from tlie plantjition, or have been received 
since, shall have their division that doth belong to their lota only, their 
persons and estates being depai'ted hence, which said division to a six- 
acie lot appertains two acres and a half and twenty-six pole, 

" It is agreed concerning other inhabitants that have not had divi- 
sions shall have (right) to future divisions iu the lands yet undivided, 
provided they pay their twelve shillings apiece to public use, as former 
inhabitants have done, according to town agreement in that case. 

"The names of those inhabitants witliiu the township of Taunton, 
wlio are to have their division of land now agreed upon, Dec. 28, 1659, 
whose proportion is to be according to the rate here following, together 
with the quantity of land, lots, and heads, at two acres to the head, two 
acres to the shilling, and two acres to the lot." 



The Rate. £ s. 

Msris Winnefred Gilbert 1 10 

James Walker 1 5 

.lobn Tisdill ^ 1 10 

Richard Hurt IS 

.Janie.^ Burt 12 

Francis Smith 1 7 

Msrs Jane Gilbert .. 9 

Francis Street 6 

John Briant li 

Christ»)pher Thrasher o 

John Hathaway 10 

Jonah AuHtin,Sr 19 

William Parker 15 

.lames Phillips l-'i 

Peter Pitts 1 ... 

William Haylston 5 

Aaron Knap 7 

Thomas Lincoln, Jr 14 

Edward Babbit 10 

James Wiatt 1 8 

George Macev 18 

William Withrell .yT. 7 

William Harvey .J. 14 

Thomas Lincoln, Sr....;.'SL 2 .... 

Capt. Poolo «^ 1 2 

John Macomber .. 7 

Edward Rew 7 

Joseph Wilbore. 14 

Samuel Howard 4 





^The Lota are 


Alike^ 


d. 


Heails. 


Acres. 


r. 


3 




7 


8 


9G 


1() 


9 


82 


2 


4 


46 




6 


38 


4 


6 


61 




7 


55 


7 


6 


25 


9 


2 


19 


2 


7 


26 


7 


7 


37 


11 


2 


46 


H 


2 


36 


4 


<> 


31 


7 


6 


65 


4 


2 


17 


9 


7 


32 


8 


6 


43 


S 


4 


29 


11 


2 


64 


3 


7 


62 


10 


6 


28 




7 


44 


:i 


C 


94 


i 


8 


62 




4 


24 




2 


20 


7 


3 


37 



J 



TAUNTON. 



761 



3 


(1 


42 


7 


2 


17 


(i 


3 


33 


8 


7 


33 




2 


30 


3 


3 


44 


10 


8 


76 


1 


8 


44 


1 


fi 


36 


4 


G 


53 


3 


7 


so 


B 


10 


91 


3 


3 


IGl^ 


10 




10 




10 


32 




10 


5S 
6 



The Rate. £ s. 

Thomas Caswell 11 

Widuw Wondv 6 

Shadracli Wilboie 12 

"Hubert Crosemaii 9 

John Cobb 12 

Henry Andrews 18 

John Dejine 1 8 

Walter Deane 13 

Hezekiali Hoar .. 12 

Anthony Slocum 19 

George Hall 1 15 

Richard Williams 1 Vi 

Thomas Jones 4 

Robert Thornton 3 

Williiim Shepard 5 

James Leonard IS 

Nathaniel Woodward 2 

Timothy Holloway 



"Jan. 5, 1G59. It was agreed by a free vote of the town that all 
orphans or fatherless children shiiU liave tlieir rights In all divisions of 
lands which are dne unto them acconling to proportion." 

"Nov. 11, 1G62. It was voted by the town that none but those that are 
real purchasers shall be rated to the rate which is to be made to defray 
the charge which the purchasers are liable to pay for the measuring or 
laying out of the town bounds." 

"Nov. 11, 1Gij2. It was agreed by the purchasers of the town, and 
fully yoted in a public town-meeting, that the charges of tlie laying-out 
of the town bounds shall be levied upon every purchase lot equally 
alike." 

" Dec. 9, 1662. It was voted by the town that the former*ct of divid- 
ing of lands by heads and estates shall be of no force for the future." 

The first meeting-house was built by Henry An- 
drews, at what date is not known, but in 1G47 the 
town by their committee conveyed to him in pay- 
ment thereof the calf pasture granted to the town in 
1646. 

A copy of tlie deed is here given : 

"Bradford Gov'r. 
*' Tim imleHftire following was recorded by ord^r from the Court : 

"This Indenture made the eleventh day of the second month in the 
year of our Lord 1617 bt-tweeii the inhabitante of Tiiunton in the colony 
of New Plymouth in New England of tin- one part; and Heniy Andrews 
inhabitant ol the said plantation of Taunton within the colony of New 
Plymouth in New England of the other part, witnesselh that whereas 
there was a certain parcel of land or neck of land appertaining unto the 
inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid called by the inhabitants their calves 
pasture, Tliat this said parcel or neck of laud, it lying and being bounded 
by the Great River from the land of Richard Williams inhabitant of 
Taunton liea>iing it the said neck at the upper bounds thereof, and the 
land of George Hall, inhabitant of Taunton heading it the lower bounds 
thereof oi' ne.ir unto it, This parcel or neck of laud with its appurte- 
nances isgianted and sold by the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid unto 
him the aforrsaid Henry Au'Irewsand his heirs and executors or assigns. 
To have and to hold forever in lieu of a meeting house built by him the 
aforesaid Henry Andrews for the inliabitants of Taunton aforesaid for 
their full satisfaction lor the saiil neck of land, and for his peaceable 
and firm enjoyment thereof by him the said Henry Andrews or his as- 
signs or any or every of them, it is further promised by the inhabitants 
aforesHid that all such manner of persons as have been heretofore inhabi- 
tants resident within this plantation of Taunton theiu or their heirs or 
assigns ever shall challenge or fleni;ind any part or portion in the afore- 
said neck of land, shall be eitlier satisfied for their part of tlie charge 
be^towed thereon by the town in fen<ing, thereof to make it a satisfac- 
tion or else be satisfied in laud in some other place. As also it is by 
these presents witnessed and protniseil by the inhabitants aforesaid, that 
this said parcel or nock of land shall not he rated by the town aforesaid: 
and for the better confirmation of this deed have the seven men chosen 
by the inlialiitants of Taunton aforesaid to order the affaii-s of the town 
for that present year, have sot to tlieir hands for the day and year first 
above written. 

"Joiix Strong. 

"Oliver Pukchis. 

"Walter Dpank. 

"Richard Williams. 

*' Edward Case." 



Further votes and orders of the town are as fol- 
lows : 

"Aug. 12, 1601. The five men to lay out on the neck of land on the 
great river next the land of Jonah Austin, a tract of the town's laud for 
the landing of hay." 

"Dec. 9, 1662. Voted that all lands that are yet undivided belonging 
to the town shall for future time be divided by way of purchase. 

'* Former act of dividing latids by heads and estates canceled,'' 

"Marcli 22, 1662. It is voted and granted that such of our neighbors 
as are willing to build and erect a cart bridge at the nock of laud sliall 
have free liberty to build the said bridge at the neck of land, provided 
that the said bridge be of snch a height as ordinary carriage of hay may 
pass under, or boats pass under when they lower their masts." 

"March 22, 1668. At a town-meeting it is voted and agreed upon by 
the town for the making a rate of six pounds for the building of a horse 
bridge over the Three-Mile River at the old place in the old roadway to 
Rehobolh." 

"Jan. 10, 1669. It is voted and agreed upon by the town, and these 
ten men following are chosen to draw a list of the purchasers or free in- 
habitants here in town as foUoweth; James Walker, William Harvey, 
Richard Williams, Walter Dean, Lieut. Macey, Ensign Leonard, Aron 
Knapp, John Hall, Joseph Wilbore, John Riclimond. 

" 2d. That an exact list be taken of the nanifs of all such inhabitants 
amongst us that have right in division of lands, that so these and none 
but these may vote about the disposing of lands; and also that a list 
be taken of all the rest of the inhabitants, to the intent that we may 
know who are by Court order allowed to vote in town-meeting, and who 
not. 

" 3d. And in the beginning of each town-meeting the list of all the 
free inhabitantsor purchasers shall be called over, and if hixteeu of them 
with the Clerk do appear at the time aud jdace appointed, it shall be 
lawful for them to proceed to the enacting of such things as for which 
the town-meeting was appointed, but not to distribute our lands 
allhongli it be due, except sixteen of tlie purchasers appear.*' 

"Jan. 8. 1G74. It is voted and agreed by the town that the committee 
chosen formerly the loth January, 1669, them or tlie m;ijor part of tiiem 
shall have full power to draw up a list of the purcha-^ers or proprietors 
of this town, and how lands shall be settled and confirmed to the pur- 
chasers or propriet(.rs so that the town may be freed from future dam- 
age, and also no man barred of his just right, and whatsoever this com- 
mittee, or the major part of them, shall agree upon or do in or about the 
premises shall stand fii'm and good." 

Another committee composed of seven persons, five 
of whom were members of the first committee, was 
appointed Jan. 21, 167g, with very much the same 
powers and duties imposed upon the former one. 
They were, in addition, to rectify their supposed lost 
grants and town orders. The reports of both com- 
mittees were presented to the town and accepted on 
the same date, and seem to have been considered as 
constituting together a complete body of orders for 
the guidance of the town. They are here given: 

" To our beloved brethren and neighbors, the IiilHihUftnls of the town of 

Taunton, in the tjovernmetU of AVio Plymouth : 

" The committee chosen by the said town for to ratify town ordcra and 
grants, and to bring them into a formal body so tlnit they may stand in 
force, and also to determine how lands shall be recorded that they may 
be confirmed, both to ourselves and to our i)usterity. 

"Tlie coniniittee wisheth grace, mercy, and peace in our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

"Amongst the many meicies that we enjoy here in tliis wilderness 
this ouglit to be accounted none of the least that we enjoy such rulers 
chosen from amongst ouiselves (in the UonunonweaUb) aud live under 
such Government, by means whereof, we as well as the rest of the towna 
in this Government, enjoy liberty and power to make such town orders 
from time to time as we shall find needful for the ordering aud man- 
aging our prudential atliiirs and the maintaining the worship of God 
amongst ns. Provided that no town order do infringe or be repugnant to 
any order of our Governmen.t, and considering that God is a God of 
order and not of confusion, and that he hath in some measure put us 
into a capacity to observe and be guided by good aud wholesome orders, 
it hath been looked upon as great pity and neglect that our town orders 



762 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



liave not before now been brouglit into a formal body, distinct from the 
veconlsof our liinds. which our town having well considered and chosen 
ns to do such a needfnl work. Although we are sensible of our own 
weakness and of the many difficulties in the work, yet considering the 
gre:it necessity that .snmctliing of this nature ought to be done and that 
tlie records of nui- lands may not lie in a confused manner, we liave 
through much ditticulty revised, collectfd, and formed this following 
body of town orders, reduced into chapters, as m:iy be seen in this book, 
let the reader take notice, that first after this epistle he hath our orders 
from the town inserted, and next after that some instructions for those 
that have lands to be recorded, and then the preface that is before tlie 
list of purchasers or proprietors, and then the saiil list, and nextly there 
followeth the several chaptei-s of town orders. It hatli been our en- 
deavor to compose and form the several orders in this book as they may 
most conduce to general utility and profit, yet several of these orders, 
intended for the present convenience, may probably be hereafter altered, 
and as need requireth other orders added, suilablo to such alternate 
changes as is usual in affaiia. Respecting town and commonwealth af- 
fairs, probably it may be that weakness may appear in what we here 
present to your view, for want of euch able instniments as others are 
furnished withall ; however, our desires are that you will be pleased to 
accept of what we, according to the utmost of our powers, have done. 
Endeavuuring to piomote the general good of tliit* place, and that you 
would seriously consider that if such a work as this is of so great im- 
portance to us at such a time as this is should be retarded and hindered, 
what would be the event thereof. Therefore, hoping there will be com- 
fortable concurrence and closure with us in this work considering we 
aim at the peace and tranquillity both of the present and rising genera- 
tions, we rest your fiieuds and neighbors, 

"Walter Dean E. 

"James Walker. 

" Thomas Lkonard. 

" JouN Richmond. 

"William Wit]ierel." 

"At the Court of General Sessions of the Peace held at Bristol for the 
County of Bristol on the second Tuesday in October in the year 1702, 
Thomas Leonard and John Richmond, two of the committee whose 
names are set to the above written epistle, made oath in said court that 
the above written epistle and what said epistle doth refer the reader 
unto, and all containedJn the first thirteen chapters in this book (which 
chapters do end in the twentj'-sixth page) was all entered in this book 
by order of said committee before the twenty-fifth day of May in the 
year sixteen hundred and eighty (except something in the second chap- 
ter and something in the sixth chapter both which may plainly appear 
by their dates to have been entered since said twenty-fifth of May) and 
on said twenty-fifth of May sixteen liundred and eighty this above 
writti-n epistle and that was entered before as above said, was read to 
the town in a public town-meeting in Taunton, and'the town then de- 
clared by vote their acceptance of what said committee had done as 
above which is agreeable to the said town's vote which is entered in the 
third page in this book. 

" Sworn in Court October 14, 1702. 

"Attest John Cary, C7er/ir." 

"Jan. 21, 1678. A committee chosen are these men following : Wil- 
liam Harvey, Walter Deane, Samuel Smith, John Richmond, James 
Walkei", Thomas Leonard, William Withrell. 

" Jim. 21, li>7H. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that the 
committee of seven men above named, the town hath chosen them for 
the laying out what commons yhall perpetually remain commons, both 
for pasture and wood, for the conveniency and supply of the whole 
town, the first clause of the vote inspecting the commons is to be 
brought to the town and confirmed by the major part of them, and also 
to take the best care they can for the settling and confirming our latids 
one to another, both to ourselveswnd toour posterity. And also to see to 
the amending or rectifying of our supposed lost grants and town orders, 
and to bring them into a formal body to stand in force ; and this com- 
mittee have full i>ower to procure what help is needful for the pursu- 
ing the work, if they cee need, and what the committee shall do shall 
stand firm and good, and this work shall be finished to the best of their 
understanding, and brought to the town in a year's time after the date 
hereof." 

"Dec. 1, 1670. The town haih voted and agreed that whereas the town 
chose a committee. 2l8t January, 1678, of seven men, and they were to 
finish thidr work there appointed in a yeaPs time after that date; now 
the tuwn hath agreed that this comuiittee, or the major part of them, 



shall have power to go forward with their work there appointed, and to 
finish it by the last day of May next ensuing the date hereof." 

" Whereus, By the providence of God, in the year l&iS, and the year 
1639, it pleased God to bring the most part of us, the first purchasers of 
Taunton, over the great ocean into this wilderness from our dear and 
native land, and after some small time here we -found this place, called 
by the natives of the land Cohanack, in the colony of New Plymouth, 
and of the court of said colony' we obtained grants of tracts of land for 
a jtlantation or township, as by the records of said court it may and 
doth appear, aTid then we also made purchase and bought the said ti acts 
of land for our money of the right proprietors and owners, the Indians' 
sachem or [irinc^^s of that part of the country, as by deed under their 
hands it may appear, and in honor and love to our deal' and native 
country wo called this place Taunton, and owning it a great mercy of 
God to bring us to this place, and settling of us on lands of our own, 
bought with our money, in peace in the midst of the heathen, for a 
possession for ourselves, and for our posterity after us, do mutually agree 
and fully determine, as an undeniable order of this town, without any 
evasion whatsoever, that all lands that is or shall be granted to any per- 
son or persons, whether under the denomination of a purchaser or free 
inhabitant orderly received into this tuwn, shall be to the grantees and 
their heirs and assigns forevei", in a good perfect estate of inheritance 
in fee simple, and that all titles of our lands within this township, so 
to stand in and the tenure to the grantees, and so to det-cend to their 
survivors as aforesaid. 

" Whereas, It is the expectation of this town that we, the said com- 
mittee, should do something that our lands may be confirmed both to 
ourselves aRd to our posterity, the town having empowered us so to do, 
we do therefure agree and determine, in the behalf of the town, that 
all persons enjoying lands, either upland or swamp or meadow within 
this township, wjjen they would record such land they shall bring a 
fair copy of all such lands, both upland, meadow, and swamp, unto the 
selectmen's meeting, mentioning in the copy the hounds or quantity, or 
both, of each parcel, and how they possess it, whether by purchase 
from particular persons, or by gift or grant from the town, and if by 
grant from the town, that they mention upon what purchase right 
and what division, if it may be, mentioning also what they have sold, 
and to whom, and then if the selectmen, or the major part of them, 
do approve of the copy and set their hands thereunto, the town clerk 
shall record all such lands in the town book of records, overwriting the 
record thereof thus as followeth : 

"The records of the lands both uplands meadow lands and swampy 
lands of such a person, naming of him, both of what was gianted liim 
by the town, and what he bought of particular persons, and also what 
he hath sold, all and every parcel thereof, to be held to the grantee, his 
heirs, successors, and assigns forever, according to the tenor of our 
Charter or Patent.'' 

" The Preface to the list of Purchasers or Proprietors. 

"Whereas the General Court held at Plymouth, in July the 10th, 1669, 
made an act for quieting men's estates, avoiding suits in law, as may 
appear in the printed law-book, chap. 10, page 35; and whereas it is en- 
acted by the Court that all grants of lands shall be held to the grantees^ 
their heirs, successors, and assigns forever, according to the most free 
tenor of East Greenwich, in the County of Kent, in the Realm of Eng- 
land, granted to us in our Charter or Patent, and our inheritances to de- 
fend according to the tenor thereof, as appears chap. 10th, page 34. 

" And whereas the Court formerly gave power to seven men, of the 
ancient inhabitants of this town, to receive inhabitants and to dispose of 
lands to them, for the better carrying on of the public affairs, and maiu- 
taining the worship of God amongst us, but several of those persons so 
received into this town, did afterwards leave and foi"sake the town, 
whereupon it was the practice of the town to divide lands (viz. such 
lands as such persons which left the town should have had, if they had 
not left the town nor alit-nated their rights) to such inhabitants as enjoy 
thf purchase lots (so called) of those that left the town, except the pur- 
chase-lot, and the purchase rights to divisions were separated, and then, 
ill such a case the town did divide lands to those that did hold the pur- 
chase rights to divisions, but the town not having kept an exact list of 
those admitted to be pvirchasers, nor any exact record of their manner 
of settling lands upon persons, therefore for the preventing future trou- 
ble and inconveniences the town chose a committee, Jan. 10, 16G9, to 
draw a list of the purchasers, or free iidiabitants here in town ; the town 
likewise voted and agreed, Jan. 18, 1674, that the same committee shall 
have full power (or the major part of them) to draw up a list of the pur- 
chasers or proprietors of this town, and how lands shall be settled and 
confirmed to the purchasets or proprietors, so that the town may be 
freed from future damage, and al^o no man barred of hisjusi right, and 



TAUNTON. 



7(J3 



whatsoever this committee, or the major part of them, shall agree upon 
or do, in or about the premises, shall stand firm and good ; we therefore 
whose names are underwritten, lieing tlie majur part of said committee, 
do agree and conclude tliat lands bIihU be recorded unto, confirmed, and 
settled npon such persons, unto whom the town hath already granted or 
divided lauds by virtue of their enjoying either purchase lots or pur* 
chase rights to divisions, whose mimes are on the list which we have 
drawn, notwithstanding it is not hei'eby intended to deprive any person 
(that removed heucet of his rights, but he shall have free liberty to de- 
maud and recover (according to the aforementioned lawtliis rights of 
any such person or persons to wliom the town divided lands, by virtue 
of bis possessing the purchase lot or purchase rights of any such 
ancient inhabitant, who was formerly accepted under the notion of a 

purchaser. 

"James Walker. 
"John Richmond. 
"Thomas Lkonard. 
"Joseph Wilbore. 
" John Hall. 
"Richard Williams. 
" Walter Deane." 

"This 25th of May, 1680. The town hath voted that they acftept of 
what the committee hath done; by the committee is to be understood 
those that did this day present what they had caused to be entered on 
the Town book of Town Orders, concerning settling of our lands and 
town orders. 

"A list of the names of the present purchasers or proprietors of the 
Town of TauutOD unto whom the town hath already gmnted or divided 
lauds, by virtue of their enjoying cither purchase Iota or purchase rights 
to divisions of land, as followeth : 

" Richard Williams ou his own rights, & on that which was Henry 
Uxley's, it on that which waa Anthony Slocum's, and that which was 
John Giiigil's. 

" Jolin Hall and Samuel Hall on their two rights which were Jos**ph 
Wilson's and Benjantin Wilson's. 
, "Joseph Hall on the rights that was his father's. 
\ "Captain William Poole's heirs on his rights. 

" Lieutenant George Macey on his own rights and on that which was 
Ur. Bishop's. 

*' William Harvey on his own rights. 

"Edward Rew on the rights that was William Coy's. 

" Hezekiah Hoar on his own rights. 

" Walter Deane on his own rights. 

*' John DeHiie on his father's rights. 

" Henry Andrews' on his father's rights. 

"Increase Robinson on the rights that was Thomas Cook's. 

"John Cobb on the rights that was John Smith's. 

" Mr. Thoniiis Farwell's heirs on his rights. 

" Shadracb Wilbore on the i iglits that was Edward Case's. 

" Thomas Caswell on the i ights that was John Kingslow's. ^ 

"James Leonard, Junior, on the rights that was Richard PauU's. 

"Joseph Wilbore ou the rights Iluit was Ricbjird Smith's. 

"John Smith, Senior, on half the rights that was Mr. John Gilbert's. 

"James Phillips on the rights that was his father's. 

"John Ricbmoud on the rights that was his father's & on the rights 
that was Mr. Francis Doubtyes (Doughty). 

"Jonah Austin, Senior, on the right that was William HoUoway's. 

"Jonah Austin, Junior, on the half purchase rights of the widow 
Randil's. 

"William Witherell on his own rights, & that which was Mr. 
Dunn's. 

"John Bryant on the rights whicli was his father's and that which 
was William Scadding's. 

"Mary Streete on the rights that was her father's. 

"Joseph Willis on the rights that w»s Hugh Rossiter's. 

"Eleazer Gilbert on tlie rights of John Gilbert. 

" Thomas Gilliert on the rights that was hi* father's. 

"Malachi HoUoway on the rights that was Richard Hart's. 

" Francis Smith on the rights that was Oliver Purchase's. 

"Samuel Smith on the rights that was Jacob Wilson's. 

"James Bnrt on his own rights. 

" Richard Burt on the rights that was his father's. 

"James Tisdil on the rights that was David Greenman's. 

*' John Tisdil, senior, on his own rights. 

"John TJ?dil, Junior, on the rights that was Mr. Drake's. 

" James Walker, senior, on his own rifihts. & on that which was Mr 
John Brown's, & on the rights that was John Luther's. 



" Mr. John Poole on the rights that was M'ris. Elizabeth Poole's. ' 

"James Wiat's heirs on his rights. 

" Thomas Harvey, Junior, on his father's rights. 

"To John Strong's rights we find several claimers. 

"Christopher Thrasher on his own rights. 

" William Shepard's heii-s on his rights. 

"John Hathaway on the rights that was his fatlier's. 

"Peter Pitts on the rights that was Ricbard Slasie'sand on the rights 
that was William Parker's. 

"Thomas Coggau's heirs on his rights. 

"John Macomber, Senior, on his own rights. 

"Israel Dean on the rights that was Clement Mayfield's. 

" Richard Stasio on the rights that was Edward Rew's. 

"John Hodges on the rights that was his father's. 

" William Evans his heirs on his rights. 

" Aar{)n Knap's heirs on his rights. 

" Henry Hodges on the rights that was John Gollup's. 

" Richard Godfree, senior, on half the purchase rights that was Thomas 
Joan's. 

"Thomas Lincoln, senior, on his own rights. ' 

"Thomas Lincoln, Junior, on his own rights. 

"George Watson on the rights that was Giles Gilbert's. 

" Giles Gilbert on the rights that was Joseph Gilbert's. 

" Robert Crossman on his own rights. 

"Robert Thornton on his own rights. 

"John Turner on his own rights. 

"James Leonard, senior, on his own rights. 

"Mr. John Paine on the rights that was Ralph Russell's. 

"Thomas Leonard ou the rights that was Henry Leonard's & on half 
tlie purchase rights that was Thomas Jones'. 

" Edward Bobbitt on his own rights. 

" Samuel Holloway on his own rights. 

"Jonathan Briggs on the rights that was Benjamin Dunham's. 
^"Nicholas White, senior, on the rights that was David Curwithies and 
on the rights that was Giles Slocum's. 

"John Parker's heirs on his rights. 

" Mr. George Shove on his own rights. 

"William Haylston on his own rights. 

"Mr. William Brenton on the rights that was Mr. Nicholas Street's. 

"These purchasers or proprietors, fore- mentioned, are hereby and by 
virtue hereof entitled and interested only unto the first purchase of the 
township of Taunton and not unto any later purchases. 

"This list was made and agreed upon and concluded and confirmed 
by us whose names are underwritten, being the major part of the com- 
mittee chosen by the town for that end. Dated May 14, 1675. 

"Richard Williams. 
" James Walker. 
"AValter Dkane. 
"John Richmond. 
• "John Hall. 

"Joseph Wilbore. 
" Thomas Leonard." 

In accordance with their instructions the committee 
drew up a body of rules and orders for the guidance 
of their affairs, the more important of which here 
follow : 

" Concerning the office of the selectmen, as they are chosen by the 
town to manage their affairs for the good of the whole, their orders are 
as followeth: 

" That the selectmen or the major part of them shall appoint town- 
meetings when they shall see a just occasion for it, and tliat the select- 
men shall manage the affairs of the meeting, and so that those occa- 
sions for which the Town-meeting is warned he first dispatched before 
any other matters be introduced. 

"2d. That none of the inhabitants of this town shall eniertain any 
foreigner or stranger from abroad, except first they get the approbation 
of the selectmen, or the major part of them, upon the penalty of five 
shillings per week, to be levied on tlie estates of such as transgress this 
order, by a warrant to the constable from some one of the selectmen ; 
likewise none shall come to inhabit in this town contrary to the appro- 
bation of the selectmen, or the major part of them, on the penalty of 
five shillings a week, to be gathered as aforesaid. 

"ad. In reference to Town cliarges, the selectmen to take an account 
yearly of every one to whom the Town is indebted and present the ac- 
count to the Town, etc. 



r64 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"4th. Two of the selectmen with the measurer to lay out lands, ex- 
cept when a committee is chosen fur the purpose. 

"5tli. The selectmen to see that landmarks are kept up between neigh- 
bor and neif;hbor, according to the order of Court. 

"Gth. It is ordered that the selectmen shall give an account yearly to 
the town, both of the town stock and also of what lands they lay out. 

"7th. That the selectmen from time to time are empowered to take 
care of the poor, and to that end, if they shall see cause, to call a town- 
meeting to make a rate for the supply of such as are or shall be in ne- 
cessity. 

"Sth. Records of lands to be brought to them for their approval, and 
if tlioy set their hands tliereunto, then it shall be clear for such lands 
to^iass 10 record." 

"Concerning the saw-mill on the Mill River, and concerning the fish. 

"Jan. 5, 1659. It is voted and agreed by the town that Henry Andrews 
and John Macomber shall have liberty to erect or set up a saw-mill on 
the Mill River, if it be not found hurtful to the grist-mill, upon these 
terms following, that the inhabitants of the town shall have liberty to 
bring what timber the.v shall think meet, either pine, chestnut, or cedar, 
and what timber any of the inhabitants shall bring as above said they 
shall deliver the one-half of it again to him that brought it, sawing 
either to boards or planks as the inhabitants shall see cause. 

"And what other boards the inhabitHnta above said sliall need for 
their own paiticular use the said Henry Andrews and Jolin Slacomber 
shall sell them at the rate of four shillings to a hundred ordinary town 
pay, and this above said mill to be in some forwardness within one year 
after the date hereof, or else this order to be of no effect." 

"Jan. 2, 16G9. It was voted that the fish shall have a convenient pas- 
sage up and down the Mill River.'' 

" Conceruiug Landing-Places. 

" 1st. At the Neck uf Land, so-called, from the bridge down the river to 
the little river, and up the little river to the land of John Macomber, 
and a parcel of land above the bridge, sometime called Mr. Street's 
landing-place. 

" 2d. Also a landing-place upon the great river at the foot of the hill, 
as goeth up to the puund, and from the land of Shadrach Wilbore up the 
said river to take in the spring on the upper side of the creek. 

" :id. A landijig-phice on the great river, flunking on the north side of 
John Richmond's land, and bounded on the west on the land formerly 
in the possession of Jonah Austin ; the landing-place on Jonah Austin's 
land is eleven rods on the great river, facing on the said river in length 
from the highway, and two rods and a half in breadth from the brow of 
the hill at eighteen foot to a rod. And the said highway between Jonah 
Austin's land and John Kichniond's land to the said landing-place is to 
he one rod and a half broad, as it is now fenced on both bides. 

"4th. A landing-place on the east side of the great river, southerly 
from the land some time in the possession of John Tisdel), aiid northerly 
from a hill called 'Fipes' (Apes?) hill as it is bounded and laid out. 

"5lli. A landing-place on the west side of the great river, bounded 
southerly by the laud of Nathaniel French, and northerly up the liver 
by a creek." 

'• We whose names are under written have in the fore part of the year 
1699, laid out a landing-place legally granted near the house of Nathan- 
iel French, containing near about one acre of land, it being bounded as 
followeth, beginning at Taunton Great River on the westerly side of if 
creek or a little run of water, and ranging on a line nortlierly upon the 
westerly siile of said ci-eek or run of water till it comes to a valley of 
low land, and so ranging westerly till it comes to the land formerly 
granted to James Tisdale, now in the possession of said Nathaniel French, 
and from thence ranging on a line along by the house of said French till 
it conies to the above said Great River, and so up by said river till it 
comes to the above said westerly side of said creek, and likewise a high- 
way laid out northerly forty foot wide in every part of it till it comes to 
the country way that loadeth from Taunton to Bristol. 

" Henry Hodges. 
" Thomas Gilbert. 
" Thomas Harvey. 
^*^^ Selectmen.''^ 

" Concerning Rules, Haters, and Constables. 

"let. When order for the country rate is brought to the town yearly 
then the estate of the town is to be carefully taken by the raters, and 
that estate to bear the charges of the town for that year, and the Raters 
shall have fifteen shillings for gathering the Town's estate successively." 

" 18th Doc, 1G7I. It is voted and agreed upon by the town, whereas 
it proves difficult fur the Raters to obtain a just account of men's lands, 



both improved and dormant, we do therefore agree and order that there 
shall be upon the town book a distinct catalogue of all the meadows and 
nidands of each person to which the Eaters may have recourse, and 
therefore that each man do within two months after the date hereof 
bring in the account of their lands to the clerke, and that from time to 
time, as any shall alienate any parcel of lands, they shall inform the 
clerke, that so it may be entered in the aforesaid catalogue, upon the 
neglect whereof the seller thereof must expect to bear the rates of it 
himself. 

"2d. And if any man shall refuse or neglect to give ajust account of 
his estate to the Raters when called for, nor repair within six days, to 
give it to the Raters, such person shall stand to the judgment of the 
Raters. 

*'3d. The valuation of lands and cattle as a valuation for the Ratei's. 
Improved land at 15s. per acre, ratable estate; meadows and pasture 
land at 10«. per acre ; dormant land at I per acre ; an ox at £3 an ox ; 
a cow at £2 5«. ; three year old cattle at £2 5s. a beast ; two year old 
cattle at £1 10«. a beast; one year old cattle at 15e. a beast; a sheep at 
3s. a beast ; a horse or mare at £2 a piece that is above three year old ! 
a two year ohl at £1 a horse or mare. 

" 4th. And every Rater sh.'vll have but 12«. a piece for making of a rate 
and pftid out of every rate they make, and the 15«. for gathering of the 
town's estate, shall be paid oiit of the town rate. 

15ih July, 1574. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that such 
persons of the town as pay their country rate in money shall pay noth- 
ing for transportation, but such as pay in wheat, Indian corn, or barley 
or hay or butter or iron, shall pay so much in the same specie as will 
pay fin- the transportation. 

"5th. It is ordered for the future tliatall rates shall be recorded, both 
the sum that is to be levied of the town, and also the r.ites when made, 
before delivered to the constables, and the constables' account at the end 
of his year to be entered on record, that so it may appear what money 
is gathered and how it is disposed, and also the bill of the town's debts 
to be yearly entered on record. 

"Gth. And for the making of all rates there shall be three men chosen 
at least by the town, and if any or either of the raters orderly chosen 
shall neglect or refuse to make the rates seasouably, he or they shall pay 
a fine according to Court order, and the town shall choose again, and no 
excuse shall be accepted but sickness or lameness or bound a long journey 
out of town. ' 

"7th. That the constables shall have nothing for gathering the coun- 
try rates, but only to go rate free. 

" 8th. They shall have nothing for gathering the minister's rates, but 
if any shall refuse or neglect to bring in the minister's rates to the place 
ajjpointed by the constable, or to the minister's house, so that the con- 
stable is put upon it to distrain, then the constable shall distrain so much 
as will pay the principal and defray the tnmsportation of it to the min- 
ister's house, besides the constable*s fees, for gathering of town rates 
they shall have Is. per pound out of the same rate." 

" Conceniing the paying of Deputies and Grand Jurymen. 

"Sth Nov., 1677. By order of the town and former practice, the Depu- 
ties and Grand jurymen shall be paid two shillings and sixpence a day 
for every day they are at Court about the town's business, from the day 
they go from home until they return home again. 

"It is voted and agreed upon by the town that those men that are or 
shall be employed at Court about the town's business, shall have the one- 
lialf of their pay as money and the other half in country pay." 

" Concerning the Towne''s stock of Ammunition. 
"22d April, 1678. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that the 
Commission Olficers, with the council of war of this town, shall have the 
whole disposing of the town's stock of powder and lead, and when dis- 
posed of to give an account to the town for what and to whom they 
have disposed it." 

" CoJiceming Sicine. 

"Jan. 18, 1671. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that if any 
swine do break into men's grounds and do damage, that the owners of 

said swine shall pay the damage, provided the fence be sufficient by 

indifferent men." 

Rules were also made concerning the fencing of 
meadows, and in reference to commons for wood and 
timber. 

By a law enacted in 1646 every town was required 
to have a clerk, or some one appointed to keep a reg- 



TAUNTON. 



765 



ister of the day and year of the marriage, birth, and 
burial of every man, woman, and child in the town- 
ship. There is no record of any clerk in Taunton 
until the following: 

"The Town Clerk chosen for tliis present year being tliis sixtb of 
March, 1664 or 5, is Shadracli WMboie, and so to continue as long as he 
fhe aaiJ Clerk and the town shall agree. 

"And it is voted and agreed by the town this sixth of March 1664/0, 
that the said Clerk siiall have of the town twenty shillings by the year. 

"And it is Voted and agreed by the town at a town meeting, that the 
said town to commit to the said Town Clerk to keep tiieTown Book and 
the Registry the day and year above written." 

The first return of births, deaths, and marriages to 
the Plymouth Court was made the year after the above 
appointment. Mr. Wilbore held the office for more 
than thirty years, and it is probable until his death 
early in 1699. The following vote appears in the 
proprietors' records : 

"Nov. 19, 1697. The town doth this day act and vote that the Town 
Clerk, Mr. Shadrach Wilboie.sliall deliver up to Capt. Thomas Leonard, 
Our Proprietors' Clerk, the book of the records of i>nr lands, wherein 
also our lands not therein recorded, may be by our Proprietors' Clerk, 
not that we find any unfaithlulness in our said Town Clerk, but only 
that our Proprietors' Clerk may be advantaged toi)erform his trust, and 
that our land may still be recorded." 

Mr. Wilbore's handwriting was remarkable for its 
regularity and beauty. Those parts of the records 
kept by him are still in a fine state of preservation. 

In 1087, during the usurpation of Sir Edmund An- 
dros, he fell under his displeasure, was brought before 
his Council, and condemned to be imprisoned. The 
warrant for his imprisonment and his petition for 
release are here given, by which it appears that it 
was not for refusing to give up the town records that 
he was imprisoned, as has been commonly stated; 

"To THE Sheriff of tbe County of Suffolk: 

•'Whereas Shadrach Wilbore, Town clerk of Taunton, hath lately in 
the name and with the consent of the said Town, written and published 
a certain scandalous, factious and seditious writing therein, very much 
reflecting upon and contemninj; the law, authority and government of 
this his Majesty's Territory and Dominion of New England. The which 
writing, upon his examination before his Excellency in Council, he hath 
confessed and owned. These are, therefore, in his Miyesty's name, to 
require and command you to take into your custody, the body of the 
said Shadrach Wilbore, and him safely keep in his Majesty's jail, until 
he shall have answered for the said contempt and misdemeanor, and be 
from thence delivered by due course of his Majesty's Laws, \yhereof 
fail not. And for so doing, this shall be your warrant. 

" Dated in Boston, the 30lh day of August, 1CS7. 

" By order in Council."' 

" The humble petition of Shadrach Wilbore, of Taunton, Town Clarke, 
To his Excellency, Sir Edniond Andrews, Knight Governor-in-Chief of 
his M;ijesty'3 Territory and dominion in New England. 

" Humbly eheweth that whereasyour poor petitioner (but as a servant) 
did in the name, and with the consent of the Town of Taunton (as 
Towne Clarke), as by virtue of his cflice judged himself obliged to do, 
did write a letter to John Usher, Esq., the contents of said letter or 
writnig proving very offensive to authority, for which your petitioner is 
very sorry that he should give any cause of offence to any, either by 
writing or any other way, for it was not any way intended by your pe- 
titioner either to offend your Excellency or the government his Majesty 
hath set over us, and therefore wherein your petitioner hath offended 
any person he craveth their pardon, entreating your Excellency to im- 
pute theoffensivenessof said writing In the ignorance, weakness, and un- 
skilfulness of your poor petitioner as to law matters, entreating your Ex- 
cellency to grant your poor petitioner a gracious pardon as to honorable 
Court's sentence against him here at Bristol and remit it, or what of it 
your Excellency shall think fit, beseeching your Excellency to consider 



what your poor petitioner hath already suffered both at Boston and also 
here at Bristol, — at Boston liis imprisonment tliere and charges fora re- 
lease out of prison, and here at Bristol, it being five weeks since he was 
first committed to prison, entreating your Excellency to consider the in- 
ability of your poor petitioner and the time of the year (it being very 
cold for a poor prisoner), and also his low estate and a great family of 
children (not needful to say the Town of Tanntnn hath already an- 
swered the matter then in question), and for the future your petitioner 
hopes he shall be more careful what he writes. So craving your pardon 
for giving your Excellency the trouble of reading these lines, hoping 
for your I^ccellency's gracious Answer, shall rest your humble pe- 
titioner. 

** Shadrach Wilbore. 
" Bristol the 14th of November, 16S7." 

If, as he intimates in his " humble petition," he 
wrote the offensive letter by authority of the town, or 
by direction of the selectmen, the town granted him 
tardy justice, for it was two years after his imprison- 
ment that the following vote was passed : 

"This 21 day of November, 1689, Itwas voted and granted to Shadrach 
Wilbore, the town Clerk, one hundred acres of land joining to his land 
at Baieneed, or somewhere thereabout, in consideration of his imprison- 
ment and suffering, he paying what money is due at that account, which 
is to say the five and forty shillings which we borroweii of William Wil- 
bore of Rhode Island." 

Perhaps, however, the town thought it more prudent 
to wait until tlie usurpation of Andros was at an 
end. 

On the same day a vote was passed in reference to 
another grist-mill as follows : 

" Nov. 21, 1GS9. Whereas- there appears a great necessity of a good 
grist-mill in this town more than we have already, and finding a con- 
venient place to set a mill on below the old mill, and in case the town 
plea-se to grant the privilege of the stream to erect a mill on, then Rob- 
ert Grossman, Jr., will speedily build a good mill to serve tbe town to 
grind their corn. This above said was voted and granted to Robert 
Grossman, Jr., this 2l8t day of November, 16S9." 

For several years previous to the above date the 
town seems to have been apprehensive as to the 
security of their title to their lands. There had been 
several controversies with adjoining towns in respect 
to boundary lines, and some of these controversies 
were not yet settled. A confirmatory deed was de- 
sired from Governor Bradford, and various votes had 
been passed and committees appointed to effect the 
desired end. Some of these votes are here given: 

*' This Sth of January, 1683. The town hath by vote chosen John 
Hathaway, senior,and Jolin Richmond to go abroad to procure evidence 
for the strengthening and fuitlier confirmation of our township." 

"This 6th of July, 1065. The town hath voted and agieed to choose 
two men to send to the Court at Plymouth to do their best endeavor to 
procure the confirmation of our township as it is already drawn up by 
the selectmen and by some others. The men chosen is John Hathaway, 
senior, Thomas Leonard." 

The boundary line between Taunton and Middle- 
borough, which has been a bone of contention until 
within a very few years, and perhaps may become so 
again, was a subject of controversy in 1685 and 
earlier. 

"This 20th of October, 1685. The town hath by vote chosen Ensign 
Leonard, John Hathaway, and John Richmond to settle the bounds be- 
tween Middleboro' and us, from Assonet to Baiting Brook, and from 
Baiting Brook to Titicut River." 

May 18, 1686. A committee was chosen to see as to 
encroachments of Bridgewater within the bounds of 



766 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Taunton. In October following action was taken in 
reference to the two miles claimed by Swansea men. 

The subject of the confirmatory deed is again 
taken up : 

"21st May, 1688. The proprietors made choice of the selectmen this 
day cliosen, and John Ilathaway, tlie commissioner, to be a committee 
to act in all matters tliat may relate to the confirmation of their lands, 
or defending their title thereto, and agree to defray the charges of the 
said committee, and .lustice Macey and Justice Leonard to act with 
them." 

"At a town-meeting on the first day of July, 1CS9. Those of the town 
that were at the meeting-lionse did hy a full and free vote choose Wil- 
liam Harvey, John Richmond, Thomas Leonard, James Walker, senior, 
and John Grossman to be helpful to Shadrach Wilbore, tlie town clerk, 
in framing and drawing a release and confirtnation of our lands from 
Major Bradford, to take in all Taunton township and the North Pur- 
chase, according to deeds and grants." 

At a meeting on the 8th of July the town voted to 
give Maj. Bradfoi-d twenty pounds for his release and 
confirmation, and voted to make a rate of twenty-five 
pound.s, the extra five pounds to defray charges. 
Lieut. Macey, James Walker, Sr., Mr. George Good- 
ing, William Harvey, and Thomas Leonard were a 
committee to proportion what each man should pay, 
including proprietors in the old township, the North 
and South Purchases, and Assonet Neck. 

Feb. 20, 1690-91. The town took action in reference 
to obtaining a charter for this colony, and expressed 
their readiness to pay their proportion of the cost at- 
tending the effort. But all efforts failed, and this 
year proved to be the last of the Plymouth govern- 
ment. 

Oct. 15, 1692. The selectmen were directed to 
bound all landing places and draw up the bounds in 
writing and deliver them to the town clerk for record. 

Other votes of interest were as follows: 

"This 11th of October, 1680. The town hath voted and granted to 
James Leonard, Jr., three acres of land lying on the northeast side of 
his land, between the way to tlie Fowling pond and tlie said James 
Leonard's land, on the condition that the said James Leonard shall close 
all the beams of the meeting-house sufficiently with iron bars, that is to 
say, all the beams that are now open." 

Dec. 11, 1685. The town granted to Abel Burt six 
acres of swamp, of which three acres were in lieu of 
three acres formerly granted to his father, " and the 
other three acres the town doth give to the said Abel 
Burt in way of gratification in the consideration of 
• his loss in his bargain about plastering the meeting- 
house." 

"This 9th day of August, 1686. It is voted and agreed by tlie pur- 
chasers of this town to nnike a rate of two shillings to a purchase in 
money to pay for the defraying of the charges of the committee, as in 
reference of Titicut land, to procure a deeil of the Indians, viz., Josiah, 
Peter, and David." 

" Tills IGth day of May, 1687. The town halh by vote expressed their 
willingness to give Mr. Danforth a call to the ministry amongst us in 
this town." 

" Feb. 27, 1G87. It is voted and granted that Capt. Tipping shall have 
ten acres of land adjoining to his own land formerly laid out to him at 
a place called Kumford, for his labor and charge to fetch up to onr town 
Mr. Danforth." 

"Feb. 27, 1687. We whose hands are hereunder written do by these 
presents freely give for ourselves and our heirs, to Capt. Bartholomew 
Tipping, and to his heirs and assigns forever, severally and jointly the 
several sums of land as is underwritten in part of the pay for the house 



and land he hath sold to &Ir. Samuel Danforth, now minister of onr 

town of Taunton ; 

Acres. ' Acres. 

"James Walker, Sr 10 John Macomber, Jr 5 

Peter Walker 10 i William Paull 5 

John Hall L 5 I Robert Grossman, Jr 3 

Tlioiiiiis Liiikon, Sr... J. 5 ; Joseph Leonard 4 

John Richmond 5 i Mary Street 6 

William Witherell, Sr....i 5 ] Joseph Willis.: .'i 

James Tisdale .V. 5 | Jonathan liriggs 4 

Elkanah Bobit 2 Samuel Hall 4 

Peter Pitts, Sr 5 ' John Smith, Jr 5 

Samuel Holloway 2 John Hathaway 10 

John Dean 15 i John Uryaiit 10" 

Edward Bobit 5 

A petition was presented to the General Court at 
Boston in May, 1697, for assistance in rebuilding and 
supporting a bridge at the southerly part of the town, 
formerly built by certain poor men, some of whom 
were dead and the others were unable to bear the 
expense of rebuilding, and setting forth that other 
towns were benefited by the bridge. The petition 
was signed by James Leonard and Thomas Williams. 

"Oct. 16, 1697. 

" 111 the House of Representatives. 
"Voted, That the bridge be supported according to former usage. 

" Penn Townsend, SjieaA-^r." 

This was the bridge at the Weir. In March, 1699, 
a petition was presented to the General Court by the 
selectmen, viz., Henry Hodges, Thomas Gilbert, 
Thomas Harvey, John White, Thomas Williams, 
setting forth the necessity of rebuilding the bridge 
and the justice of requiring certain other towns to 
contribute to the expense of building and supporting 
it. This petition met with better success. A com- 
mittee reported favorably and recommended that the 
bridge be built. It was ordered to be built at the 
expense of Taunton, Freetown, Tiverton, Little 
Coitjpton, and Dartmouth. Capt. Jared Talbut 
took the contract, and ujion a report to the court 
of the cost, it was ordered Nov. 5, 1702, that one- 
half the expense should be paid by Taunton, and 
the other half by the other lour towns proportion- 
ately. 

It does not come within the scope of the present 
sketch to give the general history of the town beyond 
this point. The reduction of its territory by the set- 
ting off' of new towns will be briefly narrated, and 
some items of interest given connected with the se- 
lection of Taunton as the shire-town in the place of 
Bristol, and the establishment of courts here. 

For nearly forty years after the last purchase Taun- 
ton maintained the integrity of its large territory. 
Meantime inhabitants had increased in the North 
and South Purchases, and the time to ask for sep- 
arate town organizations, sure to come some time, at 
length arrived. 

The movement as to setting off the north part of 
the town began in the sending a petition to the Gov- 
ernor, Council, and House of Representatives by the 
inhabitants of tlie North Purchase and a part of the 
old township of Taunton, praying to be set off' as a 
precinct. This petition was dated Oct. 20, 1708, and 
was signed by George Leonard and Nicholas White, 



TAUNTON. 



767 



as agents of said inhabitants. It was read in Council 
Oct. 22, 1708, and ordered that the selectmen of 
Taunton be served with a copy and heard thereupon 
on the second Tuesday of the next s^ession. A town- 
meeting was held to consider the matter, and a com- 
mittee was appointed to prepare a remonstrance 
against their being made a precinct, but favoring 
their being made a town, provided only the North 
Purchase was included. This remonstrance was dated 
June 4, 1709, and signed by James Leonard, Philip , 
King, Thomas Gilbert. Thomas Harvey, and Jona- 
than Padelford, as committee. 

Tlie following communication was also sent to the 
court : 

"To liis ExceUency Josepli Dudley, Esq., Cuptain-Geueiul and Gov- i 
ernor-in-Chief iu anrl over her Majesty's Province of the fliassarhusetts 
Bay, and tlie rest of the Hoiionible Council and Repiesentalives con- j 
vened in General Court May the icith, 170n. humbly sheu'oth : 

" That whereas the Honored Court sent to the selectmen of Taunton j 
to shew their reason (if any they had) why Tnuiiton North Purchase and i 
South Purchase shuuld not have their prayer gran ted. for answer where- ,' 
unto we say, That although it hatli jilesised God to increase our numbers, ' 
which we hope is in mercy, yet must say that through the providence of 
God a great many are so extreme poor, and rates and taxes bo high, that : 
we find it hard and difficult to rub along; and the generality of the ' 
North Purchase are so poor that we fear they will not be able to build a 
meeting-house and- to maintain a minister; and as for the South Pur- 
chase, we are ^»ery sensible that they will be exposed to great ditficulty 
by reason of the Great River that runs through the middle of that de- | 
sired precinct, which will be difficult to pass in the wintef by reason 
that the ice is many times not strong enough to bear and too hard to | 
break. Yet we say that if tliis Honored Court in their wisdom see it ■ 
convenient, and our neighbors and friends see their way clear, we shall 
not oppose them ; so that the Court order it that we be no way concerned ' 
with any of their charges, but they bear it themselves. But as for the j 
North Purchase, we think it better for them to be a township than a | 
precinct. 
*' This is our last and final answer upon mature consideration. , 

" IsRAKL Thrasher, | 

"John Spur, j 

"Ezra Dean, I 

" Selectmen. 

" Vr'e whose names are underwritten are of the same mind with those i 
above. Thomas Leonard, Henry Hodges, Samuel Deane, Seth AVilliams, j 
Joseph Williams." 

" 7)1 Council, June 7, 17U9. I 

" Upon the hearing of the several petitions of the Inhabitants ©f the , 
North and South Purchases in Taunton, to be made separate jirecincts I 
for the settling and support of the ministry in the respective places: 

'* Itesolvedy That Nathaniel Thomas, Nnthaniel Byfield, and James . 
Warren, Esqrs., be a committee to repair to Taunton and view the sev- ! 
eral purchases, and upon consideration of all circumstances, to set off i 
proper precincts to encourage the good ends desired by the petitioners, \ 
and to advise and direct to the most suitable phices for the making of 
their meeting houses. And to make their repurt to the next session of 
this Court, Nathaniel Thomas, Esq., to appoint the time." 



Report of the above committee : 



"Taunton, Aug. 31, 1709. 

*' Pursuant to an order of the Great and General Court, dated June 
the Sth, I7uu, to us directed to repair to Taunlon and view the several 
tracts uf htnd which the Inhabitants of the North and South Purchases 
in Taunton have petitioned to be made separate precincts, fur the set- 
tling aud support of the ministry in the said respective places. 

*• And we, the subscribers, having viewed the said several tracts, and 
heard the allegations of the opposite parties thereto, upon considera- 
tion uf all circumstances have set the bounds of the said several pre- 
cincts as foiloweth : 

" Tliat id to say. That the bounds of the North Precinct (according to 
their petition) shall begin at the line between the two late Colonies of 



the Massachusetts and Plymouth, in the line of the bounds between 
Taunton North Purchase and Attlebury, and from thence southward to 
Rehobotli's northeast corner, and from thence eastward on the said 
North Purchase line to Taunton bounds, and thence eastward to the 
mouth of the brook called Burt's Brook, leaving out Capt. Hodges' land 
at Burt's Broulc,and extending from the mouth of Burt's Brook to the 
bridge mide over the Mill River, near William Witherell's, and from 
thence northeastward to the North Purchase line, and from the North 
Purchase line, the road that leads from said bridge towards Boston, to 
be the hounds till it comes to the line between the said late Colonies, 
whicli line to be the bounds to Attlebury bounds aforesaid, and that the 
meeting-house for the said North Precinct shall he set on the northward 
side of t!io way that leads over Eumford Biver at Grossman's way, at the 
place where tlie way crosseth it that leads from John Hodges' to the 
Beech I^-land. 

"And tlie bounds of the Precinct of the Sonth Purchase aforesaid, 
shall (according to their petition) be the line between Taunton Town 
old bounds and the said South Purchase, and from the mouth of Three- 
Mile River to the maple-tree at Assonet River, at the head of Freetown 
land. And that the meeting-house for the said South Precinct shall be 
set on the west side of the way near Capt. Jitred Talbutt's house, ac- 
cording as the petitioners have agreed. In testimony whereof we have 
hereunto set our hands. 

"N^THANTF.L ThOMAS. 

" N. Byfif.lp. 

*' James Warren." 

This report was accepted Sept. 19, 1709, with the 
proviso " that the east end of the North Purchase 
shall have half the said Purchase as their Precinct 
when they are able to maintain a minister, and this 
Court judge them so." 

The inhabitants of the North Precinct, through 
George Leonard, Esq., their agent, petitioned the 
court early in 1711, setting forth that they had erected 
a meeting-house which was in a considerable state of 
forwardness, and had called Mr. Joseph Avery to settle 
with them in the ministry, and praying to be made a 
distinct town, the town of Taunton having assented 
thereto. This petition was granted March 17, 1711, 
and the precinct was constituted a town by the name 
of Norton, ^he bounds included the whole of the 
North Purchase, together with a part of the north- 
westerly angle of the original purchase. 

There was a more heated controversy over setting 
off the South Precinct. The petition for this object 
was dated Oct. 11, 1708, and was signed by John 
Reed, Edward Paull, Ebenezer Briggs, Henry Pitts, 
Nathaniel Briggs, Nicholas Stephens, Samuel Talbut, v^ 
Isaac Paull, Jared Talbut, Abram Hathaway John 
Paull, James Paull, Ebenezer Pitts, Abraham Bhmch- 
ard, Benjamin Briggs, John Crane, Isaac Hathaway, 
Edward Shove, James Tisdale, Joseph Dean, Richard / 
Hoskins, Samuel Waldron, Ephraim Hathaway, 
Thomas Jones, Hezekiah Hoar, Matthew Briggs, 
Tliomas Briggs, David Walker. Amos Briggs, Joseph 
Poole, Samuel Whitmarsh. 

This petition, like that of the North Precinct, was 
referred to the town, and was acted upon at the same 
time. The same committee was appointed to prepare 
a remonstrance, which they did. In the remonstrance 
they allude to a town-meeting held Feb. 22, 1708-9, 
to consider the petition, at which meeting Capt. Jared 
Talbut was desired to show the petition that the town 
might know what they were to act upon, and lie re- 



763 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



fused to let them see it, so that the seleotmen who 
were appointed a committee to make answer could 
not do so, and therefore named another meeting to 
be held June 1, 1709, at which this committee were 
appointed. They also allude to a previous town- 
meeting held February 1st, when the " town met to- 
gether and the petitioners, but fell into such a heat 
of spirit by such a striving by the petitioners to break 
our town to pieces, the day was spent in confusion, 
and the meeting dismissed and nothing done." 

The report of the committee of the General Court, 
already given, included the South Purchase in their 
recommendation. The precinct as established in- 
cluded the southerly part of the present town of Berk- 
ley. In 1712 this precinct was incorporated as a town 
under the name of Dighton, thought to have been 
given in honor of Frances Dighton, the wife of Rich- 
ard Williams. 

Encouraged doubtless by the success of the inhab- 
itants of the North and South Purchases in their pe- 
titions to be set off as precincts, and afterwards as 
towns, the northeasterly and westerly parts of the 
town made a similar attempt a few years later. A 
petition dated Dec. 4, 1727, of sundry of the north- 
easterly part of Taunton, was presented to the conrt, 
praying that all that part of the town that lieth on 
the northerly side of the Great River and on the 
easterly side of the Mill River may be made a pre- 
cinct, and if part of the town shall oppose the peti- 
tion, that they may have a committee to see and hear 
how things are circumstanced. This petition was 
signed by about sixty persons. 

Another petition, bearing date Dec. 11, 1727, of 
sundry of the inhabitants of the westerly part of 
Taunton was presented at the same court, praying 
that the court would grant them a preci»ct, bounded, 
beginning at Wenaconet Bridge, so called, on Mill 
River, near William Witherill's, and so down said 
river, bounded by the River easterly until it comes to 
Street's bridge, so called ; then on a straight line to 
Three-Mile" River, at the bridge near Peter Walker's 
house, which is the bounds between Taunton and 
Dighton; then by Dighton bounds till it comes to 
Rehoboth ; then northward by Rehoboth to Norton ; 
then by Norton till it comes to said bridge. They 
also ask for a committee. This petition was signed 
by some seventy-five persons. 

These petitions called forth a strenuous remon- 
strance, dated Dec. 25, 1727, which begins as fol- 
lows : 

" We, the subscribers (and maijy others), inhabitants of Taunton in 
the 8f-veral parts thereof, hnnibly offer that we are greatly surprised to 
hear, that notwithstantling God's awful and striking Jti-ovidences, and 
especially that awful and threatening stroke in removing from us by 
death our aged, honored, and beloved pastor, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Dan- 
forth, some of our neighbors are making this dark and difficult hour an 
opportunity to cany on a very dangerous, unhappy design, going from 
house to house, persuading people to sign a petition or petitions to this 
Uou. Court to divide our aged town into precincts, which must needs 
tend to our utter confusion and ruiu; obBtructing our buihiing a new 
meeting-house, which our town has solemnly voted to do." 



This remonstrance was signed by one hundred and 
sixty-four persons. A ])aper containing the names of 
thirty-nine persons living in the easterly part of the 
town and of forty-eight living in the westerly part of 
the town, who were against partitioning the town 
into precints, was also presented to the court. 

The following record also appears among the State 
archives: 

" January 25, 1727-8. At a church meeting held at the house of 
Ephraim Hodges, present the Rev. Mr. Fisher of Dighton, it being pro- 
posed to the church there met, after some time spent in prayer to God, 
whether their present unsettled circumstances did not call them to sol- 
emnize a day of prayer, and then the church proceeded to appoint a 
day, and the day fixed on was the IS'*" day of February next ensuing; 
and the church then voted that the congregation should be notified of 
it and asked to join with them in it. 

" A copy taken of your church book of record per me 

" Natu'l Fisher." 

A formal remonstrance was presented to the Gen- 
eral Court, Feb. 14, 1727-28, by Setli Williams, John 
King, John Mason, Benjamin Wilbore, and James 
Walker, Jr., selectmen of the town, stating therein 
that they had not time to call a regular town-meeting, 
and presenting very urgent reasons why the prayers 
of the two petitions should not be granted. 

Upon these petitions and remonstrances a commit- 
tee, consisting of Nathaniel Byfield, John Gushing, 
Samuel Thaxter, Maj. Quincy, and Maj. Turner, was 
appointed to go to Taunton, hear the parties, and 
report thereon. 

It is no wonder that the town vigorously opposed 
these petitions, for the precincts prayed for included 
more than two-thirds of the territory of the town 
and two-thirds of the whole number of dwelling- 
houses. A map of the town, with all the dwelling- 
houses and the owners' names and the proposed 
boundaries of the precincts delineated thereon, was 
prepared by Morgan Cobb and presented to the court 
for their information. Upon this map it is stated that 
the number of dwelling-houses in the easterly precinct 
prayed for was eighty-four, in the westerly one hun- 
dred, and in the remaining part of the town ninety. 

The committee appointed by the court to hear the 
parties reported unfavorably thereon, and the petitions 
were dismissed. This ended the matter for a short 
time only, however. Sept. 18, 1730, another petition 
was presented to the court by inhabitants of the west- 
erly part of Taunton, praying to be made a separate 
parish, which, upon the report of a committee ap- 
pointed to consider the matter, was dismissed Feb. 
19, 1730-31. 

In the remonstance to the petitions of 1727, one 
reason urged against granting the petitions is that 
it would obstruct building a new meeting-house, 
which the town had solemnly voted to do. Copies of 
the records of two town-meetings in reference to the 
matter have fortunately been preserved in the State 
papers, and are here given : 

" At a legal Town meeting warned and held at Taunton public meet- 
ing-house on the 21. day of November 1726: The moderator chuseu for 
said meeting was Seth Williams Esq. 







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TAUNTON. 



769 



"Whereas on the aforesaid day it was voted by the Town of Taunton 
tliat t^iey will build a new nieetiDg-house and to stand within tluee or 
four rods of the uld meeting house. 

" 2^ Voted that the new meeting-honseshall be fifty six foot in length, 
forty six font wide and twenty seven fool stud this to be the bigness and 
proportion of said house. 

"ad Voted that Capt. John Andrews, Capt. Samuel AVjlUams and Mr. 
Nathaniel Grossman be a committee to build and finish the new meet- 
ing-house now voted. 

»'4ih Voted that the money agreed upon by said town to repair the 
old meeting-house or at least that part thereof not yet laid out, also 
what any particular person have obliged himself to pay in repairing 
our public itieeting-house, that is now indebted to said town, be laid out 
in building of a new one now voted, 

«5th Voted that the sum of three hundred pounds be raised on the 
rateable inhabitants of Taunton and that the assessors do forthwith 
make a rate on said inhabitants for the raising of said sum, and to be 
improved towards the building of the new meeting-house. 

'* A true extract taken out of the abovesaid day's work. 

" Attest— 

" Benjamin Wilboee, Town Clerk.'* 

" At a legal Town meeting warned and held at Tauntou public meet- 
ing-house oTi the 20. day of November 1727. 

"The moderator chosen for said meeting was Seth Williams Esq, 

" Voted that there he a rate or tax made upon poles and estates on 
the inhabitints of Taunton of the sum of fifty pounds for the support 
of the ministry. 

" A true extract taken out of the abovesaid day's work. 

" Attest— 

" Benjamin Wilbobe, Toion Clerk." 

A portion of the northeasterly part of the town 
was set off as a new town April 2, 1731, and received 
the name of Raynhain. Its limits and boundaries 
were very ditierent, however, from the proposed pre- 
cinct of 1727. The boundaries between the old and 
new towns were described as follows : 

" Bounded on the south by Taunton Great River, 
including all the land of Lieut. Ebeeezer Robinson 
on the southeasterly or south side of said river, ex- 
cept that piece of land by his saw-mill near the fur- 
nace, which is in Middleborough precinct, thence 
down said river to the bounds between the lands of 
Thomas Dean and Nathaniel Williams, at the place 
called Shallow Water, thence in a straight line to the 
east end of Prospect Hill at the going over of the 
way, including within said new township all the land 
of Zephaniah Leonard and that which was formerly 
Capt. James Leonard's which joiueth to and is on 
the west side of said line, and excluding the land of 
Nathaniel Williams joining to and on the east of said 
line, thence to run northerly by said way to the great 
cedar swamp at the going in of the great-island way, 
thence to cross said island and run straight to Easton 
line, at the nearest place." 

Rev. Dr. Fobes says the first meeting-house was 
built the year preceding the incorporation of the town, 
which then contained about thirty families. 

The territory of Berkley was set off and incorpor- 
ated as a separate town April 18, 1735. Since that 
date no new towns have been taken from ancient 
Taunton. Occasional unimportant changes in bound- 
ary lines between us and some of our neighbors have 
been made, and in 1879 an awkward jog at Myrick- 
ville was taken from Taunton and added to Berkley. 
Our present boundary lines are likely to be perma- 
49 



nent, however awkward and irregular in shape the ter- 
ritory they encompass. 

The earliest matter receiving attention after Taun- 
ton was made the shire town of the county was the 
providing a county house and jail. The record is as 
follows : 

"At his Majesty's Court of General Sessions of the Peace, begun and 
held at Taunton within and for the County of Bristol on the second 
Tuesday of December, being the ninlh day of the said month, a.d, 1746. 

*' Justices present: Seth Williams, Thomas Teny, George Leonard, 
Timothy Fales, Samuel Willis, Thomas Bowen, Stephen Paine, Silvester 
Richmond, Jr., Ephraim Leonard, John Foster, Kdward Hay ward, Samuel 
Huwland, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, Samm-l White. 

*' Timothy Fales, Esq., chosen Clerk of this Court and Sworn. 

"Ordered by the Court that the Srhool House in Taunton shall be for 
the present impressed for a Goal and that Samuel Leonard, John God- 
frey, and Samuel White, Esqra., be a committee to see that said School 
House be made as secure as may b*- for the safe custody of all persons 
that may be committed thereto with the utmost dispatch, and that Seth 
Williams the second shall take care to secure the two prisoners now in 
custody and all othere that shall be committed in the mean time. 

" Ordered by the Court, that Seth Williams, George Leonard, Samuel 
Leonard, John Godfrey, and Samuel White, Esqrs., he a committee to 
look out a suitable place for the standing of a Goal and County house 
in the Town of Taunton, & know what the land for erecting said houses 
on may be purchased for and make report of iheir doings thereon at the 
adjournment of tliis Court." 

At the adjournment on the second Tuesday of Jan- 
uary, 1747, 

"The committee for looking out a suitable place for County house and 
Goal made their report as foUoweUi to wit: We the subgcribei-s appointed 
a committee as within mentioned to look uut a suitable place for the 
standing of a Goal and County house in the Town of Taunton have pur- 
suant to the within orders looked out a suitalde place as we apprehend 
which is towards the upper end of the old Training Field a little below 
where they used to dig giavel and is to be sixty foot square which place 
we look upon to be the must suitable for setting a County house upon 
provided the Town Proprietors' Committee give a legal conveyance 
thereof with a suitable and convenient way to pass to and from said 
place. And also that the most suitable place for setting a Goal and Goal 
house be on the land of Samuel White and Mr. Simeon Tirsdiile at a 
place near the spring (so called) adjoining to the way that leads from 
said Tisdale's to Mr. Grossman's grist-mill provided the said White and 
Tisdale give a legal conveyance thereof. 

"Seth Williams, 
"GEonQB Leonard, 
"Sam'l Leonard, 
"John Godfrey, 
"Samuel White, 

" Commitlee" 

Which report was approved of and accepted by 
the court. 

"Ordered by the Court that John Foster Silvester Richmond Jr. and 
John Godfrey Esqrs. be a committee to provide materials and build a 
County house and Goal and Goal keeper's house with suitalde disjtatch. 
The Goal to be thirty foot long and fourteen foot wide two story high 
and fourteen foot stud, to be studded with sawed stuff of six inches thick 
to be framed close together with a chimney in Oie middle suitable for a 
Goal. The house for prison keeper to be seventeen foot wide and twenty 
three foot long two story high besides the entry between the Goal and 
dwelling house and to be fourteen foot stud with aeuitable chimney and 
cellar." 

At an adjournment Jan. 28, 1747, Samuel White 
was appointed on the committee in place of Silvester 
Richmond, who was appointed sheriff. 

"January 28, 1746-7. Ordered by the Court that George Leonard, 
Ephraim Leonard, and John Foster, Esqrs, be a committee to receive 
deeds of conveyance from the committee of the Town of Tauntou, and 
propiietors of said Town, of the lands mentioned in the committee's 
report (as on file) for the use of the County of Bristol." 



770 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The following appears in the records of the court 
in June, 1647 : 

" Upon the Court's receiving a subscription of many of tlie inliabitants 
of tlie Town of Taunton, amounting in tlie wliole to the sum of nine 
hundrt-Ll twenty-two pounds, fifteen sliillings, old tenor, from the sub- 
scribers' committee, for building a Court-house, ordered that the same 
shall be accepted, and that the committee appointed by this Court shall 
be joined with the aforesaid committee of the subscribers in building 
the Court-house as projected by the subscribers, and what further may 
be subscribed on the land given by the proprietors and inhabitants of 
the Town of Taunton, and as has been accepted by the Court of General 
Sessions of the Peace, holden at Taunton, by adjournment in January 
last." 

At the March court, 1748-49, Seth Williams, Esrj., 
was desired and empowered to procure, at the charge 
of the county, proper window-curtains for five win- 
dows, and five cushions for the court-house. 

At the August court, 1749, it was ordered that 
eleven hundred pounds, old tenor, be paid to the 
committee for the "gaol," to enable them to com- 
plete and finish it. 

At the September term, 1750, the court ordered the 
committee for the jail to deliver to the sheriff, or to 
his order, the northwest room below and room above 
it, and the southwest room below aud the room above 
it, and the southeast room above, with one-half of the 
cellar under the other part of the house, together 
with the yard fenced in for the prison yard, and that 
the southwest room below and above, with the south- 
east room above, are determined for, and shall be 
known to be liis majesty's jail in Taunton, in and for 
the county of Bristol, and that the northwest room, 
below and above, with liberty of using the stairs, be 
for the use of the keeper of said jail, during the court's 
pleasure. 

At the December term it was ordered that the 
northeast room below and room above it, with the 
southeast room below, adjoining to the jail and 
under the same roof, be for the House of Correction 
for the county of Bristol, till the further order of the 
court. And it was further ordered that Jonathan 
Carver shall be the master of said House of Correc- 
tion till the further order of the court. 

It seems that the jail, being a wooden structure, 
was not so secure as was desirable. At the June 
term, 1753, George Leonard, Timothy Fales, and 
Samuel White, Esqs., were appointed a committee 
by the court "to endeavor the more thorough 
strengthening and securing the Gaol, that, if possi- 
ble, prisoners may not be able to make their escape 
by reason of the insutficiency thereof." 

From the court records this insufiiciency of the jail 
seems to have been a chronic source of trouble, and 
committees were from time to time appointed to cure 
the difficulty. 

In October, 1751, Robert Luscomb was allowed 
eight shillings for finding candles, ringing the bell 
and sweeping the court-house, and Daniel Shaw and 
William Andrews in June following were allowed a 
like sum for labor and trouble in hanging the court- 
house bell. 



Timothy Fales was authorized at October term, 
1752, to take possession of the county house as a 
court-house. This building also needed attention. 
At the October term, 1753, it was ordered " that the 
Hon. Seth Williams, Esq., be desired and is empow- 
ered hereby to endeavor to secure £he roof of the 
county house from leaking, by covering the he.>ids of 
the posts with sheet-lead given for that purpose, or 
by any other way or means that may be effectual for 
the purpose aforesaid." 

At the March term, 1754, Seth Williams, George 
Leonard and Zephaniah Leonard, Esq., were ap- 
pointed a committee to finish the court-house in 
Taunton and arch the court-chamber overhead, fix 
the justices' seats on the north side of the chamber, 
and lath and plaster the same, and alter the stairs, if 
the committee shall think best. 

The old jail stood about where the Bristol County 
Bank building stands. It was long ago demolished. 
The court-house occupied very nearly the site of the 
present one, and was removed to make place for a 
more substantial structure. 

Here must end the general history of the town so 
far as the work of the present writer is concerned. 
In the chapters upon the ecclesiastical history, educa- 
tion, manufactures, the professions, etc., it is hoped a 
good idea of the progress of the town may be gained. 



CHAPTER LXII. 

TAUNTON.l— ( Oontinned.) 
The Farms of Mr. Hooke and Mr. Street — Notices of early Settlers. 

Notices of Rev. William Hooke and Rev. Nicholas 
Street will be found in the account of ministers and 
churches. A notice of the large tract of land granted 
to them by the Plymouth Court may be of interest, 
and will properly find a place here. 

No record of the farms laid forth to Rev. Mr. 
Hooke and Rev. Mr. Street is to be found in the 
court records of Plymouth Colony, or in the Taunton 
proprietors' records. There are two deeds, however, 
recorded in the Plymouth Colony Records of Deeds 
which contain a description of those lands, aud as it 
has never been published it is here given. The first 
deed containing the description was given by James 
Wyatt and George Macey, by power of attorney from 
Mr. Nicholas Street, to John Hathaway, Edward 
Babbitt, and Timothy Holloway, all of Taunton, con- 
veying the 400 acres granted by the court to Mr. Wil- 
liam Hooke and Mr. Street, and was dated day 

of , 1658. The deed was witnessed by William 

Poole, Walter Deane, and William Harvey. It is 
recorded in vol. iii., p. 189, of the above-named records. 

The second is a confirmatory deed given Feb. 9, 

1 By James Henry Dean. 



TAUNTON. 



771 



1688-89, by William Bradford, son of Governor Brad- 
ford, reciting that his father and associates in the year 
1638 granted to Mr. Nicholas Street and Mr. Hooke 
jointly, a tract of land for a farm of 400 acres of up- 
land, and about 30 acres of meadow. And at the 
going away of said Hooke from Taunton, he sold his 
part of said farm to Mr. Nicholas Street. And when 
the said Street went from Taunton he sold the farm 
and aforesaid land to John Hathaway and Edward 
Babbitt, and Timothy Holloway, all of Taunton. 

And in consideration of two pounds conveys to 
John Hathaway, Edward Babbitt, Samuel Holloway, 
and William Phillips, one of the heirs of the late 
deceased James Phillips, which said Samuel Hollo- 
way and James Phillips purchased Timothy Hollo- 
way's part of said lands, the lands aforesaid, 
" Bounded, lying on the east side of Taunton Great 
Eiver, bounded on the south side in part by Assonet 
Neck, and in part by the line of Taunton, and on the 
north side by a black oak marked near a spring 
called the Iron Spring, one end butts in part upon the 
V' meadows of Capt. William Poole, Mrs. Jane Farwell, 
and William Hailstone, and in part by the Great 
River, running along by the riverside as far as As- 
sonet Neck, and so running along by the side of said 
Neck until it comes to the head of a meadow called 
Smith's Cove to a marked tree by the side of said 
Neck, and from .said tree to another white oak marked 
at the head of said cove, and from said white oak to 
run to Taunton River northerly, so that Taunton 
River and that line makes a square at the head of 
said Cove, and so to run by Taunton River to Assonet i 
Way, and so to run upon a straight line a little above 
a pine tree now cut down, and so extends about three- 
quarters of a mile upon that line near John Rich- 
mond's field, and then turns the corner, and so run- 
neth down the plain along by a pine-tree fallen down, 
and from thence west and by north until it comes to 
said marked tree near the Iron Spring." Recorded in 
said records, vol. v. p. 459. 

This large tract of land came to be designated 
almost from the first as " The Farms." It is so referred 
to in ancient deeds and divisions of land. In 1670 
a jury was appointed to lay out a way to " The Farms." 
It is situated in the present town of Berkley, and the 
name of " The Farms" clings to it to the present time. 

Elizabeth Poole, or, as she wrote her name, Pole, 
was one of the early settlers in Taunton, perhaps 
among the very earliest. There is record evidence 
that she was here early in 1638, for she was one of the 
appraisers of the estate of John Briant, of Taunton, 
who died April 28th of that year, and whose will was 
presented for probate to the Plymouth Court, June 4, 
1638. She was born, according to an article pub- 
lished in Taunton, England, in 1879, by Edwin Slo- 
per, Esq., Aug. 25, 1588, being the third daughter of 
Sir William Pole, of Shute, in the county of Devon, 
England. William Pole, one of the original pur- 
cha.sers, whose name stands first in the list of the 



freemen of Cohannet in 1637, was her brother. She 
and her brother, with many others of the first settlers 
of Taunton, settled first at Dorchester. In the entire 
absence of definite information upon the point, it is 
most reasonable to suppose that .she came here with 
her brother, for she was unmarried, and at that time 
near fifty years old. In the grant of meadow lands 
made by the Plymouth Court to the inhabitants of 
Taunton in 1640 occurs this passage : " And the Court 
doth further order, that they will see Mr. Hooke, Mr. 
Streete, and Mrs. Poole shall have competent meadow 
and uplands for farms laid forth for them about May 
next, by Captain Standish and such others with him 
as shall be especially assigned thereunto." From this 
it is to be inferred that she was an intimate friend of 
the two ministers, and interested with them in plant- 
ing a church of Christ in the new settlement. From 
other sources we have abundant proof that she was 
an ardent Puritan of deep and earnest piety. The 
lands promised to her above were laid forth to her 
subsequently, as follows : 

" Those lands wliicli by order of Court were by Miles Standish and 
John Browne assistants in the government of Plymouth, appointed to he 
laid out unto Mrs. Elizabeth Poole of Taunton, as followeth : May, 1639. 

"Imprimis. At her farm of Littleworth forty acres of meadow, being 
at the end ne.xt unto her house thei-e, lying at that end between the 
south and the southwest and so northerly. 

*'Item. Fifty acres of such upland which she will make choice of 
thereabouts. 

"Item. Fifty acres of upland lying near the Two Mile Brook, joining 
to the marsh on the south side thereof, as also half of the same marsh 
for quantity and quality. 

*' Item. An hundred acres of upland lying on the other side of the 
Great River of Taunton. 

•' Item. For her home lot XV acres to be next unto Mr. Hooke's house 
lot, as also to the mill six acres. 

'* Item. That these lands be measured out in a convenient time, by the 
freemen or some of them, and by a man well experienced in the meas- 
uring of grounds. 

'■ Miles Standish. 
"John Browne." 

Her Littleworth farm was in the extreme easterly 
part of the town, near the bounds of Middleborough, 
not far from Furnace Pond, so called. A stream or 
brook running from one of the ponds in that vicinity 
is still remembered as Littleworth Brook. The fifty 
acres near the Two-Mile Brook was near the Anchor 
Forge, in what is now Raynham. The one hundred 
acres on the other side of the Great River is not 
easily located at the present time. Her home lot, 
consisting in the whole of twenty-one acres, was on 
the south side of Main Street, extending westerly 
nearly to Winthrop Street, easterly to Mr. Hooke's 
house lot, near the east end of Main Street, and was 
bounded on the south by Mill River. She bought a 
small piece of ground of Mr. Hooke for a burial lot, 
which is thus described in the description of John 
Pool's lands, who was her nephew and devisee : 
" Item. A small piece of land, which his said aunt 
purchased of Mr. Hook for a burying place, joining 
to her said home lot on the east side of it by the 
road, and is bounded by a stake within the fence by 
the road, and from said stake to another stake towards 



7Y2 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the river standing twentj' yards from his orchard 
fence, just taking in a little thicket of apple-trees. 
This range is five yards distant from the eastward 
end of the tomb where Mrs. Pool lies buried." 

She built a house upon her home lot, and lived 
there until 1653, the year before her death, when she 
bought a lot with a house upon it of Robert Thoril- 
ton, to which she removed, and where she died May 
21, 1654. By her will she gave the most of her real 
estate to her brother, William Pole, for his lifetime, 
and after his death to his eldest son, John Pole, whom 
she made e.xecutor. A few items from her will are 
here given : 

** I give unto the church of God at Taunton, for the furtherance of 
any special service thereof, one cow whichsoever the overseers shall lilte , 
best to titke for tliat end. 

*• I give unto n)y kind and old friend, Sister Margery Panle, widow, 
one yearling heifer, if it be living at my decea-^e, and appoint my over- 
Beers to see it delivered unto her after my decease. 

"I appoint and make my cousin, John Pole, to be my sole Executor, 
to receive all and to pay debts and any engagements, and so commend 
him to the Idessing of the Lord. 

*' I appoint my kind friends, Richard Williams and Walter Dean, Dea- 
cons of the Church in Taunton, and Oliver Puichis, to be my overseers, 
to whom I commit my trust and care to see this, my last will, be ful- 
filled according, and as it is expressed in all the parts tliereof, and 
herein I rest. 

" This signed by nie, 

" Eltzabeth Pole. 

" Witnessed by James Wiatt, Oliver Purchis, Richard Williams." 

The lot bought of Robert Thornton is thus alluded 
to: "Also the house wherein I now dwell, which I 
bought of Robert Thornton, and the lot thereunto 
appertaining, which I bought of him therewith." By 
the aid of the proprietors' records this lot can be 
readily located. In the description of William Har- 
vey's lands his home lot is thus described : Four 
acres of upland, more or less, granted to him for a 
house lot, butted and bounded as foUoweth: By the 
highway southward, the town commons northward, 
the land that was Lieut. George Macey's eastward, 
the land of Hezekiah Hoar westward ; also about one 
acre bounded by the highway north, the Great River 
south, George Macey's land east, Hezekiah Hoar's 
land west. Sold of these lands first to the town for a 
common way two pole in breadth, the whole length 
of the first-mentioned four acres, on the westerly side 
of said lot. 2d. Sold to George Macey a small quan- 
tity of it at the southerly end of it next the highway. 
The remainder of these parcels was sold to Walter 
Deane, of Taunton, aforesaid. 

From subsequent deeds of these premises we know 
that the common way, two pole in breadth, on the 
westerly side of the first described lot, was called 
Hoar's lane, now known as Winter Street. Hezekiah 
Hoar owned the lot on the west side of the lane now 
owned and occupied by Mr. N. Bradford Dean. 

From the description of George Macey's lands: 
Imprimis, his home lot four acres, more or less, 
bounded by the lands of William Harvey on the 
westward side, and by the land of Capt. William 
Poole (formerly) on the eastward side, the highway 



on the southward end, and the commona on the 
northerly end. Also one acre, more or less, on the 
other side of the highway, bounded by the land of 
William Harvey on the west, Capt. Poole on the east, 
the Great River on the south, and the highway on 
the north. 

In 168(5, Robert Thornton gave a confirmatory deed 
to John Pole, of Boston, whom he acknowledged as 
the right heir and successor of Elizabeth Pole, re- 
citing that in or about the year 1653 he sold said 
Elizabeth Pole one four-acre house lot, lying between 
the lands of William Pole on the east, and Walter 
Deane on the west, headed by the Great River on the 
south, and by the commons on the north, together 
with one house thereupon being; the deed, if any 
was given, being lost. 

The lot thus described was the home lot of George 
Macey, including the land on the south side of the 
highway and the small piece on the southerly end of 
William Harvey's lot next to the highway. This piece 
was on the easterly corner of Winter and Dean Streets, 
and joined Macey's original home lot on the east. 
How far the whole lot extended on Dean Street from 
the corner cannot be exactly determined, as measure- 
ments are not given, but probably somewhat beyond 
the middle of the lot owned by the heirs of the late 
Mrs. Fanny Dean. Capt. William Poole's lot was 
the next on the east, and extended to the brook which 
crosses Dean Street just east of the residence of the 
late Capt. Ezra T. Howland. Honiewhere on the lot 
thus conveyed by Robert Thornton, and most proba- 
bly n'ear its Winter Street boundary, stood the iiouse 
in which Elizabeth Poole died. 

Her remains rested in her own tomb until 1771, 
when they were removed by John Borland, Esq., her 
next of kin, to the Plain burying-ground, and a large 
slab was laid upon the grave bearing an inscription 
written by Hon. Robert Treat Paine, who was for 
several years a resident of Taunton. This inscription 
is here given, — 

" Here rest the remains 

of Miss ElaZABETH Pool, 

a native of Old England, 

of good Family, Frieuds, and Prospects, 

All which she left, in the Prime of her Life, 

to enjoy the Keligion of her Conscience 

in this distant Wilderness; 

A great Proprietor in the Township 

of Taunton; 

A chief Promoter of its Settlement, 

and its Incorporation, 1639-40, 

About which time she Settled near this spot; 

And, having employed the opportunity 

of her Virgin state, 

in Piety, Liberality, 

and Sanctity of Maunei"B, 

Died, May 21, i.B. 1654, aged LXV., 

To whose Memory 

this Monument is gratefully erected 

by her next of kin, 

John Borland, Esquire, 

A.D. 1771." 

Mr. Baylies, in his " History of Plymouth Colony," 
claims for Elizabeth Pool the great honor of being 



TAUNTON. 



773 



the foundress of Taunton, and the first purchaser of 
its territory from the Indians. " Dux f<cm'ma facti" 
is the motto with which he honors her achievement. 
He claims for her the greater lionor of being the first 
of the Englisli who practically admitted the force of 
that moral obligation which requires the consent of 
the owner before property can be taken from his pos- i 
session and appropriated to the use of another by 
paying a fair equivalent for her lands before occupa- I 
tion. 

Resting upon the great reputation of Mr. Baylies I 
as a conscientious and accurate historian, these claims 
have only recently been questioned. The Hon. Henry 
Williams, of Taunton, made a most thorough and ex- 
haustive examination into the historical basis for : 
these claims in a very able paper read before the ! 
Old Colony Historical Society Jan. 12, 1880, in 
which the conclusion is reached that the evidence 
fails to support the claims. This paper was pub- 
lished in No. 2 of the collections of that society. 
There is no need to re-examine the question here. 
The present writer will only add that his investiga- 
tions have strengthened the conclusion that there is 
an entire lack of evijlence to warrant the claims. 

The propriety of honoring the alleged foundress of 
the town by some suitable memorial was suggested to 
the women of Taunton by the publication of Mr. 
Baylies' memoir, and through their efforts a comely 
marble monument was erected in Mount Pleasant 
Cemetery, then recently consecrated, for which Mr. 
Baylies is understood to have furnished the inscrip- 
tion, which is as follows : 

"The females of Taunton 

have erected this nionunient 

in memory of 

EUZABETH Pool, 

Foundress 

of the town of Taunton, 

in 1639, 

Born, before the settlement 

of Amei'ica, 

In England, 1589. 

Died at Tauntou 

May 21, 1654." 

The halo of romance encircling her name as the 
virgin foundress and mother of our fair town may 
fade away in the light of better information ; but it 
will leave to her the substantial honor belonging to 
an intrepid Christian woman who cheerfully bore 
her part in the perils and privations of a new settle- 
ment undertaken for the love of religion in the fear 
of God. 

William Pool, whose name stands first on the list of 
freemen, was born in Shute, in Devon County, Eng- 
land, Dec. 4, 1593, according to the authority already 
cited in reference to his sister, Elizabeth Pool. He 
settled first in Dorchester, but came to Taunton cer- 
tainly as early as 1637. In 1639 he is called Capt. 
Poole, and ordered to exercise the inhabitants of 
Cohannet in their arms. He was one of the depu- 
ties to the Plymouth Court in that year, the first year 



in which deputies were sent instead of the whole 
body of the freemen, and again in the years 1641^8. 
In 1646 he was chosen one of the Council of War, 
and again in 1658. In 1657 he is named as one of 
the selectmen. During all this time he was the prin- 
cipal military ofiicer in town, and is always referred 
to as Capt. Poole. Nov. 18, 1667, an inquest was 
held upon the body of his son, Timothy Poole, aged 
about twenty-five years, who was found drowned in a 
pond, whither he had gone to shoot some fowl. His 
home lot was on Dean Street next east of George 
Macey's, and extended to the brook crossing the 
street just beyond the residence of the late Capt. 
Howland. Late in life he returned to Dorchester, 
and died there. In Blake's " Annals of Dorchester," 
under date of 1674, is this notice, — 

" This year died Mr. William Pole, of whom ye 
records thus speak : ' Mr. William Pole, that sage, 
revered, pious man of God, departed this life Feb. 
24, 1674.' He was clerk of ye writs and register of 
births, deaths, and marriages in Dorchester about ten 
years ; and after school-master in Dorchester." 

He composed an epitaph for himself, which was in- 
scribed upon his tombstone. His son, John Pool, 
married Elizabeth Brenton, the daughter of William 
Brenton. Esq., who was a prominent proprietor in the 
South Purchase, and afterwards removed to Bristol. 
John Pool became a merchant in Boston. In the 
easterly part of the town a large farm was laid out 
and received the name of the " Shute farm," doubt- 
less in memory of the town of Shute, in England, 
from whence the family came. A large plain in that 
part of the town was quite early called " Jlrs. Pool's 
plain." The name still clings to it as " Pole Plain," 
taking the original form of the family name. 

John Gilbert, Sr., came from Dorchester, and was 
a freeman of Cohannet in 1637. Mr. Savage supposes 
he may have come from England in the "Mary and 
John" in 1630. He was oneof the deputies to Plym- 
outh Court in 1639. At this time be was probably 
somewhat advanced in life, as his name is not in the 
list of 1643 of those between sixteen and sixty years 
of age subject to military duty. This may account 
for the fact that his name does not again appear in 
connection with any public office. There is an inter- 
esting deposition touching his early settlement in 
Taunton, recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 2, 
page 32, which is worth transcribing : 

"The testimony of .John Richmond, aged about sixty-seven years. 
Testifieth and saith, the year 16:19 I very well remember that then 
when we came first to Taunton, which was in 163'J as aforesaid. Then 
Mr. John Gilbert had a house at a meadow down on the westward side 
of Taunton Great River, and there wintered cattle for some years, and 
some years after did use to fetch hay from sai'l meadow to the town, and 
afterward said Mr. Gilbert sold said meadow and tlnjse that bought 
aforesaid meadow did improve it many years. And it was known by 
the name of Mr. Gilbert's farm meadow; and when the proprietors of 
the South Purchase by their committee went to set hoimds between said 
proprietors' lots and the meadows on the westward side of Taunton 
River, I, said John Richmond was one of said committee, and when 
came tu the abovesaid meadow formerly called Mr. Gill'ert's farm mea- 
dow, then in the possession of John Smitii, said committee ordered the 



774 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



bouudB of said meadow should he a rod from said meadow od the up- 
land for the convenience of fencing, and furtlier saitli not." 

Sworn to Jan. 6, 1696-97, before Thomas Leonard, 
justice. John Hathaway, of the same age, made oath 
to the same statement, except only the time when they 
first came to Taunton, or when Mr. Gilbert first pos- 
sessed said meadow. John Richmond above named 
was the son of the first John Richmond. 

John Gilbert died between 1654 and 1657, leaving 
a will, recorded at Plymouth, in which he calls him- 
self "of Pondsbrooke, Taunton." He gave to his 
son Gyles his farm of one hundred acres, mentions 
sons Joseph, Thomas, John, daughter Mary Nor- 
cross, and wife Winifred. His farm was in the 
northerly part of the present town of Berkley, and 
can still be identified. The name Pondsbi'ooke was 
probably suggested by the fact that there is a pond 
with a brook flowing from it near by. It occurs oc- 
casionally in old descriptions of lands. His son John 
was suspected of felony in 1645, and was wanted at 
court ; but having obtained leave to go to England, 
made over his estate in Taunton and elsewhere to 
Nathaniel Sowther in behalf of the government, for 
answering such things as might be objected against 
him. He was to return from England in two years, 
but there is no record that he ever did return. 

Thomas Gilbert, the oldest son, married Jane Ros- 
siter, the daughter of Hugh Rossiter. He was ad- 
mitted a freeman in 1651. In 1648 and 1649 he was 
the constable of Taunton, and in 1652 one of the 
deputies to Plymouth. In 1653 certain complaints 
were made against him, but he had then gone to 
England, leaving his wife and children here. He 
never returned, but died there in 1676, and his wife 
was granted administration on his est.ate the follow- 
ing year. 

John Strong was the son of Richard Strong, of 
England, and came to this country in the " Mary and 
John" in 1630. He settled first in Dorchester, was a 
resident of Hiugham in 1635, and from there came 
to Taunton, where he was a freeman in 1637. He was 
appointed the first constable in 1638, and was again 
appointed in 1639. He was a deputy in 1641, 1642, 
and 1643. He removed to Windsor, Conn., and in 
1659 to Northampton, where he became the first 
ruling elder in the church, and died there in 1699, 
aged ninety-four. He had seventeen children. Caleb 
Strong, from 1800 to 1807 Governor of Massachusetts, 
was his descendant. His house lot in Taunton was 
on Dean Street, next west of John Dean's lot. In 
1689 he gave to Walter Deane, who married his 
sister EUiuor, a power of attorney to dispose of his 
real estate in Taunton. 

Edward Case came from M''atertown. He was one 
of the first freemen in 1637, and one of the deputies 
to Plymouth in 1640, and again in 1647-48 and 1649. 
In 1645 he was appointed on a committee composed 
of leading men from the several towns in the colony, 
and of which Mr. John Browne was also a member. 



to prepare and recommend new laws for the redress 
of present abuses and the preventing of such in the 
future. His lot was on Dean Street, and included 
probably the estates now owned by Mr. Le Baron B. 
Church and Mrs. Lovering,and extendingstill farther 
west. He .sold his lands in Taunton to Samuel Wil- 
bore, of Boston, and removed, whither is unknown. 
Samuel Wilbore, according to Mr. Baylies, imbibed 
the views of Mrs. Hutchinson and became one of her 
followers. How long he resided fii Taunton cannot 
be told exactly, but it could have been but a few 
years, for he died as early as 1657, leaving his house 
and lot in Taunton to his son Shadrach, for so many 
years the town clerk. 

Henry Andrews was one of the first freemen in 
1637, and one of the deputies in 1639. He was a 
deputy at a special court held in September, 1642, 
and was again deputy in 1643, 1647, and 1649. In 
1646 he was appointed on a committee, composed of 
one from each town, " to consider of a way for the de- 
fraying the charges of the magistrates' table, by way 
of excise U])on wine and other things." 

He built the first meeting-house, for wiiich he re- 
ceived in pay the calf pasture, 4s is stated elsewhere; 
He with John Macomber was allowed in 1659 to 
erect a saw-mill on Mill River, "if it be found not 
hurtful to the grist-mill." In his will, which is dated 
March 13, 1652, he calls himself a yeoman. He 
gives to his daughter, Mary Hedges (wife of William 
Hedges), a dwelling-house near his own in Taunton, 
and after her to his_ grandson, John Hedges; to his 
daughters, Sarah and Abigail, one hundred and 
thirty pounds in the hands of John Parker, shoe- 
maker, of Boston ; to his son Henry his house. His 
wife's name was Mary. His son Henry was killed by 
the Indians in 1676. His home lot is described as 
bounded by the lands of John Strong on the north, 
of James Wyatt on the south, faced by the Great 
River on the east end, and containing six acres, more 
or less ; also six acres on the farther side of the 
Great River, lying opposite and facing the home lot. 
His descendants were large land-owners in the east 
part of the town. , 

John Browne settled first in Plymouth, where his 
name appears in the list of freemen as having been 
admitted in 1635. The name of his brother, Peter 
Browne, is in the list of 1633. In the records of the 
Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in 
New England, before the removal of the letters pat- 
ent and the government to America, under date of 
March 12, 1628, appears the following entry: "John 
Browne, gent, and Mr. Samuel Browne, of Roxwell, 
in Essex, take their passage in the Company ships for 
New England,*. . . intending to plant there," etc. 
In 1629 they were appointed by the company in Eng- 
land assistants to Governor Endicott, and were highly 
recommended in letters to the Governor and Council ; 
Mr. John Browne being spoken of as " a man ex- 
perienced in the laws of our kingdom, and such an 



TAUNTON. 



775 



one as we are persuaded will worthily deserve your 
favor and furtherance." They fell into some differ- 
ences, however, with Governor Endicott and the min- 
isters, Mr. Skelton and Mr. Higginson, and were sent 
back to England. (See Records of Massachusetts, 
vol. i. pp. .34, .51-.54, 387, 398, 407-9.) 

Was not this the John Browne afterwards of Plym- 
outh and Taunton ? 

Mr. Browne was chosen one of Governor Winslow's 
assistants in 1636, while living in Plymouth, and was 
annually re-elected until 1655. He was chosen one 
of the commissioners of the United Colonies on the 
part of Plymouth Colony in 1644, the year after the 
confederation was formed, and was continued in the 
office until 1655, a period of twelve years. This was 
an office of great importance and responsibility. Each 
colony in the confederation was represented by two 
commissioners only. His colleagues in the office dur- 
ing his term of service were Governor Winslow, one 
year; Timothy Hatherly, two years; Governor Brad- 
ford, three years ; Thomas Prence, five years. He 
was one of the Council of War in 1642, 1646, and 
1653. In 1655 he was deputed by the court to take 
the proof of wills in Taunton. He was frequently 
appointed on important committees to settle difficul- 
ties between towns, to run boundary lines, and to act 
in various capacities for the interest of the colony. 
There were few men who were more constantly em- 
ployed in public affairs than he. 

It is not easy to determine just how long he was a 
resident of Taunton. In the list of those subject to 
military duty in Taunton, in 1643, his name stands 
first. The names of his sons, John and James, also 
appear in the list, so that he was then here with his 
family. In March, 1647, the Plymouth Colonial Rec- 
ords speak of "Mr. John Browne, of Rehoboth, one 
of the assistants of this government." In 1645 he 
was the first named of seven men chosen to order the 
prudential affairs of that town. In the latter part of 
the same year he became the principal proprietor of 
Wannaraoiset Neck, afterwards the town of Swansea. 
In 1655 he made a deed of his real estate in Taun- 
ton, containing the following description: "I, John 
Browne, out of my especial love and good-will, have 
heretofore given unto my cousin, John Tisdall, that 

dwelling-house which I bought of Goodman , with 

some garden and a lot of land thereunto belonging, 
containing about three acres, be it more or less; and 
furthermore, I do declare that for divers good causes 
and considerations me hereunto moving, did bargain 
and sell that dwelling-house which once myself lived 
in at Taunton, with barn and outbuildings, and all 
the land thereunto belonging, with all such land as 
by any way appertaineth unto me, the said John 
Browne, unto my aforesaid cousin, John Tisdall, and 
my cousin, James Walker, his brother-in-law." In 
the list of 1675, .James Walker appears as the owner 
of Mr. John Browne's rights. 

He died at Wannamoiset, April 10, 1662. Morton, 



in his "New England's Memorial," has the following 
notice of him, pp. 275-277 : 

"This year Mr. John Brown ended this life. In his younger years, 
tr.ivelling into the low countries, he became acquainted witli and took 
good liliing to the reverend pastor of tlie cliurcli of Ch list at Leyden, as 
also to sundry of the bretlireu of that church, wliicli ancient amity induced 
him (upon liis coming over to New Knf^land) to seat liimself in tlie juris- 
diction of New Plymouth, in which he was chosen a magistrate, in which 
place he served God and the country several years. He was well accom- 
plished with abilities to both civil and religious concernments, and at- 
tained, through God*s grace, uuto a comfortable persuasion of the love 
and favor of God to him. He, falling sick of a fever, with much serenity 
and spiritual comfort, fell asleep in tlie Lord, and was honorably buried 
at Wannamoiset, near Rehoboth, in the spring of the year abovcsaid." 

The description of his houses and lands in the deed 
cited does not indicate their locality. In the lay-out 
of lands in early times " Mr. Browne's Brook" is fre- 
quently named as a well-known landmark. From 
this and from the deeds of subsequent owners, it is 
probable the location of his lands was on the west- 
erly side of the Great River, between the Weir and 
Dighton line. 

John Bryant died April 28, 1638, while the plan- 
tation bore its Indian name, Cohannet. His will, 
which was nuncupative, or oral, was presented to 
the Plymouth Court, June 4, 1638, by Richard Paul 
and William Scadding, who testified that two days 
before his death they heard him declare this will. 
He gave all his goods and chattels to John, his son, 
except a platter and a bottle, which he gave to Richard 
Paul. And he desired Mr. John Gilbert to take the 
goods into his hands and mauage to the best advan- 
tage for his son. The inventory was taken by Mrs. y 
Elizabeth Poole, Mrs. Jane Poole, William Scadding, 
and Richard Paul. The amount was forty-three 
pounds three shillings and three pence. The property 
consisted of household goods and a stock of tools 
consisting of adzes, saws, etc., from which it is to be 
inferred that he was a wheelwright or a carpenter. 
There was no real estate. Nothing more is known of 
him. This is the first will on the records from Taun- 
ton. His son had not reached the age of sixteen in 
1643, as his name does not appear in the military list 
of that year. But he was admitted a freeman in 1654, 
and was entitled to a division of lands in 1659. 

Hezekiah Hoar was the brother of Leonard Hoar, 
third president of Harvard College. He had other 
brothers, — Daniel, of Boston, John, of Scituate, ac- 
cording to Savage ; and Mr. Baylies says that Richard 
Hoar, whose name is on the military list of Yarmouth 
in 1643, was his brother. His house-lot was on the 
westerly eornerof Winter Street, and adjoined Walter 
Deane's lot on the west. This street was anciently 
called Hoar's lane, taking its name undoubtedly from 
him. His name is on an early list of those that had 
taken the oath of fidelity in Cohannet, and in 1653 
he was propounded as freeman. In 1655 his name 
again appears among those propounded, but there is 
no record of his admission. He was a constable of 
the town in 1657, 1663, and 1672, and one of the sur- 
veyors of the highways in 1651. He was appointed 



776 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



an ensign in the expedition proposed in 1653 against 
the Dutch in New Yorl<. In 1693 he sold his house- 
lot to his sons, Edward and Hezekiah, and the same 
year they conveyed it to Ezra Deane, the son of Wal- 
ter Deane. The family seem to have become resi- 
dents in the South Purchase, afterwards Dighton. 

William Hailstone was made a freeman in 1644. 
He dues not seem to have held any public office. He 
was a tailor by trade, and his difficulty with an ap- 
prentice as also his controversy with James Walker 
are elsewhere referred to. In 1666 the proprietors 
granted him two or three acres of land, provided that' 
he should not sell it or give it away while he and his 
wife lived. This was in addition to the divisions of 
land belonging to him as a proprietor. In 1667 he 
sued the selectmen of the town in an action of the 
case for non-performance of a town order respecting 
land due to him. He obtained a verdict in his favor 
for the land with costs, but the defendants obtained a 
review, with what result does not appear. He was 
living in 1675. There is nothing in the records of 
births to show that he had any children. Divisions 
of land after his death were made upon his rights to 
persons of a different name, and it is probable that 
he left no descendants, and was the only one of the 
name here. 

John Gingell was among those of Cohannet who 
took the oath of fidelity. The name appears in va- 
rious forms as Gingell, Gungle, Gengill, and Gingen. 
He was in the list of 1643 as John Gingell, subject to 
military duty. But little is known of him as a resi- 
dent of Taunton. In 1646 the name appears in the 
list of freemen of Massachusetts as John Gingen. 
Mr. Savage thinks him to be the Taunton man, and 
says of him that he removed to Dorchester, thence 
after many years to Salem, that he made his will 
April 10, 1685, calling himself then seventy years old, 
names no family connections, and gives five i)ounds 
to the church of Dorchester, and the same sum to Mr. 
Lawson, the minister of Salem, if he continues there 
until a church be formed. The will was proved March 
24, 1687. Richard Williams became the owner of his 
lands in Taunton, but probably received no deed. 
Several years after the death of Richard Williams, 
the following affidavit was taken and recorded in the 
Registry of Deeds, vol. ii. page 19: 

" The teetiniony of Mr, John Hathway and John Kichniond, sen., both of 
Taunton, being: of lawful age testifieth that whereas one John Gingell 
was in Taunton, in or about the year 1639 or in the year 1640, and about 
that time went from Taunton and was never since in said Taunton as 
we ever saw or beard of. ■ And that Mr. Richard Williams late of Taun- 
ton deceased hath demanded and received lands upon the right of the 
said John Gingell for above 15fty-six years, and further saitli not. 

"In Taunton in Bristol County March the 27"" 1699, the above said 
John Hathway and John Richmond made oath to the above written 
evidence, Before me 

'* TuOHAS Leonard, Justice.'^ 

William Dunn appears as one of the original pur- 
chasers, but no mention is made of him afterwards, 
except in the divisions of lands, in which William 
Witherell claims upon his rights. Rev. Mr. Clark, 



in liis "History of Norton," supposes that he was 
master of a vessel, and that Witherell came from Eng- 
land with him when quite young, and upon Dunn's 
departure he gave Witherell his share in the purchase. 

John Drake, on the authority of Mr.Savage, prob- 
ably came in the fleet with Winthrop to Dorchester 
or Boston, requested to be made a freeman in October, 
1630, but was never admitted, removed to Taunton, 
and not long after to Windsor, Conn., and was there 
killed by a cart-wheel running over him, Aug. 17, 
1659. John Tisdall, Jr., owned his rights in 1675. 

John Kingsley probably did not remain long in 
Taunton. Whither he went is uncertain. The name 
appears in the early Norton records, but wliether of 
the same family is uncertain. Thomas Caswell be- 
came the owner of his rights. 

The Widow Randall is only known by that desig- 
nation. Whether she died in Taunton, or had a 
family, and from whence she came, it seems now 
fruitless to inquire. Jonah Austin, Jr., claimed on 
what was called " the half-purchase rights of the 
Widow Randill's." 

William Phillips was one of the older men of the 
settlement. In his will, dated April 16, 1654, he says 
he is threescore years and ten at the least. He gives 
his house to his wife Elizabeth and his son James, 
whom he makes executor, and provides that if his 
son die without issue, it might descend to the children 
of his son-in-law, James Walker. His son James 
was a freeman before 1670, and in 1675 claims on his 
father's rights. 

Hugh Rossiter came from Dorchester, where he 
had a grant of a small lot in 1635. His name ap- 
pears on the list of " those of Cohannett that have 
taken the oath of fidelity," but not on the military list 
of 1643. Mr. Baylies says he had then gone to Con- 
necticut or New Haven. His daughter Jane mar- 
ried Thomas Gilbert. Joseph Willis was the owner 
of his rights in 1675. 

Francis Street was not chosen to any office in the 
town so far as known. His name appears among 
those who had taken the oath of fidelity in 1657, and 
also in the earlier list of Cohannet. He was subject 
to military duty in 1643. He died in 16G5, leaving a 
widow, Elizabeth, who married Thomas Lincoln, and 
a daughter Mary, who inherited her father's rights. 
It does not appear whether he was related to Rev. 
Nicholas Street. 

John Luther was among the first purchasers, but 
his name does not elsewhere appear. He probably 
removed from town or died early. He had a son 
Samuel, but whether any other family is not known. 
The following votes appear on the proprietors' 
records : 

"This 19th of October, 1672, Samuel Luther, ye son of John Luther, 
hath this day made a demand of his father's purchase rights of ye 
town. 

" This '25th of November, 1672", James Walker, Sr.'s answer in refer- 
ence to Samuel Luther's demand ye 19tli of October, 1672, is that be, 
ye said James Walker, or his predecessors, hath enjoyed the said rights 



TAUNTON. 



777 



this thirty yeare, and hath paid all charges that was laid upon it. And 
therefore, ye said Samuel Luther hath no right here to that which was 
hifl father, John Luther's." 

John Smith, of Cohannet, was propounded as a 
freeman Sept. 3, 1639. In the military list of 1643 
the name of Smith does not occur. In 1651, John 
Smith was admitted a freeman, bnt whetlier he was 
of Taunton is not certain. Mr. Savage says that he 
removed to Newtown, L. I., and his children dis- 
persed to Hempstead and Jamaica, on that i.sland. 
In the list of 1675, John Cobb claims on the rights 
that were John Smith's. 

Richard Smith took the oath of allegiance and 
fidelity in December, 1638, and in September, 1639, 
he was proposed as a freeman. Mr. Savage thinks he 
may be the man who about that time went to Rhode 
Island, and some years after had a large trading- 
house on the Narragansett land. .loseph Wilbore 
claimed on his rights in 1675. The name was repre- 
sented later by Francis Smith, who was a constable 
in 1656 and 166-1, and by Samuel Smith, who was a 
constable in 1663 and 1668, one of the selectmen. in 
1676 to 1679, and a deputy in that year. Later in 
the century there was a John Smith who was a large 
land-owner, and doubtless there were other branches 
of this family who cannot now be designated. 

Richard Burt died before Oct. 26, 1647, for on that 
date his minor son, Richard Burt, made choice of his 
uncle, James Burt, as his guardian, and the court con- 
firmed his choice. His name does not appear in the 
list of 1643, so that he was probably over sixty at th.at 
time. Nothing more can be stated about him. His 
son Richard took the oath of fidelity as early as 1657, 
and was afterwards admitted a freeman. He made 
his will Sept. 7, 1685, in which he says he is fifty-sii 
years old. He makes devises to his eldest son, Abel, 
to his other sons, Richard, Joseph, Ebenezer, and 
Ephraim, and to his daughters Mary and Abigail, and 
makes his wife, Charity, his executrix. His home 
lands were at the " Ware," and between the Ware 
and " the farms." His will was proved Oct. 29, 1685. 

James Burt, Sr., brother to Richard, Sr., although 
not an original proprietor, was here early, and is 
mentioned as having taken the oath of fidelity in 
1657. His name is on the list of 1659 as being en- 
titled to divisions of land, and on that of 1675, claim- 
ing on his own rights. He was a surveyor of high- 
ways in 1645 and 1654. In his will, which was ex- 
hibited at court March 2, 1681, he gives to his eldest 
son, James, his dwelling-house and six acres of laud 
lying between the brook called Mr. Brown's Brook, 
on the southwestsideof the cartway going to Thomas 
Lincoln's house, called Thomas Lincoln's cartway, 
and a gore of laud lying by the Three-Mile River be- 
low the lower falls, in a place called the Falls Plain. 
He gives to his son Thomas his share in the South 
Purchase and other lands. His home lands were on 
the westerly side of the Great River, and his descend- 
ants still own lands in that vicinity. 



Thomas Farwell was propounded as a freeman Sep- 
tember, 1639. He was on the military list of 1643. 
In the list of 1659, of those then living in town to 
whom divisions of land were due, his name does not 
appear. His heirs are mentioned in the list of 1675. 
The date of his death does not appear. His son, 
John Farwell, went, in his minority, to England, and 
in March, 1700, Mr. John Pool, merchant, of Boston, 
appeared as his attorney to claim the lands due to 
him in Taunton. In the description of his lands the 
following are mentioned : a parcel at Assonett Neck, 
an island in the Great River called Grassy Island, a 
piece on the eastward side of the river at Rocky Nook, 
half an acre on the eastward side of the river near a 
place known as the Needle's Eye, and a home lot in 
the town on the northwestward side of Taunton River 
bounded northeast by John Cobb's land, and south- 
east by land of Shadrach Wilbore, deceased. His 
widovv became the third wife of Rev. George Shove, 
Dec. 8, 1686. 

Thomas Cooke, and his son, Thomas Cooke, Jr., 
were subject to military duty in 1643. Thomas Cooke, 
Sr., took the oath of fidelity, but was not admitted a 
freeman. It is thought they both removed to Ports- 
mouth, R. I., where the father was called captain. In 
1659 he was a commissioner to run the west line of 
the colony. Increase Robinson became the owner of 
his rights in the township of Taunton. _ 

John Grossman probably died early, as his name | 
does not appear on the list of 1643, 1659, or 1675. He I 
left a son Robert, who was quite prominent as a mill- 
owner and in the business affairs of the town. ^ 

John Richmond was one of the older men of the 
settlement. His name does not appear in the list of 
1643, although he was probably not over sixty at that 
time. As he was in Rhode Island in 1655, it is likely 
he went thither before 1643. He took the oath of 
fidelity before 1640. He returned to Taunton again, 
and died there March 20, 1663-64. In his will he 
calls himself seventy years old. Leaves property to 
eldest son, John, to son-in-law, William Paule, and 
Mary his wife, and son-in-law, Edward Rew, and 
Sarah his wife. His son, John Richmond, is on a 
list of freemen made in 1683 ; was a constable in 1674 
and 1685, one of the town council in 1676, and one of 
a committee to distribute the contributions of Chris- 
tians in Ireland to the sufferers in the Indian war in 
1677. The family were large land-owners in the 
easterly part of the town, and gave to a village in 
that section the name of Richmondtown, which it 
still bears. 

William Holloway became a freeman in 1644. His 
name is on the military list of 1643, but it does not 
appear in the list of those entitled to divisions of land 
in 1659. Mr. Savage says he removed to Boston about 
1650. 

In the State archives, under date of May 7, 1662, 
may be found the answer of the General Court " to 
the petition of William Holloway, father to the late 



778 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



John Holloway, that served the Governor as sergeant 
near two years." The court granted to the father, 
administrator of the estate of his said son, one hun- 
dred and fifty acres in some free place near to some 
plantation. The laud was laid out iu 1671. In 1687, 
Malachi Holloway, of Taunton, presented a petition 
to Governor Andros setting forth that a grant was 
made to his father, William Holloway, by the Gen- 
eral Court in 1662, of one hundred and fifty acres up- 
land and meadow lying beyond Wading River, near 
the Plymouth line, and praying that a new survey 
may be made and a patent for confirmation be granted 
to him. There can be little doubt that the William 
Holloway referred to was the one whose name appears 
on the list of original purchasers. Malachi Holloway, 
his son, seems to have been a large laud-owner in 
Taunton. The name of Timothy Holloway appears 
in the list of 1643, and also in that of 1659. In the list 
of 1676, Malachi Holloway claims on Eichard Hart's 
rights, and Samuel Holloway on his own rights. 
Whether these were all of one family and what their 
relationship was has not been ascertained. 

Richard Paull is said by Savage to have been hired 
as a soldier for the castle in 16-36, as mentioned in 
" Winthrop," vol. ii. p. 366. His name is on the list 
of ancient purchasers. He took the oath of fidelity 
while the plantation was called Cohannet, and was 
there married to Margery Turner the 8th of Novem- 
ber, 1638, the first marriage in the settlement. He 
was propounded as a freeman in 1647, but never took 
the oath. In 1646 he is called a planter. In 1640 
he was licensed as an innholder. In 1652 he was a 
surveyor of highways. In 1651 he was upon two 
juries of inquest, one upon John Slocum, the son of 
Anthony Slocum, and the other upon William Eng- 
land, servant to Joseph Wilbore. He died previous 
to May 17, 1654, when the will of Elizabeth Pool 
was ordered to be recorded. In that will, Margery 
Turner, the Cohannet maiden of 1638, is tenderly re- 
membered as " my kind and old friend sister Margery 
Paule, widow." He left two sons, William and 
Samuel. William married Mary, the daughter of 
John Richmond, and had a large family of children. 
He was an extensive land-owner, especially in the 
southerly and easterly part of the town. Samuel 
Paull, it is thought, removed to Dorchester. 

Joseph Wilson and Benjamin Wilson were prob- 
ably brothers. But little is known of them except 
the fact that they were among the first purchasers. 
The name of Benjamin Wilson appears in the mili- 
tary list of 1643, but neither of their names are found 
iu the lists of freemen, or of those taking the oath of 
fidelity, or among the officers of the town. In the 
lists of those having rights to lands in 1675, John 
Hall and Samuel Hall, sons of George Hall, claim 
on the rights which were Joseph Wilson's and Ben- 
jamin Wilson's. 

William Scadding's name appears in the list of 
those that had taken the oath of fidelity in Cohannet. 



There is no other record concerning him. John 
Bryant bought his rights in the Taunton purchase, 
but at what date is unknown. He probably owned 
land near the beautiful pond that bears his name 
and perpetuates his memory. 

Robert Hobell was dead before March, 1641, for at 
that date the grand jury presented " the son of 
Widow Hoble for swearing." There is no other 
mention of the name in the Plymouth records. His 
name appears but once in the proprietors' records, 
and that is in the list of original purchasers. No 
one appears to claim upon his rights. The name and 
the right seem alike to have faded out. 

William Coy was another of the first purchasers 
who seems to have gone from the settlement leaving 
none of his name or lineage behind. In 1675, Ed- 
ward Rew claimed on his rights. 

David Corwithy was proposed as a freeman Sep- 
tember, 1639, with several others from Cohannet, as 
the town was then called. His name appears as Mr. 
David Kerwythy. No other mention is made of him 
in the court records. In the list of 1675, Nicholas 
White, Sr., claims on his rights. From some allu- 
sions in the description of George Hall's lands it 
seems probable that Corwithy's home lot was on Deari 
Street, between that of Hall on the east, and Anthony 
Slocum on the west. 

Anthony Slocum was on the military list of 1643, 
and was admitted a freeman in 1657. He was a sur- 
veyor of highways iu 1654 and 1662. Edward Slo- 
comb, who was a surveyor in 1647, may have been his 
son. Somewhere about 1664 he removed to Dart- 
mouth, with his family, of which town he was one of 
the early settlers. There is a letter of his written to 
William Harvey after he removed to Dartmouth, and 
recorded in the proprietors' records, vol. i. p. 14; 
which is of some local interest. Parts of it are here 
quoted : 

" An difforence which I understand is unhappily Brotlier Harvey, 
tlie occasion of my writing to you at tliis time is a contest between 
Nicholas Wiiite and the owner of Oapt. Poole's land (as I understand) 
Mr. Increase Robinson, to end which, if men will be governed or 
ruled by trutli, and that which follows is nothing but tlie truth, God 
Almighty is ray witness. First sir, it being urged by one of the parties 
mentioned, that Mr. Poole and I have changed land. I do declare we 
never did change any, although we were soone about so to do. And 
secondly, to conclude all, our dividing line ruus thiough a certain saw- 
pit without tlie head of my fence (that was) down within live or six foot 
of a little oak, on an unmanured (in my time) hill, (that is to say, the 
said oak is five or six foot within Capt. Pool's lot) thence straight down 
to the bridge, and four foot further towards Capt. Pool's, from where all 
down to the river the brook is the line or bounds between us, only at 
the mouth next the river, Capt. Poole hatli a small inconsiderable piece 
of ground which tlie line alloweth him on tliat side I was seized on. 

"To the church of Christ in Taunton and Mr. Shove and yourself 
in jiarticular I desire to be recommended, wliose prayers I doubt not I 
and mine are the better for, and whose welfare I also earnestly wish 
and pray for." 

The letter is without date, but a line was run be- 
tween the parties mentioned by the selectmen Oct. 
22, 1681. The lot of Anthony Slocum was on Dean 
Street, where Mr. Joseph A. Hall now lives, and 



TAUNTON. 



779 



extended west to the brook which crosses the street 
between liis estate and Capt. Rowland's. 

William Parker was most probably the person re- 
ferred to by Thomas Lechl'ord, who in giving an 
account of the church and ministers in Taunton 
says, "Master Hooke received ordination from the 
hands of"one Master Bishop, a schoolmaster, and one 
Parker, a husbandman." He has the honorable 
prefix " Mr." attached to his name whenever men- 
tioned in the court records. He became a freeman 
in 1641, and the same year was appointed constable. 
He was constable again in 1642, 1643, and 1653, and 
a deputy in 1645 and 1658. In 1650 he was deputed 
by the General Court to marry persons in Taunton, 
and this authority was renewed in 1657. He died in 
1661, leaving a will dated March 15, 1660, in which 
he calls himself sixty years old, names his wife, 
Alice, but no child, and gives a legacy to his nephew, 
James Phillips, who was the son of William Phillips, 
making it probable that his sister was the wife of 
William Phillips. In 1675, Peter Pitts claimed on 
his rights. His widow in 1662 married the first 
Stephen Paine, of Rehoboth. After her marriage 
she is referred to as owning land in Taunton. 

John Parker is thought to have been the brother 
of William. In June, 1641, John Parker and John 
Bushop, of Taunton, were propounded to be admitted 
freemen at the next court. This John Bushop was 
doubtless the "Master Bishop, a schoolmaster," who 
assisted at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Hooke. There 
is no record that Bishop was ever admitted, but Parker 
was admitted in July, 1641. In 1642 he was a deputy 
to the Plymouth Court. There is no record of his 
holding any other office. He died Feb. 26, 1667-68, 
leaving a will in which he speaks of his house at 
Boston. He gives legacies to his wife, Sarah, to his 
wife's sister's son, Nathaniel Smith, to his brother, 
Mr. John Summers, minister; to Mary Parker and 
sister, Elizabeth Phillips ; to James Phillips, of Taun- 
ton ; to Cousin James Walker's children, and to the 
church at Taunton. In 1675 his heirs claim on his 
rights. Estate valued at four hundred and six pounds. 

Francis Doughty was the minister mentioned by 
Thomas Lechford in Plain Dealing, as opposing the 
gathering of the church in Taunton. The whole 
passage is as follows: " Cohannet a/ias Taunton, is in 
Plymouth Patent. There is a church gathered of 
late, and some ten or twenty of the church, the rest 
excluded. Master Hooke, pastor, Master Streate, 
teacher. Master Hooke received ordination from 
the hands of one Master Bishop, a schoolmaster, and 
one Parker, an husbandman, and then Master Hooke 
joined in ordaining Master Streate. One Master 
Doughty, a minister, opposed the gathering of the 
Church there, alleging that, according to the Cove- 
nant of Abraham, all men's children that were of 
baptized parents, and so Abraham's children, ought 
to be baptized ; and spake so in public, or to that 
effect, which was held a disturbance, and the minis- 



ters spake to the Magistrate to order him. The Mag- 
istrate commanded the Constable, who dragged Master 
Doughty out of the Assembly. He was forced to go 
away from thence, with his wife and children." 

He did not leave Taunton at once, however, for in 
March, 1641, the Plymouth Court fined "Mr. Francis 
Doughty, of Taunton, for selling a pound of gun- 
powder to the natives," thirty shillings. At the same 
court " Edward Hall, servant to Francis Doughty, for 
swearing profanely is censured to sit in the stocks, 
which was accordingly done." His name is not in 
the military list of 1643, whether because be was a 
minister or because he had then left town may be un- 
certain. There is a deposition concerning him. in the 
proprietors' records which is as follows: 

"This writing being ma^ie tlie 4 Jnne 16G7. It is to testify concern- 
ing tlie sale ot Mr. Doutie's land which he liaii in Taunton hia whole 
right in the town of Taunton being twelve acres, that is to say six acres 
lying by the land of Mr. Holloway un the Mill River, and six acres over 
the Great Biver lying by the land of the aforesaid Mr. Uolloway. James 
Burt sen. of Taunton being appointed by a letter of attorney to make 
sale of this land to one Richard Hide of Taunton foi- the sum of twelve 
pounds, which the aforesaid Richard Hide told me he had satisfied the 
aforesaid Mr. Dontie in a house, the which the aforesaid Hide bad of 
his own at the Dutch plantation, whicli he said Mr. Doutie had of him, 
and that was Mr.-Dontie's satisfaction for his land for ought that ever I 
understood ; and this land hath been quietly enjoyed by those that have 
possessed it ever since, being about eighteen or nineteen years agone. 

"That which is above written was testified upon oath June the 5, 

1667 before me 

"James Walker." 

He is said by Rev. Dr. Dexter, in his edition of 
" Lechford," to have been with the Dutch at Man- 
hattan in 1641, from whom he and his associates pro- 
cured, in 1642, a patent for Mespath (since Newtown, 
L. I.), that he was fined and imprisoned by Kieft, 
threatened with this and that by Stuyvesant, obliged 
to quit Mespath for Flushing, and driven from Flush- 
ing to Virginia. 

George Hall was propouuded as a freeman in 1643, 
and was admitted in 1645. His name is on the mili- 
tary list of 1643. He was a constable in 1645, and 
one of the selectmen in 1666 and until 1669. His 
home lot was on Dean Street, where the venerable 
Ebenezer Hall, one of his descendants, now lives. 
He was a large land-owner, his rate in 1659 being the 
largest on the list except that of Thomas Lincoln, Sr. 
Upon the establishment of the iron manufacture by 
James Leonard and his associates, he became an 
owner, and was the first clerk of the company. His 
connection with this business is more fully given in 
the articles on manufactures. He died Oct. 30, 1069, 
aged about sixty-nine years, leaving a will, which was 
witnessed by Richard Williams and Walter Deane, 
in which he makes his wife, Mary, executrix, gives to 
the church: in Taunton forty shillings to buy cups, 
and to his children, — John, Joseph, -Samuel, Charity, 
Sarah, and Mary, — various amounts in lands and 
money. His descendants are numerous in Taunton 
and the towns in this vicinity. 

George Macey was made a freeman in 1654, having 
previously taken the oath of allegiance and fidelity. 



780 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



He was on the military list of 1643. He was one of 
the surveyors of tlie highways in 1649 and 1G55, a 
constable in KioO, a deputy from 1G72 to 1677 inclu- 
sive, and again in 1686, and one of the selectmen 
from 1671 to 1686 inclusive. In 1665 he was ap- 
pointed lieutenant of the Taunton Company, and 
held the office through the Indian war. His connec- 
tion with the military affairs of the town is given in 
the chapter on that subject. His house-lot was on 
Dean Street, between Capt. Pool's on the east and 
William Harvey's on the west. He died Aug. 17, 
1693. His will was dated June 20, 1693, and proved 
Sept. 5, 1693. In it he mentions his daughters, Eliza- 
beth Hodges, Sarah Blake, Mary Williams, Rebecca 
AVilliams, Deborah, and wife Susannah; also his 
grandchild, Samuel Hodges. He left no sons. 

William Harvey was probably quite a young man 
at the settlement of the town. He was married, 
April 2, 1639, to Joane Hueker, the second recorded 
marriage in Cohannet. He was admitted a freeman 
in 1656, but strangely his name is not on the military 
list of 164o. His first home lot was on the easterly • 
cornerof the present Winter Street, fronting on Dean 
Street, and a strip two rods wide was sold to the town ' 
for the town way, then called Hoar's Lane, since 
Winter Street. He was chosen constable in 1661, in 
1662 one of the surveyors, and in 1664 a deputy to 
the General Court. From that time until 1690 there 
were but two or three years that he was not in office 
as a deputy or selectman, and often holding both 
offices the same year. No man in the town seems to 
have been more constantly trusted by his fellow- 
townsmen with the responsibilities of public office. 
He died in 1691, leaving a will, in which he mentions 
his sons Thomas, Jonathan, and Joseph, a deceased 
son, and Nathan Thare, Jr., who was the son probably 
of a deceased daughter. 

Richard Williams was born probably about 1606, 
for in his will, dated May 6, 1686, he calls himself 
about eighty. He was descended from a family of 
that name in (Glamorganshire, in Wales. He married 
Frances Dighton, of Gloucestershire, England, sister 
of Catharine Dighton, who was married to Governor 
Thomas Dudley. It is supposed by some that he, 
with others of the first settlers, was here in 1636 or 
earlier, and established himself in his business of a 
tanner. His name is on the military list of 1643, but 
it was not until 1644 that he was admitted as a free- 
man. At a special court held in October, 1643, upon 
occasion of an insurrection of the Indians against the 
Dutch and English, he, with Jolm Strong, were depu- 
ties from Taunton. He was a deputy again in 1645, 
and from that time until 16()0 was deputy, thirteen 
years. In 1666 'he was one of the selectmen, and 
from that time until 1677 served in that'office, eleven 
years. After that year, owing doubtless to his great 
age, his name does not appear in connection with 
public ofl5ce. 

He was evidently a man of largo organizing power 



and great business capacity, and held a large landed 
estate. In 1675 he owned the right of Henry Uxley, 
Anthony Slocum, and John Giugille. He was for 
many years a deacon of the church. Mr. Baylies re- 
lates concerning him that " when blindand deaf from 
age, he was accustomed to attend public worship, say- 
ing, 'that although he could neither see noi'hear, yet 
it was consoling to his feelings to know that he was 
present while the people of God were at their wor- 
ship.' " He died in 1692, leaving a will which was 
proved Oct. 10, 1693, in which is this clause, "To my 
son Nathaniel, to his heirs and assigns forever, I be- 
queath the land, house, and barn, which now he pos- 
sesseth, being part of the lots which I bought of 
Henry U.xley, in estimation half an acre more or less, 
with rights in future divisions belonging to said lots." 
His home lot was on Dean Street, and included the 
estate owned by the late Nathaniel Williams. He 
had the following children : John, Samuel, Nathaniel, 
Joseph, Thomafe, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Hannah. 
In a deed he calls Samuel a tailor. 

,Iohn Deane was the grandson of Walter Deane, of 
South Chard, a village in Somersetshire, about ten 
miles south of Taunton, in England, who died in 
1.591, and the son of William Deane of the same place, 
who died in 1634. He came from Dorchester to 
Taunton, and was one of the seven first freemen of 
Cohannett, already referred to. His wife's name was 
Alice. He was the constable of the town in 1640 and 
1654, a surveyor of highways in 1640, and in 1657 one 
of the selectmen. His home lot was on Deane Street, 
between that of his brother Walter on the east, and 
that of John Strong on the west. It has remained in 
the family ever since, the house of the late Joseph 
Warren Deane, and the new house of Benjamin T. 
Kinnicutt standing on the origiijal lot. He died in 
1660, leaving a will in which occurs this passage: 
" My will is that these my over.seers, with the consent 
of my wife, shall in case there be no settled minister 
in Taunton, they shall have full power to sell either 
the whole or part of these my housings and lands, so 
as my children and posterity may remove elsewhere 
where they may enjoy God in His ordinances." 

He left the following children : John (born about 
1639; according to tradition, the first white child 
born in Taunton), Thomas, Israel, Isaac, Nathaniel, 
and Elizabeth. His wife Alice survived him. He 
was one of the largest land-owners in town. 

Walter Deane was a younger brother of John, no- 
ticed above, and came with him to Taunton. He was 
a freeman at the same date with his brother. He 
married Ellinor Strong, a sister of John Strong, by 
whom he had three children, viz., Joseph, Ezra, and 
Benjamin. He was a tanner by trade, and his son 
Ezra succeeded to his business. In 1640 he was a 
deputy to the General Court. He was chosen one of 
the selectmen in 1666, and annually thereafter until 
1686, a period of twenty-one years of continuous ser- 
vice, unless the year 1670 be excepted, for which year 



TAUNTON. 



781 



the Pl.vmoiith records mention only two selectmen for 
Taunton, but as the usual number was five, it is most 
likely there is an omission in the record. He was a 
deacon in the church, and besides filling the public 
ofiices already mentioned, he was frequently on com- 
mittees for apportioning lands, settling disputed 
boundaries, and matters of that nature, and appears 
to have taken a prominent part in all the additional 
purchases of territory. His home lot was on Deane 
Street between that of his brother John on the west 
and Hezekiah Hoar on the east. The " Old Alger 
House," so called, stands on his original lot. The 
date of his death is not certainly known. He and 
his wife Ellinor join in a deed to Isaac Dean,. dated 
Nov. 25, 1693, and that is the latest date at which 
we know that he was living. It is probable that he 
died soon afterwards. No record of any settlement 
of his estate has been found. He seems to have con- 
veyed his real estate to his children before his death. 
Henry Uxley, whose name stands first on the list 
of purchasers, must have left the settlement very soon 
after coming, for his name appears nowhere else on 
any public record as being an inhabitant of Taunton. 
Neither can he be traced to any other settlement. 
He passed out of sight and out of knowledge utterly. 
Were it not that Richard Willi.ams gives in his will 
to (me of his sons, a house standing on a lot he bought 
of Henry Uxley, we might almost suspect he was a 
myth and never had any real existence. 
James Walker, although not one of the original 
^■/ purchasers, joined the settlement early, probably 
while in his minority. His name first appears in the 
list of 1643 as being subject to military duty. He 
was admitted a freeman in 1650. Rev. James B. R. 
Walker, in his history of the Walker family, ex- 
presses the belief that he was the youth of fifteen 
years, who, with his sister " Sarra," aged seventeen, 
embarked in London, April 15, 1635, in the " Eliza- 
beth" for this country. They were called servants to 
Mr. John Browne. He was doubtless their uncle, 
although in his deed to James Walker and John 
Tisdale, which has been given in another place, he 
calls Walker his cousin. Rev. Mr. Walker also be- 
lieves that the brother and sister were the children 
of the Widow Walker who settled in Rehoboth. 
James Walker married Elizabeth, the daughter of 
William Phillips, and his sister married John Tis- 
dale. He was constable of the town in 1652 and 
1685. He was chosen a deputy in 1654, and served 
fourteen years in all in that capacity, the last year 
being 1679. He was one of the board of selectmen 
eight years, 1666 being the first and 1679 the last year 
of his service. He was also one of the Town Council 
in 1667 and 1676. In 1662 he was authorized to ad- 
minister oaths and to marry persons. In 1664 he wa.s 
an excise officer, in 1671 an inspector of ordinaries, 
and in 1677 one of the committee appointed to dis- 
tribute the contributions of Irish Christians among 
the sufierers by the Indian war. It will be seen by 



this enumeration that he was an important man in 
the town. In other parts of tiiis history this fact still 
further appears. For his second wife he married 
Sarah, the widow of Edward Rew, and daughter of 
John Richmond, Sr. He died Feb. 15, 1691, aged 
seventy-three years, and was buried in the Walker 
burying-ground, in the southerly part of the city, be- 
tween Somerset Avenue anJ the Great River. 

Five of the original purch.asers outlived the Plym- 
outh government, viz., William Harvey, Richard 
Williams, Walter Deane, Hezekiah Hoar, and George 
Macey. The place of their graves no man knoweth 
unto this dav. 



CHAPTER LXIII. 

TAUXTON.i- ( Continued.) 

Ancient Burying-Grounds and IiiBcriptions from Old Gravestones — 
List of OfflctTJ, 1638-1691. 

The oldest burying-ground in the city is that at 
the Neck of Land. Here doubtless " the rude fore- 
fathers of the hamlet sleep," the graves of many of 
them now unmarked by any stone. There is no 
record of the laying out or of its boundaries. It is 
probable that at first it extended across the present 
street before the building of Neck of Land bridge 
and the opening of the road to it; and this may ac- 
count for the fact that the graves of those who first 
died cannot be found. The burying-grounds in Taun- 
ton and vicinity have been carefully explored, and 
the inscriptions on the stones faithfully copied by 
Deacon Edgar H. Reed, and by his kind permission 
some of the oldest among them will be here given, 
commencing with the above-named burying-ground: 

" Elizabetti Smitli, aged 40, died Jan. 31, 1687." 

"Damans Smith, aged 21 years, died 29lli of October, 1689." 

"Abigail Thayer, died tlie 20tb of August, in the year 1691, in the 52d 
year of her age." 

"Joseph Leonard, died tlie ISili of October, in tlie year 1G92, in the 
44llj yeiif of his age." 

*' Here lies buried Capt. James Leonard, wiio died Nov. 1, 1726, in tlie 
84th year of his age." 

" Here lies buried Mrs. Lydia Leonard, ye wife of Capt. James Leon- 
ard, who died July 4, 1705, in ye 47th year of her age." 

" Here lietb ye body of Major Thomas Leonard, Esq., aged 72 years, 
died Nov. 24, 1713." 

" Here lieth the body of Mary, the widow of Sli^'or Thomas Leonard, 
Esq., aged 81 years, died Dec. 1, 1723." 

" Here lielh the body of John Deane, aged 77, died in the year 1717, 
Feb. the 18th." 

" In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Dean, died March ye 1.5th, 1749, aged 
73." 

" Here lies the body of John Dean, died July ye 31, 1724, in the 50th 
year of his age." 

" In ntemorj- of Mrs. Hannah Dean, wife of Mr. John Dean, died July 
15, 1748, in the 7l8t year of her age." 

" Here lies the body of Israel Dean, aged 74, died in the year 1719, 
July the 4th." 

" Erected in memory of Mr. Israel Dean, who died Nov. 29, 1794, in 
the 82d year of his age." 

1 By James Heni-y Dean. 



782 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



*' In memory of Mrs. Sarah Dean, wife of Mr. Israel Dean, who died 
Sept. 3, 1773, in the 57th year of her age." 

" In memory of M. D. Joshua Dean, sou of Mr. Israel Dean & Sarah 
his wife, died Sept. 15, 17lil, in the 25th year of his age." 

"In memory ot ye Hon. Seth Williams, Esq., who died May ye i:Uh, 
1761, in ye 86th year of his age." 

"In memory of Mary, ye wife of ye lloii. Seth Williums, Esq., who 
died June 8,174G, in ye (iGtli year of her ai^e." 

"In memory of the Hon. Benjamin Williams, Esq., who died March 
18, 1784, aged 64." 

"In memory of Mrs. Anna Williams, widow of the late Ilun. Benjamin 
Williams, Esq.. who died Jan. 12, 179:i, aged 68." 

"In memory of Samuel Williams, Esq., who departed this life April 
ye 17, 1765, in the 86th year of his age, 
and of 
Mrs. Abigail Willijims, his wife, who departed this life Feh. 23, 1779, in 
the 94th year of her age.'' 

" Here lies the body of Elder Henry Hodges, aged 65, died in yeai" 
1717, Sept. 30." 

" Here lieth the body of Chaiity Burt, the wife of Eicliard Burt, aged 
76, died in the year 1711, June the 3d." 

"Here lies the body of Grace Burt, the wife of Abel Burt, aged 43, 
died 17 (probably 1709), Sept. ye 19." 

"In memory of* Lieut. Abel Burt. He died Nov. ye 16, ITGG, in the 
75th year of his age." 

Here lies the body of William Briggs, Cooper, aged 62, died Apl. 21, 
1725. 

"John White, died Sept. 3, 1726, aged 77." 

"Here lies the body of Ephraim Burt, aged 31, died in the year 1704, 
Nov. ye 5." 

" Here lieth ye body of Richard Godfree. lie died Aug. 14, 1725, aged 
74 years." 

"Heare leys the body of Mary, the wife of Richard Godfree, ye 1st; 
died Nov. ye 5, 1732, in ye 7Sth year of her age." 

"In memory of Mr. John Godfree, Esq. He died Nov. ye 4, a.u. 1758, 

aged 67 years and 4 days ; 

& 

Mrs. Joannah, his wife. She died March ye 9, 1765, aged 78 years, 

wanting 16 days." 

" Erected iu memory of George Godfrey, Esq., who died June 30,1793, 
in ye 73d year of his age." 

" Erected iu memory of Mrs. Bethiah Godfrey, wife of George Godfrey, 
Esq., who died Jan'y ye 27, a,d. 1786, in ye 63d year of her age." 

" Here lies the body of Joseph Hall, ^ed 63, died iu the year 1705, 
Apl. 17." 

"Here lies the body of Joseph Willis, aged 60, died in the year 
1704-5, Jan. 31." 

"Heie lies the body of John Richmond, aged 88, died in the year 
1715, Octo. ye 7." 

" Here lies the body of Abigail Richmond, aged 86, and died Aug. 1, 
1727." 

" Here lieth ye body of Sarah, ye wife of Edward Cobb, died Aug. 13, 
1726, aged 66 years." 

" Here lieth the body of Insigne Thomas Gilbert, aged 82, died April 
ye 20, in ye year 1725." 

"Here lieth the body of Annah Gilbert, the wife of Ensign Thomas 
Gilbert, aged 71, died May ye 9th, in the year 1722." 

" Heare Lyetb ye Body of John Tisdale, aged 57 years, ditd Jan'y 26, 
172S." 

" In memory of Mr. Abraham Dennis, who died July 2, 17S2, in his 
7t)th year," 

" In memory of Mrs. Sarah Dennis, wife of Mr. Abraham Dennis, 
who died April 8. 1794, in her 73d year." 

" In memory of Capt. Jonathan Ingell, who departed this life Feb. 8, 
1802, in the 82d year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Bethiah Ingell, wife of Capt. Jonathan lugell, 
deceased Aug. 4, 1771, iu the 44th year of her age." 

The Walker burying-ground, on Somerset Avenue 
near Dighton, contains the gravestone having the 
oldest legible inscription of any in town, marking the 
grave of Elizabeth, the wife of the first James Walker. 
This and other of the older ones are given below : 

" Here lies the body of Elizabeth Walker, the wife of James Walker, 
aged 59, died in the year 1678, Aug. the 14th." 



" Here lies the body of James Walker, aged 73, died in the year 1691, 
Feb. the 1.5th." 

" Here lieth ye body of James Walker, aged 72 years, and died June 
ye 22, 1718." 

" In memory of Biithsbeba, wife of James Walker, died Feb. ye 24, 
1738, in ye S5th year of her age," 

"In memory of Mr. Peter Walker, wlio deceased Jan'y ye 25, a.d. 
1770, ill ye 81st year of his age." 

"In memory of Sarah, ye wife of Mr. Peter Walker, who died Nov. 
ye 2.i, 1760, in ye 72d year of lier age." 

" Here lies tlie body of Peter Walker, aged 60, died iu the year 1711, 
April 4th." 

" Here lieth ye body of Hannah Walker, the wife of Peter Walker, 
aged 44 years, died Jan. 15, 1704." 

" Here lies the body of Joseph Atwood, aged 47, died in the year 169f, 
Feb. 12." 

" Here lieth the body of Esther Atwood, the wife of Joseph Atwood, 
aged 46 years, died in the year 1696, in April ye 8th." 

" Here lies the body of Nathaniel French, aged 73, died June the 14th, 
In the year 1711." 

"Here lieth the body of Mary, the wife of Nathaniel French, died 
May the 18, 1731, in the 73d year of her age." 

" In memory of Cornelius White, who died Apl. ye 18,1754, in ye 79th 
year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Mehitabel White, wife of Mr. Cornelius White, 
who died Apl. ye 13, 1759, in ye 74th year of her age." 

" In memory of Mr. Edward Blake, who died July 25, a.d. 1759, in ye 
70th year of his age." 

'* In memory of Ann, widow of Mr. Edward Blake, who died Nov. ye 
21, 1790, in ye 93d year of her age." 

"In memory of Mr. Thomas Baylies, who died Mch. 5, 1756, aged 
about 69 years." 

" In memory of Esther, ye wife of Thomas Baylies, who died May 7, 
1754, in ye 67th year of her age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Baylies,-wife of Mr. Nicholas Baylies, 
who died Feb. ye 8, 1791, iu ye 75th year of her age. 
"The best of wives 
Aud the best of mothers." 

The Cooper burying-ground, half a mile south of 
j the Weir, on Berkley Street. Some of the earlier in- 
scriptions : 

[ "Here lies ye body of Capt. Nathaniel Gilbert, who died Aug. 17, 1765, 
1 in ye 83d year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Hannah, widow of Capt. Nathaniel Gilbert, who 
died Jan'y ye 28th, 1772, in ye 82d year of her age." 
; " the frailty of man. 

"Sacred to the memory of Capt. Samuel Gilbert, who died Aug. 7, 
I 1796, in the 73d year of his age." 

I " In memory of Elizabeth, ye wife of James Cooper, died Jan. ye 5th, 
' 1750, in ye 39th year of her age." 

"Iu memory of Mrs. Lydia, wife of Capt. James Cooper, who died 
June 11, 1793, aged 57 years." 

"In memory of Lieut. Israel Tiadale, who died Octo. ye 27, 1769, in 
I ye 62d year of his age." 

" In memory of Mr, John Hart, who died May ye 20, 1757, in ye 30th 
year of his age." 
I " In memory of Mrs. Hannah Hart, ye wife of Mr. James Hart. She 
died April ye 25th, 1776, in ye 45th year of her age," 

I Burying-ground on Somerset Avenue near Sandy 
' Hill: 

" In memory of Mr. James Ingel, who died Sept. 21, 17G2, in ye 33d 
year of his age." 

"In memory of Mr. Abner Harris, who died May ye 19, 1756, in ye 46th 
year of his age." 

" In memory of Doct. Micah Pratt, died Dec. ye 3Ist, a.d. 1758, in ye 
67th year of his age." 

"In memory of Marey, ye wife of Doct. Micnh Pratt, died April ye 
26, A.D. 1762, iu ye 80th year of her age." 

"Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Sarah, widow of Doct, Micah Piatt. 
She died Jan. 26, 1805, in the 83d year of lier age." 

"In memory of Doct. Micah Pratt, died Octo. ye 5, a.d. 1765, in ye 
44th year of his age." 



TAUNTON. 



783 



The old Episcopal Church burying-ground on the 
Providence Old Koad, two miles west of the Green : 

" In memory of Ins" Nathaniel Burt, who died Nov. ye 12, 1765, in ye 
74th year of his age. * He was one of ye first erectors of ye Church of 
St. Thomas in Taunton.'" 

" In memory of Mrs. Constance Burt, who died Nov. 24, 1777, in ye 82d 
year of her age. Widow of Mr. Nathaniel Burt." 

" In memory of Mr. Peter Walker, who died Aug. ye C, 1767, in the 
68th year of his age." 

" In memory of Lieut. Samuel Andrews, who died Feh. ye 5th, 1799, 
in ye 71st year of his age." 

" In memory of Mr. Thomas Burt, who died Jan. 3d, ISUl, in ye 81st 
year of his age." 

" In memory of Ciipt. Richard Cobb, who died Nov. ye S, 1772, in ye 
5fith year of his age." 

/ "In memory of Mr. Benjamin Cro8sn\an, who died May ye 24th, 1792, 
: in ye 85tli year of his age." 

'''In memory of Mra. Bethiah, wife of Mr. Benjamin Grossman, who 
died Aug. ye 26lh 17»6, in ye G7th year of her age." 

4 

The Oakland Cemetery on Glebe Street: 

"In meniory of Loved Tisdale, who died May 19, 1755, aged 47 
years." 

" In memory of Abigail, ye wife of Loved Tisdale, died Octo. ye 31, 
1748, in ye 36 year of her age." 

"In memory of Ebenezer Porter, aged 39 yeara & 3 months, died 
March 26, 1741." 
\ " Here lies the body of Samuel Haskins, 2d, died Sept. 11, 1732, in the 
53d year of his age." 

"In memory of Lieut. Henry Hodges, who died Sept, ye IS, 1755, in 
the 70th year of his age." 

"Here lies the body of William Brigga, 1st, died Jan. 3, 1728, in the 
83d year of his age." 

" Here lies the body of Elizabeth, the wife of William Briggs, Cooper, 
died Nov. 27, 1729, in ye 59th year of her age." 

" Here lies the body of William Briggs, 2d, died Feb. 20, 1731, in the 
54tb year of his age." 

" Here lies the body of Mehitebell, the wife of William Briggs ye 2d, 
died Octo. ye 17, 1732, in the 62d year of her age," 

" In memory of Lieut. Nathaniel Briggs, who died Aug. 14, 1775, in 
the 75th year of his age." 

" In memory of Judath, ye wife of Nathaniel Brigga, who died Nov. 
22, 1774, in the 77th year of her age." 

"In memory of Mr. Nathaniel Ogden, A.B., of Fairfield, New Jersey, 
Preacher of the Gospel, who died July 11,1796, .1^.28. He had preached 
only seven Lord's days, when our high expectations of his future useful- 
ness were suddenly blasted, 

" * When friends do part, or where their ashes fall. 
It matters not, to die in Christ is all.' " 

" In memory of Mary, wife of Nathaniel Shoreti, died Dec. 20, 1753, in 
the 74th year of her age." 

"In memory of Mr. David Stacy, who died Octo. 22, 1790, in the 76th 
year of his age." 

"In memory of Lucy, wife of David Stacy, died .4ug 17, 17G2, in the 
35th year of her age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Jean Cobb, relict of Mr. John Cobb, deceased 
March ye 19, 1736, in ye 85th year of her age.'' 

" In memory of Ens". Morgan Cobb, died Sept. 30, 1755, in the 82d 
j'ear of his age." 

"In memory of Abigail, wife of Ens^ Morgan Cobb, died Jan. 30, 
1765, in the Slst year of her age." 

" In memory of Mr. Thomas Burt, who died March ye 29,1774, in ye 
85th year of his age." 

" In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Burt, wife of Mr. Thomas Burt, died 
July ye 15th, a.d. 1772, in ye 70th year of her age." 

" In memory of Dea. Daniel Wilde, who died Aug. 11, 1792, in yo74th 
year of his ago." 

" In meniory of Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. Daniel Wilde. She died Feb. 
24, 1777, aged 42." 

" In memory of Mrs. Anna, widow of Deacon Daniel Wilde, who died 
Sept. 23, 1794, in tlie 64th year of her age." 

" In memory of Ensign Ebenezer Willis, who died May ye 30, 1790, in 
je 68th year of his age." 

"In memory of Abigail, wife of William Briggs, who died Sept. 2, 
1775, in the 71st year of her age." 



"In memory of John Reed, who was born March 29, 1752, and died 
Feh. 24, 1S41, the eon of Jehn Reed, who was born in 1722,and died Dec. 
1788. the son of William Reed, who died about 1734, the son of John 
Reed, who was born in 1648 or 1649, came to this town about 1680, and 
died in Dighton Jan. 13, 1720-1, probably the son of William Reade, who 
was an inhabitant of Weymouth in 163G." 

"In memory of Mrs. Mary, relict of John Reed, Esq., died Oct. 12. 
1843, aged 91 years. 

From an old burying-gronnd, called the Walker 
biirying-ground, in the west part of the town, the 
following are taken : 

"Col. Elnathan Walker, died June the 6th, a.d. 1775. in the 69th year 
of his age." 

" Belhiah Walker, the wife of Capt. Elnathan Walker, died May 11, 
A.D. 1759, in the 49th year of her age." 

"Eliakim Walker, died Feb. 21, a.i>. 1785, in the 8l8t year of his age." 

"Mary, wife of Eliakim Walker, died Dec. a.d. 1765, in the 79th year 
of her age." 

The two following are from a burying-ground half 
a mile northeast of the almshouse: 

" In memory of Deacon Samnel Sumner, who departed this life July 
ye 26, A.D. 1671, in ye 64th year of hia age. 

" ' Blessed are ye dead that die in ye Lord.^ " 

"In memory of Rebecca Staples, died Jan. 7, 1809, aged 89 years. 3 
months, and 4 days, widow of Mr. Seth Staples." 

From the burying-ground north of Prospect Hill : 

" In memory i.f Mrs Ilepzibah, wife of Mr, Solomon Wetherell. She 
died April ye 1, 1782, iu ye 34th year of her age." 

" In memory of Mrs. Rhoda White, wife of Mr. Elijah White, who 
died July ye 17, a.d, 1787, in ye 46 year of her age." 

From the " Richmond Town" burying-ground : 

" Hear lies interred the remains of Deacon Edward Richmond, who 
, departed this life Feb. 16, 1771, in ye 75th year of his age," 

" In memory of Mr, Edward Richmond, who died October 14, 1802, in 
his 79th year." 

" In memory of Mr. Eleazer Richmond, who died Feb. 27,1802, in his 
6Cth year." 

"In memory of Mr. Isaac Richmond, who died Dec. ye 16, a.d. 1784, 
in ye 49th year of his age." 

" In memory of Mr. Simeon Richmond, son of Mr. Seth Richmond. 
He died Nov. 7, 1793, in ye 23d year of his age." 

From the Casweil Street burying-ground, East 
Taunton : 

" In memory of Mr. Samuel Wilbore, who died March 21, 1773, in ye 
year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Damaris, wife of Mr. Samuel Wilbore, who died 
March 25, 1773, in ye 7l9t year of her age." 

" In memory of Mr. Samuel Wilbore, who died June 29, 1774, in ye 
50Ui year of his age." 

" Here lies the body of James Wasliburn, died the 4th day of August, 
the 44th year of his age, 1741." 

"In memory of Ensign Jonathan King, who died March ye 15th, 
1754, in the 42d year of his age." 

" Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Bethoheba, wife of Capt. Jonah King. 
She died Apl. 15, a.d. 1780, in ye 35th year of her age." 

From the Pine Hill Cemetery in East Taunton : 

"In memory of Lieut. Israel Dean, who deceased March 23, 1760, in 
ye 76tli year of his age.'' 

" In memory of Mi-s. Ruth Dean, ye widow of Lieut. Israel Dean, who 
died April ye 18, 1769, in ye 80th year of her age." 
•' Memento mortis. 

"In memory of Lieut. Noah Dean, who departed this life Aug. 24, 
A.D. 1794, in the 64th year of his age." 

" In memory of Capt. Ebenezer Dean. He died Jan. 30, 1774, in ye 
72d year of his age." 

" Here lies the body of Mrs. Rachel Dean, the wife of Capt. Ebenezer 
Dean, who deceased Mch. 31, 1768, in ye 63d year of her age." 



784 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"In memory of Mrs. Prudence, wife of Capt. Ebenezer Dean, who 
died March 10, 1787, in ye 55th year of her age." 

" In memory of Mrs. Siuah, wife of Col. George Williams. She died 
Nov. lie, A.D. 1797, in the 83d year of her age." 

"Id memory of Capt. Ephraim Dean, who died in Gloucester June 
23d, 1775, in the 75lli year of his age." 

*' In memory of Mrs. Mary Dean, the wife of Capt. Ephraim Dean, 
who died Octo. ye 8, 1766, in ye 67th yeai; of her ape." 

" In memory of Mrs. Martha Dean, the wife of Capt. Ephraim Dean, 
she died May ye 9, 1775, in the 72d year of her age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Abigail, widow of Geo. Godfrey, Esq., and form- 
erly wife of Mr. Philip Dean, she died Jan'y 23d, 1820, aged 84 years." 

" In memory of Mr. Abigail Macomber, who died Aug. 15, 1793, in ye 
71st year of her age. This was the wife of Mr. John Macomber." 

"In memory of Liout. Joshua Dean. He died June ye 10, 1772, in ye 
45th year of his age." 

" In memory of Mrs. Abigail, widow of Lieut. Joshua Dean, who died 
May ye 20, 1800, in ye 72d year of her age." 

" In memory of Lieut. Israel Dean, who died July 23, 1775, in ye 55th 
year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Abiali Dean, wife of Mr. Israel Dean, who died 
Mch. ye 1, 1750, in ye 25tli yeaj- of her age." 

"In memory of Mr. Joshua Deane, who died Aug. ye 27, 1773, in ye 
58th year of liis age." 

" In memory of Mrs. liuth Macomber, the wife of Mr. James Macom- 
ber, wlio deceased Octo. ye 10, 1770, aged 42 years & 11 months." 

"In memory of Miss Silence Richmond, who died Sept. 18, 1790, in 
her 31st year." 

"Sacred to the memory of Deacon Benj. Deane, who departed this 
life Apl. 14, 1799, in tlie 74th year of his age." 

" In memory of Mr. Benjamin Deane who died Jan. 6, 1785, in ye 86th 
year of his age." 

" In memory of Mrs. Ziporah, wife of Mr. Benj. Dean, who died Sept. 
27, 1778, in ye 75th year of her age." 

From the ancient burying-ground on Staples Street, 
in the easterly part of the town : 

"Eliplialet Williams, 1778 (footstone). In memory of Mr. Samuel 
Williams, who died Sept. ye 7, a.d. 1777, in ye 72d year of his age. 
"Waiting the resurrection of the just." 

" In memory of Mr. Abiel Haskins who died June 16, 1788, in ye 74th 
year of his age." 

"Sacred to the memory of Mr. Stephen Haskins who departed this 
life Dec. 20, 1799, in ye 59th year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Phebe, wife of Mr. Steplien Haskins, who died 
May ye 29th, 17S7, in ye 37th year of her age." 

"Saiah, daughter of Elijah & Sarah Macomber, and relict of Joseph 
Atwood, died Octo. 30, 1867, aged 104 years, 2 months and 13 days." 

"In memory of Mr. Jude Hoar, died Feb'y the 26th day, 1761." (No 
age.) 

"Samuel Hoarde, deceased, Feb. the 13th day, year 1746." (No age.) 

"Samuel Hoard, Jr., April 5th day, year 1736." (No age.) 

" Jacob Hoar, deceased, Marcli 24lh day, year 1736." (No age.) 

"Sarah Hoarde, deceased, Jan'y 13tli day, year 1753." (No age.) 

" Jacob Hoar, died 1756." (No more.) 

" Elizabeth Hoard, died Feb. 2 day, 1760." (No more.) 

" In memory of Dea. William Hoard, wlio died April 25, 1795, aged 
73 years, 3 mos., & 14 days." 

"Ill memory of Mrs. Sarah Hoar, died Nov. 15 day, 1774, aged 47 
years, 11 mos., &, 14 days." 

" Nehemiah Hoar, died 1765." (No more.) 

"Itebekah Hoar, deceased, July the 12 day, 1765." (No more.) 

" In memory of Dea. Nathaniel Macomber, who died Nov. 10, 1787, in 
ye 79th year of his age. ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'" 

'•In memory of Priscilla, widow of Dea. Nathaniel Macomber. She 
died Oct. 30, 1793, in ye 84th year of her age." 

"In memory of Mr. John Macomber, who died Dec^ ye 14, 1747, in je 
67th year of his age." 

"In memory uf Mrs. Elizabeth Macomber, wife of Mr. John Macom- 
ber, whi» died May ye 2, 1732, in the 47th year of her age." 

*' In memory of Mrs. Esther Southworth, wife of Capt. Ichabod South- 
worth. She died Feb., 17C0, in ye S2d year of her age." 

" In memory of Nathaniel Staple, who deceased Feb. ye 20, 1769, in 
ye 84th year of his age." 

" In memory of Macy, ye wife of Nathaniel Staple, who deceased Sept. 
ye 8, 1757, in ye 68th year of her age." 



" In memory of Hannah HasUins, died Feb. 17, 1745." (All,) 

"In memory of Mrs. Christian, wife of Mr. Samuel Richmond, who 
died Feb. ye 7th, 1784, in ye 5Sth year of her age." 

" In memory of Mr. Samuel Richmond, who died March 10, 1790, in 
ye 70Ih year of his age." 

" Thankful Richmond, wife of Samuel Richmond, died Oct. the 20th, 
1758, in the 37th year of her age." 

" Sacred to the memory of Lieut. Josiah Macomber, who departed this 
life Nov. 18, A.D. 1801, in ye 91st year of his age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Ruth, wife of Lieut. Josiah Macomber, died 
Sept. 19, 1791, in the 81st year of her age." 

"In memory of Mrs. Judith Macomber, wife of Mr. Elijah Blacomber, 
who died Oct. ye 1st, 1745, in ye 23d year of lier age." 

The Plain, or, as it is now mostly called, the North 
burying-ground, was given to the town by the pro- 
prietors in 1748, as the following votes show : 

" At a meeting of Proprietors, 20th June, 1748, 
Voted, To ye inhabitants of ye old township of Taun- 
ton, ten acres of land, etc., for a Burying-place where 
Samuel Danforth is burled. 

" 2d, Voted, That John Godfrey, Esq., Capt. James 
Leonard, and Capt. Morgan Cobb be a committee to 
lay it out," 

After the laying out of this ground most of the 
burials from the central portion of the town were 
made there, and it has continued to be used until 
within a few years, when it became so crowded that 
a large tract of land at Mayflower Hill was pur- 
chased and laid out as a public cemetery. The oldest 
inscription found in the North burying-ground is the 
following: 

"In memory of Hannah, ye wife of Capt. Jamea Leonard, who died 
Aug, ye 2, 1725, in ye 60th year of her age." 

Rev. Samuel Danforth died in 1727, and was there 
buried. The remains of Elizabeth Pool were re- 
moved there in 1771, as already narrated. Rev. 
Josiah Crocker and Rev. Chester Isham were buried 
there. The families of Leonard, Fales, Padelford, 
Crocker, and others who were distinguished in public 
atlairs the latter part of the last and the early part 
of the present centuries rest there. As it is so near 
the centre of the town, and so well cared for by the 
public authorities, there is not the same need of copy- 
ing the inscriptions as in the case of the older and 
more distant burying-grounds, besides the graves 
are so numerous that it would be impracticable. A 
few only are selected, as follows : 

" Here lies ye body of Samuel Caawell, M.D., who died Aug. ye 13th, 
1755, AE Totis Sue 35. 

"In Seventeen Hundred and Fifty-Five, 
Relentless Death Did us Deprive 
of a very Useful Life 
to Neighbor, Friend, to child and wife. 
He safely Did Administer 
As a Physician, 

Consulting more his patient's health 
Than all extorted gain. 
We that do love his memory 
\Vi)uld like him live, y* when we die 
We may enjoy felicity." 
"Here lies ye body of Mrs. Elizabeth McKinstry, basely murthered, 
by a negro boy June ye 4, 1763, aged "iS. 
" Watch, for ye know not the manner nor the moment of your death." 
"Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth, relict of tlie late Rev. 
Samuel Hopkins, D.D., uf Newport, R. I., who died April 9, 1814, aged 



TAUNTON. 



785 



nT 



*' Her soul was charged with pleasing hope, 
Those hopes by God were given. 
And though hev body sleeps in ilust, 
Her sonl ascends to heaven." 

The last mentioned was the last wife of the cele- 
brated Rev. Dr. Hopkins, founder of the scliool of 
theology bearing his name. 

In the list of burying-grounds thus far noticed 
those opened since 1800 are not included. They are 
as follows: The Westville burying-ground, the 
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the cemetery at the Weir, 
in the rear of Plain Street, Mayflower Hill Ceme- 
tery, the Catholic cemeteries, and probably some 
others in private grounds. It is not proposed to 
notice them further. 



LIST OF OFFICERS— 1638-1691. 

1638.— John Strong, constable. 

1639. — William Pool, John Gilbert, Henry Andrews, deputies; Julm 
Strong, constable. 

1640. — EdM'ard Case, Walter Deane, deputies; John Deane, constable. 

1641. — William Poo], John Strong, deputies; William Parker, constable. 

1642. — John Strong, John Parker, dejiuties; William Parker, constalde, 

1643. — Henry Andrews, Juhn Strong di-puties; William Parker, con- 
stable. 

1644. — William Pnol, deputy ; James Wyatt, constable and surveyor. 

164.^. — William Parker, Eicbard Williams, deputies; George Hall, con- 
stable : James Burt, surveyor. 

1646. — Richard Williams, deputy; Oliver Purchase, constable; James 
W^att. excise otlicer. 

1647. — Ileniy Andrews; Edward Case, deputies; Oliver Purchase, con- 
stable ; Edward Slocomb, Edward Rew, surveyors; James Wyatt, 
excise ofiicer. 

1648. — Richard Williams, Edward Case, deputies; Thomas Gilbert, con- 
stable; John Deane, Richard Stacy, surveyors; James Wyatt, ex- 
■ cise officer. 

1649. — Henry Andrews, Edward Case, deputies; Tliomas Gilbert, con- 
stable; James Wjatt, George Macey, surveyors. 

1650. — Rithard Williams, Oliver Purchase, deputies; George Macey, 
constable; Thomas Lincoln, Edwaril Case, wurveyore. 

1651. — Oliver Purchase, Richard Williams, deputies; William Hodges, 
constable; Hezekiah Hoar, Jthn Gallop, surveyors. 

1652. — Thomas Gilbert, James Wyatt, deputies; James Walker, consta- 
ble; Richard Paul, Clement Jla.vfield, surveyors 

1653. — James Wyatt, Richard M'illiams, deputies; William Parker, con- 
stable; John Cobb, William Phillips, surveyors. 

1654.— Richard Williams, James Walker, deputies; John Deane, consta- 
ble ; Anthony Slocum, James Rurt, surveyors. ' 

1655. — James Wyatt, Richanl Williams, deputies; John Tisdall, consta- 
ble ; Georpe Blaci-y, Francis Sniiih, surveyors. 

1656.— James Wvati, Richard Williams, deputies; Francis Smith, con- 
stable ; Henry Andrews, Robert Thornton, suiveyora. 

1657. — James Wyatt, Richard Williams, deputies; Hezekiah Hoar, con- 
stable; Richard Siacy, Jonas Austiti, surveyors. 

165S. — William Parker, James Walker, deputies; Peter Pitts, consta- 
ble-; John Gobi), Richard Burt, surveyoi-s. 

1659. — Richaid Williams, James Walker, deputies; John Tisdall, con- 
stable. 

1660. — James Wyatt, James Walker, deputies; Henry Andrews, con- 
stable. 

1661. — James Wyatt, James Walker, deputies; William Harvey, con- 
stable. 

1662. — James Wyatt, James Walker, deputies; William Witherell, con- 
stable ; Anthony Slocum, William Harvey, surveyors. 

1663. — James Wyatt, deputy (one deputy was returned back) ; Hezekiah 
Hoar, constable ; James Leonard, Samuel Smith, surveyors. 

1664. — William Bnrvey, Richard Williams, deputies; Francis Smith, 
constable ; James Walker, Francis Smith, excise officers. 

1665. — Richard Williams, William Harvey, deputies; Joseph Wilbore, 
constable. 

1666. — George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, James Walker, 
William Harvey, selectmen ; James Walker, William Harvey, dep. 

50 



uties; John Hall, constable; John Cobb, Samuel Williams, sur- 
veyors. 

1667.— George Hall, Walter Deane, James Walker, Richard Williams, 
William Harvey, selectmen ; William Harvey, James Walker, 
deputies; Richard Burt, constable. 

1668.— George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, William Harvey, 
James Walker, selectmen; James Walker, William Harvey, deputies; 
Samuel Smith, constable; George Macey, Peter Pitts, surveyors. 

1669.- George Hall, "Walter Deane, William Ilarvey, James Walker, 
Richard Williams, .selectmen; William Harvey, James Walker, dep- 
uties; Israel Deane, constable; Edward Rew, James Leonard, Jr., 
surveyors. 

1670. — William Harvey, James Walker, selectmen. (No other names 
given in the record ; probably an omission in the record.) William 
Harvey, James Walker, deputies; Nathaniel Williams, constable. 
(No sur^-eyors named). 

1671.— George Macey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, James Walker, 
William Harvey, selectmen ; William Harx-ey, William Witherell, 
deputies; Joseph Wilbore, constable; John Maycomber, Encrease 
Robinson, surveyors. 

1672.- George Macey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, John Tisdall, 
Sr,, William Harvey, selectmen ; William Harvey, George Macey, 
deputies; Richard Stevens, Hezekiah Hoar, constables; James 
Walker, Thomas Leonard, surveyors. 

1073. — Walter Deane, Richard Williams, George Macey, William Har- 
vey, John Tisdall, selectmen ; William Harvey, George Macey, dep- 
uties; Aaron Knapp, Sr., John Deane, constables; John Cobb, Jo- 
seph Wilbore, surveyors. 

1674. — Walter Deane, George Macey, Richard Williams, William Harvey, 
John Tisdall, selectmen; George Macey, John Tisdall, deputies; 
John Richmond, Shadrach Wilbore, constables; Edward Rew, Israel 
Deane, surveyors. 

1675. — Richard Williams, Walter Deane, William Harvey, George Macey, 
John Tisdall, St., selectmen; George Macey, William Harvey, depu- 
ties; James Tisdall, Thomas Deane, constables; John Turner, John 
Bryant, am veyors, 

1676.— Richard Williams, Walter Deane, George Macey, William Harvey, 
Samuel Smith, selectmen; George Macey, William Harvey, depu- 
ties; John Hathaway, William Witherell. constables. 

1677. — George Macey, William Har^-ey, Richard Williiims, Walter Deane, 
Samuel Smith, selectmen; William Harvey, George Macey, depu- 
ties; Thomas Gilbert, Joseph Hall, constables; Thomas Lincoln, 
Isiiac Deane, surveyom. 

1678. — George Macey, William Harvey, Walter Deane, James Walker, 
Samuel Smith, selectmen ; James Walker, Samuel Smith, deputies; 
Samuel Williams, Thomas Harvey, Sr., constables; James Tisdall, 
James Leonard, Jr., surveyors. 

1679. — George Macey, William Harvey, Walter Deane, James Walker, 
Samuel Smith, selectmen ; James Walker, Samuel Smith, deputies; 
Joseph "Willis, Isaac Deane, constables; Robert Grossman, Thomas 
Gilbert, surveyors. 

1680. — William Harvey, Walter Deane, George Macey, Thomas Leonard, 
selectmen ; Jithn Hathaway, Tliomas Leonard, deputies; Gyles Gil- 
bert, Thomas Williams, constables; Joseph Hall, Joseph Wilborp, 
surveyors. 

1681. — George Macey, William Harvey, Walter Deane, John Hathaway, 
Thomas Leonard, selectmen; Thomas Leonard, John Hathaway, 
deputies; Henry Itodges, Ezra Deane, constables; Thomas Harvey, 
Joseph Willis, surveyors. 

1082.~George Macey, Thomas Leonard, William Harvey, Waller Deane, 
John Hathaway, selectmen; John Hathaway, Thomas Leonard, 
deputies ; John White, James Walker, Jr., constables; Robert Cross- 
man, Sr., SamtTeTTlirasher, surveyors. 

]68;j. — William Harvey, George Macey, John Hathaway, Thomas Leon- 
ard, Waltei- Deane, selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, John Hathaway, 
deputies ; Samuel Hall, Sr., John Smith, Jr., constables; Gyles Gil- 
bert, John Lincoln, surveyors. 

1684. — George Macey, Thomas Leonard, Walter Deane, John Hathaway, 
Sr., Jidin Hall, selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, John Hathaway, depu- 
ties; JoRcph Wilbore, John Hodges, constables. 

lg85,_Walter Deane, William Witherell, John Hall, Thomas Leonard, 
George Macey, selectmen ; Tliomas Leonard, William Witherell, Sr., 
deputies; Jcdin Richmond, James Walker, Sr., constables; John 
Bryant, Joseph Tisilale, surveyors. 

1686. — George Macey, Thomas Leonard, Walter Deane, William Harvey, 
John Hall, selectmen ; George Macey, Thomas Leonard, deputies ; 
Jaiues Leonard, Joseph Tillden, constables. 



./ 



786 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



During the usurpation of Andros the Plymouth 
government was suspended, and no record of officers 
is to be found during those years, 1687-88. 

The names of Henry Hodges and William Harvey 
as selectmen for both those years are ascertained from 
the proprietors' records ; the names of their associates 
do not appear. 

1689. — Tlioinaa Leonard, William Harvey, Henry Hodges, Nattianiel 
Williams, James Leonard, Jr., selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, Nathan- 
iel Williams, deputies; Thomas Leonard, John Hall, deputies at 
August court. 

1(390.— William Harvey, Thomas Leonard, Nathaniel Williams, Henry 
Hodges, .Tames Leonard, Jr., selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, William 
Harvey, deputies. 

1691. — Nathaniel Williams, Thomas Leonard, James Leonard, John 
Hall, Henry Hodges, selectmen ; John Hall, John Hathaway, depu- 
ties. 

LIST OF FREEMEN. 

William Poole, John Oilheit, Sr., Henry Andrews, John .Strong, John 
Deane, Walter Deane. Edward Case, William Parker, 1GJ7 ; John 
Parker, 1G41; John Tisdall, 164^; Williaiu Holloway, William 
Hailstone, Richard Williams, 1044; George Hall, 1045; Oliver Pur- 
cliase, 1G46; James Wyatt, 1048; J.anies Walker, 10.50; William 
Hodges, Tllonias Gilhert, 1651 ; George Macey, John liryant, 1654 ; 
William Harvey, 1050; Anthony Slocnm, 1667; William Witherell, 
Peter Pitts, Thomas Lincoln, 1058. 

Additiomd from List o/1070. 
Jonas Austin, Edward Babbitt, John Bryant, Richard Burt, Jonathan I 
Briggs, John Cobb, Israel Deane, Thonuis Deane, John Hathaway, 
John Hall, Aaron Knapp, Thomas Leonard, James Leonard, Jr., 
James Phillijis, Samuel Phillips (1086), John Pole, Encrease Robin- 
^' - son, George ?liove, Francis Smith, Samuel Smith, John Tisdall, Jr., 
^ James Tisdall, Samuel Williams, Joseph Williams, Nathanicd Wil- 
liams. 

Addilional from List of 1683-84. 

John Grossman, Robert Crossman (1080), Ezra Deane, John Deane {■2d), 
Joseph Deane, Sanniel Danforth, Gyles Gilhert, Thomas Gilhert, 
John Hatbawav, Jr., Samuel Hall, Sr., Thomas Harvey, Sr.,Thomas 
Harvey, Jr., William Hall, Henry Hodges, Edward Richmond 
(1691), John Richmond, Nathaniel Shove, Uriah Leonard (169(1), 
Richard Stevens, Israel Thrasher, Josejdi Thrasher, Joseph Wil- 
bore, Shadrach Wilbore. 

Those who look Vie Oath of Fidelili/ only. 
James Bell, James Burt, Richard Burt, Sr., Thonuis Brayinan, Johu 
Briggs, Thomas Cooke, Thomas Caswell, Edward Cobb, John CI03", 
Thomas Cilton, Robert Crossuiau, William Earance, Johu Gungill, 
Hezekiah Hoar, .labesli Hackett,Timothy Hal loway, Thomas Joanes, 
James Lennett, Daniel Mokene, Johu Maycomher, Jeremiah New- 
laud, Richard Paul, Edward Rew, John Richmond, Sr., Hughe 
Rocester, William Scadding, Nicholas Streete, Fiancis Streete, Rich- 
ard Smith, William Shepherd, Richard Stacye, Peter Stakenbury, 
Christopher Thrasher, John Turner, Thomas Willington, Nicholas 
White. 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

TAVSTON.—iConiuiued.) 
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.l 

" The clergy," writes the Hon. F. Baylies, historian 
of Plymouth Colony, "the clergy were the principal 
instruments in keeping alive the spirit and enterprise 
of the Engli.sh race in the wilds of America." The 
first ministers of New England were no mean men. 
They were highly educated, and their names are reg- 
istered among the foremost of that or any other age. 

1 By Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. 



Taunton claims that her two ministers, in the be- 
ginning of its settlement, were inferior to none of 
them. They rank in ability, scholarly attainments, 
and commanding influence with Wilson and Cotton, 
of Boston, Higginson and Williams, of Salem, and 
the Mathers of Dorchester and Cambridge. 

It was in 1637, Rev. William Hooke was instru- 
mental in gathering a church in Taunton. Mr. Sav- 
age Calls him "the spiritual guide of the settlement." 
He was its first pastor, having for an a.ssociate in the 
ministry, according to the custom of the times, another 
eminent man. Rev. Nicholas Street. The former was 
known as pastor, the latter as teacher. Their church, 
according to Thomas Lechford, in a pamphlet pub- 
lished in England in 1642, numbered " ten or twenty." 
We have no Taunton record giving the exact number 
or names of members. Mr. Hooke, a native of South- 
ampton, England, in 1601, at the early age of twenty- 
two, proceeded to the degree of Master of Arts in 
Trinity College, Oxford, "at which time," remarks 
Wood, " he was esteemed a close student and a relig- 
ious person." 

Having preached several years in the mother-coun- 
try, he was attracted to New England, and in both 
lands earned such a reputation that Cotton Mather 
could say of him, " He was a learned, holy, and hum- 
ble man." Dr. Trumbull also makes mention of him 
as a man " of great learning and piety, possessing 
excellent pulpit talents." One of his sermons, 
preached in Taunton, July 23, 1640, on a day ap- 
pointed by the churches for public humiliation in be- 
half of England in time of feared danger. Was so well 
liked that it was printed in London in 1641, bearing 
the title of " New England's Tears for Old England's 
Fears." 

A second sermon, "preached upon a day of general 
humiliation in the churches of New England in the 
behalf of Old England and Ireland's sad condition, 
by William Hooke, minister of God's Word at Taun- 
ton, in New England," was printed in London in 
1645. These sermons were " intrusted in the hands 
of a worthy member of the honorable House of Com- 
mons, who desired they might be printed for the pub- 
lic good." Such a publication was a rare testimonial 
from the House of Commons to the merit of the Taun- 
ton preacher. The report of his sermons having 
reached New Haven, the church and people, who had 
listened to such a remarkable man as John Daven- 
port, call him. to serve as Davenport's associate in the 
ministry, after serving the church in Taunton seven 
years. He had a successful ministry of twelve years 
in New Haven, when he returned to England, led 
thither by his interest in the Commonwealth, related 
as he was to the Protector, of whose family he became 
a member, acting as domestic chaplain. His wife, 
sister of Whalley, one of Cromwell's trusted friendSf 
had preceded him. 

Rev. Nicholas Street, the colleague and successor 
of Mr. Hooke in the ministry of Taunton, was alsO' 



TAUNTON. 



787 



his successor in the church of New Haven. This 
was on the " 26th of the 9th, 1659." On the removal 
of Mr. Davenport to Boston as Wilson's successor, 
Mr. Street became sole pastor of the church, so con- 
tinuing until his death, April 22, 1674. It is not 
quite certain who was Mr. Street's first wile. Mr. 
Baylies' statement that it was the sister of Elizabeth 
Pool lacks confirmation. We are sure, however, that 
his second wife was the widow of Governor Newman, 
and his descendants are numerous in Connecticut and 
elsewhere. The earliest Taunton ministers were not 
only eminent in their profession, but inHueiitial in all 
town affairs both in Taunton and New Haven. They 
were resorted to for counsel, and their words on all 
subjects were weighty. Their churches, of course, 
were of the prevailing New England order, and they, 
as dissenting ministers, were the recognized leaders 
of the people. 

The third Taunton minister was Rev. George Shove. 
Ordained in 1665, he remained sole pa.stor till his 
death in 1687. Little is known of his work as a 
minister, but he was largely interested in the secular 
as well as spiritual affairs of the town, and his name 
appears as one of the proprietors in the Taunton 
North Purchase, as also one of the six original pro- 
prietors of Assonet Neck in 1680. He was interested 
in schools, and is credited with the statement that in 
1685 there were " eighty scholars on the list of Taun- 
ton school, some of whom had entered Latin." His 
own son Seth was one of these, a graduate of Cam- 
bridge, and the first minister of Danbury, Conn. 
Rev. Mr. Shove was thrice married, his first wife being 
the daughter of Rev. Samuel Newman, the renowned 
minister of Rehoboth. He had ten children, and his 
descendants are numerous in New England, many of 
them belonging to the Society of Friends. 

The fourth minister of Taunton was an eminent 
man, the Rev. Samuel Danfortli, son of Rev. Samuel 
Danforth, the minister of Roxbury. His mother 
was the daughter of Rev. John Wilson, pastor of the 
First Church of Boston. He was graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1683, and married a daughter of Rev. 
James Allen, a colleague of Rev. John Davenport in 
Boston. " The town was extremely anxious to obtain 
Mr. Danforth," writes Mr. Baylies. Capt. Bartholo- 
mew Tipping, for his services in securing him, re- 
ceived " ten acres of land adjoining his own." He 
afterwards sold Mr. Danforth his house and lot, which 
were not far from the bridge, on what is now Wash- 
ington Street, and which included the water privilege 
where the cotton-mill stands. Mr. Danforth, like his 
predecessor, receiving but a small salary, by economy 
and industry secured a considerable estate. He was 
a man of versatile talents, and could not only preach 
good sermons, but as occasion required counsel and 
instruct his parishioners in law and medicine. He 
was influential in all civil and religious matters, not 
only in his own town but in the colony. Hence we 
find him preaching "a sermon before His Excellency 



the Governour, the Honourable Council, and Repre- 
; sentatives of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay 
I in New England, on May 26, 1714, being the Anni- 
versary Day of the Election of Councellors of the 
! said Province," and "published by their order." 
I The ministry of Jlr. Danforth extended from 1687, 
the year of his ordination, to his death in 1727, a 
period of forty years. " He was peculiarly fortunate," 
writes one familiar with the history of his time, "in 
retaining the attachment of his people. They were 
eager to settle him, and their interest in him con- 
tinued to the end." Mr. Danforth was interested in 
the Indians, visited them often, acquired their lan- 
guage, and prepared an Indian dictionary, a copy of 
which is in the library of the Massachusetts Histori- 
cal Society. Mr. Danforth, like his predecessors, in 
thebeginningof his ministry preached to the scattered 
families of his flock, gathered in their own house of 
' worship, where now stands the beautiful stone church 
of the First Parish, coming from what are now Norton, 
Dighton, Easton, Raynham, Berkley, Assonet Neck, 
and Mansfield. These separate townships sprung up 
I for the most part during his ministry, and no wonder 
they felt the need of shortening the distance between 
their homes and the coveted sanctuary for themselves 
and those who should come after them. We have 
seen the correspondence between the mother-church 
and these several colonies, conducted in a Christian 
spirit, but revealing the extreme reluctance with 
which these colonies are sent out. 

It was a church, therefore, weakened by many re- 
movals which called the fifth minister of Taunton, 
Rev. Thomas Clapp. His ministry was shorter, ex- 
tending only from 1729 to 1738, less than ten years. 
Mr. Clapp was a native of Scituate, son of John 
' Clapp, born in 1705, and a graduate of Harvard Col- 
lege in 1725. He was married to Mary, daughter of 
Judge George Leonard, of Norton, in 1731. He was 
cousin of the eminent President Clapp, of Yale Col- 
lege. On concluding his ministry in Taunton the 
office was laid aside, and returning to Scituate, his 
native place, he became colonel of the militia, justice 
of the peace, for many years a representative of the 
town, and also judge of Plymouth Colony. The 
manuscript sermons of Mr. Clapp, which I have seen, 
show him to have been no mean preacher. He is de- 
scribed by a contemporary as "social in his temper, 
extremely fond of company, and very hospitable." 
His house in Taunton was pleasantly situated on the 
river near the head of Dean Street, now occupied by 
Col. Gordon. 

The sixth Taunton minister was Rev. Josiah 
Crocker, a man of excellent pulpit talent, and emi- 
nent as a preacher in his time. He was a son of Jo- 
siah and Desire Crocker, of Yarmouth. His grand- 
mother was a daughter of Governor Hinckley, and 
sister-in-law of Deputy Governor William Bradford, 
and through him related to Prince and the Mayhews. 
His mother was a daughter of Hon. John Thacher, 



788 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



granddaughter of Hon. John Howland, and great- 
granddaughter of Hon. John Carver, the first Gover- 
nor of Plymouth Colony. Mr. Crocker graduated at 
Harvard College in 1738. When nineteen years of 
age was ordained in Taunton, May 19, 1742. His 
pastorate continued till Nov. 1, 1765, a period of more 
than three-and-twenty years. He continued to reside 
in Taunton, and was here buried in 1774. "Of all 
the preachers I ever heard," once remarked Deacon 
Eddy, of Bridgewater, who remembered his sermons, 
"none surpassed Mr. Crocker in his earnest yet 
tender, persuasive manner." Chief Justice Parsons 
made a similar remark, many years ago, to the Hon. 
Samuel Crocker, of Taunton. The Taunton minister 
was a great friend of Whitefield and the Tennents. 
Mr. Whitefield preached in his pulpit, and Mr. Bay- 
lies is accountable for the remark, " Many were dis- 
pleased with him for this." The people in Taunton, 
as elsewhere, were divided concerning what were 
called " new measures." But Mr. Crocker entered 
into them most heartily, and would be called at the 
present time a revival preacher. He was often in- 
vited to preach in neighboring towns, and persons 
came from a long distance, even as far as Plymouth, 
to listen to his sermons. The story is told of a woman 
who quieted her baby, weary from the long march, by 
shouting " Crocker's ahead." 

Mr. Crocker was twice married, and had seven sons 
and two daughters. Josiah, the eldest son, settled in 
Taunton, and married a daughter of Hon. Zephaniah 
Leonard. Their children who reached adult age 
were Samuel and William Augustus, the former so 
long known in Taunton as the senior member of the 
manufacturing firm of Crocker & Richmond, the 
latter father of the Crocker Brothers, who have been 
identified with the copper-works and other large 
manufacturing interests of Taunton for so many 
years. 

After the dismission of Mr. Crocker in 1765, sev- 
eral ministers occupied the pulpit as candidates for 
settlement, but Rev. Caleb Barnum became the seventh 
pastor. He was a native of Danbury, Conn. His first 
pastorate was at Wrentham, Mass. He was installed 
in Taunton, Feb. 2, 1769. He is particularly remem- 
bered as the patriotic minister of Taunton, not only 
advocating the cause of American independence with 
his fervent appeals, but entering, the Continental 
army as a chaplain and laying down his life in the 
service. He endured great hardships with exem- I 
plary Christian fortitude, and when obliged by the 
condition of his health to leave for home, rested on i 
the way at Pittstield, where he died the 23d day of 
August, 1776, in the fortieth year of his age. Rev. 
Mr. Allen, of Pittsfield, who was with him in his last 
hours, dwells gratefully on his "serenity of mind," 
his " most exem])lary patience and submission to the 
will of heaven." Being asked his present views in 
the approach of death of the goodness of the Amer- 
ican cause, for which he was sacrificing his life, his 



reply was the most memorable one, "I have no 
doubts concerning the justice and goodness of that 
cause, and had I a thousand lives they should all be 
willingly laid down in it." 

Mr. Barnum left a widow and seven children. 
Priscilla, who married a Vickery, was the mother of 
Charles R. Vickery, Esq., and Mrs. Paddock Dean, 
of Taunton ; Anna, who married a Child, was the 
mother of Mr. George Child, long a grocer in Taun- 
ton, and his sisters Mary and Jane Child. 

The successor of Mr. Barnum was Rev. Elias 
Jones, who came hither from Halifax, Nova Scotia. 
His ministry was very short, hardly a year. In- 
stalled in April, 1777, we find him leaving in 1778. 
" A young man of prepossessing manners and ad- 
dress and fine talents lor the pulpit," he nevertheless 
"fell into such error," we are informed, as made the 
church willing to part with him. Nothing is known 
of him afterward. 

Rev. Ephraini Judson was the ninth minister of the 
parish, a nian of marked ability and of wide influence. 
He was a native of Woodbury, Conn., a graduate of 
Yale College in 1763. His first settlement was in 
Norwich, Conn. His ministry in Taunton com- 
menced in 1780, where he continued ten years. 
His eccentricities are remarkable, many instances 
of which are remembered, but cannot here be re- 
corded. He was blunt, abrupt, fearle-ss, uncompro- 
mising, made many friends and some enemies. 

The parish was divided at the close of his ministry 
in 1790. For a time he continued with a portion who 
removed their meeting to the west part of the town, 
but subsequently settled in Sheffield, Mass., where he 
continued in the ministry until his death, Feb. 23, 
1813, at the age of seventy-five. Upon the stone 
which marks the place of his burial may be found 
the inscription, "A learned Divine, an acute logi- 
cian, and an evangelical preacher. He was mild, 
courteous, and hospitable. By his numerous friends 
he was deem'd a wise counsellor, an active peace- 
maker, aud a sincere christian. What he was in 
truth the Great Day will disclose." 

The successor of Mr. Judson in the First Parish 
was Rev. John Foster, whose career was not alto- 
gether honorable to the holy office he held, whilst his 
abilities in certain directions were of a high order. 
But his ministry, which began in 1792, terminated in 
1799, to the relief of the people. 

His successor was an altogether difierent style of a 
man, whose memory is very precious, even to the 
present time, Rev. John Pipon. He was a native of 
Boston, and was graduated at Cambridge College in 
1792. In 1799 he came to Taunton as a candidate, 
and was ordained in January, 1800. President Kirk- 
land, then of Boston, preached the sermon. Hon. 
Francis Baylies, who loved him as a brother, writes 
thus affectionately of him : " Guile and envy had no 
place in his heart. The increasing thrift and coinfort 
of his neighbors were to him a source of constant grat- 



TAUNTON. 



789 



ification. The happiness of others increased his own. 
He would have banished want and woe and suffering 
from the whole human race." Many instances are 
given of his disinterested charity. His name in all 
the region was a synonym for sympathy and good 
will to all. He never married. His parish was his 
family; he was wedded to his flock. A beautiful 
tablet on the interior wall of the stone church of the 
First Parish expresses in its inscription the high ap- 
preciation of this minister by the parish : 

" In memory of Rev. John Pipon, for 21 years minister of this church. 
Born in Boston, ad. 1762. Ordained in Taunton, Jan. 15, 1800. Died 
in Taunton, Jan. 7, 1821, a;t. 69. 

"In his intercourse with men, tlie most genial liumor was joined witli 
the most tender sympathy. His coni]iassiun was nnliounded, and all his 
substance was given to tlie needy. Wliile many linew in liim a well- 
trained and accurate scholar, all could see and admire the humility, 
charity, piety, and self-sacrifice of the faithful pastor. 

" To keep here his name in honor, friends who knew him have erected, 
this tablet a.d. 1860." 

Mr. Pipon was succeeded by Rev. Luther Hamilton. 
Born in Conway in 1798, he was graduated at Wil- 
liams College ill 1817, ordained in Taunton in 1821, 
and resigned in 1832. His successor was Rev. An- 
drew Bigelow, D.D., a native of Groton in 1795, a 
graduate of Cambridge in 1814, and a pastor in Taun- 
ton from 1833 to 1842. On leaving Taunton he 
officiated as minister at large in Boston. Dr. Bigelow 
was a scholarly man, and quite influential in his 
denomination. He published several sermons and 
addresses, as also a book of " Travels." 

Rev. Charles H. Brigham followed Dr. Bigelow in 
1844. Like Mr. Pipon, whose ministry he much ad- 
mired, he was a native of Boston, a graduate of Cam- 
bridge, and never married. He was also ardently 
devoted to his parish and parish work. His attach- 
ment to the people was reciprocated, as the tablet on 
the church wall opposite Mr. Pipon's in its inscrip 

tion shows : 

" In Memoriam. 

*' Rev. Charles Henry Brigliam, minister of this church a.d. 1844 to 
A.D. 1866. Born in Boston, July 27, 1820. Ordained in Taunton, March 
27, 1814. Died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1879. A scholar of varied 
learning, a citizen of wise public spirit, a preacher direct and sincere in 
speech, he rendered eminent service to letters, education, and religion, 
while by his sagacity, devotion, frankness, and sympathy he made his 
people his personal friends. 

"The zeal of his youth and the energy of his manhood were given to 
this society, and to honor his memory as a teacher and a man this tablet 
ia placed here a.d. 1881." 

Mr. Brigham was succeeded by Rev. Fielder Israel, 
whose pastorate extended from Dec. 23, 18(59, to July 
21, 1872. He is now settled in Salem, Mass. 

The next minister was Rev. Eli Fay, who entered 
upon his work Feb. 26, 1873, and resigned to accept 
a pastorate in Sheflield, England, in October, 1876. 

The last pastor was Rev. Frederic Meakin, who 
commenced his labors in 1878, September 25th, and 
closed them in September, 1882, for a visit to Europe 
with his family, where he proposes remaining for 
some time lor rest and study. The parish is at pres- 
ent without a pastor. 

The " Church Green," as it is called, is one of the 



most charming spots in the city. It is the spot se- 
lected by the first settlers of Taunton for a church 
site. On this hallowed ground they first began to 
worship, in a rude edifice, of course, in the begin- 
ning. When their meeting-house, as they called it. 
was begun or finished we know not, only this record 
remains, " In 1647 the calf pasture was sold to 
Henry Andrews for building the meeting-house." 
This answered the purpose till May 19, 1729. "This 
day we began to raise the meetinghouse in Taunton," 
an extract from a paper in the handwriting of John, 
the father of Brig.-Gen. Godfrey. This was the 
second Taunton meeting-house, built by Samuel, the 
son of Richard Williams, with two galleries, accord-, 
ing to the custom of the times. The third was built 
in 1789, by Mr. Demonds, of Scituate, was a large 
wooden structure, removed to Spring Street, to make 
room for the building of the present substantial stone 
edifice, and was still occupied for church purposes, 
first by theUniversalist Society, next by what is now 
the Winslow Church, and then by the Free-Will 
Baptist Church, until in 1867 it was bought and 
taken down by Mr. Francis Dean, to enlarge his 
homestead between Summer and Spring Streets. 

The Congregational Church in West Taunton.— 
The division of sentiment in the First Parish at the 
close of Rev. Mr. Judson's ministry in 1790 led to a 
separation, all the church but three men and one 
woman leaving the parish, and worshiping apart first 
in Deacon Isaac Tubb's barn, and afterwards in a 
meeting-house built in the west part of the town be- 
yond the Episcopal glebe, and not far from the Oak- 
land burial-place. This place of worship continued 
till 1824, when the present meeting-house in West- 
ville was built in what was considered a more central 
location. 

Rev. Mr. Judson supplied the church for a time, 
followed by temporary supplies from Messrs. Preston, 
Wines, Farrington, and Ogdon. The last named died, 
and was buried in the churchyard, his stone bearing 
the following inscription : "In memory of Mr. Nath. 
Ogdon, A. B., of Fairfield, N. J., Preacher of the 
Gospel„who died July 11, 1796, aged 28. He had 
preached only seven Lord's Diiys when our high ex- 
pectations of his future usefulness were suddenly 

' blasted." 

Rev. Samuel W. Colburn was the first settled min- 
ister, his ministry extending only from 1809 to the 
latter part of 1812. On the 19th of April, 1815, Rev. 
A Ivan Cobb was ordained and installed his successor, 

1 whose pastorate was a long and most useful one, ex- 

i tending to the period of his death in 1861, April 2, 
nearly forty-six years. He was contemporary and in- 
timately associated with Rev. Orin Fowler, of Fall 
River ; Rev. Sylvester Holmes, of New Bedford ; Rev. 
Thomas Robbins, D.D., of Mattapoisett ; Rev. Con- 
stantine Blodgett, D.D., of Pawtucket; Rev. Thomas 
Shepard, D.D., of Bristol; Rev. Thomal Andros, of 

i Berkley; Rev. Philip Colby, of North Middlebor- 



790 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



ough ; Rev. Erastus Maltby. of Taunton ; and Rev. 
Enoch Santbrd, of Raynhani, all of whom but the 
last have |>assed away, and most of whom were for 
many years nieuibers of the Taunton Association of 
Ministers. 

Mr. Cobb was considered the e<iual, if not superior 
of them all in theological learning and accurate Bib- 
lical scholanship. He had a theological school in his 
house in West Taunton, and many young men, of 
whom Rev. Mr. Richmond, his successor in the pas- 
toral office, was one, received tlieir theological train- 
ing with him. The great iuHuence of the man, not 
only in his parish but in other parts of the town and 
the adjoining country, well illustrated the power of a 
permanent ministry. 

Mr. Cobb wrote considerably for the press, and sev- 
eral of his seniious were printed. From a manuscript 
historical discourse 1 learn, "The first Sabbath-school 
in Bristol County was organized in connection with 
this chiircli in ISIG. Several seasons of unusual re- 
ligious interest have been enjoyed, — the tirst in ISlo, 
when seventeen were received to the cluirch. In 
1S20 there was a still larger accession of thirty. In 
1S25 the new meeting-house of the society was dedi- 
cated by a memorable season of the outpouring of the 
Holy Spirit, when the whole parish was reached and 
nearly sixty brought into the church. Rev. A. Net- 
tleton was an honored instrument in doing great good 
at that time. In 1830-31, a fourth precious awaken- 
ing occurred; as the fruit of it thirty-six profes-sed 
religion, and united with the church. In 1888-89 
there was a more limited season of refreshing ; twenty- 
six, were added to the church. In 1840 there was a 
further addition of six." 

Mr. Cobb was twice married, (1) to Mary Ingraham, 
of Pawtucket, who died Sept. 13, 1840; (2) to Ablah 
F. H. Cobb, of Boston, who died March 15, 187o. 
His only son, Alvan Emmons, is dead, .leaving two 
sons, Zenas and Cliarles, who live in Attleborough, 
and are engaged in the jewelry business. 

On the decease of Rev. Mr. Cobb, in 1801, Rev. 
Thomas T. Richmond, related through his mother to 
Rev. Mr. Tobey, long time preacher in Berkley, and 
who studied theology with Mr. Cobb, succeeded him 
in the gospel ministry. He was the choice of his 
predecessor as well as of the people, and the wisdom 
of their choice is proved by the permanency of the 
pastoral relation, which continues to the present time. 
Mr. Richmond's ministerial capacity had been tested 
in Dartmouth and I^Iedtield, of this State, Newmar- 
ket, X. H., and other fields of labor, and 1882 com- 
pleted half a century since ordination vows were first 
assumed, making the West Taunton pastor the oldest 
in active service in the State. The first wife of Mr. 
Richmond was Relief, daughter of Mr. Jesse Smith, 
of Taunton. His present wife a niece of Mrs. Cobb 
and daughter of Mr. George J. Homer, an eminent 
merchant ot' Boston. 

The Trinitarian Congregational Church, Broad- 



way. — As the population in the central part of the 
town increased, and the few who attended the West- 
ville Church grew weary of the long distance, the 
proposition for another Congregational Church was 
favored, and accordingly organi/.ed .\ug, 17, 1821, con- 
sisting of twenty-nine members, of whom twenty-five 
were women. They commenced public worship in 
the town hall, moved thence to the court-house, 
where they continued till the spring of 1883, when 
they took possession of tlieir new moetiug-hovise, 
standing nearly opposite the present City Hotel, ami 
which was occupied as their place of worship tor 
twenty years, when they removed to the costly stone 
church on Broadway. 

Their fiist pastor was Uev. Chester Tsham. Ho was 
born in West Hartford, Conn., in 17!'8, was graduated 
at Yale College in 1820, and was a classmate and 
room-mate of Rev, Leonard Bacon, D,D,, so long of 
New Haven. Mr. Isham's settlement in Taunttui was 
Feb. IS, 1824, and he died in Boston, at the house 
of Dr. B. B. Wisner, of the Old South Church. April 
25, 1825, the day after his return from a trip to Cuba, 
i where he spent the winter, hoping to recover his 
health. Not only Taunton, but New Haven, Boston, 
and the country generally mourned the loss of a 
young 'minister of great promise. As the news 
reached Taunton, and the bells tolled, there wsis 
"great lamentation over him," His very dear friend, 
Dr, Bacon, preached the funeral sermon, and pre- 
pared the inscription on tiie stone which marks the 
place of his burial on "the Plain." 

Mr. ishani was succeeded by Rev. Erastus Maltby, 
who died Wednesday, March 28, 1883, a pagfor aner- 
i/itf among the people of his first love. Mr. JIaltby 
was born in Northtbrd, Conn., graduated at Yale Col- 
lege in 1821, pursued his theological course at An- 
dover, was ordained and installed pastor Jan. 18, 
1820. 

"The whole membership of the church at the time 
of his settlement," writes the compiler of the Manual 
of the church in 1881, " was seventy-one, and the 
congregation was very small. But they were deter- 
mined, and wrought and sacrificed vigorously. Giv- 
ing up from this time all aid from the Home Mission- 
ary Society, by the divine blessing on tlie ettbrts of 
pastor and people the church grew and the meeting- 
house filled up. Seventy-four were added tlie first 
year, and the next year the house was enlarged to 
accommodate two liuiidred more than formerly. 
From thai time progress was assured. Ten years 
after the installation of Mr. Maltby the liouse was 
uncomfortably full, and no pews could be obtained. 
At this time the (jucstion of colonizing came up, and 
in January, 1837, forty-four meml>ers were dis- 
missed and organized as the Spring Street Church. 
This was the beginning of the Winslow Church. 
1 In 1850, after a revival which added sixty-nine to the 
church, the house of worshij) again proved inade- 
quate, and the corner-stone of the present stone edi- 



TAUNTON. 



791 



fice was laid Aug. 19, 1851. The Iiouse wa« finished 
in- the eiJHuiiig year, and dedicated Bept. 29, 1852." , 
In 1853 and 18G8 meniberg were digmiKsed to aid in : 
onHtituting churchen in Ea^t Taunton and Whit- 
tcnton. 

" In 1870," continucH the .Manual from which we 
have already (|uoted, " alter forty-five years of ser- 
vice with the one church of his ministry, Mr. Maltby 
resigned the active duties of his pasUirate. During 
his long service he had received eight hundred and 
sixty members into the church, and bapti/X'd six , 
hundred and eighty-six persons. J{y vote of the 
church the pastoral relation was not formally dis- 
solved, and he still remained p<iMor emerilmi. I 

"In 1871 the church extended a call to Mr. Stephen 
M. Newman, a mpmber of the graduating class of 
Andover Seminary, and he was ordained October 
17th. 

" In 1872 a parsonage wa« erected on School Street, \ 
and in 1877 some important alterations and improve- 
ments were made in the audience room of the houae 
of worship. | 

"Mr. Newman was dismissed in July, 1878, and 
removed to Hipon, Wis. 

" After an interval of nearly two years. Rev. Her- 
man P. De Forest, of Westborough, Mass., accepted 
the call of the church and society, and was installed 
April 14, 1880. 

"The whole number of admissions U> the church 
during its history is one thousand and twenty-two." 

The memory of some of the earlier members of the 
church, who were chosen its deacons, is still very 
precious, — Jexaniah Sumner, William Reed, Joseph 
Wilbar, Richmond Walker, Francis Richmond, Ben- 
jamin ('. Match. 

The Winslow Church. — The ii< xt church distinc- 
tively Congregational organized in Taunton was 
named, alter the street where it worshiped, the 
Spring Street Church. Its membership of forty-four,, 
with the exception of two from the West Taunton 
Church, came entirely from the Trinitarian Congre- 
gational Church, whose history has just been given. 
Its organization was in 1837, January 12th. S. Hop- 
kins Emery, who studied at Amherst and Andover, wiis 
ordained and installed its first pastor Nov. 23, 1837, 
continuing in that relation until called to Bedford, 
January, 1841. Rev. Lathrop Taylor, a graduate of 
Middlebury College in 1839, succeeded him May 16, 
1843, and resigned in July, 1845. He has been many 
years a most successful minister of the gospel in Illi- 
nois. The first pastor of the church was recalled and 
reinstalled Jan. 0, 1847, remaining i)astor until the 
latter part of 1855, when he left to take the [jastorate 
of the First Congregational Church in Quincy, 111., 
where he remained fourteen years, preaching after- 
ward for limited periods in Chicago, Providence, 
I'.riilgcport, Conn., and North Middleborough, Mass. 
He was called to Taunton for the third time, and is 
now serving as secretary and superintendent of the 



Associated Charities of Taunton. The Spring Street 
Church on leaving its first place of worship in 1853, 
March 23d, for its new sanctuary, dropped its first 
name, and, in memory of Governor Edward Winslow, 
who in 1021 journeyed through the place, became the 
Winslow Qhurch. Rev. Mortimer Blake, then the 
minister of Mansfield, was called to this church in 
1855, and has remained its pastor twenty -seven years, 
with the manifest approval of heaven upon his labors. 
Dr. Blake, born in Pittston, Me., but early removed 
to Franklin, Mass., graduated from Amherst College 
in 1835, and studied theology with Rev. E. Smalley, 
D.D., of Franklin, afterward of Worcester and Troy, 
N. Y. He was first installed in Mansfield Dec. 4, 
1839, and over the Winslow Church Dec. 4, 1855. 

The membership, at first but forty-four, has since 
increased to four hundred and ninety-four, of whom 
more than half have died or removed, leaving now 
two hundrefl and ten members. The church build- 
ing was enlarged in 1872 to accommodate its growing 
CQPgregation, and was repaired and modernized within 
in 1882. It has been from the beginning a strong 
and united body, ready for every good word and work. 
There are names in its early history which should 
never be forgotten,— Roswell Ballard, John, William, 
and Hodges Reed, Philander W. Dean, and their 
wives, with others of precious memory. The present 
deacons of the church are Edgar H. Reed and An- 
drew S. Briggs. 

The Congrregational Chttrch' (Trinitarian), East 
Taunton.— Thi^ was the next church of this order in 
Taunton. Organized with thirteen members the 16th 
of June, 1853, it has been served by pastors as follows: 
Rev. N. Richardson, who commenced labor in a 
school-house in the month of April prior to the or- 
ganization. He continued with the church only one 
year, preaching in a chapel, built by the Old Colony 
Iron Company. 

He was followed by Rev. James R. Cushing, who 
began his ministry May 7, 1854, and closed it in 1861. 
A church edifice was built and dedicated early in his 
ministry, which, with some alterations, is still in use. 
From 1861 to 1863 the pulpit was supplied, princi- 
pally by Rev. Mr. Harding, of Bost<jn, without be- 
coming a resident pastor. 

Rev. G. G. Perkins commenced his ministry May 
, 5, 1863, and clcsed it in May, 1866, removing to the 
j West. 

Rev. Frederic A. Reed, a native of Taunton, after 
supplying the pulpit three months, became pastor 
Nov, 1, 1866, and so continued till June, 1876. 

He was followed by Rev. II. P. Leonard, who 
began his ministry in September, 1876, and closed it 
Aug. 31, 1879, 

Rev. William H. Wolcott, the present pastor, entered 
I upon his labors with the church Feb. 1, 1880. 



1 For the facta in this notice I am inilebted to Eov. W. H. Wolcott, 
present paet^jr. 



792 



HISTOUV OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The present membership of the church is seventy- 
six. 

In June, 1861, E. W. Cain and Cyrus Caswell were 
chosen deacons, Deacon Cain having served in that 
capacity from the beginning without formal appoint- 
ment. Deacon Caswell died Feb. 11, 1875. D. C. 
Wentworth was chosen to that office March 7, 1875. 

The Union Congregational (Trinitarian) Church' 
in Taunton was organized in the year 1868. For 
many years efforts had been made to sustain public 
worship in Whittenton and vicinity, the Baptist and 
Methodist denominations having occupied the ground 
at different times. At a meeting held Nov. 14, 1867, 
the Union Society of Whittenton was formed for the 
maintenance of public worship, and a constitution' 
was adopted. At a meeting of this society held Dec. 
25, 1867, it was voted to invite Rev. Isaac Dunham, 
of Westport, Mass., to preach the gospel here. Mr. 
Dunham accepted the invitation, and commenced his 
labors early the following year, and steps were at 
once taken towards the regular formation of a Church 
of Christ. 

At a meeting held March 16, 1868, at the house of 
Charles L. Lovering, Rev. Isaac Dunham, chairman, 
and C. L. Lovering, scribe, on motion of Barnes L. 
Burbank, it was voted to adopt a confession of faith 
and covenant which had been drawn up by the Rev. 
Mr. Dunham. The substance of this confession aud 
covenant is the same as that usually adopted by 
churches of the same faith. It was then voted ^to 
send invitations to the Trinitarian Congregational, 
Winslow, and West (Taunton) Churches, to the 
church in Assonet, and to the Second Congregational 
Church in Dorchester, and also to the Rev. Henry B. 
Hooker, D.D., of Boston, to assemble in council here 
at some appointed date to give advice, and to take 
action, if expedient, in the matter of the formation 
of a church. 

It was also voted that a committee, consisting of 
Rev. I. Dunham, B. L. Burbank, and N. N. Gleason, 
be appointed to issue the letters missive, and to make 
other necessary arrangements for the formation of a 
church. 

The council called by these letters missive was 
convened at Whittenton, Thursday, April 2, 1868, 
and consisted of the individual and the pastors 
and delegates of the churches already indicated. 
Rev. E. Maltby was chosen moderator of the council, 
and Rev. F. H. Boynton scribe. 

The usual steps being taken, the persons desirous 
to constitute a new church, twenty-four in number, 
bringing letters from other churches, were consti- 
tuted an Evangelical Christian Church. 

The fellowship of the churches was extended to 
this new church by Rev. M. Blake, D.D. Prayer 
was offered by Rev. Dr. Hooker, aud Rev. T. T. 



1 The present pastor, Rev. E. N. Pomeroy, bas kindly furnished the 
history of tliis church. 



Richmond gave the charge. On the same day an 
evening service was held, and a sermon preached by 
Rev. E. Maltby. 

At a meeting of the church held April 17, 1868, 
B. L. Burbank was chosen deacon ; Rev. I. Dunham, 
clerk; and Messrs. Dunham, Burbank,, and Lovering 
were chosen to prepare by-laws and make regulations 
for the government of the church, which by-laws and 
regulations were duly prepared and accepted. 

Rev. Isaac Dunham resigned his office as acting 
pastor of the church Jan. 6, 1873, and Rev. H. Morton 
Dexter was called to the pastorate, his ordination 
and installation taking place April 30, 1873. At the 
same time also the new and beautiful house of wor- 
ship, at the corner of Britannia and Rockland Streets, 
was dedicated with appropriate services. 

The affairs of the church, temporally and spirit- 
ually, have been prosperous from the first. At one 
time twenty-four persons were added, at another 
time twenty-five, and on another occasion forty-seven. 
This increase was almost wholly "on confession." 

Rev. Mr. Dexter resigned his office November 
10th, and was dismissed by council Nov. 25, 1878. 

Rev. John W. Ballantine was ordained to the min- 
istry, and installed pastor of this church March 18, 
1879, and was dismissed Nov. 8, 1881. 

Rev. Edward N. Pomeroy was invited to serve the 
church as acting pastor for six months, commencing^ 
Jan. 1, 1882, at the expiration of which time he ac- 
cepted an invitation to the pastorate, and was in- 
stalled Oct. 18, 1882. 

William Holmes was elected deacon Nov. 26, 1873, 
and Elijah Tolman, Nov. 23, 1876. The clerks of the 
church have been Rev. Isaac Dunham, Rev. Morton 
Dexter, Rev. John W. Ballantine, and Frank L. Fish. 
Samuel W. Grimes has been the clerk of the society. 
Charles L. Lovering has been the superintendent of 
the Sunday-school. 

The whole number of names upon the church rolls 
is (Jan. 1, 1883) two hundred and thirty-seven. 
The actual membership is one hundred and eighty- 
five. The membership of the Sunday-school is two 
hundred and twenty-five. The number of families 
connected with the congregation is one hundred and 
fifty. 

We have alluded to the separate meetings set up in 
the new towns set off from Taunton in 1711, 1712, 
1725, 1731, 1735, and 1736, but the.se were all of the 
Congregational order. Other forms of polity and 
faith found favor with the people in due time, and in 
different parts of Taunton other denominations of 
Christians became known. Some of these have dis- 
appeared and their history is all in the past. Early 
as 1720, Rev. Mr. Danforth, in a letter to Cotton 
Mather and other Boston ministers, alludes to a meet- 
ing distinct from his own " in a corner" of his parish. 
This was a meeting of a Society of Friends, which 
has not existed for many years. The Sandemaniaus 



TAUNTON. 



793 



had a meeting in 1785, of wliom Mr. Daniel Brewer 
was a leading member. This has long ceased to 
exist. 

A Six-Principle Baptist Church was organized in 
1789, holding their meetings first in North Rehoboth, 
and afterwards in West Taunton, to which Rev. 
Josephus W. Horton preached a considerable length 
of time. But this church and their meetings have 
come to an end. 

So also in the present century the Christian Bap- 
tists built a church and worshiped many years on 
Trescott Street, but the organization no longer ex- 
ists, although their place of worship remains the 
property of Mr. O. S. Wilbur. 

The Free- Will Baptists for some years struggled to 
sustain a meeting in their new church at the corner 
of Weir Street and Somerset Avenue, but relin- 
quished the field to the Methodists. 

The St. Thomas' Protestant Episcopal Church. 
— Fortunately the foundation laid in about 1700 by 
Capt. Thomas Coram for a Protestant Episcopal 
Church was for many generations. Coram had a 
ship-yard in South Dighton. Things did not go to 
suit him in this new land, and he returned to the 
mother-country, founding in 1739 in the city of 'Lon- 
don a hospital " for the maintenance and education 
of exposed and deserted young children." Nor did 
he forget New England. Before he left it he " em- 
ployed Mr. Attorney-General Newton, of Boston, to 
prepare amply strong and in due form" a deed 
making over certain lands to the inhabitants of Taun- 
ton should they ever become " sufficiently civilized to 
want a Church of England built among them." That 
time came at length, and even in Coram's lifetime, 
and he forwarded to the church from England a 
library gathered from various sources, a portion of 
which is still preserved, including a " Book of Com- 
mon Prayer, given by the Right Honorable Arthur 
Onslow, Esq., Speaker of the Hon. House of Com- 
mons." 

The original church building of this parish was on 
the glebe, in Oakland, West Taunton. It is remem- 
bered to have been there till 1815, when it was blown 
down in the September gale of that year and never 
rebuilt. The sacred inclosure, where lie the buried 
dead, marks the spot which should be held dear by 
the flourishing St. Thomas' Church, who now worship 
in a costly stone edifice elsewhere. The glebe was 
conveyed to the wardens of the church and their as- 
sociates by deed bearing date March 19, 1743. It 
was purchased by subscription '' for the sole benefit 
and profit of the Rector, for the time being, of St. 
Thomas, standing near Three-Mile River, in Taun- 
ton." The subscribers to the glebe were twenty-six, 
to the amount of £528 10.v. Thomas Cobb was the 
largest donor, his subscription amounting to £120. 
Rev. John Lyon was the " first resident minister." 
There were occasional supplies, of whom Rev. John 
Graves is mentioned. Mr. Lyon's first recorded bap- 



tism was in 17<55, but he may have begun labor 
earlier. The people paid him his salary " to his 
good acceptance" we are told, an example of prompt- 
ness which was needed in those times, 

Tlie record of this ministry as given by Rev. Mr. 
Bent, in a historical discourse, reads well, — " A most 
estimable man and exemplary minister of Christ." 
He was mindful of the good morals of the community, 
distributing copies of a tract, entitled " Admonition 
to the Drinkers of Spirituous Liquors." He left some 
time before the Revolution and went Si>uth, where 
he died. His successor was Rev. William W. 
Wheeler, whose first recorded baptism was in 1786. 
He preached in other towns as well as Taunton, — 
"an estimable man and an intelligent divine," but 
crippled in his ministry by political causes, and at 
length removed to Scituate, where he preached, and 
1 died in 1810. The St. Thomas Parish had no resident 
rector from 1798 to 1829, when Rev. John West, a na- 
tive of Boston and a graduate of Cambridge in 1813, 
commenced labor with good success. His successors 
have been Rev. Messrs. Henry Blackaller, Samuel 
Hazzard, Edmund Neville, N. T. Bent, Theodore W. 
Snow, Edward Anthon, Edmund Neville, once more, 
Thomas H. Vaill, Robert C. Rogers, and the present 
rector, Charles H. Learoyd, who entered upon his 
rectorship April 1, 1872. ' 

One member, and the last of the committee, ap- 
pointed in 1828 " to inquire into the expediency of 
establishing Episcopal worship in this town," has 
just\passed away (Feb. 10, 1883), the Hon. Samuel 
L. Crocker. He and his brother William were 
largely instrumental in the reviving of the Epis- 
copal Church, which had slumbered since the pres- 
ent century came in, and it was through their influ- 
ence a church building was erected, at a cost of 
seven thousand five hundred dollars, and conse- 
crated in June, 1829. " Marcus Morton and Fran- 
cis Baylies were wardens of the parish," writes Rev. 
Mr. Learoyd in , his "'parochial history, embodied in 
a sermon preached the Sunday after Christmas, Dec. 
28, 1879," and quoting from an earlier historical ser- 
mon by Rev. Mr. Bent, " then rector, delivered on 
Easter day, 1844." 

It was during Mr. Snow's rectorship that, at the 
suggestion of Mr. Edmund Baylies, who promised 
one thousand dollars, a rectory was built on Harri- 
son Street; also more than thirty thousand dollars 
were subscribed toward a new church, which was 
not completed, however, till March 3, 1859, when its 
consecration took place during the rectorship of Rev. 
Mr. Vaill. When Dr. Vaill was called to the office 
of a bishop elsewhere, he records as the result of his 
ministry of five years and nine months in Taunton, 
the baptism of one hundred and forty-six infants, 
thirty adults, and the confirmation of one hundred 
and seventeen. The number of communicants on 
the register were two hundred and seventy-five. 

In 1871, Christmas eve, a chapel and annex of the 



794 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



church, which had been built at a cost of fifteen 
thousand dollars, was opened with appropriate ser- 
vices. In 1873, during the rectorship of Rev. Mr. 
Learoyd, the church, which \iad been renovated and 
decorated at an expense of eleven thousand five hun- 
dred dollars, was reopened, the bishop of the diocese, 
with many of the clergy, being present. 

The St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church.— 
" As early iis 18()3," writes Rev. Mr. Learoyd, " church 
services began to be maintained at Hopewell by a lay 
reader, and a Sunday-school was gathered of about 
fifty. This movement resulted in the formation of 
the parish of St. John's, and in building the fine 
church it now occupies. The money for that pur- 
pose, about twenty-five thousand dollars, was contri- 
buted within this city with the exception of about 
three thousand dollars." For the following facts I 
am indebted to Mr. Henry M. Lovering: 

The parish was organized December, 1866. Rev. 
George D. Miles was elected finst rector January, 
1867. 

The corner-stone of the church was laid by Bishop 
Vaill Monday, Nov. 9, 18GS, and it was consecrated 
June 19, 1873. 

Rev. Mr. Miles resigned July, 1873. Rev. Louis 
De Cormis was rector from July, 1873, to June, 1875. 
Rev. Edward H. True was rector from July, 1875, to 
Feb. 19, 1877. Rev. S. S. S|iear was rector from July, 
1877, to July, 1881 . Rev. Francis Mansfield, the pres- 
ent rector, commenced his labors April -2, 1882. 

The parish occupies a growing part of the city, and 
has great promise of usefulness. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church, North Taunton. 
— For the notice of this church I am largely indebted 
to the faithful researches of Rev. Mr. Tozer, the pres- 
ent pastor. 

There were a few Baptists in that part of Taunton 
as early as 1747, according to the statement of Backus 
in his history of that denomination. Mr. Jeremiah 
Bas.sett obtained permission from the church in the 
northeastern part of Rehoboth, to which Elder Rich- 
ard Round ministered, " to hold worship on the Lord's 
day in his own house." This house was situated 
about thirty rods east of the junction of Bay and 
Field Streets, on the latter street. Here, therefore, 
the first stated preaching of the gospel in North Taun- 
ton was established, and the few believers of the place 
were, as in primitive times, a " church in his house." 
This Mr. Bassett was a son of Joseph, the son of Wil- 
liam Bassett, who came over in the brig " Fortune" 
soon after the first landing of the pilgrims. Jeremiah 
had a son bearing the same name, who became influ- 
ential in the church and occasionally preached. The 
descendants are numerous, in this region. 

The little company to whom Mr. Bassett ministered 
were so prospered that in 1767 they built a meeting- 
house on the corner of what are now Bay and Field 
Streets, which remained until 1837, when it was re- 
moved to the Weir, and became a warehouse, at pres- 



ent occupied by the Messrs. Church. In 1769, the 
proposition came from the Baptists of Norton, who 
had no meeting-house and had assembled in private 
houses for their meetings ever since they left Rev. Mr. 
Avery's church, as Separatists or New Lights, in 1747, 
to unite and form one society. The proposition 
pleased the Baptists of Taunton. Hence the union 
took place and they agreed in calling to the pastoral 
work, the care and oversight of the church. Rev. 
William Nelson, who married the daughter of- Rev. 
Isaac Backus, pastor of a church in that part of Mid- 
dleborough called Titicut, who had often preached in 
Norton and Taunton, and \fras influential with the 
people. Mr. Nelson was one of three brothers, all 
preachers. He was a graduate of what is now Brown 
University, a man of good learning and excellent 
Christian character. He was ordained by council 
Nov. 12, 1772, his father-in-law, Mr. Backus, giving 
the charge, and Elder Ebenezer Hinds preaching the 
sermon. His pastorate continued more than thirteen 
years, and was much blessed. Discipline was faith- 
fully administered, and great care taken to preserve' 
the purity of the church. Two deacons were chosen 
in Mr. Nelson's time, Ebenezer Burt and Joel Briggs, 
the last of whom afterward became pastor of a church 
in Braintree. 

The health of Rev. William Nelson failing in 1785, 
his brother Ebenezer was called to the pastorate, but 
he was not installed till 1790, when Elder Backus 
was again present with other ministers, and acted as 
moderator. This pastorate continued to March 10, 
1795, and, like that of his brother, proved one of 
profit to the people. But for some years afterwards 
the church was in a low state and was without stated 
preaching. In 1805 two deacons were chosen, Timothy 
Briggs and Noah Clapp. 

About this time Rev. Zephaniah S. Crossman was 
among them, who, after preaching with a good deal 
of zeal and apparent success, drew off" more than forty 
of the members to a separate meeting, whicli was con- 
tinued two years. And now again there was no stated 
preaching nor settled ministry for some years, but oc- 
casional supplies, among whom Rev. Silas Hall and 
Dr. Shubael Lovell are mentioned. It was through 
the last named, as acting pastor, the request of seven 
members was presented, in May, 1819, to be dismissed 
to form a part of a new church at the centre of Taun- 
ton. These were William Stall, Elias Parry, Abia- 
thar Phillips, Mary Johnson, Rhoda Godfrey, Nancy 
Stall, Mary Hall. 

In 1822 an element which had been at work many 
years took an organized form, and was known as the 
Free-Will Baptists, occujiying the meeting-house al- 
ternate Sabbaths~with the Calvinist branch, which in 
•1835 removed to Norton and built a church, under the 
leadership of Rev. Henry C. Coombs. The pastor 
of the portion which remained in Taunton was Rev. 
Reuben Allen, who was succeeded in 1832 by Rev. 
.Tames F. Mowry, remaining six years. He was 



TAUNTON. 



795 



followed April 7, 1838, by Elder Folsoiii, remaining 
till 1840. Then came Elder Thomas Brown in 1841, 
continuing till 1845, highly esteemed by the people. 
Kev. T. H. Bachelder was his successor, remaining 
nine years, and was much beloved. He closed his 
labors in April, 1855. Rev. S. D. Church was the 
next pastor, remaining six years, and meeting with 
good success. He resigned in 1861, followed by Rev. 
George G. Hill, who remained till 1866. Rev. George 
W. Richardson was pastor from 1868 to 1873. Rev. 
J. N. Rich and Rev. George H. Chappell followed, 
the former for two, and the latter for one year. May 
13, 1876, Rev. S. D. Church returned to the church, 
remaining till 1881, when the pastorate was assumed 
by Rev. R. H. Tozer, who still remains, and has fur- 
nished the writer with many of the preceding facts. 

The Calvinist Baptist Church, Winthrop 
Street. — This church at its organization, June 16, 
1819, was called the "Second Baptist Church in 
Taunton," recognizing the existence of the earlier 
church in JJorth Taunton, whose history has just 
been given. Seven of its original sixteen members 
came from that church. Previous to this time meet- 
ings had been held with the occasional help of min- 
isters from abroad, of whom Elders William Barton, 
William Bentley, Shubael Lovell are particularly 
mentioned. The lay brethren who encouraged their 
coming were William Stall, James Olney, Elias Parry, 
Thomas C. Brown, Abiathar Phillips, and Abiathar 
Hall. The meetings were held "in private dwell- 
ings, school-houses, and sometimes in the town hall." 
They resulted in the calling of a council for the re- 
cognition of the church as above stated, of which 
Rev. Dr. Stephen Gano, of Providence, was modera- 
tor, and Rev. David Benedict, of Pawtncket, was 
scribe. The church leased and occupied Armory 
Hall for most of the time till their first house of wor- 
ship was built on High Street, near the corner of 
Weir Stree:t, in 1824. " Prayer and conference meet- 
ings were maintained, aud occasional preaching as 
ministering brethren came along." It was not till 
1825 a stated supply was enjoyed, — the ministrations 
of Caleb Benson, a licensed preacher. The first pas- 
tor was Rev. Silas Hall. The date of his acceptance, 
Nov. 21, 1826. The date of his dismission, March 10, 
1830. There was a net increase of eighteen during 
his ministry. There had been seasons of spiritual 
refreshing in 1822 and 1826. Rev. Benjamin C. Graf- 
ton, the second pastor, received his call June 7, 1831, 
and remained until May 26, 1834. Eleven members 
were added during his ministry, and the church re- 
moved from High Street to a new and " more com- 
modious edifice, sixty-five by forty-four feet, on Mar- 
ket, now Winthrop Street. This meeting-house was 
dedicated Oct. 10, 1832, and for the following thirty- 
three years was the Sabbath home of the church and 
congregation and the spiritual birthplace of many 
souls." 

The third pastor was Rev. William G. Trask. He 



was called to this office June 30, 1834, and ordained 
August 27th of the same year. "The settlement of 
this devoted young minister," remarks Rev. Andrew 
Pollard, D.D., in a "historical sketch" of the church 
from which I have already quoted, " opened a new 
era in the history of the church. His hearty conse- 
cration to his work, his meek and gentle spirit, his 
sound discretion, and his earnest labors for the spir- 
itual welfare of his people won their love and confi- 
dence. And though his earthly labors were limited 
to the short period of two years, his influence was 
eminently favorable to religious prosperity, and his 
memory is still fragrant and blessed. There were 
added to the church under his ministry thirty-seven 
members." 

Rev. Henry Clark, the fourth pastor, was installed 
Dec. 29, 1836, and continued liis official labors till 
June 30, 1839. During this pastorate forty-eight were 
added to the church. 

Rev. John F. Burbank, the fifth pastor, remained 
less than a year in 1841. 

The sixth pastor, Rev. James F. Wilcox, was in- 
stalled Dec. 21, 1842, continuing in that relation till 
Nov. 27, 1848, nearly six years. In 1845 the parson- 
age on Winthrop Street, nearly opposite the church, 
was provided, largely through the liberal contribu- 
tion of Mr. Albert Field, and in 1847 tbe meeting- 
house was enlarged and otherwise improved. 

The seventh p.astor. Rev. Andrew Pollard, D.D,, was 
installed Oct. 24, 1849. During the first year of his 
pastorate fifty-four were added to the membership. 
In 1858 there was a powerful work of grace, which 
greatly quickened and strengthened the church. 
More than one hundred were added to its number. 
The large increase in 1862 suggested the need of a 
new church building, which was begun that year, and 
was dedicated Oct. 10, 1865, just thirty-three years 
from the dedication of the old house. It was built 
of brick and freestone, in the early English style of 
architecture, one hundred and fifteen feet long by 
sixty-four wide, of fine proportions, beautiful finish, 
a credit to the denomination and an ornament to the 
city. In 1866, sixteen years after his settlement, Dr. 
Pollard reported two hundred and eighty-four addi- 
tions to the church as the fruit of his ministry, with 
a present membership of three hundred and sixteen. 
The deacons of his church were Ebenezer Staples, 
Edward Wilcox, Calvin Woodward, Anson J. Barker, 
Lemuel L. White. 

Dr. Pollard's was a long and useful pastorate of 
more than twenty-two years. His connection with 
the church and society clo.sed Dec. 31, 1871. He re- 
signed to accept a call to the Fourth Street Bapti.st 
Church, South Boston, where he remained until he 
entered upon a secretaryship in denominational work, 
for which he was eminently fitted by his exact method 
and unusual executive ability, a position which he 
still fills. 

He W.1S succeeded in Taunton by Rev. Joseph C. 



796 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Wightman, the eighth pastor, April 1, 1873, a man of 
fine scholarship and eminent pulpit talents, who 
served the people faithfully and well until Aug. 6, 
1882, when he was invited to relinquish the pastoral 
office for a public trust, that of preparing a new ver- 
sion of the Scriptures, for which, of all other men in 
the denomination, he was regarded best qualified. 
But other service awaited him. He had a call to go 
up higher. While his family were on their way to 
Europe, and before he had entered on his work in 
New York, the news reached Taunton that Eev. Mr. 
AVightman had breathed his last at Tiverton. It was 
a sorrowful assembly which filled the Winthrop 
Street Baptist Church, one summer day in August, 
1882, when one minister after another bore testimony 
to the worth of the departed, and with " much lamen- 
tation devout men took him up and buried him." 

In December, 1882, the church and ))eople with 
great unanimity called to the pastorate Rev. Joseph 
Kennard Wilson, of New London, Conn., who has 
entered on his work with great promise of success. 

The TJniversalist Church, corner of Spring and 
High Streets. — Rev. Mr. Quinliy, in a historical 
sermon in 1851, expresses the opinion that the way 
was prepared for such a church by the preaching of 
" the venerable Murray" some sixty years before, and 
Rev. John Foster, a minister in Taunton at the be- 
ginning of the century, is credited with those views. 
The religious society was incorporated, with Charles 
Foster and twenty-one others as subscribers, in Feb- 
ruary, 1825. Their first settled minister was Rev. 
John B. Dods, who remained with them from 1831 to 
1835. He organized a church of thirty members in 
1832. Dr. Alfred Baylies, a leading physician of 
Taunton, was a prominent member of the society, 
serving as its clerk. They worshiped in the old meet- 
ing-house of the town ; removed from the " Church 
Green" in 1831 to a spot on Spring Street. After the 
resignation of Mr. Dods, in 1835, preaching services 
were suspended until 1839, when the society was re- 
organized with many new members, and Rev. William 
Fishbough was called to the pastorate. Religious 
services were held in halls hired for the purpose, 
when in 1842 the parish built, on the corner of 
Spring and High Streets, a church which they occu- 
pied for nearly forty years. On the removal of Rev. 
Mr. Fishbough in 1844, Rev. W. R. S. Mellen entered 
on a brief pastorate. He was followed by Rev. George 
W. t|uinby, of Saco, Me., who remained from Octo- 
ber, 1846, to November, 1851. He was called to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, but afterwards returned to his native 
State, and is conducting a denominational paper in 
Augusta, Me., influential in that part of New Eng- 
land. Rev. J. S. Brown was his successor in Taun- 
ton, who died in the pastoral office, abounding in 
labors which endeared him to the people. He was 
followed by Rev. Messrs. James E. Bruce, U. M. 
Fiske, and Charles Mellen, the last named, like his 
predecessor, Brown, dying in his Taunton pastorate. 



to the great grief of the church, and his grave is in 
Mount Pleasant Cemetery. He was followed by Rev. 
Messrs. Everett L. Conger and Russell P. Ambler. 
It was during Mr. Ambler's ministry that the church 
edifice of 1842 was taken down and on the same spot 
a new building erected, attractive and pleasant. Mr. 
Ambler is now in Medford, with the church of which 
he <vas formerly pastor, and the Taunton people are 
united in Rev. Alpheus B. Hervey, who came hither 
from Troy, N. Y., in September, 1879. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church, Taunton. 
— This church was organized in that part of Taunton 
called the Weir in 1830, and has been served in ac- 
cordance with the system of itinerancy by many min- 
isters. Their names, as I have learned them, are Rev. 
Messrs. S. W. Coggsliall, E. B. Bradford, Lewis Bates, 
J. D. Butler, D. Webb, J. Parkinson, William Livesey, 
J. M. Worcester, Paul Townsend, S. C. Brown, George 
M. Carpenter, Sanford Benton, Henry Baylies, Charles 
Nason, J. T. Benton, N. P. Philbrook, J. D. King, 
Charles H. Titus, L. B. Bates, Charles Young, Angelo 
Canoll, E. McChesney, H. A. Cleveland, and 0. W. 
Gallagher, the present incumbent. 

This church, for more than half a century, has 
lived and wrought a good work under the leadership 
of these twenty-four pastors and teachers in that part 
of the city called the Weir. Other denominations 
of Christians in their vicinity have co-operated with 
them in a friendly spirit, and a strong, vigorous 
church has been built up, one of the largest and most 
influential in the denomination. Its present office- 
bearers are William H. Merrill, Henry F. Cobb, Jacob 
Burt, Lemuel T. Talbot, Samuel Miller, George W. 
Barrows, Abel W. Parker, William N. Parker, Charles 
H. Lincoln, Luther B. West, William E. Walker, 
Zenas Knapp, Abram Simmons, Job C Chace, Rich- 
ard L. Hewitt, John P. Crane. 

The Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Co- 
hannet Street, organized in 1853. Its ministers have 
been Rev. Messrs. William H. Stetson, C. H. Titus, 
A. C. Atwater, S. F. Upham, J. A. M. Chapman, J. 
Mather, J. Howson, E. H. Hatfield, F. Upham, J. W. 
Willett, H. D. Robinson, A. Anderson, A. P. Palmer, 
O. H. Fernald, J. E. Hawkins, and Edward Edson, 
the present incumbent. 

This church was demanded by communicants who 
could not visit the Weir, and finds in the dense popu- 
lation around it an important field for useful labor. 
Its present office-bearers are J. G. Luscomb, William 
Hutchinson, Ezra Hamlen, J. H. Codding, E. H. El- 
dridge, J. W. Thayer, Otis L. Baker, J. F. Park, A. 
S. Round, James Hailley, G. H. Thayer, L. E. Dick- 
erman, G. H. Park, Thomas Lawrence, John Law- 
rence, George E. Dunbar, W. H. Waitt, F. H. Miett, 
Leonard Luce, S. O. Sherman. 

The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, corner 
of Weir Street and Somerset Avenue, organized in 
1874. Its ministers have been Rev. Messrs. William 
T. Worth, Samuel J. Carroll, and Edwin D. Hall, the 



TAUNTON. 



797 



present incumbent. With active and efficient ^Vork 
this church has grown and prospered, recently paying 
ofiF a large indebtedness, and with better promise of 
permanency than ever before. Its present office-bear- 
ers are Israel Allen, Asa N. Dyer, John L. Merigold, 
Edward F. Anthony, Joshua Parsons, H. M. H. Tay- 
lor,- Jonathan J. Stanley, William H. Field, William 
H. Phillips, J. F. Montgomery, Peleg B. Hart, Addi- 
son Taylor, Samuel G. Hicks, Ira W. Maxham, Sam- 
uel T. Turpin, Henry L. Babbitt. 

Its brick church building was first occupied by a 
Free Baptist Church, which has ceased to exist as a 
separate organization. Its pastor, Rev. Mr. McKeown, 
served it faithfully for several years. 

The Advent Christian Church. — It is but recently 
this church has been organized (in 1880), and its only 
resident minister has been Rev. A. W. Sibley, who is 
now preaching elsewhere. Their Sabbath and week- 
day services are held in Cedar Street Chapel, and 
their supplies of preaching are from abroad. 

The Roman Catholic Church.— The parishes of 
this church in Taunton belong, as do some others in 
Massachusetts, to the diocese of Providence, of which 
the Right Rev. Thomas Francis Hendricken, D.D., is 
bishop. 

The first occasion of divine service according to the 
ritual of the Catholic Church of which we hear in 
Taunton was that at which the Rev. Father Woodley 
officiated in 1827. There was, however, no perma- 
nent pastor until some time in 1830, when tlie Rev. 
John Curry celebrated mass in a private house, and 
about fifteen heads of families, mostly of persons em- 
ployed in the Taunton Print-Works, assisted. After 
this service a subscription was begun looking towards 
the purchase of ground and the erection of a church. 
So well did the collections succeed that before the close 
of 1831 a lot near the intersection of Washington 
Street and Broadway, adequate for a church and 
burial-place, had been bought, and the old St. Mary's 
was erected thereon during the same winter. In about 
three years Father Curry found it necessary to en- 
large the church, and an addition was made which 
brought it out flush with the sidewalk. 

No subsequent event of special importance appears 
to have occurred in the parish until after the arrival 
of the Rev. Dr. Wilson in 1846, except the ever- 
recurring one of accessions from abroad, notably from 
Irelatid, which, if appropriately termed the " Niobe 
of Nations" at home, it may with equal propriety be 
said has reason to moderate her grief in view of the 
good fortune which attends her children in other 
lands. "Sunny France" did not furnish her contin- 
gent of those who adhered to the ancient faith till 
later on, and then through the overflow of her more im- 
mediate colonization point. Lower Canada. The Por- 
tuguese and other nationalities have also from time to 
time found homes and employment here, as our grow- 
ing manufacturing enterprises demanded skilled labor 
from similar establishmeuts in Europe. At the pres- 



ent time it may be observed that the Catholics of 
Taunton are creditably represented not only in the 
mechanical and manufacturing employments, but in 
mercantile and professional pursuits as well. 

During the intermediate period St. Mary's was sup- 
plied by the Rev. Fathers Wylie, Ryan, and O'Byrne. 
An anecdote has come. down to us from Father Ryan's 
day which is worth preserving. During his pastorate 
some young men of the parish called on the late Dr. 
Fenwick, Bishop of Boston, to which diocese St. 
Mary's then belonged, for the purpose of asking a 
change of pastors, on the score that altiiough Father 
Ryan was a worthy priest he was not a pulpit orator. 
The bishop heard their request, and not seeing ade- 
quate reason for granting it, bade the young gentle- 
men return home and attend to their own spiritual 
duties like good boys. The wisdom of this decision 
was shown a few months later, when the bishop found 
a parish in greater need of such a shepherd, in the 
reluctance with which the people of St. Mary's parted 
with their spiritual director. 

In consideration of the increasing numerical strength 
of the parish. Dr. Wilson determined in 1849 on the 
erection of a brick church, having purchased the lot 
on the opposite side of Washington Street for that 
purpose; but the walls when built were deemed in- 
secure, and the materials were consequently used in 
the construction of the present St. Mary's, standing 
on the same site, the erection of which was begun 
about June, 1854, during the succeeding pastorate of 
the Rev. Daniel Hearne. Father Hearne devoted 
himself very zealously to the undertaking, but did not 
live to finish his pious work. After seeing the edifice 
inclosed he was finally laid to rest beside its front en- 
trance (his body having been temporarily deposited 
in Mayflower Hill Cemetery), deeply regretted by the 
people he had served. 

There was still much to be done, not only to com- 
plete the church — floors, altars, stained-glass win- 
dows, pews, etc. — but al.so to reduce a double debt 
arising out of the erection of two structures, all of 
which devolved on the succeeding pastor, the Rev. 
Thomas H. Shahan, who arrived some time in 18(34. 
This legacy of debt and responsibility was resolutely 
met by the formation of a Church Debt Society, 
pledged to monthly contributions, and by holding a 
church fair, to which generous contributions were 
made by Christians of other names.' The church as 
it now stands, built of bluestone in the Gothic style 
of architecture, compares favorably with any similar 
edifice in New England. 

Although the immediate objects were accomplished, 
the parish was so weakened by the then general busi- 
ness depression that Father Shahan did not attempt 
to carry out a project which he had very much at 
heart, — the establishment of a parish school ; and 



1 This last remark hohls good with regttnl to a fair lield fur a similar 
purpose ill the succeeding pastorate. 



798 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



having been called to Boston in 1871, the Rev. Ed- 
ward J. Sheridan, the present pastor, was sent to fill 
the vacancy. A vigorous effort is now being made 
in the parish towards the attainment of the latter 
object, the school to be placed under the charge of 
one of the religious orders which have proved so effi- 
cient elsewhere, not only in imparting secular knowl- 
edge, but in so cultivating the moral and religious 
nature of their pupils as to exert a permanent influ- 
ence for good on their lives and conduct. 

During the pastorate of Father Hearne his mission, 
besides Taunton proper, included East Taunton, Mid- 
dleborough, Norton, Westville, North and South 
Dighton. During Father Shahan's, Middleborough 
and Norton were separated from the Taunton parish, 
and during Father Sheridan's, Weir Village, East 
Taunton, and Dighton have also been detached, the 
Rev. Hugh J. Smyth having been appointed the 
first pastor, succeeded by the Rev. James K. Beaven, 
the present incumbent, and a school-house having 
been adapted to the purpose of a church for the con- 
gregation. Recently the Rev. James Roach has been 
performing mission duty among the French and other 
residents in Whittenton, with the ultimate intention 
of erecting a church, but at the present writing no 
territorial boundaries have been assigned him. 

Father Wilson was assisted by Father Elwards ; 
Father Hearne by Fathers McPhillips and J. Tracy; 
Father Shahan by Fathers Foley, F. A. Quinn, M. 
J. Burns, Hugh J. Smyth, Hugh Smith, and Bruton ; 
Father Sheridan by Fathers William D. Kelly, James 
Smith, Thomas Grace, William Hines, James A. 
Ward, James Fogarty, William Pyne, and Martin 
F. Kelly. The two last-named gentlemen are still 
connected with the parish. Father Beaven is at 
present assisted by the Rev. Michael F. Cassidy. 

During Father Hearne's pastorate the Young Cath- 
olics' Friend Society was formed ; during Father 
Shahan's, St. Mary's Benevolent Society, a Young 
Men's Lyceum, and a temperance society ; and during 
the present pastorate a Conference of the Society of 
St. Vincent de Paul was organized. 

The present Catholic population of Taunton is es- 
timated at six thousand souls. For the preceding 
full account of the Roman Catholic Church, I am in- 
debted to a kind friend in that communion. 

The Oakland Union and Arlington Street So- 
ciety and Sabbath-School, — Beside the regularly 
organized churclies in the city, there are union meet- 
ings sustained, as at Oakland and Arlington Street 
Chapel. There was once a Six-Principle Baptist 
Church in that part of Taunton called Oakland, or- 
ganized in Rehoboth in 1789, but removed to Taun- 
ton on the death of Elder Round, in 1824, and wor- 
shiped in a school-house. In 1840, Rev. Josephus 
W. Horton became their minister, and a small meet- 
ing-house was built. Mr. Cliesbrough, connected 
with the Oakland Mill, was in.strumental also in 
building a small chapel where Episcopal services 



were held. Both these meetings in time were dis- 
continued, and in 1874 what was called the Oakland 
Union was organized, uniting mo'st of the Christian 
elements, and sustaining with a good measure of suc- 
cess a Sabbath-school and a regular Sabbath preach- 
ing service by the diiferent ministers of tlie city. The 
oflicers of the union the present year are, George T. 
Bullock, president; L. L. Short, vice-president; .T. 
Gegenheimer, secretary ; John Willis, treasurer ; Jo- 
seph S. Tidd, Alfred Stall, Oliver H. Grossman, S. L. 
Reed, E. 0. Wilmarth, Lorenzo Bushee, Alfred Wil- 
marth, executive committee; Allen Burt, trustee for 
three years. 

The Arlington Street organization is on the same 
union principle. They sustain a Sabbath-school, but 
no preaching service on the Sabbath, only on Wednes- 
day evening. Their recently-elected board of ofli- 
cers are, J. A. Matthews Wilbur, president ; George 
H. Fairbanks, vice-president; George Chace, clerk; 
Edwin M. Hills, treasurer ; P'rank G. Lindsey, col- 
lector; William Carsley, Edwin Leonard, William 
McKendrick, executive committee; Charles L. Lev- 
ering, Seth C. French, Dr. J. S. Andrews, Dr. N. M. 
Ransom, Jeremy B. Dennett, trustees. 

The chapel was built in the summer of 1876, and 
first occupied August 13th of that year. 

The officers of the Sabbath-school are, Edwin M. 
Hills, superintendent ; Thomas W. Sherman, assist- 
ant superintendent ; Mrs. Emma Leonard, secretary; 
George H. P''airbanks, treasurer ; George Williams, 
librarian; William Williams, assistant librarian; 
Miss Clara Wilbur, organist ; Miss Gertrude Sher- 
man, assistant organist; Mrs. A. F. Hersey, Mrs. 
H. C. Kennicutt, Miss Maria D. Hills, William Cars- 
ley, Edwin Leonard, executive committee of the 
school. ^ 

The Taunton Union Mission and the Associated 
Charities— Cedar Street Chapel.— This mission, 
which included no church organization but repre- 
sented all the churches, was organized in March, 
1861, and began to occupy its chapel, built by Mr. 
Joseph Dean, in 1867. It has been served by Rev. 
Messrs. Josliua A. Stetson, Reuben H. Cobb, George 
M. Hamlen, and S. Hopkins Emery. In 1881 the 
mission carried on its work under a new name, — The 
Associated Charities of Taunton, — and in January, 
1883, it received a charter of incorporation from the 
commonwealth, with the following list of officers: 
President, Samuel L. Crocker;' Vice-Presidents, 
Mortimer Blake, Joseph Dean ; Secretary and Super- 
intendent, S. Hopkins Emery ; Treasurer, Orville A. 
Barker ; Directors, Samuel L. Crocker, Henry G. 
Reed, A. King Williams, A. B. Harvey, George A. 
Washburn ; a board of managers consisting of the 
above-named and William C. Lovering, H. P. De 

1 The Hon. Samuel L.Crocker having died Feb. 10, 1883, the Uirectora, 
March 12th, unanimously elected h8 president Blr. Henry Goodwin Reed, 
of the iirm of Reed & Barton, who, from the beginning, has been deeply 
interested in the work of the Mission and the Associated Charities. 



TAUNTON. 



799 



Forest, Jeremy B. Dennett, James H. Anthony, 
Charles H. Laroyd, A. J. Lawrence, Charles Foster, 
William H. Merrill, Job G. Luscomb, William H. 
Pleadwell, William H. Wolcott, Hezekiah L. Merrill, 
George F. Pratt, George C. Wilson, George M. Wood- 
ward, Frank L. Fish, J. B. Briggs, Andrew S. Briggs, 
Frederick Farnsworth, Robert H. Tozer, Edward K. 
Emerson. 

Its aim and work, approved by all the churches, 
are well expressed in the "agreement" of the corpo- 
rators in these words, " To assist the needy, and raise 
them as far as practicable above the need of relief; to 
prevent street-begging, imposition, and the existence 
of a pauper caste ; to secure the united action of the 
different charities, and of all benevolent persons in 
one harmonious system of wise aid to the poor." 



CHAPTER LXV. 

TAUNTON.— (Co/<(;«M«;.) 

The Educational Interests — Bristol Academy — Tannton AVatot-Works — 
TauutoD Lunatic Hospital — The Old Colony Historical Society — Public 
Lil)i-ary — Bible Society — Good Teniplai-s— Hnmivne Society— Early 
Physicians — Mount Pleasant Cemetery. 

The Educational Interests of Taunton.'— The 
first settlers of Taunton, as of other New England 
towns, erected not only the meeting-house, but the 
school-house. The two went everywhere together. 
If Messrs. Hooke and Street were the first ministers, 
the schoolmaster was here even before them, and his 
name was Bishop. Some have presumed to question 
whether there ever was such a man, or at least that 
we have any knowledge of him ; but I claim we know 
something, although we might wish it were more. 

Thomas Lechford, " of Clement Inne, in the county 
of Middlesex," was a visitor to this country, and on 
his return to England he published a pamphlet, in 
which, under date of Jan. 17, 1641, he relates con- 
cerning Taunton, " Master Hooke received ordination 
from the hands of one Master Bishop, a school-master, 
etc." Then, as now, the " school-master" was a per- 
son of considerable consequence in the community. 
This Bishop, with others, was deemed worthy to " lay 
hands" on " Master Hcoke." 

Mr. Winsor, in his "History of Duxbury," p. 228, 
makes mention of" an ancient freeman of Taunton" 
bearing the name of "Mr. John Bushop," having 
that " honorable prefix." Mr. Baylies, in his " His- 
tory of the Plymouth Colony," Part II., p. 277, al- 
ludes to a " Mr. Boshop, interested in the first pur- 
chase of Taunton, whose ' rights' in 1675 were owned 
by Lieut. George Macey." 

And again, Mr. Baylies calls " Mr. Bishop," the 
schoolmaster, " one of the earliest proprietors and 



1 By S. Hopkins Emery. 



settlers," although his name is not catalogued, as also 

the names of other proprietors appear not to have been. 

(Part II., p. 265.) The Bushop, Boshop, or Bishop 

' above named, Mr. John Dean, of the New England 

I Genealogical Society, in 1854 (see "Genealogical 

Register," April, 1854), considered one and the same 

man, and also the John Bishop, who afterward went 

to Stamford, Coun. Mr. Baylies was of the opinion 

" he went to New Haven," which was not far from 

! Stamford. (Part II., pp. 265 and 282.) Mr. Savage, 

1 in his " Genealogical Dictionary of New England," 

I vol. i. p. 185, asserts the John Bishop, of Stamford, 

" had been in Taunton as early as 1640," and thinks 

heivas before that in Dorchester, as he seems to have 

known Richard Mather, writing a Latin epitaph on 

i him, which maybe found in the "Magnolia," cap. 

j XX. of TIL, p. 131, signing himself " J. Episcopius," 

i which Savage calls a pun on his name. All this 

! agrees very well with what we know of the " young 

man of promise," as the historian of Stamford (p. 119) 

I calls the ministerial supply, whom the church of that 

place sought and found in this region about the time 

I Bishop is supposed to have left. Trumbull, in his 

"History of Connecticut," vol. i. p. 299, gives an 

interesting account of it in these words : " The church 

sent two of their members to seek them a minister. 

They traveled on foot to the eastward of Boston, 

where they found Mr. John Bishop, who left England 

before he had finished his academical studies, and 

who had completed his education in this countrj'. 

They engaged him to go with them to Stamford. He 

traveled with them, on foot so great a distance. The 

people were united in him, and he labored with them 

in the ministry nearly fifts' years." 

Rev. J. W. Alvord, in a historical address at Stam- 
ford (p. 17), gives the names of the " members of the 
church" who " traveled on foot to the eastward of 
Boston," — George Slason , Era ncis Bel 1 . He also states, 
" Mr. Bishop carried his Bible under his arm through 
the wilderness to Stamford," which Bible, in 1841, 
was in the possession of Noah Bishop, one of his de- 
scendants. If one will look at a map of New Eng- 
land he will see that this journey " on foot through the 
wilderness" was from the extreme west of Connecticut 
to wellnigh the extreme east of Massachusetts, no 
small undertaking for even such resolute souls, and 
when you remember that their regular " wilderness" 
path from New Haven to Boston or Plymouth would 
lead through Taunton, you need not wonder, if find- 
ing John Bishop at the latter place and recommended 
by Hooke and Street, they were willing, footsore and 
weary, to stop short of either Boston or Plymouth, to 
accept of " the Taunton schoolmaster," a " young man 
of promise," who was also a student in theology with 
these eminent divines, "completing," as Trumbull 
tells us, " in this country the education" which had 
been begun in the motherland. " Eastward of Bos- 
ton" may sufficiently describe the place, although it 
be south as well as east. 



800 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



We have dwelt thus long on this case to establish, 
if nothing more, the probability that the first Taun- 
ton schoolmaster was the first Stamford minister. 

' The name of another schoolmaster of the town in 
the same century has just come to light in an old ac- 
coimt-book of Thomas Leonard, found in a box hid 
away in some part of a chimney in the house of a 
grandson, lately taken down in East Taunton, near 
the Forge. The schoolmaster as well as the minister 
of that early day was paid at public expense, as a 
public benefactor and a public necessity, in the cur- 
rency, of the time,— iron. Thomas Leonard kept the 
account with him in this book from 1G83 to 1687. 
His name was James Green. It would be interesting 
if we could give other names, but the record is not at 
hand. 

We know the provision which our fathers made 
for the education of their children. The colonial 
laws were very strict on this subject, and made it 
certain every town should have not only a minister 
but a schoolmaster. The town was one school dis- 
trict, owned its school property, and controlled the 
schools through a superintending committee. This 
was the system of school management for more than 
two centuries. It was not till 182(i the district system 
was established dividing each town into smaller dis- 
tricts, which should own their school-houses and other 
school property, and through a prudential committee- 
man select and contract with the teacher, and attend 
to supplies for the school. There were still a town 
school committee, to examine and indorse the teach- 
ers, and with a general supervision, but their author- 
ity, of course, was weakened and their guiding influ- 
ence less felt. There could not be that unity of action 
and wise method of administering the schools, with 
so many varying and sometimes conflicting parties to 
be consulted and provided for. Thus, in 1864, when 
the town became a city, the people were probably 
glad to return to the primitive municipal system of 
caring for the schools tlirough one general committee, 
who subsequently appointed a superintendent to give 
all his time to the work. 

This superintendent. Dr. W. W. Waterman, has 
recently written and published an able paper on the 
duty of a commonwealth to educate its children, 
which shows him to be thoroughly acquainted with 
his business, and possessed of a suitable enthusiasm. 
His school report also in 1876 is stored with much 
historical matter, from which I gladly draw for my 
present use. 

His remarks on the classification of studies and the 
grading of the schools are to the point. Until eigh- 
teen years ago, the studies adjudged requisite to a 
common school education were all taught in each 
separate elementary school. Pupils began and ended 
their ^education in the same grade of school, except 
when they resorted to the classical or high scliool for 
more thorough instruction or further advancement; 
but whenever a school occupied two or more school- 



rooms, or was taught by more than one teacher, the 
sections into which such school was divided were ar- 
ranged with reference to the relative attainments of 
the pupils and an economical classification of instruc- 
tion. These sections, constituting progressive stages, 
were commonly known as lower and higher depart- 
ments, sometimes as primary and grammar depart- 
ments. With the large growth of population at the 
Centre, it was thought that the philosophical principle 
of division of labor and concentration of ability which 
had been applied with benefit to instruction in the 
larger schools might be embodied.advantageously in 
a more comprehensive system of school as well as 
class gradation. Accordingly, in 1858, there was a 
consolidation of school districts contiguous to the 
Green, containing nearly one-half of the pupils in 
town. Next the schools were classified in grades. A 
graduated, consecutive course of study was systemati- 
cally arranged, and an appropriate part of the course 
was assigned to each grade. The classes of the higher 
or grammar grade occupied a portion of the large 
central building, the Cohannet Street school-house. 
A part of that building and the smaller school-houses 
were appropriated to the lower classes. The high 
school was permanently established in 1849, although 
previous to that time a similar school had been kept 
temporarily in difierent sections of the town. The 
present system of graduated classification and study 
was instituted in 1862, and in 1871 the high school 
became a part of the system of school gradation, thus 
making three grades, known as primary, grammar, 
and high. The larger portion of the primary schools 
are in separate buildings, containing from one to six 
school-rooms each. Pupils are admitted at five years 
of age, and the course of instruction is designed for 
five years. The grammar schools have no age quali- 
fication, although ten or twelve years would be the 
usual age. The course of instruction comprises four 
steps, each requiring about one year. The primary 
and grammar courses together comprise the complete 
course of elementary instruction designed for all the 
pupils. 

The high school constitutes the third and last 
grade of the system. The course of instruction com- 
prises four steps, each designed for one year. The 
studies are: English Language, including Grammar, 
Rhetoric, English Literature, -Reading, Writing, Or- 
thography, Orthoepy, Composition, Declamation ; 
Latin, French, Greek; Algebra, Geometry, Trigo- 
nometry, Surveying, Elementary Mechanics, Prac- 
tical Problems in Arithmetic, Natural Philosophy, 
Chemistry, Physiology, Physical Geography, Geology, 
Botany, Zoology, Astronomy; Intellectual Philosophy, 
Political Economy, and Constitution of the United 
States, General History, Ancient Geography, and 
History; Free-Hand Drawing; Vocal Music. 

Besides the foregoing, the system comprises also 
evening elementary schools and an evening drawing 
school. 



TAUNTOX. 



801 



The good State of Massachusetts intends that its 
citizens shall be educated, at least so as to read and 
write and master the common branches of education. 
Towards this end its legislation has tended, and every 
child between the ages of eight and fourteen must 
attend the free school provided at least twenty weeks 
of the year. This is considerably less than half the 
year, and it would seem, if their work was needed 
for the support of the family, thirty weeks should be 
enough for this purpose. So our legislators thought, 
and no employer of labor has the right to hire a child 
between these ages without a certificate of having at- 
tended school the year preceding such employment 
the specified time. This is called " compulsory edu- 
cation," and it is a credit to the commonwealth. The 
number of children in Taunton, according to the cen- 
sus of 1882, between the ages of eight and fourteen, 
was two thousand four hundred and forty-five. The 
number between those ages in the public schools for 
the school year ending Aug. .31, 1882, was 2387, show- 
ing that the law of the commonwealth is respected in 
the city of Taunton. The whole number of different 
pupils of every age in the public day schools for the 
same year was 4004, — 2112 males, 1892 females. The 
cost of the public schools for this year was $50,190.60. 

The number of teachers employed iu the twenty- 
nine school-houses proper for the public day schools 
is seventy-six, with occasional temporary help. For 
the evening elementary school and evening drawing 
school in rooms hired for the purpose eight teacliers 
are employed. In the Cohannet Street school, which 
is the largest grammar school, with a primary de- 
partment, Mr. Clarence F. Boyden is employed as 
principal, at a salary of fourteen hundred dollars, with 
eleven assistants. At the Weir, Mr. Horatio D. 
Newton serves as principal, at a salary of twelve 
hundred dollars, with eight assistants. At Whit- 
tenton, Mr. Edward S. Hersey is principal; salary, 
eleven hundred dollars, with six assistants. The high 
school is in charge of Mr. Charles S. Moore ; salary, 
seventeen hundred dollars, with three assistants. The 
school is worthy of better school accommodations 
than are at present provided, but in the near future a 
high school building, which will be a credit to the 
city and a comfort to the scholars, is certain. The 
principals of the high school, running back from the 
present, have been as follows: John P. Swinerton, 
Laban E. Warren, Charles P. Gorely, Silas D. Pres- 
brey, William E. Fuller, John Ruggles, William L. 
Gage, Ozias C. Pitkin, Justin Field, Frederic Crafts. 

The school could hardly be called a fixture, but 
rather a foot-ball under Messrs. Crafts and Field, for, 
as the writer well remembers, it was not only a mov- 
able institution, but much spoken against, as the 
records of the town-meetings from 1838 onward will 
show. Under the wise administration of Mr. Pitkin, 
however, from 1849 to 1854, who was an eminent ed- 
ucator, it grew in favor with the people, and they at 
length allowed it to locate and live. 
51 



' No history of the educational interests of Taunton 
would be complete without the Bristol Academy, 
which had its beginning in the last century (in 1792). 
It is a pleasure to acknowledge my indebtedness for 
material to the careful research of my friend, Mr. 

j Charles W. Hartshorn, a long time secretary of the 
board of trustees, from whose notes I am permitted 
to draw. The academy had its origin in an agree- 
ment to form the " Taunton School Society," to pay 
certain sums named, and to abide by some ten rules 

j of agreement carefully set forth. There were four- 

i teen subscribers to this agreement, men prominent 
in Taunton in the latter part of the last century, 
James Tisdale heading the list with a subscription of 
thirty pounds, and John Bowers closing it with a 
like sum, Samuel Leonard the same, and others less, 
in all amounting to seven hundred and ten pounds. 

On the 30th of June, 1792, on petitiou of David 
Cobb and others, Walter Spooner, William Baylies, 
David Cobb, Elisha May, James Williams, Apollos 
Leonard, Seth Padelford, Samuel Fales, Samuel Leon- 
ard, Simeon Tisdale, James Tisdale, Joseph Tisdale, 
and Jonathan Cobb were appointed trustees of Bristol 
Academy and incorporated under that name, " for the 
purpose of promoting piety, morality, and patriotism, 
and for the education of youth, etc." The first meet- 
ing of the trustees was held at Josiah Crocker's, Sept. 

i 21, 1792. James Williams was chosen secretary; 
Walter Spooner, president ; David Cobb, vice-presi- 
dent ; Seth Padelford, treasurer. A committee was 
chosen to " form a coad of bye-laws," and another to 
provide or point out a suitable piece of, ground to 
build upon, and each trustee directed to exert him- 

! self to obtain subscriptions. 

From this date there were a number of meetings 
and votes, showing the work to be in progress, until 
March 7, 1796, when a committee was appointed " to 
enquire and procure an Instructor," and another " to 
make enquiry respecting boarding scholars." The 
following action, was also taken : " Whereas Bristol 
Academy was promoted and established principally 
by the exertions of David Cobb, Esq., a late trustee 
of said academy ; therefore voted unanimously that 
the thanks of the trustees of said academy be presented 
to the said David Cobb, Esq., for his great and'friendly 
exertions in favor of said academy, and that he be 
informed by the secretary that the trustees do con- 
sider him entitled to the honor of being the patron 
and the founder of the .same." 

At an adjournment of this meeting, April 6, 1796, 
" the trustees made choice of Mr. Simeon Doggett, 
Jr., for a preceptor." 

The first meeting of the trustees held at the acad- 
emy appears to have been July 4, 1796, when "Miss 
Sally Cady was chosen preceptress." The academy 
was formally opened July 18th, when an address was 
delivered by the preceptor, Mr. Doggett, which by 
request of the trustees was afterwards printed. No 

1 other mention is made of the opening in the records, 



802 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



but it is otherwise learned that Deacon Jeremiah 
Sumner, of Taunton, composed his famous "Ode on 
Science" i'or that occasion. The building then dedi- 
cated stood nearer the northwest corner of the acad- 
emy lot tlian the present one, and ironting towards 
Summer Street. It answered a good educational pur- 
pose for more than lialf a century, when it was sold 
and removed to Broadway, just north of the Catholic 
Church, where it is still occupied as a tenement- 
house. 

At a meeting of tlio trustees, Feb. 1, 1S49, a com- 
mittee appointed "to suggest improvements" speak 
of the academy building as " not so well adapted to 
its uses as it ought to be." Aug. 14, 1850, the pre- 
ceptor, in his report, urgently aslss for a new build- 
ing, stating the number of pupils to be " one hundred 
and eleven." George A. Crocker was appointed com- 
mittee to procure subscriptions. Feb. 19, 1851, Mr. 
Crocker reported a list of subscriptions amounting to 
five thousand eight hundred and ninety-five dollars, 
a Tisdale again, this time Samuel T., standing at the 
head, with Mr. Crocker himself, for one thousand dol- 
lars each, and a committee was chosen to erect the 
new building. " 1852, August 25th, the board met at 
the new academy at 10 a.m. to witness the exercises 
of dedication. At 10.15 the exercises began. Rev. 
Mr. Maltby made a few introductory remarks. A 
hymn was sung by a select choir, led by William B. 
Crandell. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Maltby. 
The secretary. Rev. Mr. Bingliani, read a short his- 
torical sketch of the institution. The ' Ode on Science,' 
written foi; the first dedication, was then sung. Next 
an address on classical education was delivered by 
Professor C. C. Felton, of Harvard University, and a 
hymn, written for the occasion by Mr. Hodges Reed, 
closed the performances." 

It is difficult to ascertain the number of pupils iu 
the earlier years of the academy, as it was not gen- 
erally entered upon the records. 

At a special meeting of the trustees, Aug. 19, 1800, 
a committee was appointed "to inquire of Mr. Dog- 
gett the usual emolument of his otfice as preceptor." 
An old i)aper is found, in the handwriting of Mr. 
Doggett, which gives the number of pupils for four 
years, the amount received for tuition, etc. The 
average of pupils for the first year was 94 ; the 
second, 84; the third, 50; the fourth, 50. During 
the first year of Mr. Bellows' service as preceptor the 
number of pupils for tlie first term was 52 ; the 
second, 76; tlie third, 66; tlie fourth, 80. At the 
meeting of the trustees, Nov. 19, 1852, at the close 
of the first term in the new building, it is recorded 
"the whole number of names on the register of the 
fall term, 148." 

The preceptors of the academy from tlie beginning 
have been as follows : 

Simeon Doggett, Jr., from April 6, 1796, to April 
17, 1813; Luther Bailey, from April 17, 1813, to Oct. 
11, 1816; Otis Pierce, from Oct. 16, 1816, to April 1, 



1818; John Brewer, from April 27, 1818, to July 10, 
1818; John Hubbard Wilkins, from July 20, 1818, 
to Aug. 18, 1819; Otis Pierce, from Aug. 18, 1819, to 
May 23, 1821 ; John Goldsbury, from May 23, 1821, 
10 April 8, 1824; John Lee Watson, from May 13, 
1824, to April 30, 1828; Frederick Crafts, from June 
23, 1828, to June 7, 1837 ; John N. Bellows, from 
June 7, 1837, to Aug. 23, 1838 ; Mr. Leach (ad in- 
ferim), from Sept. 6, 1838,- to Sept. 24, 1838; Nich- 
olas A. Clarke, from Sept. 24, 1838, to Aug. 17, 1842; 
John D. Sweet, from Dec. 1, 1842, to May 27, 1844 ; Mr. 
Walker (one term), from June 5, 1844, to — ; John N". 
Bellows, from Aug. 21, 1844, to Feb. 9, 1846; Samuel 
R. Townsend, from March 2, 1846, to May, 1849; 
Henry B. Wheelwright, from Sept. 1, 1849, to Dec. 
20, 1854; John E. Sanford, from Jan. 10, 1855, to 
Aug. 3, 1855; Henry S. Nourse, from Aug. 29, 1855, 
to Aug. 7, 1857 ; Joseph A. Hale, from Aug. 24, 1857, 
to Feb. 15, 1859; William G. Gordon, from Feb. 15, 
1859, to Feb. 3, 1864; Robert E. Babson, from Feb. 
18, 1864, to March 22, 1864; James L. Perry, from 
March 22, 1864, to Feb. 10, 1865 ; Henry Leonard, from 
March 3, 1865, to July 2, 1869 ; William H. French, 
from Aug. 27, 1869, to — ; J. C. Bartlett, from July 1, 

1870, to July 30, 1871 ; J. Russell Reed, from Oct. 13, 

1871, to- July 3, 1874; Arthur Driver, from Aug. 12, 
1874, to July n, 1877; J. C. Barlett, from July 18, 
1877, to June 25, 1880 ; Frederic Farnsworth, from 
July 2, 1880, the present preceptor, under whose 
management the academy is in a flourishing condi- 
tion. His assistants are George F. Chace, A.M., 
Miss Anna L: Bonney, Miss Julia A. Sampson, 
primary department. 

" The present year," writes Preceptor Farnsworth, 
" is the most successful in point of numbers and in- 
come from tuition for the past quarter of a century. 
Average number attending, about ninety-three ; re- 
ceipts, about ibur thousand dollars. These figures 
include the primary department. About one-third 
of the pupils come from out of the city, representing 
some ten difi'erent towns. Nearly a quarter of the 
pupils are fitting for college. We expect to send six 
young men to college at the end of the present school 
year, besides several others who expect to take pre- 
liminary examination." 

It would be an interesting list of names, could we 
find it, of those who have been the educators of the 
children and young people of Taunton during the 
two centuries and a half nearly of its history. To 
say that the generations of men and women have 
been largely fashioned by these hundreds and per- 
haps thousands of school-teachers is not speaking 
extravagantly. Teaching has taken its rank as it 
should among the " learned" professions. Normal 
schools educate the educators. Republics are some- 
times charged with being "ungrateful," but faithful, 
life-long teachers are remembered with gratitude by 
their pupils of " long ago." I have heard the names 
of Taunton teachers spoken of with affection, and 



TAUNTON. 



803 



familiar as household words, — "Ma'am Wilbur, Mrs. 
Barney, Harriet Prentice, Mercy Grossman, the Til- 
linghast sisters, — Fanny, Mary, and Joanna, — Fred- 
erick Crafts, Elias Morse." These represent tlie 
teachers of both sexes of a past generation, who have 
long since ceased from their labors. There are more 
recent names, some of them among the living, which 
represent an influence beginning with early child- 
hood and entering into the warp and woof, the 
texture of an endless being. Such names are George 
C Wilson, A. A. Leach, Luthera H. Leach, Eliza 
Drake, May G. Reed, Ann D. Reed, Emma Payson, 
Ellen Luscomb, 

Mr. Alvin B. Winch was the first teacher of vocal 
music in the public schools, commencing about 1870. 
His SOD, William I., and brother, John F,, are emi- 
nent vocalists in Boston. Mr. Winch was distin- 
guished in his profession. On his decease, in March, 
1881, jMr. Milton R. French, of rare musical ability, 
was chosen his successor, and still teaches. 

It was a felicitous thought of some of "the boys" 
of twenty years ago, including the names of the pres- 
ent mayor, city treasurer, register of deeds, and rep- 
resentative business men of this and other cities, to 
send to one of these teachers, Mr. A. A. Leach, a 
gold-headed cane, with an affectionate note, to which 
he thus responded: • 

"Taunton, March 19,1883. 
*' To THE BoTs: 

"Accept my heartfelt thanks for your valuable and wliolly unex- ' 
pected gift aiul for the kind words accumpauying tlie same. j 

" These words aud the names of go many of my former scholars recall 
to mind the time when we, as teacherand pupils, sat together in the old | 
school-room ; and if the room was not so spacious or the furniture bo j 
elegant, perhaps the lessons there learned were as good a preparation I 
for the battle of life as those recei%'ed under Diore favorable circum- 
stances at the present day. 

"It is very gratifying to me, I assure you. to know that after the 
'lapse of so many years yon have not forgotten your old gchoolmaeter. 
And, while I am well aware of my many imperfections as your teacher, 
I comfort myself with the reflection that it was always my earnest en- 
deavor tu do my duly faithfully and impartially. 

*' And now, my dear friends, I again tender to you, one and all, my 
most sincere thanks for your kind remembrance, and my best wishes for 
yonr present and future well-being. 

"Yours very truly, 

"A. A. Leaoh. 

*' To Horatio L. Cushniau, Henry W.Colby, Joseph K.Wilbar, Edward 
A. Presbrey, linwers Wood, Geoige H. Tanswell, Charles A. Morse, 
Henry S. Washburn, Daniel H. Mason, George A. Washburn, Baylies 
W'ood, Gordon H. Godfrey." 

This answer to " the boys" moved one of them to 
pen the following lines : 

** So these were ' boys,' — these with the care-worn look 

Of twoscore years or more upon their bmw. 

Were these grim fellows we are greeting now 
The old-time urchins of the slate and book ? 
Him wiih the sober phiz and trim cravat, 

Whose face scarce ever breaks into a smile, — 
Was this the youth who donned the old straw hat 

And, barefoot, trudged for many a weary mile? 

*' And this strong, burly chap of fourteen stone, 
Who romped in boyish sport upon ' the Green' 
In those old days, — didst ever think, I ween, 
Thy work should be the saddest task of all : 
To shroud and decorate the funeral pall 
Of friends and schoolmates thou so well hailst known ? 



"And one, whose came appeared upon the list. 

Who wandered from us at an early day ; 
I wonder if the little boy we missed 

Has laid his youthful bioks and pranks away ? 
I think of him with fresh and ruddy cheek, — 

This truant bee from our scholastic hive, — 
I have in mind a child with bearing meek, 

And not the bearded man of forty-five. 

"And thou, whose genial look and pleasant eye 
Foreshadowed, even in that youthful time, 
The fair fulfillment of tliy manhood's prime; 
Did ever once a tliouglit possess thy brain 
That thou wouldst play the soldier o'er agalu 
With deadly arm^ and earnest battle cry? 

Didst ever think that on some hard-fought field. 
When either combatant disdained to yield, 
That thou wouldst bear away the cruel scar 
That marks the terrors of ' grim-visaged war'? 

" Ah ! dear old comrades, we but little thought 

The mimic battles that we daily fought 

Were embryotic forms of real strife 

To paint the conflict of a struggling life. 
How little did our boyish reasoning mark 

The ebb and flow of all those troublnus tides, 

Whose narrow channels are but treach'rons guides 
Upon the stream where human lives embaik. 

" And yet the * boy is father to the man,' 

And did we know it, each of us might trace 
Even in childhood,! he imperfect plan 

That in the years shall stare us in the face. 
Alas ! we learn the question quite too late 
To shape for better ends our earthly fate. 
One thing alone is taught us hard and fast, 
We are but ' boys' and shall he to the last." 

Water-Works.^ — The year 1875 was a fortunate 
one for Taunton. It was the birth-year of a project 
for supplying the city with an abundance of pure and 
wholesome water. The early history of the enter- 
prise is but the history of all progressive movements 
in their beginning. The plan once seriously proposed, 
and the now familiar objections were at once put for- 
ward. The city did not need a public water supply, 
the people were not ready for it, the condition of the 
public treasury would not permit the outlay which 
would be required if water were introduced in unlim- 
ited quantities, the public health would be actually 
endangered because of the lack of any sufficient 
sewers and drains to carry away tiie flood, — these and 
other objections more or less fanciful were urged by 
the timid and conservative. And now, eight years 
later, the project of 1875 is an accomplished fact, a 
thing of seven years' growth, an indispensable depart- 
ment of the municipal economy. And what of those 
who opposed the scheme? With scarcely an excep- 
tion they are now to be counted among the strongest 
friends of the water department, and would loudly 
protest against any curtailment or restriction of its 
beneficent operations. 

The need of a supply of water more abundant and 
certain than that furnished by wells, public reservoirs, 
or private cisterns seems first to have been felt in the 
fire department. In his report to the City Council 
for 1871, Chief Engineer Edward Mott says, "We 

1 By William R. Billings. 



804 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



have reason to feel thankful for the liberal appro- 
priation made the past year for reservoirs, yet a large 
fire in some parts of our city would demonstrate the 
want of several more. As this is a matter of so much 
importance, I would respectfully call your attention 
to the expediency of introducing water into the city 
from some neighboring ponds, which would be a great 
benefit to the fire department. It could also be used 
for domestic and mechanical purposes." But this 
appeal brought no response. In October, 1872, the 
Albion Lead-Works, on Walnut Street, were wholly 
destroyed by fire. All the available public reservoirs 
and private cisterns were pumped dry, and as a last 
resort a line of hose three thousand five hundred feet 
in length was laid to the river in order to get water 
to protect surrounding property. 

In his report for 1872, Chief Engineer Mott calls 
attention to this and other fires, renews his appeal for 
more water, and appears to be somewhat discouraged, 
for he says, " In the absence of any prospect of water 
being introduced into the city for a long time to 
come, it will be necessary to build several reservoirs 
each year." 

Mayor Fox, in his inaugural for 1873, says that the 
greatest need of the fire department is a sufficient 
supply of water, but he makes no suggestion as to 
what should be done. 

On the 7th of May, 1873, an extensive fire occurred 
on Broadway, in the building known as Jones' Athe- 
n«um. The fire was bravely fought, but against the 
heavy odds resulting from the lack of suificient 
water. 

At last the attention of the city government seems 
to have been aroused, for on May 14th, seven days 
after this last conflagration, we find that in the board 
of aldermen it was "ordered that the committee on 
fire department be requested to consider and report 
whether any steps can be taken to provide a better 
supply of water in case of fire." This order was 
received from the Common Council and was adopted 
in concurrence. The members of this committee 
were Aldermen John Holland and Charles H. At- 
wood, Councilmen Benjamin L. Walker, Henry 8. 
Harris, and Onias S. Paige, and they brought in 
their report July 2, 1873. 

From this report it does not appear that the com- 
mittee approached the subject with any boldness or 
with any intention of doing more than the immediate 
needs of the fire department seemed to demand. 
They admit in their report that a need of more water 
in time of fire exists, but confine themselves to two 
recommendations, namely: first, that openings be 
made in the bridges at Winthrop Street and at Weir 
Street, for the use of the fire department ; and sec- 
ond, that such alterations be made upon the small 
reservoir on Winthrop Street as will afford a better 
supply ; the expense not to exceed two hundred dol- 
lars, the same to be paid from the appropriation for 
public improvements. These suggestions were adopted 



by the City Council, and were carried out under the 
direction of the committee and the chief engineer of 
the fire department. 

That these measures were of no especial value is 
shown by the fact that in his report. for 1873 Mr. 
Mott again brought the matter forward, and asked 
for a .special committee to consider the subject. Ap- 
parently no attention was paid to the request, for we 
find no record that any such committee was ap- 
pointed during the year 1874. 

But even now, when it appeared that nothing had 
been done to secure to Taunton the many benefits be- 
longing to a public water supply, the city had un- 
wittingly taken a most fortunate step toward that 
end. 

Wit)] tlie co-operation of other cities and towns in 
its district, this city sent, in 1874, Hon. William C. 
Lovering to the State Senate. Mr. Lovering was 
placed upon the Committee on Drainage and Water 
Supply, and from this vantage ground he could see 
clearly the city's need of pure and wholesome water. 

No definite steps were taken during the year 1874, 
but subsequent events plainly show that Senator 
Lovering returned to his seat in 1875 with the firm 
conviction that the time had come when prompt and 
effective measures should be set on foot to secure to 
the city by charter the right to take and hold the 
waters either of Taunton River, or of some of the 
neighboring ponds. 

We are now brought to the opening of the year 
1875, and very soon we find the question of water or 
no water squarely before the public. Mayor Babbitt 
in his inaugural makes no mention of the need for 
water-works, either for fire or domestic purposes, but 
Engineer Mott, in his report for 1874, speaks of the 
subject at greater length than in any previous report, 
and intimates that he has received suggestions and 
encouragement from several citizens aa to ways and 
means. For the first time the Municipal Board of 
Health seems to realize that the question has some 
interest from its point of view, and says in its report, 
" the expediency of introducing water for the purpose 
of flushing drains of the city is impressing its import- 
ance on the Board of Health from the frequency of 
the complaints of nuisances resulting from their filthy 
condition." 

From this time on the history of the movement in 
its various stages is fairly told in the columns of the 
Daily Gazette. In this journal for Jan. 11, 1875, we 
find an anonymous' article urging the adoption of a 
system of water-works, and outlining a plan which is 
evidently based upon the Holly system of direct 
pumping, and which selects the Middleborough ponds 
as the location for the pumping-station. 

On the 15th of February there appeared in the 
same columns a vigorous article from the pen of Sen- 



1 This article was probably writtt-n by Percy M. Blake, a civil engi- 
neer residing in Tunntoti. 



TAUNTON. 



805 



ator Loveriug. In exact and forcible language he 
calls attention to the city's needs, declares that the 
investigations made by other cities and towns have 
shown the uncertainty which exists as to the purity 
of well-water in thickly-settled communities, and 
pointedh' asks if Taunton can suppose that it is any 
more fortunate in this respect than other places. He 
says further that the city should lose no time in se- 
curing the right to the Middleborough ponds or Taun- 
ton River, and believes that as posterity is to reaf) so 
large a share of the benefits of the plan, that it should 
share the expense, and therefore recommends the issu- 
ing of thirty-year bonds and the creation of a sink- 
ing fund to |)rovide for their payment at maturity. 

Public attention had now been called to the matter, 
and a petition for a preliminary survey, headed by 
Senator Lovering, was soon in circulation. Hon. 
Edmund Baylies gave evidence of his wise public 
spirit by his interest in the scheme, and wrote to Mr 
Lovering, expressing his readiness to bear his share 
of the expense of such a survey. The petition found 
ready signers among the leading manufacturers and 
property-owners, and was presented to the Common 
Council at its meeting, March 3, 1875, and on the 
same evening there was presented in the Board of 
Aldermen an order directing the a]ipointment of a 
joint special committee, "with instructions to ascer- 
tain from what ponds or other sources in the city or 
vicinity a sufficient supply of pure water to meet the 
present and future wants of the city can be obtained, 
and that the committee be authorized to have such 
surveys and estimates made as will furnish full and 
reliable data relating to the sources of supply and the 
cost of constructing the necessary works, and report 
the same in print to the City Council." 

Before its final passage, on March 17th, the order 
received two amendments, one authorizing the com- 
mittee to expend the sum of five hundred dollars, the 
other fixing tlie number of the committee at eight, — 
three aldermen and five councilmen. By this arrange- 
ment each ward in the city secured a representative, 
and the committee consisted of Aldermen Henry S. 
Harris, Onias S. Paige, N. S. Williams, and Council- 
men Everett D. Godfrey, George P. King, Charles P. 
White, Zephaniah Hodges, and Thomas Leach. 

To get a committee appointed from the City Coun- 
cil is no difficult matter, but the attempt to secure an 
appropriation for a new scheme is generally consid- 
ered a severe test of the strength of the movement. 

The friends of water were jubilant, and proceeded 
at once to make the most of the opportunities given 
them. New names were added almost daily to the 
list of those who .supported the scheme, but from the 
time of his appointment no one was more active and 
earnest in the work of pushing forward the project 
than Henry S. Harris, the chairman of the joint spe- 
cial committee. 

News of the project had got abroad by this time, 
and representatives of pump-builders began to make 



their appearance in the city. The following item in 
the Gazette of March IGth indicates the condition of 
the public mind: "The city is thoroughly waked up 
on the water supply question, and everywhere it is 
the topic of conversation. Advocates of river water 
and upholders of pond water meet in dire wordy bat- 
tles on all possible occasions, and all the arguments 
that can be begged, borrowed, or stolen are duly ven- 
tilated in season and out of season. If the agitation 
brings us in the fiuid no one will be sorry." 

Chairman Harris and his committee found plenty 
to do. They prepared a series of questions, which 
was sent to a large number of cities and towns then 
supplied with water. It would seem that the com- 
mittee were already favorably impressed with the 
idea of dispensing with a reservoir, for many of these 
questions bore directly upon the merits and defects of 
the so-called Holly system of direct pumping. They 
began an examination by chemical analysis of the 
waters of Taunton River, of Elder's and other ponds 
in Lakeville, and of wells in various portions of the 
city. The banks of the river were examined to dis- 
cover their value for the construction of filter-beds, 
levels were taken of the most important points in the 
city and vicinity, and the preparation of a water act, 
which the Legislature was to be asked to enact, was 
begun. 

The chemical analyses were made by Professor 
William Ripley Nichols, the leveling was done by 
Engineers Montgomery and Blake, and in the prepa- 
ration of the Water Act the services of Senator Lover- 
ing were invaluable. 

At its meeting April 7th the City Council authorized 
the mayor to petition the General Court for the pass- 
age of the Water Act and for permission to issue 
twenty-year bonds to the amount of two hundred 
thousand dollars. An act granting both of these re- 
quests was approved May 19, 1875. The right to the 
Middleborough ponds was not obtained without some 
opposition from Lakeville, Middleborough, and New 
Bedford, and an examination of sections 1 and 10 of 
the Water Act will show that certain conditions were 
affixed to the privileges accorded to Taunton. 

On the 7th of July the joint special committee 
made its report, which was received by the City 
Council in joint convention, and one thousand copies 
were afterwards ordered printed. This report is much 
too long to be quoted here, and its principal points 
can only be named. As to the quantity of water re- 
quired, the committee say that though the present 
actual need is nine hundred thousand gallons, they 
cannot "recommend any source which would not at 
any time supply twice that amount, or, in round num- 
bers, say two million gallons in twenty-four hours," 
and for a source of supply they are evidently, though 
cautiously, inclined to favor Taunton River. A report 
from Profe.ssor Nicjiols is included in the committee's 
report, giving the results of his examination of the 
samples of water submitted to him, and Percy M. 



806 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Blake, C.E., presents certain plans and estimates 
with an accompanying map. Did space permit, it 
would be interesting to compare the actual figures 
with the committee's table, showing the estimated 
receipts from water rates. We must content our- 
selves with quoting their estimate of the direct annual 
income of $16,529, and saying that these figures were 
realized in 1878. The following estimates for various 
plans were presented : Total cost of reservoir plan, 
$479,779.39 ; total cost of stand-pipe plan, $300,850.46 ; 
total cost of Holly plan, $249,730; and the report 
closes with a letter from the Bangor Water Committee 
giving their conclusions as to the best methods of 
supplying cities with water. 

The recommendations of the joint special com- 
mittee are in substance that the river scheme, by 
direct pumping, is the most advantageous for the city, 
that the present is a most favorable time to contract 
for the building of the work, owing to the low price 
of iron and of labor, and they "earnestly hope that 
the time is not far away when we shall all rejoice in 
its perfect consummation." 

During the month of July, Engineer Blake had on 
exhibition at the City Hall and in a room in Jones' 
Block, Broadway, apparatus for filtering water taken 
from Taunton River. These exhibitions served to 
keep alive popular interest in the subject, and showed 
that good results might be obtained by artificial filtra- 
tion of water taken directly from the river. At its 
meeting of Aug. 4, 1875, there was laid before the 
City Council a petition signed by Hon. Edmund H. 
Bennett and many others asking the Council to cause 
warrants for ward meetings to be issued, at which the 
citizens should, by their votes, accept or reject the 
water act passed by the Legislature. Warrants were 
accordingly issued for Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1875. 

The friends of water made systematic eftbrts to 
secure a full vote. Two preliminary business meet- 
ings were held in Bank Hall September 10th and 14th. 
Rallying committees were appointed in each -ward, 
and arrangements were made for a mass meeting in 
Music Hall on the evening preceding the day of 
election. This meeting was large and enthusiastic. 
Hon. Wm. C. Lovering presided, and the National 
Band, from its station in the gallery, enlivened the 
scene with strains of music. The speakers were Mr. J. 
A. Richard.son, of the Holly Company, James Brown, 
Esq., Hon. E. H. Bennett, Dr. Joseph Murphy, Hon. 
Harrison Tweed, and T. T. Flagler, president of the 
Holly Company. 

On the following day this question was answered 
by the citizens at the polls, "Shall the act to supply 



the city of Taunton 
and in this manner: 



ith pure water be accepted 5 



Vaid 1 


Yes. 

278 

182 


No. 

m 

15 

24 

54 

103 


\Vard G 


Yes. 
98 


No. 
107 


.4 O 


" 7 


16 


125 


" 3 


285 

168 

12 




" 4 

" 6 




1194 


670 



The result was a surprise to even the friends of the 



measure. As was to be expected, the opposition 
came mainly from the outside wards, for the greatest 
betiefits of the proposed .scheme would not imme- 
diateh' be felt by residents in those wards. 

In Board of Aldermen, October 6th, the joint 
special committee were instructed to continue their 
investigations, to make definite recommendations as 
to where and how the water was to be obtained, to 
decide upon the area over which the pipes should at 
first be laid, and to present estimates of the cost of 
construction, and in this order the Common Council 
concurred. 

In a resolve authorizing a water loan of two hun- 
dred thousand dollars, which was introduced at this 
meeting, the Common Council did not concur, and in 
the Board of Aldermen it was passed only by the cast- 
ing vote of Mayor Babbitt. Upon this same evening, 
however, the City Council in joint convention elected 
Marcus M. Rhodes, Parley I. Perrin, and Henry S. 
Harris as water commissioners for periods of one, 
two, and three years, respectively, from January, 
1876. To aid them in obtaining the information re- 
quired by the City Council, certain members of the 
joint special committee visited, in company with 
Commissioners-elect Perrin and Rhodes, several cities 
and towns where water had been introduced, and in 
the month of December they made their final report. 
This report, though shorter than that of July 7th, is 
too long for quotation, but in it we find the following 
things recommended : a filter-bed at shallow water on 
the northerly side of Taunton River; a twenty-four- 
inch conduit leading therefrom to the pump-well at 
the pumping-station ; the pumping-station to be 
located on the lot belonging to Ebenezer Hall, on 
Dean Street, near the old wharf. A distributing 
system consisting of a twenty-inch force-main to 
City Square, with twelve-, ten-, and eight-inch 
branches at that point to different portions of the 
city, and enough smaller pipe to make a total length 
of about twenty-four miles, with one hundred and 
eighty hydrants and seventy-five gates. The stand- 
pipe and reservoir plans are put one side, and the 
direct-pumping system is emphatically declared to be 
the best suited to the city's needs and circumstances. 
The total cost is placed at two hundred and forty-five 
thousand dollars. The committee wish it distinctly 
understood that they do not advocate any particular 
kind of pumping-machinery, and name the Worth- 
ington, the Holly, or the Flanders pump as being 
then in use in direct-pumping systems. 

Things so far had in the main gone well with the 
friends of the water-works project, but there was one 
serious obstacle which must be removed or conquered 
in some way. The public statutes regulating muni- 
cipal indebtedness required a two-thirds vote of the 
City Council to authorize the issue of a water loan. 
The failure to get from the City Council of 1875 a 
two-thirds vote in favor of a resolution authorizing a 
water loan of two hundred thousand dollars showed 



TAUNTON. 



807 



that the task of conquering the opposition was to be 
a serious one ; the friends of the measure, therefore, set 
at worli: to remove the obstacle by direct application 
to the Genera! Court. 

So well did they succeed in their endeavors that by 
Feb. 28, 1876, they had secured the passage of an act 
which permits any city which has accepted a water 
act by a two-thirds popular vote to contract debts and 
issue bonds for the purposes named in said act by a 
vote of the majoritij of the members of each branch 
of the City Council. To the untiring efforts of Hon. 
William C. Lovering the prompt passage of this act 
was mainly due, and a most important step it was in 
the history of the project, for had the City Council of 
1876 failed, as did that of 1875, to authorize a water 
loan, the success of the scheme would have been in- 
deed doubtful. Happily for Taunton, however, a 
serious obstacle to its progress had been removed, and 
on March 1, 1876, the Board of Aldermen by a vote of 
five to three passed a resolution authorizing a two 
hundred thousand dollars loan, and two weeks later 
the same resolution received in the Common Council 
a vote of sixteen in its favor to seven against it. 

It will be noted that this loan was not sufficient to 
permit the city to enter upon the construction of 
works as extensive as those suggested by the joint 
special committee in their report of December, 1875. 

The work was now fairly in the hands of the 
AVater Commissioners, and with the passage of the 
$200,000 appropriation by the City Council their 
duties really began. After some deliberation the 
services of Mr. George H. Bishop, of Middletown, 
Conn., were secured as consulting engineer. With 
his assistance the commissioners entered upon the 
work of preparing plans which could be executed 
for the sum placed at their disposal, and by April 
24th they were prepared to advertise for proposals 
for furnishing and laying the main pipe and distri- 
bution and for the engines and pumping-niachinery. 

These plans included an open filter basin lying in 
the land of Alexander H. Williams, on the southerly 
side of Taunton River, and separated therefrom by 
about one hundred feet of the natural bank. The 
length of this basin as finally constructed is four 
hundred feet, its width at the top one hundred feet, 
and at the bottom seventeen feet, and its depth 
twenty-three feet. It was expected that the river 
water would filter through the natural bank into this 
basin to the amount of 1,500,000 gallons per day. 
This basin or canal is connected with the pump-well 
located under the engine-house by a thirty-six-inch 
conduit, having the usual arrangement of screens 
and gates. In addition to this a thirty-inch wrought- 
iron pipe extends from the pump-well directly into 
the river, terminating in a double crib, built of two- 
inch plank. This end of the pipe is eight feet below 
mean low water in the river, and the space between 
the outer and inner crib is filled with small broken 
stone, but this pipe is for use in emergency only. 



The engine- and boiler-house and the chimney are 
of brick with granite underpinning, and the chimney 
is one hundred feet in height. 

There are three boilers sixty inches in diameter 
and sixteen feet long, and each contains fifty-four 
flues three and three-quarter inches in diameter. 

At the appointed time the proposals offered were 
opened and the several propositions examined. It 
was then decided to be for the interest of the city to 
divide the whole work into two contracts, the one to 
embrace the entire distributing system, including hy- 
drants and gates laid and complete in the ground, 
the other to include the filter-basin, the engine- and 
boiler-house as described above, together with the 
engines and pumping-machinery, with all the neces- 
sary fixtures to make the same complete. 

The proposition of R. D. Wood & Co., of Phila- 
delphia, to construct the distributing system accord- 
ing to the specifications, and guaranteed to stand a test 
pressure of two hundred pounds to the square inch, for 
the sum of one hundred and twenty-four thousand 
seven hundred and fifty dollars, was the lowest bid, 
and was accepted. The other contract, which in- 
cluded the pum ping-station in all its details, was given 
to the Holly Manufacturing Company, of Lockport, 
N. Y., for the sum of sixty-two thousand dollars. 

These two contracts were awarded, with the concur- 
rence of the City Council, on the 10th day of May, 
1876. 

Ground was broken for the filter-basin May 15th, 
and immediately afterwards the excavations were 
begun for the foundations of the engine, boiler-house, 
and stack. 

Pipe-laying was begun July 10th, on Alder Street, 
by Mr. Chappell, on the part of R. D. Wood & Co., 
and was completed on the 9th of October following. 
The engine and pumps, with all their appurtenances, 
were completed on the 30th of November, and a pub- 
lic trial was had on the 2d day of December. 

As before stated, the appropriation of two hundred 
thousand dollars required a modification in the plans 
suggested by the committee in their report of Decem- 
ber, 1875. The necessary reduction was effected by 
cutting down the amount of main i)ii>e from twenty- 
four miles to sixteen, and by changing a portion of 
the twenty-inch main tosixteen-inch. As completed 
October 9th the distributing system included the fol- 
lowing territory : The twenty-inch force-main, start- 
ing from the pumping-station, followed the southerly 
bank of the river to a point opposite Dean's Wharf, 
here it crossed the river on the bottom to Dean Street, 
and continued in an unbroken line to the junction of 
Spring Street at the rear of the church green. At 
this point the main line was reduced to sixteen inches, 
and an eight-inch branch was carried along Spring 
Street. The sixteen-inch became twelve-inch at the 
corner of Weir Street and City Square, and the 
twelve-inch was reduced to ten-inch at the corner of 
Cohauuet and High Streets. 



808 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



From City Square eight-inch lines reached out north 
and south to Whittenton and the Weir, and sub-mains 
covered in large part the territory bounded on the 
north by Whittenton Street, on the east by Union and 
Summer Streets, on the south by Second Street, and 
on the west by Pine Street. 

The public trial of the works, which was made De- 
cember 2d, was an unqualified success, and the men 
who " had always said that a system of water-works 
would be a good thing for Taunton" were out in full 
force. During the forenoon three streams at the Weir 
and three at Whittenton were thrown simultaneously 
in order to show the ability of the works to cover fire.s 
at two widely separated points at once. The princi- 
pal display began at 1.30 p.m., when six one-inch 
streams were thrown from hydrants on City Square. 
The number of streams was afterwards increased in 
answer to signals given on the fire bell, until at two 
o'clock fifteen one-inch streams were deluging that 
part of the city extending along Main Street from 
Cedar Street to the junction of Winthrop and Cohan- 
uet Streets. Later in the afternoon a single three- 
inch stream was thrown from a .special connection on 
the sixteen-inch main at the liberty pole. The day 
was a cold one, the mercury showing only eight de- 
grees above zero early in the morning, and after the 
trial the streets looked as if there had been a heavy 
snow-fall, and the buildings on which the streams had 
been thrown as if they had passed through a second 
flood. The total cost of the works as they stood on 
this day of the public trial was ?203,936.83. 

The loan of §200,000 had been negotiated on such 
favorable terms as to command a premium of over 
$20,000, so th:it with the works completed there was 
a balance in the city treasury of $16,000. And now 
in conclusion let us state as briefly as possible the 
condition of the works after seven years of growth 
and extension. The original filter-basin or canal did 
not meet the expectations of its projectors in the 
amount of water which it could furnish, and in 1880 
an additional source of supply was opened by the 
construction of an underground filter conduit. En- 
gineer Bishop was recalled to give advice and super- 
intendence in this work. This conduit, its form and 
construction, is fully described in the fifth annual re- 
port of the water commissioners. It is of brick, egg- 
shaped in section, five feet two inches in height, and 
four feet in its largest transverse diameter. It enters 
the original filter-basin at the northeast corner, and 
follows the bank of the river up stream for a distance 
of eight hundred and sixty-three feet. The commis- 
sioners instructed Engineer Bishop to build this con- 
duit as near the river as .safety would permit, .so that 
as large a supply as possible might be received from 
this source, and accordingly the bank separating the 
river and conduit is nowhere more than thirty or forty 
feet in thickness. The cost of this extension was 
$15,512.23, and the supply, both in quality and quan- 
tity, gives abundant satisfaction. In the year 1877 



seven miles Off pipe, mostly six- and four-inch, were 
laid. In 1880 a second force main of twelve-inch and 
ten-inch pipe was brought from the pumping station 
into the city by way of Williams and County Streets, 
cro.ssing the river on the Neck o' Land Bridge, and in 
1882 the village of Westville was supplied through 
an eight-inch main along the line of Cohannet Street. 
And finally from the seventh annual report of the 
commissioners we learn that the original sixteen miles 
of pipe has increased to forty-two miles, that there 
are in the city 367 hydrants and 238 gates, that the 
number of private services taken from the mains is 
2062, that there are in use 401 meters, and that the 
water rates for the year 1882 brought into the depart- 
ment $26,064.32, exclusive of hydrant service, which 
amounts to $9330 more, and that the total cost is set 
down as $422,224.66. The wildest enthusiast of 1875 
did not dream of such a growth. 

The officers of the water department have been 
changed to some extent since the beginning. Of the 
original commissioners. Parley I. Perrin is the only 
one now in office, April, 1883. At the conclusion of 
his term in 1879, Commissioner M. M. Rhodes de- 
clined a re-election, and was succeeded by iVIr. Henry 
M. Lovering, who still holds the position. On the 16th 
of March, 1881, Commissioner Harris was removed by 
death, and his place was filled by the election of Silas 
D. Presbrey,M. D., whose term expires with the year 
1884. In October, 1876, Mr. H. Frank Bassett was 
elected clerk of the board, and served with fidelity 
and ability in that capacity until July, 1879, when 
he resigned to engage in a manufacturing enterprise 
at Appleton, Wis. The ofiice of clerk thus made 
vacant was filled by the election of William R. Bil- 
lings. The water commissioners at a regular meeting 
held Feb. 24, 1883, voted to appoint Mr. Billings as 
superintendent of the works, and this choice was 
formally ratified by the Board of Aldermen at its 
meeting March 7th, and by the Common Council at 
its meeting March 12th. 

Taunton Lunatic Hospital, the second State hos- 
pital for the insane in the commonwealth, was built 
under an act of the Legislature approved May 24, 
1851, the State appropriating for the purpose the sum 
of one hundred thousand dollars, and at subsequent 
periods before its occupation ninety thousand dollars. 
The commissioners appointed to carry out the inten- 
tion of the Legislature were George N. Briggs, James 
D. Thompson, and John W. Graves. After a careful 
examination of several places it was decided to locate 
the hospital in what was then the town of Taunton. 
By a vote of the inhabitants of the tdwn, and by vol- 
untary contributions of its citizens, the sum of thir- 
teen thousand dollars was placed in the hands of the 
commissioners for the purchase of the valuable and 
beautiful site upon which it was erected. Many of the 
leading citizens of Taunton took an active interest in 
its establishment and location, chief among whom 
were Governor Marcus Morton and the late Samuel 



TAUNTON. 



809 



C Crocker, tlie former being chairman of the first 
board of trustees, and the latter a trustee at the lime 
of his death. The tract of land on which the hospital 
stands contains about one hundred and thirty-four 
acres, and is exceedingly well adapted to the purposes 
of such an institution. The grounds extend in a 
southerly direction from the buildings. The site has 
many natural advantages. A beautil'ul grove of more 
than sixty acres lies in front of the hospital, through 
which the avenue approaches the buildings. It adds 
much beauty to the landscape, and affords an agree- 
able shade to the patients through the warm season. 
In addition to the natural advantages of the location, 
much has been done to improve and embellish it, and 
at the present time it is one of the most beautiful 
spots in Taunton. In July, 1853, the first board of 
trustees was appointed, and in October of that year the 
first superintendent, Dr. George S. C. Choat. The 
buildings and property were delivered into the hands 
of the trustees by the commissioners Feb. 2, 1854, and 
in the mouth of April following the hosjiital was 
opened for the reception of patients. Since that 
time, during the twenty-nine years of its existence, 
more than eight thousand patients have been received 
and treated within its wards for their various mental 
diseases. 

The hospital is situated on a gentle eminence at the 
extreme northerly part of the farm, and about one 
mile from the Green or business portion of the city. 
It is built of brick, three stories high. The building 
fronts south or a little west of south, and originally 
consisted of a central building and two wings on either 
side. The centre building is fifty-five feet in width, 
and projects in front about fifty feet from the wings. 
In this are the medical and business oflices, reception- 
rooms, dispensary, apartments for the superintendent 
and his family and the other officers. It is surmounted 
by a dome which rises seventy feet above the roof, 
from which may be seen views of the surrounding 
country of great beauty. In the rear centre building 
on the first floor are the kitchen, bakery, store-rooms, 
and dining-rooms for the employes; on the second 
floor the chapel, library, work-rooms, and store-rooms 
for dry-goods ; third story containing dormitories for 
the employes. 

In the years 1873 and 1874, during the superin- 
tendency ofc Dr. W. W. Godding, the hospital was 
enlarged by building two new wings, extending one 
hundred and thirty-three feet east, and the same dis- 
tance west from the extreme limit of the old building, 
making the whole extent of the completed building 
in a right line six hundred and thirty-eight feet. The 
new wards are very light, airy, and cheerful, with 
beautiful landscape views from the windows and ver- 
andas. Since the building of the new wings very 
material changes have been made in the older por- 
tions of the hospital, some of the wards having been ' 
almost entirely rebuilt, which have rendered them ! 
more cheerful and pleasant, more light having been 



introduced by increasing the number and size of the 
windows, and the ventilation has been much im- 
proved. As originally constructed the hospital was 
designed to accommodate two hundred and fifty 
patients, but by the addition of the new wings its 
capacity has been increased to five hundred and fifty. 

There are at present nine wards for each sex, the 
patients being classified according to their mental 
state rather than social position, or the rate of board 
per week. Each ward or hall consists of a corridor 
with rooms on either side, which are occupied by the 
patients as sleeping-rooms, most of the patients being 
on the wards by day. The corridors are very light and 
pleasant, the light being admitted from one or both 
ends, while some of the halls have besides large bay 
windows. Connected with each ward is a dining-room, 
a wash-room with set wash-basins, a bath-room, and 
water-closet. The food' is cooked in one centre 
kitchen, and taken in cars through the basement, 
and lifted to the several dining-rooms by elevators. 

The out-buildings consist of a barn of ample ca- 
pacity for twenty cows and six oxen, a piggery, a 
shed for storing farming utensils, a stable, a carriage- 
house, a laundry building, carpenter- and machine- 
shop, boiler-house, coal-house and bowling-alley. 
All except the piggery, shed, and bowling-alley are 
built of brick and in the most substantial manner, 
the carriage-house having been enlarged and coal- 
house rebuilt in 1880. The present laundry building 
was erected in 1878, the State appropriating ten 
thousand dollars for the purpose, for which sum it 
was built and furnished. It is eighty feet by thirty- 
eight. It is fitted up with all the modern appliances 
for doing laundry-work, and is considered one of the 
best laundries in the State. The boiler-house, erected 
in 1874, contains five forty-horse boilers to generate 
steam for heating and other purpo.ses, all the build- 
ings being heated by steam, about twelve hundred 
tons of coal being consumed each year. A forty- 
horse power Corliss engine drives the machinery in 
the carpenter-shop and laundry. 

In 1882, for the purpose of securing more conve- 
niences in the administrative part of the hospital, an 
extension was built to the rear centre, the State ap- 
propriating for the purpose twenty-seven thousand 
five hundred dollars. In this building the hospital 
has secured good store-rooms, work-rooms for the 
patients, and dormitories for the employes. Under it 
is an ample cellar. In the brick tower is placed an 
iron tank, with a capacity of eighteen thousand gal- 
lons of water, which seems a large amount, but is less 
than one-half what is used in one day. During the 
past ten years the capacity of the hospital has been 
nearly doubled by the erection of new buildings. 
All parts of the buildings are in good condition, the 
older portions having been repaired and reconstructed 
in a great degree. The hospital may now be called 
essentially completed, unless the State should decide 
to make further provision for patients by the erection 



810 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of detached buildings. This it is to be hoped will 
not be done, as the institution is now sufficiently 
large to secure the best results in the cure and treat- 
ment of the inmates. 

The hospital, although a State institution, has been 
entirely self-supporting since first opened for the re- 
ception of patients. It has not only paid its current 
expenses from the income derived from the board of 
patients, but it has expended during the twenty-nine 
years of its existence, over and above what it has cost 
to support the establishment, above two hundred 
thousand dollars in the erection of new buildings, 
and in general repairs and improvements, for which 
the State has received the benefit in the increased 
value of the property. The expense of building the 
brick barn, stable, piggery, coal-house, addition to the 
carpenter-shop, and the reconstruction and repairs of 
the old wings and centre building have been paid for 
from the current income of the hospital. The whole 
amount which the State has appropriated to the hos- 
pital for building and all other purposes since the act 
authorizing its erection down to the present time is 
the sum of four hundred and seventy-one thousand 
five hundred dollars, which is less than one-half the 
present value of the property, and less than one-third 
of what the State has recently expended in building 
either of the new hospitals for accommodations but 
little superior in extent or comfort for the patients. 

Thegeneral direction of all the affairs of the hospital, 
subject to the approval of the board of trustees, in 
whom is invested by law the management of the in- 
stitution, is intrusted to the superintendent, who is 
thus made the head of the institution, and is respon- 
sible to the trustees for the proper conduct of all its 
departments. To aid him in the medical care of 
the patients there are two assistant physicians, one 
having the care of the men and the other the women, 
the immediate oversight of the patients being con- 
fided to four superiors, two for the men and two for 
the women, who spend most of their time in the 
wards to nurse the sick, look after the general inter- 
ests of all, and to see that the attendants are attentive 
to the wants of the patients, and treat them discreetly 
and kindly. The personal charge of patients is com- 
mitted to the attendants, of whom there are two or 
more in each ward, the average number being one 
attendant to thirteen patients. The duties of attend- 
ants are responsible and arduous, and can only be 
discharged properly by persons who have peculiar 
natural qualifications for the work. Besides those 
who are in immediate connection with the patients 
there are various persons employed in other depart- 
ments of the hospital. A housekeeper, who has 
charge of the kitchen and stores and who superin- 
tends the cooking and distribution of the food ; a 
baker ; a laundrer ; a seamstress, under whose direc- 
tion a considerable number of female patients are em- 
ployed daily in making up clothing for the inmates; 
an engineer, who has charge of the steam-boilers, the 



heating apparatus, and the water supply; and a 
farmer, who has charge of the farm and stock, which 
usually consist of about twenty cows and from four to 
six oxen, — the twenty cows furnishing about half of 
the milk used by the hospital. 

The physicians of this hospital have kept abreast 
ot the most advanced ideas in tlie treatment of in- 
sanity, and while due prominence has been given to 
the proper use of drugs and other medicines, and any 
new discovery which promises to be useful in the 
healing art is fully tested, no less attention has been 
given to the so-called moral treatment of the insane, 
of which mental occupation is made the leading 
feature, combined, when it can be, with physical 
labor, the purpose of which is to promote physical 
improvement, and to divert the morbid fancies and 
perverted ideas of the insane mind into healthy chan- 
nels of thought. Any measure which will promote 
this becomes curative. All cannot be reached by the 
same means and method, hence the importance of a 
variety of employments and occupations to meet all 
cases. For most of the male patients nothing has 
been found more conducive to mental health than 
labor on the land, and to that end effort is made to 
liave as many of them work on the farm as are in a 
suitable condition, many, of course, being unable, by 
reason of physical or mental disability, to perform 
any labor. Others, who prefer it, work in the laun- 
dry, the boiler-house, the carpenter-shop, and about 
the house or grounds. Many of the women find con- 
genial employment in the large, pleasant, and airy 
sewing-room, while some, who are unfitted to go to 
the sewii;g-roora, are employed in the halls in knit- 
ting and sewing under the direction of a special at- 
tendant. A considerable number of women work in 
the kitchen and laundry and in other general work 
about the hospital, while many of both sexes find 
employment on the halls and in the dining-rooms 
assisting the attendants. In these various ways thus 
indicated about one hundred and fifty are employed 
more or less constantly. Some others busy them- 
selves in doing fancy work, and a goodly number 
while away their time in reading the newspapers 
which are furnished them, and books and nuigazines 
from the hospital library, about nineiy-five books 
being taken from the library each week ; still others 
amuse themselves by playing various games. During 
the autumn and winter months a variety of entertain- 
ments is provided in the chapel each week, consisting 
of gymnastic exercises, with music, exhibitions of 
views of home and foreign scenes with the stereop- 
ticon, accompanied by descriptive lectures on the lo- 
calities and objects represented, amateur theatricals, 
musical concerts, readings, social dances, and other 
entertainments as they can be secured, make up the 
list of exercises which afford mental occupation and 
direct the mind from self and morbid fancies. Every 
Sabbath afternoon religious services are held in the 
chapel by the different clergymen from the city. 



TAUNTON. 



811 



Much attention is given to out-door exercise, and 
wlien tlie weatlier is suitable the patients walk out 
daily. During the warm season they spend much 
time in the open air and in the pleasant grove, which, 
besides being cool and shady, is made attractive by 
the songs of birds and the nimble activity of the 
numerous squirrels, red and gray, which inhabit the 
woods, and are protected in their rights of eminent 
domain by all residents of the hospital. 

The institution is managed by a board of five trus- 
tees, appointed by the Governor and Council, who 
hold their office for a term of five years, one trustee 
being appointed each year. One or more members of 
the board visit the hospital each week, and make' a 
thorough inspection of the wards and other depart- 
ments, consider the discharge of patients, and any 
other business relating to the affairs or management 
of the hospital. The trustees serve without compen- 
sation, and give much valuable time to the careful 
oversight of the institution. There have been but 
three superintendents since the opening of the hos- 
pital. Dr. George S. C. Choate, the first superinten- 
dent, was appointed October, 1853, and resigned in 
April, 1870. Dr. W. W. Godding succeeded him, 
and continued in the position until July, 1877. Dr. 
Godding was succeeded by the present superintendent. 
Dr. John P. Brown. 

More than eight thousand patients have been 
treated within its wards for their various forms of 
mental disease, of whom not less than thirty per cent, 
have recovered and returned to their families and 
society, while a still greater number have been much 
improved in their mental condition, and others, whose 
mental infirmities rendered them a burden to their 
friends, have found it a comfortalje home. 

The present trustees are Le Baron Ru.ssell, Boston ; 
Oakes A. Ames, Easton ; George Rowland, Jr., New 
Bedford ; William C. Lovering, Taunton, and Simeon 
Borden, Fall River. Superintendent and Physician, 
John P. Brown, M.D. ; Assistant Physicians, William 
H. Gage and Marcello Hutchinson ; Treasurer, John 
Hittredge. 

The Old Colony Historical Society ' received its 
act of incorporation May 4, 1853, Nathaniel Morton, 
Samuel Hopkins Emery, Hodges Reed, their associ- 
ates and successors, being made such a corporation 
"for the purpose of preserving and perpetuating the 
history of the Old Colony in Miissachu^etts, and of 
collecting and holding documents, books, and memoirs 
relating to its history." Its first oflScers were: Presi- 
dent, Nathaniel Morton, of Taunton ; Vice-Presi- 
dents, S. Hopkins Emery, of Taunton, John Dag- 
gett, of Attleborough ; Directors, Mortimer Blake, of 
Mansfield, Samuel L. Crocker, of Taunton, Ellis ,\mes, 
of Canton, Henry B. Wheelwright, of Taunton, Wil- 
liam R. Deane, of Boston, Caleb Swan, of Easton ; 
Recording Secretary and Librarian, Edgar H. Reed, 



of Taunton ; Corresponding Secretary, John Ordro- 
naux, of Taunton; Treasurer, Hodges Reed, of Taun- 
ton. Of these twelve original members and officers 
seven are still living, three only in Taunton. The 
meetings have always been held in Taunton, and its 
collections are here, although its present resident 
membership of eighty are distributed through all the 
towns of the Old Colony. Interesting historical papers 
are expected at the quarterl)' meetings, and already 
two publications have appeared giving the outside 
world the benefit of these papers. 

Its present list of officers are: President, Hon. 
John Daggett, of Attleborough; Vice-Presidents, Rev. 
Mortimer Blake, D.D., of Taunton (vacancy by death 
of Hon. S. L. Crocker, of Taunton, not filled) ; Record- 
ing and Corresponding Secretary, Charles A. Reed, 
Esq., of Taunton ; Treasurer, E. U. Jones, M.D., of 
Taunton; Librarian, E. C. Arnold, Esq., of Taunton; 
Historiographer, William E. Fuller, Esq., of Taun- 
ton ; Directors, Hon. E. H. Bennett, of Taunton, Rev. 
S. Hopkins Emery, of Taunton, Hon. John S. Bray- 
ton, of Fall River, Gen. E. W. Pierce, of Freetown, 
James H. Dean, Esq., of Taunton. 

Public Library.^ — The Taunton Social Library, 
Young Men's Library, and the Agricultural Library, 
numbering respectively four thousand and sixty, 
one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, and 
one hundred and seventy-three volumes, besides five 
hundred and seventeen volumes of public documents 
which had been donated to these libraries, all of which 
were transferred to the city, formed the nucleus of 
the collection now known as the Public Library of 
the city of Taunton. A city ordinance and an ap- 
propriation gave the library a formal existence in 
186(5. It will thus be seen that two years after the 
incorporation of Taunton as a city a public library 
free to all inhabitants had been established. 

The Taunton Social Library, the oldest of the in- 
stitutions which were merged in the Public Library, 
was started in 1825. Among the names of prominent 
original shareholders we observe that of Theopbilus 
Parsons, afterwards Dane Professor of Law in the Har- 
vard Law School. The proprietors were principally 
dependent for additions to the shelves to May-day 

i festivals, and to that unfailing resource of young pro- 
prietary libraries, courses of lectures. The Young 
Men's Library Association was also aided in its en- 

I terprise by lecture courses, as well as by fairs and 
levees undertaken by the ladies, and by the subscrip- 
tions of public-spirited citizens, the late Samuel B. 
King, Esq., leading in this direction with several 
gifts of one hundred dollars each, and ending with" 
the creation of the " King Fund" of one thousand 
dollars, the income of which was to be expended in 
the purchase of standard works. Since the transfer 
this endowment accrues for a like purpose to the 
benefit of the Public Library. 



1 By S. Hopkins Emery. 



>B7 E. C. Arnold, librsrian. 



812 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The sources of income of the library since it became 
a city institution have been annual appropriations 
and the dog tax from the city, the interest of the 
King fund, and the, miscellaneous receipts of the 
library itself. It has been the regular recipient of 
publications from the Department of the Interior and 
other departments of the general government, from 
the Smithsonian Institution, from the' district rep- 
resentative and other members of Congress, from the 
Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Cobden Club of 
London, and from various institutions and individu- 
als throughout the country. The largest donations of 
books from private individuals were those made by 
the Hon. Edmund H. Bennett, LL.D., S. O. Dunbar, 
Esq., and the late Mrs. Harriet Baylies Morton. 
Among early donors were the late Rev. Charles H. 
Brigham, who during his residence in Taunton and 
after his removal always manifested an interest in the 
prosperity of the library, the late Hon. Charles 
Sumner, J. A. Garfield, M.C., and also the late 
David Paul Brown, the eminent Philadelphia lawyer, 
who spent one year of his school life in Taunton. 

A catalogue of the combined libraries was pub- 
lished at the opening in 18615, and two supplements 
were issued in 1873 and 1874, each arranged alpha- 
betically under authors and titles. In 1876 a new 
catalogue, embracing an alphabetical arrangement of 
authors, with a classified index under thirteen gen- j 
eral lieads and two hundred and forty-six sub-heads, 
was undertaken, and was published early in 1878. 
To this a supplementary catalogue was added in 1881. 

The library at the present time numbers nearly ! 
twenty thousand volumes. A careful examination of i 
the catalogue we think will show a much smaller 
proportion of ephemeral literature than usual in such 
collections. Indeed, it has been the persistent aim of 
the officers not only to keep out books of an objec- 
tionable character, but to provide those which afford 
the healthiest stimulus to the reader both in his studi- 
ous and recreative moods. The annual circulation 
reaches nearly sixty thousand volumes, besides a 
large number of books which are consulted in the 
library building. The reading-room, which is sup- 
plied with files of the principal newspapers and 
periodicals of the day, is largely frequented. 

The present otficers of the library are: Trustees, 
ex officio, H. L. Cushman, mayor, president ; ex officio, ' 
George H. Rhodes, president of the Common Council ; 
Timothy Gordon, Esq., Charles W. Hartshorn, Esq., 
secretary; Hon. William H. Fox, Charles H. Car- 
ver, Esq., Edmund H. Bennett, LL.D., Mortimer j 
Blake, D.D. ; Librarian, E. C. Arnold; Assistants, 
Miss Hattie B. French, Miss Etta Shannon. 

The Bristol County Bible Society,' although not 
existing now, was for many years active in raising 
money for the American Bible Society, and supplying 
destitute families in the county. Its meetings were 

1 By Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. 



generally held in Taunton, but its record book has 
disappeared with the society, and no full account can 
be given of its origin or its doings. 

In an issue of the Bristol County Democrat, " Fri- 
day, September 6, 1839," on file among the papers of 
that enthusiastic antiquarian, Capt. J. W. D. Hall, I 
find a printed " report of the Taunton and vicinity 
Bible Society," at what is called its " first annual 
meeting," presented by " S. Hopkins Emery, Secre- 
tary." The receipts of the society for the preceding 
year had been $570.78. Its oflicers appointed for the 
ensuing year were Rev. Erastus Maltby, president; 
Rev. Edward Neville, Rev. E. B. Bradford, Silas 
SRepard, Esq., Rev. Alvan Cobb, Wm. A. Crocker, 
Esq., vice-presidents ; Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, sec- 
retary; William Reed, Esq., treasurer; Rev. S. H. 
Emery, William Reed, Solomon Woodward, Jr., 
John R. Hixon, Hodges Reed, executive committee. 
The organization, as it was called, "Oct, 22, 1838," 
was really a reorganization, as there was a society in 
existence quite early in the century. 

The Crood Templars,- as they are called, belonging 
to the secret order with the initials I. O. G. T., are 
organized for the promotion of temperance, and exist 
in two lodges, the Taunton and the Elizabeth Pool, 
the former, the oldest, with its headquarters on Main 
Street, nearly opposite Trescott Street, the latter, not 
long in existence but flourishing, owning the build- 
ing which it occupies in Hopewell, on Maple Avenue, 
out of Bay Street. 

The Taunton Reform Club is a temperance or- 
ganization of several years' standing, which aims at 
the reformation of the intemperate, and endeavors to 
protect reformed men. It meets in Cedar Street 
Chapel. 

The Taunton Women's Christian Temperance 
Union, auxiliary to the State society of the same 
name, gives its attention particularly to the young, 
holding monthly meetings with them. These meet- 
ings are in Cedar Street Chapel. 

The Taunton Humane Society- was organized in 
1871, and lias for its object the prevention of cruelty 
to dumb animals and little children. Its president, 
Hon. Samuel Ji. Crocker, recently died, and the va- 
cancy has not yet been filled. Wilbur F. Allen, Esq., 
is its vice-president; Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, secre- 
tary ; Mr. N. H. Skinner, treasurer ; Mr. Joseph Dean, 
auditor. Directors, the above named and Mortimer 
Blake, D.D., Rev. A. B. Hervey, Messrs. J. V. Liv- 
ingstone, Alden F. Sprague (and one vacancy by 
death of Charles R. Vickery, Esq.). 

Mr. William E. Peck has been for some years the 
efficient agent of the society. The very existence of 
the society is a terror and a restraint to those who are 
inclined to be cruel. 

Early Physicians.- — Dr. Ezra Deane sustains the 
same relation to the profession of medicine in Taun- 

" By Rev. S. Uupkins Emery. 



TAUNTON. 



813 



ton as Hon. Samuel White to the profession of law. 
He leads the list, in the order of time, so far as the* 
record has come down to lis. He died July 1, 1737, 
according to an old registry found in the Danforth 
family. He was a son — the eldest — of Ezra, the sec- 
ond son of Walter Deane, and was born Oct. 14, 1680. 
His mother was daughter of Deacon Samuel Edson, 
of Bridgewater. He was the father of the family 
remarkable for its longevity, eleven of his children 
living more tlian a thousand years. Whether the 
medical skill of the doctor had anything to do with 
prolonging these lives we are not informed. Theo- 
dora, who married Maj. Richard Godfrey, " died Jan. 
14, 1813, aged 100 years, 14 days." She lived to see 
her children to the fifth generation, and was the 
mother of Dr. Job Godfrey. 

Dr. Job Godfrey, the son of Richard and Theodora 
(Deane) Godfrey, inherited through his mother a 
taste for the profession of medicine. It had so con- 
duced, apparently, to the long life of her father's 
family that it liad attractions for her son, and a very 
eminent member of the profession he became, so mo- 
nopolizing the business that he might well have been 
called the " town's physician." He acquired so much 
of a reputation that the fame thereof has come down 
to the present time. The inscription on his monu- 
ment at " the Plain" is trustwortliy : '' A man of 
great worth, whose physical, intellectual, and moral 
powers were remarkably adapted to his sphere of 
action. Fifty years of unexampled labor and suc- 
cess were testimonials of his excellencies in the heal- 
ing art, while his zeal to promote the general good 
was a proof of his benevolence. His heart was alive 
in all the relations of life. Honor, punctuality, and 
justice marked his steps. The voice of pain and dis- 
ease from the obscurest penury reached his ear and 
commanded his skill. He was justly entitled to the 
distinguished a[)pellation of the disinterested physi- 
cian, — a father to the poor. He died Aug. 26, 1813, 
• aged 70 years." His death was sudden, being found 
dead in his bed. His wife, Abigail Jones, of Rayn- 
ham, died Nov. 28, 1814, in her seventieth year. 
They had six children, two sons and four daughters, 
— Abby, married Abiathar Codding; Betsey, married 
Elisha Padelford; Sally, married Gilbert Winslow, 
of Freetown ; Hannah, died single and bequeathed 
one thousand dollars to the noble object of suitably 
inclosing the burial-place on the Plain ; John, the 
eldest son of the doctor, lived to be very old, and was 
for more than sixty years proprietors' clerk, better 
conversant with the early history of the town than 
any other man of his time. His predecessors in office 
had been Brig.-Gen. George Godfrey, Benjamin Wil- 
liams, judge of probate and judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas; Seth Williams, son of Samuel, the 
eldest son of Richard Williams, also a judge ofthe 
Court of Common Pleas ; Thomas Leonard, also a 
judge, and whom William R. Deane, in his genealogi- 
cal account of the family, calls a " physician," and if so, 



must have shared the practice with Dr. Ezra Deane, — 
our list of proprietors' clerks, so far as discovered by 
us, beginning with tliut model town clerk, Sliadrach 
Wilbore. 

Contemporary with Dr. Job Godfrey, in the earlier 
period of his practice, wei'e two distinguished names 
ill the history of Taunton, — Hon. David Cobb, M.D., 
and Hon. William Baylies, M.D. But Dr. Cobb is 
better known to the world as " major-general, judge 
of the courts, president of the Senate, Speaker of the 
House, member of the Executive Council, and Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of the State," filling jilmost every 
ofiice in the gift of the people during his eventful life, 
the story of which is familiar to every Tauntonian as 
a twice-told tale. The jirobability is Dr. Cobb was so 
busily engaged in public afliiirs that he little inter- 
fered with the practice of Dr. Godfrey. Gen. Cobb, 
of whom we write, the son of Thomas Cobb, married 
Lydia, the eldest daughter of the Hon. James Leon- 
ard. He graduated at Cambridge in 1766. 

The Hon. William Baylies was also a man of afl'airs, 
— a judge, when doctors of medicine as well as of law 
were called to the bench as " common-sense judges." 
Dighton has a joint claim to the reputation of Dr. 
Baylies, as his residence the latter part of his life was 
there. The son of Nicholas Baylies, who married 
Elizabeth Park, of Newton, Mass. William graduated 
at Harvard University in 17G0, and studied medicine 
with Dr. Tobey, of New Bedford. His wife was 
Bathsheba, daughter of the Hon. Samuel White, of 
Taunton. Their daughter Elizabeth married Hon. 
Samuel Crocker, of Taunton. Their son, Samuel 
Wliite, studied law with Governor Sullivan, and fol- 
lowed his profession in Dighton, and died single. 
Hon. William Baylies, of West Bridgewater, also led 
a single life, and was eminent in the profession of law. 

Their only remaining son, Hon. Francis Baylies, 
achieved a great reputation as a man of culture and 
learning, and his only child, Mrs. Nathaniel Morton, 
has recently died without issue. Thus the family 
once so prominent may be said to have become ex- 
tinct. 

We visit the burial-places of Taunton to learn the 
names of other physicians who were in practice in the 
last century. On the Dighton road, half a mile south 
of the Weir, may be found the following inscriptions : 

" In mf inory of Doct. Micali Pratt, died Decbr ye 31st A.D , IToS in ye 
G7tli year of his age." 

" In memory of Mary, ye wife of Doct. Micali Pratt, died April ye 2Gth 
A. D. 1762, in ye SOtli year of her age." 

"In memory of Doct. Micali Pratt, died Oct. ye 5tli, A. D. 17G.^>, in ye 
441h of his age." 

"Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Sarah, widow of Doct. Micah Pmtt. 
She died Jan. 20th, A. D. 1805, in the 83d year of her age." 

These inscriptions prove, we think, there were two 
physicians by the name of Micah Pratt, father and 
son, who practiced medicine in Taunton during the 
last century. 

"The Plain" holds among its other treasures the 
name of Samuel Caswel, — 



814 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



"Here lies ye body of Samuel Caawel, M.D., who dieil Aug. ye 13th, 
1765. Aetatis Suae, 35. 

lu Si'vcntcen Hunilred & Fifty-Five 

Relentless Dertth Did us Deprive 

of a very Useful Life 

To Neighbor, Friend, to Child & Wife 

He safely Did Administer. 

as a Physician, 

Consulting more his patient's health. 

Than all extorted gain. 

We that do love his memory 

Would lilie him live, yt wlien we die 

We may enjoy felicity." 

" The Plain" lia.s another record,^ 

"William, sorf of M. D. McKinstry, and Priscilla, his wife, departed 
this life on ye day of his birth Dec. 18, 17G1." 

Still another son, — 
" John, died Dec. 21, ncs, in ye 6th year of his age." 

Another inscription reads, — 

" Heie lies ye body of Mrs. Elizabeth McKinstry, basely murthered by 
a Negro Boy, June ye4lh, 1703, aged 28." 

The woman " murthered" was Dr. McKinstry's sis- 
ter, the details of which tragic event the aged people 
of the last generation were in the habit of narrating, 
as also how Dr. McKinstry, the Scotchman and Tory, 
was forced to leave town, never to return. 

In addition to the names of McKinstry, Caswel, 
Pratt, we have heard those of Ephraim Otis, a gradu- 
ate of Harvard University in 1756, who practiced in 
Scituate as well as Taunton, and of Dr. Macomber. 

Dr. Charles Howe, in a notice of Taunton physi- 
cians, published in the Bristol County Republican in 
1868, makes mention of Dr. Philip Padelford, son of 
John and Jemima Padeltbrd, born in Taunton, 1753, 
graduated from Brown University, 1773, who studied 
with Dr. Tobey, of New Bedford, and who died Aug. 
27, 1815, in the sixty-second year of his age ; married, 
first, to Mary Drown, who died in 1780 ; second, to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah Macomber, to whom 
were born eight children. The doctor practiced in 
East Taunton and the vicinity, living on the Middle- 
borough road, just beyond the Congregational Church 
near the brook. He is buried in a private yard not 
far from where he lived. His son, Elijah M., was also 
a physician, born in 1785, and married to Mary Good- 
win. They had one child. Dr. Elijah died Feb. 13, 
1824, aged thirty-eight years, one month, two days. 
He is supposed to have succeeded to his father's prac- 
tice. His house was two miles beyond his father's, 
on the Middleborough road, at its junction with the 
Richmondtown road, near Chase's Station on the 
Taunton and Middleborough Railroad. 

Dr. Howe also gives an account of Dr. Amos Allen, 
born in Providence, Nov. 7, 1783, the son of Amos 
and Mary (Macomber) Allen, graduated from Brown 
U^i^•ersity in 1805, and who studied with Dr. Miller, 
of Franklin, Ma.ss., practicing first in Franklin and 
Berkley, and afterwards removing to East Taunton 
in 1824. He died in 1836, April 23d, in his fifty-fourth 
year. He occupied the house of Dr. Elijah M. Padel- 
ford, and succeeded to his practice. 



Dr. Foster Swift practiced as a physician in Taun- 
ton the earlier part of the present century. He was 
the son of a lawyer in Boston, and was gifted with 
much wit and good humor. He served for a time in 
the renowned apothecary establishment of Dr. Joseph 
Gardner in Boston. He married a Delano of Nan- 
tucket, and first settled in Dartmouth. On coming 
to Taunton, late in the last century, he opened an 
apotliecary-shop opposite the northwest corner of the 
Green, not far from the present police headquarters. 

Mr. Daniel Brewer had an earlier drug-store, coming 
to Taunton in 1785. Dr. Swift was one time very in- 
timate with the eccentric and somewhat erratic John 
Foster, but losing confidence in him, preferred charges 
against his ministerial character, seventeen in all. 
His wily antagonist escaped out of his hands. The 
doctor left for Boston, where he received the appoint- 
ment of United States Hospital surgeon, which he 
retained until he died in 1835, at the age of seventy- 
five. 

Dr. Jones Godfrey was the son of Dr. Job Godfrey, 
so long the leading physician of the place. Graduated 
at Brown University in 1793. The son studied with 
his father, and was associated with him in practice 
for some twenty years, succeeding him another score 
of years nearly, when he died Dec. 11, 1831, aged 
sixty-one. He occupied the house of his father, 
still standing, venerable for age, the second on the 
right beyond the Neck o' Land Bridge. Unlike his 
father, he never married, and had a contempt for 
riches, collecting no bills, and not troubling himself 
to keep any accounts with his patients. He had the 
reputation of a skillful physician and a most humane 
man. 

Dr. George Leonard, the son of Samuel Leonard, 
Esq., of Taunton, was of patrician descent. His 
father was one of Taunton's most eminent citizens. 
He was an " enterprising merchant." I'he " Leonard 
house," at the " Four Corners" in Hopewell, was and 
still is one of the landmarks of the place. The 
father died in 1807. One of his daughters, Mary B., 
married Thomas Bush, Esq. One of his sons, Ezekiel 
B., was also a " merchant" in Taunton. Dr. George, 
who studied with Dr. Thatcher, of Plymouth, suc- 
ceeded to the practice of Dr. Foster Swift in 1806. 
He married Eliza, daughter of Judge Fales. Their 
home was at the corner of Broadway and Leonard 
Streets. Dr. Leonard was long in the profession, and 
had a large practice. He was considered a skillful 
physician. Born Feb. 12, 1783, he died Feb. 28, 
186.5. His wife died March 27, 1854. They had four 
children. The doctor lies buried on "the Plain," by 
the side of man}' other Leonards, thus rendering 
true the rhyme of olden time, found in the North 
burying-ground, — 

" Even Leonards undistinguished fall. 
And deatti and hovering darkness bide us all." 

Dr. Ebenezer Dawes was born in Scituate, Mass., 
March 1, 1791, the son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth 



TAUNTON. 



815 



(Bailey) Dawes. The father was pastor of the Uni- 
tarian Church in Scituate, a native of Bridgewater, 
the son of Samuel Dawes. Born in 1756, he grad- 
uated at Harvard College in 1785, and studied the- 
ology with Dr. Wigglesworth, of Cambridge. He was 
ordained at Scituate in 1787, and married to Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Col. John Bailey, of Hanover, Mass., 
in 1789. Their children were William and Ebenezer, 
the father dying the same year Ebenezer was born, 
and a little more than two years after marriage. He 
was amiable and of excellent Christian character, but 
of delicate constitution. His widow was afterwards 
twice married, — first to Johfi Lucas, of Brookline, 
Mass.; second, to Dr. Williams, of Deerfield, Mass., 
whom she survived. 

Ebenezer attended school at Hingham, Mass., Port- 
land, Me., and elsewhere. He chose medicine as his 
profession, and attended medical lectures in Boston 
in 1811. 

The distinguished Usher Parsons, M.D., of Provi- 
dence, who was with him in the medical college, 
writes, " He was a diligent student and much es- 
teemed by the class for his close application and 
gentlemanly deportment, and highly respected by the 
professors." He opened his office in Taunton in 1813. 
He secured a large practice, which he retained for 
half a century. Dr. Dawes was married, March 7, 
1822, to the widow of Oliver Shepard, merchant, of 
Wrentham, and brother of Hon. Silas Shepard, of 
Taunton. Her maiden name was Sarah Whitehorn 
Cooke, daughter of Daniel Cooke, who was the sixth 
son and tenth child of Nicholas Cooke, Governor of 
Rhode Island, 1774-77. Her mother was Sarah 
Whitehorn, of Newport. R. I. The children of Dr. 
and Mrs. Dawes were: (1) Sarah Elizabeth, wife of 
N. M. Childs, Esq., of Syracuse, N. Y.; (2) Ebenezer, 
present pastor of the Congregational Church in Lake- 
ville, Mass., who married Anna Maria Bosworth ; (3) 
James Lincoln, residing in Englewood, N. J., who 
married Eliza Franklin, of Providence ; (4) Daniel 
Cooke, who married Emily Matilda, daughter of 
Judge Morton, and resided in Brooklyn, N. Y., but is 
not living; (5) Charles Edward, who died in infancy. 
The family homestead was on Washington Street, not 
far from Pleasant. Mrs. Dawes died of consumption 
Sept. 29, 1838, aged forty-nine. 

The doctor died April 20, 1861, about seven weeks 
after he had completed his seventieth year. Dyspep- 
sia and lung troubles had required strict attention to 
diet, and the utmost prudence for many years. But 
he was devoted to his patients, much trusted and be- 
loved by them. Dr. Parsons, an eminent practitioner, 
said of him, "I often met Dr. Dawes in consultation. 
He was faithful, laborious and successful, and strictly 
fiiir in his intercourse with professional brethren by 
whom he was greatly esteemed." 

Writes his son. Rev. Ebenezer Dawes, " My father 
was very benevolent and kind-hearted. He visited 
poor families from whom he could not expect com- 



pensation. In manners he was a gentleman of the 
old school. He was very polite, according to the best 
definition of politeness, ' benevolence in trifles.' He 
always possessed and evinced in all his language and 
deportment a delicate regard to the feelings of others. 
It seemed impossible for him to do a rude, ungentle- 
manly act, at least he was never known to commit 
one. In the sick-room especially his natural kindli- 
ness and gentleness, with the confidence reposed in 
his skill, made him most welcome. Seldom has a 
physician been equally loved by his patients." This 
son continues, " My father had always a great respect 
for religion, and contributed regularly and freely for 
the .support of preaching, and so far as he could, at- 
tended divine service. He seemed to be greatly sus- 
tained and comforted in his last years by trust in 
God. Among his last words were these. 'God be 
merciful to me a sinner.' " 

On the occasion of his funeral at the Congrega- 
tional Church, Rev. Mr. Maltby preached, and the 
physicians of the city acted as bearers. Thus the 
beloved physician was laid down to rest in the family 
tomb in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. 

Dr. Alfred Baylies, of whom a notice is prepared 
by another hand, filled a large space in the medical 
practice of Taunton for many years. The writer of 
this has a distinct and tender remembrance of him 
as his own family i)hysician. He wishes to put these 
few lines on record as a slight tribute of respect to 
his memory, a token of affectionate remembrance of 
one who for generations was a familiar and most wel- 
come attendant on the sick and the dying in so many 
Taunton homes. His house was the simple, unpre- 
tending cottage on Spring Street, not far from the 
bridge, toward High Street. 

Dr. William Gordon was in practice in Taunton 
eight or nine years, and died in 1851, at the age of 
sixty-eight. He was buried in Hingham. Dr. Gor- 
don had seven children, two of whom were physicians, 
Charles, in Boston, a graduate of Brown University, 
and William A., in Taunton and New Bedford, a 
graduate of Harvard University. His daughter Helen 
was the wife of George Augustus Crocker, of Taun- 
ton, and his son, Capt. Timothy Gordon, has long 
been connected with the house of Crocker Brothers. 

Dr. Henry Babcock Hubbard has been noticed in 
the narrative of the members of the Massachusetts 
Medical Society, by Dr. Presbrey, and is named here 
as prominent in the practice of Taunton in a preced- 
ing generation, and who is worthily succeeded in 
practice by his son, Charles Thatcher. 

Dr. Charles Howe, in tlie notice of the profession 
to which I have already referred, writes of Dr. Dan. 
King, son of John and Jane (Knight) King, of Mans- 
field, Conn., born Jan. 27, 1791, and who, after prac- 
ticing in Preston and Groton, Conn., and Charlestown 
and Woonsocket, R. I., came to Taunton in 1848, 
remaining till 1859, when he continued practice in 
Greenville, R. I., where he died Nov. 13, 1864. 



816 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dr. George Barrows was long in practice in Taun- 
ton, the fatlier and founder, you might say, of the 
homa^opathic school in the place, and he is worthily 
noticed by another hand in another place. We would 
record our high esteem for the man, and recall the 
" loud lamentation" of the people, as they accompa- 
nied all that was mortal of the man they loved to his 
last resting-place in Mount Pleasant. 

Besides tiiese deceased members of the profession, 
there are at present in active practice Stephen A. 
Allen, John S. Andrews, Elton J. Bassett, George W. 
Bourne, A. Sumner Deane, Dautajne Desnoyes, By- 
ron L. Dwinell, E. E. Eaton, Eugene T. Galligan, 
Michael Charles Golden, Joseph W. Hayward, Charles 
Howe, Charles Thatcher Hubbard, Frank A. Hub- 
bard, Simeon P. Hubbard, Elijah U. Jones, Joseph 
Murphy, Nonius Paige, Emma A. Phillips, Silas D. 
Presbrey, N. M. Ransom, James A. Robinson, Wal- 
ter S. Robinson, Augusta A. Steadman, Waldo Stone, 
Caleb Swan, Frederic D. Tripp, Alfred W. Wilmarth, 
Alfred Wood. The following gentlemen are con- 
nected with the State Lunatic Asylum : John P. 
Brown, William H. Gage, Marcello Hutchinson. 

The Mount Pleasant Cemetery.'— This history 
has to do witli the dead as well as the living. Com- 
paratively few of Taunton's iuhabitants are above the 
sod. The thousands of the half a score of genera- 
tions who have come and gone since Taunton had a 
being lie entombed in her many consecrated yards, 
of some of which a fitting account has been given 
elsewhere. It is proposed in this brief paper to make 
special mention of only one of them, Mount Pleasant 
Cemetery. 

" In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- 
dred and thirty-six, an act to incorporate the |)ropri- 
etors of the Taunton Cemetery" was passed and re- 
ceived the signature of the Governor (Edward Ever- 
ett), " 23d of March." The names of the incorpora- 
tors were " George B. Atwood, Samuel B. King, Sam- 
uel O. Dunbar, together with such other persons as 
shall become proprietors of lots." At the first meet- 
ing of these " proprietors," duly called " the 6th day 
of April, 18.36," H. G. O. Colby, Esq., was chosen 
secretary, and the following persons trustees : Hon. 
Samuel Crocker, S. O. Dunbar, Joseph Wilbur, George 
B. Atwood, H. G. O. Colby, Samuel B. King, An- 
selm Bassett. 

It was voted to call the cemetery " Mount Pleasant." 
Also voted " that the thanks of this corporation be 
given to the Hon. Samuel Crocker, for his gift of said 
lot of land to be used for the purpose of a cemetery ; 
that this vote be recorded by the secretary ; that a 
committee be appointed to communicate the same to 
the Hon. Mr. Crocker, and be empowered to receive 
from him in behalf of the corporation a deed of the 
said land, procure the same to be recorded, and that 
when the trustees shall have laid out the lots in said 

' By S. Hopkins Emery. 



cemetery, they shall offer to Mr. Crocker the first 
choice of lots therein." At a subsequent meeting of 
the trustees, the Hon. Samuel Crocker was chosen 

, president of the corporation and Samuel O. Dunbar 
treasurer. 

The consecration of the cemetery was "on Mon- 
day, the 4th of July, 1836, under the direction of the 

I trustees, and with the following services: 1. Music 
by the choir. 2. Prayer by the Rev. Erastus Maltby. 
3. Reading of Scripture by Rev. Mr. Hassard. 4. 
Singing an original hymn, by Miss Mary W. Hale. 
5. An address, by Hon. Francis Baylies. 6. Conse- 
crating prayer, by Rev. Andrew Bigelow. 7. An 
original hymn, by Charles R. Atwood, sung by the 
congregation to tune of 'Old Hundred.' 8. Benedic- 
tion, by Rev. Mr. McReading. The services were in 
Cypress Dell, and in presence of about three thousand 
persons." 

Immediately after the public meeting the corpora- 
tion met, Hon. Samuel Crocker presiding, and, on 
motion of Mr. L. B. King, " Lot No. 1 was reserved 
for a monument in memory of Elizabeth Poole, the 
foundress of Taunton." The ladies subsequently 
erected a monument. 

May 10, 1838, it was voted " that lots numbered 
145, 146, 147, 148, and 149, situated on Pine path, on 
the side of Mount Crocker, be granted to the Hon. 
Samuel Crocker ; that the secretary be directed to 
prepare a deed of the same, tender it to the Hon. Mr. 
Crocker, with a copy of this vote, and cause it to be 
recorded in the registry of deeds of the corporation." 
For more than a dozen years there was apparently 
little interest taken in buying lots or beautifying 
grounds in the cemetery. The original gift of Mr. 
Crocker contained six acres, forty-four rods, bounded 
by Barnum and what is now Cohannet Streets, but in 
1852, Mr. Samuel B. King, son-in-law of Mr. Crocker, 
proposed to sell the corporation two acres adjoining, 
which should be bounded by a new street, to be laid 
out by him, called Crocker Street, for two thousand 
dollars, towards which he would subscribe five hun- 
dred dollars. This proposition was accepted, as it 

t would give needed additional land, and the accept- 
ance awakened new interest. The trustees in their 
next report, April 20, 1853, speak favorably of the 
enlargement; recommend that the "whole grounds 
be inclosed in one lot, with a suitable permanent 
fence." They thus close their report: "Within a few 
weeks past has occurred the lamented death of the 
Hon. Samuel Crocker, the president of this corpora- 
tion from its first organization. To his munificence 
are we indebted for all the land we now own, except 
that purchased of S. B. King the last year. The 
trustees would recommend to the corporation the 
erection of a suitable monument in token of respect 
to his memory." 

At this same meeting it was " voted that the trus- 
tees be authorized to take of the funds of the cor- 
poration five hundred dollars, if it be necessary, in 



TAUNTON. 



817 



order to erect a suitable monument to the Hon. Sam- 
uel Crocker, the donor of the land, and to put up a 
fence on that part of the cemetery bounded on Crocker 
Street, provided the remainder be paid by subscrip- 
tion, and that the treasurer be authorized to hire the 
money for the trustees." The fence was "put up" in 
due time, but, unfortunately, "the monument" has 
never been " erected." 

April 10, 1867. A vote of thanks was tendered 
Messrs. S. O. Dunbar and A. J. Barker for their inter- 
est in improving the cemetery grounds, and a " deed 
of a lot on the top of Mount Pleasant was presented Mr. 
Barker as a token of their appreciation of his services." 

May 13, 1867. It was made known to the corpora- 
tion Charles L. Babbitt, deceased, bequeathed one 
thousand dollars, " the income of which should 
be applied to the improvement of the cemetery." 
Also Hon. Chandler R. Ransom tendered tlie cor- 
poration his tomb. In 1870, Horatio Gilbert, of 
Boston, donated his tomb. The same year it was 
voted to buy of Charles Husband the land adjoining 
the cemetery, between Barnura and Cohannet Streets, 
"called the Cobb Common," containing a little more 
than one acre. 

April 13, 1881. " Thanks were extended to William 
R. Potter for his. gift of $50 to the cemetery." There 
is also the record of a gift from E. H. Bennett of 
$94.50. Much interest is taken in the improvement 
of lots at the present time, and the treasurer's last 
report indicates a good condition of the finances : 
Receipts from all sources, .S4-168.26 ; expenditures, 
$2790.28 ; balance in treasury April 11, 1883-, S1677.98. 
The present officers of the corporation are, President, 
William Mason; Secretary, Treasurer, and Superin- 
tendent, Seth L. Cushraan; Trustees, William Mason, 
S. N. Staples, N. H. Skinner, Z. Sherman, Joseph 
Dean, A. King Williams, A. J. Barker, E. H. Bennett, 
William Cox. 

The Mayflower Hill Cemetery is a much larger 
burial-place of more recent date, which is attracting 
much attention, and is being greatly beautified. It 
contains not far from sixty acres, is bounded by Wash- 
ington, Thrasher, and East Britannia Streets, and be- 
longs to the city. Liberal grounds are ajipropriated for 
the poor. A new Catholic cemetery is laid out on the 
opposite side of East Britannia Street. Other ceme- 
teries date further back than 1800, and are noticed 
elsewhere. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

TAUNTON.— (fo»(ni.ierf.) 

Civil History — Representatives from Taunton, 169;J to 188J — City Officers 
— Postmasters — Councilors. 

REPBESENTATITES TKOM TAUNTON, 1C93 TO 1884. 

1603. Thomas Leonard. 1690. John Hathaway. 

1604. Capt. Thomas Leonard. ; 1697. John Uatliaway. 
1695. Philip King. . 1698-99. Capt. Tliomaa Leonard. 

52 



1700. No representative. 

1701. James Leonard. 

1702. Robert Crossmanr"^ 

1703. Benjamin Graoe. 

1704. Capt. Henry Hodges. 

1705. JosepL Tisdale. \ 
1706-7. Robert Crossm an. -- 

1708. James Leonard. 

1709. Robert Grossman.- — 

1710. Thomas Leonard, 
nu. Samuel Williams. 

1712. Robert Grossman. "~ 

1713. Capt. Henry Hodges. 

1714. Capt. Samnel Williams. 
1715-17. Henry Hodges. 

1718. Robert Cros.'^man.'— 

1719. Seth Williams, Esq. 

1720. Robert Grossman.-" 

1721. James Leonard. 

1722. John King. 

1723. Robert Grossman. — 
1724-25. Seth Williams, Esq. 
1720. James Leonard. 
1727-29. Seth Williams. 

1730. Ezra Dean. 

1731. Samuel Williams. 

1732. Capt. Samuel Williams. 

1733. Capt. James Leonard. 

1734. Capt. Samuel Williams. 

1735. Capt. James Leonard. 
1736-38. Samuel Williams, Esq, 
1739-40. Capt. James Leonard. 
1741-44. John Godfrey. 
1745-^8. James Wiiliams. 
1749-52. Samuel White. 

1753. Samuel White. 
Capt. Thomas Cobb. 

1754. Israel Tisdale. 

1755. Jonathan Barney. 
1756-59. Samuel While. 
1760-f)3. James Williams. 
1764-65. Samuel White (Speaker). 
1766-68. Joseph Tisdale. / 
1769. James Williams. 

Daniel Leonard. 
1770-71. Daniel Leonard. 
George Godfrey. 

1772. George Godfrey. 
Keheniiah Lyscomb. 

1773. Daniel Leonard. 
Robert Treat Paine. 

1774. Daniel Leonard, Jr. 
Robert Treat Paine. 

1775. Robert Treat Paine. 
Col. George Williams. 

177G. CoL Nathaniel Leonard. 
Maj. Richard Godfrey. 

1777. Robert Treat Paine. 
Col. Nathaniel Leonard. 

1778. Col. Nathaniel Leonard. 

1779. George Godfrey. 
Robert Treat Paine. 

1780. Capt. Ichabod Leonard. 
Col. Nathaniel Leonard. 

1781. Ichabod Leonard. 
Nicholas Baylies. 

1782-83. Job Smith, Esq. 

1784. Job Smith, Esq. 
George Godfrey. 

1785. Job Smith, Esq. 

1786. Nicholas Baylies. 
1787-88. Col. Nathaniel Leonard. 
1789-93. Gen. David Cobb (Speak- 
er). 

1793. No representative. 

1794. Apollos Leonard. ^ 

1795. Nicholas Tillinghast. 



1796. Apollos Leonard. 
1797-1800. Nicholas Tillinghast. 

1801. Stephen Hathaway. 

1802. Nicholas Tillinghast. 
1803-7. Dr. Jones Godfrey. 

1803. John W. Seabury. 

1809. John W. Seabury. 
Isiiiah King. 
Samuel Crocker. 

1810. John W. Seabury. 
Isaiah King. 
Samuel Crocker. 
Nathaniel Leonard. 

1811. Samuel Crocker. 
Isaiah King. 
Nathaniel Leonard. 
James Sproat. 

1812. James Sproat. 
Nicholas Tillinghast. 
Samuel Crocker. 
Nathaniel Leonard. 
Josiah King. 

1813. Nicholas Tillinghast. 
Josiah King. 

John Reed. 
John Godfrey. 

1814. James Sproat. 
Nicholas Tillinghast. 
John Gi>dfrey. 
GideoTi Williams. 
Jonathan Ingell. 

1815-10. Thomas Lincoln. 

1817. Philip Deane. 

1818. Job Godfrey. 

1819. William Reed. 

1820. D. G. W. Cobb. 
1821-24. Cromwell Washburn. 

1825. Samuel Crocker. 
Dr. Jones Godfrey. 
Theophilus Parsons. 
Wni. Seaver, 
Richard Park. 

1826. Job Godfrey. 

1827. Francis Baylies. 
Jones Godfrey. 
.\llen Presbrey. 
Ichabod Lincoln. 
Abiathar Leonard. 

1828. Francis Baylies. 
James Godfrey. 
Rev. Silas Hall. 
Ichabod Lineoln. 
Wm. A. F. Sproat. 
Abiathar Leonard. 

1829. Francis Baylies. 
Jacob Chapin. 
Nathaniel Fales. 
Abiathar Leonard. 
Ichabnd Lincoln. 
James Woodward. 

1S30-31. Francis Baylies. 

1832. Samuel Crocker. 

1833. George Walker, Jr. 

1834. Ichabod Lincoln. 
Allen Presbrey. 
Iludges JRead, • 
George Walker, Jr. 
Francis Williams. 
Henry Williams. 

1835. Francis Baylies. 
James W. Grossman. 
Lenniel Leonard (2d). 
Allen Presbrey. 
George Walker. 
Elisha Wallu;i'. 

183G. Apollos Aiiihony. 
Leonard Hall. 



/ 



/ 



818 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



183G. Allen Prcslney. 


1860. Henry Sproat. 


1695. — James Leonard, Henry Hodges, Philip King, Israel Thrasher, 


George Walker. 


Solomon Woodward, Jr. 


Thomas Williams. • « 


Iludges liettd. 


1861. George Godfrey. 


1696. — Philip King, Henry Hodges, Thomas Williams, Thomas Harvey, 


1837. Apollos AntliDiiy. 


Solomon Woodward, Jr. 


John Smith, and Thomas Gilbert. 


Leonani Hall. 


Charles R. Atwood. 


1697.— James Leonard, Henry Hodges, Peter Walker, Thomas Williams, 


Stephen L. White. 


1862. James Brown, 


Thomas Dean. 


George Walker. 


Chas. R. Atwood. 


1698. — James Leonard, Philip King, Henry Hodges, ^homas Harvey. 


1838. Seth Preal.rey. 


Elias A. Morse. 


1699.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Harvey, John Smith, 


Samuel A. Dean. 


1863. John W. D. Hall.i 


Thomas Williams. 


H. G. 0. Colby. 


Zacheus Sherman. 


1700.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Harvey, Thomas Williams. 


Geni-jre Dauforth. 


John E. Sanford. 


1701.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Harvey, Thomas Williams. 


Etheri.Igeflaik, Jr. 


1864. Zacheus Sherman. 


1702.— Joseph Willis, Ezra Dean, Thomas Williams, Thomas Gilbert, 


1839. All.ri Presbn-y. 


Thomas J. Lothrop. — — ^. 


.lolin Smith, Thomas Harvey. 


LtM.iiiird HhII. 


James Brown. 


1703. — James Leonard, Thomas Williams, Henry Hodges, Thomas 


184U. Alteii Pn-slney. 
Leouanl Hall, 


1865. Willard Lovering. 
Abram Briggs. 


Harvey, Thomas Gilbert. 
17n4. — Capt. Henry Hodgt's, Thomas Harvey, Thomas Williams, John 


Stephen L. White. 


Chas. F. Johnson. 


Witherell, Nicholas White. 


Wui. Raskins, 


1866. Willard Lovering. 


1705. — Henry Hodges, Thomas Williams, James Leonard, Thomas 


John Pratt. 
1841. James W. Ciossman. 


James Brown. 
Chas. F. Johnson. 


Harvey. 
1706.— Lieut. James Leonard, Jared Talbot, Israel Thrasher, Thomas 


Samuel A. Dean. 


1867, Nathan S. Williams. 


Harvey. 


Joseph W. Strange. 


Jeremy B. Dennett. 


1707.— Thomas Harvey, Henry Hodges, Thomas Leonard, Thomas 


1842-43. Allen Preebrey. 
William Hawkins. 


WaltiM- S, Sitrague. 
1868. Jeremy B. Dennett. 


Gilbert, 
1708.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Harvey, James Leonard, Thomas Gilbert, 


Stephen L. White. 


Nathan S. Williams. 


Thomas Leonard. 


1844. Stephen L, White. 


Walter S. Sprague. 


1709. — James Leonard, ThomiLS Harvey, Henry Hodges, Thomas Leonard, 


Alplieiis Sanford. 


1SG9. Edgar H. Reed. 


Thomas Gilbert. 


Eliiis Richmond. 


Le Baron B. Church. 


1710.— James Leonard, Thomas Harvey, Thomas Gilbert, Robert Cross- 


1845-4G. No representative chosen. 


Alfred M. Wilii.ims. 


man, Abraham Jones. 


1847. Setli Presbrey, 


1870. Alfred M. Williams. 


1711.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Harvey. 


Rev. Alvan Cobb. 


George H. Babbitt, Jr. 


1712. — Thomas Harvey, Thomas Gilbert, John Smith, Henry Hodges. 


SamuL'l Ilaskins. 


Alex. H. Ohamplin. 


1713.— Thomas Harvey, Nicholas White, Thomas Gilbert, Henry Hodges, 


1848. Rev. Alvan Cobb. 


1871. John E. Sanford. 


Robert Cmssman. 


James M. Williams. 


John n. Church. 


1714.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Harvey, Nicholas White, John Smith, 


Samuel Cain, Jr. 


Geinge H. Babbitt, Jr. 


Robert Grossman. 


1849. Samuel Cain, Jr. 


1872. John E Sanford 2 (Speaker). 


1715.— Thomas Harvey, Nicholas White, Thonms Gilbert, John Smith, 


Chester I. Read. 


John H. Church. 


Henry Hodges. 


James M. Williams. 


Wm. R. Black. 


1716.— Henry Hodges, Thomas Harvey, Setli Williams, John Andrews. 


1850, Lewis R. Chesbrough. 


187a. John E. Sanford (Speaker). 


1717. — Thomas Harvey, John Smith, James Leonard, Nicliolas White. 


James M. Williams. 


Win. R. Black. 


niS.-Tliomas Gilbert, John Smith, Thomas Harvey, John Williams, 


1851. Lewis R. Chesbrough. 


Nathan B. Seaver. 


John Mason. 


John Andrews. 


1874-75. John E. Sanford (Speaker). 


1719.— John Mason, .John Dean, Tliomas Harvey. 


James M. Williams. 


Cyrus Savage. 


1720. — James Leonard, Seth Williams, Abraham Jones, Thomas llarvej', 


1852. Harrison Tweed. 


Frederick L. Bosworth. 


John Dean. 


John Andrews. 


1876-77. George C. Wilson. 


1721.— James Leonard, John King, Abraham Jones, Samuel Leonard, 


Richmond Walker. 


Frederic Hathaway. 


Morgan Cobb, Ji. 


1853. No representative chosen. 


William Watte. 


1722. — James Leonard, John King, Abraham Jones. Samuel Leonard, 


1854. Le Baron B. Church. 


1878. John W. Hart. 


_Morgau Cobb, Jr. 


Enos W. Dean. 


William Reed, Jr. 


1723. — James Leonard, .\braham Jones, Samuel Leonard, John Dean, 


Baylies Sanford. 


John H. Galligan. 


John Mason. 


1855. Elias A. Jlorse. 


1879. William Iteed, Jr. 


1724.— J<din King, Samuel Leonard, Samuel Pratt, Morgan Cobb, Jr., 


Allen I'resbrey. 


John W. Hart. 


James Walker. _ 


Hiram li. Witherell. 


John D. Reed. 


1726.— Nathaniel Williams, Israel Dean, Samiud Pitts, John Mason, 


1856. Lawson Blood. 


1880. John D. Reed. 


John Andrews. 


Job HI. Gndlrey. 


James M. Evans. 


1727.— Seth William.s, John King, John Mason, James Walker, Benja- 


Andrew Pollard. 


John H. Galligan. 


min Wilbore. 


1857. Lawson Blood. 


1881. James M. Evans. 


1728. — John Andrews, Richard Godfrey, Isaac Merick, Jeremiah With- 


Charles Foster. 


Chas. A. Reeil. 


erell. 


Henry H. Fox. 


Lloyd E. White. 


1729.— John Andrews, James Walker, Benjamin Wilbore, J. dm Mason, 


1858. Charles Foster. 


1882, Chas. T. Barnard. 


Samuel Pitts. 


Harrison Tweed. 


Chas. A. Reed. 


1730.— John Andrews, James Walker, Benjamin Wilbore, John Mason, 


Marcus Morton. 


Francis S. Babbitt. 


Samuel Pitts. 


1859. Henry H. Fox. 


1883. Chas. T.Barnard. 


1731.— John Mason, Samuel Pitts, Henry Hodges,^ Israel Dean, John 


Henty Sproat. 
Elisha Copelaud, 
I86O1 Elisha Copcland. 

SELECTMEN FR 


Francis S. Babbitt. 
Herbert L. Peck. 

OM 1092 TO 1865. 


Andrews. 
1732.— Henry Hodges, John Willis. 
1733.— Sanmel Pitts, Israel Dean, John Miison, Henry Hodges, John 

Willis. 
1734. — lohn Willis, Henry Hodges, John Andrews, John Mason. 


169-2.— James Leonard, Henry Hod^ 


;e8, Nathaniel Williams, John Ilall, 


1735. — John Andrews, Henry Hodges, John Willis. 


Thomas Leonard. 




1736.- JameffLeunanl, Morgan Cobb, Jr., Nehemiah Walker, Jonathan 


1G93. — James Leonard, Henry Hodg 


is, Peter Walker, Shadrack Wilbore, 


Williams. 


Thomas Dean. 




1737.— John Willis, Henry Hodges. 


1094.— John Smith, Henry Hodges, 


Bhadrack Wilbore, James Leonard, 


1738-39.- Israel Dean, Samuel Pitta, John Willis, Henry Hodges. 


Thomas Dean. 




1740.— Morgan Cobb (2d), Richard Godfrey, Jonathan Wdliams, Nehe- 






nnah Walker, Seth Wiiliame. 


1 Appointed proTost-n 


narshal in April, 1863. 


1741-42.— Record lost. 


2 Was Speaker 1872-7 


5. 


1743, — Thomas Leonard, James Leonard. 



TAUNTON. 



819 



1744-55. — Records lost. 

175S. — Henry Hodges, James Walker, Israel Tigdale, Ricbard Godfrey, 
Samuel Blake. 

1 76 G-fiO.— Records lost. 
' 1760.— Israel Tisdale, Ricliard Godfrey, Simeon Williams, James Walker, 
Elieiipzer Dean. 

1761.— Ricliard Godfrey, James Walker, Ebenezer Dean, Simeon Wil- 
liams. 

1762.— Israel Tisdule, Richard Godfrey, Simeon Williams, Josiah Ma- 
comber, Henry Hodges. 

1763— Richard Godfrey, Israel Ttsdale, Simeon Williams, Henry Hodges, 
Josiah Macomber. 

1764.— IsPiiel Tiddale, Richard Godfrey, Simeon Williams. 

1765. — Israel TisJale, Ricliard Godfrey, Simeon Williams, Josiah Ma- 
comber, James Leonard. 

1766. — Richard Godfrey, Simeon Williams, James Leonard. 

17G7.— Records lost. 

1768.— Richard Godfrey, Henry Hodges, Richard Cobb. 

1770.— Rklmrd Godfrey, Simeon Williams, Henry Hodges, Richard 
Cobb. 

1771.— No record. 

1772. — John Read, Benjamin Dean, Jr., William Thayer. 

1773, — Ricliard Godfrey, Benjamin Dean, Jr., Ichabod Leonard, Elisha 
Barney, Ebenezer Cobb. 

1774.— Richard Godfrey, Benjamin Dean, Jr., Elisha Barney, Ichabod 
Leoiiaid, Ebenezer Cobb. 

1775-7G. — Richard Godfrey, Ichabod Leonard, Elisha Barney. 

1777. — Richard Godfrey, Simeon Williams, Benjamin Williams, Elijah 
Lincoln, Apollos Leonard. 

1778.— No record. 

1779. — Elijah Lincoln, Apollos Leonard, Solomon Dean, Cornelius White, 
Nathaniel Briggs. 

1780. — Apullos Leonard, Cornelius White, Nathaniel Briggs, Noah Dean, 
Ebenezer Dean. 

1781-87.— No record. 

1788. — Geoi'ge Godfrey, James Leonard, Ebenezer Dean. 

lYiig, — George Godfrey, Job Smith, James Leonard, Ebenezer Dean, 
Eliakim Walker. 

1790.— George Godfrey, Job Smith, James Leonard, Ebenezer Dean^ 
Eliakim Walker. 

1791.— Geoige Godfrey, Job Smith, James Leonard, Ebenezer Dean, 
Peter Walker. 

1792. — Job Smith, Ebenezer De;in, Seth PadelforJ, James Hart, Rnfns 
Lincoln. 

179:i-94. — EbLMiezer Dean, James Hart, Ichabod Leonaid, Rufus Lincoln, 
James Tisdale. 

1795._Ebeiie7,er Dean, James Hart, Ichabod Leonard, Rnfus Lincoln, 
James Tisdale. 

179(5 — Ebenezer Dean, James Hart, Rufus Lincoln, James Tisdate, 
Nathaniel Leonard. 

1797._Jnnies Tisdale, Nathaniel Leonard, Josepli Dean, Joseph Tisdale, 
Jonathan Ingell, Jr. 

17g8._Nathaniel Leonard, Joseph Dean, Joseph Tisdale, Jonathan In- 
gell, Jr., Gnleon Hicks. 

1709.— Nathaniel Leonard, Joseph Dean, Joseph Tisdate, Jonathan In- 
gell, Jr., Gideon Hicks. 

1800, — Nathaniel Leonard, Joseph Dean, Joseph Tisdale, Jonathan In- 
gell. Jr , Isaac Tnbbs. 

1801.— Josepli Dean, Isaac Tubbs, Nicholas Tilliughast, Abiel Macomber, 
Jacob Barney. 

1802.— Joseph Dean, Isaac Tubbs, Nicholas Tillingluist, Abiel Macomber, 
Jacob Barney. 

1803.— Josei'b l)L*an, Jacob Barney, Edmund Anthony. 

1804,— Ji'seph De.m, Nicholas Tillinghast, Jacob Barney, Edmund An- 
thony, John Recti. 

18O5-0.— Nathaniel Leonard, Edmund Anthony, John Reed, John God- 
frey, Nathaniel Williams. 

1807. Nathaniel Leonanl, Edmund Anthony, John Read, John Godfrey, 

Naliiaiiiel Williams (2d). 

180S.— Nathaniel Leonaid, Edmund Anthony, John Reed, John God- 
. frey, Nathaniel Williams (2d), 

1809.— Nathaniel Leonard, Edmund Anthony, John Reed, John Godfrey, 
Nathanhd Williams (2d). 

1810.— Nathaniel Leonard, John Godfrey, Nathaniel Williams (2d), Peter 
Walker, Jeremiah Paull, 

1811.— Nathaniel Leonard, John Godfrey, Peter Walker, Philip Dean, 
Daniel Brewer, Jr. 



1S12.— John Godfrey, Peter Walker, Philip Dean, Daniel Brewer, Jr., 

Gen. Thomas Lincoln. 
IS13. — Peter Walker, Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Robert Dean, Sam- 
uel Staples, -Jr. 
1814. — Samuel Staples, Jr., Thomas Lincoln, Philip Dean, Seth Sumner, 

Ichabod Leonard. 
1815, — Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samuel Staples, Jr., Ichabod 

Leonard, Abiathar Williams. 
1816. — Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samuel Staples, Ichabod Leonard, 

, Abiathar Williams. 
1817. — Piiilip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samviel Staples, Ichabod Leonard, 

Abiathar William's. 
ISIS.— Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samuel Staples, Ichabod Leonard, 

Abiathar Williams. 
1S19. — Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samuel Staples, Ichabod Leonard, 

Abiatliar Williams, 
1820. — Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samuel Staples, Ichabod Leonard, 

Abiathar Williams. 
1821. — Philip Dean, Thomas Lincoln, Samuel Staples, Ichabod Leonard, 

Abiathar Williams, 
1S22, — Philip Dean, Ichabod Leonard, .\biathar Williams. 
1823.— Philip Dean, Ichabod Leonard, Abialhar Williams. 
1824. — Joseph Dean, Jr., Ichabod Leonard, Abiathar Williams. 
1825. — Joseph Dean, Jr., Ichabod Leonard, William Seaver. 
1S26. — Ichabod Lincoln, Joseph Dean, Jr., William Seaver. 
1827. — Ichabod Lincoln, Joseph Dean, Jr., William Seaver. 
1828. — Ichabod Lincoln, Joseph Dean, Jr., William Seaver. 
1829. — Ichabdd Lincoln, John P. Dennis, William Seaver. 
18;i0. — Ichabod Lincoln, John P. Dennis, William Seaver. 
1831. — Ichabod Lincoln, John P. Dennis, William Seaver. 
1832-34. — William Seaver, Joseph Wilbar, George Walker, Jr. 
1835-37. — Joseph Wilbar, George Walker, Stephen Ii. 'White. 
1838-40.— Joseph Wilbar, Luther L, Short, Stephen L. White. 
1841-43.— Joseph Wilbar, Allen Presbrey, Stephen L. White. 
1844. — Joseph Wilbar, William Haskins, Charles Presbrey. 
1845.— William Seaver, Noble Canady, David Bassett. 
1846-49. — William Seaver, Andrew H. Hall, Samuel L. Crocker. 
1S50. — Elias A. Morse, Andrew H, Hall, Charles R. Atwood. 
1851.— James M. Williams, Andrew H, Hall, Edwin Keith. 
1852-54. — Elias A. 31orse, William F. Macomber, Edwin Keith. 
1855.— Elias A. Morse, Allen Presbrey, Ziba Babbitt. 
1856-57. — Elias A. Morse, Allen Presbrey, Isaac G. Carrier. 
1858. — Stephen L. White, Allen Presbrey, Isaac G, Carrier. 
1859. — Allen Pre.'>brey, Stephen L. White, Isaac G. Carrier. 
< 1860-63. — Allen Presbrey, Cornelius White, Isaac G. Carrier. 
j 1SG4. — Allen Presbrey, Abram Briggs, Nathan S. Williams, 

Missiiiff Yt:nr8 of Selecliiten.—lb5S to 1665, inclusive; 1725, 1741, 1742, 
1744 to 1759, except 1755; 1TG7, 1709, 1771, 1778, 1781, 1787. 

TOWN CLERKS, lCG5-lSG.i. 



1665-94. Shadrach Wilbore, who 

died about 1700. 
1708. Johu Wilbore. 
1725. Benjamin Wilbore. 
1740-1820. James Williams, Jr. 
1821-34. Alfred Williams. 
1835-44. Etimund Anthony. 
1845. Krancis S. Monroe. 



184G-54. James P. Ellis. 

1855-58, William Brewster. 

1858-62. Henry C. Porter. 

1862-G5, JaiiU'S M. Cushmau, ap- 
pointed September, 1862, to 
the termination of the town, 
1865. 



1757. Samuel White. 
17G4-74. Benjamin Williams. 
1775. George Godfrey. 
1805-22. Samuel Crocker. 
1822-25. John Seaver. 
1825. William Reed. 
1S2G, James L. Hodges. 
1327-34. John Baylies. 
1834r-38. Calvin Woodward. 



TOWN TREASURERS, 1757 TO 1864. 

1838-44. Edmund Anthony. 
1844-47. Lemuel L. White. 
1847-53. Charles Porter. 
1^53-54. James P. Ellis. 
18o5-56. George B. Atwood. 

1857. Joseph E. Wilbar, 

1858. Samuel M.Tinkham. 
1859-63. Piiilip T. Brewster. 
1863-64. George A. Washburn. 



ASSESSORS FROM 1865 TO 1883. 

1|SG5._ J. Alonzo Ph ill ip.s, Horace Lewis, Oliver S. Godfrey, Benjamin 
Spinney, Charles F. Johnson, Benjamin Porter, Patau F. Smith. 

^866.- J. Alonzo Phillips, Francis S, Monroe. Oliver S. Godfrey, Benja- 
min Spinney, Charles F. Johnson, Charles H. Stephens, Henry N. 
Harvey, Paran F. Smith. 



820 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



1867-68.— Charles "&. Stephens, J. Alonzo Phillips, Henry N. Harvey. 
1869 —George H. BaWiitt, Henry N. Harvey, Charles H. Stephens. 
1870-71.— George H. Bablitt, Henry N. Harvey, Abram Briggs. 
1873.— Abrani Briggs, Samnel M. Tinkham, Henry N. Harvey. 
1873-74.— Samuel M. Tinkliam, Heniy N. Harvey, Henry S. Hart. 
1875-76.— James M. Cushman (chairman), Henry N. Harvey, Henry S. 

Hart (clerk). 
1877.— James M. Cusliman, Hcniy S. Hart, William H. I'leadivell. 
1878-80.— William B. Spniat ^chaiiuiani, Henry S. Hart (clerk), William 

H. Pleadwell. 
1S81-83.— William B. Sproat ^plecte(i for three years, died), William B. 

Church (elected March 2;i, 1881 1, Henry G. Hart. 
1883.— Henry S. Hart (chairman), William H. Pleadwell, William B. 

Church (clerk). 

CITY OrFICEES. 

Taunton became a city in 1865. The following 
are the city officers, mayors. Board of Aldermen, and 
councilmen from 1865 to the present time (1883). 

1866.— Mayor, Hun. Edmund H. Bennett. Aldeimcn, Ward 1, Edgar 
H. Reed ; 2, Anson J. Barker ; 3, Kathan Band ; 4, Thompson New- 
bury ; 6, Nntlian S.Williams; 6, Lebaron B. Church ; 7, Cornelius 
White ; 8, Charles L. Levering ; James M. Cushman was elected city 
clerk, and re-elecled annually to 1883, and now serving. Common 
Council, Horatio Piatt, president : Ward 1, John T. Carter, Nathan- 
iel S. Mason, Henry A. Thayer; 2, John E. Sanford, James H. 
Sproat, Nathan Clark ; 3, Edwin Keith, E. Bawes Tisdale. J. W. L. 
Wilbur; 4, Horatio Pi'att, Marcus ill. lihodes, Charles Foster; 6, 
John W. Hart, Job M. Godfrey, Elislia Williams; 6, Frederick 
Hathaway, John Paull, Artemas Biiggs; 7, Ezra P. Woodward, 
George O. Walker, Joseph W. Hathaway ; 8, Nathaniel B. Leonard, 
James D. Albro, Rnel Harvey ; Bernard A. Galligan, clerk ; George 
A. Washburn was elected city treasurer in 1865, and has been unani- 
mously re-elecled annually to 1883, and now serving. 

1866.— Mayor, Edmund U. Bennett. Aldermen, Ward 1, Edgar H. Reed; 

2, Anson J. Barker ; 3, John B. Chase ' ; 4, Thompson Newbury ; 5, 
Silaa S. King; 6, Lebaron B. Church; 7, George G. Walker; 8, 
Charles L. Loveriug. Councilmen, Charles Fctster, president : Ward 

1, Nathaniel S. Mason, Jonathan J. Stanley, L.J. Wilmarth; 2, John 
E. Sanford, Nathan Clark, William R. Davenport; 3, Edwin Keith, 
J. W. L. Wilbur, William B. Murphy ; 4, Charles Foster, Edmund 
W. Porter, Andrew H.IiuU; 5, George Williams, Ebenezer Padle- 
ford, H. K. Southworth; 6, W. B. Presbrey, W. H. Phillips, Joseph 
L. Presbrey ; 7, Stephen Pierce, Zenas F. Bliss, E. P. Woodward ; 8, 
James P. Albro, John Kadley, Ruel Harvey; B. A. Galligan, 'clerk.2 

1867.— Mayoi-, Edmund H. Bennett,^ Stephen H. Rhodes.-i Aldermen, 
Ward 1, Stephen H. Rhodes,^ Abram Biiggs;6 2, Pailey I. Perrin ; 

3, John B. Chase; 4, Thompson Newbury ; 6, Silas S. King; 0, Le- 
baron B. Church; 7, George G. Walker; 8, Nathaniel Leonard. 
Councilmen, John E. Sanford, president: Ward 1, J, J. Stanley, L. 
J. Wilmarth, Leander Soule ; 2, John E. Sanlord, William R. Dav- 
enport, James H. Dean ; 3, Edwin Keith, William B. Murphy, Wil- 
liam H. Brown ; 4, E. W. Porter, Andrew H. Hall, C. E. Stephens; 

5, J. L. Macombcr, George Wilhanis, Elkanah Pierce; 6, S. N. Sta- 
ples, B H. Baker, John H. Church ; 7, Leonard L. Short, N. B. Pratt, 
Alexander H. Champlin: S, Ruel Harvey, John Kadley, Moses 
Nelson. 

1SG8.— Mayor, Stephen H. lihodes. ■Aldermen, Ward 1, Leander Soule; 

2, Parley I. Periin ; 3, Daniel L. Mitchell ; 4, Thompson Newbury; 

6, Silas S. King; C, Lebaron B. Church; 7, George G.Walker; 8, 
Paran F. Smith. Councilmen, John E. Sanford, president: Ward 
1, J. J. Stanley, Horace M. Hall, Charles Husband; 2, John E San- 
foid, William R.Davenport, James H. Dean ; 3, Edward Galligan, 
H. M. Lovel-ing. Connor Brady; 4, Charles Foster, Edmund W. Por- 
ter, Thomas R. Bearse; 5, George Williams, J. L. Macomber, J. C. 
Ilaskius; 0, S. N. Staples, Alfred Paull, Samuel Miller; 7, Leonard 

I Elected January 27th in place of Ezra Davol, resigned. 
- March 7th, resigned, and James R. Husband elected to fill vacancy 
who remained clerk until 1877. 
:* Resigned June 10, 1807. 
* Elected by City Council, June 19, 181.7. 
^ Resigned June 19, 1807. 
« Elected June 29, 1807. 



L. Short, N. B. Pratt; 8, Moses Nelson, Philip A. Frazier, Nathan 
Lawrence. 

1869. — Mayor, Stephen H. Rhodes. Aldermen, Ward 1, William Tink- 
ham ; 2, Parley I. Periin; 3, Dauiel L. Mitchell; 4, Thompson 
Newbury; h, Silas S. King ; 6, Jacob Buit; 7, A. H. Champlin ; 8, 
Charles L. Loveriug. Councilmen, John E. Sanford, president: 
Ward I, Silas Dean," Albert D. Davol, William SI. Cowing; 2, John 
E. Sanford, Willijim It. Davenport, James H. Dean ; 3. Edward Gal- 
ligan, Henry M. Levering, J:unes Hanrahan ; 4, Cliarles Foster, 
Thomas R. Bearse, Nonius Paige; 6, Julius C. Haskins, John A. 
Williams, Isaac W. Leach ; 0, Sylvanns N. Staples, Billings T. Pres- 
brey, Henry J. Fuller; 7, Peter C. Thayer, Joseph W. Hathaway, 
William L. White, Jr. ; 8, Philip A. Frazier, Charles D. McDuflie, 
William W. Swan. 

1870.— Mayor, Daniel L. Mitchell. Aldermen, Ward 1, William Tink- 
ham ; 2, Parley I. Perrin ; 3, Joseph Murphy ; 4, George M. Wood- 
ward; 5, SHas S. King; 0, John H. Church; 7, Leonard L. Short; 
8, Charles L. Levering. Councilmen, John E. Sanford, president: 
Ward 1, Albert D. Davol, S. H. Rhodes, D. W. Wastcoat; 2, John E. 
Sanford, William R. Davenport, Charles E. Monroe; 3, H. M. Love- 
ring, Charles Galhiglier, William H. Baker; 4, David D. Perkins, 
George F. Seaver, Nonius Paige,^ Erastus Jlorse ;'■' 5, John A. Wil 
lianis, G. H. Holloway, John W. Hart; 6, Henry J. Fuller, Billings 
T. Presbrey, James M. Evans; 7, William L. White, Jr., Stephen 
Pierce, George A. Crane; 8, William W. Swan, John C. Macdonald, 
Palmer Lincoln. 

1871.— Mayor, Daniel L. Mitchell. Aldermen, Ward 1, William Tink- 
ham; 2, Pailey I. Perrin ; 3, Joseph Murphy; 4, George F. Seaver; 
5, Jahaziah S. King, Jr.; 6, James M. Evans ; 7, Stephen Pierce; 8, 
Charles L. Lovering. Councilmen, John E. Sanlord, president: 
Ward 1, John E. Sanford, Peter M.Vaughn, Job B. Grossman; 2, 
Charles E.Monroe, Horace Lewis, William B. Sproat; 3, William 
H. Baker, James A. Tinkham, Dennis .1. Mehegan : 4, David D, Per- 
kins, Harrison G. 0. White, Crawford BI. Fairbanks; 5, John W. 
Hart, George H. Holloway, Lysander Soper; 6, Henry J. Fuller, 
Charles II. Paull, Benjamin B. Hathaway; 7, George A.Crane, 
Nicholas N. Crapo, Ezra P. Woodward; 8, William W. Swan, John 
C. Macdonald, William Robert Williams. 

1872.— Mayor, Daniel L. Mitchell. Aldermen, Ward I, Albert D. Davol; 
2, Parley I. Perrin; 3, Henry M. Lovering;'^ 4, George F. Seaver; 
5, Jahaziah S. King, Jr. ; 6, Henry J. Fuller; 7, Ezra P. Woodward ; 
8, W'illiam W. Swan. Common Council, John E. Sanford, president : 
Ward 1, John E. Sanford, Peter M. Vaughn, Job B. Grossman ; 2, 
Horace Lewis, Charles H. Atwood, Francis S. Monroe ; 3, James A. 
Tinkham,!! Onias S. Paige, Dennis J. Mehegan ; 4, James H. Dean, 
Erastus Blorse, Edmund W. Porter; 5, Lysander Soper, Oliver A. 
Pierce, Charles H. Macomber; 6, Richard Henry Hall, David B. 
Cushman, John Tyler Williams; 7, James T. Bassett, Abel W. Par- 
ker, James G. Walker; 8, William Robert Williams, G. Everett 
Lincoln, John Holland. 

1873.— Mayor, William H. Fo-\. Alilermen, Ward 1, James H. Codding; 
2, Charles H. Atwood; 3, Joseph Murphy; 4, Lebaron B. Church; 
.•>, Frederick L. Boswoith ; 6, Alfred Paull ; 7, James G. Walker; 8, 
John Holland. Common Council, James H. Dean, president : Ward 
1, John E. Sanford, Henry S. Harris, William B. Murphy ; 2, John 
E. Brown, (;. E. Richmond, William L. Walker; 3, Onias S. Paige, 
Edwin Keith, James McCarty ; 4, James H. Dean, Edmund W. Por- 
ter, Samuel R. Townsend; .5, Alexander H. Williams, Charles H. 
Macomber, Oliver A. Pierce; 6, Charles H. Stevens, Asa Williams, 
James P. Galligan ; 7, .lames T. Bassett, Benjamin L. Walker, Jason 
Morse; 8, Frederick Thayer, Manilas B. Leonard, Henry J. Bur- 
hank. 

1874.— Mayor, George H. Babbitt. Aldermen, Ward 1, Charles Hus- 
band; 2, Charles H. Atwood; 3, Joseph Murphy; 4, Lebaion B. 
Church; 5, Frederick L. Boswortll ; 6, John II. Eddy; 7, James G. 
Walker; 8, James .\. B. Woodward. Councilmen, James H. Dean, 
president: Ward 1, Henry S. Harris, William B. Murphy, Otis 
Washburn ; 2, William L. Walker, John E. Brown, Charles E. Rich- 
mond ; 3, Onias S. Paige, Saul W. Eddy, Owen Galligan; 4, James H. 
Dean, Samuel R. Townsend, Timothy C. Baker; 5, Alexander H. 
Williams, Charles II. Macomber, Benjamin S. Boswortli ; 6, Charles 



I Died April 26th ; John S. Pinkerlon elected May 29, ISO!). 

8 Resigned Jan. 6, 187U. » Elected Jan. 15. 1870. 

10 Elected Feb. 17, 1872, in place of Joseph Murphy, resigned. 

tt Elected Jan. 10, 1872, in place of t'harles W. Hartshorn, declined. 



TAUNTON. 



821 



H.Stevens, James p. Galligan, Frederick Hathaway; 7, Jason Morse, 
James T. Bassett, Benjamin L. Wallier ; 8, Henry J. Bnrbank, Fred- 
erick Tbayer, Andrew Leddy. 

1875.— Mayor, George H. Babbitt. Akiernien, Wanl 1, lli-nry S. Harris; 
2, William L. Walker; 3, Onias S. Paige; 4, Nathan S. Williams; 5, 
John W. Hart ; 6, Alfred Paull ; T, Abel W. Parker; S, Knel Harvey. 
Conncilnien, James H. Dean, president: Ward I, Otis Washbnrn, 
Shubael P. Bliss, William B. Mnrpliy; 2, John E. Browne, Charles 
E. Uichmond, Everett D. Godfrey ; .1. Asaph L. Bliss, James McCarty, 
Thomas 0. Falvey ; 4, Timothy C. Baker, James H. Dean, S. R. Town- 
send; 5, Charles F. Paull, Ale.xander H. Williams, George P. King; 
6, .James P. Galligan, Charles P. White, Frederick Hathaway; 7, 
Henry S. Culver, Zeplianiah Hodges, Jason Morse; 8, Thomas Leach, 
Wilbur F. Allen, Charles E. Dean. 

187G.— Mayor, George H. Babbitt. Aldermen, Ward 1, William B. Mur- 
phy; ■>, William L. Walker; 3, Asaph L. Bliss; 4, N Bradford Dean; 
5, John W. Hart; 6, Alfred Pnull ; 7, Abel W. Parker; 8, Wilbur F. 
Allen. Common Council, Charles E. Richmond, presiilent; Ward 1, 
Otis W^ashburu, Horatio L. Cushman, William E. Dean; 2, Charles 
E. Richmond, John E. Browne, Everett D. Godfrey ; 3, J. W. L. Wil- 
bur, John H. Galligan, Patrick Conaty; 4, Timothy C. Baker, Cor- 
nelius Wood, Frederick Mason ; 6, Alexaniler H. Williiims, George 
V, King, John J. O'Connor; G, William S.Baker, A. L. Willard, John 
Welch; 7, Peter C. Thayer, Ebenezer Cobb, Franklin Pratt; 8, John 
C. Macdonald, William H. Pleadwell, John Power. 

1877. — M.ayor, Onias S. Paige.. Aldermen, Ward 1, Horatio L. Cnshman ; 
2, William H. Bent ; 3, Thomas O. Falvpy ; 4, Cornelius Wood ; 5, 
Charles R. Richmond ; 6, A. Lyman Wilhird ; 7, Franklin Pratt; 8, 
Charles E. Dean; Couucilmen, Ward 1, John E. Sanford, William 
E. Dean, John J. Barker; 2, Charles E. Richmond, Walter S. 
Spragne, George II. Rhodes; 3, James J. Galligan, James A. Tink- 
hani, Patrick Conaty; 4, Fredeiick Blason, Elisha T. Jackson, Jo- 
Biah Kinuicntt; 5, .\biel B. Staples, John J. O'Connor, Arthur W. 
Macomber; G, William S. Baker, Abram Simmons, William H. 
Cushman; 7, Henry S. Cnlver, Edwin Haskiiis, Perry E. Pierce; 
S, John Power, Nelson Thomas, Villiam II. Rankin; President, 
John E. Saiifoid; Clerk, Joseph K. Tallman, re-elected annually 
until 1883. 

1878. — Mayor, Onias S. Paige. Aldermen, Ward 1, Horatio L. Cushman ; 
2, William H. Bent; 3, Thomas O. Falvey; 4, Clornelius Wood; 5, 
Charles F. Johnson; G, A. Lyman Willard; 7, Franklin Pratt; 8, 
Elijah Tolman; Councilmen, Ward 1, John E. Sanford* William 
Tinkliam, John J. Barker; 2, Walter S. Si)ragne. George H. Rhodes, 
Everett D. Godfrey; 3, Henry B. Leach, Francis P. Conaty, John 
Quiim; 4, Frederick Mason, Josiah Kiniiirutt, Edward B. Malttiy; 
5, Abjel B. Staples, George P. King, Arthur W, Macomber; 6, Wil- 
liam S. Baker, William B. Chuich, .lames Hunt; 7, Henry S. Cul- 
ver, Perry E. Pierce, J. F. Dnnlap ; 8, Thomas R Bearse, Millard V. 
Moore, William F. Kennedy; President, John K. Sanford. 

1879.— Mayor, Onias S. Paige. Aldermen, Want l,0ti9 Washburn; 2, 
Walter S. Spiagne; 3, Joseph Murphy; 4, Charles E. Richmond; 
5, Charles F. Johnson; G, A. Lyman Willard ; 7, Henry S. Cnlver; 
8, Moses Nelson. Councilmen, Frederick Ma.son, president: Ward 
], John J. Barker, Charles A. Reed, Martin J. Lincoln; 2, George 
H. Rhodes, Everett D. Godfrey, Alfred C. Place; 3, Owen Galligan, 
Laurens N. Francis, W'illiam C. Lawton ; 4, Frederick Mason, Josiah 
Kinnicutt, James Y. .\nthony; 5, Winthrop A. Robinson, Philip 
Williams, Samuel W. Robinson; G, William S. Baker, David Padel- 
ford, Fiald( Paull ; 7, Joseph W. Hathaway, Perry E. Pierce, Joseph 
S. Tidd ; 8, Thomas R. Bearse, William F. Kennedy, Theodore P. 
Hall. 

iggO. — MaycM", Cliarles F. Johnson^ .\ldermen. Ward 1, Martin J.Lin- 
coln ; 2. Walter S. Spragno ; 3, Thomas O. Falvey ; 4, Nathan S. Wil- 
liams; 5. Benjamin S. Bosworth; 0, William S. Baker; 7, .Joseph 
W. Hathaway; 8, John C. Macdonald. Councilmen, Frederick 
Mason, piesident: Ward 1, Charles R. Mason, James E. Perry, 
Daniel Carey; 2, George H. Rhodes, Everett D.Godfrey, Gamaliel 
Lane; 3, Lauren's N.Francis, Slichael J. Hoye, Benjamin Morris; 
4, Frederick Mason, Josiah Kinnicutt, James Y. Anthony ; o, Sam- 
uel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Philip Williams; 6, Frank 
Paull, John C. Chace, Bernard E. Kiernan ; 7, .Joseph S. Tidd, Heze- 
kiah L.Merrill, Eustus C. Bassett; 8, William F. Kennedy, John 
Field, John W. Lincoln. 
1881. — Mayor, Charles F. Johnson. ,\ldermen, Ward 1, Mailin J. Lin- 
coln; 2, Widter S. Sprague; 3, Michael J. Iloye; 4, James Y. An- 
thony; 5, Benjamin S. Bosworth; 6, William S. Baker; 7, Joseph 
W^ Hathaway; 8, Elijah Tolman. Conncilmen, Frederick Mason, 



president: Ward 1, Charles R. Mason, James E. Perry, Daniel 

Carey; 2, George H. Rhodes, Chailes A. ^loiiroe, Gamaliel Lane; 

" 3, Benjamin Morris, Geoige A. Congdon, Thomas E. McCormick; 

4, James H. Dean, Frederick Mason, Timothy C. Baker; 5, Samuel 
W. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey, John Murphy ; G, George W. Bar- 
rows, John A. McDonald, Charles F. Baker; 7, Joseph Dunbar, 
Arthur B. I^napp, J. Mordecai Lincoln; 8, William F. Kennedy, 
Jolin W. Lincoln, Charles H. Lincoln. 

1882.— Mayor, Charles F. Johnson. Aldermen, Ward 1, Martin J. Lin- 
coln : 2, Walter S. Sprague ; 3, Michael J. Hoye ; 4, Henry D. Atwood ; 
.5, Benjamin S. Bosworth; 6, A. Lyman Willard; 7, Henry S. Culver; 
8. Samuel Lane. Councilmen, Williftn F. Kennedy, president: 
Ward 1, Charles R. Mason, Daniel Carey, James H. Bosworth ; 2, 
George H. Rhodes, Charles A. Monroe, Gamaliel Lane ; 3, Benjamin 
Morris, William Qnillen. James F. Conefy; 4, Charles Foster, Edgar 
R. Sprague, A. Gilbert Williams; 5, Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop 
A. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey; 6, Charles F. Baker, George W. 
Barrows, Thomas C. 3Iiirley ; 7, Nathaniel J. Crossman. Henry A. 
Short, Otis ,\. Thayer; 8, William F. Kennedy, John W. Lincoln, 
John O'llearne. 

1883. — Mayor, Horatio L. Cnshman. Aldermen, Walter S. Sprague, 
chairman: Ward 1, Albert D. Davo! ; 2, Walter S. Sprague; 3, Mi- 
chael J. Hoye; 4, Cornelius Wood; 5, Benjamin S. Bosworth; 6, 
George W. Barrows ; 7, Joseph S. Tidd ; 8, Frank L. Fish. Council- 
men, George H. Rhodes, president : Ward 1, Daniel Carey, James H. 
Bosworth, William H. Wood ; 2, George H. Rhodes, Henry W. Colby, 
Owen Barker; 3, Benjamin Morris, James F. Conefy, George K. 
Noyes; 4, Charles Foster. Edgar R. Sprague, A. Gilbert Williams; 

5, Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey ; 

6, George E. Wilbur, William C. Bowen, Peter H. Corr ; 7, Otis A. 
Thayer, Nathaniel J. Crossman, Frank K. Chace ; 8, John O'Hearne, 
Jr., Thomas B. Cottrell, Edwin M. Hills. 

CITY MARSHALS. / 

Robert Crossman (2d), Jan. 2.'5, 1805, to Aug. 27, 1807 (deceased); Willis 
Potter, Sept. 4, 1SG7, to Jan. 1, 1874 ; John A. Fay, Jan. 1, 1874, to 
March 14, 1874; Orrin M. Ingalls, March 14, 1874, to Jan. 1. 1877 : 
George F. Seaver, Jan. 1, 1877, to Aug. 1, 1879 ; Alfred B. Hodges, 
.\ug. 1, 187S, now in service. 

POSTMASTERS OF TAUNTON. 

Appointed. 

Nicholas Tillinghast March 20,1793. 

Samuel Hodges July 1, 1S(I3. 

James Hodges Jan. 1, l«ll4. 

James L. Hodges Dec. ,«, 1810, 

D.avid C.Hodges..... Sept. 9, 182G. 

Joseph L. Lord Aug. 19, 1829. 

Chniles R. Vickerv March 21, 1835. 

William Brewsterl May 12, 1849. 

Abijah M. Iile, Jr I'dy 1. W&.i. 

Joseph E.WilKarl Doc. 18, 1801. 

Abijah M. Ide Jan. l.i, 18G0. 

Samuel 0. Dnnbarl April 2i, 1869. 

EliasE. Fullerl March 20, 1873.2 

Councilors from Taunton.— Tiie only members of 
the E.xecutive Council from Taunton in forty years 
were Hon. Samuel L. Crocker (1850), under the admin- 
istration of Governor George N. Briggs, and Hon. 
Harrison Tweed, in 1870-78, under Governor Alex- 
ander H. Rice. 

Senators.— Gen. David Cobb waa senator in 1801 
to 1805, and president during four years. Chester I. 
Reed was senator from Taunton in 1862; he was 
attorney-general in 1864 to 1867, and judge of the 
Superior Court from 1867 to 1870. John E. San- 
ford^ was senator in 1864, A. M. Ide in 1865, Harri- 
son Tweed in 1868-69, James Brown in 1873, Wil- 
liam C. Lovering in 1874-75, Ezra Davol in 1878-79, 
William Reed in 1882. 

I Now living in Taunton. = 1883, now serving, 

a Mr. Sanford has since been Speaker of the House four years, from 
' 1872 to 1876. 



822 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

TAUNTON.'— ( (;^ii«;/'i«/.) 
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

Mill River Manufactories.— Whittenton. — 

The first industrial enterprises on Mill River at Wliit- 
tenton were the saw-mill on the east and the grist- 
mill on the west side, near the location of the present 
dam, and were chiefly owned by James Leonard. 
Mill River takes its rise from Winneconnet Pond, 
and the rivulets flowing into it in Norton and Easton. 
Before the numerous mills were erected thereon, which 
gave it the name over two hundred years ago, it was 
called "Canoe River," being forded by Indians in 
their canoes from mouth to source, some ten miles 
distant, who all along occupied its banks through their 
hunting-grounds. About 1670, James Leonard, Sr., 
who introduced the manufacture of bar-iron in 1656, 
at the old forge or " bloomery" on Two-Mile River, in 
Taunton (now Raynliam), with his sous and others, 
built a forge on the west bank of Mill River, near 
the grist-mill dam at Whittenton,^ with its one hearth 
bellows, chimney, and other appurtenances for making 
iron. His sons, Joseph, Uriah,^ and Benjamin, who 
had served in the first iron-works, worked the forge. 
James, Sr., died in 1691, leaving a portion of Whit- 
tenton works to Joseph, and anotherto Uriah, with the 
dwelling-house adjoining ; Joseph to pay his mother- 
in-law, Margaret, widow of James', four hundred of 
iron and twenty shillings, and LTriah to pay her six 
hundred of iron annually as long as she remained their 
father's widow. Benjamin received lands, including 
"meadows and mines," to supply the forge with ore; 
to James, Jr., he gave some land and his " half-share 
in the old iron-works," of which his eldest son, Thomas 
Leonard, had charge. Joseph died in 1692, leaving 
his widow, Benjamin, and Uriah in charge of Whit- 
tenton Iron-Works and Mills. Two years later, Mary 
{Joseph's widow), Benjamin, and Uriah, entered into 
" an agreement that the grist-mill be removed from 
the place where it now standeth on the east side of 
the forge, and set upon the west side below," upon 
land purchased of Rev. George Shove, that each 
proprietor "shall bear the expenses of removal and 
the building of a new house for the grist-mill ;" and 
furthermore, that " the said mill is not to hinder the 
improvement for making of iron," " the iron-works to 
have the improvement of the water" in the dry sea- 
son. They also "covenanted to build a new hearth," 
with appurtenances, on the east side of the forge, and 

1 The editor acknowledges his indebtedness in (he preparation of this 
chapter to Capt. J. W. D. Hall. We are also indebted to Capt. Hall for 
much valuable assistance on the county generally, which has greatly 
lessened our labor iu the preparation of the work. 

2 Wluttington, in tbt' more ancient records, a tradition that it was 
named after John Wliittitigton, an emigrant from England. 

3 Uriah, above referred to, was the one who, when a young man, 
worked in the old forge with his father, ran the gauntlet under fire of 
the Indians while returning horseback fiom the Centre one afternoon, 
escaping without a wound, as tradition snys, but a wounded horse. 



Benjamin to be master workman ; thus doubling the 
capacity of the forge for making bar-iron, which was 
an important factor in those early days of Taunton. 

Uriah sold his share of the works, in 1699, to his 
brother, Capt. Janies^ with the iron mine near the 
'"'eight-mile pond" (Winneconnet) and the ore in 
the same, for three hundred pounds; also providing, 
as James became a partner, " that Joseph's widow 
shall have six hundred of iron annually during her 
life, while the works stand." They also purchased of 
John Pole, merchant of Boston, " 50 acres of mine 
meadow," formerly owned by Capt. William Pole, his 
father, " bounded on the west by Hoar's highway 
(Winter Street) for £50, and two tons of good mer- 
chantable bar-iron." Some years later. Widow Mary 
having married Joseph Willis, the brothers " cove- 
nanted that she have the improvement of her late hus- 
band's interest in the forge and mill, also 600 of 
iron, four barrels of cider, and twenty bushels of 
apples from the orchard,* annually for four years." 
She had two sons, Edward and William, employed, 
about the works, and two daughters. Edward after- 
wards became an owner. 

The ancient forge and mills were conducted by Capt. 
James Leonard-, his sons, and other members of the 
fantily, to Jonathan and James of the fifth genera- 
tion, the latter a " refiner," for more than a hundred 
years after the foregoing incidents transpired in the 
early history of making charcoal iron by .lames Leon- 
ard' ; the crude ore for which being produced along 
the meadows of Watson's pond, "Scadding's moire," 
to the vicinity of Winneconnet Pond five miles dis- 
tant, the facts conclusively furnished by ancient deeds 
and records. In 1699 Nicholas Mowry, ancestor of 
many of the name, a large land-holder, was a share- 
owner in the forge, and in 1737, Capt. Thomtis Cobb, 
"mariner," became an owner, increasing another 
"hearth" and furnishing New Jersey ore of a more 
profitable percentage than "Scadding's moire" to sup- 
ply the forge. In 1793 Capt. James Leonard^ con- 
veyed his portion of the works, owned jointly with 
Abiather and Samuel, to his nephew Zadoc, who con- 
tinued the business to 1800. Jonathan, who died in 
1797, conveyed the grist-mill to his son, Lee Leonard, 
who sold the mill privilege and fifty acres of land, in 
1810, to Crocker, Bush, and Richmond for four thou- 
sand dollars. This closed the Leonard interest in that 
site which had continued about one hundred and fifty 
consecutive years. 

Crocker, Bush, and Richmond, who had been in the 
employ of Samuel Leonard, Sr., as clerks and assist- 
ants in the iron business, conceived the. plan of utili- 
zing the Mill River water-power at Whittenton to a 
better advantage than accrued from the ancient forge 
and grist-mill. In 1805 they built a nail-mill of one 
story above the bridge, where nails of various sizes 

< The " orchard" occupied the east side of the river (Warren Bur- 
bank's place), at Britanniaville, now largely covered with spacious build- 
ings of Reed & Barton's Works, 



TAUNTON. 



823 



were cut by crude machines compared with the pres- 
ent, and the heading was done by hand ; the nails 
being taken out in job lots by farmers for that pur- 
pose. It was a slow process, but soon after machines 
were invented for heading by a jerk of the foot and 
blow of a hammer. A few years later machines were 
made by Rogers and Odeon, which greatly improved 
the process of manufacture by cutting and heading 
the nail at one operation. Jlelvin 6tis, of Wareham, 
invented a machine, improved by Jesse Reed, of 
Marshfield, in 1815, which made still further im- 
provements, superseding the former by gripping and 
spring nippers to complete the heading as well as 
pointing of nails. These machines are in use at the 
present day in all nail establishments. There was 
some controversy as to whom the merit of the patent 
belonged, but both have shared the honor and benefit. 

In 1807 the above firm added another story to the 
Whittenton Nail-JIill, and put in machinery for spin- 
ning cotton yarn. This was packed in skeins and 
taken out by farmers' families within a radius of one 
to fifteen miles, to be woven into cloth by the domes- 
tic hand-loom and shuttle generally in vogue in those 
days, which gave employment to hundreds of women 
at their looms. 

In Novend)er, 1811, the yarn and nail-mill was 
burned and the machines destroyed. The enterpris- 
ing proprietors immediately erected another factory 
on the same site, seventy by thirty, three stories, with 
mule-room attic. It was said that the timber growing 
two months before wag converted into lumber for the 
factory ready for the machinery for spinning cotton 
yarn. It was then war embargo time, and cotton 
fabrics were in quick demand. 

A few years later some forty power-looms were 
added, of the Slater construction, recently imported 
by patterns from England, and this was the first mill 
in this region, it was said, which made good cloth 
by the power-looms. Barney Lincoln, now an octo- 
genarian of eighty-five, was an overseer in the spin- 
ning-room in 1818, and Elijah Caswell, since an in- 
genious tack mechanic, now in his seventy-fifth year, 
but then a lad of ten years, worked in that mill. 

Meanwhile another nail-mill had been built on the 
east bank of the dam, the site of the old saw-mill of a 
century before, a short distance above the present office 
of the Whittenton Mills Company. An avenue, with 
dwellings thereon, led up to the mill, where nails 
were made in 1821 by the modern machines super- 
seding the former slow process. Elisha Gilmore had 
charge of the mill and the previous one destroyed by 
fire for eighteen years. Albert Field, Warren Bur- 
bank, and others were employed, and made their first 
nails there by the modern process; the former lias 
passed away, the latter is a veteran of seventy-eight. 
The nail business was relinquished over fifty years 
ago, and the old buildings then occupied by that de- 
partment have been removed some distance to the 
rear, and are used for storage by the company. 



Whittenton Mills.— In 1824 the Whittenton Mills 
became incorporated with the property of the Taunton 
Manufacturing Company, but under the management 
of James K. Mills & Co., of Boston. In 1831-32 a new 
stone mill was built a short distance east of the former, 
containing seventy looms for making finer goods. This 
mill may now be seen segmented between the large 
brick structures more recently erected. The property 
remained under the control of the Taunton Manufac- 
turing Company until May, 1835, when Mills & Co. 
severed their connection, and resumed proprietorship 
of the mills and appurtenances. 

In September, 1836, the late Willard Lovering, a 
practical manufacturer, was called to the agency of 
Whittenton Mills, and becoming joint proprietor, 
made many improvements in the manufacture of 
goods. In January, 1839, the older mill referred to 
was destroyed by fire. A building for mule-spinning 
now occupies the site and raceway of the old grist- 
mill and forge of two hundred years ago, and where 
stood the original nail- and yarn-mill of 1811, and 
subsequent cotton-factory built by Crocker, Bush & 
Richmond seventy years ago. 

The legitimate manufacturing business of the last 
proprietors had been successful and prosperous under 
Mr. Lovering's management; but James K. Mills & 
Co., of Boston, having embarked in larger enter- 
prises elsewhere, which proved unfortunate in the 
tidal wave of disaster of 1857, they yielded to the 
pressure and closed their business. 

In 1858, the estate having been settled, Mr. Lover- 
ing, associated with his sons, purchased the franchise, 
property, privilege, dwellings, and appurtenances of 
the Whittenton Mills Corporation, and under their 
management commenced a career of improvement 
and enlargement of unprecedented record in manu- 
facturing enterprise. A few years before the death 
of the senior proprietor, Willard Lovering, which 
occurred Dec. 15, 18?5, his sons, Charles L., William 
C, and Henry Morton Lovering, succeeded to the 
proprietorship of Whittenton Mills, which now in- 
I eludes one of the largest and most capacious estab- 
lishments in New England. 

It includes some twenty substantial brick and stone 
buildings two to four stories, besides ten or twelve 
smaller ones, comprising four hundred thousand 
square feet, or nine acres of flooring. The model 
weaving shop occupies fifty-five thousand square feet, 
over an acre and a quarter of flooring, and contains 
in one room, lighted by electric lamps, nearly one 
thousand looms, and over three hundred in the room 
beneath. The machinery in these large structures is 
moved by five Corliss engines aggregating twelve 
hundred horse-power, in addition to the water-wheels 
of two hundred and fifty horse-power, requiring in 
the establishment the consumption of about eight 
thousand tons of coal, and consuming about eight 
thousand bales of cotton annually in producing the 
great variety of textures of fabrics of innumerable 



824 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



styles, — cottonades, ginghams, dress goods, fancy 
tickings, shirtings, canton flannels, denims, etc., — 
providing employment for eleven hundred hands, a 
large portion of whom reside in the dwellings be- 
longing to the company, of which there .are over a 
hundred, and two hundred tenements, comprising 
a large village of residences. The yard exclusively 
of their manufactories occupies an area of fifteen 
acres, and about eighty acres, conveniently laid out 
in avenues, is the area for the dwelling-houses and 
appurtenances, a vast change from the modest Whit- 
tenton Mills village of half a century ago. The Old 
Colony Railroad curves directly through the village a 
convenient distance from the manufactories, alfording 
ample facilities for delivering coal, cotton, and other 
materials, and transporting thence the thousands of 
cases of goods annually which find a ready sale in 
all the markets of the country. 

Britanniaville. — The location of this prosperous 
village of industrial enterprise on Mill River, half a 
mile below Whittenton, was occupied a century and 
a half ago by a grist-mill, situated on the south of 
Britannia Street dam, and a saw-mill a few rods 
below, owned by Capt. James Leonard^ and others. 
He conveyed his portion of the privilege and mills 
in 1776, for one hundred and sixty pounds, to John 
Adam, an enterprising merchant of Taunton, who 
built a dam, rolling- and slitting-mill, some distance 
below the above mills, by Danforth Street cro.ssing. 
There was also a small saw-mill and fulling-mill above 
this bridge. The enterprise of Mr. Adam did not 
prove successful. In 1791 he disposed of the slitting- 
mill, dwelling-house adjoining, privilege and appur- 
tenances (a portion of which he had previously pur- 
chased of Abiather and Samuel Leonard) for three 
hundred and thirty-seven pounds. 

The purchasers were Josiah Dean, of Raynham, 
and Samuel Leonard, who continued the business 
several years. Deacon Lemuel" Leonard had charge 
of the mill where Russia and Swedes iron, imported 
in bars, was rolled and slit into rods, from which 
wrought or hammered nails were made in scores of 
small shops, or smithies, in the surrounding towns 
many miles distant. Messrs. Dean and Leonard 
finallj' abandoned the iron-works as an unprofitable 
enterprise. Nothing now remains to indicate its 
existence but the foundation and dam, submerged by 
back water from the Hopewell Mills below, which 
may be seen at low water at said crossing. The grist- 
mill above referred to was attended a hundred years 
ago and over by Abram Lincoln, and being a devoutly 
religious man, with his band of friends held meetings 
in the mill, humblest of all places, except a stable, for 
worship. Mr. Lincoln removed to Tiverton, R. I., and 
died there. These mills were finally owned by Hora- 
tio and Gustavus Leonard, until they gave place to the 
extension of the buildings of the Britannia Works. 

A rolling- and slitting-mill was built about 1800 by 
Samuel Leonard, at the dam north of the street, and 



Samuel and William A. Crocker, Sr., were copartners. 
It is a well-founded tradition that, as the former mill 
below had not been a lucrative investment, when the 
latter was completed Mr. Leonard remarked to a 
friend, "I hope well of this enterprise,'.' thus origin- 
ating the historical name of " Hopewell'' to the near 
locality. 

In this mill Messrs. Leonard & Crockers prosecuted 
a large business in rolling plates and slitting rods, 
which were packed in bundles and taken out to be 
hammered into nails by hundreds of farmers and 
mechanics, as before mentioned, who had their little 
shops in the surrounding towns. The rolling-mill of 
that day was of crude construction, — the rolls set in a 
massive wooden frame and gearing of wood, the fur- 
nace of huge dimensions, of suSicient capacity for a 
ton of iron and a cord of pine wood to a heat, re- 
quiring five men to run four heats per day; while the 
iron was heating the men bundled the rods of the 
previous heat ready for delivery to nail-makers. 
■ After the death of William A. Crocker, the junior 
partner, which occurred Sept. 20, 1805, and that of 
Samuel Leonard, the senior, in 1808, Crocker, Bush 
& Richmond were successors to that business. Capt. 
William Danforth, who formerly owned the State 
Hospital farm, had charge of the mill, and his son, 
Horatio L. Danforth, employed there lost an arm, 
(referred to in a notice of Mr. Danforth in the Bristol 
bar of Taunton). The plates and rods for the Whit- 
tenton Nail- Works were rolled and slit there; the 
mill was afterwards used by Crocker Brothers & Co. 
many years for rolling their copper and zinc plates, 
also for making copper .shells, or calico rolls, a few 
years previous to the erection of their works at Weir 
village. The old slitting-mill was purchased by Ben- 
jamin Ingell, and converted into a furnace for the 
casting of small wares. After the death of the latter, 
the building was sold to Reed & Barton, who removed 
the last vestige of the old mill except the dam. 

Britannia Works. — The britannia and plating- 
works of Reed & Barton, which occupies the site and 
privilege of those ancient mills, is the oldest estab- 
lishment of the kind in the United States. The bri- 
tannia business was commenced in Taunton nearly 
sixty years ago by Isaac Babbitt, in a small shop rear 
of his watch-maker's store, now City Square, its loca- 
tion about midway of the present Union Block, where 
he experimented with block-tin and other metals. 
Being a very ingenious mechanic, Mr. Babbitt enter- 
tained the idea that many articles of britannia ware 
for domestic use could be manufactured in Taunton 
instead of importing them from Europe, and he ac- 
cordingly was succe.ssfTil in his experiments. He en- 
tered into copartnership with William W. Crossman, 
another practical mechanic, and leased a room and 
power of Roswell Ballard in his fulling-mill (formerly 
the elder James Sproat's snuff-mill), below the dam 
on Spring Street, and commenced the business in a 
small way. 



TAUNTON. 



825 



Babbitt & Crossraan there produced, in 1824, the 
first britannia articles manufactured in the United 
States, inkstands, shaving-boxes, looking-glass frames, 
etc., furnishing stores with a stock of these useful 
American goods. The ware for tea-pots and other 
britanuia articles was afterwards rolled in plates. 
Nathaniel Leonard, in his shop on Weir Street, over 
fifty years ago made the first set of rolls for that use. 
These rolls may now be seen in Keed & Barton's 
works, and there was first made the first wrought 
metal goods. Specimens of the Babbitt & Grossman 
manufacture may still be occasionally found in use. 
They received awards for their productions at several 
of the Bristol County exhibitions, and their success 
in competing with foreign manufactures in this small 
way. The)' soon required larger quarters for their 
business. 

A brick manufactory was built in 1827 for their use 
on School Street, and they removed from their more 
humble quarters. The location is now " Leo's build- 
ing," and was once occupied by William Mason, in 
making his first " ring speeder," and afterwards by 
Dixon, Atwood & Vickery, in developing their cruci- 
ble business. In 1828, William Allen West and 
Zephaniah A. Leonard associated with Mr. Cross- 
man, under the firm of Crossman, West & Leonard, 
Mr. Babbitt remaining as metallurgist. All these per- 
sons connected together in the early days of the bri- 
tannia business have passed away, Mr. Crossman, the 
last one, about a year ago.' 

In the above manufactory, Henry G. Reed and 
Charles E. Barton, about seventeen years of age, com- 
menced their apprenticeship in 1828, in the room of 
which William W. Porter, the retired veteran bri- 
tannia worker, now in his eighty-sixth year, had 
charge as foreman. The company increased their 
business, manufacturing coffee- and tea-pots and 
many domestic articles, but perhaps owing to inex- 
perience in the combination of metals in the infancy 
of the business they were not fully successful in se- 
curing the market. 

To obtain a more economical power in rolling and 
finishing their goods, in 1830 the company erected a 
brick manufactory on the west side of Mill River, 
opposite Leonard & Crocker's slitting-mill (the oldest 
of the present cluster of buildings now comprising 
Reed & Barton's works, but much enlarged), and 
soon organized the "Taunton Britannia Manufactur- 
ing Company," and enlarged their business. After a 
few years of unsuccessful experimenting to compete 
in the great markets with the productions of skilled 
labor of foreign manufacturers, the company suspended 
business and disposed of their stock, leavjng a por- 

1 Isaac Babbitt, after retirinji from the Britannia Works, was a number 
of years superintendent of Alger's foiiiulry, at South Boston, and pro- 
duced tlie first brass cannon cast in the United Stales. lie was also in- 
ventor of tlie well-known "Babbitt metal." A man of remarkably 

mechanical and ingenious mind. He died 1, 18— , from over-activity 

of a i)roIific bniin. He deserves more than this tribute as a lestimonia 
from Tauntoniaus. 



tion of their manufacturing tools in the custody of 
their former apprentices, Reed .^xd Barton". These 
young men, uniting their industry, ability, and prac- 
tical experience in the business, with a small capital 
and an agent, hired a portion of the building and 
power in 18.35. They labored patiently under the 
ineffective discouragements of their predecessors, but 
they experimented successfully. Associating with 
them, after two years' trial, Gustavus Leonard, they 
purchased the buildings, implements, and privilege, 
enlarged their business, making a new departure, 
under the firm of Leonard, Reed & Barton, employ- 
ing a dozen or more hands, still laboring themselves 
at the bench, Mr. Leonard as the outside business 
man. 

With Mr. H. G. Reed as metallurgist their wares 
gradually obtained a high reputation ; their efibrts 
were no longer a doubtful experiment; their "metal 
had the right ring." Their wares were exhibited at 
the exhibition of the American Institute of New York 
in 1838. 

During that exhibition a prominent member, 
Charles H. Delavan, sent several pieces of the Reed & 
Barton ware, with the same number of English man- 
ufacture to Mr. Wakeman, the secretary of the insti- 
tute, accompanied by a note, saying, " I am satisfied 
that the Taunton ware will bear a favorable compar- 
ison with any in Europe for neatness and elegance 
of finish, and I beg leave to express my firm convic- 
tion that if such specimens of American manufac- 
tures are properly encouraged it will lead in a few 
years to the entire independence of foreign nations 
for articles of necessity and use, and I trust the time 
has arrived when the experiment should be made." 
In a postscript Mr. Delavan conipared the cost of 
each set of ware, — Taunton ware, coffee-pot, $2.65 ; 
sugar- and cream-pots, $2.40 ; tea-pot, $1.78 ; total, 
S6.83. English ware (similar patterns, no better 
quality), coffee-pot, .$4.06; sugar- and cream-pots, 
$2.57; tea-pot, $2M; total, $9.16, a saving of S2.33 
in favor of the Taunton set, which, he added, " every 
American ought to be proud of." A gold medal was 
awarded the latter, and the reputation of the Taunton 
ware established. That ware was exhibited and letter 
written forty-five years ago when the works were in 
tlieir infancy. Since that time the company have in- 
vested half a million of dollars, made extensive im- 
provements from time to time in the manufacture, 
quality, and style of their goods, which have entirely 
superseded foreign wares in the leading markets 
of this country, and found their way in successful 
competition in many of the markets of the Old 
World. 

After the decease of Mr. Leonard in .\pril, 1845, 
Henry H. Fish purchased his interest, and succeeded 
him in joint proprietorship in the firm-name of Reed 
& Barton. In 1859, George Brabrook, who had been 
intimately associated with the business transactions 
of the firm, was a<linitted as a joint partner. After 



826 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the death of Mr. Barton, Sept. 13, 1867, Messrs. Eeed, 
Brabrook & Fish purchased the interest of their late 
associate, and became sole proprietors, still retaining 
the widely-known firm-name of Reed & Barton. After 
the decease of Mr. Fish, occnrring Jan. 13, 1882, his 
sons, George H. and Frank L. Fij^h, succeeded to the 
management of their father's interest in the firm and 
business. 

We have in the foregoing sketched one of our lead- 
ing industries from its humble origin in that little 
workshop to Deacon Ballard's mill, more than half a 
century ago, thence to the room where Reed & Bar- 
ton first worked in metal, to their present manufac- 
tory of vast proportions, forming a cluster of sixteen 
spacious and substantial brick buildings, erected 
from year to year, as the exigencies of their in- 
creasing business required, from one to five hundred 
feet in length, three to four stories in height, also a 
dozen lesser appendage buildings, all comprising two 
hundred and sixty thousand square feet, or about six 
acres of flooring, and covering an area of territory 
within their yard of ten acres. Besides their supply 
of water-power, an engine of three hundred and an- 
other of one hundred horse-power moves the costly 
scientific machinery of that great hive of industry, 
thus furnishing employment of eight to nine hun- 
dred persons, including some of the most skilled 
artists in the metal line in the world, many having 
been upon the rolls twenty, some thirty, years, while 
Deacon Barnas L. Burbank, Luther Babbitt, N. Brad- 
ford Leonard, William W. Thayer, and their senior 
book-keeper, Alfred Brabrook (now a salesman), over 
forty years, and Nathan Lawrence, superintendent, J. 
A. B. Woodward, John C. Macdonald, Peleg Francis, 
Charles H. White, Abel Palmer, and Edwin Reed, 
nearly that length of time, in their employ. Such 
has been the success of their experimental improve- 
ments in metals the past twenty years, since britan- 
nia ware was their chief production, that they now 
manufacture annually hundreds of thousands of dol- 
lars' worth of the richest patterns in nickel (or Ger- 
man ) silver electro-plated, gold-lined ware of rare artis- 
tic designs, and manifold descriptions, to be found in 
any market of the world. 

A visit to the departments of this model establish- 
ment, and an inspection of the interesting processes of 
production of the many articles in use in every family 
residence or humble cottage in the land, will confirm 
all we have said of its merit as an ornament to the 
industrial achievements of our city and county. 

Hopewell Mills. — About a hundred years ago, a 
third of a mile below the old grist-mill dam (now 
Britanniaville), on Mill River, was another dam, and 
a small "cutting-mill," owned by Samuel Leonard,' 
where, a few years later, .Joseph Burbank, with a few 
ancient machines and two or three men, cut nails, 
such as were headed by hand in those days of simple 

1 "Squire Sam. Leonard" was his familiar title. He was largely en- 
gaged in iron-works and was a large real-estate owner eighty years ago. 



machinery. It was said to be the first nail-cutting 
mill in Taunton. The site had no special history; 
there was a small waterfall and a rocky ravine. It 
was the site of the present Hopewell Mills and sur- 
rounding buildings. Charles Richmond, with his ir- 
resistible energy and enterprise, conceived the plan 
of building cotton-mills there, in his own emphatic 
words, "To make Hopewell shine with industry." 

He purchased the old cutting-mill dam and privi- 
lege, with surrounding land, ravine, and rocks, of the 
heirs of Samuel Leonard. Then he purchased the old 
Leonard & Dean slitting-mill, and saw-mill dam and 
privilege above, to enable him to make back flowage 
without damage, and then raised the dam ten feet. 
With the aid and experience of Silas Shepard and 
Samuel Crocker he erected a cotton -factory (stone and 
brick) one hundred feet in length, completing it the 
season of 1818. The basement was a machine-shop 
and nail-factory, and in the upper stories looms and 
cotton machinery. In 1821 another mill was built, 
near the dam, about the same size, both containing 
about one hundred and fifty looms. Some years 'later 
an addition was built, connecting the Mills, for a 
weave-shop. Silas Shepard had the superintendence, 
until he left for building his Oakland Mill in 1827, 
and was succeeded by Ezekiel B. Leonard and Elisha 
Copeland. Elias Strange had charge of the machine- 
and nail-shop before he removed to the brick mill. 
Horatio Leonard & Co. built a small rolling-mill at 
the west end of the dam, under the brow of the hill 
(now hospital farm), which was operated a few years, 
when the machinery was disposed of. 

This mill property was merged in the capital stock 
of the Taunton Manufacturing Company in 1823, and 
was managed in that interest until 1843, when, after 
a brief control by William A. F. Sproat, it came into 
the possession of Cyrus Lothrop in 1844, for about ten 
years thereafter. After the accidental death of Mr. 
Lothrop, May 21, 1854, tlie property, by will, passed 
into the hands of Charles Albro, who had been super- 
intendent nearly ten years previously. Mr. Albro has 
been the manufacturer of various cotton fabrics about 
twenty-eight years. 

In June, 1883, a new arrangement was made in the 
p^'oprietorship of Hopewell Mills. A company was 
organized with Charles Albro a third, and Porte W. 
Hewins two-thirds interest in the property; Enoch 
Hewins as superintendent. They have two hundred 
and twenty-five looms, employ about one hundred and 
fifty persons, and manufacture jeans, satteens, and 
shirtings. 

Over sixty years have passed away since the in- 
domitable spirit and energy of Charles Richmond 
originated the enterprise of the Hopewell Mills, the 
Brick Mills, the Calico Printing- Works, and other 
le-sser enterprises, which have made Taunton what it 
is in prosperity and wealth, furnished employment 
for thousands, bililt up hundreds of comfortable 
homes, and made many wealthy. But he had not the 



TAUNTON. 



827 



million reserved to carry through his great projects 
amid the reverses and misfortunes which beset many 
human undertakings, and his remains now rest with- 
out a tablet to indicate the spot where they were in- 
terred in the far-ofT land whither he went in 1849, 
hoping to repair his fortunes. Charles Richmond 
deserves a monument at home contributed from the 
wealth he was instrumental in building and making. 

Brick Mill, — This manufacturing location, on Mill 
River, is one of ancient origin, almost coeval with the 
settlement of Taunton. It was a portion of the prop- 
erty sold by Bartholomew Tipping, a merchant, to 
Rev. Samuel Danforth soon after his settlement in 
1688, as the fourth minister of Taunton, for his 
homestead. He died in 1727. He had a grist-mill 
at the dam, and a malt-house, which he gave in his 
will to his son Samuel, including the house he resided 
in and surrounding land. 

In 1760, Samuel Danforth, Jr., sold to Thomas 
Cobb,- of Attleborough, his " new dwelling-house, 
grist-mill, fulling-mill, dam, and appurtenances, with 
ponding and flowing, with the utensils of both mills 
and four acres of land, for four hundred and sixty- 
five pounds." Capt. Thomas Cobb was the father of 
Gen. David Cobb. He returned to Tauntop in 1762, 
and was probably engaged in the iron business in At- 
tleborough with Thomas Leonard. He built a roll- 
ing- and slitting-mill at the Danforth dam, and fol- 
lowed the business until his death in 1779, leaving 
the mills and privilege to his son, Jonathan Cobb. 
He also engaged in the iron business, and died in 
1801, leaving the iron-works and mills to his widow, 
who gave the property to her son, Jonathan B. Cobb. 
In 1803 the latter sold the mills and privilege to Sam- 
uel Fales, whose son, Sam. Cook Fales, carried on the 
iron business a few years. Job King occupied the 
old Danforth Fulling-Mill for cutting nails several 
years with the original machine. 

Crocker and Ricliinond, who were engaged in sev- 
eral large manufacturing enterprises, including Whit- 
tenton and Hopewell Mills, and the calico printing es- 
tablishment, purchased a large portion of the site of the 
Cobb Mills and privilege, and, after clearing away the 
old mills and appurtenances, erected in 1823 the Brick 
Mill for the manufacture of printing cloths for the 
new calico-works. This mill was for several years 
under the superintendence of Je.sse Hartshorn, and 
the machine-shop in the basement was in charge of 
Elias Strange, now the senior mechanic in this vicin- 
ity. 

Arrangements were matured by Crocker and Rich- 
mond, in 1823, with Boston capitalists, to organize a 
large company, and the Brick Mill property was 
merged in that, called the Taunton Manufacturing 
Company, and remained so incorporated until 1834, 
when a division was made, and the Brick Mill reverted 
to Mr. Richmond and his associate, Mr. Crocker. 
They continued the business of manufacturing cotton 
goods and machinery until the memorable panic and 



reverses of 1837 compelled them, from severe losses, 
to suspend, with hundreds of other manufacturers. 

After a few years of trusteeship and liquidation of 
the large estate of Crocker and Richmond, the latter 
repurchased the brick mill property and resumed busi- 
ness. From 1837 to 1843, Robert 8. Dean liad charge 
of the manufacturing of cotton, and Leach and Keith 
the machinery department. After they retired, the 
business was in charge of Mr. Dean and Lovett Morse, 
a capitalist, for a few years. 

In 1845, Mr. Richmond built the new brick mill in 
rear of the old one for the manufacture of cotton, ging- 
hams, etc. Experiments were made with a new carpet 
loom, which, after a few years' trial, was transferred 
to Thonipsonville, Conn., and proved a remunerative 
success. The old brick mill was burned in 1845, then 
in charge of his son Edward, with serious loss to Mr. 
Richmond, and rebuilt in 1846. Two years later the 
entire property passed out of Mr. Richmond's con- 
trol, and in 1849 he went to California, where he died 
December 19th of the same year. 

In 1848 a new company was organized, with Nahum 
Stetson, president, and R. S. Dean, agent and treas- 
urer, with a capital of $100,000, called the Dean Cot- 
ton and Machine Company, for the manufacture of 
cotton cloth and machinery. 

In 1876 a new company was organized, called the 
Taunton Cotton and Machine Company, with a capi- 
tal of $65,500;' Nathan S. Williams, president ; F. B. 
Dean, managing agent and treasurer, which contin- 
ued several years. About four years ago another 
company was organized, called the Park Mill Com- 
pany, with the same officers, having control of the 
cotton inanulacturing department only, the machine- 
shop still remaining under the former name. The 
new brick mill was leased a few years ago to L. A. 
Rounds, nail and tack manufacturer. 

The Old Green Mill. — The first manufactory of 
cotton goods in Taunton was called the Green Mill, 
located near the present bridge at the junction of Hill 
and Weir Streets, on Mill River. The old, or " Lower 
Slitting Mill," stood at the side of the river, owned by 
Simeon Tisdale and others, who in 1797 sold their in- 
terest in the premises to Samuel Fales (for many 
years clerk of the courts and judge) and Samuel Leo- 
nard. In 1806, Silas Shepard, cotton manufacturer 
from Wrentham, purchased of Samuel Fales hisshare 
in the old mill and privilege, and upori the site, as- 
sociated with Samuel Leonard and Samuel Crocker, 
erected the Green Mill. Jesse Hartshorn and Thomas 
Bicknell, then expert manufacturers, assisted Mr. 
Shepard in the mill, where for ten or twelve years 
cotton yarn was made, partially colored, and i)ut out 
in families where they had the hand-looms for weav- 
ing into checks, ginghams, and tickings, which fur- 
nished hundreds of women, wives and daughters of 
farmers and mechanics, employment, and this home- 
made cloth was durable for years' wear. During the 
war of 1812-15, and days of the embargo, there was 



828 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



great demand for these domestic goods. A few years 
later, in 1818, an addition was built to the mill, and 
Capt. Shepard introduced a power-loom (a crude ma- 
chine compared with the "Scotch loom," so called), af- 
terwards in use, which was succeeded by a still greater 
inprovement in the modern, compact, iron framed 
loom, forty years ago or more in use. The manufac- 
turing business of this mill was not a profitable in- 
vestment, with the crude loom disadvantages, aside 
from the line of cotton yarn, and it was finally given 
up. 

In 1824 the Green Mill was converted into an 
appendage of the new Print- Works, where machines 
with copper cylinders were introduced and used 
many years for printing calicoes of choice qualities. 
Delaines were also printed in this old mill by the 
Taunton Manufacturing Company and its successor, 
the Bristol Print-Works. After the discontinuance 
of the latter works in 1844, the old mill was remod- 
eled into a bleachery and an appendage to the Taun- 
ton Paper Manufactory by William A. Crocker and 
others. This enterprise w-as discontinued after a few 
years' experiment for the lack of that indispensable 
agent in making good paper, pure spring water. The 
old Green Mill came into the possession and control 
of the late Samuel Crocker, and it was finally 
taken down and the brick removed or utilized for 
other purposes, leaving its tall chimney a standing 
landmark of unsuccessful enterprises. 

Dean Cotton-Mill. — In the easterly part of Taun- 
ton, on a stream called in ancient deeds " Littleworth 
Brook," which takes its rise from the springs in the 
vicinity of Elders' pond, in Lakeville, and runs 
through Barehole Neck, stood Cain's grist-mill over 
a century ago, owned partly by Joseph Dean, Sr., 
Caleb Turner, and Moses Cain, and had been a con- 
venience to the people in that vicinity many years. 
In 1784 the latter owner sold his share of the mill and 
privilege to Henry Strobridge, of Middleborough, 
for seventeen pounds and fifty-five shillings in sil- 
ver. A few years later, 1792, Mr. Strobridge conveyed 
the same portion to his grandson, Robert Dean, a 
merchant of Taunton, son of Joseph, Sr. 

In May, 1812, a joint-stock company was organized, 
consisting of Robert Dean, Jesse Hartshorn, Joseph 
Dean, Jr., William Strobridge, and Caleb Turner, 
with a capital of $16,000, to build a mill at Barehole 
Neck, for mamil'acturing cotton yarn, to be called the 
Dean Cotton-Mill. During that season the little mill 
— fifty feet in length, two stories — was built, with ac- 
commodating dwel lings, store, etc., under the direction 
of Mr. Hartshorn, the manufacturing agent and treas- 
urer of the coni|)any. This was the third cotton-mill 
built in Taunton. William Read and Cyrus Caswell 
became stockholders. The capital was increased to 
S25,000. 

The yarn made there was taken out in packages by 
families in that region and woven into cloth by the 
domestic hand-loom, several of which were operated 



in the mill. Mr. Hartshorn retired iu 1818; he was 
succeeded by Benjamin Lincoln a year or two, and 
then by Harvey Hartshorn, brother of the former 
agent, the latter introducing the old-fashioned power- 
looms. 

The senior proprietor, Robert Dean, died May 24, 
1822. Robert S. Dean was the next agent for about 
eleven years, and the mill with its twenty power-looms 
made domestic goods. Charles R. Atwood and ChaYles 
H. Stephens followed in .succession a few years in the 
agency of the Dean Mill, when it was closed as a 
cotton manufactory. 

James Sproat and Eleazer Richmond purchased the 
factory in 1888, and converted it into a circular saw- 
ing and box-board and stave mill. Mr. Richmond 
succeeding the former in business over forty years 
until his death, Oct. 10, 1876; some twelve years of 
the time Nathan S. Williams was associated with 
him, until he retired in 1851 to the mill below. 
Charles R. Richmond succeeded his father in the box 
and keg manufacturing business to the present time. 
The location has been familiarly called Barehole a 
hundred years or more, but the tradition name is a 
mystery. 

Littlevi;orth Brook is a valuable stream, identified 
with the records of Littleworth farm, assigned by 
Capt. Miles Standish and John Brown, Plymouth 
commissioners, to Elizabeth Fool in 1640, and prob- 
ably received its name from her after some location 
near Shute, England, whence she emigrated. On the 
same stream below was Williams' mill (grandson of 
|lichard'), and below that Turner King's saw-mill, 
now operated by his sons. Earl King & Co. ; then 
Pool's dam, located where, tradition says, Elizabeth 
and her brother, William Pool, had a grist-mill over 
two hundred years ago. Littleworth stream thence 
passes down by King's Furnace, an old saw-mill near 
Robinson's bridge (which unites Raynham and Taun- 
ton), and is the third or fourth stream in size which 
flows into Taunton River in its serpentine course 
! of some twenty miles to its confluence with Mill 
I River. 

King's Furnace. — The oldest hollow-ware manu- 
factory in this county was King's Furnace, situated 
about a mile from the present village of East Taun- 
ton. It was built by a joint-stock company in 1723-24, 
under a unique agreement, abridged as follows : 

"Know all men by these presents, that it is agreed 
upon by John King, merchant, Ebenezer Robinson, 
yeoman, of Taunton, county of Bristol, in New Eng- 
land, Benjamin Hodges, carpenter, Elkanah Leonard 
(grandson of James'), bloomer, of Middleboro', Sam- 
uel Tubbs, of Pembroke, founder, and William Tubbs, 
of Plympton, founder, all of the county of Plymouth, 
to build a furnace upon a stream commonly called 
Littleworth Brook, in the township of Taunton." 
Together, also, " to build a good and suflScient dam 
across said stream, convenient for said furnace;" and 
further agreed " to build a coal-house thirty feet 



TAUNTON. 



82'J 



square upon the site of said brook, as convenient as 
it may be to set wliere the said furnace is built." 
Also agreed that "said Robinson, Hodges, Leonard, 
and Tubbs each to be owners of jjth part, and said 
King owner of all the remaining part of said dam, 
furnace, and appurtenances ;" and the said owners 
"bind themselves each to the other to build and 
complete y' said furnace, dam, and all accoutrements 
thereunto belonging with all convenient speed, each 
to bear his proportional part," according to the terms 
of ownership. It is also " concluded by the owners, 
that when the premises are built and fully completed, 
that each of said owners, and their heirs, executors, 
administrators and assigns to have the income and 
profit of said fWnace proportionally to his and their 
interest and part thereof, the charge of stock, work- 
men's wages, repairing of said furnace or any of the 
accoutrements being first paid." Also "agreed that 
ye said John King, being y"* owner of the land and y* 
said stream, doth for himself, heirs, executors, and 
administrators covenant, promise, and engage with 
y" rest of y" owners, their heirs, etc., that said furnace 
shall stand and remain for y° full term of twenty 
years, unless by mutual asreement to let it fall be- 
fore." The contract and covenant is signed and 
sealed by the above-named parties, "Feb. 25th, 1723, 
alias 24." 

When the furnace and appurtenances were com- 
pleted they commenced making hollowware from the 
size of a " jobie kettle to a ten pail cauldron or more." 
The ore for the use w^s dug in the vicinity of the 
furnace at " Mine brook," and along the bogs of 
Taunton River. It required several hundred bushels 
of charcoal and about two weeks' time to heat up the 
furnace and stack before melting the iron ; and when 
once started could not be conveniently stopped until 
the blast of five or six months was through, and dur- 
ing this time "the men knew no regular days, nights, 
or Sundays," all bunked alternately in a room in the 
furnace, the table was set and standing in the " cook 
house" day and night, and the cooks constantly on 
duty to serve the molders and meu. The hollowware 
was sold in stores, peddled by teams throughout Bris- 
'tol, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties, and sent to 
Newport, Providence, and New York by sloops. 

In later years the furnace was run by Capt. Josiah 
King (grandfather of Col. Nathan King, of Middle- 
borough, from whom we have the original contract), 
and Ebenezer Caswell, grand father of the late Samuel, 
Alexis, Alvaris, and Benjamin Caswell. In 1816 the 
furnace was rebuilt by Washburn & King (Gen. Crom- 
well Washburn, one of the prominent citizens of 
Taunton half a century and more ago, and Col. Na- 
than King, of Middleborough, father of our inform- 
ant), who employed a force of molders, etc., about 
thirty men, doing a large business. Their ware was 
mostly consigned to Caswell & James, merchants of 
New York, the sloops at Weir village taking charge 
thence and returning with cargoes of the New Jersey 



ore. While a portion of the ore for many later years 
was dug in the vicinity of East Taunton, in Free- 
town, along the meadows of Two-Mile River, and near 
the old anchor forge in Kaynham, these combined, it 
is said, made the best metal ; James Leonard' sold 
and carted hundreds of loads of the "moine" from 
his farm, as did his ancestor, James', in 16G0-70, for 
the old forge from the same vicinity. Col. King died 
in 1828, and Gen. Washburn in 1839. The furnace 
descended to the heirs of the former, in whose interest 
the furnace was continued many years. It was re- 
tained in the King family over a hundred years, and 
the grist-mill and saw-mill about the same length of 
time ; the latter was burned a dozen years ago. It 
ceased to be a blast furnace some sixty years ago on 
account of the large consumption and increased price 
of charcoal, and was altered to a cupola. It was last 
conducted as an iron-works by Col. Nathan King 
several years. The furnace was afterwards closed and 
purchased by Eleazer and Benjamin Richmond, who 
converted it into a circular sawing, box-board, and 
stave-mill, and run by them until 18.51, when Nathan 
S. Williams became half proprietor until 1864. He 
then purchased the remainder of the mill and prop- 
erty and has continued the business, employing from 
twenty to thirty hands, to the present time in manu- 
facturing the above articles. 

Taunton Manufacturing Company.— The Taun- 
ton Manufacturing Company was one of the large en- 
terprises on Mill River sixty years ago. It was organ- 
ized in January, 1823, with a capital -of two hundred 
thousand dollars in real, and four hundred thousand 
dollars in personal estate, and the incorporators were 
Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, Israel Thorudike, 
Edmund Dwight, John McLean, Harrison Gray Otis, 
William H. Eliot, William H. Prescott, Israel Thorn- 
dike, Jr., Samuel Henshaw, Harrison Gray Otis, Jr., 
with such other persons as may have associated, or 
may associate hereafter with them, " for the purpose 
of rolling copper and iron, and for the manutacturing 
of cotton and wool, in Taunton." James K. Mills 
and Ezekiel B. Leonard were afterwards stockhold- 
ers. The stock was divided into six hundred shares. 
Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, and James W. 
Otis were chosen agents, and H. J. Otis, Jr., clerk, 
with a board of directors. Samuel Crocker was 
elected president and treasurer, and continued by 
re-election for ten years. William F. Otis, George 
West, Gilbert Walker, and H. B. Dearth served from 
time to time as clerks of the corporation and board 
of directors. 

The real and personal estate of the Taunton Manu- 
facturing Company comprised the Whittenton cotton- 
mills, nail-works, dwelling-houses, privilege, and ap- 
purtenances, the Hopewell Mills property, dwellings, 
etc., the Brick Mill property, machine-shops, and 
dwellings, also the extensive Calico Printing Works, 
with all the land and appurtenances, covering a large 
area of land. During several years this company 



830 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



made encouraging dividends, — the first year twelve 
per cent., the second fifteen, and the third year twenty 
per cent. 

In 1826 the directors voted to " make a fair experi- 
ment of tlie machines for manufacture of pins and 
wood-screws," and that it is expedient to discontinue 
the manufacture of nails, dispose of the tools, and 
lease the mills. In 1827 it was voted to remunerate 
Charles Richmond one thousand dollars for his valu- 
able services in England in behalf of the printing 
company ; also that the business be conducted under 
the firm-name of Croclcer, Richmond & Co. ; also to 
procure a practical superintendent of the print-works 
in England ; to cancel the order for the " pin-machines 
as impracticable;" also to fill the rooms at Hopewell 
Mills (made vacant by the removal of the nail-machines 
to Whittenton and East Taunton) with cotton spindles 
and machinery. 

The Calico Printing Works were started in 1823, by 
Crocker and Richmond, under the auspices of this 
company, by an importation of several hundred 
skilled and other workmen, chiefly from the printing 
establishments of England and Scotland, — men of all 
nations. The buildings were chiefly of brick, and 
structui'es were added irom time to time as the in- 
creasing business demanded during the ten years' 
progress, until an area of about three acres was cov- 
ered on Court and Weir Streets, employing a large 
number of persons in the process of block and ma- 
chine-printing. Several of the buildings of Court 
Street were afterwards occupied by the Bay State 
Screw-Works, and are now owned by Anthony & 
Cushman, in their nail and tack business. 

Although an auspicious commencement, this calico- 
printing department proved a dissatisfactory invest- 
ment. In 1833 the Taunton Manufacturing Company 
voted that it is expedient to bring the calico-printing 
business to a close as soon as practicable, and the 
directors were authorized to sell the water privilege, 
buildings, machinery, and land of the printing com- 
pany. 

In 1834, Charles Richmond retired from the Taun- 
ton Manufacturing Company, taking as his share the 
Brick Mill property, machine-shops, dwellings, land, 
and appurtenances. In 1835, James K. Mills & Co., 
who had been associated in the company about ten 
years, retired, purchasing the entire Whittenton Mills 
estate as their share. 

Meanwhile, a new company had been organized in 
1833, under the name of the " Bristol Print Works," 
comprising Samuel Crocker, Harrison Gray Otis, 
Charles Richmond, Edmund Dwight, James K. Mills, 
Gorham Brooks, Samuel Eliot, Horatio Leonard, 
William A. Crocker, George A. Crocker, and Benja- 
min W. Chace as stockholders, which purchased the 
entire print works property of the Taunton Manu- 
facturing Company, for the purpose of manufactur- 
ing delaines and calicoes. Samuel Crocker was 
elected president ; H. B. Dearth, clerk ; and subse- 



quently Gilbert Walker was clerk. Charles Porter 
was clerk and treasurer several years. The superin- 
tendents were John H. Grimshaw, Caleb Duxbury, 
James and Matthew Monarch. The business did not 
prove prosperous under the competition of the low 
tarifl' with foreign manufacturers, and the business 
was brought to a close in 1845. 

The panic and financial crash of 1837, which pre- 
vailed in nearly all the manufacturing communities, 
brought disaster to the manufacturers of Taunton, 
and a large portion suspended, which was followed by 
a suspension for a while of the banks. 

In 1840 the entire property of the Taunton Manu- 
facturing Company had been reduced, by exchanges 
and sales, to the franchise of the Houewell Mills and 
appurtenances, and were owned by Harrison Gray 
Otis and others, of Boston, and were run a year or 
two in their interest. They disposed of the property 
to W. A. F. Sproat, wlio was elected clerk and treas- 
urer, and assumed the duties of agent and control of 
the mills for about a year, but under the pressure cf 
the prevailing panic and protracted disaster, he was 
compelled to surrender the property. In 1844. Cyrus 
Lothrop held a claim upon the mills and property, 
and at a meeting in the office of Samuel Breck, 
Amyntas Shaw and Parmenio C. Shaw, of Raynham, 
having become chief stockholders, the former was 
elected president and director, and the latter a direc- 
tor, and Samuel Breck clerk, when this last remiuint 
of the " Taunton Manufacturing Company was legally 
transferred to Cyrus Lothrop, of Easton." 

Mason Machine Works.— In the year 1845, Wil- 
liam Mason, whose biography is published in this 
work, erected the first buildings upon the present site 
of these works. He had for ten years previously been 
engaged in building machinery in various localities 
in this town, — in the machine-shop on School Street, 
and the Brick Mill machine-shop. There were no 
shops to be had large enough tb supply the demand 
for his machinery ; he had acquired a reputation, and 
obtained valuable patents upon his self-acting cotton 
mule, which he thought would bring him a large busi- ' 
ness ; therefore he determined to prepare for it. He 
enlisted capital from friends who were engaged in 
manufivcturing cotton goods, planned and built what 
was then the largest works for the manufacture of 
machinery exclusively in this country, and was soon 
doing a large and profitable business, under the firm- 
name of William Mason &^Co. 

This original plant was a most complete establish- 
ment for those times, and of such great size as to ex- 
cite both wonder and doubt. It did not seem probable 
to many men that there would be sufficient demand 
for machinery to insure success in so great an enter- 
prise. The buildings consisted of a foundry one hun- 
dred feet long, fifty feet wide, a smithy one hundred 
feet long, thirty feet wide, and a machine-shop three 
hundred and fifteen feet long, forty-five feet wide, 
three stories high. These buildings were all of brick. 



TAUNTON. 



831 



with slate roofs, substantial and liandsome. They 
were equipped with the best tools, many of whicli were 
built from Mr. Mason's own designs in his shops. 

From 1845 there was not much change in the estab- 
lishment, except an additional machine-shop, one 
hundred feet long and fifty-si.x feet wide, until 1852, 
when preparations were made for building locomo- 
tives in addition to cotton machinery. Then the 
foundry and smithy were enlarged to about double 
their original size, and extensive new buildings were 
erected, consisting of boiler-shop, machine-shops, 
locomotive-erecting shop, patfern-house, etc., all of 
brick, with a new stationary engine to furnish the 
power built on the premises. 

The iirst locomotive was turned out in 1853, of en- 
tirely novel design, attracting much notice, and mark- 
ing an era in the history of the American locomotive. 
For some years Mr. Mason's new ideas and improve- 
ments were looked for with great interest and adopted 
by many builders. The result was that these works 
acquired as high a reputation for the excellence of 
their locomotives as they already had for their cotton 
machinery. 

All went well until the financial crisis of 1857, 
when, through the failure of the Boston partners, Mr. 
Mason was so much involved and embarrassed as to 
be compelled to suspend business for a few months 
and see his large fortune taken from liim. In the 
early part of 1858 a settlement was made by which 
Mr. Mason was released and enabled to start the busi- 
ness again in his own name. 

In 1861, after the breaking out of the war, it was 
thought that all regular business would be dull ; 
therefore, to keep the works running, Mr. Mason ac- 
cepted a contract to furnish one hundred thousand 
Springfield rifled muskets for the United States Gov- 
ernment. This was an enormous undertaking, in- 
volving great labor and large outlays of money for 
tools and machines especially adapted to the work. 
The larger portion of these were designed and built 
by Mr. Mason, some of which were great improve- 
ments upon the machines in use at the United States 
armories, notably his rifling machines, of entirely new 
design. 

After making these costly preparations, a change in 
the head of the War Department brought about a 
new order of things. Government contracts were can- 
celed or cut down indiscriminately all over the coun- 
try, and, among others, Mr. Mason's was reduced irom 
one hundred thousand to thirty thousand guns. This 
action was unjust and disastrous. No redress or relief 
could be obtained from the government. But the 
preparations to fufiU the original contract had gone 
so far and the outlays of money were so great that 
there was no alternative but to submit to the reduc- 
tion and make the thirty thousand muskets. This 
was done amid much perplexity, with great wear and 
tear of mind and body, and involving large pecuniary 
losses. 



After the gun contract was disposed of the works 
were restored to their legitimate business of build- 
ing cotton machinery and locomotives, for which 
a great demand had sprung up. During the years 
succeeding the war the facilities of these shops and 
tools were tested to their utmost capacity, and found 
unequal to the demand. Consequently a radical 
change and great improvement was undertaken, the 
first step of which was the erection of a larger foun- 
dry. To do this, more land was purchased, one street 
closed up and a new one cut through, giving a lot of 
about ten and a half acres of land, standing by itself. 

The new foundry was begun early in 1873; prob- 
ably it would not have been attempted at that time 
could the approaching panic liave been foreseen. The 
changes inaugurated then were too costly to be car- 
ried out during the years of depression which followed 
the crisis of 1873, and there did not seem to be any 
prospect of business enough to require them. But 
with the revival of 1879 and 1880 they were resumed, 
and are now nearly completed. 

In 1873 the business was incorporated under the 
name of Mason Machine Works. The first officers 
were William Mason, president; William H. Bent, 
treasurer; and Frederick Mason, agent, all of whom 
have continued in ofiice until the present time. 

lu 1879 a new branch of manufacture was added, 
viz., that of the Campbell printing-press. These 
presses had been built by the owners of the patents 
at their works in Brooklyn, N. Y., and had acquired 
a good name by their novel devices and superior 
qualities. But the facilities and reputation which 
the Mason Machine Works had for building ma- 
chinery offered such advantages that the owners of 
that press were induced to al)andon the manulactur- 
ingof their presses themselves and to contract with the 
Mason Machine Works for the manufacture of them 
here. The business has increased rapidly, until now 
it is about double what it was at the time the contract 
was made. Over one thousand of these presses have 
been sent out from the works to all quarters of the 
world. 

Mason Machine Works has grown so gradually 
that there ai'e but few persons not connected with it 
who are aware of its size. Their plant consists of 
ten and a half acres of land and a great number of 
buildings, comprising nine acres of floors. They can 
employ over a thousand hands; at present they have 
nearly nine hundred. Cotton-machinery is their 
largest business. They can turn out three hundred 
looms per month, with carding and spinning ma- 
chinery to supply them. With their increased facil- 
ities they can build about one hundred locomotives 
per year. In printing presses they are at present 
building thirty-two per month, and expect to increase 
to thirty-six per month before another year. 

There is probably no other establishment in the 
country engaged in such a variety of machine manu- 
facturing on so large a scale. Yet every department 



8'S-I 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



is conducted independently and with a system of its 
own under special supervision and separate accounts. 

Its products have a reputation for superiority in 
design, workmanship, and materials wherever they are 
known. 

From its gates pour forth from day to day and year 
a procession of those mighty elements of civilization, 
— the locomotive, the loom, and the printing-press, 
the products of active brains and brawny arms, the 
persistent pioneers of civil and social improvement, 
carrying wealth, comfort, and knowledge to the mil- 
lions of our great people. 

William Mason died May 25, 1883, after a few days' 
illness. 

The Britannia Manufactory of Eldridge & Co. 
was established in 1848 by Eli Eldridge, who com- 
menced business in a small building on Britannia 
Street. An increase of his business soon after caused 
an addition to his building to be erected. 

A few years later his son, Eli H. Eldridge, having 
bought out the coffiu-trimming business of Strange 
& Francis, moved the same into his father's build- 
ing. 

They continued their seiiarate kinds of business 
until 1863, when they united their interests under the 
firm of Eldridge & Co. 

They continued until the death of Eli Eldridge, in 
September, 1875, when John H. Eldridge, son of E. 
H. Eldridge, became a member of the firm, con- 
tinuing the business in the same building until June, 
1882, when they removed to a new and spacious build- 
ing which they had built on Eldridge Street. 

The Williams Manufacturing Company is one of 
the more recent enterprises which has a promising 
future. H. A. Williams commenced business here in 
1877, with a limited capital of a few thousand dollars, 
but with a fertile invention and a persevering energy. 
He manufactures a great variety of small steel tools, 
twist drills, etc., by a process of his own invention, 
and the business has proved successful. After a few 
changes of associate proprietors within a few years, a 
spacious building was erected in 1880, near the Weir 
junction, Old Colony Railroad; the machinery is 
moved by steam-power. In February last a new 
company was organized under the above title, with a 
capital of two hundred thousand dollars, to prosecute 
the increasing business. The officers are Edmund 
Grinnell, president; Samuel Ivers, clerk and treas- 
urer; Leander Plummer, Charles W. Clifford, and 
Jireh Swift, of New Bedford, and H. A. Williams, of 
Taunton, directors. Mr. Williams is the managing 
agent. The company are enlarging their manufac- 
tory to three hundred and fifty feet in length to 
facilitate their increasing business. 

Oakland Mills.— Capt. Silas Shepard purchased a 
privilege in 1827 on Rumford River, about three 
miles from the Centre, built a dam, and erected a 
stone factory one hundred and sixteen feet in length, 
completing it in 1828, and for several years made 



cotton yarn. In 1831 he put in about sixty looms for 
making cloth. He pursued the business several years, 
and finall}' changed his style of manufacture to cot- 
ton or canton flannels, which was the first mill that 
made this kind of goods in this vicinity. He asso- 
ciated his son-in-law, Lewis R. Chesbrough, with him, 
and they enlarged the mill under their management. 
Capt. Shepard died in December, 1S64, and the mill 
was continued a few years by Mr. Chesbrough. In 
1869, Amos F. Howard & Son purchased the Oak- 
land Mills of Mr. Chesbrough and heirs of Capt. 
Shepard, and afterwards made extensive improve- 
ments, adding new machinery and a new water-wheel, 
and in 1880 erected a new building one hundred and 
thirty-eight feet by sixty-eight feet, and another, 
forty-six feet by thirty-five feet, with new engine and 
machinery, doubling the capacity for manufacturing 
fabrics. Mr. Chesbrough died in April, 1878, in New 
Jersey.. Mr. Howard died May 7, 1881, and his son 
and copartner, Bion B. Howard, who resided in Mill- 
bury, died in December of the same year. The Oak- 
land Mills have since been conducted by Joseph S. 
Tidd,' son-in-law of the former (who is a large owner), 
in the interest of the heirs of Mr. Howard. The mill 
contains one hundred and twenty-four looms, and 
manufactures denims and tickings, about two million 
five hundred thousand yards a year. Oakland is a 
neat village. The company owns a dozen or more 
of the dwelling-houses for residences of their work- 
men. 

Taunton Ancient Iron-Works. — The first iron- 
works established in the old colony was commenced 
in Taunton in 1656. A bloomery was established in 
Lynn in 1644, it is said, and another in Braintree in 
1648, but iron ore being found deficient in both places 
to meet with the demand for consumption of the iron- 
works, the enterprises in each place were relinquished 
after a large expenditure. At each of these places 
James and Henry Leonard, who were skilled and ex- 
perienced iron workers from Pontypool, Wales, had 
been employed to inaugurate the business. Large 
quantities of ore having been discovered in numerous 
places in Taunton, and hearing favorably of those 
iron men, the citizens assembled in town-meeting 
Oct. 21, 1652 (according to " Baylies' Old Colony 
History"), and — 

" It was agreed and granted that James Leonard, 
Henry Leonard, and Ralph Russell, have full consent 
to come here from Braintree and put up a bloomery 
on Two Mile River." They accordingly accepted the 
invitation, and a company was organized, and a forge 
or bloomery was built on Two-Mile River, now Rayn- 
ham. It required a long time to prepare for the 
manufacture of iron. We have a confirmatory record 
in an old ledger kept by Capt. Thomas Leonard, son 
of James', who was clerk and manager in 1683 of the 
same works. The following is in his own hand : 

1 A member of the present loard of aldormen. 



TAUNTON. 



833 



"An accompt of who hath been elarke of Taunton 
Iron-Works ever since George Hall was first elarke, 
with some others joyned with him for a time, which 
began Anno 1656 : Also, what produce the works hath 
made from year to year." 

The old iron-works were not commenced until 
1656. George Hall was clerk and financial manager, 
with a year's exception (1663, James Walker), until 
the time of his death in October, 1669, and his eldest 
son, "John Hall, y° end of y* year;" the record 
adds, "John Turner, working y" forge," or foreman. 
The stockholders included the early settlers of Taun- 
ton, many wealthy men in Boston and other places, 
as follows: Deacon Richard Williams, John Deane, 
Henry Andrews, James Walker, Deacon Waiter Dean, 
Thomas Burt, William Pole, Elizabeth Pole, Shad- 
rach Wilbore, Nicholas White, Richard Stephens, 
John Pole, Joseph Tisdale, John Turner, Hezekiah 
Hoar, Bartholomew Tipping, James Phillips,- Joseph 
Staples, Town of Taunton, Deacon Henry Hodges, 
John Hall, Samuel Blake, Peter Walker, and others, 
a share each or more, among whom will be recognized 
the ancestors of many descendants in Taunton ; also 
Richard Thayer, of Boston, four shares; Richard 
Church, of Hingham, Gen. Leverett, of Boston, two 
shares; Peter Noyes, of Sudbury, Nathaniel Paine, 
and John Saffin, of Bristol, afterwards judges of pro- 
bate, Stephen Paine and John Gary, of Bristol, reg- 
isters of probate; John Baker, merchant of Dorches- 
ter, Samuel Topliff, the Dorchester Church, Bene- 
dict Arnold, merchant of Newport, son of the Gover- 
nor of Rhode Island, and many others were share- 
holders. 

At that time bar-iron was a " circulating medium," 
owing to the scarify of specie in the growing colony 
and town. 

Numerous pages of an ancient ledger, two hundred 
years old, show the transactions of bar-iron barter of 
those interested in the iron-works, and orders " for iron 
as money" were attached as vouchers to the accounts. 
Ministers' salaries, town, school, highway, and other 
rates were discounted by orders on the iron-works, as 
all these pages show. Capt. Leonard was a method- 
ical man in his transactions, hence the careful preser- 
vation of the orders. The following are a few of the 
orders, the first from Deacon Richard Williams, a few- 
years previous to his death, with his own auto- 
graph : 

"Es^iox Thojias Leonard, Please to pay Bartholomew Tipping, 
uiue sliilliiigs aiul '-id. in iron a$ monfij. 

" from 3'our friend, 

"Richard Williams. 
" Taunton y 16, 1st, 1685-86." 

There are a number from Rev. George Shove, the 
third minister of Taunton. One is a barter, as fol- 
lows: 

"Ensign Leonard, — Pray deliver to Sam'l Pitts, one hundred of iron 
and charge it to the account of your friend 

"Geo. Shove. 
"Sept. 19, 1685." 
53 



Then follows: 

" Ensign Leonard, pray pay to NuthM Cotidington y<^ above bill now 
due me already. 

" Samvel Pitts. 
"Sept. 22, IGSo." 

The following is from Dorche.ster : 

"Capt. Thomas Leonard: Sir: these lines may inform yon that the 
Selectmen of Dorchester would desire you to deliver all that iron to 
Philip \Vithington, which is due from the iron works to the ministry of 
Dorchester. 

" Samuel Capen, witli the 
"Consent of the rest of the selectmen. 
" March ■26th, 1705." 

Philip Withington acknowledges receipt of " 700 
of iron, being the produce of the y° shares for y'= 
years 1699 to 170:5, five years." 

The fourth minister of Taunton, Rev. Samuel 
' Danforth, also dealt largely in orders lor iron. Here 
is one, dated March 11, 1703: 

"Capt. Thomas Leonard, 

" 1 would pray you to pay to Elizabeth Gilbert (my late servant inayd) 
thirty shillings in iron at 18 shillings pr C, to her or her order and place 
it to my account. 

" Your friend and ser^', 

" Samuel Danforth.'* 

Nathaniel Smith bought an ox of Thomas Wil- 
liams, son of Richard, so he draws an order on Smith 
to pay his mother, widow of Richard, a portion of the 
amount, thus : 

" Nathaniel Smith this is to desire you to pay my Mother Williams 
300 hundred of iron ; which is part of y« price of ye ox you bought of 
me. 

" Thomas Williams. 
" Taunton y y 16 of 0ct». 1693." 

Then follows Smith's order: 

" Capt. Thomas Leonard, I i)ray you be pleased to pay to Old Mother 
Williams 300 of iron, from 

"Nathaniel Smith." 

Another order from Rev. Samuel Danforth, "to 
credit William Briggs the sum of 2 shillings and -id. 
in iron, for his rate to the Weir bridge." 

We might fill a page, did space permit, with these 
unique orders drawn about two hundred years ago, 
in which bar-iron was the chief fiictor in the transac- 
tion of business in Taunton. Nicholas White was 
delegated year after year, from 1683 to 1693, to carry 
the iron due from the works to the Dorchester Soci- 
ety, to Madame Leverett, Madame Tyng, of Boston, 
and others, over thirty miles, then through the wilder- 
ness. 

The record says "in 1675 the (Indian) war began; 
many coals destroyed in the woods." " 1676, the 
works garrisoned, great rates." The Indians, how- 
ever, did not molest the forge. The clerks who suc- 
ceeded John Hall were Henry Andrews and Israel 
Dean. In 1683, Thomas Leonard became manager, 
continuing until his death, in 1713. He was suc- 
I ceeded by Deacon Samuel Leonard, who managed 
the works until he died in 1745. In his will he gave 
Hasadiah Wales, his daughter, and wife of the first 
minister of Raynham, Rev. John Wales, £100 of bar- 



834 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



iron and twenty acres of land, and his three other 
daugliters similar amounts. Before his death he 
added a codicil, stating that they should " have £100 
in money, old tenor, as good as merchantable bar- 
iron at £3 per C, or beef at 8'/. per lb., or Indian 
corn at 9.s. per bushel." He was the father of Deacon 
Elijah Leonard,' who built tlie house next east of the 
forge (purchased by Mr. Spinney a few years ago), 
where the old ledgers were found, which was destroyed 
by fire in 188L It was for more than half a century 
the residence of Capt. Edward Leonard, of Raynham. 
The iron-works were conducted by the son of Deacon 
Samuel Leonard for many years. 

In 1771 the iron-works came into the possession of 
Hon. Josiah Dean, who converted them into a rolling 
and nail works, where copper bolts for ship-building 
were rolled and made. Mr. Dean died in 1818, when 
his son, Eliab B. Dean, succeeded to the business. In 
1825 Mr. Dean changed the works into an anchor 
forge, which were continued in that line of business 
by him and his successor and son, Theodore Dean, 
about forty years, when the works were abandoned. 
The privilege, which is a valuable one, alone remains 
of the ancient iron-works of Taunton of two hun- 
dred years ago, the oldest successful bar-iron manu- 
factory in the country. 

In addition to the manufacturing establishments of 
Taunton and its industries, which have been noticed 
at length, should be named the Taunton Stone Lining 
Company, corner of Somerset Avenue and Highland 
Street, in charge of the Messrs. Parker; the Taun- 
ton Crucible Company, Capt. Wm. H. Phillips its 
president; the Taunton Iron-Works Company, with 
John R. Williams, Wm. H. Phillips, John H. Eddy, 
J. F. Montgomery, Lewis Williams, directors ; Taun- 
ton Tack Company, treasurer and agent, Thomas J. 
Lothrop ; Sparta Tack Company, rear of the Brick 
Mill, Washington Street, L. A. Rounds, proprietor; 
the new stove-works at the Weir, run by Charles F. 
Baker, George E. Wilbur, William E. Walker, and 
Albert H. Hathaway, who have just erected a large 
foundry two hundred feet long, and employ .sixty 
hands; the Williams Brick Company, on Williams 
Court, off Somerset Avenue, in charge of Alexander 
H. and George F. Williams ; the Taunton Brick Com- 
pany, on Winter Street, with a capital of $75,000 
and Judge Bennett its president; other brick manu- 
facturers are Abiel B. Staples, who employs a capital 
of S5000 and fifteen hands ; John W. Hart & Co., 
capital S8000, employs fifteen hands; Isaac H. How- 
land, has a capital of $1500, employs twelve hands; 
Horatio Godfrey, capital $1200, employs twelve hands. 
While there are manifold new business enterprises 
in the hands of new and enterprising young men, 
some large and flourishing branches of business still 
exist which had their beginning many years ago, as 



1 His SOD, Rev. Elijah, was the minister of Mavshfield about thirty 
years, and his son, Rev. George, was successor of his father thirty years, 
and died in 1882. 



has been noticed by Rev. Mr. Emery in his " Histori- 
cal Sketches of the City," published a few years 
since, as Edgar H. Reed, in 183-i, in crockery, to 
which have been added carpets ; S. 0. Dunbar, about 
the same time, in drugs and medicines, ink and fluid 
magnesia; Salmon Washburn, in furniture and hard- 
ware; Chas. F. Davenport and Nathaniel S. Mason, 
in the express business, to the former of whom Wil- 
liam R. Davenport succeeded, followed by J. S. Bas- 
sett and William L. Walker ; William Hutchinson, 
in the stove and tin business; H. AV. and Le Baron 
B. Church, in wholesale flour and grain trade. All 
these have been in business more than forty years, 
and the following not far from thirty years: A. 
Briggs & Co., Paul & Co., in flour and grain ; Staples 
& Phillips, in coal, iron, andageneral shipping busi- 
ness ; N. H. Skinner & Co., the successors of Jabez 
Rounds, in dry goods, carpets, etc; Foster & Bar- 
nard, in the business of tailors; Colby & Co., succes- 
sors of Samuel Colby, in ready-made clothing; E. D. 
Tisdale & Son, in watches and jewelry ; H. C. Perry 
& Son, in hats, caps, and shoes ; N. S. Hoard & Co., 
ill furniture and crockery; Philander Williams, in 
groceries; A. J. Barker, in drugs, medicines, books, 
etc. ; I. B. Briggs, in stoves and tinware ; White 
Brothers, in meats, vegetables, etc. ; William and 
John D. Reed, in groceries; B. R. Holt & Son, in 
ready-made clothing; W. H. Gilmore, in curtains, 
pictures, etc. ; J. T. French, in paints and paper- 
hangings. Robert Dean, John W. Seabury, Charles 
Godfrey, James W. Grossman, Charles R. Atwood, 
Calvin Woodward, Abiathar Williams, Allen Pres- 
brey, F. S. Monroe, Lovett Morse, and John, Wil- 
liam, and Hodges Reed were well-known business 
men in the earlier half of the present century. 

The Phoenix Manufacturing Company com- 
menced business on School Street over forty years 
ago. The proprietors of what was then called the 
Crucible Company were Charles R. Vickery, Charles 
R. Atwood, and Joseph Dixon. To enlarge their 
business they removed to Weir village, and in 1851 
were incorporated under the above name. Capital, 
$30,000. Charles R. Vickery was president, Charles 
R. Atwood agent and treasurer, and were annually 
chosen, though many changes were made in the 
directors. In 1877, Henry D. Atwood was chosen 
agent, and after the death of his father, C. R. Atwood, 
in December, 1877, he was elected clerk and treas- 
urer, which oflices he holds at the present time. 
Mr. Vickery died Jan. 16, 1883. The directors are 
Arthur Pickering, Le Baron B. Church, H. D. At- 
wood, F. B. Dean. 

The Cohannet Mills are situated on the bank of 
Mill River, above the Brick Mills; were incorporated 
in 1847; capital, $100,000. A mill for spinning cot- 
ton yarn was erected the following season, three hun- 
dred and thirty-three long by fifty, two stories. The 
officers were John E. Sanford, president; E. B. 
Maltby, clerk ; C. L. Lovering, treasurer, who re- 



TAUNTON. 



835 



signed in 1878, when E. B. Maltby was elected. In 
1881 the capital was increased to i!200,000, and a new 
mill (No. 2) was erected parallel with No. 1, three hun- 
dred and sixty-five feet long by seventy-two in width, 
three stories, also for spinning cotton yarn. The 
present directors are John E. Sanford, Saul Eddy, 
C. L. Lovering, E. B. Maltby, George M. Wood- 
ward. These mills do the largest business in that 
line in the county. 

Sproat's Mill, Weir Village.— The shingle and 
grist-mill of James Sproat was built in 18.37. A box- 
board machine was added, and soon afterwards a 
machine for making nail-keg staves. The grist-mill 
was superseded by machinery for box-making and 
cutting nail-keg heads. James H. Sproat succeeded 
his father at the time of his death in September, 
1857, and has conducted a large business in this line. 
There are in his employ several men whose positions 
are worthy of mention, viz. : Calvin C. Presbrey, 
forty-six years ; Frederick Hathaway, forty-four 
years ; P. B. Campbell and Levi P. Talbot, thirty- 
seven years ; Abraham Simmons, George Taber, and 
John McEnroe, thirty-six years, and several others 
about thirty years. Mr. Sproat continues the same 
busine.ss he has followed forty-six consecutive years, 
employing about thirty hands. 

Old Colony Iron Company.— In 1813, Stephen 
King obtained a grant to build a dam across Taunton 
Eiver, on his farm, a short distance above the present 
Old Colony Iron-Works, and laid the foundation. 
Horatio Leonard & Co. (Crocker & Kichraond) pur- 
chased Mr. King's right and removed the dam to its 
present location, and built a forge for making char- 
coal iron (in 182-) of scraps and pig-iron. Finally, 
coal being too expensive, a few years later (1827) 
they obtained the services of experienced workmen. 
James Mitchell and his brother. Englishmen, com- 
menced making iron with bituminous coal. Increase 
and Charles Robinson, having some experience, came 
from Bridgewater in 1828 and engaged in the iron 
business with the company. Their facilities for the 
manufacture of iron for nail-plates and shovels were 
enlarged. Enoch Robinson, who had also served at 
the various departments for producing iron, succeeded 
his brother Increase in 1829, who returned to Bridge- 
water and became superintendent of the iron-works. 
Samuel Caswell had charge of the machinery. The 
reverses of 1837-42 caused a suspension of the works 
for over a year. 

A new company was organized under the name of 
the Old Colony Iron Company in 1844, with a capital 
of two hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Samuel L. 
Crocker, president, Charles Robinson, treasurer, and 
they remained in office until the death of each, — the 
latter Feb. 8, 1882, the former Feb. 10, 1883. The 
works cover several acres for the manufacture of 
shovels and nails and nail-plates, making their own 
iron. The officers are Charles T. Robinson, clerk ; 
Oliver A. Washburn, agent and treasurer ; Enoch 



Robinson, Nahum Stetson, Charles T. Robinson, and 
O. A. Washburn, directors ; Enoch Robinson, general 
superintendent. 

The Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing- Com- 
pany, located near the central depot of the Old Col- 
ony Railroad, commenced business in 1846, and was 
incorporated in 1847 by Wm. A. Crocker, Willard W. 
Fairbanks, Wm. Raymond Lee, and their associates, 
for manufactui-ing steam-engines, railroad cars, and 
machinery ; capital, fifty thousand dollars. 

Wm. A. Crocker was chosen president; W. W. 
Fairbanks, agent and treasurer ; Charles R. Olney, 
clerk. In 1847, Harrison Tweed succeeded Mr. Olney 
as clerk. In 1854, W. W. Fairbanks succeeded Mr. 
Crocker as president. Robert S. Dean succeeded Mr. 
Fairbanks as treasurer in August, 1858, and resigned 
' in December. Harrison Tweed was his successor as 
treasurer on Sept. 25, 1861, and became agent in place 
of Mr. Fairbanks, resigned, who also resigned as 
president Aug. 28, 1862, and Samuel L. Crocker was 
elected, serving tw'enty-one years, until his death, 
Feb. 10, 1883. 

The capital had been increased from time to time 
until 1864, when it was established at two hundred 
and eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. 

P. I. Perrin, who had been superintendent and de- 
signer of the company ft-om its commencement, in 
1846, to July, 1847, was elected agent and treasurer to 
succeed Mr. Tweed, and now fills the position, and 
E. D. Godfrey was elected clerk of the corporation. 

At the annua! meeting May 23, 1883, Nahum Stet- 
son was elected president in place of Mr. Crocker de- 
ceased ; Everett D. Godfrey, clerk ; directors, Enoch 
Robinson, Harrison Tweed, P. I. Perrin, Nahum Stet- 
son ; also Robert I. Gamewell, of Providence, in 
place of Mr. Crocker. 

This was among the first companies established 
specially for manufacturing locomotives in the United 
States, and the first one was built in May, 1847. 
The company soon attained a high reputation for 
their locomotives, and the first one that found its way 
upon the great thoroughfares of the West was sent 
from this establishment in May, 1852; shipped from 
Boston for New Orleans, thence to St. Louis in charge 
of Edward Peirs, engineer, who is still in the employ 
of the company. Their locomotives are now a pro- 
pelling power from Maine to California, in Canada, 
South America, and ^Mexico. 

The Taunton Tack Company was organized in 
1850 by a few practical tack-makers, and others that 
joined them, with a capital of twenty thousand dol- 
lars; shares at five hundred dollars. They located 
their works on Union Street, purchasing the build- 
ings from Stephen Rhodes & Sons. They chose 
directors : Daniel Reed, Jr., Joseph Dunbar, Robert 
Grossman (2d), Gideon Perkins, Jr.; and Charles 
Foster was chosen president, Robert Grossman (2d) 
secretary, and Gideon Perkins, Jr., agent and treas- 
urer. In 1855 the company became incorporated. 



836 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and Gideon Perkins, Daniel Keed, Philander W. 
Dean, James C. Brown, and Albert Hunter were 
directors; Robert Crossuian, clerk; Daniel Reed, Jr., 
treasurer; and James Brown, president. From that 
time there was a change in the officers nearly every 
year, except agent and treasurer, which L. F. Dudley 
held several years, and George W. White, superinten- 
dent, wlio remained some ten years. The company 
were doing a fair business, and paid a dividend until 
1857 of four and a half per cent. 

In 1866, Lorenzo Lincoln was elected president, 
and has held the office seventeen years. Thomas J. 
Lothrop was elected director in 1867 and agent and 
treasurer in 1868, and still remains treasurer and 
manager. In 1869 the company voted to erect a 
new manufactory on the land purchased of A. E. 
Swasey. 

In 1870 the company increased their capital to 
sixty thousand dollars, removed to their new manu- 
factory on Weir Street, and authorized the sale of 
their property on Union Street. The company then 
began to add to its machinery not only tack-nail 
machines but for the manufacture of rivets and bolts. 
In 1873 the cajiital stock w-as increased to one hun- 
dred and twenty thousand dollars. In 1874, George 
W. White resigned as superintendent. In July, 1878, 
the fire destroyed a large portion of the factory, in- 
cluding the machinery for stove-bolts, and that busi- 
ness was not resumed. The factory was soon rebuilt 
and new machines added, and now includes one hun- 
dred and seven tack- and shoe-nail machines and 
various other valuable machines required in the es- 
tablishment ; also wire-drawing apparatus and ma- 
chinery for the rivet department. The establishment 
consumes about seven and a half tons of iron per day, 
and furnishes employment to one hundred and ten 
hands in the various departments. The company 
manufactures its own machines, and is adding wire 
nails to its specialties in business. It has a branch 
store in Chicago for Western trade. 

The officers are Lorenzo Lincoln, president ; Thomas 
J. Lothrop, treasurer and agent; Joseph Philbrick, 
clerk; H. B. Wheelwright, Thomas J. Lothrop, Lo- 
renzo Lincoln, Joseph Philbrick, Francis H. Wilbur, 
directors. 

Anthony & Cushman, manufacturers of all kinds 
of tacks, brads, and shoe-nails, commenced business, 
in 1864, in their works below Weir village with twenty- 
six machines. Their business increased largely, and 
in 1882 removed into their spacious manufactory. 
Court Street, formerly Bay State Screw Works, where 
they have nearly ninety machines running, employing 
about one hundred hands, cutting four tons of metal 
per day of various kinds. Capital, sixty thousand 
dollars. 

H. L. Cushman & Co. commenced the manufacture 
of tufting and shoe buttons in April, 1882. Capital, 
twenty-five thousand dollars. They employ twenty- 
five hands, and make nearly a million of buttons per 



day. They occupy a portion of Anthony & Cush- 
man's building. Court Street. 

Strange's Cylinder Saw and Machine Company, on 
Tremont Street. The senior partner, Elias Strange, 
is the oldest mechanic in this vicinity, having been 
at the business about sixty years as foreman and 
manager in several establishments. Several years 
since he directed his attention to the manul'acture of 
machines for making staves, boxes, barrels, amateur 
steam-engines, etc., of which company Elias Strange 
is president, Emerson C. is secretary, and Elias W. 
Strange is treasurer. They employ about twenty 
hands. 

Taunton Copper Manufacturings Company.— 
In 1826, William A., Samuel L., and George A. 
Crocker associated together as Crocker Brothers, and 
commenced the manufacture of copper upon the 
Wading River, in Norton, a privilege which their 
father, William Allen Crocker, formerly owned, a 
small establishment previously occupied by Crocker 
& Richmond a few years for the same purpose. In 
1831 the above-named William A., Samuel L., and 
George A. Crocker, with Daniel Brewer, Nathaniel 
Crandell, and such others as they may associate with 
them, were incorporated as the Taunton Copper 
Manufacturing Company, under the firm-name of 
Crocker Brothers & Co., with a capital of $200,000. 
The works were enlarged double their former size in 
Norton, and practical skilled workmen were obtained 
from England to produce the less costly article called 
yellow metal, and by chemical arrangements in the 
manufacture of copper and yellow metal they utilized 
the oxide of zinc for various mechanical purposes ; 
they also contracted for the manufacture of planchets 
for copper cents, which machines were worked by 
William Allen West many years, furnishing the 
LTnited States government with fifty tliousand dollars 
annually. In 1849 the company erected a large estab- 
lishment at Weir village for the manufacture and 
rolling of copper, yellow metal, and zinc, removing a 
portion of the machinery from Norton. The com- 
pany conducted a large and profitable business for 
many years, increasing their capital to $600,000, and 
again to $900,000, and paying large dividends. Wil- 
liam A. Crocker retired from the firm in 1854, and 
George A. Crocker died in February, 1864. Few 
other changes have taken place by deaths and resig- 
nations. A few years since, in consequence of busi- 
ness reverses and losses on stock, and the inability to 
pay dividends, the capital was decreased to 8450,000. 
During, however, all the panics and reverses of 1837, 
1857, and 1873, the company continued its large and 
costly business operations, regularly paying, without 
intermission, their employes, many of whom have 
been upon the rolls in their service thirty, forty, and 
fifty years. Within the past year (1882) Charles Rob- 
inson and Ward M. Parker, two of the oldest directors, 
died ; in January last Charles R. Vickery, another of 
the board, and president of company many years, 



TAUNTON. 



837 



and in February last, Samuel L. Crocker, the last 
surviving brother, director, treasurer, and manager of 
the company from its organization, over half a cen- 
tury, died. Now a reorganization is taking place in 
this old-established and wealthy corporation. E. H. 
Bennett, who was elected president to succeed Mr. 
Vickery, has resigned, and some new officers will be 
elected to fill the places of the former board. Timothy 
Gordon has been connected with the copper works 
over forty-five years as book-keeper, clerk, agent, and 
treasurer; also K. Henry Hall over thirty years, as 
superintendent and agent, which offices they now fill 
as members of the company. 

Leonard Co-operative Foundry. — In 184.5, Deacon 
Lemuel Leonard built a small foundry a short dis- 
tance below Whittenton Mills for casting stoves and 
small ware. A few years later his son, Lemuel M. 
Leonard, was associated with him, and enlarged the 
furnace, continuing several years. The former died 
in 1868. The latter, to extend his business, built a 
large foundry on Wales Street and removed from 
Whittenton in 1865, and continued a large business 
until his death, in 1876. This was the origin of the 
Leonard Co-operative Foundry Company, organized 
in 1877 ; capital, twenty-five thousand dollars. The 
company has two foundries and a number of build- 
ings, covering an area of two acres, and do a large 
business. The officers are L. B. West, president; W. 
H. Lindsey, treasurer; A. J. Holt, traveling agent; 
directors, Wm. N. Parker, Charles R. Mason, L. B. 
West, Wm. H. Lindsey, J. M. Pratt, A. W. Hewitt, 
Jr., 'J. B. Grigor, T. N. Goft; C. H. Briggs. 

The Eagle Cotton-Mill Company was incorporated 
in I860; capital, sixty thousand dollars; President, 
Theodore Dean ; F. B. Dean, clerk, treasurer, and 
agent; Directors, Joseph Dean, A. K. Williams, 
George B. Williams, F. B. Dean, Theodore Dean. 
Wanton Bouse, one of the directors and superinten- 
dents, died recently. 

The Taunton Oil-Cloth Company was incorporated 
in 1850, with a capital of $25,000 ; now has a capital 
of $55,000. The board of directors are John E. San- 
ford, Enoch Robinson, Thompson Newbury, Charles 
T. Robinson, J. J. Whitmarsh. 

The presidents have been Charles Robinson, Bay- 
lies Sanford, William R. Davenport, John E. Sanford ; 
Clerks, B. Sanford, John E. Sanford, J. J. Whit- 
marsh. James W. Crossman was agent many years. 
The present officers are : President, John E. Sanford ; 
Clerk, J. J. Whitmarsh ; Treasurer, Thompson New- 
bury, who has been treasurer from the organization of 
the company. They manufacture enameled and peb- 
bled oil cloths. 

Presbrey Stove-Lining Company, established in 
1826; incorporated in 1806, witli a capital of 828,000; 
manufacture fire-brick and stove-linings. The board 
of directors are Henry T. Root, B. C. Pierce, J. T.' 
Maher, William A. Miller, D. A. Trefethen. Henry 
T. Root, president ; B. C. Pierce, treasurer and agent. 



Their present buildings cover nearly two acres of 
ground, having been recently enlarged. 

Westville. — This pleasant village in the westerly 
section of Taunton was named for one of its enter- 
prising manufacturers, John West, over seventy years 
ago. Its location on Three-Mile River, prominently 
identified with the Baylies Iron Works a hundred and 
forty years ago, was, half a century previously, the 
site of the "Andrews' grist-mill" and Lincoln's saw- 
mill, the former owned by Capt. John Andrews, the 
latter by Rufus and Ichabod Lincoln; in later years 
by Joseph Andrews, son of the above, and Isaac Lin- 
coln, grandfather of Deacon Lorenzo Lincoln, the 
respected veteran paper manufacturer, whose ances- 
tors resided near there. 

About 17.S8-39, Thomas Baylies, Jr., had a forge 
and iron-works on the south side of Three-Mile River, 
for making charcoal-iron from ore mined in the 
vicinity and from New Jersey. He died in July, 
1756, at forty-one years of age, a few months after 
the death of his father. 

An interesting history is connected with tlie owners 
of the Baylies Iron Works. Thomas and Esther Sar- 
geant Baylies,' ancestors of all of that name in this vi- 
cinity, — Nicholas, Hodijah, Dr. William, Hon. Francis 
and William, Thomas Sargeant, Dr. Alfred. Baylies, 
and others (of whom Mr. Shove, in his " Digh- 
ton History," gives special account), — came from 
Colebrook Dale, Shropshire, England, in 1737, with 
his sons, Thomas and Nicholas, all " iron masters." ^ 
On their arrival in Boston, Thomas, Sr., proceeded to 
West Attleborough "Gore" (now Cumberland, R. I.), 
to superintend an iron-works for a firm of Boston 
merchants. He resided in that town some fifteen 
years, and was probably associated with Capt. Thomas 
Leonard, of Raynham, in the same business the last 
portion of the time. 

Thomas, Jr., came to Taunton and NichoLas went to 
Uxbridge, both to superintend iron-works. Thomas, 
Sr., subsequently removed from Attleborough to 
Taunton, probably to assist his son at Baylies Iron- 
Works, where soon after, his wife Esther died. May 
7, 1754, in her sixtv-fifth year, and he died March 5, 
1756, nearly two years later, in his sixty-ninth year. 
They were buried, with sons, Thomas, Nicholas, and 
grandson, Thomas Sargeant, and others, in the " Bay- 
lies Cemetery," in Taunton, below Weir village. 

After the death of Thomas Baylies, Jr., above men- 
tioned, his brother Nicholas came from Uxbridge to 
administer upon the estate of Thomas, who was 



1 They were Quakers, and on the day of their marriage, ia Warwicli- 
Bhire, England, 6th uiontli 5th, 170G, which was a silent ceremony, a 
locli of hair was clipped from the liead of the hride, Esther Sargeant, 
wliich has descended through lineal generations one hundred aud sev- 
enty-six years, to a namesake, daughter of the late Dr. Alfred Baylies, 
of this city. It was in the possession of the late William Baylies some 
twenty years ago, and left hy him with his former student, Ellis Ames, 
to be given as an heirloom to the namesake of Esther Sargeant, the 
maiden name of their ancestress. 

2 We have the facts from a descendant, Mrs. Eliza B. Whcaton. 



838 



HISTOEY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



single. He relinquished his business at Uxbridge, 
after residing tliere some twenty years, and removed 
here. He resided in Taunton near Dighton line, 
and conducted the forge and anchor isusiness exten- 
sively, making anchors and other heavy implements 
for vessels and farmers' use. He purchased the 
grist-mill of Capt. Joseph Andrews and the Lincoln 
saw-mill, and was for a while associated with Capt. 
Sylvester Richmond, of Dighton, for several years 
high sheriff. Nicholas Baylies was a prominent man. 
At the close of the last century he represented the 
town in the Legislature four years (1781-82, 1786-87), 
and, though by birth an Englishman, he was an able 
supporter of the American cause in the Revolution. 
He was the father of Dr. William, Thomas Sargeant, 
Maj. Hodijah Baylies, and other children, eight in 
all. He died July 6, 1807, in his eighty-ninth year. 

His youngest -son, Hodijah, succeeded him in the 
iron-works, after closing an honorable career in the 
Revolution, having served as aid to Gen. Benjamin 
Lincoln (whose daughter he married), and for some 
time upon the staff of Washington. He enlarged the 
iron-works, and conducted a large business many 
years. During this time, among other large con- 
tracts, he made the anchor for the frigate "Constitu- 
tion," which was considered a great event in manu- 
facturing iron at the time. It required (as stated 
by his son, late Edmund Baylies) ten yoke of oxen 
to transport the anchor to tide-water, Dighton, thence 
to be taken on board "Old Ironsides," which became 
a terror to the English navy. During his connection 
with the iron-w'orks he was appointed collector of the 
port of Dighton, the first under the Constitution. He 
continued in the iron business until 1810, when he 
received the appointment of judge of probate, which 
office he held twenty-four years. He disposed of the 
privilege and old mills to John West in 1809, who 
built the paper-mill on the opposite side of the 
river. Mr. West, who had been a merchant in Boston, 
was the first paper manufacturer in the Old Colony. 

In 1823-24, Mr. West, associated with Crocker & 
Richmond, built a cotton-mill on the site of the old 
iron-works, and the business was continued by Mr. 
West as agent of the cotton- and paper-mill until the 
time of his death, in December, 1827. 

The cotton-mill was then managed by Crocker & 
Richmond until the time of their suspension in 1837. 
The paper-mill was conducted by Richard Park, by 
Park, Lincoln & Park (Caleb M. Lincoln and Edwin 
Park, associates), until the death of Richard Park, 
senior member, in 1833. Etheridge Clarke had an 
interest in the property for several years then called 
the Westville Manufacturing Company. George and 
Jonathan Bliss purchased the property soon after the 
failure of Crocker & Richmond, continuing the manu- 
facture of cotton cloth for several years, and the 
paper-mill was conducted by Jonathan Bliss, Jr., & 
Co. They were succeeded by Alexander Hodges, 
who purchased the cotton- and paper-mill, when the 



latter was discontinued for lack of sufficient water- 
power. The machinery was sold to C. M. and L. 
Lincoln for their paper-mill at North Dighton. The 
whole property passed into the possession of Lovering 
Brothers, who converted the mill into a spinning- 
mill to supply the yarn for consumption at their 
Whittenton mills. 

The Most Ancient Mills in Taunton were Deacon 
Robert Grossman's grist-mill, below the dam at the 
Cohannet Street crossing, and stood in the bend of 
the street for a century or more. It was built soon 
after the settlement of Taunton in 1638-39. In 1659, 
" Henry Andrews and John Macomber were per- 
mitted to erect a saw-mill," just above, on the oppo- 
site side of the street, " if it was not hurtful to the 
grist-mill." These humble mills have gone into his- 
tory by Mr. Baylies' researches. A hundred years 
later, or more, a fulling-mill stood near the site of the 
saw-mill, which John Sturtevant occupied in 1812, 
and in which Deacon Roswell Ballard commenced 
the business before he converted Sproat's snuff-mill 
into a fulling-mill, near Street's bridge. 

Elizabeth Pool Mills, situate on the bank of Mill 
River, below Hopewell Mills, organized in .lune, 
1877, capital $75,000. The main mill is two hundred 
and eighteen by seventy feet, another one hundred 
by forty, each two stories. Two additional since built, 
one, one hundred and nineteen by seventy, another 
one hundred and fifty-five by forty-eight, one story 
each ; manufacture cotton flannels of fine quality as 
a specialty. The officers are Ira F. Lawry, president; 
Albert E. Swasey, treasurer ; Charles A. Lawry, clerk; 
Directors, William C. Lovering, I. F. Lawry, A. E. 
Swasey, H. M. Lovering, C. A. Lawry. 

Another Ancient Iron-Works stood nearly two 
hundred years ago near the site of the Dighton Fur- 
nace Company upon Three-Mile River, which divided 
the towns of Dighton and Taunton, two miles below 
Westville. Richard Stephens, one of the early set- 
tlers of Taunton, with his son and others, in 1702, 
had a forge for making iron and a grist-mill there. 
His sons, Nicholas and Josiah Stephens, and Nicholas, 
Jr., afterwards owned the forge and iron-works. In 
1739, Bollan and Laughton, Boston merchants, having 
purchased a portion of the privilege, they " leased the 
falls, dam, land," etc., of said Stephens in 17-10 to 
erect an iron-works and refinery thereon, Stephens 
reserving the right to run the grist-mill. In 1748, 
Bollan and Laughton conveyed the privilege and iron- 
works to Henry Laughton, Jr., nephew of the former, 
and the business was continued many years. Bollan 
and Laughton were wealthy merchants (Englishmen), 
and had purchased large tracts of land and farms 
in this vicinity. In 1776 they proved to be "loyal- 
ists," or Tories. The property they had not conveyed 
away was confiscated and sold by the State commis- 
sioners, Capt. Israel Washburn, of Raynham, Judge 
Tobey, of Berkley, and Capt. Henry Hodges, of 
Taunton, including several farms and the large tracts 



TAUNTON. 



839 



of land, according to the records, in the adjoining 
towns they had purchased. 

This location, the last employed for manufacturing 
purposes on Three-Mile River, was owned by the sons 
and descendants of Richard Stephens, — the last one, 
Elijah H. Stephens (great-grandson of Richard), who 
formerly owned a portion of the forge, mills, and other 
adjacent property, but, as tradition says, was defrauded 
out of a large portion of it by Boston parties. 

The Dighton Cotton Manufacturing Company 
was incorporated in 1S06, and built a cotton-mill, and 
afterwards went into the foundry and cotton-machine 
business. The machine-shop was afterwards leased 
to T. S. Dunlap in 1843, who converted it into a 
woolen-mill, occupying it a few years. He then re- 
moved to a new mill, a short distance below, built by 
the Dighton Manufacturing Company for them as a 
woolen-mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1848. 
After Mr. Dunlap's removal from the old machine- 
shop C. M. and L. Lincoln leased it for a paper-mill, 
•which they fitted for the purpose. After the death 
of the senior partner, Caleb M. Lincoln, in 1836, the 
firm was changed to L, Lincoln & Co., and has re- 
mained so for twenty-seven years. Their mills were 
destroyed by fire in 1881. They soon rebuilt a fine 
brick establishment, much enlarged, and with im- 
proved machinery, for the manufacture of various 
kinds of paper, and are doing a prosperous busi- 
ness. 

William L. Hathaway, and others of the Dighton 
Furnace Company, who occupied the old furnace 
buildings in 1858, removed to the Taunton side of 
the river, built a large foundry and shop for the 
manufacture of iron tubing, called the Dighton 
Tube- Works, which were discontinued several years 
since. After the death of Mr. Hathaway, June 15, 
1870, he was succeeded by George F. Gavitt as man- 
ager and treasurer many years. For the last twelve 
years James H. Codding, who succeeded Mr. Gavitt 
in the Dighton Furnace Company, has done a large 
business in the range and stove line of manufacture, 
the largest in the city, has extended the works, cov- 
ering an area of about three acres, has a capital of 
$75,000, and employs over a hundred hands. 

The Industries of Taunton, Products, etc. — In 
Taunton tiiere are 152 manufacturing establishments 
of all kinds, employing 61G0 persons. Capital in- 
vested, §4,324,134; stock used, $4,292,917; value of 
products, $7,663,656; annual wages paid, $2,090,690. 
We quote from last census report: The above includes 
one for making agricultural implements, capital, 
§1000; product, $1350. Of artisans' tools, 2; capital, 
$4000 ; product, S8000. Of boots and shoes, 7 ; cap- 
ital, $2350; wages paid, $4200; stock, $4325; product, 
■$12,350. Of brick-makers, 6 establishments; capital, 
$98,000; stock, $11,500; wages paid peryear, $21,800; 
product, $45,000. In building, 13; capital, $18,900; 
stock, $29,300; wages paid, $24,360; jiroduct, $70,950. 
Of burial-caskets, etc., 2 ; capital, $19,000 ; product. 



$17,000. Of buttons, 2 establishments; capital, $40,- 
000 ; product, $75,000. In carpetings, 1 ; capital, 
$70,000 ; product, $106,800. Of carriages and wagons, 
11; capital, $42,300; stock, $20,000; wages paid, 
$22,100; product, $61,250. Of clothing, 4; capital, 
$22,500; stock, $27,200; wages paid, $10,750; product, 
$44,600. Of cooking, lighting, and heating apjiaratus 
(stoves, etc.), 12; capital invested, .$365,500; wages, 
$204,906; stock, $188,137; product, $517,500. In 
cotton goods, eight establishments; capital invested, 
$1,000,000; stock used, $995,200; wages, $.391,195; 
product, $1,856,884. Crucibles, 2; capital, $60,000; 
product, $68,450. Of earthen and stoneware, 1 ; cap- 
ital, $10,000; product, $6500. Of food preparations, 
butchers, etc., 11; capital, $62,500; wages paid, 
$20,198; stock used, $296,900; product, $363,000. Of 
furniture, 2 ; capital, $900 ; product, $7200. Of leather, 
5; capital, $5600 ; wages, $6250; stock, $4950; prod- 
uct, $11,800. Of lumber, 4; capital, $34,000; stock, 
$22,100; wages, $16,900; product, $50,500. Of ma- 
chines and machinery, 8 ; capital, $843,800 ; .stock, 
$698,950; wages, $522,276; product, $1,309,700. In 
metals and metallic goods, 33 ; capital, $1,722,650 ; 
stock, $1,750,800; wages paid yearly, $755,493 ; prod- 
uct, $2,864,313. In models and patterns, 2 ; capital, 
$4500 ; product, $2900. Of stone, 3 ; capital, $5880 ; 
wages, $5942; stock, .$3900; product, $14,598. Of 
vi'ooden goods, 3; capital, $27,700; stock, $11,075; 
product, $23,900. Of liquors and beverages, 1 ; capital, 
$6000; product, $20,000. Blacksmiths, capital em- 
ployed, $13,000 ; annual product, $30,000. 

Commerce of Taunton. — The commercial interests 
of Taunton were comparatively small two hundred 
years ago, yet the coasting trade was inaugurated soon 
after the settlement of the enterprising pioneers, and 
their small shallops and sloops of ten to twenty tons 
were ])lying with cargoes of iron, brick, and other arti- 
cles to and from Providence, New York, and Newport, 
where a large trade was established. Sloops were 
built on the banks of Taunton River as far up as Tit- 
ticut by the Pratts and Holmeses, and at Richard Wil- 
liams' landing by Capt. Joseph Hall and others. At 
the commencement of the present century there was 
a small fleet engaged in the articles of commerce of 
Taunton. Iron, hollow-ware, and brick were then the 
chief articles of export. Capt. Job Smith, a large 
dealer in West India and dry goods, had a large store 
at Neck of Land, where Capt. Job Godfrey and others 
landed their cargoes ; the wharf may now be seen. 
Schooner " Raynham," built at the Dean Street land- 
ing, by Capt. Joseph Hall, for Hon. Josiah Dean, 
who then conducted the iron-works ; the sloop " In- 
dustry," owned by Capt. Perez Hall and his father; 
sloop " Sally," Capt. Benjamin Cooper, Josiah Dean, 
and Col. George Williams owners; sloop "Ranger," 
Capt. William Presbrey, owned by Capt.Seth Presbrey, 
Samuel Leonard, and John Presbrey ; sloop " Peace 
and Plenty," Capt. Seth Presbrey ; sloop " Union," 
Capt. Sylvester Jones ; sloop " Sally," Capt. Jacob 



840 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Phillips; sloop "Hannah," Capt. David Vickery ; 
the owners of these were Sanuiel Leonard, Jonathan 
Ingell, James Hart, Capt. David Padelford, Col. Noah 
Hall, Capt. Abiathar Williams, Capt. Jonathan Ligell, 
and others, were employed in the coasting trade nearly 
a century ago. Sloop "Dove," owned by Eliphalet 
Williams, John West and others, for freighting grain 
from New York for their distillery at Weir village, was 
captured during the embargo of the war of 1812-14. 
A British seventy-four was lying off the Sound, under 
Commodore Harvey, to seize the Taunton sloops as 
they plied their trade, and the " Dove" with six or eight 
hundred bushels of corn attempted to run the gaunt- 
let up the Sound, but was seized about ofl' New Lon- 
don, and the owners were required to pay a heavy 
ransom in specie to recover her. Many of the shal- 
lops were so small that they could slip into the inlets 
with twenty tons, and make their way by night unmo- 
lested. 

At the period we mention the aggregate tonnage of 
the Taunton Heet would not exceed four hundred 
tons. 

We now append the following list of vessels of the 
Taunton fleet of 1883, to show the increase of our 
commerce in a hundred years : 



Name. 



Master. 



Tons. 



SchooDor Whistler Jolin Keefe 90 

" John Lozier S. L. Tisilale KlO 

" Emma D. M. White- 100 

" Samuel L.Crocker A. T. Deering 150 

" Salmon Wjishhurii A. Hathaway 150 

" Salle W. I'oniii-r E.F.Lincoln 170 

" Sylvester Hale (j. L. Coleman 180 

" Robert S. Dean Lewis 0. Coleman 185 

" . Sallie T. Chartre Thomas Spellnian ZOO 

" M. M. Merriman A. Simmons 2."t0 

" Abel W. Parker William H. Dean ;i.50 

William F. Greene C. F. Heath a"5 

" Nathan H. Skinner I. W. Thrasher 460 

'* Theodore Dean Capt. Blake 500 

" Wild Pigeon E. H. Doane 600 

John E. Sanford J. E. Berry 600 

" Oliver .\nie8 Capt. Handy 600 

" William Mason Capt. Chace 650 

" Williiini D. Marvel D. Keefe 050 

" Calvin P. Harris O.Benton 700 

" Alfred lirabrook J. M. Phillips 800 

" D. M. Aiithony SOO 

" William It. Hnstou J. D. Crowley 900 

" Beriha F. Walker J. Westgate 1000 

" C. A. Briggs O. G. Hammett 1100 

" Mabel L. Phillips Samuel Berry 1200 

" Hettie S. Williams J. H. Bray 1300 

" Elliot B. Church William Conary ISOO 

" Charles N. Simmons H. L. Babbitt 1000 

" B. L. Burt John Sent 1100 

" BerthaDean H. F.Tripp 1100 

" Nathan Lawrence W.J.Harper 1100 

" Josie Burt Alexander Bnrt IKIO 

" EmmaF. Augell Ang. Tripp 1300 

Barge .\dvance J. F. Phillips , 550 

" Pioneer James Cook 750 

" Petersburg James F. Rogers 800 

" Star of the East W. W, Panll 8.50 

" Satanella Asa Hathaway 1000 

" Transport ^ J. S. Cumniings loOO 

" Berkley J. M. Rogers 500 

" H. J. Devenny Thomas Crowley 900 

" Island Belle 11. A. Dean 

SteamerEmpire State J. M. Pliilllips 1700 

" Cora L. Staples George Cunmiings 150 

" J. P. White Benjamin Cobb 76 

" Theodore Brierly Asa Hathaway 35 

" George A. Dean F. P. Staples 150 

New schooners are being built for Capt. H. O. Ben- 
ton, and for Capt. Jonatlian Thrasher, of nine hun- 
dred tons each. 

The above-named lai'Ke class vessels are owned 



chiefly by Taunton parties in several joint companies, 
of which Capt. Jacob B. Phillips represents one, 
Capt. Samuel Walker another, William B. Church 
another. The barges and steamers are mostly owned 
by Staples and Phillips, who also own largely in 
schooners. The investment in the above fleet is about 
one million dollars; the aggregate tonnage, thirty- 
five thousand tons, showing a great contrast with the 
tonnage and investment of a century ago. Within 
ten years there have been added to the Taunton fleet 
over twenty vessels averaging one thousand tons 
capacity. Of these, three schooners, " Hattie S. Wil- 
liams," " Eliot B. Church," and " William S. White," 
are four-masters ; the latter, a splendid craft, was run 
down and sunk some months ago, and the matter is 
in litigation. In addition, two more schooners of 
one thousand tons are now on the stocks. The larger 
schooners cannot be navigated up Taunton River, 
owing to the rocks and bars, and on their arrival at 
Somerset or Dighton their cargoes ace relieved by 
cars or lighters. The owners are anticipating further 
appropriations from Congress for improving the 
channel to admit of a portion of the Taunton fleet. 

The large freighting business carried on by the 
above Taunton fleet, besides cargoes to and from all 
the large cities in New England and New York, 
Philadelphia and Baltimore, may be stated by hun- 
dreds of thousands of tons. Some 000,000 bushels 
of grain, 40,000 barrels of flour, 200,000 tons of coal, 
100,000 tons of iron and other metals, 20,000 'tons of 
sand, 10,000 tons of other merchandise, thousands of 
bales of cotton and feet of lumber besides are freighted 
here, while hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth 
of manufactured copper, iron, ranges, stoves, and 
linings, nails, tacks, cotton fabrics, brick, locomotives, 
machinery, and other articles produced by Taunton 
industrial enterprises are conveyed away annually to 
the large markets. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

TAUNTON.— ( CuuHniicd.) 
CORPORATION.?, BANKS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 

Taunton Street Railway Company was organ- 
ized in 1871 ; capital, $40,000. The company has 
over four miles of track ; points of travel, Whitten- 
ton to Weir village; employs 15 men; has 13 cars 
and 45 horses ; runs, averaging 85,-500 miles, and car- 
ries 461,000 passengers a year; now pays a dividend 
of six per cent. It has proved a great accommoda- 
tion for business men, for women, and for hundreds 
of persons employed in industrial pursuits. The 
officers are William C. Lovering, president ; H. M, 
Lovering, treasurer; Orville A. Barker, clerk; and 
George C. Morse, superintendent. Board of Directors, 
1883 : Henry G. Reed, A. J. Barker, William C. Lov- 
ering, William H. Phillips, Henry M. Lovering, P.I. 



TAUNTON. 



841 



Perrin, H. W. Church, Charles Foster, N. H. Skin- 
ner, S. N. Staples. 

Taunton Gas-Light Company.— Organized March 
1, 1853. Capital, §45,000. Directors, Gardner War- 
ren, Samuel L. Crocker, W. W. Fairbanks, Albert 
Field, H. B. Witherell, William Mason, Lovett 
Morse; Philip E. Hill, clerk. Dec. 1, 1853, capital 
increased to $60,000, and in 1872 to $80,000. Direc- 
tors, 1855, Willard Lovering, Lovett Morse, William 
Mason, H. B. Witherell, W. W. Fairbanks, William 
Meade, Jr., Albert Field; Edwin Keith, clerk and 
treasurer. 1856, James H. Anthony, elected in place 
of Lovett Morse ; 1857, F. S. Monroe, in place of 
H. B. Witherell ; 1858, W. B. Crandell, in place of 
Willard Lovering; 1860, John E. Sanford, in place 
of William B. Crandell; 1862, Salmon Washburn, in 
place of W. W. Fairbanks ; 1869, George A. Field, 
in place of Albert Field; 1879, William E. Fuller, 
in place of F. S. Monroe ; 1882, Z. Sherman and Ed- 
ward Mott. in place of William E. Fuller and George 
A. Field. ' 

W. W. Fairbanks, president from 1853 to 1855; 
Albert Field, from 1855 to 1869; John E. Sanford, 
from 1869 to the present time. William Meade, 
clerk from 1856 to 1869 ; Edwin Keith, from 1869 till 
death, 1882. Edwin Keith, agent and treasurer from 
1855 till death, 1882; Henry B. Leach, agent, treas- 
urer, and clerk, 1882. at present time. 

The Taunton National Bank.— The Taunton 
Bank was incorporated June 23, 1812, with a capital 
of $100,000. There was a provision in the charter 
that " one-tenth part of the whole funds of said bank 
shall always be appropriated to loans to be made to 
citizens of this commonwealth, and wherein the di- 
rectors shall wholly or exclusively regard the agricul- 
tural and manufacturing interest; which loans shall 
be made in sums not less than one hundred dollars, 
nor more than five hundred dollars, and upon the 
personal bond of the borrower with collateral security 
by mortgage of real estate to the satisfaction of the 
directors, for a term not less than one year, and on 
condition of paying the interest annually on such 
loan, subject to such forfeitures and rights of redemp- 
tion as by law provided in other cases." 

The first board of directors and corporators were 
as follows : Simeon Tisdale, Samuel Fales, Joseph : 
Tisdale, Samuel Crocker, Eliphalet Williams, Job 
Godfrey, Jr., Marcus Morton, .John West,' James L. 
Hodges, Nicholas Tillinghast, John Presbrey, Jona- 
than Ingell. Samuel Fales was elected president, 
James L. Hodges, cashier. 

The next board of directors we can trace was elected 
in October, 1820, viz.. Jonathan Ingell, Thomas Sar- 
geant Baylies, Samuel Crocker, John West, Job God- 
frey, Marcus Morton, Francis Baylies, Robert Dean, 
Silas Shepard, Galen Hicks. Jouathan Ingell, presi- 
dent, and James L. Hodges, cashier. 

The same board of directors were elected in 1821. 
Silas Shepard declined. In 1822 the ioard was re- 



elected except Robert Dean, who died May previous, 
and Laban Wheaton, of Norton, was elected to the 
vacancy. The records from 1822 to 1827 are missing. 
The banking capital has been increased several times 
from $100,000 to its present capital, §600,000. In 
1865 the bank was reorganized as the Taunton Na- 
tional bank. 

Directors. — Directors elected in October, 1827. How 
long they had served prior to this election cannot be 
easily determined. John West, died in December, 
1827; Job Godfrey, served until 1831; Marcus Mor- 
ton, served until 1835; Francis Baylies, served until 
1830 ; William Reed, served until 1831 ; Daniel 
Brewer, served until 1837; Nathaniel Wheeler, 
served until 1830; Benjamin Ingell, served until 
1833; Samuel Crocker, served until 1837; Abiathar 
Williams, December, 1827, until 1838 ; William Bay- 
lies (of Bridgewater), October, 18.30, until 1831 ; D. 
G. W. Cobb, October, 1830, until 1832; John M. 
Williams, 1828 until 1830; Nathaniel Crandell, Oc- 
tober, 1830, until 1838; George A. Crocker, October, 
1831, until 1838; Abizer Dean, October, 1831, died 
1835; Anselm Bassett, October, 1832, until 1840; 
Thomas J. Coggeshall,' October, 1833, until 1838; 
James M. Williams, October, 1835, until 1838; 
Charles Babbitt, October, 1837, until 1838; Ellis 
Hall (of Raynham), October, 1837, until 1866; Enos 
W. Dean, October, 1837, until 1845 ; Samuel B. King, 
October, 1838, until 1840; Galen Hicks, October, 
1838, until 1840; Stephen Rhodes, Jr., October, 
1838, until 1851; Charles Robinson (of Raynham), 
October, 1838, until 1840; John Walker (of Digh- 
ton), October, 1838, until 1850; Abraham Gushee (of 
Raynham), October, 184(1, until 1848; Edmund Ba.v- 
lies, October, 1840, until 1841; Matthew Briggs (2d) 
(of Dighton), October, 1840, until 1849; Simeon Wil- 
liams, October, 1840, until 1846 ; Lovett Morse, Octo- 
ber, 1841, until 1845, again October, 1849, to 1850, again 
1851 to 1869; Elkanah Andrews, October, 1841, until 
1845; Andrew H. Hall, October, 1843, until 1851; 
Charles R. Vickery, October, 1845, until May, 1849; 
Charles F. Davenport, October, 1845, died 1847; 
Allen .Presbrey, October, 1846, died 1879; Thompson 
Newbury, October, 1847, until February, 1849; Na- 
thaniel Newcomb (of Norton), October, 1848, until 
1850, again in 1851 to 1861 ; George M. Woodward,' 
February, 1849, until present time (senior director in 
office) ; Charles L. Babbitt, June, 1849, until 1861 ; 
James M. Williams, October, 1850, until 1851 ; Philip 
E. Hill (of Bridgewater), October, 1850, until 1877 ; 
William R. Davenport, October, 1850, died 1874; 
Thompson Newbrey, October, 1851, until 1861 ; Henry 
G. Reed,' October, 1851, until present time ; Samuel C. 
West, October, 1861, until 1863 ; John S. Brayton' (of 
Fall River), October, 1861, until 1863; Chester I. Reed, 
October, 186.3, until 1865; Henry W. Morse,' Octo- 
ber, 1863, until 1869; William Mason,' May, 1865, 



1 SurviviDg members of the board of directors. 



84'J 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



until present time; Harrison Tweed,' January, 1866, 
until jjresent time ; Calvin Kingman,' January, 1866, 
died 1867; John E. San ford,' January, 1866, until 
present time; Thompson Newbury,' January, 1866, 
until present time; George A. Field,' January, 1868, 
until 1879; C. J. H. Bassett,' January, 1869, until 
present time; Charles F.Johnson,' February, 1869, 
until present time; Frederic L. Ames' (of North 
Easton), January, 1875, until present time; Nathan 
H. Skinner,' January, 1882, until present time ; Mar- 
cus M. Rhodes,' January, 1882, until present time. 
All of Taunton except towns indicated. 

Pirmlcnts, from 1812 to 1883.— Samuel Fales, 1812 
-18; Jonathan Ingell, 1818-28; Samuel Crocker, 1828 
-37; James M. Williams, August, 1837, to October, 
1838 ; Samuel B. King, October, 1838, to March, 1840 ; 
Ellis Hall (of Raynham), March, 1840, to 1846; Ste- 
phen Rhodes, Jr., October, 1846, to 1851 ; Lovett 
Morse, October, 1851, to 1869; C. J. H. Bassett, Jan- 
uary, 1869, to present time. 

Cmhierg, from 1812 to 1883. — James L. Hodges, 
from 1812 until 1827; Samuel B. King, 1827 until 
October, 1838; C. J. H. Bassett, October, 1838, until 
April, 1853; Charies O. Vickery, April, 1863, died 
same year; C. J. H. Bassett, October, 1853, until 
January, 1869; George W. Andros, February, 1869, 
to the present time. 

Bristol County National Bank. — Tlie Bristol 
County Bank was incorporated in 1832, commenced 
business in January, 1833 ; capital of 1100,000 ; capi- 
tal increased in 1836 to $200,000 ; in 1853, to 1250,000 ; 
in 1854, to 1350,000; and in 1861 to $500,000. 

Organized as the Bristol County National Bank in 
1865, being the first with a national charter in this 
city. 

The following is the list of directors, presidents, 
and cashiers from the organization of thebauk to the 
present time (1883) : 

Charies Richmond, April, 18.32, until 1837; Na- 
than Lazell, Jr., April, 1832, until 1835; William A. 
Crocker, April, 1832, until 1852; Peter H. Pierce, 
April, 1832, until 1886; Samuel L. Crocker, April, 
1832, until 1846; Arteraas Hale, April, 1832; until 
1847, again from 1853 until 1863; Charies Babbitt, 
April, 1832, until 1833; Jesse B. Smith, April, 1832, 
until 1855; Sylvanus L. Mitchell, April, 1832, until 
1836; Philander W.ashburn, 1833-47; Barney Dean, 
1833-39; Horatio Pratt, 1833-40; Jesse Hartshorn, 
1833-43; Nahum Stetson, 1835-38, 1839-53; Benja- 
min B. Howard, 1836-41, 1843-47; Oakes Ames, 1836 
-38; Francis Williams, 1837-38; Willard Lovering, 
1840-42; Robert S. Dean,^ 1841-43, 1849-51 ; Charies 
PorteV, 1842-45; Henry Washburn, 1843-44; Horatio 
L. Danforth, 1844-48 ; James W. Grossman, 1845-50 ; 
Samuel B. King, 1846-48; W. W. Fairbanks, 1847- 
56; Lovett Morse, 1848-49; F. S. Monroe, 1848-65; 
James M. Williams, 1848-49; H. M. Pool, 1848-51, 

^ Surviving membera of the board of directors. 



1852-62 ; H. W. Church,^ 1849-83 ; Elisha T. Wilson, 
1850-51; Theodore Dean,' 1851-83; Edwin Keith, 
1851-82; Cromwell Leonard, 1851-64; Salmon Wash- 
burn,' 1855-76; Charies Foster,' 1856-65, 1876-83; 
Oliver Ames, Sr., 1862-77; Albert Field, 1863-70; 
Laban M. Whe.aton, 1864; James H. Anthony,- 1865 
-83; Sylvanus N. Staples,' 1865-83; William La- 
tham,' 1865-76; N. Bradford Dean,' 1870-79 ; Josiah 
L. Bassett,' 1876; Willjam O. Snow,' 1879-83; Oliver 
Ames,' 1877-83; Joseph E. Wilbar,' 1882-83. 

rresidents.—SNWWum A. Crocker, 1832-52 ; Nahum 
Stetson,' 1852-53; Theodore Dean,' 1853-83. 

CWi/ers.— Golden Dearth, 1832-35; William Mueu- 
scher, 1835-57; William Brewster,' 1857-69; A. C. 
Place,' 1869-81 ; S. L. Cushman,' 1881-83. 

The Machinists' Bank of Taunton was organ- 
ized in 1847 with a capital of one hundred thousand 
dollars; increased iu 1863 to one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars, and in 1854 to two hundred thou- 
sand dollars. On the 4th of March, 1865, it was or- 
ganized as The Machinist' National Bank of 
Taunton. The officers have been as follow.s : 

Presidents. — William Mason, June 2, 1847, to Oct. 
6, 1857 ; Marcus Morton, Oct. 6, 1857, to his death, 
Feb. 6, 1864; James P. Ellis, Feb. 11, 1864, to Oct. 
4, 1864; Charles R. A^ickery, Oct. 4, 1864, to his 
death, Jan. 12, 1883 ; Edward King, Jan. 12, 1883, at 
present. 

Cashiers. — Edward R. Anthony, June 23, 1847, to 
April 23, 1849 ; Charles R. Vickery, April 23, 1849, 
to Oct. 4, 1864 ; Benjamin Church Vickery, Oct. 4, 
1864, to his death, Feb. 5, 1876 ; Edward King, Feb. 
11, 1876, to Jan. 12, 1883; William C. Davenport, 
Jan. 12, 1*883, at present. 

Directors.— n. W. Church, May, 1847, to Oct. 2, 
1847; Jesse Hartshorn, May, 1847, to Oct. 8, 1850;^ 
George B. Hood, May, 1847;' C. T. James, May, 
1847 ; ' Cyrus Lothrop (2d), May, 1847, to Oct. 2, 1847 ; 
Willard Lovering, May, 1847, to Oct. 6, 1857 ;' Na- 
thaniel Morton, May, 1847, to Oct. 7, 1866 ; ^ William 
Mason, May, 1847, to Oct. 6, 1857 ; Simeon Presbrey, 
May, 1847, to Oct. 5, 1852 ; ' Horatio Pratt, May, 1847, 
to Oct. 5, 1858 ; = Isaac Pierce, May, 1847 ;' Samuel C. 
West, May, 1847, to Oct. 2, 1847 ; ' Albert Barrows, 
Oct. 2, 1847 ; Artemas Briggs, Oct. 2, 1847, to his 
death. May 23, 1876 ; A. J. Barker, Oct. 2, 1847, to 
Jan. 13, 1880; Edmund H. Bennett, Oct. 5, 1858, at 
present;-' Marcus Morton, Oct. 5, 1858, to his death, 
Feb. 6, 1864;' Horace Lewis, Oct. 5, 1858, to his 
death. May 4, 1876; Nathan Rand, Oct. 5, 1858, to 
Oct. 4, 1864;' Thomas R. Drake, Oct. 5, 1858, to his 
death, May 13, 1873;' George B. Atwood, Oct. 4, 
1859, to his death, Aug. 4, 1874; James P. Ellis, Oct. 
4, 1859, to his death, Jan. 12, 1875 ;' Charies R. Vick- 

2 Indicates surviving officers, the senior, H. W. Church, having served 
tliirty-four years; Theodore Dean, thirty-two years, and thirty as 
president; James H. Autliony and S. N. Staples, eighteen years each; 
Charles Foster, sixteen years; others from nine years to one year. 

3 Deceased. 



TAUNTON. 



843 



eiy, Oct. 4, 1864, to his death, Jan. 12, 1883 ; Charles 
L. Levering, Oct. 4, 1864, to Jan. 8, 1867 ; Samuel 
Colby, Jan. 8, 1867, to his death, Dec. 13, 1876 ; B. 
Church Viekery, Jan. 13, 1874, to his death, Feb. 5, 
1876 ; Samuel L. Crocker, Jan. 9, 1877, to his death, 
Feb. 10, 1883. 

Present Directors. — Edmund H. Bennett, Oct. 5, 
1858; Albert Alden, Jan. 9, 1877 ; Nathan Wilmarth, 
Jan. 9, 1877 ; Lemuel L. White, Jan. 9, 1877 ; Zaccheus 
Sherman, Jan. 13, 1880; Edward King, Jan. 12, 
1888: Wm. H. Bent, Feb. 26, 1S83. 

The Cohannet Bank was incori)orated in 1829, and 
went into operation in May, 1831, with the following 
directors: John Mason Williams, Daniel Wilmarth, 
Jr., William Reed, Henry Washburn, William A. F. 
Sproat, William Hodges, James W. Crossman, Benja- 
min Ingell, iFrederick Crafts. John M. Williams was 
president, and Hiram M. Barney cashier. The bank 
continued in operation until after the failures of 1837 
-42, and was compelled to close business. James W. 
Crossman and William A. F. Sproat were afterwards 
presidents, and the latter was cashier after Mr. Barney 
resigned. 

Bristol County Savings-Bank was organized by 
an act of incorporation March 2, 1846. Presidents, 
Silas Shepard, Jlay 9, 1846, to January, 1865; Joseph 
Wilbar, Jan. 2, 1865, to January, 1882; Joseph E. 
Wilbar, January, 1882, to present time. Vice-Presi- 
dents, Charles R. Viekery, Jan. 1, 1877, to January, 
1883; William H. Fox, March 26, 1883, to present 
time. Treasurers, George B. Atwood, May 16, 1846, 
to January, 1872; Charles H. Atwood, Jan. 1, 1872, 
to January, 1881 ; Alfred C. Place, Jan. 24, 1881, to 
present time. Trustees, first board and incorporators, 
Joseph Wilbar, Stephen Rhodes, Jr., Horatio Gilbert, 
Hezekiah W. Church,' Horatio Pratt, Lovett Morse, 
Sydney Williams, Allen Presbrey, Charles R. Viekery, 
Charles F. Davenport, Samuel L. Crocker, George A. 
Crocker, William A. Crocker, Nathaniel Morton. 
Present board (1883), James H. Anthony, Timothy 
Gordon, Charles Foster, Anson J. Barker, Joseph E. 
Wilbar, E. Maltby Reed, R. Henry Hall, Zaccheus 
Sherman, Hezekiah W. Church, William H. Fox, 
Philander Williams, Thomas J. Lothrop, Silas D. 
Presbrey, Ezra Davol. 

Taunton Savings-Bank was organized in 1869, 
with the following members: Willard Lovering, 
Lovett Morse, Henry G. Reed, C. J. H. Bassett, A. 
K. Williams, Ezra Davol, R. S. Dean, F. B. Dean, 
H. C. Perry, N. S. Hoard, Edward Mott, Saul W. 
Eddy, P. I. Perrin. 

Presidents, Willard Lovering, from 1869 until his 
death (1875) ; John E. Sanford, his successor and 
still president; Vice-President, Charles L. Lovering; 
Treasurer, Henry R. Wood, from its organization to 
present time; Trustees (1883), George W. Andros, 
William H. Bent, L. B. Church, William E. Fuller, 



N. S. Hoard, E. T. Jackson, Charles L. Lovering, 
William F. Macomber, Edward Mott, P. I. Perrin, O. 
S. Paige, Nomus Paige, E. H. Reed, Henry G. Reed, 
John E. Sanford, N. H. Skinner, S. N. Staples, D. A. 
Trefethen, George A. Washburn, A. K. Williams, 
George M. Womlunrd. 

William H. Bartlett Post 3, G. A. R.— Post 3 was 
organized Jan. 2, 1867, with the following charter 
members: Robert Crossman (2d), Orville A. Barker, 
B. F. Cunningham, Lowell Maxim, L. O. Barnard,' 
Alfred B. Hodges, Henry D. White, Alfred ,^1. Wil- 
liams, E. W. Crossman,' Z. Sherman. 

The commanders in rotation have been Robert 
Crossman- (2d), Mason W. Burt, Edgar R. Sprague, 
Alfred M. Williams, Harrie A. Cushman, Abner 
Colenian, George E. Dean, Charles H. Orchard, 
Henry D. White, George H. Babbitt, Jr.,' William 
Watts, David H. Gaboon, Alfred B. Hodges, Charles 
S. Anthony, T. C. Lucas, J. W. Brewer, the present 
incumbent. 

The object of the organization is to create a more 
fraternal feeling among those who fought side by side 
in the late rebellion, and help their disabled com- 
rades and their families who are left dependent upon 
them for support. 

The amount paid out for relief of members and 
their families since the Post was organized aggregates 
eleven thousand five hundred and seventy-six dol- 
lars. 

The number of members in good standing at the 
present time is one hundred and seventy. 

The number of members who have died since the 
Post was organized, thirty. 

Masonic. — Taunton Council of Select and Royal 
Masters. 

St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter. 

King David's Lodge, instituted July, 1796. 

Alfred Baylies Lodge, instituted 1866. 

Ionic Lodge, instituted Dec. 18, 1867. 

Charles H. Titus Lodge. 

Southern Massachusetts Masonic Mutual Relief 
Association. President, Edward Mott ; Vice-Presi- 
dent, Z. Sherman ; Secretary, George F. Pratt ; Treas- 
urer, Alfred C. Place. 

Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. — King 
Philip Lodge, No. 44, instituted July 29, 1844. 

Naomi Encampment, No. 14, instituted March 30, 
1846. 

Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 19, reinstituted Feb. 
22, 1877. 

Daughters of Rebecca. 

Knights of Pythias. — John Hancock Lodge, No. 
40, instituted June 1, 1870. 

Eclecticism and Eclectics in Taunton. — It 
may seem uncalled for to define the principles of 
eclecticism, for they have been before the public for 
three-fourths of a century, still manj' inquire how it 



1 All deceased but one. 



2 Deceased. 



844 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



differs from other systems of medicine and what was 
the occasion of its existence. These questions we 
will briefly answer. 

Early in the present century thei'e was a wide- 
spread dissatisfaction with the prevalent "heroic 
treatment" of disease. Tlie medical practice of that 
day consisted largely in the free use of mercurials, 
drastic purgatives, blisters, almost indiscriminate 
venesection, and other measures calculated to depress 
the vital forces. In 1825, Samuel Thompson advanced 
the theory that stimulants and relaxants were the 
true agents for the expulsion of disease. Five years 
later, Dr. Wooster Beach published an elaborate work 
called the " American System of Medicine," sharply 
criticising the system of depletion and introducing 
many new remedies, mostly American plants. Copies 
of his work were presented to several sovereigns of 
Europe. He received in return medals struck in 
honor of Dr. Beach, and testimonials eulogistic of the 
reformed practice. 

In 1836, a college of reformed medicine was in- 
augurated in Ohio, and in 1845 a similar institution 
was chartered and built in Worcester, Mass. At .a 
meeting of the trustees of this institution the name 
"eclectic" was chosen as appropriate to the new 
school of medicine. Dr. J. S. Andrews, now of 
Taunton, was then a member of this board. 

There are now in the United States six eclectic 
medical schools, twice as many State societies, a score 
of medical journals, and a literature embracing works 
on all the branches of medicine. In therapeutics 
especially eclecticism has added largely to the medi- 
cal knowledge of the world. 

One of the earliest standard-bearers of eclecticism 
in Taunton was Dr. S. P. Hubbard, who has a large 
and well-established practice. About 1860 Dr. Paul 
W. Allen entered upon an extensive and lucrative 
practice in this city. He gave it up to accept a pro- 
fessorship in New York College, and was succeeded 
by Dr. J. S. Andrews. Dr. Andrews was at one time 
president of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical So- 
ciety, an association of physicians if less in numbers 
yet equal in intellectual acquirements and profes- 
sional standing to any in the country. 



CHAPTER LXIX. 



TAUNTON.— ( Continued.] 



Taunton in the War of the ReviiliUion— Tlie War of 1812-15— Taunton 
Companies and Men in tlie Rebellion. 

Taunton in the War of the Revolution. — It has 

always been known that one of the "signers of the 
Declaration of Independence" was a Taunton man, 
Robert Treat Paine; but long before that " Declara- 
tion" Taunton had a record which is highly credit- 
able to her patriotism and valor, and more than one 
man was ready to sign that " Declaration" and stand 



to it. Fortunately, " the attic of Samuel Godfrey," 
grandson of Brig.-Gen. George Godfrey, was a safe 
repository of valuable papers, which came into pos- 
session of Mr. Edgar H. Reed, from which we are 
permitted to draw information concerning a por- 
tion of Taunton's share in the work of the Revolution. 

" At a meeting of the commissioned officers of the 
East division of the militia of Bristol County held in 
Norton, Nov. 9, 1774, George Godfrey of Taunton 
was chosen Colonel — George Williams, Lieutenant 
Colonel — Nathaniel Leonard, P' major, Zephaniah 
Keith, 2'' major. This Division contained the com- 
panies from Taunton, Raynham and Easton. The 
captains of the various companies were as follows: 
Taunton, Capt. Nathaniel Leonard, Capt. Simeon 
Williams, Capt. John Reed, Capt. Cornelius White, 
Capt. James Leonard, Capt. Israel Dean, 2'', Capt. 
Ebenezer Dean." 

" On monday, ye 2P' day of Nov. 1774, the East 
Division of the third Regiment in ye count)' of Bris- 
tol, met at Taunton and drawed up in a Battalion in 
Capt. Thomas Cobb's shed Lot so called, by ye Adju- 
tant Major Abijah Hodges, in manner hereafter de- 
scribed, vis: Ye field officers came in on the right 
wing, vis, George Godfrey next to the Battalion and 
George Williams on ye right, N. Leonard on ye left 
and Z. Keith on ye right and so march* round s'" 
Battalion until we came to ye centre — 3 of s'' Field 
officers with their hats under ye arm and G. Godfrey, 
his hat on and paid his compliments to each cap- 
tain." 

The citizens of Taunton appointed an important 
committee, called " a Committee of Inspection and 
Correspondence," July 3, 1775, whose duty it was to 
promote the general safety, and that of Taunton in 
particular, and, fortunately, when the fire of 1838 
consumed almost everything else in the town clerk's 
custody the records of this committee escaped. From 
these records we make liberal extracts. 

"At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of 
Taunton on Monday, July 3, 1775, said town made 
choice of George Godfrey, Esq., Capt. Henry Hodges, 
Lieut. Solomon Dean, Maj. Richard Godfrey, Capt. 
Simeon Williams, Insign Ichabod Leonard, James 
Williams, Jr., Lieut. Elisha Barney, Lieut. William 
Thayer, Lieut. Ebenezer Cobb, Mr. Elijah Lincoln, 
Lieut. Benjamin Dean, Jr., Dr. David Cobb, Mr. 
Nicholas Baylies, Mr. John Adam, Benjamin Wil- 
liams, Esq., Mr. Josiah Crocker, Col. George Wil- 
liams, Robert Luscomb, Esq., Lieut. Edward Blate, 
and Mr. John Keene as a committee of inspectiorj 
and correspondence for said town, and any seven to 
make a quorum. 

"This committee met on Monday, July 10, 1775, 
and made choice of James Williams, Jr., for their 
clerk. Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Col. George Williams, 
and Capt. John Reed were chosen a committee to 
take into their care the effects and estate of Daniel 
Leonard, Esq., lying in Taunton, who has fled for 



TAUNTON. 



845 



protection to Boston, said committee to improve or 
let the same to the best advantage, and render a true 
account of the profits arising therefrom to this com- 
mittee, or any other committee of corresi5ondence of 
this town that shall be (jhosen for that purpose. 

" Voted, that George Godfrey, Esq., Capt. Simeon 
Williams, and Gol. George Williams be a committee 
to take into their custody the pork and grain now in 
the store of Dr. McKinstry, and send the same to the 
army as .soon as may be, and. take an account of the 
same and keep an account of the cost of transpor- 
tation." 

Daniel Leonard and Dr. McKinstry were such no- 
torious Tories that Taunton was not considered a safe 
place for them, and they took refuge in Boston. 
Thomas Gilbert was another, or, as Gen. George God- 
frey styles him, " the notorious Torie Gilbert." He 
considered it prudent to leave Taunton. 

The Committee of Inspection and Correspondence 
held frequent meetings, and had much business on 
hand. "March 18, 1776, the committee met and pro- 
ceeded as follows, viz. : 

" In committee, March 8, 1776, Nathaniel Bird, a 
shop-keeper in this town, being convicted for refusing 
paper currency in his payments, the committee re- 
solved to publish him to the world agreeable to the 
order of the Continental Congress, but said Bird soon 
after applied to the committee, desiring their par- 
don for his crime, and promising reformation for the 
future. They therefore have stopped all proceedings 
against him, and recommend him for the future to 
the good opinion of the Continental Congress on the 
signing the following paper." Which paper is given 
at length and embodied Nathaniel Bird's contrition 
for his offense and promise of amendment. 

The report that eight hundred British soldiers had 
marched from Boston on the night of April 18, 1775, 
by order of Gen. Gage, under Maj. Pitcairn, to Con- 
cord, to destroy the military stores deposited there, 
and the firing upon a company of American soldiers 
at Lexington on their way, on the morning of the 
19th, and killing eight men, spread rapidly over Mas- 
sachusetts by couriers (they had no telegraphs or tel- 
ephones in those days). It was the first blood shed 
in the Revolution, and it aroused the people to arm 
fully for their defense. The news arrived in Taunton 
on the evening of the 19th, and Capt. James Williams 
rallied a company and was on the march in a few 
hours, arriving at Roxbury on the morning of the 
20th, and reported for duty. His lieutenant was Jo- 
siah King ; Abial Macomber, ensign ; John Shaw, 
John Hall, Abiathar Hathaway, and Daniel Briggs, 
sergeants; Eben Sumner, drummer ; Eben Pitts, filer. 
Privates Thomas Andrews, George Andrews, Jacob 
Burt, Richard Cobb, Richard Caswell, Job Caswell, 
John Caswell, Asahel Grossman, Job Dean, Nathan 
Dean, Ebenezer Dean, Micah Dean, Abijah Dean, 
Ebenezer Dean, Joseph Eliot, George Eliot, John 
Godfrey, Seth Godfrey, Peter Haskins, George King, 



Job King, Nathan King, Elijah Knapp, Atherton 
Knapp, Sylvester Lincoln, James Latham, Benjamin 
Leach, Jonathan Macomber, Edward Paul, Zachariah 
Padelford, James Padel ford, James Presbro, Ebenezer 
Robinson (2d), Josiah Robinson, Gideon Shaw, Jo- 
seph Shaw, Job Smith, Jr., James Shaw, Seth Staples, 
Eben Shelly, A. Shaw, Shadrach Wilbore, Richard 
Williams, Thomas Williams, Seth Williams, Na- 
thaniel Woodward, of Taunton ; Elijah Gushee, 
Joshua Hall, Hezekiah Hall, of Raynham ; and Daniel 
Lane, of Norton. 

They served twelve days, and forty miles travel ; 
were allowed £1 3«. 9'/. each ; captain, £2 10s. ; lieu- 
tenant, £1 16s. 8(/. ; sergeants, £1 16.?. ; total, £76 4s. 
\d. 

Corp. Seth Staples and Jabez Carver, of Taunton, 
were in Capt. Samuel Tubbs' company, of Berkley. 

Another company was organized in Taunton for 
Col. Joseph Reed's regiment in 1775, the year preced- 
ing the "Declaration," as follows: 

Oliver Soper, captain ; Simeon Cobb, lieutenant; 
Thomas Williams, ensign ; Ephraim Grossman, George / 
Woodward, John Richmond, Rufus Barney, sergeaHts ;- 
Job Hoskins, William Williams, Jonathan Barney, 
corporals ; Joel Drake, fifer ; Simeon Grossman, drum- 
mer; Ephraim Briggs, Prince Caswell, Richard Cas- 
well, James Cobb, Simeon Cobb, James Coggeshall, 
Robert Davis, Gideon Dean, Asa Bliss, Ard Godfrey, 
Thomas Graves, Jacob Hoskins, Joel Harvey, Elk. 
Hodges, James Hodges, John Hodges, Samuel Hos- 
kins, Timothy Hoskins, Rufus Harney, Elijah Leon- 
ard, Sylvester Leonard, Nedebiah Lincoln, Benja- 
min Leonard, David Lincoln, Ichabod Macomber, 
Seth Pollard, Nathaniel Potter, Jacob Phillips, Jo- 
siah Reed, Seth Richmond, Benjamin Richmond, In- 
crease Robinson, Abel Stacy, John Smith, Israel 
Smith, George Tisdale, Benoni Tisdale, Zadoc 
Thrasher, Perez Thrasher, Thomas White, Isaac 
Washburn, Silas Willis, Benjamin Woodward, Na- 
thaniel Woodward, Seth Woodward, Jonathan Wil- 
liams, Nathan Wetherell, privates. Served April 
24th, May 2d to August 1st; averaged £4 lis. &d. ; 
total, £323 4s. -id. 

An interesting paper, which may be called a re- 
sponse to the " Declaration of Independence," was 
recently discovered in the attic of the late Henry 
Hodges Fox, among the relics left by his ancestor, 
Capt. Henry Hodges, a prominent ofiicer here a hun- 
dred years ago. It is called a " covenant," and 
evinces the spirit of '76 in Taunton, as follows: 

" We, the subscribers, do each of us severally for our- 
selves profess, testify, and declare, before God and the 
world, that we verily believe that the war, resistance, 
and opposition in which the United American Colo- 
nies are now engaged against the fleets and armies of 
Great Britain, is on the part of the said Colonies just 
and necessary. And we do hereby severally promise, 
covenant, and engage to, and with every person of this 
colony who has or shall subscribe this declaration or 



846 



HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



another of the same tenor or words, thatAwe will not 
during the said war, directly or indirectly, in any 
w^iy, aid, abet, or assist any of the naval or land 
forces of the king of Great Britain, or any employ'd 
by him, or supply them with any kind of provisions, 
military or naval stores, or hold any correspondence 
with or communicate any intelligence to any of the 
officers, soldiers, or marines belonging to the said 
army or navy, or inlist or procure any others to in- 
list into the land or sea service of Great Britain, or 
take up or bear arms against this or either of the 
United Colonies, or undertake to pilot any of the ves- 
sels belonging to the said navy, or in any other way 
aid or assist them. But on the contrary, according 
to our best power and abilities, will defend by arms 
the United American Colonies and every part thereof 
against every hostile attempt of the fleets and armies 
in the service of Great Britain, or any of them, ac- 
cording to the requirements and directions of the 
laws of this colony that now are or may hereafter be 
provided for the regulation of the militia thereof." 

This document committed tho.se who signed it in the 
" colony of Massachusetts Bay" to the Declaration of 
Iiidepcnileiice, and to it are attached in their own 
handwriting the signatures of Taunton men, as fol- 
lows: John Godfrey, John Thayer, Henry Hodges, 
Jr., Abiathar Hodges, James Hodges, Jonathan 
Thayer, Stephen Haskins, Jr., Luther Haskins, John 
Holmes, Nathaniel Briggs, Abel Burt, Nedaliah Lin- 
coln, Aaron Pratt, Ben Washburn, Timothy Hodges, 
Nehemiah Haskins, Jr., William Haskins (8d), Sam- 
uel Haskins, James Woodward, Daniel Briggs, David 
Stacey, Seth Hodges, Silas Axtell, Thomas Hodges, 
Morgan Cobb, William Hodges, Samuel Torrey; 
Nathaniel Briggs (2d), Jacob Burt, Abraham Burt, 
John Hodges, Simeon Cobb, David Burt, Peter Has- 
kins, Isaac Burt, Isaac Burt, Jr., Ebenezer Cobb, 
Levi Harlow, James Codding, Aaron Knap, Gideon 
Hicks, Moses Knap, Edward Knap, Abiathar Knap, 
Ephraim Knap, James Tisdale, Daniel Short, Henry 
Briant, Nathaniel Dean, Abel Burt, Loren Tisdale, 
Benoni Tisdale, Simeon Cobb, Timothy Haskins, 
Pelatiah Estey, Samuel Hayward, Jonathan Harvey,/ 
Stephen Haskins, Philip Mason, Samuel Stacey, Sam- 
uel Stacey (2d), Job Stacey, Job Stacey, Jr., George 
Woodward, John Briggs, Amos Stacey, James Har- 
vey, Ebenezer Willis, John Willis, Levi Torrey, Na- 
than Dean, Isaiah Reed, Zephaniah Hodges, Jona- 
than Barney, Jacob Barney, Nehemiah Dean, Samuel 
Gardner, Benjamin Williams, James Leonard, Zeph- 
aniah Gary, Seth Pollard, Joseph Harvey, Rufus 
Leonard, Oliver Dean, Enos Dean, George Reed, Jr., 
Frye Torrey, — eighty-seven names in all. Some 
names also appear to have been erased. Whether 
their courage failed them when came the tug of war 
or what was the reason we know not. Probably this 
was only one of several papers for signatures which 
has survived the wreck of time. 

Immediately after the action at Concord and Lex- 



ington, April 19, 1775, the men of Massachusetts were 
put under a thorough military organization. A bri- 
gade was formed in Bristol County, consisting of four 
regiments, end placed under the command of Brig.- 
Gen. George Godfrey, of Taunton. The Third Regi- 
ment of this brigade was raised mainly in Taunton 
and vicinity, under command of Col. George Wil- 
liams, of Taunton ; Lieut.-Col. Zephaniah Keith, of 
Easton ; 1st Maj. Abel Mitchell, of Easton ; 2d Maj. 
James Williams, Jr., of Taunton ; Adjt. William 
Seaver, of Taunton. The organization was perfected 
during March, 1776. On the 12th of September of 
that year the General Court, in compliance with a 
recommendation of the Continental Congress, had 
ordered one-fifth of the militia to be drafted, except 
in the remote counties and seaport towns, and when 
organized to be marched to New York. 

The command of the Massachusetts troops was given 
to Benjamin Lincoln, who had been appointed major- 
general May preceding, and in less than three weeks, 
October, 1776, Gen. Lincoln arrived in camp, West- 
chester County, with the Massachusetts troops, in 
which Taunton was represented. 

Adjt. Seaver was detached from Col. Williams' 
regiment in a short time, and assigned to the posi- 
tion of aide-de-camp upon the staff of Gen. Heath, 
whom he had known in Roxbury prior to the war. 
While on duty at Westchester County Maj. Seaver 
was present at the battles of White Plains and Chat- 
terton's Hill, Oct. 28, 1776. A diary kept by him a 
century ago has recently been published, giving in- 
teresting details of his camp-life. He was next 
transferred to Warren, R. I., as brigade inspector 
upon the staff of Brig.-Gen. Godfrey. He was pro- 
moted Aug. 3, 1779, brigade major. His reports on 
file at the State-House, Boston, show that service was 
performed by Taunton troops in Bristol County 
brigade in that vicinity. 

Returning from that expedition, Maj. Seaver was 
detailed for special duty in different localities, one of 
which was under Count De Rochambeau at New- 
port, in August, 1780. 

After the close of the Revolution, Maj. Seaver con- 
tinued his connection with the State military, and for 
nearly thirty years was brigade inspector of Bristol 
and Plymouth Counties, serving in that capacity 
under Brig.-Gen. Godfrey, from 1776 to 1781 ; Gen. 
James Williams, 1781 to 1792; Gen. Silas Cobb, 
1792 to 1802; and Gen. Thomas Lincoln, from 1802 
to 1815. He was the oldest son of William Seaver, 
of Dorchester, born May 8, 1748, at the homestead of 
his great-grandfather, Robert Seaver, of Roxbury, 
and resided in Dorchester till 1772, when he came to 
Taunton. 

Among the Godfrey papers referred to is the fol- 
lowing : " Aug. 8, 1776, a list of the soldiei's under 
my command, enlisted by order of the Council to 
march to Dorchester Heights, from Col. Williams' 
regiment, in the county of Bristol. Edmund Rich- 



TAUNTON. 



847 



mond, William Caswell, Joshua Staples, Asa Dean, 
Noah Dean, Philip Kna]), William Haywanl, Zeb- 
ulon Field, Robert Pray, Landon Hood, Peletiah 
Eddy, Jr., Seth Gushee, Nathan Dean, Kichard Wil- 
liams, Seth Richmond, John Dean, Ebenezer Dean, 
Samuel Hood, Samuel Wild, Jr., Samuel Dean, Jon- 
athan Wilbore, Araariah Richmond, Samuel Padel- 
ford, Atherton Knap, John Macomber, Daniel Keith, 
Jr., Abijah Haskins, Henry Horr, John Ca.s\vell, 
Jacob Willi,*, Bela Linkon, Samuel Codding (2d), and 
two more belonging to Taunton, 'Listed with Lieut. 
French. (Signed) per Joshua Wilbore, Captain." 

Gen. Godfrey's papers show that another call was 
made upon him by the Council, Nov. 29, 177G, for 
one-fourth part of his men, who were to march im- 
mediately to the tow-n of Fairfield, Conu., to reinforce 
the Continental army at or near the State of New 
York, for the term of three months. 

The names of the drifted soldiers from Taunton 
are given. 

It appears from a memorandum-book kept by Gen. 
Godfrey that he and his whole brigade, on account 
of what he styles " the alarm at the State of Rhode 
Island," marched to Warren, Dec. 8, 1776, and were 
discharged the 31st of the same month. 

The Godfrey papers give a " return of the names of 
the men enlisted from Capt. Joshua Wilbore's Com- 
pany in Col. George Williams' Regiment, with the 
names of the colonel and captain enlisted under to 
the Continental service," dated Sept. 2, 1777. In the 
spring of 1778, Taunton contributed toward " raising 
troops to be sent to Fishkill, N. Y., to serve for the 
period of nine months." 

A company was enlisted in to the service of the United 
States by Capt. Jacob Haskins, for Col. John Jacobs' 
regiment on duty in New York for one year from 
Jan. 1, 1778, as follows: Jacob Haskins, of Taunton, 
captain ; Lieutenants, Noah Pratt, Jacob French, 
Matthias McFornan, .Tonathan Fletcher ; Sergeants, 
Aaron Turner, John Law'rence, Jesse Ellis, Peter 
Smith, Benjamin Fuller, Elijah Fuller; Corporals, 
Jonas Humphrey, Daniel Chickering, Parker Earle, 
Increase Pond, Samuel Gushing, Daniel Cook ; Pri- 
vates, John Smith, Christopher Smith, Asa Holbrook, 
Zach. Bimbo, Samuel Williams, Enoch Darling, Jere- 
miah Crocker, William Fuller, Joseph , Titus 

Metcalf, Joel Cleveland, Warrick Greene, Luther 
Bullard, Abraham Crowley, Isaac Dagget, William 
Horton, Lemuel Herrin, Silas Morse, William Seaver,' 
Ellis Whiting, Moses Daggett, Michael Clark, Benja- 
min , Ephraim Jackson, Samuel Hammond, 

Thaddeus Stowell, Oliver Guild, Isaac Brown, Na- 
thaniel Draper, Nathan Draper, John Dewee. 

Capt. Haskins raised another company after the 
above for Col. John Hathaway's regiment, to serve 
from the 13th of March to April 15, 1779, as follows: 
Jacob Haskins, of Taunton, captain ; Abiel Macom- 

i He was one of the guard detached for duty at the execution uf Andre. 



her, lieutenant; Sergeants, Seth PauU, Nathaniel 
Snell, Perez Drake, John McSouth, Joshua Staple; 
Corporals, Nathaniel Dean, Edward Dean, Philip 
Dean, Isaac Hall ; Abiel Hayward, drummer; Eben- 
ezer Smith, fifer ; Privates, John Burt, Elijah Briggs, 
George Darby, Abraham Dean, Zebedee Hackett, 
Joseph Hall, Solomon McSouth, John Phillips, Abel 
Pain, David Padelford, Elijah Richmond, Elkanah 
Smith, Laban Smith, James Williams, Jr., Abiel 
Dean, Nathan Hall, Nehemiah Leonard, Elezer Wil- 
bur, Israel Jones, Zadoc Turner, Elisha Garey, Na- 
tliauiel Hall, John Bolton, Peleg Osborn, James Gil- 
more, John Shaw, Lemuel Briggs. 

Sept. 6, 1778, the Council being informed New 
Bedford was threatened by the enemy's ships. Gen. 
Godfrey was called upon to go to its assistance. 

In the spring of 1779 a regiment of nine hundred 
men from the Bristol County brigade was sent to the 
assistance of Gen. Sullivan in the operations on Rhode 
Island. 

July 26, 1779, Brig.-Gen. Godfrey received the fol- 
lowing letter from Maj.-Gen. Gates: 

" Siu, — It being immediately necessary that there should be a train- 
ing of the militia of the county of Bristol that the exact state of their 
arms, ammunition, and accoutrements may be known, you will please 
to send each colonel one of the printed orders herewith transmitted to 
you. Upon the back thereof I request you will send such particular 
commands from yourself as you think i-equisite. "Wiien the review is 
finislied, I desire to be favored with your company at Providence \Yitli a 
report of each regiment. The bearer has my direction to attend you to 
carry this order to eacli colonel. His expenses I shall older to be paid. 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

"Horatio Gates, 

" ilf>r/o(--GeHcr(J." 

July 4, 1781, John Hancock wrote from Boston to 
Brig.-Gen. Godfrey, as follows : 

" Sir,— ■\greeable to tlie request of the General Court, I herewith 
send you their resolutions for detaching a numberof men from your 
Brigade to reinforce the Continental army. You are hereby required to 
detjicli without loss of time the proportion of men set upon the several 
towns in the County of Bristol, with a suitable number of officers to 
command the companies and order their march to join the army at 
West Point or such place as His Excellency, Gen. Washington, shall di- 
rect. The absolute necessity of complying with this order immediately 
I need not urge, as it will tend to carry on the important operations of 
the present campaign, under Providence, with success. Tour men are 
to be joined with the men raised in the Counties of Worcester and 
Barnstable, wliicli will form a Regiment, and you will detach a Major 
for the same. 

" I am, Sir, Your very humble servant, 

"John- Hancock." 

Taunton was one of the first towns in the State to 
pass resolutions condemnatory of the course of the 
British government towards the colonies, and there 
was no backwardness in furnishing men and material 
aid in carrying on and consummating the Revolu- 
tionary struggle. 

The War of 1812-15. -The following is a record 
of the companies from Taunton and vicinity per- ' 
forming sentinel coast-guard duty at New Bedford, 
Fairhaven, and Dartmouth during the war of 1812- 
15, copied from the late Gen. Benjamin Lincoln's 
rolls : 



848 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



CAPT. GILES G. CHASE'S COMPANY, BERKLEY. 

Bauiel HowlHiid, Darius Harvey, Frederic Harvey, Joseph Hacket, Gil- 
bert Dean, Cornelius Dean, Dean Paul, Ethan Allen, Arnold 
Newton. 

CAPT. SILAS SUEPAUD'S COMPANY OF TAUNTON. 

Nathan King, Samuel Gulliver, Oliver Sopcr, William Haskins, Zeph. 
Walker, Benjamin King, ZiUa Wilbour, Lewis Wade, Solomon 
Auslin, Gilbert Leonard, James H. Blake, Ed. Knapp (2d), Elisha 
Walker, George L. Hood, Epliraim Atwood, Palmer Austin, Koyal 
Burt, Isaac Bixby, Benjamin Bufflngtou, James Bullocli, Jr., Ed- 
mond BrigKS, Jr., Charles Briggs, Alaiison D. Briggs, David Bassett, 
Clothier Pierce. Peleg Cotlin, George Caswell (2d), William Cross- 
man, William W. Grossman, James P. Grossman, Elijah B.Coleman, 
Linens Dean, .\-/.ael Eliot, Edward B. Francis, Albert Godfrey, Rich- 
ard Hewit, JuIj Hathaway, Kbenezer Ilaskius, William P. Haskins, 
Leonard llalhaway, Natliaiiiel Haskins, David Harvey, Jr., Ilnfiis 
Holmes, Job Knapp, Jonathan King, Samuel King, Alfred Leonard, 
Nedebinh Lincoln, Lewis Leonard, Eben. Leonard, Elijah Lincoln, 
A. Lincoln, Jr., Wm Lucas, B. JLicoinber, E. Mirick, E. McFarlane, 
Enos Pratt, Jr., William Park, James Padolford, Jr., William Reed, 
George 11. Ueed, Jonathan Reed, .\inariah Reed, Beza Richmond, 
Daniel Staples, Allen Staples, Eliphalet Staples, Noah Staples, Libeus 
Slielley, Elkanah Thrasher, Sylvester Thayer, Abiather Thayer, 
Benjamin Williams, William Wilbour, Richmond Walker, Natli. 
Wetherell, .Ir., Abiather White, Robert Woodward, Samuel Wood- 
ward, Samuel Gilbert. Alanson Burt, Benjamin Norcut, Ira Ma- 
comber, Danforth Lincoln. 

CAPT. JOSEPH REED'S COMPANY, OF TAUNTON. 
Edward Blake, Barney Pratt, George Richmond, William Stoddard, 
Jno. Curtis, Daniel Cresswell, Abiather Austin, Gilfoid Barrows. 
David Bradford, Darius Caswell, Allen Dean, Lewis Dean, Samuel 
Dunham, William Godfrey, Ilufus Godfrey, Jr., Hervey Haskins. Jr., 
Soth H. Wilboui-, Nathan King, Jr., Anniziah Reed, Seth Rider, 
Gideon Reed, Daniel Staples, Eliphalet Staples, Job Sockel, Eliidialet 
Willson, Weston Westcoat, Nathaniel Witherell, Nathaniel Wliit- 
un. 

CAPT. SETH STAPLES' COMPANY, OF TAUNTON. 
Benjamin Dean, Paul Staples, Kufus Grossman, Seth Hart, Lot Shelley, 
Elisha W. Tubljs, John Neal, William C. Hood, Elijah B. Coleman 
Abraham Ciiswell, Alfred Blake, Hathaway Briggs, Nathaniel Burt, 
Davis Baker, James Bullock, Arumah Burt, Lyman Barney, Inoreau 
Chace, Willard Clark, William Clark, Arnold Chace, Alick F. Dean, 

Abiather Field, John G. , Eben Haskins, William Head, James 

Hood, Barnabas Harvey, Lionel Harvey, Daniel Hack, William 
Hathaway, Job Hathaway, Jas. Howard, Elijah King, Jr., Ephraim 
King, Jr., Robert King, Nicholas U. Lincoln, Zadock Leonard, Solo- 
mon Leonard, Philip Mason, John Marvel, Otis Nicholls, Ebenezer 
Pratt, James Pain, Micab Paul, Nathan Paine, James Pi-att, Asa 
Presbrey, Nathaniel Phillips, AVilliam Rudel, Charles Reed, Geoi'ge 
W. Reed, King Richmond, Lemuel Savory, David Stacy, John Soek- 
ell (2d), Antipa Taber, Noah Thrasher, Elk. Thrasher, Amos Wade, 
William Wilbour. Stephen Wilbour, Stillman Williams, William 
Williams, Benjamin Willianrs, Samuel White, Abijah White, Benja- 
min Seaver. 

CAPT. SAMUEL WILBUR'S COMPANY, RAYNHAM. 
Appollos Eddy, Jr., Libeus Shelly, Wilbor Smith, Isaac White, Rayn- 
ham; Thomas W. T. Bicknell, Dighton ; Capt. Giles G. Chace, Berk- 
ley ; Lieut. Enos Williams, Joli Dean, William Gusliee, Eliah Dean, 
Asa White, Briarius Hathaway, Andrew Bachus, Job W. Dean, 
Raynham; John Perkins, Berkley; Chandler Dean, Raynham; 
Isaac Paul, .Jr., Berkley; Ira Britain, .Toseph Bent, Benjamin S. 
Boodry, Charles Frazer, Abner Holmes, Ebenezer Holmes, Isaac 
King, Jr., Joseph Place, Abiel Robinson, Lewis Snow, Ebenezer 
Snow, Joseph Reading, Joshua WiUiour, Elkanah M'ilbour, Jarvis 
White, James Warren, John W. Whitniore, Raynham ; John Pitts, 
David Palmer, John Wright, Siliis Peekham, Cromwell Hoard, 
Henry Millard, Nathan Simmons, David Fish. Surrannus Philips, 
Ephraim Philips, David Philips, Dighton ; Miric Seer, Joseph French, 
Ebenezer Newell, Peter Biiggs, Bonet Briggs, Luther Hathaway, 
Weston Westcoat, Rttbert Goff, Philip Caswell, Elisha Pierce, James 
French,Jr., Berkley ; John King, Jr., Raynham; Gilbert Hoard, Digh- 
ton ; Ziha Wilbur, Joseph Bent, Raynham ; Bennet Bi'iggs, Berkely ; 
John Bower, Dighton; Howard Cummins, George A. French, Berk- 



ley ; James White, Otis Wilbur, Jarvis Hoard, Isaac King, Rayn- 
ham ; Aaron Lewis, Isaiah Philips, David Philips, Dighton ; Eben- 
ezer Mirick, Berkley; Samuel Shaw, Jr., Raynham ; Stephen Swasey. 
Oliver Shaw, John Pierce, Jr., James Bosworth, Dighton. 

CAPT. SAMUEL WILBOR'S COMPANY, RAYNHAM. 

Joseph Hall, Daniel Wilbor, John D. Gilmore, Calvin Washburn, Ben- 
jamin D. Richmond, Cassina D. Shaw, Warren Lincoln, Daniel 
Dean, Simeon Robinson, John Robinson (2d), Thomas Simmons, 
Jr., Ambrose Lincoln, Jr., Isaac Hall, Benjamin L. Boodry, Jona- 
than Dean, Reuben L. Frazer, Godfrey Robinson, Ji'., Enoch Wil- 
liams, Eli Williams, Philo Williams, Stephen Williams, Raynham ; 
Joliri Philips, Samuel Dean, Joseph Dean, Benjamin Hathaway, 
Elkanah Hathaway, .Samuel Newball, Levi L. Crane, Abijah Bab- 
bit, Berkley; John B.Talbot, Edward Terry, Palemon Pidge, Aaron " 
Chace, Jr., Surrannus Philips, Frederick Briggs, Jomithan Palmer, 
Dighton. 

CAPT. GILES G. CHACE'S COMPANY, BERKLEY 

George Burt, Benjamin C. French, Venus Macomber, John Bellon, Bar- 
zillai Crane, Berkley; Ebenezer Talbot, Dighton; Job Dean, Jr., 
Enos Williams, Raynham ; Benjamin Burt, Adoniram Crane, Berk- 
ley ; Darius Perry, Dighton; John King, Jr., Raynham; Daniel 
Burt, George Crane, Berkley ; Matthew Briggs, Jr., Richard Jones, 
Dighton ; Capt. Jonathan Wilbor, Raynham. 

TAUNTON COMPANIES AND MEN IN THE REBELLION. 

Company G, Fourth Regiment M. V. M. (Taun- 
ton Light Guard). — This company was organized iu 
1855, and attached to the Fourth Regiment Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer Militia. Its first commander was 
Timothy Gordon, who continued from its organiza- 
tion until the close of the three months' campaign in 
Virginia. 

On the morning of April 16, 1861, the members 
were notified to report at their armory for immediate 
ser.vice in response to the call of President Lincoln 
for seventy-five thousand men, and on the same day 
left Taunton and arrived in Boston and rendezvoused 
in Faneuil Hall, awaiting with other companies of 
the Fourth Regiment further orders. On the 17th the 
regimental column was ordered to Fortress Monroe, 
Va., and departed that day via the Old Colony Rail- 
road and steamer "State of Maine" from Fall River 
for that post, where it arrived on the morning of April 
20th, and at day dawn disembarked with the Taun- 
ton Light Guard on the right of the lin.e, Capt. Gor- 
don being the senior officer, whereby this company 
acquired the honor of being the first from the North 
to enter Virginia in the war of the Rebellion. 

The company participated in the duties and for- 
tunes of the regiment, and on the 27th of May em- 
barked for Newport News, where earthworks were 
thrown up and an intrenched camp established. 
Here the company remained until June 9th, when a 
detachment, of which Company G was a part, marched 
toward " Big Bethel," and on the 10th occurred the 
engagement known as the " battle of Big Bethel." 

On the 2d of July the Fourth Regiment embarked 
for Hampton, where it remained until July 17th, 
when it departed for home at expiration of service, 
arriving at Boston on the 19th, and encamped at 
Long Island. It was mustered out July 22d. On 
the 24th it marched to Boston Common, and was 
dismissed, arriving in Taunton the same day. The 
people turned out en masse, and the company was ac- 



TAUNTON. 



849 



corded a hearty welcome home. On the 25th they 
were given a more formal reception. Forming in 
their armory, they marched to the Green, and were 
welcomed in an address by ex-Governor Marcus 
Morton, Hon. Samuel L. Crocker presiding. The 
company, with invited guests, then proceeded to 
Central Hall, where dinner was served and brief 
addresses were made by citizens and members in 
response to sentiments, and poems, by Hon. A. M. 
Ide, Messrs. Hodges Reed and B. F. Presbrey, were 
read. 

Company G subsequently served with the Fourth 
Massachusetts Regiment for nine months in Lou- 
isiana. It furnished for ditlerent organizations 
twenty-three commissioned officers, viz.: one lieu- 
tenant-colonel, two majors, nine captains, and eleven 
lieutenants. 

COM PA NT G. 

Timothy Gordon, capt.; must, iu April 22, 18G1; must, out July 22,18G1. 
Zacheus Sliernian, 1st lieut.; must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 

1861. 
Frederic A. Harrington, 2d lieut.; must, in April 22, 18G1 ; must, out 

July 22, 1861. 
Mason W. Burt, 1st sergt. ; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 

1861 ; re-entered tUe service as captain of Co. C, 22d Regt. Mass. 

Vols.; pro. to major, and disch. with that rank; was afterwards 

breveted colonel. 
Charles H. Paull, sergt.; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 

1861; re-entered the service aa captain of Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. 

(nine months), and was discharged with that rank. 
William H. Bartlett, sergt. ; must, m April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 

1861; re-entered the service as captain Co. K, 4th M;iss. Regt. (nine 

months), aud was killed at Port Hudson June 14, 186.3. 
George A. Washburn, sergt. ; must, iu April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 

1861 ; re-entered the service as first lieutenant Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., 

aud was disch. with the rank of captain. 
Isaac Dean Paul!, corp.; must, iu April 22, ISfil; must, out July 22, 

1861 ; re-entered the service as first lieutenant of Co. F, USth Mass. 

Regt., and was killed May 8, 1864, at the Wilderness. 
Edward J. Vose, corp.; must, in April 22, 18C1 ; must, out July 22, 1861; 

was afterwards commissioned Ist lieut. 33d Mass. Regt. Vol. 
James Brown, corp.; must, in April 22, 1861 ; nuist. out July 22, 1861; 

re-entered the service as captain of Co. B, ;i3d Regt. Mass. Vols., and 

was pro. to major of same regiment. 
Willard D. Tripp, corp. ; must, in April 22. 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861'; 

re-entered the service as captain of Co. F, 29th Mass. Regt ; was pro. 

to lieutenant-colonel of same regiment. 
Wm. Mark Lord, musician ; must, in May 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 

1861 ; died at Haverhill, Mass., Feb. 3, 1879. 

Privates. 

Lloyd W. Austin, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

George W. Bames, must, in April 22, 1861, and was appointed quarter- 
master-sergeant same day. 

"Wm. R. Black, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- 
tered the service as captain of Co. F, 4th Majis. Regt. (nine months). 

John C. Briggs, must, in April 22,1861; must, out July IG, 1861 ; served 
as forenum of the government machine-shop at Fortress Monrot'dur- 
iiJ^ his time as above, and remained for several years afterwards in 
tliat position. 

Wm. J. Briggs, must, in May 6, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered 
the service as first lieutenant of Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine 
months). 

John H. Buck, must, in April 22, 18C1 ; must, out July 22, 1861; died at 
Taunton Sept. 16, 1863. 

John H. Church, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- 
entered the service as Ist lieut. of Co. K, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine 
niontlis). 

John W. Clapp, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Isaac S. Clark, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

John R. Coleman, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 18G1. 

James M. Cushman, must, iu April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

54 



Gustavus L. Dean, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, J861; was 
afterwards commissioned. 

Perez L. Dunbar, must, iu April 22, ISGl ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Edward Eayres, must, in April 22, ISGl ; must, out July 22, ISGl. 

Allen A. Fisher, must, iu .Vpril 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Henry Galligan, must, in April 22, 18G1 ; must, out July 22,1861; re- 
entered Uie service in Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., and died June 2, 1862, 
at New Bridge, Va. 

William C. Gent, must, iu April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, ISGl. 

Horace S. Gilmore, must, iu April 22, 1861; must, out July 22,1861; 
re-entered the service, company and regiment not known to 
writer. 

Elijah D. Goddiird, must, iu April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861; 
re-entered the service in Co. G,4th Regt. Mass. (nine months) ; died 
at Taunton April 26, 18S2. 

Euos P. Hale, must, in April 22,1863; must, out July 22, 1863; re-en- 
tered the service as 2d lieut. Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt.; pro. to Ist 
lieut., and died at Taunton June 1, 1868. 

William D. Hatch, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- 
entered the service as 1st sergt. Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt, and was 
pro. lieut. and capt. same regiment. 

MarshaH D. Hathaway, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 
1861. 

Adoniram J. Holt, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Henry W. Horton, must, in April 22, 1861 : must, out July 22, 1861. 

Edward Hunt, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Thomas H. Husband, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- 
entered the service as lieutenant Co. F, 29th Mass. Regt. ; died in 
Taunton Jan. 31, 1883. 

Charies H. Jones, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- 
entered the service as sergeant Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., and pro. to 
first sergeant. 

Daniel S. Jones, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; after- 
wards held a commission, company and regiment unknown. 

Seril Knight, must, in May 6, 18G1 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

George A. Leonard, must, in April 22, ISGl ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

John L. Merigold, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- 
entered the service iu Co. G, 4th Mass. (9th Mass.). 

Peter McNeill, must, in April 22, 1861 ; niust. out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- 
tered the service in a New York regiment, and died at David's 
Island Hospital. 

William H.H. Monroe, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; 
re-entered the service as lieutenant of Co. G, 4th Regt. Mass. Vols, 
(nine months). 

Abraham Nayloj-, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 4, 1861 ; disch. 
for disability, temporary insanity. 

Joseph O'Neill, must, in April 22, ISGl ; must, out July 22, ISGl ; re-en- 
tered tlie service as first sergeant Co. F. 29th Regt. Mass. Vols. ; was 
pro. first lieutenant, and res. March 19, 1863; re-entered the service 
as captain of Co. D, GUtli Mass. Regt. 

John B. Pizer, must, in April 22, 18GI ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- 
tered the service in the 29th .Regt., and was pro. captain ; died in 
Chicago Jan. 13, 1882. 

Robert J. Plant, must, in May 6, 18GI ; must, out July 22, 1861; re-en- 
tered the service as sergeant of Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt. 

Asa K. Reed, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Cyrus B. Richardson, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Frederick Richardson, must, in May 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; 
re-entered the service in Co. C, 22d Rogt. Mass. Vols. 

John Rock, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered 
the service as sergeant of Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt.; was pro. to first 
lieutenant and captain ; at exp. of service in the 22d Regt. he was 
commissioned in a New York regiment. 

Squire Sanford, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

Benjamin F. Simmons, must, in May G, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 

William W. Smith, nuist. in April 22, 1S61 ; uuist. out July 22, 1861. 

Charles S. Thomas, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- 
entered the service in Co. F, 39th Mass. Regt.. aud served three 
years. 

Edgar S. Thayer, must, in April 22, 18GI; must, out July 22, 1861; re- 
entered the service iu Co. F, 39th Mass. Regt., and afterwards pro. 
to captain U. ;i. colored troops. 

Thomas C. Vail, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must. out;july 22, 1861. 

Michael W. Valentine, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 18G1 ; 
died at Taunton Aug. 2"), 1878. 

Joseph Walker (2), must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, ISGl ; re- 
entered the service in Co. G, 4th Regt. (9th Maes.) 



850 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Frederick A. Washburn, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 

isei. 

J. Colby Wi-stoii, must, in April 22, 1862 ; must, out July 22, 1862. 

Thoniiie VVhileley, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1801. 

Simeon T. Wilbur, must, in April 22, ISfil; must, out July 22. LSOl. 

Daniel V. Wood, must, in April 22. 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1S61 ; re- 
enterc-d the service as 1st lieutenant of Co. C, 4th Muss, llegt. (9tli 
Mitss.) 

David Wood, must, in April 22, 1861: must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- 
tered the service in Co. F. 39th JIass. Regt., and was discharged as 
first sergeant. 

COMPANIES G AND K (NINE MONTHS' MEN). 

Company G (Taunton Light Guard), Capt. Paull, 
and Company K, Capt. William H. Bartlett, went 
into camp (Joe Hooker) at Lakeville Sept. 15, 1862, 
and were mustered into the LTiiited States service on 
the 23d, in the Fourth Regiment, Col. Walker in 
command, for nine months' duty. The regiment left 
for New York September 27th, and ou their arrival 
there embarked onboard the ship "George Peabody" 
for New Orleans, as a portion of the " Banks exjje- 
dition." One death occurred on their passage, AVil- 
liam B. Pratt, at Fortress Monroe, and another at the 
quarantine hospital on their arrival at New Orleans, 
viz., Oscar A. Harvey. After a passage of forty-seven 
days, the regiment disembarked at Carrollton, and 
left March 1st for Baton Rouge by steamer, on their 
arrival taking part in the demonstration against Port 
Hudson in aid of Commodore Farragut's exploit of 
passing the rebel batteries. Left April 3d, by steamer, 
for Algiers, thence (8th) to Brashear City, and on the 
13th and 14th were in the battle at Bisland ; no cas- 
ualties. Returned to Brashear City, acting as a gar- 
rison for that place, which was of some importance as 
the base of supplies for Gen. Banks' army corps, then 
on a circuitous route for the investment of Port Hud- 
son. Company G was detailed for duty under the 
provost-marshal, and charged with preserving peace 
and good order, as about two thousand rebel prisoners 
were received and forwarded thence to New Orleans. 
Capt. Paull acted as deputy provost-marshal, with a 
portion of his company, at a station sixteen miles 
below on the line of the railroad, whose delicate 
duty it was to persuade the contrabands to remain on 
the plantations, instead of following the army, as 
they were inclined, that section of Louisiana being 
excepted in the Emancipation Proclamation ; at the 
same time the law of Congress made it a punishable 
offense for an officer to assist in the rendition of a 
slave to his master. 

On the 30th of May the regiment (with Companies 
G and K) left for Port Hudson, where they had a full 
share in the siege of that place. On the 14th of June 
followed the hand-grenade slaughter of the brave 
men under Capt. Bartlett, whose death has been duly 
noticed, in the attempt to take that fort. It was one 
of the deplorable mistakes of the Banks campaign, 
as a few days' time must have compelled a surrender 
of the rebels without the reckless loss of valuable 
lives, accomplishing nothing. 

Capt. Paull, the senior captain in the regiment, was 



frequently acting major commandant in the absence 
of the regimental officers on detached duty or from 
illness. The command of Company K devolved U|)on 
Lieut. John H. Church after the death of the lamented 
Capt. Bartlett. Lieut. Philander Williams was quar- 
termaster, after the promotion of Lieut. T. J. Lothrop 
to the brigade quarters. Companies G and K had 
the confidence of the officers of the regiment, as they 
were detailed to serve on all difficult and dangerous 
occasions during the campaign. The regiment re- 
turned home in August, and Companies G and K 
were received in Taunton with hearty demonstrations 
of " welcome home." 

COMPANY G, FOURTH REGIMENT, M. V. M. 
Charles H. Paull, capt. ; com. Sept. 6, 1862. 
William K. Black, 1st lieut.; pro. to capt. Co. F, Dec. 15, 1862. 
William J. Briggs,2d lieut.; pro. to 1st lieut. Dec. 20, 1862. 
William H. Monroe, Ist sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. Dec. 20, 1862. 
Lewis B. Hodges, 2d sergt.; pro. to Ist sergt. Dec. 20, 1862. 
George Murray, 3d sergt. ; died July 15, 1881, in Taunton. 
Ansel Baleom, Jr., 4th sergt.; disch. at exp. of service. 
Henry A. Paull, 5tli sergt. ; died June 8, 1871, in Taunton. 
James L. Tisdale, Corp.; died in service; pro. to sergt. Dec. 20, 1862. 
William L. Walker, corp. ; wounded at Port Hudson June 15, 1S63. 
Lemuel (.!. Porter, Corp. ; disch. at exp. of service. 
Laughlin Walsh, Corp.; disch. at exp. of service. 
Thomas C. Brown. Corp.; died in service Aug. 17, 1863. 
Jeremiah C. Turner, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service. 
Lorenzo O. Barnard, Corp.; died March 4, 1875. 
James L. Presbrey, corp. ; pro. from private Dec. 20, 1862. 
Charles H. Briggs, Dighton, corp.; disch. at exp. of service. 
William H. Paine, musician; drowned April 7, 1867. 
Horatio Raymond, wagoner ; disch. for disability Jan. 14, 1863. 

Privateg. 
William B. Allyn, disch. at exp. of service.' 
Luther G. Ashley, disch. at exp. of service. 
Jerome B. Burt, died in service. 
Alden H. Blake, disch. atexp. of service. 
Francis T. Burns, died Feb. 7, 1881. 
Thomas C. Bliss, died May 18, 1863. 
James Butler, disch. at exp. of service. 
Hiram T. Cain, disch. at exp. of service. 
Isaac H. Carpenter, died Aug. 15, 1806. 
William B. Carpenter, disch. at exp. of service. 
William H. Case, disch. at exp. of service. 
Sylvester J. Clements, disch. at exp. of service. 
Benjamin 0. Col well, disch. at exp. of service. 
John Conaty, disch. at exp. of service. 
Daniel A, Congdon, died April 7, 1874. 
Levi K. Congdon, disch. at exp. of service. 
George A. Crane, disch. at exp. of service. 
John Cunningham, disch. at exp. of service. 
Charles W. Dean, disch. at exp. of service. 
Edward B. Durfee, disch. at exp. of service. 
Blarcus M. Field, disch. at exp. of service. 
Charles II. Gibbs, dead. 
Elijah D. Goddard, died April 6, 1882. 
Setll W.Godfrey, disch. at exp. of service. 
James W. Gulliver, died in service April 3, 1863. 
Samuel &I. Gusbeo, disch. at exp. of service; dead. 
George B. Harvey, disch. at exp. of service. 
Oscar A. Harvey, died in service Feb. 15, 1803. 
Laban Hodges, disch. at e.xp. of service. 
Patrick Hogan, disch. at exp. of service. 
Isaac H. Ilowland. disch. at exp. of service. 
Albert H. Hunter, died Feb. 25, 1864. 
Marcus E. Jones, disch. at exp. of service. 
Timothy J. Lincoln (Rayuham), disch. atexp. of service. 
Timothy C. Lucas, disch. at exp. of service. 
Edward F. Macomber, disch. at exp. of service. 
George A. Maconiber, disch. at exp. of service. 



TAUNTON. 



851 



WillLim E. Maconiber, disch. at exp. of service. 

William F. Maconiber, Jr., died in service July 20, 18G3. 

Henry Martin, disch. at exp. of service. 

George R. Marshall, disch. at exp. of service. 

Johu L. Merriguld, disch. at exp. of service. 

George BI. Nichols, disch. at exp. of senrice. 

William D. Packard, disch. at exp. of service. 

Lymiin Palmer, disch. at exp. of service. 

George W. Peck, died July 17,1865. 

Henry C. Pliillips, died in service June 2, 18C3. 

Andrew W. Pierce, disch. at exp. of service, 

Willis S. Potter, wounded at Port Hudson June 15, 1863. 

Enus A. Pratt, disch. at exp. of service. 

William B. Pratt, died in s^^rvice Jan. 9, 1863. 

Edwin F. Freshrey, disch. at exp. of service. 

Joaiah E. Presbrey, disch. at exp. of service. 

Albert F. Smith, died on steamer Aug. 12, 1863. 

Andrew J. Smitli, disch. at exp. of service. 

William H. Stall, killed in service June 23, 18C3. 

Edwin S. Thayer, disch. atexp. of service. 

Josiah A. Tilden, disch. at exp. of service. 

James A. Tiiikliam, disch. at exp. of service. 

Edward E. Tisdale, disch. at exp. of service. 

Franklin D, Tripp, disch, at exp, of service. 

George Waldron, disch. at exp. of service. 

Daniel B. Walker, disch. at exp, of service. 

Edsell H. Walker, died in service 3Iay 11, 1863. 

Elnathan Walker (2d),di8ch. at exp. of service. 

Joseph Walker (2d), disch. for disability May 5, 1863. 

William Watts, disch. at exp. of service, 

Alexander AVIiite, disch. at exp. of service. 

Charles P. White, disch. at exp. of service. 

George E. Wilbur, disch. at e.\p. of service. 

Joseph W. Wilbur, disch. at exp. of service. 

Joseph H. Wilcux, disch. at exp. of service. 

George F. Williams, disch. at exp. of service. 

Lemuel A. Williams, disch, at oxp. of service. 

Frederick A. Washburn, disch. at exp. of service. 

Henry P. Woreley, died ou his way home Sept. 27, 1863, on steamer. 

COMPANY K, FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M. 

William H. Bartlett, capt.; killed June 14,1863, at Port Hudson, La. 
John H. Church, 1st lieut. commandant ; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 

28, 1S63. 
Philander Williams, 2d lieut. ; disch. at exp. of service Aug, 28, 1863. 
Simeon G. Blatidin, 1st sergt,; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863, 
Caleb C. Collins, sergt. ; disch. at exp of service Aug. 28, 1S63, 
Michael Murphy, culor sergt.; disch, at exp, of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Samuel H. Murse, sergt.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863, 
George E. Payson, sergt.; died April 4, 18G3, at Baton Rouge, La. 
Edgar R. Sprague, Corp.; disch. at exp, of service Aug, 28, 1863. 
William R, Morris, corp.; disch, at exp, of service Aug, 28, 1863. 
Stephen Sweetser, corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Tilson Fuller, corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug, 28, 1863. 
Ebeiiezer Bowman, corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863, 
Williams Dean, Jr., corp, ; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Nathan A. Simmons, corp.; disch. by President's proclamation. 
James A. Bracken, mui^ician ; died at Taunton May 7, 1870. 
Allen K. Bassett, musician ; died April 6, 1879. 
Manning W. Fox, wagoner; died at Bridgewater Oct. 22, 1882. 

Privates. 
Hayues C. Aldrich, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Zeplianiah G. P. Andrews, died May 7, 1863, at New Orleans, La. 
David I). Babbitt, disch. at exp- of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Cliarles H. Barrows, disch. at exp, of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Oren L. Bassett, discii. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Nelson Billiugton, died at Taunton. 
Reinhold Buhser, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Charles U. Burt, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863, 
William Carr, died at Taunton. 

John Cassidy, died July 18, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. 
Charles H. Caswell, discli, at exp, of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Otis Caswell, disch. at exp, of service Aug, 28, 1863; since died. 
Ezekiel W. Chamberlain, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Alvin R. Dean, died of wounds July 22,1863, at Port Hudson, La. 
Charles E. Deau, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 



George E. Dean, wounded at Port Hudson, La. ; disch. at exp. of service 

Aug. 28, 1863. 
Alexander Drape, died. 
William M. Eddy, died Aug. 8, 1863, on board steamer on Mississippi 

River. 
Reuben Ellis, disch. Nov. 21, 1862, disability. 
George W. Field, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Lewis B. Field, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Michael Gaffney, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
James Galligan, died at Taunton Jan. 20, 1864. 
Tliumas Gibbons, disch. at exp. of i*ervice Aug. 28, 1863. 
William J. Gilbert, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Oliver C. Guruey, died at Taunton Oct. I, 1863. 
Charles H. Hamilton, disch. at exp, of service Aug, 28, 1863. 
George H. Handy, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
James B. Hathaway, diech. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Charles H. Hewitt, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Thomas Larkin, wounded at Brashear City, La. ; lost a leg; disch. at 

exp. of service Aug. 28, 1803. 
John Maloy, died at Taunton. 
Edgar L. Morse, wounded at Port Hudson, La.; lost an arm; disch. at 

exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Gilbert M. O'Neil, wounded at Port Hudson, La.; died at Taunton June 

16, 1871. 
Peter W. Packer, died at Taunton Jan, 8, 1874. 
Edwin Park, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Benjamin F. Paull, died Aug. 27, 1863, at Taunton, Mass, 
Henry C. Porter, died at home Sept. 8, 1863. 
William Quillan, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Johu R. Reed, died at St. Mary's Hospital Sept. 14, 1863. 
John Reynolds, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Edward P. Roach, died at Taunton. 

William H. Rothwell, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Hanson L. Smart, died Aug. 4, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. 
George W. Standish, died of wounds June 29, 1863, at New Orleans, La. 
Charles E. Strange, disch. at exp, of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
William E. Tisdale, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Edwin R. Townsend, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Joseph F. Tripp, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Patrick Ward, died at Taunton, 

Alfred M, Williams, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
William E. Wilcox, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
William Wood, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863, 
William C. Wood, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
John G, Wright, disch. at exp, of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
John E. Young, died March 30, 1870. 

Baynham Volunteera of Compavtj K. 
Alex. R. Cain, disch. at exp. of sen'ice Aug. 28, 1863; died Ajiril 1, 1867. 
Francis R. Hall, killed June 14, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. 
Alden Whitman, disch. at exp, of service Aug, 28, 18G3, 
Sylvester S. Whitman, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. 
Killed in action, 1 officer, 2 privates; died of disease and wounds, 1 

officer, 23 privates ; disch. at exp. of service, 2 commissioned officers, 

10 non-commiseioned, and 51 privates. 

Taunton Companies in the Seventh Reg-iment. 
— The following companies, C, D, and F, were in Col. 
Couch's regiment, which lelt Tanuton in June, 1861, 
an account of which regiment is given elsewhere: 

COMPANY C, SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. 
Charles T. Robinson, capt. ; com. June l/i, 1861 ; res. Nov. 12, 1861. 
Edgar Robinson, Ist lieut.; com. June 15,1861; pro. to capt. Aug. 1, 

1861; res. Feb. 1863. 
William H. Gurney, pro. to capt.; disch, at oxp. of service. 
William O'Neal, 2d lieut, ; com, June 15, 1861 ; res. Nov, 6, 1861. 
Albert A. Tilson, 1st lieut.; killed at Fredericksburg.^ 
Henry S. Benton, 1st sergt.; disch. to re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; died of 

wounds July 10, 1864. 
William M. Dunham, 1st sergt. ; killed May 3, 1863, Salem Heights. 
Christopher C. Weeton, 1st sergt, ; pro, to 2d lieut. June 18, 1862, to Ist 

lieut. 1862; to capt. May, 1863; disch. at exp. of service, 

I There were other first and second lieutenants, but not Taunton 
men. 



852 



HISTORY OF BEISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



George L. Dunham, 1st sergt. ; died on gunboat "Cincinnati" Feb. 6, 

1863. 
Leonard Hathaway, sergt.; pro. to 2d lieut. July 23, 1S62; to Ist lieiit., 

to capt. 
John Nichols, sergt.; missing. 

Levi R. Paine, sergt.; disch. at exp. of service June 2V, 1864. 
Henry H. Robinson, sergt.; disch. by order War Department July 4, 

1861. 
Hiram Rogers, sergt. ; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. 
Edward C. Staples, sergt. ; trans. June 14, 1S64, to 37th Inf. 
Daniel D. Andrews, corp.; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
William C. Calioon, corp. ; disch. Jan. 21, 1S04, to re-enl. 
Alex. J. Dennis, coi-p. ; disch. for disability Aug. 27, 18G2. 
Hiram R. Hazeltine, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
William E. Hathaway, corp. ; trans. June 15, 1SG4, to 37th Inf. 
John L. Hamilton, corp.; killed May 6, 1864, Wilderness. 
Salmon W. Perkins, corp. ; disch. for disability Sept. 4, 1SG2. 
John H. Pitts, corp.; disch. to re-enl. Jan. 2<i, 1S04; killed at Dethesda 

Church, Va. 
David Ross, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Charles Sckhean, corp. ; disch. by President's proclamation. 
Charles E. Staples, corp.; trans. June 24, 1864, to 37th Inf. 
Thomas Dolan, musician ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
George M. Mars, musician ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1SG4. 
Harrison A. Wade, musician ; disch. for disability Jan. 3, 1863. 
Roger C. Guthrie, wagoner ; disch. by President's proclamation. 

Privates. 

Wesley Adams, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

Chiirles E. Andrews, disch. at exp. of service Juno 27, 1864. 

Isaiic Ariel, trans, to 37th Inf. 

Roland W. Briggs, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 18G4. 

Alexander Burns, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Micliael Carey, died Oct. 4, 1861, Brightwood. 

Lambert C. Caswell, disch. fur disability Sept. 11, 1861. 

Michael D. Casey, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

Baylies R. Chace, disch. for disability Sept. 11, I8C1. 

Joseph A. Chace, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Joseph H. Chace, disch. for disability June 8, 1S62. 

George N. Cole, trans, to 37th Inf. 

Owen Conlin, disch. for disability Jan. 21, 1863. 

Patrick Coogan, disch. for disability May 5, 1862. 

Daniel Corcoran, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Wiiliam Corrigan, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Andrew Crouin, disch. for disability Feb. 2, 1863. 

Robert Cummings, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Henry J. Gushing, trans. May 7, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

John Q. A. Dean, trans. May 7, 1864, to Vet. Res. Coriis. 

Samuel W. Drake, disch. for disability Aug. 8, 1862. 

Peter Dyer, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

John Eagan, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Warren Ellis, discli. by President's proclamation. 

Gustavus T. Fisher, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

James Foley, killed at Salem Heights May 3, 1863. 

John Fox, died of wounds Blay 19, 18G4, at Fredericksburg, Va. 

George W. Fuller, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

Patrick Gilchrist, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

David Grinnell, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Michael Hand, di-fch. by President's proclamation. 

William Hauprick, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1SG4. 

John Hart, killed May 6, 1864, in the Wilderness. 

Henry E. Hathaway, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Patrick Hickey, disch. by President's proclamation. 

James H. Hinds, disch. for disability Nov. 13, 1862. 

John B. Hinds, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

Patrick Holland, ilisch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

James Kelley, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

James Kelley, disch. for disability May 19, 1862. 

Morty Kelley, disch. by President's proclamation. 

John Leddy, trans. Dec. 15, 1S63, to Vot. Res. Corps. 

Joseph Lee, disch. by Pi-esident's proclamation. 

Michael Littleton, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

Elbridge Martin, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Frank Marshall, disch. by President's proclamation, 

Kinsley Martin, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Andrew McGuire, disch. for disability Dec. 25, 1862. 

Andrew McManus, disch. for disability May 29, 1863. 



John McMann, disch. for disability Sept. 22, 1862. 
Theophilus H. Medbury. 

Dean Melville, disch. for disability April 30, 18G2. 
Patrick Monaghan, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Robert Moore, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Ezia IMorse, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Patrick Murray, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
James Nixon, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
George O'Neil, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Alphens S. Orcutt, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Henry Phillips, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Isaac O. Pierce, disch. for disability March 26, 1862. 
Cornelius Powers, disch. by President's proclamation. 
John Powers, disch. lor disability Feb. 18, 1863. 
William Powers, disch. for disability Fob. 18, 1863. 
James E. Rawson, dlscb. by President's proclamation. 
Lewis T. Sanders, disch. for disability Oct. 22, 1862. 
James Scandlan, died at Newport News Sept. 7, 1862. 
James E. Smith, died at Newport News. 
James Smith, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Thomas J. Smith, ilisch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 
Henry C. Talbot, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Thomas A. Tracy, disch. by President's proclamation. 
George A. Warren, killed May 5, 1864, in the Wilderness. 
Thomas A. Welch, disch. by President's proclamation. 
George Wbittemore, ilisch. for disability Feb. 25, 1S62. 
Silas C. Williams, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

Company C was engaged in the same battles and 
skirmishes as others of the regiment. 

COMPANY D, SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. 
Joseph B. Leonard, capt.; com. June 15, 1861; pro. to major, Oct. 25, 

1862; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
William B. Stall, lat lieut.; com. June 15, 1861; pro. to capt. Nov. 13, 

1S61; res. Nov. 11, 1862. 
William M. Hale, 2d lieut.; com. June 15, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Nov. 

8, 1861; to capt. July 23, 1863; resigned for disability; recommis- 

sioned April 1, 1864; transferred to 37th Inf.; wounded Aug. 21, 

1884; disch. at exp. of service, Dec. 19, 1864. 
Bright Bisbee, capt; com. June 11,1863; wounded Feb. 12, 1864; re- 
signed. 
Charles F. Lee, 1st lieut.; com. May 8, 1863; disch. at exp. of service. 
Edward L. Langfurd, 2d lieut.; com. Nov. 8, 1861 ; pro. to Ist lieut. Oct. 

26, 1862; tiansferred. 
William M. Wade, 2d lieut.; com. May 8,1863; pro. to capt. June 11, 

1863 ; disch. at exp. of service, May 5, 1864. 
John P. Staples, 1st sergt ; eul. June 15, 1861 ; disch. at exp. of service, 

18G4. 
George M. Hatch, sergt. ; enl. June 15, 1861 ; pro. to 1st sergt. 1862; 2d 

lieut. Feb. 2, 1863; disch. at exp. of service, June 27, 1864. 
Charles A. Peyton, sergt.; enl. June 15, 1861; died Sept. 23, 1862, at 

Newport News, Va. 
James W. Gilmore, sergt. ; enl. June 15, 1861 ; disch. at exp. of service, 

June 15, 1864. 
William 0. Braman, corp.; enl. J-une 15, 18G1 ; disch. at exp. of service. 
Abner J. Pierce, corp. ; enl. June 15,1861; pro. to Ist sergt.; disch. at 

exp. of service, 1864. 
James E. Seaver, coi-p. ; enl. June 15, 1861 ; pro. to let sergt., 1862 ; to 

2d lieut. Co. F, Nov. 22, 1862; to 1st lieut. Co. G, May 5,1863; 

wounded ; res. Nov. 6, 1863. 
Enoch Macomber, corp.; enl. June 15, 1861; trans. April 4, 1864, to 

navy. 

Enlisted in service June 15, 1861. 
RoUin H. Babbitt, sergt. ; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
Samuel O. Blake, sergt. ; wounded at Wilderness, 1864; disch. at exp. of 

service, 1864. 
Ebenezer Cory, sergt.; disch. by President's proclamation. 
James Lang, sergt.; discli. at exp. of service, 1864. 
James H. Macomber, sergt.; disch. Dec. 26, 1863, to re-enl.; fraus. April 

8 to navy. 
James B. Allen, Corp.; died of wounds May, 1864. 
Matthew Bliss, corp. ; disch. for disability Jan. 5, 18G4. 
James H. Luther, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service June, 1864. 
George G. Peck, corp.; trans., 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Benjamin F. Williams, corp. ; died of wounds at Wilderness, 1864. 



TAUNTON. 



853 



Charles L. Wilbur, corp. ; died of wounds at Fredericksburg, 1863. 

Edward W. Cliamberinin, musician ; discli. for disability, 1861. 

John Neal, musician ; disch.for disability, 1863. 

Everett N. Mason, wagoner; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 

Lewis B. Barton, trans. Feb. 12, to U.S.A. 

■William J. Barrows, disch. for disability, 1861. 

Henry H. Beach, died Jan. 22, 1864. 

Christopher C. Bes.se, trans. June 14,1864, to 37th Inf. 

Cyrus B. Bidwell, disch. for disability, 1861. 

Andrew Bliss, disch. by President's proclamation. 

George W. Boston, died of wounds at Wilderness, 1864. 

George J. Briggs, disch. to re-enlist, 1864. 

Joel Briggs, tians. to 37th Inf., 1864. 

"William C. Brown, trans, to 37tb Inf. 

Mark W. Bubser, diach. by President's proclamation. 

Charles Burt, died at White House Landing, Va., 1862. 

William H. Carpenter, disch. at e.\p. of service, 1864. 

George E. Caswell, disch. for disability, 1863. 

Orville S. (;hace, died at Camp Brightwood, 1862. 

Reuben Chace, trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. 

Henry H. Codding, clerk adj. -gen. staff; trans, to 37th Inf., 18G4 ; disch. 

at exp. of service. 
James Conlin, died June 4, 1864. 
James Cornes, disch. by President's proclamation. 
William H. Craig, died at Hagerstown, Md., 1862. 
Nelson Dary, disch. for disability, 1862. 
Thomas Davis, died of wounds May, 1864. 
James A. Dean, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
James J. Dean, disch. for disability, 1862. 
John Dewsnap, died on government transport, 1862. 
Jeremiah Dorgan, died of wounds, 1864. 
John F. Eddy, disch. for disability, 1863. 
Jeremiah Eldredge, trans, to 37th Inf. June, 1864. 
Benjamin Farrell, died at Harrison's Landing, 1862. 
Edward Feucn, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Benjamin V. Frazier, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
Noel B. Fuller, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
Michael Galligan, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Augustus F. Gammons, disch. for disability, 1863. 
Edward Gammons, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Charles Gay, disch. for disability, 1861. 
James L. Gay, died at Newport News, 1862. 
Ralph Gibbs. disch. for disability, 1861. 
James Goodwin, killed at Wilderness, 1864. 
Alonzo M. Guild, disch. for disability, 1862. 
Naman D. Hamilton, disch. for disability, 1862. 
Edward B. Hathaway, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 
Isaac F. Hathaway, trans, to 37th Inf, 1864. 
Royal Hathaway, died at Swansea, Mass., 1862. 
William Hathaway, disch. at exp. of service, 1364. 
Richard L. Hewitt, tians. to Signal Corps; disch. at exp. of service. 
Eugetie Hickey, disch. for disability, 18G1. 
Horatio Hudson, died of wounds, 1864. 
George R. Ingells, disch. for disability, 1862. 
Alexander Irving, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
Henry H. Jones, died at Washington, 1862. 
Horatio Leacli, disch. for disability, 1862. 
George J. Lee, died at Fredericksburg, 1863. 
Patrick Ledily, discliarged by president's proclamation. 
Andrew Leonard, died at Newport News, 186;^. 
John J. Lockwood, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 
Jeremiah McCarthy, disch. for disability, 1862. 
John McLee, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
George L. McLean, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 
James McIMahon, disch. for disability, 1861. 
Patrick Milan, 1SC3. 

Cbailes U. Mitchell, disch. by President's Proclamation, 1865. 
James D. Mitchell, died at Taunton, Miias., 1862. ' 

James Mulligan, di-«cli. by President's proclamation, 1865. 
Philip Murphy, died at Audersonville, Ga., 1SG4. 
AVilliam Packer, died at Fredericksburg, Va., 1863. 
Albert M. Paull, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
Marcus R. Peek, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 
George N. Perry, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 
Charles B. Pierce, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 
PhineaB M. Pratt, disch. for disability, 1861. 
Rufus Raymond, died from wounds, 1864. 



Levi S. Raymond, disch. for disability, 1864. 

Henry E. Reed, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, 1864. 

John^Rothwell, disch. by President's proclamation. 

James Ryan, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Joseph E. Sanford, died of wounds at Washington, 1864. 

Frederick W. Shaw, disch. July, 1861. 

Charles H. Sherman, discli. at exp. of service, 1864. 

James L. Sherman, disch. for disability, 1861. 

James N. Simmons, disch. at exp, of service, 1864. 

Henry B. Smith, died at Taunton, 1862. 

John B. Smith, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 

William N. Smith, disch. for disability, 1S61. 

Barzillia F. Staples, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 

John Telford, 1862. 

George R. Trafton, wounded; trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. 

William E. Walker, trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. 

Thomas J. Whebin, disoii. at exp. of service, 1864. 

Darius M. Wilbur, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 

Bildad Williams, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 

Israel Williams, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. 

Isaac Wilson, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 

William Willey, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. 

COMPANY F, SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY MASS. VOLS. 

Zeha F. BHbs, capt.; com. June 15, 1861 t wounded; acting major by 
brevet ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. 

James M. Lincoln, 1st lieut. ; com. June 15, 1861 ; res. Dec. 19, 1862. 

Wright Bisbee, Ist lieut.; com. Dec. 20, 1862; wounded; pro. to capt.; 
res. Feb. 12, 1864. 

James R. .Mathewson, 2d lieut,; com. July 15, 1861; pro. to Ist lieut. 
Nov. 13, 1861 ; pro. to capt. Oct. 25, 1862; disch. at exp. of service 
June 27, 1864. 

James E. Seaver, 2d lieut.; com. Nov. 22, 1SG2 ; pro. to 1st lieut. May 5, 
1863; wounded; res. 1864. 

Charles B. Hathaway, 2d lieut.; com. May 6, 1863; disch. at exp. of ser- 
vice June 27, 1864. 

The following members were mustered into service 
June 15, 1861: 



Sergeants. 
to 2d lieut. Co. 



E June 19, 1863 ; and capt. 



David C. Bancroft, pro. 

Feb. 1863. 
Charles T. Lee, pro. to 2d lieut. Co. K Jan. 10, 1863. 
Charles B. Hathaway, pro. to 2d lieut. Co. F Jlay 6, 1863. 
John H. Walker, disch. Aug. 10, 1862, tor disability. 
Samuel A. Angler, trans. Feb. 15, 1864, to Vet. Ees. Corps. 



Coi-porals. 

1. Edward A. Pierce, wounded at Wilderness May 6,1864; must, out 

July o, 1864. 

2. Charles F. Dean, pro. to sergt. ; killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 

3. Webster Wardell.died Sept. 10, 1862, at David's Island, N. Y. 

4. William H. Harmon, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1S63. 

5. Francis E. Davis, disch. Aug. 15, 1861. 

6. Benjamin F. Cunningham, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863; 

disch. Aug. 10, 1863. 

7. Lowell M. Maxham, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863, in 

color-guard; disch. Aug. 18, 1863. 

8. Theodore N. Aldrich, pro. to sergt.; must, out July 5, 1864. 
James E. Dickens, drummer ; must, out Jtily 5, 1864. 
Greenleaf Bassett, fifer; disch. Aug. 15, 1861, for disability. 
Henry D. Moultou, wagoner; must, out July 5, 1864. 

Privates. 
Levi Adshead, disch. by President's proclamation. 
William H. McAvoy, disch. Aug. 10, 1S62, for disability. 
John W. Bartlett, must, out July 5, 1864. 
James M. Bart<m, must, out July 5, 1864. 
George B. Burt, pro. to Corp.; wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863 ; 

must, out July 5, 1864. 
John Brown, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 
John Buckley, died at Fortress Monroe, Va., Oct. 16, 1862. 
James Burns, wounded at Wilderness May 5,1864; re-enlisted; trans. 

to 37th Mass. June 14, 1864. 
James Boyle, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Wesley Bridges, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863 ; died May, 

1863, at Potomac Creek, Va. 



854 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Joseph W. Byram, pro. to Isl sergt.; must, out Jiily 5, 1864. 

Alexander Black, diech. March 20, 18G2, for disability, 

Charles H. Corbett, died Aug. 6,1862. 

John C. Cliace, must, out July 5, 1864. 

Joseph D. Calahau, pro. to corp.; wounded at Fredericksburg, May 3, 

1863; re-enlisted; pro. to 2d lieut. 37th Mass. Vols., June 14, 1864. 
Jerome W. Cue, ntust. out July 5, 1864. 
James Cooper, must, out July 5, 1864. 
Jacob Chandler, disch. Dec. 28, 1863, for disability. 
Abraham H. Caswell, disch. Aug. 18, 1863, for disability. 
Harrie A. Cnshmau, pro. to sergt. ; re-enlisted ; pro. to 2d lieut. 37th 

Mass. Vols. Oct. 13, 1864: wounded at Sailor's Creek, 1864. 
Alvin Cook, wounded at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; must, out July 5, 

1864. 
Edward Conners, disch. by President's proclamation. 
David H. Dean, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3,1863; trans. Sept. 

12, 1863, to Vet. lies. Corps; disch. July 1, 1864. 
Edwin E. Douglas, M'onnded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863; must, out 

July 5, 1864. 
Barney S. Dean, disch. Aug. 10, 1861, for disability. 
William H. E>te8, pro. to corp. ; must, out .Inly 5, 1864. 
William L. Eddy, disch. Aug. 15, 1861, for disability. 
Louis D. Eames, disch. July 20, 1862. 
Duncan S. Elliott, wounded May 3, 1863 ; trans to Vet. Res. Corps. ; disch. 

July 1,1864. 
Joseph Elliott, pro. to sergt.; died of wounds received at Wilderness 

May 6, 1864, 
George W. Forkett, must, out July 5, 1864. 
Lucicn F. Francis, disch. July 20, 1862, for disability. 
Leonard A. Francis, disch. July 20, 1862, for disability ; died Nov. 6, 

1862, at Philadelphia. 
Henry W. Francis, disch. for disability, Feb. 15, 1863. 
Albert Field, must, out July 5, 1864. 
William H. Foulds, disch. Aug. 15, 1SG3. 
Elijah A. Godfrey, disch. by President's proclamation. 
John F. Godfrey, disch. Nov. 26, 1862, for disability. 
Henry T. GifTord, disch. Aug. 26, 1862, for disability. 
Joseph G. Gregory, disch. Aug, 8, 1862, for disability, 
Joseph 31. Gardner, wounded at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; died in 1866. 
James Groves, died of wounds received at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 
Thomas IIunt,'disch. by President's proclamation. 

Edward W. Hall, died Aug. 16, 1862. 

James Ilolden, wounded Blay 3, 1863; must, out July 5, 1S64. 

Albert Hofikins, disch, Aug, 15, 1861, for disability. 

James Hannari, disch, for disability, 

Frederic Hall, must, out July 5, 1864. 

John W. Hall, pro. to Corp. ; must, out July 5, 1864. 

Joseph T. Hancock, must, out July 5, 1864. 

John Holt, disch. Feb. 16, 1863. 

John Howartli, pro. to sergt. ; wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864. 

John F. Hathaway, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Charles A. Hardy, must, out July 5, 1864. 

Edward T. Knowles, must, out July 6, 1864. 

Charles F. Miller, must, out July 6, 1864, 

Thomas Mullen, disch. Dec. 1, 1863, for disability. 

Gideon E, Morton, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 

James McCormick, killed at Wilderness Blay 6, 1864. 

Levi Osborne, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Charles L. Percival, wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864. 

Evander Pray, wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864; must, out July 6, 
1864. 

Lloyd W. Pratt, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 

William Park, pro. to corp. Dec. 1, 1863, on color-guard ; must, out July 
5, 1864, 

George H. Park, disch. Jan. 16, 1863, for disability. 

Nathaniel Perry, must, out July 5, 1864. 

Charles B. Pain, must, out July 5, 1864, 

Charles H, Peck, must, out July 6, 1864. 

William Packer, trans, to Vet, Res, Corps; disch. July 1, 1864. 

Samuel W. Richmond, discli, Aug, 15, 1861, for disability, 

Hiram H. Stevens, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863 ; trans, to 
Vet. Res, Corps Jan. 14, 1864 ; disch. July 1, 1864. 

William 0. Stowell, must. o\it July 5, 1864. 

George Studley, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863; trans, to Vet. 
Res. Corps Sept. 12, 1S63; disch. July 1, 1864. 

John W. Stuwoll, re-enl.; trans, to 37th Mass. June 14, 1864. 

William Shaw, disch. by President's proclamation. 



Luther Smith, died Nov. 28, 1862. 

Edward D. Seymour, disch. Nov. 16, 1861, for disability. 

William C. Smith, disch, Jan. 16, 1863, for disability ; died 1863. 

Everett Shaw, must, out July 5, 1804. 

Henry Thrasher, discli. Nov. 16, 1.S61. 

Edwin H. Trickey, must, out July 5, 1864. 

Edwin S. Thayer, re.enl. ; trans, to 37th Mass. June 14, 1864. 

Charles S. Wescott, pro. to corp, ; disch. Aug, 26, 1862, for disability. 

Setb Wordell, re-enl. ; trans, to navy. 

Edward Williams, must, out July 5, 1864; died Jan. 15, 1880. 

John White, killed at Fair Oaks June 25, 1862. 

Samuel K. Williams, wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864 ; must, out 

July 5, 1864. 
Erastus T. Williams, disch. Nov. 16, 1861. 
James Ward, disch. by President's proclamation. 
Pbilo B. Wilbur, died March 18, 1862. 
William V, Whitcomb, died March 20, 1863. 
Everett Washburn, disch. by President's proclamation. 

One hundred and eleven mustered into service; thirty-four mustered 
out of service July 6, 1864. 

(Lieut. James E. Seaver rendered valuable aid in furnishing the rolls 
of this regiment.) 

The above companies were engaged in battles at 
Yorktown, Va., April 3, 1862 ; at Williamsburg, May 
5th ; at Fair Oaks, May 31st ; at Seven Pines, June 
1st; again at Fair Oaks, June 2.5th ; at Charles City 
Cross-Koads, June 20th; at MtUvern Hill, July 1st; 
at Antietam, September 17th ; at Williamsport, Sep- 
tember 19th ; at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13 and 
15, 1862; at Marye's Heights, Va., May 3, 1863; 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3d; at Rappahannock Sta- 
tion, November 7th ; at Chancellorsville and Fred- 
ericksburg, May 3, 1863 ; in Wilderness, May oth and 
6th ; at Spottsylvania, May 9, 1864 ; at North Anna 
River, Hanover Court-House, and Cold Harbor in 
May and June, 1864. 

These companies, with the regiment, under Col. 
Johns, returned home at the expiration of service, 
arriving in Taunton June 20, 1864, and on the Fourth 
of July were given a grand reception on the Agri- 
cultural Grounds, where they formed, drilled, and 
whence they departed three years before. 

Hon. Harrison Tweed presided, making an elo- 
quent speech of welcome to the veterans of twenty 
battles, followed by addresses by Hon. S. L. Crocker 
and by Maj. Brown, and a poem was read by Hon. A. 
M. Ide. 

COMPANY C, TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT MASS. VOLS. 

This company was recruited in Taunton in the 
summer of 1861, and its officers and non-commis- 
sioned officers had seen service in Company G, 
Fourth Regiment, in the three months' campaign then 
just ended. It was named the " Gordon Guard," 
after Capt. Timothy Gordon, and was attached to the 
Twenty-second Massachusetts Regiment, Col. Henry 
Wilson, and served for three years in the Army of 
the Potomac. Hon. Henry Williams, Hon. S. L. 
Crocker, Capt. Timothy Gordon, Messrs. S. N. Staples 
and William H. Philli])S, with many others, contrib- 
uted money and aided in other ways in raising this 
company, and it cost the town of Taunton nothing, 
neither bounty nor recruiting expenses. The. roster 
includes only those men who resided in Taunton. 



TAUNTON. 



855 



Mason W. Burl, capt. ; must, in Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. major Oct. 17, 1861 ; 

must, out as brevet colouel Oct. 17, 1S64. 
George A. Washburn, 1st lieut.; must, in Ott. 1, 1861 ; pro. captain July 

10, 1862; disch. for gunsliot-wounil Jan. 5, 1863. 
Enos P. Hale, 2d lieut.; must, in Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. 1st lieutenant May 

7, 1862; res. Sept. 25, 1862. 
William D. Hatch, Ist sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; pro. 2d lieutenant 

June 15, 1862 ; pro. 1st lieutenant Sept. 26, 1862 ; pro. captain Jan. 

6, 1863; discU. Feb. 19, 1864 (resigned). 
Charles H. Jones, 1st aergt. : must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864 ; 

discharged for expiration of service. 
Joseph Knott, 1st sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Sept. 24, 1863 ; 

2d lieut. 56th Inf. 
James N. Black, sergt.; must, in April 1, 1864; disch. Oct. 26, 1864; 

trans, to 32d Inf. 
William H. Carpenter, sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. June 5, 

1863, disability. 
Levi L. Crane, sergt. : must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 12, 1863 ; trans. 

to V. K. C. 
Thomas Lynch, sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, ex- 
piration of service. 
Eobert J. Plant, sergt. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Dec. I, 1862, for 

disability. 
John Rock, sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; 1st lieut. Jan. 6, 1863; capt. 

Not. 15, 1863 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864. 
Cornelius B. Chase, Corp. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
John J. Jones, Corp.; must, in Sept. 25, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 28, 1862, for 

disability. 
Charles H. O'Neil, Corp.; must, in Oct. 4, 1861; disch. Oct. 26, 1864; 

trans, to 32d Infantry. 
Daniel Rankin, corp. ; must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
Trederick L. Thayer, corp. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 1, 1862, 

for disability. 
Edward L. Darling, musician ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Sept. 16, 

1862, for disability. 

Privates. 

Hartwell Atkins, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; died of wounds at Mechanics- 
ville, Va., June 28, 1862. 

James N. Black, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. March 31, 1864. 

John Brady, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. for disability. 

Beta F. Brown, must, in Aug. 8, 1862 ; died of wounds at Washington, 
D. C, May 17, 1864. 

John Brown, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

John W. Buchanan, must, in Oct. 4, 1861; disch. Oct. 4, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Phihp F. Chase, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, lsr,4, at exp. of 
service. 

George Clark, must, in Aug. 29, 1863 ; disch. April 7, 1864. 

Charles T. Dale, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; died at Yorktown, Va., June 15, 
1862. 

Andrew G. Dean, must, in Oct. 4, 1861; disch. Dec. 6, 1802, for disa- 
bility. 

Daniel N. Dean, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Zephaniah Dean, Jr., must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. 
of service. 

Ezra L. Dickerman, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 11, 1864, for dis- 
ability. 

John E. Foulds, must, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 22, 1862, for dis- 
iibility. 

James 0. French, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; discli. Oct. 24, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Joseph Gaynor, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1804, at exp. of 
service. 

John Glynn, must, in Sept. 11,1861; disch. March 24, 1863. for dis- 
ability. 

Richard H. C. Godfrey, must, in Sept. 24, 1S61 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at 
exp. of service. 

John Green, must, in Oct. 4, 1861; killed at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 
1862. 

Franois F. Hager, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. March 29, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

Chandler M. Hall, must, in Sept. 17, 1801 ; disch. June 23, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 



Elisha B. Harridon, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; killed at Gaines' Mill, Va., 
June 27, 1862. 

Owen Hart, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. 

Preston B. Harvey, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 1", 1864, at exp. 
of service. 

Thomas Hathaway, must, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 17, 1861, for dis- 
ability. 

John Haurehan, must, in Sept. 25,1861; disch. Jan. 24, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

Thomiis Heaver, must. !t> Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 8, 1802, for dis- 
ability. 

Joseph E. Hopkins, must, in Sept. 2, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1S64, at exp. 
of service. 

Benjamin W. Howard, must, in Sept. 2,1861; died of wounds near Rich- 
mond, Va., July 9, 1862. 

Joseph A. Howard, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1862 ; killed at 
Gaines' Mill, Va. 

Alman S. Johnson, must, in Sept. 2, 1861: disch. Aug. IS, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

Daniel Lane, must, in Sept. 4, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

Patrick Leddy, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. May 8, 1862, for disability. 

Charles G. Lincoln, must, in Sept. 2, 1861; died of wounds at Washing- 
ton, D. C, Dec. 24, 1862. 

Elmer C. Macomber, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 3, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

Thomas Mahar, must, in Sept. 28, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 18, 1863, for disability. 

William McBridge, must, in Aug. 31, 1863; disch. Oct. 16, 1863 ; disch. 
by President's proclamation. 

Matthew Meayer, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 30, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Jacob W. Munsey, must, in Sept. 2, 1801; disch. April 16, 1862. 

David Murray, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Joseph H. Nichols, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 12, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

William O'Neil, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 21, 1862, for disability. 

Edwin C. Perkins, must, in Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 19, 1864, at exp. 
of service. 

Thomas W. Phillips, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864 ; trans, 
to 32d Inf. 

Abraham R. Pontin, must, in Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1804, at exp. 
of service. 

James W. Rankin, must, in Sept. 2, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Slillman E. Raymond, must, in Sept. 20^1861 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1862, for 
disability. 

John A. Read, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Samuel W. Richmond, must, in Sept. 2, 1861; died at Alexandria, Va., 
Jan. 8, 1863. 

Thomas Smith, must, in Sept. 14, 1861 ; disch. 1862. for disability. 

Alfred W. Stoddard, must, in Feb. 2, 1864; disch. Oct. 26, 1864; trans, to 
32d Inf. 

Henry B. Walker, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Henry E. Williams, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; died at New York Harbor, 
May 30, 1802. 

Virgil H. Wilde, must, in Sept. 2, 1864 ; disch, March 31, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

This compuny was in the battles before Richmond, 
Antietam, Fredericl^sburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, Jericho 
Ford, Little Eiver, Shady Grove Church, and other 
places. 

COMPANY F, THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLS, 

• This company was mustered into the United States 
service in the Thirty-ninth Regiment, Col. P. S. Davis, 
at Camp Boxford, Aug. 27, 1862. 

Joseph J, Cooper, capt.; wounded Feb. 7, 1865, at Hatcher's Run, Va. ; 
brev.-maj. .^pril 1, 1865 ; disch. June 2, 1805. 

Isaac D. Paull, 1st lieut. ; wounded and captured May 8, 1864, at Spott- 
sylvania, Va. ; died May 9, 1864. 



856 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



John D. Reetl, 2cl lieut. ; wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad, 

Petersbur;;, Va. ; pro. to 1st lieut. Oct. 8, 1863; tocapt.Sept. G,18G4; 

disch. June 2, 1S65, 
Edgar S. Thayer, 1st sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; discli. Oct. 22, 1862, to ac- 
cept com. ;is rapt, in 7th U. S. Col. Ti'oopa. 
David Wood, 2d sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; Ist sergt. Sept. 21, 1863; cap- 
tured Aug, ly, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. June 2, 1865; hon. 

com. of 2(i lieut. June 7, 1865. 
George H. Babbitt, 3d sergt., Aug. 22, 1SG2; retuined to ranks Feb. 

3, 1863; disch. June 2, 1865; died Dec. 9,^877. 
Lucius Crooker, 4th sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; sergt.-maj. Oct. 8, 1803; 

disch. Dec. 22, 1863, to accept commission as captain 77th U. S. Col. 

Troops; died in Washington, D. C, Feb. 19, 1882. 
William Dulierty, 5th sergt., Aug. 22. 1862; captured Aug. 19, 1864, 

at Weldon Railroad ; disch. Juno 2, 1865. 
Charles S.Thomas, 1st Corp.; Aug. 22, 1862; returned to ranks Jan. 

1, 1863 ; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Otis Washburn, 2d Corp., Aug, 22, 1862; sorgt. March 2, 1863; disch. 

Oct. 20, 1863; died Feb. 7, 1881. 
J. Percival Townsend, 3d corp., Aug. 22, 1862; returned to ranks May 

5, 1863 ; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Homce B. Horton,4th corp., Aug. 22,1862 ; sergt. Nov. 1,1863 ; wounded 

and captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 

1865. 
Solamou Washburn, Jr., 5th corp., Aug. 22,1862; sergt. Sept. 4, 1863; 

disch. May 19, 1865. 
George L. Knapp, 6th corp., Aug. 22, 1802; disoh. June 3, 1864. 
Charles W. Brewster, 7th corp., Aug. 22, 1862; disch. March 31, 1864. 
Arthur H. Sproat, 8th corp., Aug. 22, 1862 ; returued to ranks ; disch. 

May 18, 1865. 

Privates. 

George F. Adams, disch. June 2, 1865; died July 27, 1882. 

Charles B. Austin, captured May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. 

June 2, 1865. 
Orville A. Barker, corp., Jan. 1, 1863; hosp. steward Oct. 13, 1863; 

2d lieut. Dec. 10, 1863; 1st lieut. Oct. 24, 1864 ; adjt. Dec. 18,lS64; 

capt. April 3, 1865 ; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Charles E. Babbitt, killed May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. 
Clark P. Borden, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. 

July 5, 1865. 
Frank S. Babbitt, trans, to Signal CorjM Sept. 1, 1863 ; disch. June, 1865. 
George L. Barrtiws, tmns. to Vet. Rea. Corps March 15, 1865. 
Preserved Biiggs, diech. June 2, 1865 ; died Aug. 20, 1872. 
Alfred Boarduiau, trans to U. S. Navy April 1, 1864. 
Henry A. Burt, wounded May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. June 

2, 1865. 
James Botagh, appointed corp. Jan. 1, 1864 ; wounded May 10, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania, Va. ; captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; 

disch. June 2, 1865. 
Charles H. Cole, disch. June 2, 1865. 
Joseph Delpbin, Jr., disch. June 6, 1865. 
Entstus L. Dean, killed May S, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. 
Anson J. Dean, appointed corp. Marcti 1, 1865; wounded June 18, 1SG4, 

at Petersburg, Va.; wounded March 31, 1865, at Hickanoc Creek, 

Vu. ; disch. May 2.5, 1865. 
William E. Dean, captured Aug. IS, 1864 ; disch. June 6, 1865. 
Cyrus 0. Elnies, wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. 

May 26, 1865. 
George W. Gay, captured Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. 

June 13, 1865. 
John G. Hewitt, disch. Jan. 13, 1863. 
Alfred B. Harris, trans, to Signal Corps Jau. 12,1864; died April 7, 

1865. 
Eben A. Hall, appointed corp. Sept. 1, 1863 ; sergt. Feb. 1, 1865; cap- 
tured Feb. 7, 1865, at Hatcher's Run ; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Isaac N. HoUoway, wounded Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. 

May 12, 1865 ; died April 11, 187G. 
Rufus W, Hall, captured May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; recaptured 

May 26, 1864 ; disch. April 28, 1865. 
Benjamin J. Hall, appointed corp. May 8, 1864; captui-ed Aug, 19, 1864, 

at Weidon Railroad; died at Salisbury, N. C, while a Confederate 

prisoner, Dec. 11, 1864. 
Daniel Hall, trans, to Signal Corps Feb. 14,1863; sergt. Signal Corps 

Jan. 1, 1865; disch. July 5, 1865; previously in navy, May 27, 

1861-62. 
James A. Hathaway, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; died 

at Salisbury prison, N. C, Jan, 10, 1865. • 



William F. Harvey, disch. Jan. 2, 1864; died. 

Jesse G. Jewett, appointed corp. ; disch. June 2, 1864, and com. lieut. in 
U. S, Col. Troops, 

William B. Kelley, died at Bucks County Hospital, Pa., Aug. 3D, 1864, 
from wounds received in action. 

William Kelly, disch. March 4, 1863; died. 

Edward King, disch. June 2, 1865. 

David Kane, taken prisoner Aug. 19, 18G4; disch. July 24, 1865. 

William E. Leonard, disch. June 2, 1865, 

Henry F, Leonard, disch. June 2, 1865. 

Daniel Lincoln, died May 10, 1864, at Laurel Hill, Va., from wounds re- 
ceived May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. 

Jeremiah Leahy, disch. Dec. 3, 1SG4; died Dec. 6, 1875. 

Henry A. Lane, appointed corp. RIarch 2, 1863; sergt. Jan. 1,1864; 
wounded June 19,1864, at Petersburg, Va. ; disch. June 8,1865; 
pruvknisly in navy, May 27, 1861-62. 

James A. Lawlur, captured Aug. 19, 1864 ; paroled and disch. from Gen- 
oral Hospital June 13, 1865 ; died Nov. 20, 1881. 

William W. Mason, appointed corporal Oct. 9, 1862; disch. June 2, 1865. 

Archibald McClarence, diach. June 18, 1863. 

Norman G. Makepeace, wounded May 5, 1864, at Wilderness, Va.; disch. 
May 20, 1865. 

Charles E. Monroe, appointed hospital steward Feb. 17, 1863; hospital 
steward, U.S. A., Feb. 27,1864; assistant surgeon, 174th Ohio Vols., 
1865; disch. June, 1865; died May 21, 18sO. 

Edward Mitchell, Jr., disch. Oct. 13, 1863. 

Nathan Mitchell, died Sept. 27, 1862, at Edward's Ferry, Md. 

Abraham Naylor, wounded Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. 
June 2, 18G5 ; previously in navy, 1861-62. 

William Nelson, captured May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; recaptured 
May 26,1864; wounded Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. 
April 18, 18G5; died Jan. 14, 1881. 
) William L. Nichols, appointed corp. Dec. 1, 1864; wounded Feb. 7, 

1865, at Hatcher's Run; disch. June 2, 1865. 
I Cliarles A. Pierce, appointed corp. ; disch. Oct. 22, 1864. 
I States Packer, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania; captured Aug, 
j 19, 1S64, at Weldon Railroad; died Jau. 4, 1865, in Salisbury prison, 

I N. C. 

] Thomas W, Paull, captured Aug, 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. 

June 13, 18G5. 
j Dyer S. Paull, disch. Nov. 18, 1864, 

Charles E. Pearson, appointed corp. Nov. 1, 1863; disch. June 2, 1865. 

Ira B. Quimby, disch. Feb. 2, 1SG4, aud com. lieut. in U. S. Col. Troops. 

William H. Ueyuolds, drummer; disch. May 12, 1865. 

James Riley, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 30, 1863. 

James Rockett, disch. March 4, 1863. 

Benjamin F. Staples, Jr., disch. June 2, 1865 ; died March 28, 1868. 

James Smith, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. May 
12, 1865. 

Fernando C. Skinner, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; cap- 
tured Aug. 18, 1864. at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 1865; 
drowned at sea. 

Benjamin F. Sherburne, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Edwin H. C. Smith, wounded Blay 10,1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.; cap- 
tured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. June 6, 1865. 

John M Stall, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. Dec. 
13, 1864; died April 14, 1882. 

Charles H. Snow, disch June 3, 1865 ; died March 6, 1869. 

George L. Titu.s, wounded 3Iay 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; captured 
Aug. 10. 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. June 2, 1865. 

Henry F. Thayer, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. 

Terrence Teigh, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 25, 1863. 

Samuel L. Tisdale, trans, to United States Navy, April 1, 1864. 

Charles Thomas, captured May 21, 1864, near Guinea Station, Va. ; died 
a prisoner. 

Herbert E. Tinkham, disch. June 2, 18G5 ; died Nov. 25, 1877. 

George Turner, disch. March 4, 1863. 

Apollos P. Terry, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. 
June 13, 1865. 

George W. Taylor, disch. Feb. 1, 1864. 

Edward Whitters, disch. June 2, 1865. 

Albert R. White, disch. Dec. 10, 1862. 

Harold Walsh, disch. by President's proclamation. 

Reuben B. P. Williams, died June 26, 1863, at Washington, D. C. 

George W. Wilson (2d), disch. Jau. 3, 1864; drowned Oct. 15, 1882. 

Charles E. Wheeler, wounded Slay 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.; disch. 
June 2, 1865. 



TAUNTON. 



857 



Andrew A.Westcott, uppointed Corp., 186a ; wounded and captured. May 
8, lS6i, at Spottsylvauia, Va. ; died June 1, 1864, a prisoner in Rich- 
mond, Va. 

Jesse Wood, discli. Dec. 29, 1863. 

Roland P. Woodward, wounded May 5, 1S64, at Wilderness, Va. ; discli. 
June 2, ise."!. 

Edward M. Woodward, appointed Corp., Nn.v. 1, 1863; wounded Slay 10, 
1804, at Spoltsjivania, Va. ; discli. June 2, 1865 ; died April 10, 1879. 

George T. Woodward, trans, to Signal Corps Aug. 12, 1863; died in 
Taunton, Sept. 17, 1865. 

Matthew Woodward, bugler, chief musician, Nov. 1, 1803 ; discli. June 
2,1866. 

Charles A. Barnes, recruited Dec. 28, 1863; died July 14, 1864. 

This company participated iu the battles at Mine 
Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvauia, Tolo- 
potoniy Creek, Bethesda Church, North Anna, Cold 
Harbor, White Oak Swamp, Petersburg, Weldon 
Railroad, Bellfield, Hatcher's Run, Gravelly Run, 
Five Forks, Lee's Surrender. 

VOLUNTEER RECRUITS AND DRAFTED MEN 
Who passed through the provost-mtirshaVs ojfice into the Uniied States serviee 

from Taunton in 1864 and ISOo.J 
Lewis E. Harvey, Ist Cav. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1864. 
Ira A. White, l8t Cav.; enl. Aug. 8, 1864. 

Oliver A. White, 23d Unattached Heavy Art. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1864. 
Marcus W. Wheeler, 29th Unattached Heavy Art.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. 
John Foulds, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
George W. Sweet, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
Frank L. Thayer, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
Warren Woodward, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
Charles E. Dean, 2d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
William H. Phillips, 29lh Mass. Vols. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Enos L. Williams, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
John E. Gill, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
George B. Harvey, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
James L. Leonard, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
Ellas P. Woodward, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Benjamin F. Brown, 3d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 26, 1864. 
Francis L. Carpenter, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enL Dec. 1, 1864. 
Frank T. Burns, ISth Unattaclied Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 18G4. 
William T. Boyd, Istli Unattached Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Edwin E. Douglass, Istli Unattached Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
William L. Eddy, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Charles F. Glyuii, IStli Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Sanford A. Jlorse, Isth Unattached Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 7, 1364. 
David McVay, ISth Uuattacheii Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
■William H. Paine, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Hodijah L. Tisdale, ISth Unattached Mass. Vols. : enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
William C. Wood, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Charles A. Boardman, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 8, 

1864. 
W^arren Gushee, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. 
Joseph 3IcMahon, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 14,1864. 
Francis H. Thayer, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 14, 

1861. 
Charles Gavin, Ca|»t. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 16, 1864. 
Timothy A. Welch, IStli Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 20, 1864. 
Andrew G. Dean, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Alfred A. Dean, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
William Dean, Jr., Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Charles W. Dean, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Otis B. Pierce, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864, 
Edward B. Baldwin, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. 
Albert L. Carpenter, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; eul. Dec. 30, 1864. 
George W. Macker, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 3U, 1864. 
Nathan 0. Walker, 02d Mass. Vols. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1865. 
William L. Dean, 02d Mass. Vols.; enl. Jan. 24, 1865. 
Manlius B. Leonard, G2d Mass. Vols. ; enl. Jan. 28, 1805. 
Frederick T. Nelson, 62d Mass. Vols.; enl. Jan. 31, 1865. 
Theodore Eayes, Sheridan's Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864; died in service 

at New Orleans. 

^ No record sent of discharge, all three years or during the war. 



Lucien E. Francis, Cavalry frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
John Keys, rep. recruit for Edmund Baylies ; enl. Aug. 1, 1864. 
Edward Hickey, 13th Light Art. rep. recruit for Mr. Ed. Baylies; enl. 

Aug. 6, 1864. 
George Studly, 2d Heavy Art.; enl. July 29, 1864. 
Charles S. Anthony, 2d Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
Charles H. Hamilton, '2d Light Art.; eul. Sept. 2, 1864. 
Jeremiah Sulivan, 61st Mass. Vols.; enl. Sept. 3, 1S64. 
Lorin Feren, 2d Light Art . ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
John Kirby, 2d Heavy Art.; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Peleg B. Whitemore, 2d Light Art.; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
George W. Peck, 2d Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
Willis S. Potter, 2d Light Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
David Aunis, 2d Light Art.; eiil. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Rufus F. White, 12th Heavy Art.; enl. Sept. 14, 1864. 
Thomas Morgan, 2d Heavy Art. ; eul. Sept. 21, 1864. 
George W. Fuller, 7th Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 21, 1864. 
Charles E. Brown, Ist Mass. Cav.; enl. Sept. 26, 1864. 
John C. Maynard, 10th Light Bat.; enl. Sept. '28, 1864. 
Henry Kean, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. Nov. 1, 1864. 
Oscar Bahethge, 19th Mass. Vols.; enl. Nov. 3, 1864. 
Daniel I. McAskill, 1st Regt. Heavy Art.; enl. Nov. 11, 1864. 
Patrick H. Couche, 19th Mass. Vols. ; enl. Nov. 1'2, 1864. 
Moses Mercier, 10th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Nov. 21, 1864. 
Levi K. Congdon, ISth Unattached Inf. ; eul. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Nelson R. Read, 18th Unattached Inf.; eul. Dec. 7, 1804. 
Asa Safforrt, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Patrick Murphy, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 26, 1864. 
Stillman D. Eddy, I2tli Unattached Heavy Art.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. 
George Austin, 2d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Alonso P. Sanford, ISth Unattaclietl Mass. Vols. ; enl. Deo. 7, 1864. 
William A. Wheeler, ISth Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
William C. Wood, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. 
Weaton Wordell, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864; disch. 

Jan. 24, 1865. 
George A. Fiske. 6l8t Regt. Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 8, 1864. 
John Entsenberger, 19th Regt. JIass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 9, 1864. 
Henry T. Bond, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. 

Dec. 14, 1864. 
Andrew W. Delano, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. 

Dec. 14, 1864. 
Reuben F. Delano, Jr., Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; 

eul. Dec. 14, 1864. 
James O'Conners, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. 

Dec. 14, 1864. 
James D. W. Seymour, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols. ; 

enl. Dec. 14, 1864. 
Frank P. White, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. 

Dec. 14, 1864. 
Josejih Garrity, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. 

Dec. 16, 1864. 
James E. Conley, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1804. 
Numan D. Hamilton, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 19, 1864. 
John Hanrahan, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 19, 1804. 
Thomas Noris, 13th Bat. Light Ait. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1864. 
Ansel L. Cain, 13th Bat, Light Art.; enl. Dec. 20, 1864. 
Archibald McClarence, Jr., 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. W, 1864. 
Bradford D. AU.ro, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 21, 1864. 
Patrick Callahan, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 22, IS64. 
Edward Gallagher, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Deo. 2'2, 1864. 
Timothy O'Sliey, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 22, 1864. 
Roger Hadfleld, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. '27, 1864. 
Simeon F. Hall , Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Doc. 29, 1864. 
Henry Holland, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Charles B. Ilatlmway, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense, enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Alphens S. Orcutt, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Edward Rock, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Thomas L. Smith, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. 
Charles H. Goff, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. 
Edward C. Harvey, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. 
William A. Moi-se, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. 
James A. Slorse, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; eul. Dec. 30, 1864. 
Osborne E. Eaton, Bat. Cav. for frontier tlefeuse; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. 
Truman N. Goff, Bat. Cav. for frnntier defense ; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. 
John Lansdale, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; eul. Dec. 31, 1864. 
James McGhay, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; eul. Dec. 31, 1864." 
Thomas Riley, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. 



858 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



John R. Trafeon, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense'; enl. Dec. 31, 186+. 
John Griffin, 27th Regt. M.iss. Vol.: enl. Jan. 12,1865. 
Elias Frawley, Co. B, SStli Kegt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. Jan. 24, 1865. 
Samuel M. Gushee, :J7th Kegt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. Feb. 4, 1S65. 
Timothy Dorgan. Co. C, 6Gth Kegt. Mails. Vol. ; enl. Feh. 24, 1865. 
John E. Spencer, 62d Kegt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. March 23, 1865. 
Thomas R. Gay, G2il Regt. Mass. Vol.; enl. March 31, 1865. 
Charles Eklridge, 62cl Kegt. Mass. Vol.; enl. April 1, 1866. 
James W. Rankin, 1st .\rniy Corps; enl. April 8, 1865. 

The following; table exhibits the number of men 
furnished by Taunton as her quota under specific 
calls. It does not include those who enlisted out of 
the State, or to the credit of other towns. The cost 
was, — 



Forbounties $182,193.00 

For other 6.\penae8 14 526.23 



Total cost $196,719.23 

Of this sum there was contributed by citizens 62,383.00 



Cost to the town $134,336.23 

The close of the war found the (now) city of Taun- 
ton indebted in the sum of $112,000. $102,000 has 
been paid and 810,000 has become merged in the ex- 
isting municipal debt of the city. 

Total number recruited 1493 

Navy, men assigned 159% 



Total number credited on quota 1652 



Date of President's 
Call. 



April 16, 1861.. 

May ,3, 1861 

June 17, 1861.. 
Mav 28, 1862... 
July 4, 1862.. 



Date of General Orders. 



' No. of Men 
Furnished. 



April 17, 1861.... 

May 22, 1861 

June 26,1861.... 

Mav 29. 1862. 1 

July 7, 1862. / ■ 



Aug. 4, 1862 ' Aug. 21, 1862, 



July 1, 1863, 
Oct. 17, 1863.... 
Feb.], 1864.... 
March 14, 1864. 
July 19, 1S64... 



Draft by Provost-Marshal, Capt. J. W. D. Hall., 



67 
272 
164 



166 
8U* 



120 
236t 



Term of Service. 



Bounty 
Paid. 



Three months.. 
Three years 



Other 
Expenses. 



Nine months.. 
Three yearsf-- 



V All tei-ms of service.... 



$1,005.00 

4,080.00 

(These men 

49,200.00 

16,600 00 

26,505.00 I 
84,803.00?! 



$2,886.66 

9,896.63 

cost the tow 

1 500.00 



Total 
Expenses. 

$3,890 65 
13,976.63 
n nothing.) 



$182,193.00 ' $14,626.23 $196,719.23 



'. 06,300.00 



26,944.66 
85,607.39 



* Of this number (80) 60 furnished substitutes, 15 paid commutation, 5 went. 

t These drafted men many of them were provided with substitutes by private subscription, included in the $26,505. 

X In addition to this number (236), 1597<J men, who bad enlisted in the navy in the beginning of the war and never credited, were assigned to 
Taunton. 
? Of this sum, &J5,S78 was contributed by citizens. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. SAMUEL L. CROCKER. 

Samuel Leonard Crocker was born in Taunton, 
Mass., on March 31, 1804. He is the second son of 
William Augustus Crocker, who w.as the second son 
of Josiah, the eldest son of Rev. Josiah Crocker, the 
sixth minister of Taunton, and successor of Hooke, 
Street, Shove, Danforth, and Clapp. The mother of 
Mr. Crocker was Sally, daughter of Capt. Jonathan 
Ingell, who, as a widow, was the first wife of Charles 
Richmond, the partner of Samuel Crocker, of the 
well-known business firm of Crocker & Richmond. 
The grandmother of Mr. Crocker, on his father's side, 
was Abigail, daughter of Hon. Zephaniah Leonard, 
judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and grandson 
of James Leonard, who was concerned in the early 
Taunton Iron-Works. 

At an early age the subject of this sketch was put 
to school with Rev. Edward Richmond, of Stough- 
ton, and Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton, finishing his 
course of preparation for college in the Bristol Acad- 
emy at Taunton, when Mr: Simeon D.iggett was prin- 
cipal. With his elder brother, William, he entered 
Brown University in 1818, under the i)residency of 
Rev. Dr. Messer, and graduated in 1822, at the age 
of eighteen. 

Not caring to study a profession, and inheriting 



from their ancestry on both sides a business turn of 
mind, the sons, two years after their graduation, de- 
termined on starting copper-works at Norton. This 
was in 1824, although their act of incorporation as 
the Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company was 
not obtained till 182G. A younger brother, George 
Augustus, was associated with them as a member of 
the firm.' .- 

The business in Norton had a steady growth, which 
led to the enlargement of the works, creating a 
branch of them at the Weir in Taunton in 1845. Mr. 
Samuel L. Crocker has always been the active man- 
ager of this large business, which consists in smelt- 
ing and the manufacture of copper and yellow metal. 
These works are not only among the oldest, but the 
largest and most prosperous in the country, and their 
success is due in a great measure to the skill and 
careful oversight of Mr. Samuel L. Crocker. 

He associated himself with others in starting the 
Taunton Locomotive- Works, of which he is president, 
and the Old Colony Iron Company, of which he has 
always been a director, and for many years president, 
and who have built up a large business in East Taun- 
ton, a rolling-mill and shops for the manufacture of 
shovels, nails, etc. 

The railroad interests of Taunton have not been 
overlooked by Mr. Crocker. He was interested in 
securing the Taunton Branch Railroad in 18.35, the 
first connection by rail which Taunton had with Bos- 





v::^.^^ 



v/- 



TAUNTON. 



859 



ton, Provideuce, and New York ; and the accommo- 
dations of the Old Colony Railroad, connecting Taun- 
ton with Fall River, New Bedford, Cape Cod, the 
South Shore, as well as with New York and Boston, 
■were brought about very much through the wise man- 
agement of Mr. Crocker, one of its directors. 

In politics, Mr. Crocker was a member of the old 
Whig party, and as such served as a member of the 
Executive Council in 1849, during the administration 
of Governor George N. Briggs. In 1853 he was 
elected a representative to Congress, and served in 
that body from Dec. 5, 1853, to March 3, 1855. He 
was on several committees, and won a good reputation 
as a wise counselor and a faithful representative. In 
local municipal affairs he has always taken an active 
and leading part. He has been a director in both the 
Bristol County and the Machinists' Banks of Taun- 
ton, and for several years a trustee of the insane hos- 
pital at the same place. He is at present a trustee of 
Brown University, and of the General Theological 
Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, located 
in New York City. 

Although the direct descendant of an early Con- 
gregationalist minister, he early expressed a prefer- 
ence for the Protestant Episcopal Church, and he and 
his brother William erected about 1826 and virtually 
sustained for many years the first church of this order 
in Taunton. From the founding of the church to the 
present time he has acted in the capacity of either 
warden or vestryman, and has served as a delegate to 
the Diocesan Conventions at different times, and also 
has thrice been a member of the.General Convention 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The beautiful 
stone edifice of St. Thomas parish, the finest-finished 
church building in Taunton, has been erected largely 
through Mr. Crocker's instrumentality. 

For sixty years Mr. Crocker has been an active and 
earnest advocate of temperance, and has delivered 
lectures on the subject to great acceptance in various 
localities. His influence has always been exerted in 
favor of this important reform, as well as in behalf of 
sound morals and practical religion. 

In 1854, Mr. Crocker retired from active politics, 
but was steadily engaged in business up to the time 
of his death. 

William and Samuel L. Crocker married sisters, 
granddaughters of the distinguished Isaiah Thomas, 
of Worcester, Mass., founder of the American Anti- 
quarian Society, and sisters of Judge Benjamin F. 
Thomas, of that city. The first wife of Mr. Samuel 
L. Crocker was ^annah Weld Thomas, whom he 
married June 15, 1825, and who died Nov. 22, 1827. 
His second wife was Caroline, sister of the first, whom 
he married April 13, 1830, and who departed this life 
Jan. 28, 1875. Their children are Mary Caroline, 
who married Gen. Darius N. Couch, commander dur- 
ing the late war of one of the grand divisions of the 
Army of the Potomac, and subsequently of the De- 
partment of the Susquehanna; Sally, wife of Ed- 



mund H. Bennett, for the past twenty-five years 
judge of probate and insolvency, and at present dean 
of the Boston University of Law ; and Ellen Louisa 
and Samuel L. Crocker, Jr. The latter graduated at 
Brown University in 1856, was admitted to the Suffolk 
bar in 1859, and has resided for many years abroad. 
(Since the above was written Mr. Crocker has 
passed away. He died in Boston, Feb. 10, 1883.) 



WILLARD LOVERING. 

Among the representative men of Taunton, those 
who have largely advanced her material prosperity, 
and left an impress never to be obliterated, we must 
mention Willard Lovering. He was son of William 
and Mehitabel (Claflin) Lovering, and was born in 
Franklin, Mass., Nov. 18, 1801. His father was a 
fiirmer, and his early years were passed in farm-work, 
and, toward his majority, his winters in teaching. He 
began his long and active business career by serving 
an apprenticeship in the City Mills at Franklin, where 
he was employed for several years, rising step by step, 
until he had charge of the entire establishment. He 
took charge of the business of the Blackstoue Canal 
corporation of Provideuce, R. I., in 1833, and re- 
mained in that position three years, retiring to take 
the agency of the Carrington Mills, at Woonsocket, 
R. I. Here he was for three years also. Then, in 
1836, he removed to Taunton, and was manager of the 
Whittenton Mills, which position he occupied for over 
twenty years, until the failure of C. H. Mills & Co. 
in 1857. In 1858, associated with his sons, he pur- 
chased the Whittenton Mills, and successfully con- 
ducted it, much enlarging the works and business, 
until 1864, when failing health admonished him to 
retire, which he did, leaving the business to the suc- 
j cessful management of his sons, the Lovering Broth- 
I ers of the present extensive manufacturing establish- 
ment. 
I Mr. Lovering represented Taunton in the State 
] Legislatures of 1865-66, and was always interested in 
and consulted in all the important interests of Taun- 
i ton during his entire residence here. He was twice 
I married, first to Susan Loughead, adopted daughter 
of John Croade, of Warren, R. I. They had two chil- 
dren, — Charles and William. Second, Jan. 1, 1839, 
to Sarah C, daughter of Governor Marcus and Char- 
lotte (Hodges) Morton. They had two children, — 
Henry M. and Charlotte M. Mr. Lovering sustained 
' a high rank as a manufacturer. A man of rare good 
; judgment, executive ability, and systematic, practical 
business talent, he maintained a character of unblem- 
ished integrity through life, and died Dec. 15, 1875, 
sincerely mourned by an unusually large circle of 
friends of every rank in life. He was at one .time 
president of the Taunton Branch Railroad, and at 
his death was president of the Taunton Savings- 



860 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Bank. He was prominently connected with the 
Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, and in 
his latter years a devoted member of St. Thomas 
Church. 



JOSEPH AVILBAR. 



Joseph Wilbar, whose portrait accompanies this 
sketch, w.is born in Easton, Mass., Dec. 13, 1792, and 
died at his residence in Taunton, Mass., .July 16, 
1881. He was seventh in lineal descent from Samuel 
Wildbore, who with his wife, Ann, daughter of 
Thomas Bradford, of Dorchester, England, settled 
in Boston as early as 1633. The name is variously 
spelled (see sketch of Hon. Daniel Wilbur, Somerset, 
Mass.). Samuel Wildbore's second wife, Elizabeth, 
was admitted a member of the first church in Bos- 
ton Nov. 29, 1645. Mr. Wildbore was admitted a 
freeman of Boston in 1634 (Boston records). He 
settled in Taunton at an early day, and became one 
of its largest landholders. He had residences in 
Boston and Taunton. He with some associates built 
and put in operation an iron furnace in that part of 
Taunton now Raynhani (see sketch of Theodore 
Dean). "He was a man of wealth for the times, 
and evidently of very respectable standing in society, 
exerting a wide influence in each of the places where 
he dwelt." 

He died Sept. 29, 1656. 

His children were Samuel, Jr., Joseph, William, 
Shadrach, and Sarah. 

After the death of their father the children by com- 
mon consent dropped the " d" in the first syllable and 
generally the " e" final, spelling the name " Wilbor." 

Shadrach Wilbor, son of Samuel Wildbore, settled 
in Taunton (afterwards Raynham), on lands received 
probably from his father. He was evidently a man 
of wealth and influence in his time. He held several 
important trusts, representing his towa in the pro- 
vincial government, and served as town clerk for 
thirty-five successive years. For lifting his voice, 
however, in opposition to the evils, as he deemed 
t1iem, in the government of Sir Edmund Andros, 
he was apprehended and imprisoned in Boston, Aug. 
30, 1687, but it is not probable that he long remained 
there. He married Hannah , and had ten chil- 
dren, of whom Shadrach, Jr., born Dec. 5, 1672, was 
the third son and sixth child. He died in 1696 or 
1697. 

Shadrach Wilbor, Jr., son of Shadrach, was born in 
Taunton (now Raynham), and was a larmer by occu- 
pation. It is not known whom he married. He had 
five sons, viz.: Shadrach, Mcshach, Joseph, Jacob^ 
and Abijali. The first two sons settled in Taunton, 
but it is not certain whore the other three settled. 

Meshach Wilbor, Sr., second son of Shadrach, Jr., 
was born in Taunton (now Raynham), married Eliz- 
abeth , who died Nov. 30, 1776, in the seventieth 

year of her age. They had six sons, the youngest of 



whom was George, a native of Raynham, as the town 
was now called. 

The date of Meshach's death is not known. Nothing 
is known of George Wilbor, or Wilbur, as he now 
spelled his name, except that he settled in Titient 
parish, Bridgewater, Mass., and was a farmer by oc- 
cupation. He had a son Geort/e, who settled in Eas- 
ton, Mass., and followed farming. This George Wil- 
bur was twice married, first to Betsey Packard, and 
had eleven children, of whom Joseph Wilbar, the sub- 
ject of our notice, was one. Mr. George Wilbur 
married for his second wife Widow Mary Francis, by 
whom he had two children. The name began to be 
spelled with an "a" instead of a "u," thus " Wilbar." 

Joseph Wilbae was of the sturdy New England 
yeomanry ; educated in the New England common 
schools of two generations ago, and starting out in 
life from thence to make his own way, he belonged to 
that great class which was so common fifty years 
since, but is fast passing into a traditional type as 
our civilization grows complex. In 1820 he married 
Elizabeth Capen, and two years later, at the age of 
thirty, came with her to Taunton. The following 
year his wife died, and in 1825 he was again married 
to Miss Huldah W. Briggs, who only survived her 
wedding-day a year and four months, leaving behind 
a daughter, Elizabeth AV., wife of Lovett Morse (de- 
ceased). 

In August, 1827, he married Miss Fanny M. Lin- 
coln, who survives him after a wedded life of almost 
fifty-four years. Of this union there were four chil- 
dren ; three died in infancy, one only, Joseph E., 
present register of deeds, attaining maturity. 

During his earlier residence here his principal 
business was land surveying, by which he became 
familiar with the real estate of the town. He very 
soon became prominent in town affairs, and from 
about 1830 was on the board of selectmen, most of 
the time chairman, until he was appointed register of 
deeds in the spring of 1841. He was a leader, by the 
simple strength of his convictions, in the politics of 
the time, and his connection with the public interest 
increased constantly. He was a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention in 1852, with Governor Morton 
and Hon. Henry Williams. He held' the office of 
register of deeds for almost thirty-three years until 
the end of 1873. Familiar with the town affairs, 
with its real estate and its men, becoming widely 
known throughout the region, and as widely respected 
for his wisdom and sagacity, and trusted for his in- 
tegrity, he found business increasing to the limit of 
his ability, and had he not been very moderate in his 
charges he might have reajied a rich pecuniary har- 
vest. Probably no man has had so much to do with 
the settlement of estates and the adjustment of ditfer- 
ences of opinion, or been so often called upon to 
.serve on boards of reference and counsel. From the 
beginning of the Bristol County Saving.s-Bank he was 
one of its pillars, his sagacity and knowledge of real 



m 




^^,^^^ ^2^^2^ 




En^^ivAHtUahu 






TAUNTON. 



861 



estate proving of inestimable service. In 1865 he 
succeeded Capt. Silas Shepard as president, and re- 
tained the position during his life, his resignation a 
j'ear or two before his death being refused, not as a 
mere matter of courtesy, but because of the wortli of 
his name, even after his activity had ceased by reason 
of age and infirmity. 

He united with the Broadway Congregational 
Church in September, 1826, at the age of thirty-four, 
although for some years previous he had been a steady 
attendant upon its worship. He never was able to 
fix the date of his conversion. Religiously educated, 
always serious and conscientious, his religious life 
began like the light of dawn, and grew and bright- 
ened as the years went by. Possessed of strong feel- 
iug, he was yet not a man of superficial emotions ; he 
believed the truth, and quietly and decisively accepted 
it, opening all the windows of his soul Godward, and 
so the light that was in him grew and broadened ; 
but men never saw any flare of lamps or any flashing 
of lightning. 

In August, 1828, he was chosen deacon, which office 
he held for almost fifty-three years, though foi' the 
last few years relieved from its active duties. This 
term far exceeds that of any other deacon of that 
church. 

But his deaconate is measured by deeds, not years, 
long as it was. From the first he felt and accepted a 
heavy share of responsibility in the church. His 
post in the prayer-meeting wa.s not vacated. Week 
by week and year by year the church knew where to 
find him Thursday night. All his life he taught in 
the Sabbath-school until eighty-seven years old, and 
the influence he has exerted on the young men whom 
he has taught goes on now that he has fallen asleep. 

For thirty years, until nearly eighty years old, he 
was treasurer of the society, and in that arduous and 
responsible position, if he expected others to do their 
duty, he spared himself least of all. Year after year, 
if a deficit occurred, he gathered a few on whom he 
could depend, stated the amount, and called upon 
them to make it up, his own subscription never 
lagging behind. 

So he walked in the light, as God is in the light, 
and they had fellowship together, until at last to us 
he was not, for God took him. 

Joseph E. Wi/bar, the present register of deeds, is 
the only surviving son of Joseph and Fanny M. (Lin- 
coln) AVilbar, and was born in Taunton, July 9, 1832. 
The line of descent has been as follows : 

(1) Samuel Wilbore, (2) Shadrach Wilbor, Sr., (3) 
Shadrach Wilbor, Jr., (4) Meshach Wilbor, Sr., (5) 
George Wilbor, (6) George Wilbar, Jr., (7) Joseph 
Wilbar, and (8) Joseph E. Wilbar. 

Mr. Wilbar received his education at the local 
schools in his native town. At the age of seventeen 
he entered the oflice of register of deeds as clerk for 
his father for the Northern District of Bristol County. 
He served in that capacity till December, 1861, when 



he was appointed postmaster of Taunton, and served 
for more than four years. He then again entered the 
register of deeds' oflSce, this time as clerk and assistant 
register of deeds, and continued in that relation till 
Jan. 1, 1874, when he was elected register of deeds to 
take his father's place. This position he has filled 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constit- 
uents till the present time (1883). He is Republican 
in politics, trustee of Bristol County Savings-Bank 
since 1874, and president since January, 1882. He is 
also a director in Bristol County National Bank. 

He married Emma, daughter of Albert and Harriet 
(Ide) Barrows, of Norton, Dec. 26, 1861. Of this 
union there are five children, — Albert E., Arthur L., 
Charles B., Helen M., and Louise R. 

Mrs. Wilbar was born in Norton, June 25, 1839. 
Her father was an agent for many years of Barrows' 
factory, at Barrowsville, in Norton. Her grandfather 
was named Carlos Barrows. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilbar are members of the Broadway 
Congregational Church in Taunton. 



EDMUND BAYLIES. 
The Baylies family in this country come of Quaker 
stock in England, where Nicholas Baylies appears on 
June 5, 1706, as a witness to the marriage of his son 
Thomas, and is described as "of the parish of Aloe- 
Church, county of Worcester." Thomas married 
Esther Sargeant, daughter of Thomas Sargeant, of 
Ffullford-Heath, in the parish of Soby-HuU, county 
of Warwick. He carried on iron-workg in England, 
first at Colebrook-dale, and afterward at some place 
on the Thames. With his son Nicholas and daugh- 
ter E.sther he came to Boston from London in June, 
1737, then returned, and the year after brought over 
his wife and two daughters. He settled at Uxbridge, 
M.ass., about 1738, and established iron-works there. 
His son Nicholas was interested in iron-works at 
Taunton, to which place he removed from Uxbridge, 
probably not earlier than 1745. He married Eliza- 
beth Parks, of Newton, Mass., in 1738, and by lier 
liad seven sons and one daughter. He was a noted 
patriot at the time of the Revolution, and died in 
1807. Two of his sons, William and Hodijah, were 
educated at Harvard College. The former was dis- 
tinguished for eminent talent, both as a physician 
and for varied acquirements in other departments. 
The latter, born Sept. 17, 1766, was one of the same 
class at college as Rufus King and Judge Dawes, 
with whom, throughout their lives, he maintained a 
close and cordial friendship. On graduating from 
college in 1777, he obtained a commission as lieuten- 
ant of infantry, enlisted a company, and his first ser- 
vice after recruiting was on the Hudson, where he 
was attacked by a fever which nearly proved fatal. 
When Gen. Lincoln was appointed to the command 
of the Southern Department he selected Hodijah 
Baylies as one of his aides-de-camp, and in that ca- 



862 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



pacity he participated in the unsuccessful attempt to 
storm Savannah. When Gen. Lincoln capitulated at 
Charleston, May 12, 1780, Maj. Baylies became a 
prisoner of war, and as soon as his exchange was ef- 
fected he rejoined the army, and in 1782 became one 
of the aides-de-camp of Gen. Washington, with the 
rank of lieutenant-colonel by brevet. He was with 
the commander-in-chief at the surrender of Cornwal- 
lis at Yorktown, where Wasliington appointed Gen. 
Lincoln to receive the English general's swoi'd. He 
remained in Washington's military family until the 
end of the war, after which he spent some time at 
Mount Vernon, and in 1784 returned to the North 
and married Elizabeth, daugiiter of Mary (Gushing) 
and Maj.-Gen. Lincoln. 

After a short residence at Hingham he removed to 
Taunton, where he owned iron-works which be su- 
perintended, making bar-iron and afterwards an- 
chors, and continuing this business until 1806. In 
1785 he removed to Dighton, where he bought land, 
on which was a bouse which had been a hotel during 
the war, and which he remodeled. About that time 
he was appointed collector of the port of Dighton, 
and held this ofiBce for many years, resigning it in 

1833. In 1810 he was appointed, by Governor Gore, 
judge of probate for the county of Bri.stol, and in 
1814 he was elected by the General Court of Massa- 
chusetts a member of the Hartford Convention. In 

1834, at the ageof seventy-eight, and in the full vigor 
of his mental faculties, he resigned the office of judge 
of probate, and retired from all public employments. 
He died April 26, 1843, in the eighty-seventh year of 
his age. His wife died at Dighton in 1823. They 
liad three sons and one daughter: William, who was 
a graduate of Harvard College and died early ; Ed- 
mund, the subject of this sketch ; Amelia, who mar- 
ried Dr. Alfred Wood, of Dighton, and died without 
issue in 1862 ; and Benjamin L., who died in 1869. 
William and Benjamin never married. Edmund 
Baylies was born at Hingham, Sept. 22, 1787, and 
attended school there, and later at Dighton, until he 
was sixteen years of age, when, having no taste for a 
classical education, he went to Boston, entering as 
apprentice the commercial house of Cunningham 
Brothers. His first successful adventure was in 1805, 
as supercargo, in charge of a vessel for Hamburg 
with a cargo of sugar and colonial products, wbich 
he sold at high prices just before the battle of Auster- 
litz and the closing of the European ports by Napo- 
leon. After this he made several voyages to Arch- 
angel, landing there goods which he undertook to 
have delivered in Paris, which he did in spite of 
Napoleon's police. He also took part of a contract 
for supplying flour to the English peninsular army 
under Wellington, and in carrying this out he went 
to Lisbon with a cargo of flour. He afterwards 
formed a partnership with Mr. Thomas B. Curtis, of 
Boston, for carrying on trade with Russia, and retired 
from business in 1836. In 1835 he purchased land at 



Taunton, from Dr. Alfred Williams, and built on it a 
stone house. Up to this time he had resided in Mount 
Vernon Street, Boston, but in 1838 he removed to 
Taunton, generally passing the winter in the city and 
the summer in the country until 1848, when he sold 
the house in Boston and remained permanently at 
Taunton, with the exception of occasional trips to 
Europe. In 1819 he married Elizabeth Ann, daugh- 
ter of Ruth (Larkin) and Phillips Payson, of Charles- 
town, Mass. Mrs. Baylies was born in 1799, and died 
at Boston, Oct. 10, 1846. She was possessed of great 
personal beauty, and was universally beloved for her 
kindness of disposition, her amiable manners, and her 
unaffected piety. Three cliildren were the issue of 
this marriage, — two daughters and one son. 

Elizabeth, the eldest, married Wickham Hoffman, 
of New York, a lawyer, and a son of Judge Murray 
Hoffman. At the breaking out of the civil war he 
entered the army, and occupied many positions of 
distinction, first, on the staff of Brig.-Gen. Thomas 
Williams, at Hatteras, then with Gen. Butler at New 
Orleans, and afterwards as assistant adjutant-general 
on the staff of Gen. Sherman, and of Maj.-Gen. 
Franklin. In 1865 he held the same position on the 
staff of Maj.-Gen. Canby, resigned in 1866, and in 
the same year was appointed Secretary of Legation at 
Paris, where he remained for nine years under Minis- 
ters Dix and E. B. Wasliburne, and through the siege 
and the commune. In 1875 he was transferred to 
London, in 1877 to St. Petersburg, and in February, 
1883, was appointed minister to Denmark. 

The second daughter, Ruth, married Maturin Liv- 
ingston, of New York, a grandson of Gen. Morgan 
Lewis, of Revolutionary fame, and of Gertrude Liv- 
ingston, sister of Chancellor Livingston. 

The son, Edmund Lincoln, married Nathalie E., 
daughter of Cornelia (Prime) and Robert Ray, of 
New Y'ork, and died at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1869, 
while traveling for his health. His widow now re- 
sides on the homestead at Taunton. 

In early life Edmund Baylies belonged to the Or- 
thodox denomination, but after his marriage he be- 
came a member of the Episcopal Church, and was 
for many years a vestryman of St. Thomas' Church 
at Taunton, as well as one of those who gave most 
liberally towards the building of the present .stone 
edifice. In politics he was an old-fashioned Whig, and 
when the war of the Rebellion broke out, he warmly 
supported the government; was in favor of active 
measures against the South, and being too advanced 
in years to serve his country in the field procured an 
able-bodied substitute, whom he sent to the front as 
his representative. 

Of medium height and fine appearance, with clear 
blue eyes and a florid complexion, he strongly resem- 
bled the Duke of Wellington, for whom he has been 
mistaken in Europe. He retained his strikingly erect 
carriage until his death, in his ninety-first year. He 
was not more remarkable for his courtly manners 



TAUNTON. 



863 



than for his uprightness of character and invariable 
truthfulness. He was most liberal where his lieart 
and his judgment approved, but as unostentatious in 
his charities as in his manner of life. He always re- 
gretted not having been forced to go to college, was a 
great reader, had a wonderful memory, and was a 
charming conversationalist. A man of rare judg- 
ment and business capacity. As a director of the 
Taunton National Bank, the Old Colony Iron Com- 
pany, tlie Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company, 
the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, 
and other corporations, he gave wise and prudent 
counsel. He was for many years a trustee of the 
Taunton Public Library, and was a member of the 
Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. His farm 
interested him deepl)', and he was especially success- 
ful in setting out trees, many hundreds of which, by 
their vigorous growth and commanding size, bear 
witness to his skill. At the death of his brother 
Benjamin, in 1869, the family estate at Dighton re- 
verted to him, and he devoted himself to its improve- 
ment. He retained his faculties unimpaired until his 
death, which occurred at Taunton, May 16, 1878, after 
a short illness. His remains were interred in the 
family plot at Dighton, by the side of his wife, and 
near the other deceased members of his family. 



ALFRED BAYLIES, M.D. . 

Alfred Baylies, son of Thomas and Bethia (Godfrey) 
Baylies, was born in Dighton, Mass., Sept. 16, 1787. 
He was brought up a farmer, and retained a warm 
love for rural life and horticulture all his days. He 
attended private schools and studied medicine with 
his uncle, the celebrated Dr. William Baylies, in his 
native town. In those days the young student visited 
the bedsides of the sick from the first, and exi>erience 
and observation were instructors equal, if not supe^ 
rior, to those furnished by the most munificently-en- 
dowed college at the present day. His studies finished, 
about 1813, he commenced the practice of medicine 
in Taunton, and from the first had marked success. 
He married Rebecca Dennis, daughter of James 
Sproat, Esq., of Taunton, Dec. 4, 1813. They had 
four children, — Alfred S., who became a physician ; 
married, December, 1844, Jane Ingell Richmond, and 
died in August, 1847, leaving two children, — Alfred 
Wood and William Sargent (deceased); Amelia F., 
married Samuel Southgate; resides in Plymouth, and 
has two children ; Ann S. (Mrs. Charles R. Vickery) ; 
and Adaline S. Mrs. Baylies was born in 1789, and 
died July 24, 1843. Dr. Baylies married for his second 
wife Frances A., daughter of Abiathar and Nancy 
Dean Williams, Nov. 21, 1847. Their children are 
Maria W. and Esther S. He died July 2, 1873, in his 
eighty-sixth year. Dr. Baylies was one of the plain, 
unassuming gentlemen which we class as belonging 
to the old school. He was social, methodical, and 
systematic. By diligence and faithful though ardu- 



ous endeavors he acquired a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. The people had great confidence in him, and 
his presence in a sick room was a curative agent in 
itself. He despised all ostentation, and cared little 
for per.sonal appearance. He was of positive and de- 
termined nature, and fixed in his ways. He possessed 
such sound judgment that he was generally right, and 
was very popular. He was active in all society mat- 
ters ; was an ardent Freemason, and held in high 
honor by the craft. He was secretary of King David 
Lodge, F. and A. M., of Taunton for over thirty 
years, and during the dark days of the Morgan ex- 
citement was the guardian of the charter of the lodge. 
The brethren at Weir named their lodge "Alfred 
Baylies Lodge," in honor of his masonic virtues. 

He was very foud of pets, and never without some 
one of the lower animals on which to lavish attention. 
He was noted for his knowledge of horticulture, in 
the pursuit of which he built many green-houses. 
He grew many and rare varieties of grapes, and 
manufactured a large amount of wine. He was a 
great reader, keeping himself fully abreast of the 
times. His reading was solid and substantial, largely 
professional, historical, and scientific. Of sterling 
honesty, he never made an appointment or a promise 
of any kind that was not rigidly and promptly kept. 
His word was aS good as his bond, and neither was 
ever protested. He was an aflfectionate husband and 
a loving father, and he particularly enjoyed the hap- 
piness of the home circle, although he never mur- 
mured when called from it to face wintry storms 
for the relief of suffering. He gave his children 
advantages of good education, and was in favor of 
everything tending to improve, elevate, or instruct 
humanity. He was for years a trustee of Bristol 
Academy, and none did more hearty or valuable 
labor than he in the cause of higher education. He 
was Unitarian in religious belief, and Whig and Re- 
publican in politics. Although prized as a citizen 
and a social companion, his memory will be longer 
cherished as the "beloved physician," who for over 
half a century filled a place in Taunton and sur- 
rounding towns none other can ever fill. He was a 
man who, in all the walks of life, was of inflexible 
integrity. This was his pre-eminent characteristic. 
His object in all the varied demands of life was to 
ascertain his duty, and then to do it at whatever cost. 
No higher encomium on any man's memory could be 
written. Thus he honored his domestic relations, his 
professional position, his social and civic obligations, 
and exemplified the teachings and requirements of 
the church of his choice. 



HON. CHARLES RICE VICKERY. 
Hon. Charles Rice Vickery was born in Weir vil- 
lage, Taunton, Mass., Nov. 24, 1800, and died at hia 
residence in this city. Jan. 16, 1883. He was a son 
of Capt. David and Priscilla (Barnum) Vickery. 



864 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



His mother was the daughter of Caleb Barnuin, the 

seventh minister of Taunton, who died in 1776, while 
on his way to join a regiment of Continentals as chap- 
lain, soon after the outbreak of the Revolution. 

JJir. Vickery was best known to the present gener- 
ation by his years of service as cashier and president 
of the Machinists' Bank, but prior to those duties he 
was an energetic merchant, and one of the best auc- 
tioneers that ever wielded a hammer in Bristol 
County. Mr. Vickery was also an ,pld-fastiioned 
Democrat, and for many years an. active p'olitician 
and leader of that party in this county,. His service 
in State duties was as senator from this district in 
1852. He was postnuister of Taunton for more than 
twenty years, and held .many , offices of trust. His 
geniality and pleasant manners made him a wide cir- 
cle of friends during his long life. 

He was twice married, first to Rebecca Church, 
and had four sons,-— Charles 0., John M., Benjamin 
C, and James E.,— all of whom were born in Taun- 
ton, grew to maturity, and all died before their father. 
Mr. Vickery married for his sc^cond wife Ann S., 
daughter of Dr. Alfred Bay.lies,of Taunton, Nov. 30, 
1858. She survives him. "' ■ 

Mr. Vickery was for many years a promiuept mem- 
ber of the First Congregational Society, and' a mem- 
ber of the building committee of the 'present church, i 

Mr. Vickery was a man of unblemished -characier;.- 
spotless integrity, sound .and discriminating judg- 
ment, keen foresight, and conservative in all his 
views. He lived respected and died regretted. 



THEODORE .DEAIT. 

Theodore Dean is a lineal descendant in the seventh 
generation from John Deane, wlio came from Chard,. 
England, in 1637, and settled in Tauuton, then called 
Cohannet. The line of descent from John Deane.(fo'r- 
merly spelled with an " e" final) to Theodore Dean 
is as follows : John^ and Alice Deane had several chil- 
dren, the second son of whom was Thomas', born 
1642, died 1690. He married Katharine Stephens, 
who died in 1726. Their second son was Thomas", 
born 1673, died Sept. 10, 1747. He married Mary 
Kingsley, of Milton. She died Feb. 1, 1740, aged 
seventy-four years. Their second son was Josiah*, 
born 1699, died March 28, 1778. He married, in 1737, 
Jane, daughter of Capt. Nehemiah Washburn, of 
Braintree. She was born in 1715, and died in 1790. 
They had children, the fourtli son of whom was Hon. 
Joskih', born March 6, 1748. He was member, of 
Congress from 1807-9; died Oct. 14, 1818. He mar- 
ried Sarah Byram, who was born in 1750, and died 
Jan. 13, 1849, at the advanced age of ninety-nine 
years. They had eight children, the seventh of whom, 
Elhtb Bi/ram, born 1788, died Nov. 2, 1871. He mar- 
ried Charlotte Williams, of Taunton, and had twelve 
children, one of whom is Theodore. For a more com- 



plete history of John Deane, the ancestor, see "Pio- 
neer History of Taunton." 

Etiab Bi/rani. Dean' was a native of Raynhani, was 
a manufacturer of iron in early life, but toward the 
close was a farmer. He was a Whig and Republican, 
but never an aspirant for political honors. For more 
than fifty years he was a deacon of the Congregational 
Church in Raynham, and his faithful wife was a mem- 
ber until her death. 

, Theodore Dean was born in Raynham, Dec. 31, 
1809. He received a common school and academic 
education at Bristol Academy, Taunton, Mass. At 
eighteen he commenced teaching, and taught four 
winters with credit to himself and satisfaction to his 
constituents. He was reared a farmer and manufac- 
turer of iron, and continued with his father until 
1848, when he purchased his father's interest in the 
" old iron forge" at Raynham, and continued to 
conduct a successful business until 1873. This forge 
was the first in the Old Colony, and one of the first 
in America, those at Lynn and Braintree having been 
esta'blished at an earlier date. This forge or bloomery 
was establislied by Messrs. Henry and James Leonard 
and Ralph Russell as early as 1656. "The forge at 
Raynham was the great joint-stock company of that 
cvicinity and period.'' These works w'ere undoubtedly 
;very profitable, and the records say that " my share" 
lOr " shares iti the iron-works" were transmitted from 
father to son, or other heirs, for several generations. 
This old forge is now (1883) owned by Theodore Dean. 
It has been several times remodeled, and was in suc- 
cessful operation for more than two hundred years. 
Mr. Dean is also a desceiwlant from the Leonards on 
his father's side and through his grandmother, Sarah 
Byram, daughter of the Rev. Eliab Byram. 

Mr. Dean removed to Taunton, Aug. 15, 1866, and 
has continued to reside here since. He is a Repub- 
li«irl in politics, and represented Raynham and 
Easttm in the State Legislature in 1866, serving on 
the Committee of Banks and Banking. In 1851 he 
was chosen a director of Bristol County Bank, and, 
September, 1853, was chosen its president, and has 
served in that capacity till the present time. In 
1865 the name of this bank was changed to " Bristol 
County National Bank." He is a director in various 
manufacturing interests both at home and abroad, 
and in all of his varied interests has been successful. 
Mr. Dean is one of Taunton's most respected and 
wealthy citizens. He is a man of energy and deci- 
sion of character, with strong convictions, which he 
does not lack the courage openly to avow, and in all 
matters of business and finance his rare judgment 
and sagacity are unquestioned. He married Lydia 
A. Lord in November, 1854. They have had three 
children: (1) Florence, born Nov. 13, 1856, married, 
Oct. 25, 1876, Charles D. Stickney, of Fall River, and 
has two children, — Harold D. and Adelaide L. ; (2) 
Charles Theodore, born March 1, 1860, and died Aug. 
27, 1865; and (3) Bertha, born Sept. 15, 1866. 




f ^4^^ ■-"-., 







TAUNTON. 



865 



WILLIAM MASON. 

William Mason, tlie founder of the Mason Machine- 
Works at Taunton, Mass., belongs to that class of in- 
telligent and vigorous mechanics who, in spite of 
early disadvantages and by the force of native genius, 
leave their impress upon the age in which they live. 
New England has been especially fruitful in such 
men, and they in turn have rewarded her by making 
her the pride and glory of America. The following 
sketch of the life of Mr. Mason is taken mainly from 
" The History of American Manufactures," by J. 
Leander Bishop, A.M., M.D., and " Representatives 
of New England," by J. D. Van Slyck, published 
respectively in 1864 and 1879. 

William Mason was born at Mystic, Conn., in 1808, 
and was the son of a blacksmith and small farmer. 
His boyhood was passed in his father's shop and on 
the farm two-thirds of each year, and the remainder 
in the country school. When he was three years old 
the family removed to a small island at the mouth of 
the Mystic River. Here they remained for three years, 
and then removed to Stonington, where the father 
cultivated a small farm and worked at his trade as a 
blacksmith. William's mechanical aptitude early 
manifested itself. He fashioned his toys himself, 
using his father's jack-knife, and when eight years of 
age made jew's-harps, afterwards .some skates and 
sleds. He also succeeded in making musical instru- 
ments of various kinds. 

At thirteen years of age he left home, and going 
to Canterbury, Windham Co., Conn., he entered the 
spinning-room of a small cotton-factory as an opera- 
tive. William worked at cotton-spinning for about 
four years, spending one year at Lisbon in a cotton- 
thread factory. While at Lisbon, one of the more 
complicated machines needed repairs, and it was 
found that young Mason alone could make them. 
This fact becoming known at East Haddam, where a 
mill for the manufacture of thread was about to be 
established, he was sent for to start the machines, 
though only fifteen years of age. While employed at 
cotton-spinning at Canterbury he amused himself by 
making a "hurdy-gurdy." This instrument is still 
retained by Mr. Mason as a memento of his early me- 
chanical recreations. 

At seventeen he entered the machine-shop attached 
to the cotton-mill at Canterbury to learn the details 
of machine-work, and devoted himself to it three 
years, when he closed his apprenticeship and went to 
New Hartford, near Utica, N. Y. Here he obtained 
work in a machine-shop, but within a month the 
company failed and the shop was closed. The busi- 
ness, however, was soon started again, though on a 
more limited scale, and young Mason was re-engaged. 
After having been there about six months he returned 
to his old employer at Canterbury, and soon had 
finished and set up the first power-loom used in this 
country for the manufacture of diaper linen. He also 
constructed an ingenious loom for weaving damask 
55 



table-cloths, the figures of the middle and borders 
being interwoven ; but this machine, unfortunately, 
had a short career, as his employer soon failed. Mr. 
Mason, who had always possessed a taste for art, es- 
pecially for the art of painting, established himself 
for a short time as a portrait-painter. This, however, 
was not to be his life-work. 

In 1832 he received an order from John Hyde, of 
Mystic, for some diaper-looms. He had neither shop 
nor means to warrant his taking the contract, but ob- 
taining an advance on the job, he contracted for the 
necessary frames at a shop in Willimantic, with the 
privilege for himself and assistant of working there. 
Thus he realized a profit of about ten dollars a day. 
This was the turning-point of his career, and he 
thenceforward devoted himself to the manufacture 
of machinery. 

The reputation gained by the fulfillment of this 
contract with Mr. Hyde was the means of securing 
for Mr. Mason an engagement with Asel Lanphear, 
who had. a machine-shop in Killingly, Conn., and 
was at work on a new device for spinning, which has 
become well known as the ring and traveler, or ring- 
frame. It was the invention of John Thorp, of Prov- 
idence, R. I., by whom it was patented Dec. 31, 1828. 
This invention had been attempted several times 
before, but without success. Mr. Lanphear soon 
failed, and Mr. Mason took charge of the establish- 
ment on account of the creditors, receiving a per- 
centage on the business. In the ring-traveler, un- 
developed and unskillfully made as it was, he saw the 
germ of a most important irapijbvement, and he at 
once constructed a machine for making it more per- 
fectly and of an improved form. He remodeled and 
perfected the " ring," and designed a new and taste- 
ful iron frame in place of the clumsy affair previously 
made. There was at first a limited demand, owing 
to the prejudice created by the failure of the old 
machine. The new device, however, soon acquired a 
reputation which it has retained to the present time. 

Having remained at Killingly two years, Mr. 
Mason entered the employ of Crocker & Richmond, 
then doing a large business in the manufacture of 
cotton machinery at Taunton, Mass. For the next 
twelve months he worked steadily on his ring-frames. 
Ill the financial crisis of 1837 Crocker & Richmond 
failed, and were largely indebted to Mr. Mason. 
Not discouraged, however, by this disaster, he at once 
devised a "speeder" or " roving-machine." Shortly 
afterwards the old machine-shop of Crocker & Rich- 
mond was started up again by Leach & Keith, and 
Mr. Mason was emf)loyed as foreman, with his pat- 
ented speeder as a specialty. The building of this 
machine soon gave way to the manufacture of the 
great invention of his life, the "self-acting mule." 
On this he experimented about two years, and re- 
ceived his patent Oct. 8, 1840. About the sa.me time 
the machine known as the "Scotch mule" was intro- 
duced into this country, and a more formidable rival 



866 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



appeared in 1841 in tlie "Siiarp & Roberts mule," 
imported by Maj. Bradford Durfee, and patented in 
this country Oct. 11, 1841. Tlie latter machine was 
in some respects superior to that of Mr. Mason, and 
lie set himself to make an entirely new mule. In 
this he succeeded, receiving a patent, Oct. 3, 1846, for 
what is known among cotton manufacturers as 
Mason's self-acting mule. Just before completing 
this machine, in the winter of 1842, he was taken ill, 
and, to add to his trouble. Leach & Keith failed, 
owing him a large amount. 

On his recovery he determined to engage in busi- 
ness on his own account, and through the friendly 
assistance of James K. Mills & Co., of Boston, he be- 
came the principal owner and manager of the works. 
The prosperous times which succeeded the tariff of 
1842, and the confidence of cotton and other manufac- 
turers in his mechanical abilities at once established a 
business which in a very few yearsenabled him to erect, 
after his own design, the noble buildings known as the 
Mason Machine- Works, the largest, it has been said, 
ever erected at one time for the manufacture of ma- 
chinery. The main shop was three hundred and fifteen 
feet long and three stories high, but addition after ad- 
dition has been made to accommodate a constautiy in- 
creasing business until now the buildings cover an ar^ 
of ten acres. His business for many years comprised 
the manufacture of cotton and woolen machinery, ma- • 
chinists' tools, blowers, cupola furnaces, gearing and 
shafting, but the branch in which he was especially 
successful was the manufacture of cotton machinery. 
In this department he labored indefatigably to devise 
and introduce those various improvements which 
have contributed to increase the production, extend 
the consumption, and diminish the price of cotton 
fabrics. 

In 1852, having placed his business as a manufac- 
turer of cotton and woolen machinery and of the 
iron-work just named on a solid basis, he resolved on 
a new and additional enterprise. The first locomotive 
was brought into this country from England early in 
1830 by Horatio Allen, of New York ; and the first 
American mechanic to engage successfully in their 
manufacture was Matthias W. Baldwin, of Philadel- 
phia, who built the first engine in 1832, and was fol- 
lowed by Thomas Rogers, of Paterson, N. J., in 1837. 
Both of these mechanics made important improve- 
ments in the details of their locomotives. These, 
however, were still built on the general plan and 
model of the English locomotives. Mr. Mason de- 
termined to contrive a new model, and in 18.53 he 
brought out his first locomotive, which at once at- 
tracted attention for its beauty and taste, as well as 
for its workmanship. The general form, as well as 
numerous improvements in details presented by 
him, has since been adopted by locomotive-builders 
throughout the country. He had erected in 1852 ad- 
ditional buildings, and he now entered vigorously into 
this new field. 



One of the improvements introduced by Mr. Mason 
was the casting of truck-wheels for locomotives and 
tenders with hollow or tubular spokes and rims, in- 
stead of the plate or solid wheels then in use. This 
secured greater strength to the truck-wheels, and 
made them uniform with the driving-wheels of the 
locomotives. The first locomotives brought out by 
Mr. Mason in 1853 were furnished with these im- 
proved truck-wheels. 

In 1857 the Boston firm with which Mr. Mason 
was connected in business failed, and for a short time 
he was obliged to suspend payments. He, however, 
soon started again on his own account, and conducted 
the business alone until 1873, when an incorporated 
company was formed for the purpose of perpetuating 
the business in the hands of his heirs and successors. 
It has since been known as the Mason Machine- 
Works. 

In 1879 there was added to the other works the 
manufacture of the Campbell printing-press, for the 
accommodation of which the capacity of the shops 
has been greatly enlarged, and new machinery put in 
adapted to that branch. The works produce an 
. average of one press a day, and employ in all depart- 
ments about a thousand hands. The officers of the 
'company are William Mason, president; William H. 
Bent, treasurer; Frederick Mason, agent. 

(Since the above was written Mr. Mason has passed 
f away. - He died JVIay 21, 1883.) 



HENRY S.iREED. 

The family of Reed, spoiled variously Eeade, Rede, 
Reid, Read, and Reed, traces its lineage back to the 
Norman conquest. Among the names contained on 
the muster-roll of William the Conqueror in 1050 was 
John Rede, or John of Rede. (See biography of 
Henry C. Read, of Attleborough.) 

William Reade, supposed to be the son of William 
Reade and Lucy Henage, was born in 1605, and sailed 
from Gravesend, in the County of Kent, in the "As- 
surance de Lo" (Isaac Broomwell and George Persey, 
masters), in 1635. He settled in AVeymouth, Mass., 
and was made freeman Sept. 2, 1635. He bought a 
house and land of Zachary Bicknell, for seven pounds, 
thirteen shillings, and four pence, in 1636. 

Mr. Reade was among the early settlers of Wey- 
mouth, it having been made a plantation May 8, 
1635, and Rev. Mr. Hull and twenty-one families set- 
tled there. He was representative from Weymouth 
in 1636 and 1638. 

The Christian name of his wife, it is supposed, was 
Avise. Their children were William, Esther, Thomas, 
John, Mary, and Margaret. 

John'-, son of William', of Weymouth, was born in 
1649, married Bethiah Frye. Their children were 
John, William, Thomas, George, Mary, Ruth, and 
Hannah. 

Mr. Reade was a house-carpenter, and appears to 





: f ^^^ 



< 



TAUNTON. 



867 



have been a man of considerable property and an 
extensive dealer in land. Tbe records describe about 
a dozen pieces of laud bought by him in Taunton, 
and several parcels sold by him. He was quite a 
business man in Taunton, but removed from there to 
Dighton, where he died Jan. 13, 1720-21. His wife 
died Oct. 20, 1730. They were buried in Dighton, 
on Burying Hill, between Upi)er and Lower Four 
Corners. He was the ancestor of tlie Taunton Reeds. 

William' (John=, William'), of Taunton, married 
Mary Richmond, June 8, 1721. Their children were 
John, William, Mary, and Abigail. He was a pious 
man. He died in 1734. The homestead is owned 
and occupied by one of his descendants at the present 
time (1SS3). 

His widow niarried Stephen Andrews, Nov. (3, 1738, 
a man of learning and piety, known by his neighbors 
as " St. Stephen," who lived to the age of nearly one 
hundred years. 

John* (William^ John^ William') was born in 
1722. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a man of 
considerable business; was one of the Committee of 
Inspection and Correspondence in the Revolution, and 
was also a religious man. He was above the middle 
stature, and rather stern in his manners. He married, 
Dec. 30, 1746, Dorothy Pinneo. Their children were 
Ruth, Lois, John, Mary, Dorothy, Hannah, Zilpah, 
Enos, and Lydia. 

He married for his second wife, Jan. 9, 1771, Mrs. 
Hannah Austin. Their children were Nathan, Phebe, 
David and Jonathan, twins. Mr. Reed's first wife, 
Dorothy, was the daughter of James Pinneo, a French 
Huguenot, who had escaped from France during the 
persecutions of that pious and devoted band, and 
after having been secreted in dens and caves in 
France, he finally made his way to America and set- 
tled in Lebanon, Conn. The Rev. Bazaliel Pinneo, 
of Milford, Conn., is his great-grandson. Mr. Reed 
died December, 1788. 

John* (John*, William', John'-, William') was 
born March 29, 1752. He was above the middle 
stature, athletic, and uncommonly regular in his 
habits ; was known in public life, having been select- 
man and representative several years. He was often 
chosen as arbitrator between parties, and was known 
as Esquire Reed. He was likewise distinguished for 
piety, and filled an important place in the society to 
which he belonged. He married Mary Godfrey, Nov. 
21, 1775. Their children were Joltn, born Aug. 11, 
1776 ; William, born Oct. 6, 1778 ; Polly, born Aug. 
31, 1782; Dolly, born May 31, 1785; Marshall, born 
Jan. 17, 1788; Hodges, born June 3, 1790; Sophia, 
born Sept. 2, 1792; Zilpah, born Dec. 22, 1796. Mr. 
Reed died Feb. 24, 1841, and his wife died Oct. 12, 
1843. She was a woman of superior sense and prac- 
tical piety. 

John" (John^ John*, William', John", William') 
was born Aug. 11, 1776. He was a merchant in 
Taunton more than fifty years. He married Rebecca 



Gooding, of Dighton, May 31, 1804. She was born 
Sept. 28, 1782. Their children were Mary Ann, born 
May 20, 1805 ; John, born June 17, 1808 ; Henrn (?., 
born July 23, 1810 ; Rebecca, born April 12, 1813 ; 
William A. (deceased), born Sept. 2, 1816; Sophia, 
born Nov. 9, 1818 ; Elizabeth G., born Sept. 4, 1822. 
Mr. Reed died Nov. 9, 1864 ; his wife died Jan. 31, 
1872. 

Henry G.' (John", John^ John*, William^ John^ 
William') was born July 23, 1810. He attended the 
public schools, and afterward the academy in Taun- 
ton. During school vacations he helped his father in 
his store. In his early life he made a collection of 
wood-working tools, and spent much of his leisure 
working with them, making useful articles for the 
family and neighbors, and miniature vessels and other 
toys for his mates. When eighteen years of age he 
entered the shop of Babbitt & Grossman as an ap- 
prentice, and continued with that firm and its succes- 
sors until he attained his majority in 1831. 

During his apprenticeship he had become the master 
of his trade, so that, continuing in the employ of the 
Taunton Britannia Manufacturing Company as a 
journeyman, working at first at the lathe and after- 
wards in various departments, he was in time intrusted 
with the oversight of the work of others, and was ap- 
pointed time-keeper and superintendent. These rela- 
tions he sustained when, in 1835, the firm was com- 
pelled to suspend operations, and the managing agent 
contracted with him and Mr. Barton to continue the 
business. He began the manufacture of britannia- 
ware, in connection with Charles E. Barton and Gus- 
tavus Leonard, in 1837, employing twelve hands. The 
business now is chiefly the manufacture of electro- 
plated silver-ware, and in times of ordinary prosperity 
eight hundred people are employed in the mills. There 
is no plate-ware which has a better reputation. The 
company is at present composed of Henry G. Reed, 
Henry H. Fish (deceased), and George Brabrook. 

Mr. Reed has been a director in the Taunton Bauk 
twenty years, trustee in the Taunton Savings-Bank 
nine years, a director in the City Mission ten years, 
and president of the Reed Association five years. He 
is a very conscientious man, of generous sympathies, 
and a valuable citizen. 

He married for his first wife Clara, daughter of Isaac 
White, of Mansfield. She died Sept. 27, 1847. His 
second wife, Frances L., daughter of Jared Williams, 
of Dighton, died May 9, 1857. He married, Oct. 27, 
1858, Delight R., daughter of Christopher Carpenter, 
of Rehoboth. His children are Clara I., Henry A. 
(deceased), Ida F. (deceased), Fannie L., and Henry 
Francis. 



THE BRABROOKS. 
Connected with the firm of Reed & Barton — the 
elder as a traveling agent, and the younger as a part- 
ner — are the two brothers, Alfred and George Bra- 



868 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



brook. These gentlemen are now widely known as 
having been many years efficiently connected with 
the business, and having developed qualities which 
render their services of great value. Both entered 
the employ of the company young, and both have 
attained to large spheres of trust and responsibility 
in their respective departments. 

Of the ancestors of the family in this country little 
is known, except that they are believed to have emi- 
grated from Scotland. Joseph Brabrook and Thomas, 
his brother, were of Concord, Mass., in 1669. From 
Joseph have descended all who bear the name in 
America. 

The progenitors from Joseph' were Josejih^, Ben- 
jamin', Benjamin', and Joseph-'. The last-mentioned 
was the father of Alfred and George Brabrook; also 
of Joseph Adams Brabrook, of Lowell, Mass., o^f Kev. 
Benjamin F. Brabrook, a Baptist clergyman, who died 
June 9, 1853, at Davenport, Iowa, and of Sarah E. A. 
Brabrook, of Taunton, Mass. Their mother's maiden 
name was Sally Adams. 

Alfred Brabrook entered the service of Reed & 
Barton as early as 1837, and subsequently secured a 
place for his brother George. It is only justice to the 
former to say that he has been a most efficient and 
active worker for the interest and prosperity of the 
house for nearly fifty years, and that his agency has 
contributed in no small degree to extend its busine.ss 
in the cities where he has traveled. Alfred maitied 
Martha Dorrence, and has two daughters living. 

George Brabrook, whose portrait appears oil another 
page, was born at Acton, Mass., Nov. 9, 1828. He 
was brought up on his father's farm at Acton, and 
received his education at the common schools. He 
remained on the farm until he had attained his ma- 
jority, and in 1850 became an employ^ in the shipping- 
room of Eeed & Barton, the firm with which he is at 
present connected. It would hardly be worth while 
to enter into details here of the different positions 
since filled by Mr. Brabrook. He has devoted him- 
self to business in whatever branch he has pursued 
with untiring diligence and energy, and it is not too 
much to say that his success and the honors which 
are accorded him, both by employes and associates, 
are commensurate with his exertions and with the in- 
telligence and genius which he has displayed in his 
work. After being in the employ of the house a 
short time, he traveled and sold goods as their agent. 
In 1859 he became a partner in the business, and so 
remains' at the present time. 

Oct. 25, 1860, Mr. Brabrook was united in marriage 
to Eliza H. Knowles. She is a descendant on her 
mother's side of Rev. Samuel Danforth, the fourth 
minister of Taunton, and came to Taunton from her 
native city of Boston when quite young. They have 
two sons, — Carleton and George Hale. 



MAJ. HENRY HUDSON FISH. 

Maj. Henry Hudson Fish was the son of Isaac and 
Sarah Barker Fish, and was born in Providence, 
June 5, 1807. He first attended school in Provi- 
dence, and was then sent to the academy at Wren- 
tham, Mass., and then to the school of Rowland 
Greene, in Plainfield, Conn. On leaving school he 
entered the store of Frederic Carpenter, of Provi- 
dence, and after the death of Mr. Carpenter he be- 
came a clerk of Mr. Henry Barton. He then went 
to Boston, into the auction and commission store of 
Whitewell, Bond & Co., where he remained until 
1827, when he went to Fall River, where he formed 
a copartnership with W. H. Hawkins in the dry- 
goods business, one of the earliest houses established 
there in that business. 

After several years of prosperous business he was 
elected treasurer of the Fall River Savings Institu- 
tion, and while holding this office was in 18.36 elected 
cashier of the Fall River Bank. In this way he was 
connected with the business interests of the city for 
nearly forty years. 

In 1863 ill health compelled him to resign, after 
holding the last-named position twenty -seven years. 

After about two years' rest and travel, with im- 
proved health he went into active business with 
'Reed '& Barton, of Taunton, Mass., in which concern 
he had been a partner for many years. 

From that time he resided in Boston and Taunton 
until October^ 1881, when he went to Fall River, 
making his home-there with one of his married 
daughters.' 

He married 'Eliza A. Glasier, of Fall River, Feb- 
ruary, 1830, by whom he had seven children, five of 
whom are still living. 

Soon after becoming a citizen of Fall River, he 
was elected ensign in a rifle company there, and sub- 
sequently was elected major of the regiment. He be- 
came a member of the infantry Sept. 9, 1824. 

He was much interested in music, and was very in- 
strumental in forming the first military band and in 
introducing the first organ, and formed a society for 
the study and practice of church music. 

He was a Sabbath-school teacher over fifty years, 
and maintained to the last a warm interest in all 
philanthropic efforts, particularly the education of 
the freedmen and Indians. 

He died Jan. 13, 1882, and was buried in Oak 
Grove Cemetery, Fall River. 



ABIEL B. STAPLES. 
A. B. Staples was born in Taunton, Mass., Jan. 19, 
1819. He is the son of Ebenezer and Susannah 
(Booth) Staples. His grandfather and great-grand- 
father were also named Ebenezer. The ancestors for 
several generations have resided at or in the imme- 
diate vicinity of Taunton. His father was by occu- 
pation a brick-maker, and reared quite a numerous 





^. 






a2/^J 



TAUNTON. 



869 



family. His cliildren were Benjamin F., Susaunali 
P., Ebenezer P. (deceased), Abiel B., Fanny M., 
Salome, Lydia M., Charity, John H., Henry B., Ann 
G., Edward W., and Silas L. ; all living except Eben- 
ezer, and all in Bristol County. Ebenezer, the 
father, was a deacon in the Baptist Church, and one 
of seven who founded the First Baptist Church in 
Taunton. The family for several generations have 
been Baptists. 

The only educational advantage enjoyed by A. B. 
Staples in his youth was an attendance of about three 
months of each year at the common school of his 
town, the other nine months he worked in his father's 
brick-yard. 

In April of the 'year in which he attained his 
majority (1840) he started business for himself He 
began in a small way making brick, and from that 
time to the present this has been his business. From 
year to year he added to his facility, and increaseli 
his capacity for manufacturing until he is now one 
of the largest brick manufacturers in the town. He 
is also quite a large contractor, and sells a great many 
brick for other parties, as the demand upon him fre- 
quently exceeds his capability for making. It is 
worthy of remark that Mr. Staples has never stopped 
his business on account of hard times or financial de- 
pression, and never discharged his men because his 
business was not at that particular time remunerative, 
but every season he has worked the season through. 
From the first it was his ambition to excel in the 
quality of his goods, and to this 'ambition tfiky be 
attributed the very favorable reception his bricks meet 
with at the hands of all masons using them. 

Mr. Staples was for several years a member of the 
City Council of Taunton, but has never sought politi- 
cal office. He has chosen to devote himself earnestly 
and entirely to his business. He is a shareholder, in 
two or three coasting vessels, is a charitable man so 
far as his means allow, and a liberal supporter of the 
church. 

He married April 20, 1842, Mercy J., daughter of 
Haven and Hannah Spooner, of Bari-e, Worcester 
Co., Mass. She was born Jan. 3, 1818. They have 
had four children, — Abiel W., died in infancy; Mary 
J., now Mrs. Levanseller, of West Washington, Me., 
she has one child, Clinton W. ; Emma, died in infancy ; 
Hannah F., now Mrs. Anthony Hall, of Taunton ; 
she has two children. Flora F. and Albert A. 



WILLIAM H. PHILLIPS. 

From the best data at hand we think that Capt. 
William H. Phillips is a lineal descendant from one 
William Phillips, who was one of the first purchasers 
in Taunton in 1637 or 1638. But little is known of 
him. In his will, dated April 16, 1654, he calls him- 
self threescore and ten years of age. He gives out 
his small estate to his wife Elizabeth and sou James, 



who, if he dies without issue, then to his daughter 
Elizabeth, wife of James Walker. 

This James Phillips had children, however, but 
their uames are not known to the writer. He prob- 
ably liad a son William, and certainly a grandson 
William, who was a native of Martha's Vineyard. 
He married Lucy Holly, a native of Nantucket. 
Their children were John, grandfather of Capt. Wil- 
liam H., another son died young, and four daughters, 
who obtained maturity. 

John. Phillips, son of William, was born in Taun- 
ton, Mass., March 20, 1781, and died in March, 1824. 
He married Deborah Phillips. She was born in 
Taunton, Dec. 11, 1781, and died Oct. 6, 1840. From 
the best information obtained the writer is of the 
opinion that this John Phillips was a cousin to the 
father of the well-known Wendell Phillips, and this 
corresponds to the tradition of the family. 

John Phillips was a brickmaker at one time at 
Daversport, but finally returned to Taunton in De- 
cember, 1812, where he carried on that business quite 
extensively, and was somewhat engaged in farming 
also. He was a very energetic man, a great worker, 
and called by his friends "working John." He was 
a soldier for a short time in the war of 1812. His 
children were William Stoddard; Lucy A., wife of 
Benjamin Stevens, of Pawtucket, K. I. ; Robert, lost 
at sea when a young man ; James ; Sarah W. and 
Ann M. (twins); Sarah W., wife of Reuben Pratt; 
and An-n M., married Eben Paull. 

Capt. William H. Phillips is also a great-grandson, 
on his Brother's side, from Jacob Haskins, who was 
born June 20, 1786, and on the 6th of April, 1759, we 
find liim an enrolled soldier in "His Majesty's ser- 
vi-ce" against the French and Indians. They marched 
from Taunton on the 16th of April, 1759, to Boston, 
and then took ship on the 10th of May for Louisburg, 
arriving there on the 24th. He served with distinc- 
tion through that and all subsequent wars till his 
death, Jan. 4, 1819. 

The first of his ancestors that we know of was one 
William Haskins (or Hoskins, as the name was 
sometimes spelled). He was at Scituate, Mass., in 
1634, afterwards at Plymouth. We know but little 
of him. His children were William, born Nov. 30, 
1647; Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Benjamin E., and Eliza- 
beth. 

William (the second) was the one who settled in 
Taunton; married, July 3, 1677, Sarah, daughter of 
Thomas Casewell, and had children,— Ann, Sarah, 
William, born June 30, 1681 ; and Henry, born 
May 13, 1683. 

Gen. Jacob Haskins, above mentioned, married 

Mercy , June 26, 1754. She died Feb. 17, 1839. 

Their children were Betsey, and Hannah, born Dec. 
13, 1774, and died May 11, 1843. She married Enos 
Burt, born Sept. 3, 1760, and died April 4, 1822. 
Of their ten children, Hannah, born May 12, 1799, 
i was the third child. She became the wife of William 



870 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Stoddard Phillips, and mother of Capt. William H. 
Phillips; Hannah M. ; John M., whose portrait and 
biography are in this work ; James O. ; Enos B. ; 
Frances D., died in inlanc)' ; Deborah F. ; Jacob, 
who died young ; and Mary E. 

William H. Phillips, the subject of this sketch, 
is a son of William Stoddard and Hannah (Burt) 
Phillips. On the paternal side he is the grandson of 
John Phillips, of Boston, who came to Taunton and 
married Deborah, a daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips, 
a well-known and highly-respected citizen of Taun- 
ton, who carried on an extensive trade by means of 
coasting vessels with the neighboring seaport towns. 
John Phillips, the grandfather of William H., and 
also his father, William Stoddard Phillips, were manu- 
facturers of brick, and followed the coasting business, 
principally in vessels of their own. They were enter- 
prising and successful men, particularly the latter, 
who accumulated considerable property. 

William H. Phillips, on his mother's side, is de- 
scended from the Burts of Taunton. His maternal 
great-grandfather was Stephen Burt, born .Tan. 26, 
1722, and died August, 1760. His wife's name Was 
Abigail. She survived him till March 15, 1791, when 
she died in the seventieth year of her age. Enos Burt, 
born Sept. 3, 1760, died April 4, 1822, and Hannah, 
his wife, born Dec. 13, 1774, died May 11, 1843, were 
the parents of Mr. Phillips' mother. The latter was 
Hannah Burt, born May 12, 1790, and died Dec. 13, 
1872. 

William H. Phillips was born on an island in the 
Blackstone River, at or near Central Falls, R. I., 
March 20, 1825. When he was a child his parents 
returned to their native town (Taunton), and here 
William was brought up and attended the common 
schools till the age of fourteen. At this period he 
began to go to sea in coasting vessels owned bj' his 
father, trading at Providence, Fall River, New Bed- 
ford, and other neighboring seaboard towns. Wil- 
liam took charge of one of the vessels as captain 
before he had attained the age of eighteen. He con- 
tinued to go to sea until 1857, when, on account of 
the increase of his business, he left the water and as- 
sociated himself with Capt. S. N. Staples, of Taunton, 
under the firm-name of Staples & Phillips. They, 
have since been engaged in the shipping and hand- 
ling of coal and iron, and in general commercial 
business. 

As a shipmaster, Capt. Phillips was eminently suc- 
cessful. Since his association with Capt. Staples the 
firm have carried on a large and increasing business, 
notwithstanding heavy losses in consequence of the 
monetary panic of 1873. They have, however, by 
their characteristic energy, surmounted their diflicul- 
ties and met all their obligations. Few local firms 
are more prosperous than they are at the present 
time. 

Mr. Phillips has been a Republican in politics 
since the organization of the party in 1856. In the 



last municipal election he took strong ground in 
favor of prohibition, and with the friends of the 
temperance cause had the satisfaction of seeing their 
representative, Hon. H. L. Cushman, elected mayor 
of Taunton. He was an active worker in securing 
the charter for the city government of Taunton, and 
was a member of the first City Council. He and his 
partner have taken an active interest in all measures 
looking to the growth and prosperity of the city. 
Among other interests may be mentioned their ac- 
tivity in behalf of the horse railroad which runs 
through the heart of the city, connecting Weir vil- 
lage and Whittington. 

In religious faith and practice, Mr. Phillips is an 
earnest and devoted Methodist, and his zeal and lib- 
erality in behalf of the cause have been evinced in 
the enlargement of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Weir village, and the founding of Grace Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Taunton. 

He married Fanny W., daughter of Joshua and 
Sally (Richmond) Shaw, of North Middleborough, 
Mass., Jan. 17, 1848. She was born Oct. 13, 1823, in 
North Middleborough, Mass. Their children were 
Henry S., who died in infancy, and Isadore L., born 
Aug. 20, 1852. She married John F. Montgomery, 
of Taunton, Jan. 27, 1875. They have three chil- 
dren, viz.: Fanny W., Hugh, and Mary P. 



JOHN MARSHALL PHILLIPS. 

John Maeshall Phillips, a younger brother of 
William H. Phillips, was born in Taunton, Mass., 
April 8j 1829. He was brought up partly on the 
farm and partly as a sailor on coasting vessels be- 
longing to his father, and began to go to sea at about 
twelve years of age. Up to this time he had been a 
regular attendant at the common schools; but be- 
tween twelve and twenty his time was divided be- 
tween sailing in summer and going to school in 
winter. During this period of his seafaring life 
he developed much independence of character, and 
was a mate at seventeen and a captain at nineteen 
years of age. 

In 1849, at the age of twenty, he was among the 
first adventurers to California, making the voyage 
thither ria Cape Horn in the brig "Triumph," com- 
manded by his uncle, Capt. Hiram Burt. It required 
two hundred and sixty days to make the voyage. 
His life of two years in the mines was comparatively 
uneventful, or at least partook of those character- 
istics of mining life w^hich are now commonly under- 
stood and familiar to most readers. During his so- 
journ in Camp Saco, a Mexican town, an incident 
deserving of record occurred. Cajjt. Phillips ob- 
served that among the flags floating from the build- 
ings in the* mountains there was no flag of the 
United States, to whom the country belonged, and 
he determined to raise the symbol of America in 
the town. There was no American flag to be found. 





4.(^1-^ 



TAUNTON. 



871 



and no materials to make one of could be procured 
short of a distance of one hundred and seventy-five 
miles; yet such was the ardor and patriotism of Capt. 
Phillips that these difficulties were not considered too 
great; the distance was traveled, the materials pro- 
cured at whatever cost, and in due time a " star-span- 
gled banner," made by his own hands, with the assist- 
ance of his partner, was flung to the Pacific breeze 
and floated proudly among the emblems of other 
nationalities. This was the first American flag ever 
raised in that town. 

Returning home, Capt. Phillips purchased a vessel 
and engaged in the coasting trade. This business he 
has since followed, with varying fortunes and inci- 
dents, till within a few years past. He has built 
several vessels of late years, among which may be 
mentioned the " Calvin P. Harris," launched at 
Bath, Me., in August, 1871, and the "Alfred Bra- 
brook," launched in October, 1873, from the same 
yard, — that of Goss, Sawyer & Packard, Bath, Me. 

He owns an interest in a number of vessels, and is 
part owner and master of the new excursion steamer 
" Empire State," plying in Boston and adjacent waters 
as a summer excursion boat;. " The Hand-Book of 
Boston Harbor" speaks of this steamer thus : 

" One of the chief features of the summer pleasure 
of Boston is the immense three-decked steamer ' Em- 
pire State,' of seventeen hundred tons, with a length 
of three hundred and twenty feet, and eighty feet 
beam, and spacious and beautiful saloons, dining- 
rooms, promenade deck, and other luxuriant appur- 
tenances." : .• .. .-■, . 

Capt. Phillips is a self-made man, and is noted for 
his liberality, being free to bestow of his means upon 
charitable and worthy objects. He and his family are 
members of the Universalist Church, of Taunton, 
Mass. 

He married, Jan. 15, 1854, Martha E. Moiton, 
daughter of Isaac and Hannah Morton, of Gorham, 
Me. They have had five children, three sons and two 
daughters, the latter, viz., Agnes L. and Minerva R., 
are living; two sons died in infancy, and M. Walter, 
the second son, died at the age of twenty-three, 
March 1, 1881. He had, three years previous to 
his death, been clerk of the steamer " Empire 
State." 

KEV. MORTIMER BLAKE, D.D.> 
Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D., was born in Pittston, 
Me., June 10, 1813, the son of Ira Blake, a native 
of Wrentham, and descendant of John Blake, of Sand- 
wich, who removed to Wrentham with the returning 
settlers after its destruction in King Philip's war. 
The mother of the subject of our sketch was Laura 
Mowry, descendant of Nathaniel Mowry, one of the 
first settlers of Providence, R. I. The parents met 
and married in Maine, where the father was teaching, 

1 Prepared by S. Hopkins Emery. 



and returned thence to Franklin, Mass., when the son 
was about four years old, and there they spent the re- 
mainder of their days. The father was a bright, 
clear-headed man, given to books, and the mother a 
woman of keen, quick intellect, remarkable memory, 
fond of old ballads and poetry generally. 

Their son Mortimer had a strong passion for books, 
and devoured all the libraries within his reach. When 
about ten years old he fell in with a Latin grammar, 
and began study without any teacher. His grand- 
father Blake, a good deacon of the church, for the en- 
couragement of the lad, offered to pay the minister 
if he would hear him recite. A bargain was soon 
made with Rev. Mr. Smalley (afterward Dr. Smalley, 
of Worcester), and the boy mastered Virgil and Cicero, 
and was all ready to start out on Greek before the 
thought of college had entered his mind. 

When fifteen, a German Jew, by the name of Seixas, 
visited the place to form a class among the ministers 
of that region for the study of Hebrew. He occupied 
a" part of Dr. Emmons' house. Young Blake was in- 
vited to join the class. He consented, not without 
fear and trembling among so many ministers. But 
Seixas was a fine teacher, and those lessons, taught by 
a new method, on written sheets, inhere to this day. 
All this time there was no college visible ahead. But 
the good grandfather had it in mind, and he, a man 
of faith and prayer, was hoping and expecting a min- 
ister might come of all this. And so when Abijah 
R. Baker (afterwards Rev. and D.D.) opened an acad- 
emy in Medway village, young Blake was sent there 
with the purpose of fitting for college, with the full 
consent of his parents and all concerned. He en- 
tered Amherst College in 1831, and graduated in 
1835. It was in the winter of 1834 he became a de- 
cidedly Christian man, and thus answered the prayer 
of the godly grandfather, who had his education so 
much at heart. In his college course, which the 
writer well remembers, being only in the class before 
him, those rare qualities of mind and heart were de- 
veloped which have done so much for the ministry 
and the church. As is not uncommon with college 
students, the graduate of 1835 turned aside for a sea- 
son to teach. He had tried his hand at this in Hop- 
kins Academy, Hadley, for a term in his senior year. 
His many friends in Franklin urged him to open a 
school there. A stock company erected a large build- 
ing for the purpose, and in the course of three years 
nearly a thousand different scholars came under his 
instruction, many of thear now well known in the 
pulpit and at the bar. Meanwhile he was studying 
theology with the pastor of the Franklin Church, 
Rev. E. Smalley, and he w;w approbated to preach by 
the Mendon Association, April 24, 1838. 

This same year (1838) he received and accepted a 
very urgent invitation from the trustees of the Hop- 
kins Academy, Hadley, who remembered his teaching 
qualities in 1835, to take charge of their institution. 
He served them only one year. He was beginning to 



872 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



be hungry for tins ministry, to which he had been set 
apart. His first pastorate was witli the Congrega- 
tional Church in Mansfield, Mass., where he was or- 
dained and installed Dec. 4, 1839. The church was 
young and struggling, a missionary church, but dur- 
ing the sixteen years' pastorate of their minister was 
built up in knowledge and good doctrine, and well 
established in the sisterhood of churches. It was a 
trial to tliem when, in 1855, Dec. 4, Mr. Blake, having 
accepted a call to the Winslow Church, Taunton, was 
installed their pastor. But the removal was not to a 
distance, and no minister has a warmer greeting in the 
Mansfield pulpit than their pastor of 1839-55. 

The record of the long and most useful ministry of 
already eight-and-twenty years (with promised con- 
tinuance) in Taunton is not yet complete. Its finished 
history cannot be writtten. Enough is known of it, 
however, to warrant the assertion that not only has 
one church felt the quickening iDfluence of such a 
protracted pastorate, but all the" churches of every 
order, and the entire%city as well as the adjoining 
towns, have been reached and blessed by it. The 
church conferences, the Sabbath-school conventions, 
the ministerial associations, the public gatherings of 
every name have become accustomed to the presence, 
and feel lost without the wise coun.sel and easy direc- 
tion of this one man. The young find in him. a sym- 
pathizing, helpful friend in all their attempts to ini- 
prove time and get knowledge. The Agassiz Club, 
organized by young students to promote the study of- 
mineralogy and natwal, science, has no more active, 
whole-souled membei'^han Dr. Biake. The Wheaton 
Female Seminary at Norton'leans upon the president ■ 
of its board of trustees more than any one else for 
sympathy and advice. -The State' societies of ■ the 
Congregational order iiave appreciated the valUe of 
Dr. Blake's services, since for several' years he was 
one of the executive committee of the Massachu- 
setts Home Missionary Society iCad of tlie Congrega- 
tional Board of Publication (its secretary 'at the time 
of the union of the latter with the Massachusetts 
Sabbath-School Society under the new name of the 
Congregational Publishing Society, and since that 
union one of the managers and now the secretary of 
the new society). Amherst College, his Alma Mater, 
honored herself as well as her son in conferring, in 
1868, the honorary degree of D.D. upon this graduate 
of 1835. It was a just recognition of services ren- 
dered, of attainments made, and eminence reached 
by the Franklin boy of 1817. 

The publications of Dr. Blake have been, in 1844, 
a 16mo volume entitled "Gethsemane and Calvary," 
which has passed through several editions ; in 1853 
a 12mo, " Centurial History of the Mendon Associa- 
tion ;" in 1878 an 8vo, " History of the Town of 
Franklin," beside several pamphlet sermons and 
magazine publications. Dr. Blake has the reputa- 
tion of being a zealous and accurate historian, has 
long been a member of the New England Historical 



and Genealogical Society, and is one of the vice- 
presidents of the Old Colony Historical Society. 

He married, Feb. 21, 1837, Miss Harriet L., 
daughter of Joseph and Susan (Fisher) Daniels, of 
Franklin, Mass., a descendant of .Toseph Daniels, of 
Medtield. 

They have four children, — 

(1) Evelyn Laura, married to Bradford F. Morse, 
of Franklin, and now engaged in the straw business 
in Taunton. They have two daughters, with their 
parents, church members. 

(2) Percy Mortimer, married to Miss Phebe Shef- 
field, of Lyme, Conn., who resides in Hyde Park, and 
is actively employed as sanitary and civil engineer in 
introducing pure water into cities and towns. They 
have three children. 

(3) Lucien Ira, a graduate of Amherst College in 
1877, and of the Eoyal University of Berlin, Ger- 
many, where he has received the degree of Doctor of 
Philosophy. He is about returning to the United 
States, and has already overtures from several literary 
institutions regarding a professorship. 

(4) Harriet Daniels, a graduate of the Wheaton 
Seminary, Norton, in 1878, and a teacher of private 
classes in natural science and literature. 



REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS EMERY.> 
Rev, Samuel Hopkins Emery was born in Boxford, 
Mass., Aug.' 22, 1815, and is the fifth son of Joshua 
and Elizabeth (Welcll) Emery, a descendant of John 
Emery, of Newbury, who cauie, with his brother An- 
thony, from Romsey, England, in 1635. His mother 
w'as daughter of Col. Joseph Welch, of Plaistow, N.H., 
a commander of New Hampshire troops in the Revo- 
lution, and 'a friend of Washington. He lived to be 
ninety-seven, and his daughter, Mrs. Emery, ninety- 
tivo.' Mr.- Emery's protonym was given from his 
mother's high regard for Rev. Dr. Samuel Hopkins, 
of Newport, R. I. 

•The war of 1812 and a destructive fire in Newbury- 
port so crippled the Emery family that they removed 
to Boxford, and afterwards to North Andover. In 
1824 the father was elected the steward of the Ando- 
ver Theological Seminary, an oflice which he held to 
universal satisfaction for twenty-five years. Young 
Emery entered Phillips Academy, and on the grad- 
uation of his brother Joshua from Amherst College, 
in 1831, he entered as sophomore in the same institu- 
tion. He graduated in 1834 with the second honors 
of his class of forty, and was immediately invited to a 
professorship in the State Institution for Deaf Mutes 
in New York City, which ofl'er he declined and en- 
tered the Theological Seminary at Andover. In his 
last year he delivered the Master's oration at Am- 
herst, on taking the degree of A.M. On the Sabbath 
after his graduation at Andover, in 1837, he preached 

1 Prepared by Kev. Mortimer Blake, D.D. 




CdLi.O'S Qa fiOcrwoiA^c^ 



TAUNTON. 



873 



to a newly-formed church in Taunton, and was in- 
stalled its pastor on the 23d of November, 1S37. It 
was a missionary church of few members, but they 
were earnest, and, under the zealous young pastor, 
flourished as the Spring Street Church until, after 
three years, he was induced to go to the church in 
Bedford, Mass. But love for his first church soon 
called him back to it, pastorless and struggling, and 
he was reinstalled on the 6th of January, 1847. Mr. 
Emery's persistent energy infused a new life, and the 
church moved its location, built a new and fine edifice, 
and changed its name to that of Winslow Church. 

In October, 1855, Kev. Mr. Emery received and 
finally accepted the pastorate of the First Congrega- 
tional Church in Quincy, 111. He remained there as 
pastor for fourteen years, acting meanwhile as regis- 
trar of the State Association of Churches for ten years, 
and during the war of the Rebellion serving as hos- 
pital chaplain in six hospitals in Quincy, but in 1869 
his love for the old Bay State drew him back to the 
East. On his way he preached three months to the 
New England Church in Chicago, until their pastor- 
elect was ready to fill his office. After his return he 
preached two years in Richmond Street Church, 
Providence, R. I., until the rearrangement of the 
Congregational Churches in that city was completed. 
While there he was called to a new church enterprise 
in North Bridgeport, Conn., which became firmly es- 
tablished during his three years' pastoral care. In 
May, 1874, Mr. Emery accepted a call to supply the 
church in North Middleborough, Mass., where he 
labored with marked acceptance until, in October, 
1876, at the united solicitation of the churches in 
Taunton, he consented to take the superintendence 
of their Union City Mission, where he has since 
been fully occupied, the mission now bearing the 
name of the Associated Charities of Taunton, of 
which he is secretary and superintendent. It is a 
position for which he is eminently fitted by his warm- 
hearted sympathy, his devoted fidelity, and ever- 
ready helpfulness, and he has the highest confidence 
and respect of the community, and the love and bless- 
ing of the poor and troubled, to whom he is a never- 
failing helper and adviser. 

Rev. Mr. Emery married on the 7th of March, 1838, 
Miss Julia Reed, of Taunton, a graduate, and after- 
wards teacher, in the Ipswich Female Seminary. She 
is the daughter of Deacon William Reed, of this 
city, a descendant of one of its oldest families. In 
March last their large circle of friends unexpectedly 
celebrated with tliem by suitable rites their forty- 
fifth marriage anniversary with great delight. 

Mr. Emery has had four sons, of whom three still 
live, — Saiiuie/ Hopkins, Jr., married Mary, daughter 
of Rev. Dr. A. W. McClure, first of Maiden and af- 
terwards of Jersey City, N. J., and is now a lawyer in 
Boston, and a lecturer in the Concord School of Phi- 
losojihy ; Francis Wolcott Heed, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Theophilus Sproat, of Taunton. His 



health was injured by his long service in the Union 
army, and especially by his nine months' confinement 
in Andersonville prison, and he is seeking recovery 
by farming and wheat-raising in Dakota; Joseph 
Welch, married Eflie Stillwell, of Hannibal, Mo., and 
still lives in Quincy, 111., where he is a member of the 
firm of Channon & Emery, stove manufacturers. 

Rev. Mr. Emery has been an indu.strious explorer 
of local history, and has published in two thick vol- 
umesa "History of the Ministry ofTaunton," asalsoa 
" History of the Congregational Church of North Mid- 
dleborough," besides shorter articles of local interest 
too many to mention. He was one of the charter mem- 
bers of the Old Colony Historical Society, incorpo- 
rated the 4th of May, 1853, of which he was the first 
recording and corresponding secretary, a correspond- 
ing member of the Chicago Historical Society, and a 
resident member of the New England Historical and 
Genealogical Society, Boston. 



AMOS FREEMAN HOWARD. 
Amos Freeman Howard was born in Alfred, Me., 
Nov. 7, 1810. He was the son of Pomfret and Mehit- 
able (Scamman) Howard. Pomfret was probably a 
native of Dover, N. H. He settled in Maine when a 
I young man, and there followed the hatter's trade. 
j He married Feb. 20, 1791. The children were seven 
iu number, — Sarah, Mehitable, Samuel S., Mary, 
' Humphrey, Joseph B., and Amos F. Of these Mehit- 
able died at twenty-four; Samuel S. married and set- 
j tied at New Orleans, where he died ; Mary married 
I James Shaw, of Augusta, Me. ; Humphrey died 
I young ; Joseph B. settled in New Orleans, where he 
died at the age of twenty-one ; Sarah and Humphrey 
died young. Pomfret died May 27, 182G; the date 
of his birth is unknown. His wife, who was born 
Aug. 19, 1770, died Sept. 4, 1844. Her father. Dea- 
con Samuel Scamman, was a man of prominence, and 
the owner of large landed property, and from him are 
descended a large and intelligent family, which are 
scattered all over the country. He and his wife died 
at Saco, Me., where they had lived a long and useful 
life, and where their memory is still reverently cher- 
ished. Their daughter Mehitable was a most worthy 
lady, of sound judgment, strong will, and earnest 
piety. Her strength and purity of character was 
recognized by all who knew her. 

The educational advantages enjoyed by Amos F. in 
his youth were meagre indeed, but by the exercise of 
that indomitable courage and enterprise which never 
deserted him through life he obtained through read- 
ing and reflection a fund of useful information and 
intelligence which in after-years placed him on a 
plane with the most intelligent men of the various 
communiti&s in which he lived. AVhen but a boy he 
learned type-setting, and at the age of fifteen went to 
Dover, N. H., and obtained employment in a print- 
ing-office. Here he remained only a short while, 



874 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



however, as he was cilled liome by the death of his 
father. He immediately entered tlie otSce of register 
of deeds as a copyist. lu this office, and those of the 
clerks of the different courts, he employed himself 
till his twenty-second year, when, in copartnership 
with William G. Conant, he began merchandising at 
Alfred, under the iirni-name of Conant & Howard. 
Here he continued some three years, when he went 
to Sanford, Me., as clerk for the Franklin Manufac- 
turing Company, which was located at Springvale. 
At this place he remained some ten years, but as the 
Franklin Manufacturing Company failed, the most of 
this time was spent in trade. In 184G he went to 
Saco, Me., and engaged as overseer in the dyeing and 
finishing department with the York Manufacturing 
Company. He remained with this company some 
twelve years, when he removed to Manchester, N. H., 
where, however, he only remained a short while, then 
went to Biddeford, Me., where be became superin- 
tendent of the Pepperill Mills. One year later he 
came to Warren, Mass., as agent for the Warren 
Cotton Mills, in which capacity the next nine years 
of his life were spent. In the spring of 1869 he came 
to Taunton, and in partnership with his son, Bion B., 
be purchased the Oakland Cotton Mills, and here re- 
mained till the close of his life, May 7, 1881. On 
Nov. 7, 1833, Mr. Howard married Mercy, daughter 
of Capt. Joseph and Susan (Varrell) Lowe. She was 
born Nov. 30, 1808, at York, Me. Their children are 
Bion B. (deceased) ; Marxj B., now Mrs. William W. 
Stevenson, of Greenville, N. H. ; Heleyi, now Mrs. 
Joseph S.Tidd, of Taunton, Mass.; Susan L., Marcia A. 
(deceased), Charlis A. (deceased), Marcia'' (deceased). 
All of the children were born in Maine. In politics 
Mr. Howard was a Whig, afterwards Eepublican. He 
was selectman, justice of the peace, and held other 
minor offices, but avoided so far as he might con- 
sistently with his duty as a citizen all official place or 
distinction. He was a worthy member of the Union 
Congregational Church at Taunton, and was a deacon 
in Congregational Church at Warren, Mass. Mr. 
Howard was a man of sterling good qualities, but it 
was in the family circle his virtues shone brightest. 
His home was the dearest spot on earth to him, and 
it seemed to be the great object of his life to render 
all around him happy. 

Oakland Mills, of which Mr. Howard died pro- 
prietor, were first established by Silas Shepard more 
than half a century ago, and were known throughout 
the country as " Shepard's Factory," which name is 
still applied by many. It is situated on Three-Mile 
Eiver, two and a half miles from Taunton Green. 
The principal business was the manufacture of cotton 
flannels. Upon the death of Mr. Shepard the mills 
became the property of L. R. Chesbrough, his son-in- 
law, and from him, in 1869, Mr. Howard and his son 
purchased the property. When they took charge of 
the mills they dropped the manufacture of cotton 
flannels and began making denims and tickings. They 



also began at once remodeling and improving, adding 
new machinery, substituting the latest improved 
looms, ^etc, for the more antiquated affairs then in 
use ; and by availing themselves of modern advantages 
were able to successfully compete with -other enter- 
prising concerns. In 1880 they made such additions 
to their buildings and machinery as to increase their 
capacities about one-half LTpon the death of Amos T. 
Howard, his son, Bion B., succeeded to the manage- 
ment, but lived only a short while, dying in December 
of the same year (1881). He was possessed of excel- 
lent business capacity, as was evidenced by his eigh- 
teen years' successful career as agent for the Cordis 
Mills, Millbury, Mass. He was a ivian of high char- 
acter, and thoroughly upright and honorable in all 
business relations. A wife and two children, Bessie 
B. and Bion B., survive him. After his decease, Mr. 
J. S. Tidd bought out the interest of the heirs of Bion 
B. Howard, and assumed the management. The jirop- 
erty is now owned by Mr. Tidd and the heirs of A. F. 
Howard jointly. They now furnish employment to 
about one hundred and thirty hands, run six thousand 
spindles, one'hundred and forty-four looms, and manu- 
facture about ten thousand yards of cloth daily. The 
business under Mr. Tidd's management has been very 
successful indeed. They have the latest and best 
machinery, and keep apace with the times in every 
particular. 

Mr. Tidd was born in Warren, Worcester Co., 
Mass., Jan. 23, 1843. He \^ the son of Samuel and 
Maria E. Tidd, and was brought up on the farm, and 
at nineteen years of age he enlisted for one year in 
the United §tates army, Forty-third Massachusetts 
Infantry, was in a number of minor engagements in 
North Carolina, and was honorably discharged' at 
expiration of service. He returned home and became 
an employe in the counting-room of A. F. Howard 
in Warren Cotton-Mills. He continued in the employ 
of same concern until 1873, when he accepted a place, 
again in the employ of Mr. Howard, at Oakland Mills, 
of which he is now general manager and treasurer. 
In December, 1867, he married Miss Helen, daughter 
of A. F. Howard. They have three children living, 
Joseph Howard, Winthrop L., and Marjorie, and one 
deceased, Lawrence A., died in infiincy. Mr. Tidd 
has been a member of City Council of Taunton two 
years, and is now a member of the Board of Alder- 
men, representing Ward 7. A Eepublican in politics, 
and a member of the Union Congregational Church 
at Taunton. 



NATHAN HACK SKINNER. 

Nathan Hack Skinner was born in Troy, N. Y., 
Nov. 1, 1828, the fourth of a family of six sons and 
three daughters. His boyhood was spent at home, 
and his educational advantages were limited to the 
common school. He went to Fall Eiver in 1846, and 
spent three years in the dry-goods trade. Eemoving 



\,v 




I 



HBAJXhi^ 




'i£^/i).(/^' 




TAUNTON. 



875 



to Taunton in 1849, he engaged in the employ of J. 
S. Rounds, becoming associated as partner in about 
three years, and, on the death of Mr. Rounds, in 
1860, succeeded to the entire business. 

He is now conducting successfully the largest mer- 
cantile business in Soullieastern Massachusetts. Not 
being an aspirant for political honors, he has never 
filled any pulilic oiEce, but has given faithful service 
in places of trust in mercantile, educational, and 
church affairs. He is a member of the First Congre- 
gational (Unitarian) Church, and is identified with 
the Republican party. His wife is Mrs. Lucy P. 
Skinner, by whom he has one daughter, Addie W. 

Josephus Skinner, father of Nathan H., was born 
in Mansfield, Mass., June 15, 1796. At the age of 
twenty-five he moved to Troy, N. Y., and remained 
three years. He spent the same length of time in 
Attleborough, Mass., and then removed to Norton, 
Mass., where he has since resided. He married Re- 
becca, daughter of Nathan and Olive (Grossman) 
Hack, born in Taunton, Aug. 10, 1802. Thomas 
Skinner, father of Josephus, was born in Mansfield, 
Aug. 17, 1751, living there until his decease in 1844, 
with the exception of the time spent in active service 
in the army of the Revolution. Occupation, farmer. 



THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE PRESBREY FAMILY 
AND LIFE OF SILAS DEAN PRESCREY'. 

Among the papers that came officially into the 
hands of the administrator of the estate of the late 
Capt. Seth Presbrey, of Taunton, was a document 
bearing across its back the following inscription : " To 
the generations of Presbreys iu coming time I be- 
queath this genealogical document." This paper 
bears date Taunton, April, 1845, and the statements 
jnade therein are undoubtedly trustworthy. From it 
is condensed the history of the first three generations 
as given in this article. The name is generally 
spelled Presbrey, but some scholars claim that as 
there is no such spelling in books of heraldry it is 
erroneous and should be spelled Presbury, and there 
are those of the family who adopt the spelling, 
whether or not with justice it is difficult with our 
present light to say. 

William Presbrey, the great-grandfather of the 
writer of the " genealogical document" described 
above, was born in the city of London about the year 
1690, and when ten years of age was impressed on 
board a man-of-war, where he remained until he was 
about twenty-one years of age. One summer, while 
the ship was lying in the harbor of Boston, he with 
others of the crew were permitted to go on shore, 
when he took occasion to stray away from his com- 
panions. Passing through what was afterwards 
called Roxbury, he pushed on through fields and 
woods, subsisting upon berries, and continued his 
traveling for four days, when he found himself in 



Taunton. He first stopped at the house of Mr. Na- 
thaniel Crossman, on what is now called Cohannet 
Street, at'a point nearly opposite White's Music Hull, 
perhaps a little farther down the hill towards the 
river. Mr. Crossman was a farmer, miller, and shoe- 
maker, and hired the young stranger for a year or 
two as man-of-all-work. It is said that Presbrey 
rigged the first properly-equipped vessel on Taunton 
River, which was a sloop built at Benjamin King's 
landing in Raynham. He eventually bought laud 
and built a house near "Spring Brook," where he 
lived, after taking for his wife one Hannah Smith, till 
he reached the ripe age of eighty-one years. They 
had two sons, William and Joseph, and one daughter, 
Hannah, who died a young woman. The older son, 
William, was a coaster and shoemaker, and lived in 
that part of Taunton known as the Weir. He 
married Mary White, and died at about the age of 
forty-five, leaving five sons and four daughters, as 
follows : William, Seth, John, Simeon, Levi, Lydia, 
Mary, Abigail, Betsey, " who all married and left 
families." 

William, a coaster and trader, married Lydia Pratt, 
and lived at the Weir, and died at the age of eighty- 
two, leaving children, grandchildren, and great-grand- 
children. 

Seth, coaster and trader, married Sarah Pratt; lived 
at the Weir, and died at the age of eighty-one, leaving 
children and grandchildren. 

John, having the same business as his brothers, was 
living in 1845, and was eighty-five years old. He mar- 
ried Prudence Pratt, and they became the parents of 
a large familj'. 

Simeon, a carpenter, lived in Norton ; married Abir 
gail Newton, and died at the age of about seventy- 
five. They too had a large family. 

Levi was a land surveyor; married Lina Pratt; 
went to Canada to survey a tract of land, and was 
frozen to death, while traveling on horseback, in the 
winter of 1800. He was thirty years old, and left 
children. 

i//rf(a married Samuel Haskins; removed to Cayuga, 
and lived and died there, aged seventy-five, leaving a 
family. 

Mary married Francis Goward, and lived in Easton, 
and died aged about eighty. She too had a family. 

Betsey married Jail Hathaway, and lived in Free- 
town, now Troy, and died at about eighty, leaving 
children and grandchildren. 

^iiV/aj'/ married Abijah Leonard, and lived in Mans- 
field, and died at about eighty, leaving children and 
grandchildren. 

The other son of the original William, Joseph, was 
a carpenter ; lived at the Weir ; married Molly Baker, 
and died aged about seventy-five years, leaving two 
sons and four daughters, — Elisha, Joseph, Sarah, 
Patty, Mary, and Hannah. Elisha passed the earlier 
years of his life near the Weir; was a carpenter; 
married Wealthea Wilbar, and had several children; 



876 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



he afterwards removed to Westmoreland, and there- 
after nothing is Irnown of him. 

Joseph, a carpenter, went to Connecticut ; married 
Patty Perkins ; removed to Lenox, Mass., and after- 
wards to Lanesborough, where he died at the age of 
seventy-eight, leaving one son and one daughter. 

Sarah married a Mr. Makepeace, and resided in 
Taunton ; had several children, and died at an ad- 
vanced age. 

Patly married Solomon Wilbar ; lived many years 
in Taunton, and afterwards removed to Troy, N. Y., 
where she died, in advanced years, the mother of sev- 
eral children. 

Marii married Timothy Leonard, and like her sister, 
removed to Troy, N. Y. Her after history is not 
given. 

Hannah lived in Troy with her sisters, and there 
married a Mr. Andrews. She had a large family, and 
was living in 1845. 

Sefh, the second son of William and grandson of 
the first William, was born in Taunton, Sept. 17, 

1752. He married Sarah Pratt, who was born Feb. 7, 

1753. Seth died Dec. 15, 1833, aged eighty-one years, 
three months, and twenty-eight days. His widow died 
May 21, 1834, aged eighty-one years, three months, and 
fourteen days. Their children were seven, as follows : 
Seth, Jr., born Nov. 11, 1780, died April 8, 1862; 
Sarah, born Oct. 1, 1782, died Feb. 20, 1826 ; Barney, 
born June 28, 1785, died Feb. 12, 1835; Allen, born 
Jan. 19, 1788, died March 15, 1788; Allen, born May 
27, 1790, died Dec. 6, 1879; Billings, born Jan. 14, 
1793, died May 23, ISla;, Samuel, born Sept. 8, 1796, 
died Oct. 6, 1834. 

Seth Presbrey, Jr., oldest son of Seth, married Mary 
Dean, Jan. 19, 1808. Mary, first born of James and 
Hannah Dean, was born in Taunton, Dec. 17, 1783. 
James, her father, was born Feb. 15, 1762, and was 
the fourth in descent from Walter Dean. 

To Seth, Jr., and Mary were born four children, as 
follows : Silas Dean Presbrey, born Dec. 3, 1808, lost 
at sea Nov. 23, 1837; Benjamin Franklin Presbrey, 
born Oct. 23, 1810, died Nov. 2, 1869; Billings Troop 
Presbrey, born Aug. 28, 1815, living; Harriet Ma- 
lancey Presbrey, born Oct. 23, 1823, married Isaac P. 
Hadwen Oct. 15, 1845. 

Billings Troop Presbrey, on Jan. 18, 1838, married 
Clarissa Burt Dean, daughter of Col. Israel Dean, of 
Taunton. Their issue has been but one child, Silas 
Dean Presbrey, who was born in Taunton, Oct. 19, 
1838. He passed his boyhood days in Taunton, living 
in that part of the town known as the Weir. At- 
tended public .school, when he was prepared for the 
Taunton High School. He was admitted to the high 
school in the spring of 1852, being then thirteen years 
of age. The high school was then held in the " Old 
Spring Street Church," and was in the charge of 
Ozias Pitkin, as principal, and Miss Mary Read and 
Miss Emiline Lathrop as assistants. In this school 
he was prepared for college, under the direction of 



the principal mentioned above and his successors, 
who were Mr. Ruggles, Mr. William L. Gage, and 
Mr. William E. Fuller, the last of whom was princi- 
pal only for the last six months of his pupilage, but 
had the important and not easy task of completing 
his preparation for college examination. In July, 
1856, he was admitted to Harvard College " without 
conditions." The next four years were those of the 
ordinary college student, who enjoys his privileges, 
but feels a duty to help to bear the expense of such 
a course. In the winter of sophomore year, 1857-58, 
he taught school on High Street, in Taunton; also 
during the winters of his junior and senior years he 
left his studies to teach as principal of the East Weir 
School, in Taunton. For the last two years of his 
college course, by his standing in his class, he became 
entitled to one of the State scholarships, which was 
granted him. During his college course he had the 
following honorary " parts" : Junior exhibition, May 
3, 1859, a Latin version, from Tennyson, "The Lotos- 
Eaters" (translation into Latin hexameters) ; Se- 
nior exhibition, Oct. 18, 1859, a dissertation, " The 
Poetic and Scientific Love of Nature." His " part" 
at Commencement, July, 1860, was a disquisition, 
"Parliamentary Manners." He maintained a good 
rank in his class, notwith.standing the fact that the 
overwork required of one who " went out to teach" 
so depressed his vitality that he was obliged to lose 
six weeks of his senior year by reason of an attack of 
pneumonia. At his graduation he was chosen a 
member of the Phi Beta Kappa of Harvard. 

On his return to Taunton he immediately entered 
his name with the late Dr. Henry B. Hubbard as a 
student of medicine, and commenced the study of his 
chosen profession. In October of the same year he 
joined the class in the Harvard Medical School, and 
was thus well started in his new work. It so hap- 
pened that early in the following winter Mr. William 
E. Fuller, who, it will be remembered, was the teacher 
who had the completion of Presbrey's college prepara- 
tion, and who had since that time remained principal 
of the Taunton High School, resigned this position to 
study the law, his chosen profession. The position 
thus made vacant was oflered to Presbrey, who, after 
some consultation with friends and advisers, and much 
disappointment at the interruption to his studies that 
it would cause, accepted the oflice of principal of the 
Taunton High School. The school was then large and 
prosperous, but was what might be called a " mixed 
school," having no regular curriculum of study. 
During his principalship the school was regularly 
graded, and a systematic order of study covering a 
four years' course adopted and put in successful opera- 
tion. He remained as principal of the school till 
June, 1863, when he resigned to return again to his 
studies. During the time of his teaching, while he 
had devoted his best thought and zeal to that work, 
he did not neglect to keep his interest in his chosen 
profession, and to devote to it all his spare time, so 





^^^^ac^ 




TAUNTON. 



877 



that the time passed as teacher was not entirely lost to 
his professional studies. 

Oct. 19, 1863, he married Sarah Williams Briggs, 
second daughter of Artemas and Susan Shaw (Wil- 
liams) Briggs, and immediately again joined his class 
in the Harvard Medical School, and continued his 
studies till the time of his graduation in medicine in 
the spring of 1865. In the fall of 1864 he was ap- 
pointed by the Governor resident physician (under- 
graduate) at the Tewksbury State Almshouse, where 
he got the first real experience in the every-day work 
of his profession. Soon after his graduation he opened 
an office in Taunton, and was appointed the first 
"city physician," an oflice which he filled till Janu- 
ary, 1870. In 1S65 he was admitted as a member of 
the Massachusetts Medical Society, and has held offi- 
ces in that society and in the Bristol North District 
Medical Society, of which he was president in 1869- 
70. In May, 1868, he removed to his present resi- 
dence at the corner of Weir and Harrison Streets. 
In 1866 he was elected a member of the school com- 
mittee, which office he held till January' 1872, and 
after a respite of five years was again elected to the 
same office, and has been a member of the school 
committee since that time. During each year of his 
membership in the board he has been one'of the 
standing committee on the high schofrf, audthis-is 
the sixth year of his service as chairman of that 
committee. He was chairman of the board of school 
committee during the year 1868 ; and has been fo*!- five 
years a trustee of Bristol Academy.' $n Jaily, 1877, 
he was appointed by the Governor one of the medicaT 
examiners of Bristol County, the appointment to last 
seven years. He was one of the founders and is now 
president of the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society, 
founded in October, 1877. This society is composed 
of the medical examiners of the State, and holds its 
meetings every fourth month in Boston. 

Besides attending to a large and responsible prac- 
tice, he has found time to publish some articles in the 
medical journals. In the Boston Medical and Snrf/i- 
cal Journal, July 13, 1876, he published " Notes of a 
Successful Case of Extirpation of the Uterus and 
both Ovaries for Fibro-Cystic Disease" ; also in the 
same journal in August, 1882, and in the Transactions 
of the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society will be 
found the address by the president on " What Con- 
stitutes a Medico-Legal Autopsy ?" 

In the spring of 1881 he was chosen one of the 
Board of Water Commissioners of Taunton, a position 
which he still occupies. Close application to his pro- 
fessional and many other duties made it necessary for 
him to take a vacation for rest and change in 1881. 
Accordingly he joined one of Mr. Tourjee's admirable 
excursion parties, and passed the summer in a de- 
lightful trip through England, Scotland, and portions 
of the continent, and, returning in September, again 
applied himself to his work. 

He has three daughters, — Clara Briggs, born Aug. 



26, 1864; Florence Nathalie, born Aug. 20, 1869; 
Laura Edith, born Aug. 24, 1871. 



JOHN P. BROWN, M.D. 

John P. Brown, M.D., superintendent of Taunton 
Lunatic Hospital, was born in Raymond, N. H., Oct. 
12, 1833. 

He was prepared for college at Andover, Mass., and 
at Hampton and Pembroke, N. H., and graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1860. In 1865 he received his 
medical degree at Harvard College. Soon after his 
graduation he was appointed assistant physician at 
the asylum for the insane in Concord, N. H., where 
he remained until he was elected superintendent of 
the Taunton Lunatic Hospital in 1878. 

Dr. Brown lias had large experience in his specialty 
of mental diseases' and in the cure and treatment of 
the iri'sane, having devoted eighteen years of his pro- 
fessional lifeto that work. 
' He is emphatically a self-made man, having ac- 
quired his education and achieved his success in life 
by his own unaided exertions. He supported himself 
through his preparatory course and while in college 
by teaching school. As superintendent and physician 
■of the insane, he-has acquainted himself with the most 
advanced discoveries of science relating to the care 
and treatment of that class, and has acquired a high 
repiikation in the special work to which his profes- 
sibnal life has been devoted. 

Dr. Browfl was married March 16, 1865, to Caroline 
A. Stevens, of Mount Vernon, N. H. They have one 
daughter, Gertrude Stevens. 



THOMAS JACKSON LOTHROP. 

Thomas Jackson Lothrop was born in Taunton, 
March 2, 1834. After a preparatory course in Bristol 
Academy, Taunton, he entered, in 1850, Harvard Col- 
lege. Immediately after graduation he sailed for 
Fayal, one of the Azores Islands, where he remained 
three years, being employed as tutor in the family of 
the vice-consul of the Azores. Returning home he 
began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar 
in Iowa in 1858. Soon after he returned to Taunton 
and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. lu 1859 
he formed a law partnership with Hon. John Daggett, 
of Attleborough. 

In 1862 he w.os appointed quartermaster of the 
Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and 
served in Louisiana under Gen. Banks, being mus- 
tered out with the regiment in September, 1863. 

In politics he was a Republican from the organiza- 
tion of that party till 1876, when he became identified 
with the Prohibition party. In November of 1863 he 
was elected to the Legislature, and in 1864 was chosen 
county treasurer, which office he held nine years. He 
has held the position of agent and treasurer of the 
Taunton Tack Company since June, 1868, and has 



878 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



been a member of the school commiUee of Taunton 
for eighteen years. He married, Aug. 24, 1858, Cath- 
arine Prescott Webster, of Cambridge. Children, — 
Harriet E., Arthur P., Olivia D., Cornelius R., and 
Th(mias M. Cornelius W. Lothrop, father of Thomas 
J., born in Taunton, March 28, 1812, was for a time 
engaged in the straw business, and afterwarils in fiirm- 
ing. He married, Feb. 20, 18.31, Eleanor Lincoln, 
daughter of James and Hannah Smith, of Taunton. 
Mrs. Smith was a daughter of Joseph Wilbur, a direct 
descendant of Shadrach Wilbur, who, while holding 
the office of town clerk of Taunton, was imprisoned by 
Sir Edmund Andros for refusing to give up the records 
of the town. (See sketch of Joseph Wilbur.) Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius W. Lothrop took great inter- 
est in the cause of education, and were highly es- 
teemed. 

He was killed in a saw-mill in Rraynham, Dec. 8, 
1847. His father, Howell Lothrop, born in Norton, 
April 16, 1787, married Sally White, daughter of 
Timothy White, of Taunton, and residad on his farm 
in Taunton until his death, June 9, 1857- His father, 
Solomon, born in Easton, Feb. 9, 1761, married Me-' 
hetable White, of Taunton, Sept. 18, 1782, and re- 
sided in Norton. Jonathan, father of Solomon, born 
in Easton, March 11, 1722, married Susanna, Johnson, 
and resided in his native town. .His father, Mark,' 
lived in Easton, and married Hanuah Alden, of Mid- 
dleborough, a great-granddaughter of John Alden, 
one of the passengers of the "Mayflower." His 
father was Samuel,'and his grandfather Mark, who 
came from England/gettled first in Salem, afterwards 
in Duxbury, and th«i in Bridgewater some time pre- 
vious to 1660. He was a brother of Rev. John Loth- 
rop, who settled in Barnstable, and Was the eighteenth 
child of Thomas Lothrop, of Elton, in England. 
This Thomas was the son of John, of the parish of 
Lowthorpe, in the East Riding of York, which gave 
name to the family. 



ELIJAH UTLEY JONES, M.D.> 
Elijah Utley Jones, M.D., was born in Augusta, 
Me., May 2, 1826, the eldest son of Ebenezer and 
Clara (Mandell) Jones. His father was a native of 
Charlton, his mother of Hardwick, both in Worcester 
County, Mass. His graudfather Mandell is remem- 
bered as a brave patriot in Revolutionary times. 
Elijah Utley was fitted for college when fourteen, but 
did not enter Waterville College (now Colby Uni- 
versity) till September, 1841. He was dependent on 
his own resource? for support during his college 
course, and these were not sufficient to furnish him 
suitable food. He boarded himself. Poor diet and 
too much study left him an invalid when he was 
ready to leave college. After his graduation he per- 
severed notwithstanding his ill health, and taught 

1 Prepared by S. Hopkius Emery. 



school, first in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1845, in Slaters- 
ville, R. I., in 1846, and in East Douglass, Mass., in 
1847, where he remained a year, as principal of the 
academy, in exceeding poor health, with cough and 
symptoms of consumption upon him. Obliged to 
stop for a while, after a little rest he tried teaching 
again in North Brookfield in 1848. Once more driven 
from the school-room by failing health, he tried a 
life insurance agency, so as to have the open air, and 
the town of Dartmouth, so as to be near the salt 
water. But all expedients failed, and with little hope 
of living young Jones goes back to his father's house 
in Augusta to die. All the family were soon taken 
sick with a mild form of fever, but a severe typhoid 
took fast hold of the subject of this sketch. For a 
long time his life trembled in the balance. The old 
and the new disease appeared to be contending for 
the mastery. The new in conquering spent all its 
foTce. Of the old disease a chronic laryngitis was 
left, which decided the choice of a profession, medi- 
cine instead of the ministry, for which the father had 
always expressed a preference. 

The advice of Rev. Dr. Tappan, the pastor at Au- 
gusta, and Drs. Sliepard and Pond, of the Bangor 
Theological Seminary, confirmed them in this de- 
cision. The study of medicine was commenced at 
once, even before full recovery, under the direction 
of Dr. William F. Jackson, of Gardiner, Me., to 
whose substantial and ever kind assistance young 
Jones was greatly indebted for the success of his 
student life. Prom his father's house in Augusta to 
the office in Gardiner was a distance of seven miles, 
which he- walked morning and night. His health 
continued to improve, and his long walk grew shorter 
to him daily. During the winter of 1851-52 he acted 
as reporter in the Maine State Senate for the Augusta 
Age. With the money thus earned he paid for two 
full courses of lectures at the Maine Medical School. 
In 1853 he went to Concord^ N. H., as assistant to 
Dr. Alpheus Morrill, but early in the autumn of that 
year a favorable opening occurring at Dover, N. H., 
he settled there. In February, 1854, he went to 
Philadelphia, where he fully graduated at the Homoe- 
opathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. His prac- 
tice at Dover was all he could wish, but at the earnest 
solicitation of Dr. George Barrows, and by the advice 
of all his friends, the 1st of September, 1854, he re- 
moved to Taunton, Mass., where he has been in full 
practice the past twenty-nine years. 

September 26th of this same year he married Sarah 
S. Crofoot, daughter of Theodore Stone, of East 
Douglass, Mass., who still survives with one daughter, 
Kate Handell, married to Edward P. Washburn, of 
Taunton. A little later he transferred his church 
relation from Waterville, Me., where he professed 
religion in 1844, and with his wife united with the 
church under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Maltby. 
Of this church he has always been an active member 
in its Sabbath-school and general church work. For 





r^ /y_^^^^-^--^ 







3v,' 







TAUNTON. 



879 



several years he was on its "standing committee," 
and was its treasurer. Nine years ago, when a Con- 
gregational Club was organized in the city, he was 
chosen its first vice-president, which office he retained 
for five years, and then served as president two years, 
declining a re-election. 

In 1855 he joined the Homceopathic Fraternity, a 
small society, which grew into the present large and 
prosperous Massachu.setts Homoeopathic Medical So- 
ciety, of which Dr. Jones has been an active and 
influential member. For fifteen years he was on its 
board of management, for seven consecutive years 
was its secretary, and in 1876 was elected its presi- 
dent. He edited and published its first and third 
volumes of Transactions, the first covering a pe- 
riod of twenty years. His monograph in this first 
volume on the "Early History of Homreopathy in 
Massachusetts," is especially valuable as a record 
of facts not obtainable elsewhere. Dr. Jones has 
been a constant contributor to the magazines and 
periodicals in his department of knowledge the last 
thirty years, being assistant editor for two years of 
the New England Gazette, still publislied in Boston. 
In 1854 he became a member of the American In- 
stitute of Homcoopath)', of which he is now an hon- 
ored " senior." He is also a member of the American 
Public Health Association. He has recently been 
nominated and confirmed as chairman of the city 
Board of Health. He is also treasurer of the Old 
Colony Historical Society. 

In 1879 he was appointed lecturer on sanitary 
science and malarial diseases in Boston University 
Medical School, a position which he still continues 
to fill with great acceptance. Professionally and 
socially. Dr. Jones is in the foremost ranks, and has 
hosts of friends. His wife is secretary of the Female 
Charitable Association, and one of the managers of 
the Old Ladies' Home. 



THE WILLIAMS FAJIILY. 

None of the many important families of the ancient 
town of Taunton have been connected with its history 
for so long a period, and none have been more prom- 
inently identified with its business interests and pros- 
perity than the Williams family. 

Richard Williams may be considered as in some 
measure the father, although not the founder, of 
Taunton. He certainly was in the town before the 
purchase by Miss Pool. Tradition says he was ac- 
companied by a brother, and came from Scitua^e. 
He might have come immediately from Scituate, but 
there is a strong probability that he was one of those 
who accompanied Governor Endicott to Salem, for 
his wife, Frances Dighton, was sister to Endicott's 
first wife. He might have gone from Salem to Scit- 
uate, and thence to Taunton. Richard was a Welsh- 
man, and was born as early as 1599. It is not im- 
probable that he was a relative of Roger Williams, 



and a tradition has always existed among his descend- 
ants that he was a blood relation of Oliver Cromwell, 
whose family name was Williams, and changed to 
Cromwell for an estate. It is positively known that 
one of Oliver's ancestors was a Richard Williams. 
The Richard settling at Taunton was a man of no 
mean abilities. He was deputy to the General Court 
of Plymouth for Taunton in 1646, '48, '50, '51, and 
several subsequent years.' He was first on the list of 
those who made the South Purchase (Dighton), and 
also of those who made the North Purchase, viz., 
Easton, Norton, Mansfield, and a part of Attlebor- 
ough. He outlived the Plymouth government, dying 
in 1692. He was a rigid Puritan. When blind and 
deaf from age he was accustomed to attend public' 
worship, saying, " Although he could neither see nor 
hear, yet it was consoling to his feelings to know that 
he was present while the people of God were at their 
worship." He settled in Taunton in 1637, and the 
estate he then purchased is largely in possession of 
his descendants at this day. His children were John, 
Samuel, Joseph, Nathaniel, Thomas, Benjamin, Eliz- 
abeth, and Hannah. The children of Joseph were 
Richard, Joseph, Benjamin, Ebenezer, and Mehitable. 
Richard had children, — George, Richard, and Eben- 
ezer; George had children, — George, Ebenezer, Rich- 
ard, Phebe, Sarah, and Anna. This last-mentioned 
George was the father of Francis Williams, and the 
lineof descent from the Richard who settled in Taun- 
ton is Richard', Joseph-, Richard', George* (a captain 
and colonel in American army in the Revolution), 
George", Francis*. 

Geokge Williasls (fifth generation) was born in 
Taunton, Aug. 18, 1745, and died Feb. 25, 1814. He 
married Bathsheba King (born in Raynhani, March 
31, 1744, died in Taunton, May 26, 1839), Oct. 2, 1766. 
Their children were Sarah, George, Abiathar, Bath- 
sheba, Melancy, Francis, Narcissus, Enoch, and 
Samuel K., all born in Raynham, Mass. He was a 
man of hardy constitution, of force and energy, and 
was of repute and consequence. He was of fine per- 
sonal appearance, and during the Revolution was ad- 
jutant of a Continental regiment. After the war he 
labored diligently to improve his estate, and enjoyed 
a handsome property, which was largely the result of 
his thrift and industrious habits. 

Francis Williams, son of George^ and Bathsheba 
(King) Williams, was born in Raynham, Mass., Oct. 
13, 1779, and inherited one of the numerous farms of 
his father. He married a worthy daughter of an old 
family, Louisa, daughter of John Gilmore, of Rayn- 
ham, May 6, 1804. She was born Sept. 30, 1782. 
They had eleven children, as follows: Francis K. 
William H., Martin G., George A., Louisa, Elizabeth 
D., John R., Edwin, Catharine, Alexander H., and 
Ruth C. Mr. Williams carried on extensive farmino- 
operations, was a large manufacturer of brick, and 
this was his principal business lor over half a century. 
He was a large and vigorous man, well proportioned, 



880 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



and ])ossessedof great vitality, with wonderful powers 
of endurance. He was social in his intercourse, pos- 
sessed strong intellect, and was of such an active 
temperament as never to have known an idle day. 
He was one of the first meu in every public enterprise, 
and did more, perhaps, than any other man of Taun- 
ton in his day to develop the resources of the country, 
and gave employment to many in his numerous- and 
widely-varied departments of industrial enterprise. 

He was connected prominently with the establish- 
ment of the Taunton Copper- Works and various 
manufactures in Wareham, Dighton, and Providence. 
He helped establish every bank founded in Taunton 
during his business life ; was quite extensively in- 
terested in whaling. He got out large quantities of 
oak and pine for ship-timber, and was very successful 
in all departments of his business. He was an old- 
line Whig in polities, and held various positions of 
public trust, although not a politician, and preferred 
attending to the many details of his extensive private 
business, and avoided public life as much as prac- 
ticable. He, however, represented Taunton in the 
Lower House of the Legislature, and was called upon 
to settle many estates. H'e was a gr^eat lover of equal 
and exact justice to all, and he eiijoyed to a very high 
degree the confidence of the community for his strict 
integrity, unassuming ways, and strong, practical 
judgment. He was broad and liberal to all deserving 
causes, and a Unitarian in religious belief. He was 
in a great many respects a remarkable man, and his 
great industry, fore^ght, judgment, far-reaching sa^ 
gacity, and constant attention to btisiness resulted in 
great wealth. He died July 11, 1868. 

Francis K. AVilliams, eldest son of Francis and 
Louisa (Gilmore) Williams, was born Jan. 1, 1805. 
He was educated at the schools of Taunton, and from 
a very early period in life was accustomed to hard labor 
in brick-making, lumbering, and farming, remaining 
at his father's home until he was twenty-three, or 
rather making that his home, for .when but eighteeu 
he went on a trip to New York on a vessel partially 
owned by his father, under Capt. Francis T>. Williams, 
plying between Taunton and New York, and that was 
followed by another trip to the same port, and that by 
others to New Bedford and other ports of coasting 
trade. In 1828 he took command of the " Hamil- 
ton," a coasting vessel, sailing between Taunton and 
New Bedford, of which he was master for four years. 
In 1833 he commanded the " Spy" in the coasting 
trade, and remained as its master for eight seasons, 
sailing out from New Bedford. He then purchased , 
the farm where he now resides in his seventy-eighth I 
year, and soon after made it his home. He has since ' 
been a farmer and brick manufacturer. This last 
business he carried on for fourteen years. He has 
been a Whig and Republican in politics ; never de- 
sired office, but has taken several minor public posi- 
tions as a duty. He has been a consistent and active 
member of the Sons of Temperance since the first ' 



organization of that society, and in the local society 
has held the highest offices and been trustee for many 
years. He married, April 17, 1836, Rhoda King, 
daughter of Thomas and Rhoda (King) Tisdale. She 
was born in Berkley, Mass., Oct. 4, 1805. Their chil- 
dren are Catharine (died young) ; Israel F., who died 
Sept. 4, 1864, in his twenty-sixth year (he was a grad- 
uate of Harvard University and Cambi'idge Law 
School, and at the time of his death was a settled 
minister of the Unitarian Church at Y'onkers, N. Y. ; 
he was agent of the Sanitary Commission during the 
Rebellion, and while at City Point, Va., on the duties 
of that office, contracted the seeds of the disease from 
which he died) ; Samuel K. (served three years in 
Company F, Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, in the great Rebellion, was a brave soldier, 
and resides now in Taunton, engaged in manufac- 
turing), Edward (died in infancy), Emily C, Seth 
E., and Charles H. (both of these are now farmers in 
Berkley). 

Thomas Tisdale was born in Berkley ; was twice 
married, first to Rhoda, daughter of Philip King, of 
Raynham. They had four children, — Julia A., Caro- 
line L. (died young), Rhoda K. (Mrs. F. K. Williams), 
and Israel (drowned, aged twelve years). Mrs. Tis- 
dale died in 1814, and Mr. Tisdale married, second, 
Mary Benton, by whom he had one child, Caroline 
M. Mr. Tisdale by occupation combined farming 
with brick-making, and in early life carried his own 
brick to market by water, commanding his own ves- 
sel. He died in 1850, aged seventy-five years. His 
father, Ephraim Tisdale, was a former in Taunton, on 
a part of the farm now owned by F. K. Williams and 
wife. The title comes down to Rhoda (Mrs. Wil- 
liams) direct from her great-grajidfather (name not 
known), through her grandfather, Ephraim, and 
father, Thomas. Her great-grandfather was a large 
land-owner and a prominent and active man. 

Mr. Williams never was a witness in any court other 
than that of probate, never had a lawsuit with any 
one, and never had to secure a bondsman for any other 
purpose than the customary bonds of a sailing-mas- 
ter. He is a generous, warm-hearted man, and stands 
high in the regards of community, doing no discredit 
on the honored name he bears. He is Unitarian in 
sympathy and belief, and a supporter of that church 
organization. He is a stockh(dder of Taunton Na- 
tional Bank, Bristol County National Bank, and 
holds as an heirloom a few shares of Boston and Al- 
bany Railroad left him by his father. Mr. Williams 
has been for forty-four years a sufferer 'from rheuma- 
tism, which has greatly crippled him, but, with agreat 
fund of cheerfulness, he is passing down to the twi- 
light of life with resignation, cheered in his declin- 
ing years by a loving wife and afiectionate daughters. 

John Reed Williams, fifth son and seventh 
child of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on 
the old Williams liomestead in Taunton, Mass., June 
18, 1817-. He was brought up like his other brothers 




■^C^-t^^^-e^ /^^'^M^^^^^ 



^ 




^(tn^x uO, ^iyCCc^cio^yiy) 



^ 




.cJa 



-^^.-^ 



■xy 



<?^^^s^ 



TAUNTON. 



881 



to work diligently and well at any labor coming to 
hand, and early was inured to labor. None of his 
father's household were allowed to eat the bread of 
idleness, but all were trained to know the necessity 
and value of the saying, "By the sweat of thy face 
shalt thou earn thy bread." These industrious habits 
were not only good acquirements in themselves, but 
they were preventives of all the various kinds of dis- 
sipation which have ruined so many reared in idle- 
ness. He received common school and academic 
education, teaching one term of school when twenty 
years old. The fall after he was of age he went to 
Savannah, Ga., and engaged in brick-making, and 
there made the brick from which Fort Pulaski, after- 
wards to become so historic, was constructed. He 
stayed there two winters, and returning home worked 
for his father until 1842, when, purchasing the place 
where he now resides, he moved thither in the spring 
of 1843. For two years he made red brick, and since 
then has been engaged in manufacturing fire-bricks 
and stove-linings. Commencing in a small way with 
only his own personal labor, he now employs about 
twenty men, and in 1882 the production of his works 
amounted to fourteen thousand dollars. He has re- 
ceived from them in some years twenty thousand dol- 
lars. He made many improvements on his land, now 
consisting of one hundred acres, and in 1857 com- 
pleted the commodious and beautiful residence in 
which he now lives. This is delightfully situated on 
a gentle eminence, and presents a charming view of 
the surrounding country in almost every direction, 
and from its retired situation is extremely desirable 
as a home. Mr. Williams is a director and president 
of Taunton Iron-Works, which ofiices he has held 
for several years ; he is stockholder in two banks, in 
copper-works, iron-works, etc., always choosing some 
manufacturing interest at home for investment. He 
is an active, wide-awake, and progressive man, public- 
spirited and generous in support of anything tending 
to build up his native town and city. Whig and Re- 
publican in politics, he has never been an aspirant 
for office. He is Unitarian in religion, and connected 
with the Congregational Unitarian Church of Taun- 
ton. He is member of King David Lodge of Free- 
masons at Taunton, and King Philip Lodge of Odd- 
Fellows. He married Sarah, daughter of Abner and 
Eleanor (Sanford) Pitts, of Taunton. Their children 
are Francis (died in infancy), Joseph S., Sarah E., 
E. Louisa, John G., and Sophia P. They all live 
with their parents, and form a pleasant and intelli- 
gent family group. Mr. Williams has a full appreci- 
ation of the value of mental culture and develop- 
ment, and has given his children good opportunities 
for education, which have not been neglected. Sarah 
and Louisa are successful and highly-appreciated 
teachers. Joseph is the manager and engineer in his 
father's works. John G. is traveling salesman for the 
business. 
Alexander Hamilton Williams, youngest son 
66 



of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on the an- 
cestral home of his great ancestor, Richard, Dec. 26, 
1823. He received the same lessons of thrift, in- 
dustry, and economy as his elder brothers, and early 
worked at brick-making, farming, or lumbering, as 
occasion demanded. His education was derived from 
the common schools of his native town and its acade- 
mies. Being the youngest son, it devolved on him 
to succeed his father in his business operations when 
the active brain was tired with age and the worn 
frame succumbed to the weight of years, and during 
his last years his father lived with Alexander. Mr. 
Williams was about twenty-five years old when he 
assumed the management of his father's affairs, and 
under his energetic labors and youthful ambition they 
did not lose in magnitude. His has been an active 
life. Always outspoken and frank in expressing his 
views, he has labored with earnestness to carry them 
into practical results. He is a member of the JJnita- 
rian Church, a member also of King David Lodge of 
Free and Accepted Masons. Although not a politi- 
cian, and avoiding as much as possible official pre- 
ferment, he has held strong political opinions, and 
was a pronounced Whig and Republican. He has 
been called on to serve as counselor in the city gov- 
ernment of Taunton, is now director in Taunton 
Brick Company, and also stockholder in various cor- 
porations and institutions. 

Mr. Williams is the largest manufacturer of bricks 
(outside the Taunton Brick Company) in this section, 
so noted for its production of this building material, 
kee])ing himself the leader in this direction. He 
started the Taunton Brick Company in the summer 
of 1868, and organized the Williams Brick Company 
in 1872. This business has attained enormous pro- 
portions, and his son, Capt. George F. Williams, has 
been connected with him in this company since 1873. 
Their production of brick in 1882 was two million 
nine hundred thousand. In 1880, Mr. Williams con- 
tracted with the Conant Thread Company of Paw- 
tucket, R. I., to furnish them five million brick. 
This he filled, and also furnished them with quite a 
quantity beside which they needed to complete their 
i work. This was, beyond question, the largest con- 
tract for brick ever taken. 

Mr. Williams is in possession of about ninety 
acres of the more than one hundred which consti- 
tuted the homestead farm of Richard Williams. This 
historic place is highly valued by him, and affords 
him a beautiful and comfortable home. It used to 
be in early times the principal fording-piace of the 
people, and was noted for the shallowness of the 
river. Mr. Williams married, Jan. 16, 1851, Jane ■ 
Knight King. She was daughter of Dr. Dan King 
and Cynthia Pride, his wife. She was born in Charles- 
town, R. I., June 4, 1826. Their children are: (1) 
George F., who is book-keeper, overseer, and general 
business manager of the Williams Brick Company. 
He was chosen captain of Company G, Taunton 



882 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Light Guards, Massachusetts States Militia. He 
married Adella, daughter of Shubael Bliss, of Taun- 
ton, and has one daughter, Emma; (2) Cynthia P., 
born June 18, 1856, who resides with her parents. 
Mr. Williams is of fine personal appearance, tall 
and well proportioned, of light complexion, showing 
strong Saxon characteristics, and is social and genial 
by nature, and although careful in financial matters, 
is at the same time generous and hospitable. He 
enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle for 
his solid worth and many good qualities. 



A. K. WILLIAMS. 
Abiathar King Williams, the subject of this sketch, 
is descended from Richard Williams', the first settler 
of Cohannet, now Taunton, Mass. This memorable 
pioneer was from Glamorganshire, Wales, and settled 
at Cohftnnet in 1637. Two /ears later he was one of 
the founders of Taunton. His wife, Frances Dighton, 
was from Somersetshire, England. Their third son, 
Joseph-, and wife Elizabeth, had a .son Richard', who 
had a son. Col. George Williams', who resided at 
South Raynham, and was the father of Abiathar 
Williams". The latter was born in Raynham, and 
married Naucy Dean. They had eleven children, of 
whom our subject was the seventh in the order of 
birth. (See history of the Williams family, Taunton.) 
Abiathar Williams was known as " Capt. Wil- 
liams." He ran a sloop from Taunton to New York 
from the time he was thirteen years of age till he was 
fifty-five. He was a stfecessful and influential citi- 
zen, represented his town in the General Court, and 
held various local ofiices. He died in June, 1850, and 
his wife in 1858. 

A. K. Williams, son of Abiathar and Nancy (Dean) 
Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 11, 
1815. He received his education at fhe common 
schools, and at an academy in his native town. In 
1828 his father began the lumber business in partner- 
ship with D. W. G. Cobb (firm of Williams & Co.), 
and in connection with this interest young A. K. was 
brought up, and in 1849 was received by his father 
as a partner in the firm, which then became A. Wil- 
liams & Son. It remained under this style till about 
185.3, at which time the firm-name was changed to 
A. K. Williams & Co., the company being George B. 
Williams, and so remained till A. K. AVilliams re- 
tired in 1877. 

Mr. AVilliams is reputed to be wealthy, and is a 
large stockholder in various munut'ixcturing enter- 
prises, both at home and abroad. 

He married Sarah G. Andrews, daughter of Henry 
R. and Sarah Parker (Hill) Andrews, of Boston, 
Mass., Dec. 17, 1857. Their only son, Everett A., 
died at the age of seven years. 



SYLVANUS NELSON STAPLES. 

Sylvanus Nelson Staples, son of Sylvanus Staples, 
was born in Taunton, Mass., Aug. 2, 1811. His father 
was born in the same town Nov. 24, 1783, and married, 
Aug. 25, 1805, Sally, daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips. 
She was born June 25, 1783, in Taunton, Mass. Of 
this union eleven children were born, viz., (1) Ase- 
nath (deceased), married Robert Abell; (2) Sally A. 
(deceased), married Jabez Irish; (3) Rebecca A., 
married Albert Carpenter ; (4) Sylvanus N. ; (5) Eliza 
N., married Adam Reed ; (6) Abiathar I. (deceased), 
married Esther Jones; (7) Hopy T. (deceased), mar- 
ried George Edgar; (8) Tila Ann, married Nathan 
Maker; (9) Deborah (deceased), married Abel Reed; 
(10) Henry, died unmarried ; and (11) John, who was 
drowned at the age of nine. 

Mr. Staples was a brick-maker by trade, and a 
Democrat in politics. Both Mr. and Mrs. Staples 
were members of the Baptist Church at Pawtucket, 
R. I., whither they had gone to live in 1830, and 
where their two youngest children were born. Mrs. 
Staples died Sept. 25, 1851, aged sixty-eight years and 
three months, and Mr. Staples died Feb. 24, 1852, 
aged sixty-eight years and three months also. 

Sylvanus Staples, father of Sylvanus, and grand- 
father of Sylvanus N., was a native of Taunton, mar- 
ried a Miss Peirce, and had four sons and two daugli- 
ters, of.,whom Sylvanus, father of Sylvanus N., was 
the eldest son. He was a farmer by occupation, and 
died at a ripe old age. Sylvanus Nelson Staples traces 
his maternal history back through Sally Phillips and 
Capt. Jacob Phillips, a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war. ■ He was several times taken prisoner, and suc- 
ceeded in escaping twice at great peril of his life. 
He was master of vessels, and for many years was 
engaged in the coasting trade between Taunton, New 
York, Boston, and many Southern ports. He died at 
seventy-six years of age. 

SYLVANU.S N. Staples received a common school 
education, working with his grandfather, Capt. Jacob 
Phillips, summers, and attending school winters. He 
commenced a seafaring life as a cabin-boy when not 
more than ten years of age, and gradually rose through 
the various grades till he became master of a sloop at 
the early age of eighteen. He continued in the coast- 
ing trade, visiting the West Indies and the Gulf of 
Mexico till he was twenty-eight. In the mean time he 
had several vessels built for his trade. In 1836 he com- 
menced dealing in wholesale and retail commission 
flour and grocery business with Francis D. Williams 
as partner, under the firm-title of F. D. Williams & 
Co. After a few years Mr. Staples purchased his 
partner's interest, and the business was carried 
on under the title of S. N. Staples & Co., Hiram 
Burt, a brother-in-law, being the company, though not 
actively engaged in the business, as he was constantly 
at sea. After several years Mr. Staples bought his 
partner's interest, and associated with him Messrs. 
James M. and Horatio Williams. They had places 




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cAC^A^c^^1^6 




'.^^^ 



TAUNTON. 



883 



of business at this place (Weir, Mass.), S. N. Staples 
& Co. ; at New Bedford, James M. Williams & Co. ; 
and at Norfolk, Va., under the firm-name of Williams, 
Staples & Williams. Their business was extended to 
the West Indies and all along the Atlantic seaboard. 
Their West India enterprise did not prove altogether 
successful, and in 1850 the partnership was dissolved. 

Mr. Staples began life again at the bottom of the 
ladder, and by the friendly aid of his friends, built a 
vessel called the " William Mason," named after Wil- 
liam Mason, one of Taunton's most enterprising and 
wealthy citizens. Mr. Staples ran her a few years, 
was successful, and gave her to his brother, Abiathar, 
who ran her until she was sunk in a collision with the 
" Queen of the West," ofl^ Tortugas, in 1861. She was 
laden with a cargo of sugar, and was the last vessel 
that left Louisiana at the breaking out of the civil 
war. Mr. Staples began commercial business, dealing 
in iron, coal, lime, and the general freighting business 
with William H. Phillips in 1857, under firm-title of 
[ Staples & Phillips. They have been very successful 
in their business, selling three thousand tons of coal 
the first year, which has steadily increased, till now 
(188.3) they sell more than one hundred and sixty 
thousand tons annually. The iron trade has increased 
also. They are also extensively engaged in the ship- 
ping trade, and are large owners in a great many ves- 
sels and steamers. Mr. Staples Ls also interested in 
various manufacturing enterprises, in all of which he 
has been successful. He is a director in the Bristol 
County National Bank, trustee of the Taunton Savings- 
Bank, president and dii-eetor of the Dighton Furnace 
Company, director in Taunton Cracker Company, 
director in Taunton Iron-Works, and AValliston 
Foundry, near Boston, president and director of Globe 
Coal Company, F.tII River, president and director of 
Forest Hill Garden, Fall River, director of Park 
Mills, Taunton, director of Taunton Cotton Machine 
Company, and president and director of Empire State 
Steamboat Company. 

In politics he is a Republican. He has held some 
local ofiices, but never aspired to ofiicial honors, pre- 
ferring to attend to his own business. 

He is a member of the Unitarian Church at Taun- 
ton, and one of its liberal supporters. He married. 
May 22, 1835, D. Adeline Hood, daughter of Nathaniel 
and Fanny Hood, of Taunton. They have children, 
viz., (1) Elizabeth A. (deceased), married Stephen A. 
Jenks, of Pawtucket; (2) Adeline N., married Lewis 
Williams ; (.3) Edwin S. (deceased), married Cora 
F. Cook ; (4) Herbert M., married Alice M. Presbrey ; 
(5) HarrietF. (deceased) ; (6) AdellL., resides at home. 



J. F. WHEELER. 

Jeremiah Fisher Wheeler, son of Russell and Mary 

D. Wheeler, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Jan. S, 

1811. He comes of some of the best New England 

families of early colonial days, and was himself a good 



representative of this active, industrious, and enter- 
prising race. His father, Russell, was eighth child 
in the family of twelve children, and was son of Jer- 
emiah and Betsey Wheeler. He married Mary Da- 
vis, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Mason. She 
was oldest in a family of fifteen children. He was 
for many years a manufacturer of cotton with his 
brother Nathaniel, a noted manufacturer, in Digh- 
ton, and was of esteemed worth and a useful citizen. 
He had eight children, — Elizabeth Troop, Joseph 
Russell, Mary Davis, Ann Mason, Jeremiah F., Sub- 
mit Anthony, Augustus Mason, and William Mason. 
J. F. Wheeler studied civil engineering and me- 
chanics, and became a machinist. He went to New 
Orleans as a civil engineer, and took charge of the 
construction of the canal leading to Lake Pontchar- 
train, where he employed over two hundred men. He 
afterwards established an iron foundry and machine- 
sliop, in connection with others, and for nearly forty 
yeai-s devoted himself strictly and closely to his busi- 
ness. He was senior partner of the well-known house 
of Wheeler, Geddes & Co., which did an extensive 
business in the manufacture of steam-engines, sugar- 
mills, and .all kinds of machinery and iron-work at 208 
Girod Street, New Orleans. He amassed a Large prop- 
erty, and retired about 1869. He died Jan. 4, 1864, 
aged fitty-three years. He owned a large estate in 
New Orleans. 

He married, first, Martha Marshall, of Tennessee, 
who died in 1850, leaving one son, Albert W., who 
married Mary Manders, and died, leaving one son, 
also Albert. Dec. 12, 1853, Mr. Wheeler married 
Louisa, daughter of Ebenezer and Betsey (Crane) 
Hathaway. The Hathaway family of the entire sec- 
tion of New England traces its origin to Arthur and 
John Hathaway, who came to America in 1630, from 
one of the Welsh counties of England. Arthur set- 
tled in Plymouth, had a son, Arthur, who married 
Sarah, daughter of John Cooke, one of the large 
land-owners of Dartmouth, Nov. 20, 1652; lived first 
in Duxbury, then in Dartmouth, and died in 1712. 
He had sons, John, Thomas, Jonathan, and numerous 
daughters. John, his son, lived on the New Bedford 
side of the river, and had sixteen children. John 
Hathaway, the emigrant, in 16.38 was a landholder in 
Taunton (now Berkley), where he died. His son Jo/t«'^ 
had two wives and several children, among them 
John^. He settled in Freetown, had wife Christian 
and ten children. Isaac (fourth generation) married 
Sarah Makepeace, and had eight children. Nicholas 
(fifth generation), his second son (born 1722, died 
1800), married Rebecca Myrick, and had numerous 
children, among them Stephen (sixth generation), 
who was born 1745, died 1819, married Hope Pierce, 
FelD. 12, 1767, and had twelve children. His son 
Ebenezer (seventh generation), born Aug. 21, 1779, 
married Betsey Crane, daughter of Ebenezer and Si- 
lence (Pitts), Sept. 22, 1805. She was born March 
15, 1786, and died June 7, 1853. Mr. Hathaway died 



884 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



March 14, 1842. They had ten children, of whom 
Louisa (eighth generation) was seventh. She was 
born in Dighton, Mass., May 29, 1819. 

Mr. Wheeler's only surviving child by his second 
marriage is Eleanor B., who lives with her mother, 
And resembles in personal appearance her father. 

Mr. Wheeler was of erect and dignified bearing, 
fine-looking, commanding presence, and an aristo- 
cratic mien. He said few words, but no one ever 
misunderstood him, and under this reserve he car- 
ried a warm and kindly nature. He was one of the 
best types of "self-made" men, of acknowledged 
probity and integrity and sterling worth. He had 
a large circle of friends. Since June, 1864, Mrs. 
Wheeler has made her home in Taunton. She car- 
ries her years lightly, and is an agreeable social com- 
panion. 

PERLEY IDE PERRIN.l 

Perley Ide Perrin was born in Seekonk, Bristol 
Co., Mass., March 1, 1812. He is a lineal descend- 
ant in the seventh generation from John Perryn, who 
came from London in the ship " Safety," Aug. 10, 
1635, and settled in Braintree or Weymouth, Mass. 
His wife's name was Ann. They had five children, 
of whom Mary, born in Braintree, Dec. 22, 1640, was 
probably the oldest. She is the only one whose birth 
is recorded in the Braintree records. The family soon 
after removed to Rehoboth, Mass., where John Per- 
ryn was buried, Sept. 13, 1674, and his widow, Ann, 
March 11, 1688. The line of descent from John 
Perryn to the subject of this sketch is/as follows: 
John', John, Jr.-, Daniel', Daniel, Jr.*, David', 
John", Parley Ide'. 

They have been farmers throughout their genera- 
tionS. David* married Abigail, daughter of Thomas 
Cooper, of Attleborough, Mass., and had twelve chil- 
dren, of whom John, the father of our subject, was 
one. David died Feb. 15, 1825, aged eighty-five 
years, three months, and twenty-three days. His 
wife, Abigail, died Feb. 3, 1830, aged eighty-five 
years, three months, and twenty-five days. John", 
son of David, was born Feb. 6, 1786 ; married Huldah, 
daughter of Capt. Jacob Ide, of Attleborough, Mass., 
and had two sons, — Anso-n E. and Perley Ide. He 
married for his second wife Widow Hannah W. 
Bucklin, daughter of Ephraim Walker, of Seekonk, 
Mass. He was a Republican in politics and a mem- 
ber of the Congregational Church. He died at about 
seventy-eight years of age, July 1, 1864, and was 
buried in East Proviflence Cemetery. 

The subject of this sketch received a common 
school education, and has always been a thoughtful 
reader and a close observer. He is therefore well 
informed on all the current events and questions of 
the day. His mother died when he was about two 
years old, and he was cared for by his aunt, Sarah 

1 Spelled variously, — Perryn, Perrin, Perain, Periu, Perram, Peren, 
and various other ways. 



Kent, and his grandmother, Perrin. At nineteen he 
left home for Pawtucket, R. I., where he spent three 
years in learning the trade of a machinist, when he 
went to Bridgewater, jNIass., and at the expiration of 
one year to Lowell, and thence to Newark, N. J. In 
Lowell he had worked at locomotive building, and 
this was also his occupation in Newark, where he was 
among the first employes of Seth Boyden. After sev- 
eral years he returned to Pawtucket, R, I., where he 
worked on the farm and in the shop until he went to 
Philadelphia and worked a while on stationary en- 
gines, returning again to Pawtucket, where he estab- 
lished a small shop in the spring of 1841. He, how- 
ever, conducted this business only about a year, when 
he was called to his native town to take care of his 
uncle David, a larmer and bachelor. After his uncle's 
death he married Eunice Kent, daughter of Seba and 
Abigail Kent, Oct. 10, 1843. She was born in See- 
konk, May 27, 1812. Their children are Emily 
Frances, born July 28, 1844 ; Huldah Ide, born Dec. 
16, 1846, married Everett D. Crodfrey Oct. 7, 1868, 
and has two children, Edith I. and Chester S. 

Mr. Perrin remained on the farm some two years 
after his marriage, and then went to Providence, 
R. I., where he again embarked in the business of a 
machinist, remaining till June, 1846, at which time 
he removed to Taunton in the employ of the Taun- 
ton Locomotive Manufacturing Company as foreman 
and draughtsman. He next became general superin- 
tendent, and succeeded to the position of agent and 
treasurer in 1877. After a few years he became in- 
terested in the business, and is now one of the stock- 
holders of the company. For five years Mr. Perrin 
served efficiently as an alderman, in the City Council, 
and for six years was president of the board of direc- 
tors of the Taunton Water-Works. He is one of the 
trustees of the Taunton Savings-Bank, and a liberal 
supporter of the Baptist Church, of which he is a 
member. 

One of the strongest personal traits of Mr. Perrin 
is energy of character, and this is guided by good 
sense and sound judgment. Few men are more 
highly esteemed, and few enjoy more fully the com- 
forts of a happy home. 



ELI H. ELDRIDGE. 
Eli H. Eldridge, senior partner in the firm of El- 
dridge & Co., was born in Taunton, Mass., May 26, 
1828. He is the son of Eli and Charlotte (Curtis) 
Eldridge, of Barnstable County, Mass., where the 
ancestors have for several generations resided. Like 
most young men of his day in that part of the coun- 
try where he was brought up, Mr. Eldridge had but 
limited educational advantages. About three mouths 
of each year at the public school of his town (Har- 
wich) was the most he could hope for, and after his 
fifteenth year even that was denied him. His early 
boyhood was spent on the farm ; at about fourteen 



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TAUNTON. 



885 



years of age he sought and obtained employment in 
the britannia-works of Reed & Barton, at Taunton, as 
a general employe, learning the different branches of 
the trade. Here he continued till seventeen years 
old, when he went to Dorchester, Mass., and obtained 
employment with Roswell Gleason, in whose shop 
Eli Eldridge, Sr., was superintendent. Here he spent 
the next three years, when both he and his father re- 
turned to Taunton and began, in a small way, the 
manufacture of various small articles in britannia. 
In 1860 they began making a specialty of coffin- 
plates, which to the present time has been one of the 
leading features of their business. Upon the decease 
of 51r. Eldridge's father, in September, 1875, he took 
his son John H. into partnership with him. They 
operate under the firm-name of Eldridge & Co., and 
manufacture coffin-plates, hinges, lining-tacks, etc. 
They employ a number of hands, and their trade 
reaches all through the Eastern, Middle, and Western 
States to California. They have the latest improved 
machinery adapted for their particular kind of work, 
and are continually adding to and increasing their 
facilities. They do first-class work only. Mr. El- 
dridge married, May 2, 1850, Lydia A., daughter of 
John and Deborah Thrasher. They have two chil- 
dren living, one deceased, — John H., born Jan. 7, 
1853; Alice B. (deceased) ; Albert S., born Nov. 15, 
1859. Both of the sons are married, and are con- 
nected with their father in the manufacturing busi- 
ness. Mr. Eldridge is a Republican in politics, and 
an ardeni temperance man. 



ELBRIDGE G. DEAN. 

Elbridge G. Dean, son of AbeP and Mehitable 
Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., Dec. 9, 1811. His 
father was only son of Abel' Dean, a farmer and shoe- 
maker, and a worthy member of the Baptist Church, 
who was son of Ezra Dean. Thus for several gener- 
ations has this branch of the Dean family been among 
the reputable citizens of Taunton. Abel Dean' 
served as a private soldier in the Mexican war, and 
married Mehitable, daughter of Elkanah Dean, and 
was a carpenter by trade. Elbridge had limited com- 
mon school education. He was early taught to labor, 
and being of robust frame enjoyed it, and followed 
brickmaking until he was nineteen, when, in company 
with Joseph A. Hall, he began the manufacture of 
brick. This partnership continued two years. Mr. 
Dean then for thirteen consecutive years followed this 
laborious avocation, becoming practically familiar 
with every department, and shrinking from none even 
the heaviest labor. Since then he has coupled other 
departments of business which his shrewd practi- 
cality could see would be remunerative. He has been 
a farmer, conducted milk business, and dealt largely 
in real estate. He now owns numerous houses in 
Taunton, and several farms in different parts of the 
county. He is one of the money-making, practical i 



men of Taunton to-day, and can and does perform a 
hard day's work with greater ease than many men 
much his junior in years. He is conservative and 
cautious, and is a thoroughly successful "self-made" 
man, enjoying the satisfactory results of his energy, 
economy, and thrift. In politics, like his father and 
grandfather, he is Democratic. He would never ac- 
cept office, other than highway surveyor. He married, 
first, Caroline, daughter of George and Hopy (Payne) 
Briggs, of Freetown. They had six children, — Charles 
F., who went into the military service during the last 
war in a Rhode Island regiment, and has never re- 
turned ; Andrew 0} (died young) ; Oiistainis L., a 
'soldier, also in the Rebellion, now a farmer in Rayn- 
ham. He went out as a private, served tliree and a 
half years, and when mustered out was a lieutenant. 
He received a wound in the foot from which he still 
suffers. Andrew G.'; Alfred, now with his father, as- 
sisting in brick manufacturing and farming ; A7in 
Jaiiette, married Henry Lincoln, and lives in Norton ; 
and Oeur<iianna(d.\&i\ young). Mrs. Dean died March 
19, 1872. In February, 1879, Mr. Dean married Mrs. 
Sarah A. Chase, widow of Robert Chase, and daugh- 
ter of David Perkins, of Freetown. She has one son, 
Algernon, by her first marriage. 



.SAMUEL 0. DI'NBAK. 

Samuel O. Dunbar was born at Tittecut, Mass., Aug. 
9, 1800. He is the son of Samuel and Abigail (In- 
gall) Dunbar, and grandson of Samuel Dunbar. The 
ancestors were originally from Scotland. 

In the day of Mr. Dunbar's youth there were very 
limited opportunities afforded for obtaining an educa- 
tion. Owing to serious and protracted illness in his 
father's family, Mr. Dunbar was deprived of even 
the very limited advantages offered by the common 
schools, and his education, scholastic as well as busi- 
ness, was chiefly acquired outside the school-room. 
In 1818 he went to Boston and engaged as a salesman 
in a dry-goods store. He continued with this same 
employer until 18.34, when he came to Taunton and 
embarked in the drug business, which he has con- 
tinued from that time to the present. At that time 
Taunton was comparatively a small place, and Mr. 
Dunbar's business was very small compared with 
what it afterwards became. By diligent and earnest 
application to his chosen pursuit. he soon won his way 
to the confidence of the people, and while he was 
building up his fortune in the shape of a profitable 
business, he also built up a much more valuable and 
rare fortune in the esteem, good will, and good opin- 
ion of his fellow-townsmen. He is now the oldest 
druggist in Bristol County, and yet gives his personal 
attention and supervision to his business every day. 
He is a hale, hearty, well-preserved man for one of 
his great age, and in full possession of all his facul- 
ties. He has made it his rule through life to attend 
strictly to the business he had chosen, and to this 



886 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



strict and prompt attention may be attributed his 
success. He could never be persuaded to assume the 
duties of any official station, preferring to leave to 
others the high places in the land ; his ambition 
has been to faithfully and worthily perform his duties 
as a private citizen. 

March 11, 1827, he married Eliza W. Taylor, of 
Boston, Mass. She is the daughter of Levi and 
Mary (Kitchen) Taylor, of that city. Their union 
was not blessed with any issue, yet they have reared 
and educated quite a considerable family. LTpon the 
death of Mrs. Mary R. Moore (Mrs. Dunbar's sister), 
in 1843, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar assumed the care of her 
orphaned children, five in number, reared and edu- 
cated them, and has lived to see all but one of them 
pass away to the spirit land. Charles A., the only 
surviving one, grew to manhood, migrated to St. Paul, 
Minn., where he is now a successful lumber merchant. 

In politics, Mr. Dunbar has always been a Whig 
and Republican, stanch and true, and was an earnest 
supporter and great admirer of that great son of New 
England, Daniel Webster. In 1869 he was appointed 
postmaster of Taunton, which position he held the 
ensuing four years. . . ~ ' 

Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar are in many respects"^* re- 
markable couple. They have passed over fifty^six 
years of life hand in hand together, 'and during all 
those long years the harmony of their union has not 
been marred by a dispute, disagreefnent, or harsh 
word. The united current of their lives has flowed 
peacefully and happily on, and now, as they near the 
great ocean of eternity, they can look confidently for-, 
ward with the pleasing assurance that, if separated 
at all, it will be but briefly ; that in tiie great beyond 
that union of heart and spirit, so long and happily 
maintained here, shall there be but the more firmly 
established as the ages roll by. 



EDWIN KEITH. 



Edwin Keith was born in Bridgewater, Mass., Aug. 
3, 1804. He is the son of Jonathan and Sarah (Leach) 
Keith. Being brought up on the farm, he had only .such 
education as the schools of his town aftbrded. When 
eighteen years of age he came to Taunton and ap- 
prenticed himself to his uncle, James Leach, to learn 
the trade of machinist, and afterwards became a part- 
ner with him in business under the firm-name of Leach 
& Keith. Upon the dissolution of this firm he en- 
gaged for some years in insurance business, and from 
1855 to the time of his death he was superintendent, 
clerk, and treasurer of the Taunton Gas-Light Com- 
pany. He was selectman of Taunton four years, 
meml:)er of the Common Council, and a director of 
the Bristol County Bank, and always prominently 
identified with the business interests of his adopted 
town. His death, which occurred April 30, 1882, was 
sudden and unexpected. He was stricken with heart- 



disease, and died almost instantly. Although in his 
seventy-eighth year, yet he was in active business, 
and the news of his sudden decease produced a shock 
in the community where more than sixty years of his 
business life had been spent. Mr. Keith was noted 
and beloved for his genial temperament and amiable 
disposition. Though his life was a quiet, undemon- 
strative one, yet it was eminently a useful one. In 
the home circle it was said of him that his kindly 
nature carried always sunshine and peace, and with 
this sunny temperament was united incorruptible in- 
tegrity and moral worth. While he was temperate, 
moral, strictly virtuous, and rigidly correct in his own 
deportment, yet his kindly heart was always lenient 
in judgment of the erring, and his opinions of his 
fellow-men were tinged with the inborn charity of his 
nature. 

Edwin Keith was a man to whose moral worth all 
wh'oknew him attest, and Taunton sustained a severe 
loss in his death. His judgment was considered 
sound, and his opinions were always sincerely given 
when called for, hence his counsel was much sought 
in business circles. He was a successful man, and 
one who rightfully earned success. His portrait, 
which accompanies this sketch, will recall to hun- 
dreds of his friends and acquaintances memories of 
Ttindly words and generous acts performed from a 
■sense of duty, and with a delicacy characteristic of 
the man. * 

He married, June 5, 1831, Betsey, daughter of 
Zebulon and Abigail (Leonard) Field, of Taunton, 
and granddaughter of Zebulon Field, Sr. She was 
born Jan. 18, 1807. They had but one child, a daugh- 
ter, Sarah E. Both Mrs. Keith and the daughter 
reside at the homestead in Taunton. 



JOHN W. D. HALL. 



John W. D. Hall was born in Raynham in 1807. 
After attending school he served at printing with a 
cousin, Barnum Field, in Providence; was publisher 
of the Literary Snl>alteni of that city ; resigned the 
command of the Providence Cadets in 1835, and re- 
moved to Taunton to engage in business ; an oflicer 
of the Cohannet Rifle Corps, and retiring from the 
command in 1841 ; editor of the Taunton Whi;/ and 
Eepublican , and its publisher twenty years, retiring in 
1861 ; associate editor of the Daily and Weekly Oazette, 
Republican papers, several years ; a member of the 
Massachusetts Legislature of 1863; United States 
provost-marshal 'of Second Massachusetts District, 
under President Lincoln, until the close of the war 
in 1865; resumed associate editorial duties on the 
Gazette, and was for several years its publisher ; com- 
piler of the Taunton and Raynham descendants of 
George and Mary Hall, and a contributor of indus- 
trial interests, etc., to the " History of Bristol County" 
in 1883. 




(su. 



c/fLJ^ 



THE COURTS AND BAR OP BRISTOL COUNTY. 



887 



CHAPTER LXX. 

A SKETCH OF THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL 
COUNTY.i 

Ox the 12th day of January, a.d. 1680, King Charles 
II. granted unto the inhabitants of Plymouth Colony, 
in consideration of their loyalty and good conduct 
during King Philip's war, the territorj' of Mount 
Hope, containing about seven thousand acres. 

The grant was upon the condition that the Colony 
should yield and pay therefor seven beaver skins to be 
delivered at Windsor Castle every year on the feast 
of St. John the Baptist, or in default thereof fourteen 
marks to be paid into the royal exchequer. 

On the 14th day of September, of the same year, the 
colony sold this territory to John Walley, Nathaniel 
Oliver, Nathaniel Byfield, and Stephen Burton, of 
Boston, for the sum of eleven hundred pounds. Mr. 
Baylies, in his " History of Plymouth Colony," says 
the price was three hundred pounds, but according to 
the deed of purchase the former sum was the amount 
paid. By a vote of the General Court, passed on the 
28th day of the same month, " three hundred pounds 
of the j^rise of Mount Hope" was ordered to be dis- 
tributed among the several towns of the colony. 

The original purchasers immediately formed a set- 
tlement on their lands, and on account of their inti- 
mate relations with Bristol, in England, gave it the 
name of Bristol. It soon became one of the most 
flourishing towns in the colony. 

In the year 1685 Plymouth Colony was divided into 
three counties, — Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol ; 
"these names were given to the counties from their 
several shire towns. At the time of its incorporation 
Bristol County comprised not only its present area, 
but in addition the territory of the towns of Cum- 
berland, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, and 
Little Compton, now in the State of Rhode Island. 

From the records in the office of the clerk of 
courts, and from information from other sources, we 
are furnished with much that is interesting concern- 
ing the earlier judicial history of Bristol County. 

The records from 1685, the year in which the 
county was incorporated, to 1702, covering a period 
of nearly seventeen years, are wanting. The finst 
record of the Court of Common Pleas is of that term 
which was holden in Bristol commencing on the 13th 
day of October, 1702. In this record there are ref- 
erences made to the courts which were held at an 
earlier day. From this and other reasons it is evi- 
dent that the courts were in successful operation soon 
after the incorporation of the county. 

The courts consisted of the Superior Court of Ju- 
dicature, the Court of the General Sessions of the 
Peace, and the Inferior Court of Common Pleas. 

The Court of the General Sessions of the Peace had 
charge of the prudential afiairs of the county and a 

1 By Hon. John S. Brayton. 



general jurisdiction in all criminal matters, the pun- 
ishment of which did not extend to life, member, or 
banishment. As an illustration of the business which 
came before this court, a few of the orders passed and 
the sentences imposed are herewith presented. 

On the 14th of April, 1702, William Earle, of 
Swansea, being presented for profane swearing and 
summoned to appear to answer for the same, came 
and pleaded the province law, to wit, such offenses 
must be proved against the offender within thirty 
days after the offense is committed, was admonished 
therefore and dismissed. 

July 14, 1702. "Samuel Waldron, of Taunton, 
being presented for not attending public worship of 
God on the Lord's day, appeared upon summons and 
pleaded that he was of the way of the Church of Eng- 
land, but did not go to hear Mr. Danforth, but to other 
meetings as often as he could, was admonished for his 
neglect, and dismissed with paying costs taxed at two 
shillings." 

"Samuel Watfield, Keeper of the jail in Bristol, 
having served the year past in that oflBce for the sum 
of five pounds, desires to have an order pass this Court 
to the County Treasurer for the receiving of the said 
sum ; it was passed acccordingly." 

April 13, 1703. "Ordered thatCapt. Samuel Gallup 
have and receive of the County Treasurer eight shil- 
lings for his trouble, expense, and pains in going to 
Swansey to fetch the order for the Thanksgiving, and 
notifying the people in Bristol thereof the day be- 
fore." Capt. Gallup was then sheriff of the county. 

April 13, 1713. " Frank Townsend being bound by 
the way of recognizance to appear at this Court upon 
complaint of his wife, who complains that he had left 
her, and had taken another woman to be his wife, 
and he being convicted thereof by his own confession, 
it is ordered that he be whipt twenty lashes on his 
bare back, well laid on, and to stand committed till 
sentence be performed." 

John Weaver, in court, "owning that he has beeu 
guilty of a breach of the Sabbath by husking corn 
on the Lord's day ; ordered to pay a fine of ten shil- 
lings as the law directs, and costs of Court." 

In the year 1745, John Briggs, Jr., of Berkley, 
petitioned the court that he might be licensed to keep 
a ferry at a place called the Needles, on Taunton 
Great River, and among other reasons stated " that it 
will be very convenient for those jurymen who come 
from the last side of the river to go to Court." 

In 1746, Col. Jerathmeel Bowers, of Swansea, was 
ordered into the king's service by Capt. Jonathan 
Slade. Col. Bowers, instead of joining the troops, 
ran over to Rhode Island. He was afterwards brought 
before Peres Bradford, Esq., and entei'cd into a recog- 
nizance for his appearance at the Court of Sessions to 
answer for his conduct. After his arrest, and previous 
to the session of the court. Col. Bowers presented to 
Governor Shirley a document signed by Dr. Win- 
slow, of Freetown, which stated that Bowers had had 



888 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



his collar-bone broken recently, and that it was not 
properly set, and that he was thereby disabled and 
rendered unfit for military duty. Governor Shirley 
thereupon issued a warrant exempting Bowers from 
military duty. Capt. Slade then caused the affidavits 
of several of the neighbors of Col. Bowers to be 
taken, who testified that " he is quick of foot and every 
way able to perform military duty." These were 
presented to the Governor, who issued a writ of super- 
sedeas, revoking his warrant of exemption and author- 
izes the court to proceed in the matter. 

Col. Bowers is brought before the court, is adjudged 
guilty, and " ordered to be imprisoned for six months 
or pay a fine of fifteen shillings, to be delivered to the 
town of Swansey for the purchasing arms, etc., as the 
law directs." 

Samuel Plowland, Esq., of Bristol, was appointed 
king's attorney at each term from 1702 to 1746. This 
office is now known as that of district attorney. 

As early as 1740 a dispute had arisen between the 
colonies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island respect- 
ing the eastern boundary of Rhode Island. This dis- 
pute was made known to the King of England, who 
appointed commissioners to visit the spot and deter- 
mine where the boundary line should run. These com- 
missioners met, and, after due examination, decided 
that the line should be run so as to include the present 
town of Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Warren, 
Barrington, and Cumberland in Rhode Island. From 
this decision Massachusetts appealed to the King in 
Council, who confirmed the decision of the commis- 
sioners, and in May, 1746, George II. in Council ordered 
that Rhode Island and Massachusetts should appoint 
commissioners to run the lines setting off the above- 
named towns to Rhode Island. Massachusetts was 
so dissatisfied that she sent no commissioners on her 
part, but commissioners appointed by the General 
Assembly of Rhode Island met and ran the line. 

The county seat having thus been set oil' to Rhode 
Island, " it was enacted by the Governor, Council, and 
House of Representatives, that from and after the 
13th day of November, 1746, the town of Taunton 
shall be and hereby is made and established the couuty 
or shire-town of the County of Bristol instead of the 
town of Bristol, and that all the Courts for the County 
shall be held in said Taunton, and that all the records 
and papers of the Courts now in the town of Bristol 
shall be forthwith delivered to George Leonard, Esq., 
Mr. Thomas Foster, and Jonathan Shepard, Esq., or 
to the major jjart of them, who shall cause them im- 
mediately to be conveyed to tlie said town of Taunton, 
and there safely deposited under the care of the same 
persons as heretofore, or others, as the said committee 
shall judge best, who shall serve in their offices with 
full power, and shall give the same obligations and 
be under the like penalties as they or others had or 
were under heretofore, until this Court shall further 
order, or others shall be duly appointed in their 
steads." 



The same act required all persons living in Bristol 
who have in their custody any records belonging to 
the county to deliver the same to the said committee, 
and the act also authorized the sherifl" of the county 
to remove all prisoners in his majesty's jail at Bristol 
to Taunton, and there put them under safe custody in 
some proper place until the county shall provide a jail. 

There is a tradition that the people in Bristol who 
had the custody of the court records refused to give 
them up, and that James Williams, of Taunton, was 
deputed to get them by stratagem. He is said to have 
succeeded in his ettbrts, brought the records to Taun- 
ten, and that he was rewarded for this act by being 
appointed county register, an office now called regis- 
ter of deeds, which office he, his son, and his grandson 
held successively for a period of ninetj'-five years. 

The Rev. George F. Clark, of Norton, in his re- 
searches among old papers for materials for a history 
of that town, found in a house occupied for many 
years by the Leonard family papers giving an account 
of the removal of the court records. Although there 
is no signature to the documents, they are in the 
handwriting of Judge George Leonard, one of the 
persons named in the act authorizing the transfer of 
the records from Bristol to Taunton. 

In addition to the following document, which we 
copy verbatim, there is another paper, giving a sum- 
mary of their expenses. Each charges £5 for horse 
and horse hire; Leonard charges £9 for himself; 
Foster, £10 10«. ; Shepard, £12; making the whole 
expense of removing the records, £53 4s. 

" An account of the charges of the Committee in going to Bristol, By order of 
the Great and General Court, and removing the Records from Bristol (o 
Taunton, November, 1740. 

£ s. (I. 

Cash pd. at nir. Robins ye Tavern, by Shepard G f> 

Cash pd. at Bristol at potters ye Tavern by Foster tj 6 

pd. at Do. at nir. tronp's by Ool. Leonard 1 I) 

pd. at Child's ye Tavern at Swanzey by Col. Leonard .. IG l) 

pd. at harden's in Do. by Sheppard 12 8 

pd. at Capt. wlieeler's in Rehoboth 

pd. at lull's in Do. by Sheppard 3 6 

pd. at Brig's in Do. by Sheppard 18 8 

pd. by .Shepard 29». by Foster 15 

Given on ye Road by Capt. Sheppard 6 81 15 2 

By foster 6 6 ^ 6 74 

By Col. Leonard 2 ..J 3 7 

1 13 G 

'• Nov. 18th, 1746, Delivered the Records of ye County, viz. of Deeds, 
*c. to mr. Thomas Troop, the Late Registre of Deeds, at ye house of ye 
Honorable Setli Williams, Esqr. at Taunton, & have taken bonds with 
Surtys for his keeping ye books A his ofHce also at Taunton till ye fur- 
ther order of ye General Court, or till a Registre be chosen, ye Same 
day Committed tlie Books of Record and papers belonging to ye Probate 
Register to Stephan paiue, Esqr., at the house of Samuel white. Esqr., 
and have taken Bonds with Surties for ye Safe keeping sd. Books & 
papers in sd. Town. 

"ye same day appointed mr. Nathaniel Fales Clerk of ye Inferior 
Court of Comon pleas A Court of General sessions of ye peace, who yns 
sworn to ye fathfnl dishard of sd. office & Committed ye Books & papers 
belonging to s<l. Courts to ye sd. Nath'll Tales, at ye House of ye Hon- 
orable Seth Williams, Esqr., & have taken Bonds with Surtys for his Safe 
keeping sd. hooks in the Town of Taunton, &c., the same day appointed 
James Williams, Esqr., Treasurer for sd. County, who has Kecod the 
papers & all accounts, cfe was Sworn to ye faithful discharge of sd. office.'* 

The first session of the Court of Common Pleas held 
in Taunton was on the !)th day of December, a.d. 
1747, the Hon. Seth Williams, George Leonard, and 



THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL COUNTY. 



889 



Stephen Paine presiding. The Court of Sessions, 
which consisted of all the justices of the peace, held 
its first session on the same day, the following justices 
being present: vSeth Williams, Thomas Terry, George 
Leonard, Timothy Fales, Samuel Willis, Thomas 
Bowers, Stephen Paine, Ephraim Leonard, John 
Foster, Edward Hayward, Samuel Howland, Samuel 
Leonard, John Godfrey, Stephen White, Sylvester 
Richmond, Jr. Timothy Fales was appointed clerk 
of both courts and was duly sworn. 

The first object to be accomplished was to prepare 
and erect suitable buildings for county purposes. It 
was ordered by the court " that the school-house be 
made as secure as may be for the safe custody of all 
persons that may be committed thereto, with the ut- 
most dispatch, and that Seth Williams, the second, 
shall take care to secure the two prisoners now in 
custody, and all others that shall be committed in the 
mean time." 

It was also ordered "that Seth Williams, George 
Leonard, John Godfrey, and Samuel White, Esquires, 
be a committee to look out a suitable place for the 
standing of a gaol and county-house in the town of 
Taunton, and know what the land for erecting said 
house on may be purchased for, and make a report of 
their doings thereon at the adjournment of this court." 

At the Court of Sessions held on the second Tues- 
day of January, A.D. 1747, this committee made the 
following report: "We the subscribers, appointed a 
committee to look out a suitable place for the stand- 
ing of a gaol and county-house in the town of Taun- 
ton, have pursuant to the written orders looked out a 
suitable place as we apprehend, which is towards the 
upper end of the old training field, a little below 
where they used to dig graves, and is sixty foots 
square, which we look upon to be the most suitable 
for setting a county-house upon, provided the town's 
proprietors committee give a legal conveyance thereof 
with a suitable and convenient way to pass to and 
from said place; and also that the most suitable place 
for setting a gaol and gaol-house be on the land of 
Samuel White and Mr. Simeon Tisdale, at a place 
near the spring (so called), adjoining the way that 
leads from said Tisdale's to Mr. Grossman's grist-mill, 
provided the said White and Tisdale give a legal 
conveyance thereof." 

The site designated by this committee for the 
county house is the front yard of the present court- 
house, and for the gaol, upon the land now occupied 
by the Bristol County National Bank. 

At the same session of the court it was " ordered 
that John Foster, Sylvester Richmond, Jr., and John 
Godfrey, Esquires, be a committee to provide mate- 
rials, and build a Couutj- House and gaol, and gaol- 
keeper's house, with suitable despatch. The gaol to 
be thirty foot long and fourteen foot wide, two 
story high and fourteen foot stud, to be studded with 
sawed stuff of six inches thick, to be framed close 
together, with a chimney in the middle, suitable for 



a jail. The house for prison-keeper to be seventeen 
feet wide and twenty-three feet long, two story high, 
besides the entry between the gaol and dwelling house, 
and to be fourteen feet stud, with a suitable chimney 
and cellar." 

At an adjourned session of the court held on the 
tweutj'-eighth day of the same month, Samuel White, 
Esq., was appointed on the committee for building 
the jail instead of Sylvester Richmond, who was ap- 
pointed sheriff. Mr. Richmond lived in Dighton, and 
was the first sheriff appointed after the removal of 
the shire town to Taunton. 

On the 9th of June, 1774, the court received a sub- 
scription from the inhabitants of the town of Taunton 
amounting to £922.15 for building a court-house. 

The first county tax of four hundred pounds was 
ordered by the court on the 8th of September, 1747, 
to be levied on the inhabitants of the several towns. 

Soon after the assessment of the county tax in 1747 
work was commenced on the first court-house erected 
in Taunton. The edifice stood directly in front of 
the present structure, and" served the purpose for 
which it was built for nearly a quarter of a century. 
On the 17th of December, 1771, the court ordered 
" that a new court-house be built, to be forty-eight 
feet square and twenty-four feet post, and George 
Leonard, Jr., Benjamin Williams, Robert Treat 
Paine, and Daniel Leonard, Esquires, or either two 
of them, are appointed a committee to proceed and 
erect a court-house, and to dispose of the now stand- 
ing court-house by sale thereof or by taking it down 
and disposing of the timber." This committee was 
instructed "to make application to the selectmen of 
the town of Taunton to call a town-meeting to see 
whether the town will grant twenty feet more of the 
town's land back of the now court-house to the 
county to set the new house on." The town of 
Taunton in 1772 conveyed to the county the land de- 
sired, and thereupon the committee sold the old 
house, which was removed across the street and con- 
verted into a dwelling. This committee proceeded 
to erect the second court-house upon the site now oc- 
cupied by the present court-house. This house,, like 
its predecessor, was built of wood. The lower story 
was appropriated to offices, and a flight of long broad 
stairs led from a platform in front of the court-room 
doors to the level of the street. In after-years it 
was pronounced to be too small and inconvenient to 
accommodate the growing business of the county, 
and it was sold and removed to the foot of Court 
Street, where it now stands, and is occupied by sev- 
eral tenants, and upon its site was erected the present 
brick edifice, a substantial structure. 

The first gaol which was built was used for that 
purpose till 1785, when it having become so insecure 
that a number of the prisoners escaped therefrom, the 
court directed a new jail to be built, and the legisla- 
ture authorized the assessing of a county tax of 
£1500 to meet the expenses. The second jail was 



890 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



erected upon the same site as the tirst jail, and cost 
£621.7. It was built of wood and painted red, and 
is remembered by many persons now living. The 
stone- jail on the corner of Court and Washington 
Streets was erected in 1821. The stone used in its 
construction were quarried in Fall River. The jail 
now used as such in Taunton was completed in 1873, 
and cost one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. 

We now pass over for a number of years the rec- 
ords of the courts, which are replete with interest 
and instruction, stopping only to give a description 
of the chief justices, as drawn by John Adams when 
on a professional visit to Taunton on the 8th day of 
June, 1762: "Went to Taunton Court, the land of 
Leonards, three judges of the Common Pleas of that 
name, each of whom has a son who was bred at col- 
lege. The Hon. George Leonard, the first justice, 
seems to me arbitrary. He committed two old gentle- 
men who were nearly eighty years old to the custody 
of an officer only for speaking loud, when tliey were 
both deaf and not conscious that they did speak. A 
check, a reproof, an admonition would have been 
enough." 

" He was unwilling that the sessions should adjourn 
for an hour to take the verdict of the jury in a trial 
upon a presentment for a riot, but would have that 
jury kept together all night, till the court should set 
again the next morning. No other court in the prov- 
ince, superior and inferior, would have thought of 
keeping the jury up. He broke in most abruptly 
upon Bob Paine: ' He did not think it was right to 
run out against the king's witnesses ; for his part he 
did not like to hear it three or four times over.' 
Thus the haughty tyrant rules the county." 

In March, 1773, a cause was tried wherein Nehe- 
miah Liscome, of Taunton, sued Jerathmeel Bowers, 
of Swansey, in a plea of trespass, "that whereas, on 
the 11th day of March last past, at Taunton, a certain 
discourse was had between the said Nehemiah and 
Jerathmeel concerning the election of the person who 
should be chosen to represent the town of Taunton 
at the next election," Bowers promised that if Lis- 
come was elected representative he would give him 
one hundred gallons of Jamaica rum, and if Lis- 
come was not elected he was to give Bowers fifty dol- 
lars. Liscome was elected and demanded the rum of 
Bowers, who refused to pay, and this suit was brought 
to recover the same or the value thereof in money. 
The jury returned a verdict for the defendant. 

Upon the breaking out of the Revolution the colo- 
nial courts were dissolved, and more than a year 
elapsed before the courts were reorganized. This 
want of courts of justice was in some places supplied 
by the establishment of local tribunals. As an illus- 
tration, at a town meeting held in Attlel)orough it 
was voted to have a Superior and Inferior Court in 
that town, and four men were chosen to serve as 
superior judges, and seven as judges of the Inferior 
Court. 



There was a large number of the inhabitants of the 
American Colonies who did not espouse the popular 
cause in the war of the Revolution, hut adhered to 
the crown. They were called Loyalists or Tories. 
Some of these persons remained almost neutral, and 
looked upon the changing fortunes of their country 
with the coldness of a stoic, while others took up 
arms in support of the king, and endeavored bj' every 
artifice and stratagem to defeat the plans of the colo- 
nists. On the 12th day of March, 1776, a large num- 
ber of these persons with force and arms prevented 
the court from meeting at the court-house iu Taun- 
ton, and other quarters had to be provided in which 
to hold the session of the court. 

During the Revolutionary war the courts were busy 
in the examination of persons who were in any way 
disposed to favor the side of the mother-country. If 
any one was supposed to be an enemy, he was brought 
before a Committee of Correspondence and Safety 
which was in every town. 

The committee would send the suspected persons to 
the Court of Sessions, where they would be ordered to 
enter into a recognizance in the sum of two hundred 
pounds, not to join the enemy or render any assist- 
ance thereto. 

In 1777, Jerathmeel Bowers, of whom we have here- 
tofore spoken, and who was at this time one of the 
justices of the Court of Sessions, was convicted before 
the Committee of Correspondence and Safety, "for 
undervaluing the paper currency of the United States 
and refusing to take the same, and for saying that he 
had rather give one thousand dollars than to have 
any soldiers raised in Swansea. He was ordered to 
be committed to the gaol and there remain till he was 
discharged by the order of the State ; at the next 
term of the Court of Sessions he was ordered to be 
discharged on his own recognizance. 

Col. Bowers was elected a representative from 
Swansea to the General Court in 1783. The select- 
men of Rehoboth and sundry inhabitants of Swansea 
petitioned that he might be excluded from a seat, on 
the ground that " he had not shown himself friendly 
in the late struggle with Great Britain," and also that 
he was disqualifiedby virtue of a resolve of a former 
General Court. This petition was referred to a com- 
mittee of the house which subsequently reported that 
" by a resolve of the General Court passed April 7, 
1777, the said Jerathmeel Bowers was disqualified 
from holding any post of honor or profit in the com- 
monwealth, which resolve in the opinion of the com- 
mittee was still iu force, and that Mr. Bowers was 
therefore disqualified from holding a seat." This re- 
port was accepted by the House and Bowers quitted 
his seat accordingly. 

In the year 1785, during the Shays rebellion, the 
courts in this county were again interrupted. A 
large number of persons armed with clubs and stones 
.assembled at Taunton, intending to prevent the Court 
of Common Pleas from doing any business. At this 



THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL COUNTY. 



891 



time Gen. David Cobb, of Taunton, wa.s one of the 
justices of the Court of Common Pleas. Gen. Cobb 
had been an aid to Gen. Washington, and was then 
major-general of militia of the Old Colony. During 
the riot Gen. Cobb made his way through an angry 
mob to the court-house, uttering the memorable 
words, " I will either sit as a judge or die as a gen- 
eral." This bold and determined attitude of Gen. 
Cobb carried dismay and fear to the rioters, they im- 
diately dispersed, and the court proceeded with its 
business without further molestation. Gen. Cobb 
afterwards became the chief justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas in Maine. 

In the colonial days, and in the earlier days of the 
republic, Samuel White, Robert Treat Paine, Daniel 
Leonard, Seth Bradford, Nicholas Tillinghast, Daniel 
L. Barnes and others, who were residents of the 
county, with James Otis, Timothy Ruggles and other 
distinguished lawyers now residents, were members 
of the Bristol bar and [iracticed in the courts at 
Taunton. 

Samuel White was appointed king's attorney in 
1747, and at every term of the court thereafter till 
his death in 1769. He was an eminent lawyer, and 
" famed for his accuracy in making writs." He was 
Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 
period of the stamp act, and as presiding officer of 
the House he signed the circular which called to- 
gether the first Congress that assembled in New York 
in 1765. 

Robert Treat Paine settled in Taunton in 1761, and 
continued to reside there for nineteen years. He was 
one of the ablest lawyers of his day, and his practice 
was probably not exceeded by that of any attorney 
in the State. In 1770, the prosecution of Capt. Pres- 
ton and others "for the Boston massacre was con- 
ducted by him with marked ability, and he won a 
wide reputation. As a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence he rendered his name immortal. In 
1779 he was a member of the State Constitutional 
Convention, and one of the committee which pre- 
pared the draft of the Constitution. In 1780, upon 
the acceptance of the constitution, he was made the 
first attorney-general of the State, which office he re- 
tained for ten years, when he was appointed one of 
the justices of the Superior Court. He was a mem- 
ber of the court for fourteen years when he resigned. 

Upon the death of Samuel White the court ap- 
pointed Daniel Leonard king's attorney. Mr. John 
Adams, his contemporary, has given us a graphic de- 
scription of Mr. Leonard. Mr. Adams says, " He 
was a scholar, a lawyer, and an orator, according to 
the standard of those days. As a member of the 
House of Representatives, even down to the year 
1770, he made the most ardent speeches in that House 
against Great Britain, and in favor of the colonies. 
His i)opularity became alarming. He married a 
daughter of Mr. Hammock, who had left a portion, 
as it was thought in that day. He wore a broad gold 



lace around the rim of his hat. He had made his 
clo.ak glitter with laces still broader. He had set up 
his chariot and constantly traveled in it from Taun- 
ton to Boston. Not another lawyer in the province, 
of whatever age, reputation, or station, presumed to 
ride in a coach or chariot." 

Robert Treat Paine and Daniel Leonard were col- 
leagues as representatives from Taunton, and on one 
occasion, as they were going to Boston together to at- 
tend to their legislative duties, when approaching the 
summer residence of Governor Hutchinson, in Milton, 
Mr. Leonard remarked to Mr. Paine that he was de- 
sirous of calling on the Governor, and requested Paine 
to accompany him. Paine declined the invitation and 
added, " If you stop I shall proceed to Boston with- 
out you." And there they parted company. Of what 
was said and done at this interview between Governor 
Hutchinson and Mr. Leonard history is silent, but from 
that hour Mr. Leonard ceased to support the American 
cause and became a bitter Tory. He commenced a se- 
ries of articles, which were puldished in the Massa- 
chusetts Gazette and Post-Boy. These articles attracted 
much attention, and were afterwards answered by 
John Adams. 

Mr. Leonard lived in the dwelling-house which ad- 
joins the court-house on the east. A mob attacked 
his house, and a musket-ball was fired through the 
window into a room in which Mr. Leonard was seri- 
ously ill. He fled to Boston, and in 1776 he accom- 
panied the British army to Halifax, and was prohib- 
ited from returning to the State, by the statute of 1778, 
under the penalty of death. He was appointed by 
the British government chief justice of the Bermuda 
Islands, and died in London in 1829, aged eighty-nine 
years. 

Samuel Fales, of Taunton, was the second clerk of 
the courts ; afterwards he became chief justice of the 
Court of Common Pleas ; he was subsequently an ex- 
ecutive councilor of the commonwealth. His eldest 
son, Nathaniel, succeeded him as clerk of the courts 
in 1804. 

James Sproat, Sr., followed Mr. Fales in the clerk's 
office. " Mr. Sproat was a man of ready wit. While 
at the bar Daniel L. Barnes, Esq., was at one time 
addressing the jury, he had occasion to quote the fol- 
lowing passage from Scripture, the address of Satan 
to the Lord, ' Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath 
will he give for his life,' adding, in his ignorance of 
authorities, ' saith our Saviour.' Sproat in an instant 
was on his feet, and turning to the court said, 'He 
may be Brother Barnes' Saviour, but he is not mine.' " 

James Sproat, Jr., succeeded his venerable father, 
and performed the duties of clerk of the court till 
June, 18.56, when he resigned, and his brother, Wil- 
liam A. F. Sproat, was appointed by the court. 

Mr. William A. F. Sproat continued as clerk till 
January, 1857, when the ofiice, by an amendment to 
the constitution, became elective. John S. Brayton, 
of Fall River, who was elected at the November elec- 



892 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



tion in 1856 clerk of the Courts, assumed the duties 
of that office on tlie first Wednesday of January, 
1857. Mr. Brayton was re-elected in the autumn of 
1861. .and resigned January 5, 1864. He was suc- 
ceeded by Simeon Borden, Esq., of Fall River, who 
has held the office by successive elections till tlie 
present time, and has proved himself to be an efli- 
cient, able, and accomplished officer. 

For eighty-two years all the courts of this county 
were held in Taunton. The Legislature of 1828 au- 
thorized the holding of one term of the Supreme Ju- 
dical Court and two terms of the Court of Common 
Pleas annually in New Bedford. In June, 1828, the 
first term of the Court of Common Pleas was held in 
New Bedford, in what was then the town hall, now 
the District Court room. The present court-house 
and other county buildings in New Bedford were 
subsequently erected. The last term of the Court of 
Commo)i Pleas for Bristol County was holden in New 
Bedford, the term ending on the 27th day of June, 
1859. Regular sessions of that court had been held 
either at Taunton or New Bedford, with the excep- 
tion of the interregnum heretofore alluded to, for one 
hundred and thirteen years. From the time of its 
organization to the year 1810, the Court of Common 
Pleas was strictly a County Court, its justices, three in 
number, being residents of the county. All the jus- 
tices were present at its sessions and participated in 
the business of the court. In 1810 the State was 
divided into circuits, the Southern circuit being com- 
posed of the counties of Norfolk, Plymouth, Barn- 
stable, Bristol, Dukes, and Nantucket. In 1821 the 
courts were again reorganized and the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas became a State Court, like the Supreme 
Judicial Court. On the 1st day of July, 1859, the 
Court of Common Pleas was abolished, and was suc- 
ceeded by the Superior Court. 

The Bristol bar, as we have seen, during the colo- 
nial era and the earlier days of the republic, had 
among its members distinguished men, who stamped 
their characters upon the times in which they lived, 
and who gave to the bar a reputation for ability, in- 
telligence, and statesmanship second to none in the 
commonw-ealth. The reputation thus early estab- 
lished has been maintained to this day. During the 
present century the Bristol bar has furnished to the 
several courts of the commonwealth judges, who as 
jurists have become noted for their broad, general 
knowledge of jurisprudence and for their sound 
judgment and legal acumen. 

Samuel S. Wilde, of Taunton, was an honored 
member of the Supreme Judicial Court for thirty-five 
years, the longest term of service of any judge in the 
State ; and for twenty years there sat by his side 
Marcus Morton, another member of this bar. These 
two jurists, with their associates, Shaw and Putman, 
gave weight and character to the decisions of our 
Supreme Judicial Court, and its decisions have been 
adopted as the common law of our country and are 



quoted as authority in the courts of Westminster 
Hall. 

Judge Merrick, who was a justice of the Supreme 
Court for eleven years, commenced the practice of 
his profession in this county. He first settled in 
Swansea, and afterwards removed to Taunton. 

And now Marcus Morton, the junior of that name, 
born and bred in this county, fills with distinguished 
ability the seat upon that bench which has been 
graced by a Parsons and a Shaw. 

John Mason Williams, a native of New Bedford, 
an honored member of this bar, was upon the 
bench of the Court of Common Pleas ^ twenty-four 
years, five years of which he was chief justice. 
Charles H. Warren, Harrison Gray Otis Colby each 
have won here enviable reputations, and, having 
acceptably filled the office of district attorney, were 
promoted to seats upon the same bench. 

The present chief justice of the Supreme Court, 
Lincoln Flagg Brigham, for six years discluirged 
with eminent ability the duties of prosecuting officer 
of this district, and was, upon the organization of the 
court, appointed one of its associate justices, and in 
1869 commissioned chief justice. The late Ezra 
Wilkinson, of Dedham, upon his admission to the 
bar, settled in Seekonk, and afterwards removed to 
AssOnet. He subsequently became a resident of 
Dedham, was for many years district attorney of his 
district, and when the Superior Court was established 
he was appointed a judge, and remained on the bench 
till his death, in 1882. 

Chester I. Reed, of Taunton, who was cut off by 
death in the midst of his usefulness, was taken from 
the office of attorney-general and placed upon the 
bench of the Superior Court. One of the present 
eminent judges of that court is the Hon. Robert Car- 
ter Pitman, who was in full practice at the Bristol bar 
when appointed to the bench. 

Besides the two attorney-generals of whom we have 
spoken in another connection, the Bristol bar has 
furnished that office with one who, by his marked 
ability and great forensic powers, has given even to 
the bar of Massachusetts a broader and more enviable 
reputation, the late Hon. John Henry Cliftbrd, of New 
Bedford. 

George Marston, of New Bedford, was for eighteen 
years the prosecuting officer of the Southern District, 
and was then elected attorney-general of the common- 
wealth. He held that office for four years, and it is 
sufficient to say he maintained its high reputation for 
ability, learning, and character. 

The office of attorney -general was re-established in 
1849, and it is a fact to be named with honest pride 
that for fifteen of the thirty-four years, which have 
since elapsed, the attorney-general has been a mem- 
ber of the Bristol bar. 

In the national councils this bar has been ably 
represented by William Baylies, for many years its 
acknowledged leader ; by his brother, Francis Baylies, 



HOMCEOPATHY IN BRISTOL COUNTY AND ITS PRACTITIONERS. 



893 



the author of the " History of Plymouth Colony," 
and who was at one time the United States minister 
to Brazil ; hy Lemuel Williams, of New Bedford, and 
Henry Williams, of Taunton; by Laban Wheaton, 
of Norton ; and by Thomas Dawes Eliot, of New 
Bedford. Mr. Eliot was in Congress thirteen years, 
and has left his impress upon the legislation of his 
country. 

William Wallace Crapo, also of New Bedford, has 
just closed a successful career of eight years iu Con- 
gress, and has made for himself a national reputation. 

Mr. George T. Davis, recently deceased, and Mr. 
Kasson, of Iowa, formerly belonged to this bar, and 
have each been members of Congress, Mr. Kasson 
from the State of his adojition, and Mr. Davis from 
one of the districts in this State. 

Two chief magistrates of the commonwealth, Gov- 
ernors Morton and Clifford, as has been previously 
stated, were members of this bar, and David Cobb, of 
Taunton, who was Lieutenant-Governor in 1809, was 
for a time a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. 

If we had the space and time we would speak more 
fully of Professor Theopbilus Parsons, who practiced 
at Taunton ; of Timothy G. Coffin, who obtained the 
foremost rank in his profession as a nisi priiis lnwyer ; 
of that able advocate, Nathaniel Morton ; of the two 
Hathaways, Elnathan B. and Joseph ; of the two 
Cushmans, Apollos and Hercules; of the genial 
Stone, the judge of the Court of Insolvency ; of 
Charles J. Holmes, A. Bassett; of Messrs. Battelle, 
Williams, Lapham, Boomer, Pratt, Bacon, and others, 
who have sustained the honor and added lustre to the 
Bristol County bar. 

Governor Emory Washburn enunciated an axiom 
when he said " that a free people, for an impartial 
administration of justice, and the security of personal 
rights, depend upon the labors of an honorable, en- 
lightened, and independent bar." The bar of Bristol 
County is, to-day, what it has been in the past, hon- 
orable, enlightened, and independent. 

By the statute approved March 19, 1877, the justices 
of the Superior Court were authorized to adjourn any 
of the established terms of that court from Taunton 
and New Bedford to Fall River. The county com- 
missioners thereupon made arrangements to have the 
large and eligible hall in the Borden Block, in Fall 
River, which block had just been erected and fitted 
up for the accommodation of the Superior Court. 
This hall and the adjoining rooms are now used for 
that purpose, and in their appointments and con- 
venience are not surpassed by any court-house in the 
commonwealth. 

The first session of the Superior Court convened in 
Fall River was held in the afternoon of the 27th day 
of June, 1877, the Hon. P. Emory Aldrich presiding. 
The session of that day was devoted to the dedication 
of the hall. Addresses were made by several gentle- 
men of the bar, and were responded to by the pre- 
siding judge. 



We bring this article upon the history of the courts 
of Bristol County to a conclusion by quoting the 
closing portion of the historical address delivered on 
the occasion of the dedication of the hall in. Fall 
River: 

" How fitting and proper it is that we should be 
here and for the purposes of this day. The land 
upon which this stately edifice stands was once the 
property of Col. Benjamin Church, the famous war- 
rior and conqueror of King Philip, and who during 
the administration of Governor Andros was one of 
the judges of the Court of Common Pleas for this 
county. As we look out of these windows to-day we 
can behold the scene of his brilliant exploits, the 
place where by his strategy and prowess the blow 
was given which put an end to that bloodiest of 
bloody wars, and finally resulted in the downfall of a 
great Indian empire. 

" It was here that that Spartan band, under the 
lead of Col. Joseph Durfee, the son of Hon. Thomas 
Durfee, who was a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, on that ever memorable Sunday morning re- 
pulsed the British in their cowardly attack upon the 
then little hamlet. Upon this spot the first blood 
was shed by the English in this county in the Revo- 
lutionary war. Once a part of the broad acres of a 
judge, defended with heroic valor by the son of 
another judge, the present clerk of the courts and his 
kinsmen, the worthy children of an honored sire, 
have erected this edifice, whose halls we this day 
dedicate to justice and to truth." 



CHAPTER LXXL 

HOMCEOPATHY IN BRISTOL COUNTY AND ITS PRAC- 

TITIONERS.i' 

The very terms of living fifty years ago w'ere so 
different from those of the present that comparison 
between them is impossible, mainly because of the 
multiplicity of the causes which have led to these 
changes, each having its due weight and influence. 
Hence this article can only indicate the rise, progress, 
and influence of one part of the therapeutic art. 

Fiftyyearsagocivilization, the civilization of merely 
living, was very different from what it is to-day. A 
large part of the life was not so completely shut out 
from the clear air of heaven. Wood was the common 
fuel, and the generous fireplaces formed ventilators 
which carried off through their roaring throats every 
form of impurity, not permitting it to linger long 
enough to attack the inhabitants. Hence the condi- 
tions of disease also were entirely different, for there 
is no more powerful disinfectant known than the 
oxygen of the atmosphere, when it can reach the 

1 By E. U. Jones, M.D., Taunton, Mass. 



894 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



threatening nocua in sufficient quantity. Tlie " filth" 
which now frightens us, and which truly seems the 
home of all disease, which is truly the ally of every 
known disease-producer, and which we are now fight- 
ing with all the energy of a known enemy, was not 
such a disease-cause with them, because of its quick 
diffusion and minimizing by the very ease with which 
oxygen got access to it. When, however, the wings 
of the wind bore the invading epidemic from other 
lands and other places, the people fell before it, as 
much from fright, perhaps, as from the disease itself. 
In the last visitation of cholera, truly fright killed as 
many as filth. The fright of the people was not so 
much dread of the disease itself, as a lack of confi- 
dence in tlie power to oppose it. 

Moreover, if I may use the phrase, there was at 
this time a great coarseness in the science of medicine, 
from which it was just beginning to emerge. Tliis 
coarseness was most noticeable in the two branches of 
diagnosis and therapeutics. In the larger cities, and 
among those wlio had facilities of intercourse with 
otlier, and especially with foreign, physicians, this 
coarseness was fast giving away to physiological 
medicine, diagnosis was becoming far more accurate, 
diseases which had always been classed as one were 
being separated, and in proportion as delicacy and 
accuracy of diagnosis existed, so polypharmacy began 
to give way to a more scientific therapeutics, — that is 
to say, an effort was made by which the new obser- 
vations and facts in physiology should be thrown into 
a theoretical form, and on that theory a new thera- 
peutics be constructed. But for a long time the teach- 
ing remained the same, and the close of the remedial 
statementof every serious disease remained the same, — 
" mercury, in some of its forms, is our sheet-anchor in 
this disease." The light of schools and colleges was 
being rapidly diffused, but the physicians of a pre- 
ceding generation, then in active practice, could not 
see or comprehend this light. A physician of this 
class, whose deatli occurred a few years since, was ac- 
customed to maintain that the only proper treatment 
for phthisis was copious and repeated venesections. 

Under these circumstances homceopathy was intro- 
duced to the notice of the profession and the people. 
Its remedies, so markedly diverse in form and ap- 
pearance from those in vogue, so minute as almost to 
claim the power of magic, and withal so effectual as 
to defy disproof, at once gave rise to serious questions 
in the minds of both the profession and the laity. 
These questions presented themselves as it regards 
the self-limitation of disease, the needlessness of the 
huge doses, the actual injuries inflicted by the action 
of remedies puslied to their pathological results, the 
value of diet in disease, and the removal of the causes 
of disease. In proportion as the refinements of phys- 
iological medicine had not reached the mass of the 
people and the profession, so did the wonderful re- 
finement of lioma'opathy strike them the more forci- 
bly. The sufferers from the coarseness of the one flew 



with extreme hope to the subtilty of the other. The 
long-suffering infant world was the first to experience 
the benefit of the change, and the limitation put to 
their diseases and death was the most marked and 
wonderful. The power of the new therapeutics was 
shown still more decidedly in the cures of virulent 
diseases, and cholera, dysentery, the exantheraatic 
and continued fevers, choreas, and all forms of neu- 
rotic diseases, convulsions, etc., owned its swav. The 
educated and intelligent classes were among the first 
to accept the new method, from the positive proofs 
with which it was accompanied, and they are its best 
patrons to-day. 

It was extremely unfortunate that homceopathy 
was introduced as a new system of medicine, rather 
as a new system of therapeutics based upon the eluci- 
dation of a formerly well-known law, but perhaps the 
present great advance in the science of medicine 
could not otherwise have been attained. Perhaps, 
too, the true position of its guiding law could not 
have been shown so effectually, and could not have 
been so great a boon to humanity, nor be adopted so 
thoroughly as the one great law of therapeutics as 
it is at the present day, by any other means than 
by being thrown upon its owu resources. The ridi- 
cule with which it was met, the attempted argument 
by which it was to be annihilated, and the ostracism 
meted out to its supporters and its professional ex- 
ponents accomplished more for its introduction into 
the true science of medicine than any other methods 
could possibly have done. Although a portion of the 
old rancor still holds, expressing itself in the ethical 
formularies of many societies, yet this article will not 
be ten years old when all that will have practically 
passed away, and the science of medicine will have 
bowed its head to homreopathy in proud acknowledg- 
ment of the wonderful gain made in therapeutics by 
its aid. 

The men who in Bristol County championed this 
system were mostly physicians in the true and full 
sense of the word, who, in working for homreopathy, 
were working for the ultimate advancement of medi- 
cal science. Hence, while their business and the 
necessarily close study occupied the greater part of 
theirtime,tbey still keptthemselves posted thoroughly 
in all the theories and advanced ideas of the day. 
Homceopathy was not taken by them simply as a 
theory of disease, but as the best practical method of 
prescribing for disease, and its law as the only one 
which seemed to have a perfectly practical and uni- 
versal bearing. Their principal labor was in the line 
of the development of this law ; for this they were 
willing to suffer ostracism, and for this and its re- 
wards were they anxious to labor. Safe in the fold 
of their own medical society, safer in the love and 
confidence of their patients, safest in the certainty of 
the results which were sure to follow their labors, 
they could well afford to wait the results of the truth 
of the law to which they had given their allegiance. 



HOMOEOPATHY IN BRISTOL COUNTY AND ITS PRACTITIONERS. 



895 



Later years have proved the justice of these claims, 
for pari passu with their presentation has been the 
aclinowledgment of their rights, and homoeopathic 
pliysicians now stand in the eyes of the communities 
and the local governments on a level, at least, with 
the educated men of any school. 

The first of these physicians, in point of time, to 
settle in the county, was Dr. Manning B. Roche. He 
was a pupil of Dr. Constantine Hering, and was a 
graduate of the Aflentown Academy. Ko one could 
be a pupil of Dr. Hering and not be thoroughh' 
versed in all that pertains to the education of the 
physician, and Di'- Roche's education was complete, 
and especially so in the matter of the Materia Medica. 
He was a man of strong character, and well calculated 
to command the respect and attention of those with 
whom he came in contact. He settled in New Bed- 
ford in 1841, and though at first he met with little 
encouragement, he gradually acquired a foothold, and 
at length obtained a large practice. He retired on 
account of failing health in 1861, and died at River- 
side, N. J., July 5, 1862, aged seventy-three years. 

Dr. Roche met with but little active opposition to 
his practice, which may have been due to the liberal 
examj)le of the late Dr. Lyman Bartlett, who, at the 
time of his death, had stood for a quarter of a century 
at the head of his school in this locality. He stead- 
fastly refused to be bound by the bigoted rules of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society, and always met ho- 
nireopathic physicians in consultation whenever re- 
quested so to do. 

At this same time, in the northwestern portion of 
the county, in the little town of Norton, Dr. Ira 
Barrows was practicing " after the straitest sect of 
allopathy." But in 1842 his attention was called to 
the new theory of therapeutics by his friend. Dr. P. 
P. Wells, now of Brooklyn, N. Y. But he was not 
a man to take things on any one's statement, and he 
accordingly obtained the " Organon" and Hull's Jahr, 
and commenced his experiments. The result of these 
experiments filled him with wonder, and he very soon 
gave in his adherence unreservedly to the new school. 
It has been a mistaken notion that all of those who 
practice homceopathically must, of necessity, give in 
their whole adherence to all of the theories by which 
Hahnemann tried to account for the action of reme- 
dies ; but in every case individual opinion has been 
duly exercised, and the facts of the master taken 
without regard to the theories which he advanced. 
Hence the far larger part of the converts which were 
made to horafoopathy were those who had previously 
been firm adherents of the theory of the dominant 
school, and while putting their whole faith in the 
power of the therapeutic law, nevertheless did not 
feel themselves required to adopt all of the theory of 
disease presented by Hahnemann. Homceopathy in 
Bristol County was represented by these same inde- 
pendent thinkers, and facts, not theories, were required 
for their guidance. 



In August of 1842 an epidemic dysentery spread 
very generally over the region around Norton, and 
Dr. Barrows treated sixty-three cases with the loss of 
but one, — a very wonderful showing for that disease 
and those times. The knowledge of his method of treat- 
ment spread very rapidly over the adjacent towns, 
and soon his circuit extended to at least twenty 
miles. He was the pioneer of homceopathy in Taun- 
ton, Middleborough, Raynham, the Bridgewaters, 
Easton, Mansfield, Foxborough, Wrentham, Attlebor- 
ougb, Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton, and Pawtucket. 
He met with a great deal of opposition from his pi'o- 
fessional brethren, and was finally, without a fair hear- 
ing and on a technical charge, expelled from the Mas- 
sachusetts Medical Society, the first martyr in this 
section of the country to the bigotry of medical intol- 
j erance. This action of the society, and the fact that 
] it was based technically, not really, on " gross immor- 
' ality," was exceedingly galling to Dr. Barrows, and 
he never could afterwards speak of it with composure. 
It was a gross libel on the life of a man whose whole 
life was given to the relief of suffering humanity. He 
soon left Norton, and commenced practice in Provi- 
dence, which he held to the day of his death. He 
died Oct. 14, 1882, and his funeral, held in church, 
was attended by crowds of interested professional lay 
friends. 

He graduated at Brown University in 1824, and re- 
ceived his medical diploma from Harvard in 1827. 

It was not till 184.5 that Fall River was settled 
by homreopathy. In that year Dr. Isaac Fiske be- 
came interested in it, and the more that he studied 
the law and the more that he put it into practice the 
more did he love it, till finally he practiced under its 
Kgis solely. At this time Fall River was a small 
manufacturing town, with its great possibilities not 
yet developed, and its population almost wholly made 
up of those who were connected with the mills. With 
this class homceopathy was not popular, and Dr. Fiske 
met with much and unreasonable opposition in his 
new practice, both from his professional brethren and 
the people. But his own high scholarly attainments, 
his social power, and his love for his newly-found 
truth, enabled him to overcome all difficulties, and to 
establish himself in a good practice. 

Although the town of Taunton had weekly, and 
oftener if needed, the services of Dr. Ira Barrows, yet 
there was no settled homreopathic physician here till 
the advent of Dr. George Barrows, in 1846. Dr. Bar- 
rows was a graduate of Amherst in 1840, and of Berk- 
shire Medical College in 1843, which he had entered 
as a sturdy allopath. But his attention had been 
drawn to homoeopathy by the increased success of his 
brother since his change of practice, and by the 
urgency of Dr. William Peck, of Cincinnati. While 
at Pittsfield he made the change, and openly avowed 
; and practiced the new way, and it was perhaps then 
that the college first heard the truth so plainly 
I uttered. 



89G 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Upon his graduation he came to Taunton and began 
business. He met with a great deal oi' opposition, 
but it was not malignant, and his kindly ways, his 
gentlemanliness, and his quiet persistence in asking 
his opponents " to come and see," made him hosts of 
friends and compelled to be respected the practice of 
which he was almost the sole exponent. In difficult 
cases he had the experience of his brother to aid him, 
and the remembrance of him as a physician and a man 
stands high in this community to-day. 

He was always ready to welcome the young physi- 
cian, and to give him all the aid in his power, some- 
times to his own professional hurt, but homreopathy 
was his enthusiasm, and to its advancement he was 
ready to sacrifice everything. 

He died Jan. 19, 1878, and those who regretted his 
loss filled the large church in which his funeral was 
held. 

Such were the men who were the actual pioneers 
of homoeopathy in Bristol County, men of thorough 
education, of good social standing, of high religious 
and moral sentiment, and those whom their profes- 
sional brethren could not ignore or relegate to the 
class of quack or charlatan. 

The homoeopathic literature of those days, to 
those who could not read German, was limited to 
the copy of Hull's "Jahr," and the " Symtomen 
Codex,"— blessed be its memory,— and to sundry re- 
ports of cases which were scattered through the little 
periodical literature which was then printed. Hence 
most of the time of the honioeopathist was used in 
the endeavor to find, among the moderate number of 
the remedies then " proved," the simillimum of the 
disease under consideration. But little time was left 
for other study than that of the materia niedica, for the 
disease in hand must be cured, all other things to the 
contrary notwithstanding, and it must be cured homojo- 
pathically, or else the failure would be used as a long 
lever against the truth of the law, a thing which 
could not be endured by one of those sturdy pio- 
neers. 

In 1847, after Dr. Barrows had left Norton for 
Providence, Dr. Benjamin M. Bounds commenced 
practice in Norton, and has been its principal physi- 
cian to the present time. 

In 1850, Dr. G. M. Matthes made New Bedford his 
permanent residence. He received his degree from the 
united universities of Halle and Wittenberg in March, 
1836, but continued his studies for two years longer 
in Vienna, Prague, and Berlin. He commenced prac- 
tice in the latter place in 1838, but in 1841 moved to 
his native place, Scliwedt, Prussia. Notwithstanding 
he had all of the usual bitter prejudices against Hah- 
nemann, yet in 1845 his attention was compelled to 
his theories by the favorable results obtained by the 
neighboring owners of the large and costly herds of 
merinos, who had entirely discarded their profes- 
sional veterinary physicians and adopted the homoeo- 
pathic practice. He soon became a thorough stu- 



dent of the despised practice. In 1849 he came to 
this country, located for a short time in Boston, and 
became a member of the Massachusetts Medical So- 
ciety. He continues, in New Bedford, a highly-es- 
teemed practitioner. 

In 1851, Charles Harris, M.D., came to Taunton, 
and remained for several years. He was a graduate of 
Berkshire Medical College in 1847. He had a good 
and successful practice, but was obliged to return to 
Wareham, where he had formerly practiced, on ac- 
count of ill health. He is now located at East 
Bridgewater, where he has many and lasting friends. 

In 1852, Henry B. Clarke, a graduate of the 
Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, com- 
menced practice in New Bedford,. and soon took the 
high rank which he has since maintained. 

The year 1854 was an eventful one to homa;opathy 
in Bristol County. In that year three young physi- 
cians, all supplemental graduates of the Homoeopathic 
Medical College of Pennsylvania, took up their resi- 
dence in three different cities of the county. They 
were educated to the full extent of the knowledge 
that could be furnished by the allopathic schools of 
the country, and yet deliberately cho.se to practice 
according to the despised law of the new school. In 
order to fit themselves for this work they took gradu- 
ation from the only homiBopathic school of eminence 
in the land. This school, while teaching the whole 
curriculum of the old school in self-defense, made the 
peculiar tenets of homreopathy its 2)i'ominent point. 
Its hospital enforced these points, and its daily clinic 
made evident the wonderful power of the attenuated 
doses. The proof could not be ignored, and, once 
accepted, the proof of daily practice made it only the 
stronger. These graduates accepted fully the proof 
thus offered, and the fact that during a practice of 
thirty years they have not swerved from it is proof 
that it has never failed them. 

In the spring of 1854, Dr. John L. Clarke com- 
menced practice in Fall Eiver, and at once took a 
very high ^tand among the practitioners of the place. 
Owing to the peculiar construction of the population 
homojopathy did not spread much among the general 
people, but was received by the intelligent portion, 
and its hold upon them has never been lost. There 
are in Fall River now six homceopathic physicians, 
all of them in full practice, and all of them men who 
have come, not merely to try the situation, but who 
have come to stay, and no one of whose experience 
there has been less than five years. 

In 1872, Dr. Thomas A. Capen, a graduate of the 
Massachusetts Agricultnral College and of the Hahne- 
mann Medical College of Philadelphia, commenced 
practice, and to-day remains a successful practitioner. 

In 1874, Dr. David W. Vanderburgh commenced 
practice in Fall River. Dr. Vanderburgh was grad- 
uated in the regular course in Ann Arbor in 1866. 
In August of 1862 he passed examination for medical 
cadet. United States Army, and served as such till 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



897 



April, 18G3, when he was appointed assistant sur- 
geon, Tenth Regiment, Michigan Infantry, which 
post he held till he was mustered out, Aug. 1, 1865. 
After his graduation he was appointed acting assistant 
surgeon in the United States Army, serving with the 
Seventeenth United States Infantry. A year after he 
took up tlie study of honKcopathy. 

Dr. D. A. Babcock graduated from the New York 
Medical College in' 1874, was in partnership with Dr. 
Clarke, of New Bedford, till 1878, when he succeeded 
to the practice of Dr. George Barrows, of Taunton. 
After the death of his uncle. Dr. J. L. Clarke, he re- 
moved to Fall River, where he has largely increased 
the practice and has made his permanent residence. 

Drs. Stowe, Finch, and Walker are also settled in 
the city, and are finding good practices. 

In 1854, Dr. Edward Sisson, a student with Dr. 
Roche, and a graduate both of the Berkshire Medical 
School and of the Homreopatbic Medical College of 
Pennsylvania, completed his studies, and commenced 
a very .successful practice, which he still maintains. 

There are several other physicians in New Bedford 
who have recently settled there, who will do honor to 
the cause. Among them may be mentioned Helen 
M. Wright, M.D., a graduate of Boston University 
School of Medicine, 1881. 

In this same eventful year Dr. E. U. Jones came 
to Taunton, at the repeated and urgent request of 
Dr. Barrows, and for two years was bis assistant 
before commencing practice on bis own account. 
Previous to this Dr. Jones had been in a good prac- 
tice in Dover, N. H. It was in this summer that 
cholera was a dread visitant to the town, but the 
pages of homa'opathy stand with but one death re- 
corded upon them. The practice of Dr. Jones has 
been among the best and most intelligent of the citi- 
zens. He was for seven years secretary of the Mas- 
sachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, and, as an 
especial honor, was elected its centennial president in 
1876. He is the chairman of the first board of health 
of the city of Taunton. He is also Lecturer on Sani- 
tary Science and Malarial Diseases in Boston Uni- 
versity Medical School. His experience of thirty 
years is not without its value to a large clientage at 
the present day. 

Joseph W. Hay ward, M.D., was graduated from 
the Medical School of Maine in 1864, but was en- 
tered as medical cadet in the regular army iu 1863; 
served in general hospitals till March, 1864; re- 
entered in June of the same year as assistant surgeon 
United States Volunteers. After passing the regular 
army board served in the field in front of Richmond i 
until Nov. 25, 1865. He then came to New York, 
took lectures at Bellevue, and came to Taunton in 
March, 1866. He is at present Lecturer at Boston 
University School of Medicine, a member of the city 
school board, and in a large and successful practice. 

Dr. B. L. Dwinell is a graduate of Tuft's College, 
1876, and of Boston University School of Medicine, 
57 



1878. Immediately after graduation he settled in 
Taunton, and is having a very successful practice. 

Dr. Fred. D. Tripp is a graduate of Boston Uni- 
versity School of Medicine, 1881 ; spent one year in 
the hospital at Ward's Island, and in March, 1883, 
became city physician. 

Dr. Caleb Swan, a grandson of Dr. Caleb Swan, of 
Easton, and son of Dr. James C. Swan, of Brockton,, 
coming from a line of physicians, is recognized as one 
who will be prominent in the future history of medi- 
cine in the county. 

His grandfather was among the earliest of those 
who recognized the value of the new therapeutics, 
and, -while not taking a decided stand upon the 
point, yet practiced it more and more till bis death, 
and claimed himself as a homceopath. His circuit 
extended over the whole county, and his judgment 
was much relied upon. 



CHAPTER LXXIL 

MISCELLAXEOU.?. 

The French Canadians in the County of Bristol' 

— About one-sixteenth of the population of Massa- 
chusetts is composed of French Canadians. Of all 
the cities in the State, Fall River and Lowell have 
the largest French Canadian population. Although 
we lack certain data for an accurate determination 
of their numbers, yet a reliable estimate may be 
reached by reference to their church records, the 
opinions of their journalists, and the last Federal 
census. 

Relying upon these sources of information we may 
state that there are one hundred thousand French 
Canadians in Massachusetts, and from ten to twelve 
thousand both in Lowell and Fall River. 

Most of these immigrants have come here since the 
war. Like other aliens they come to better their 
condition, and while the majority of them come to 
work in our manufactories, yet they are followed by 
a relative number of professional men, physicians, 
clergymen, and lawyers, as well as educated mer- 
chants. The latter, especially, bring some capital 
with them, while the larger number of the others 
trust to whatever opportunity there may be here for 
persons able and willing to work. 

It is the opinion of those who are acquainted with 
this class of people that they are orderly, sociable, 
and intelligent, and that sooner or later their influ- 
ence will be felt in the society and politics of this 
State. 

The French Canadian is very much attached to his 
language. French is spoken in the family and in the 
church. It is not true, as some suppose, that the 
French Canadian speaks a. patois unintelligible to a 

* Contributed by Hugo A. Dubuque. 



B98 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



person well versed in the French language. The 
curriculum of schools and colleges in Canada is based 
upon that of the lyceums and colleges of France, and 
Aay one familiar with the literary works produced by 
French Canadians is well aware that the French lan- 
guage has been preserved with remarkable vigor and 
purity by all the descendants of the Cartiers, Maison- 
neuves, and Chaniplains. We shall have occasion 
later on to refer to Mr. Louis Frechette, the French 
Canadian poet-laureate, whose works were crowned 
by the French Academy (Paris, 1880). 

The first French family came to Fall River about 
the year 1859, but it was not until 1866-G8 that the 
French from Canada came here in large numbBrs. 

We often hear that these people return to Canada 
after a few years' sojourn here. It may have been so 
before 1870, but since theu the French population has 
increased rapidly in every city and county of the 
commonwealth. 

Let us now glance at the social and religious con- 
dition of this element. While some thirty or forty 
families attend Protestant churches, the remainder 
belong to the Catholic Churcli. 

The French Protestants meet for worship in the 
mission chapel on the corner of Pleasant and Sixth 
Streets. 

The first French Catholic Church (called 8te. Anne) 
was built in 1870, on Hunter Street, Rev. A. de Mon- 
taubricq, a native of France, being its first pastor. 

In 1867-68, Rev. A. J. Derbuel, another native of 
France, at present pastor of the French Church in 
West Boylston, Mass., was ministering to the wants 
of the French families then in Fall River. He was 
then one of the assistants in St. Mary's (Irish) parish. 

Another church (Notre Dame) has since been built 
on Bassett Street to accommodate the residents of the 
eastern portion of the city. Rev. P. J. B. Bedard has 
been its pastor from the first. 

There is a part of the city of Fall River called 
French village (Petit Canada, or Little Canada, as the 
French themselves name it), which includes all the 
houses of the American Linen Company, and is 
bounded on the east by Broadway and on the north 
and south by Division and Bay Streets. It received 
that appellation because the early French Canadian 
immigrants lived mostly in that vicinity. 

The French in Fall River have since 1870 organ- 
ized, and they maintain to this day, various national, 
benevolent, and literary societies. The most impor- 
tant of them, called the St. Jean Baptiste, was founded 
in 1874, as a national and mutual relief association; 
it was reorganized in 1878, and is now iu existence. 
It has taken the lead in the celebration of the 24th 
of June, the national holiday of the French Cana- 
dians, St. John the Baptist being their patron saint. 
An event of some importance to the French popula- 
tion of Fall River was the publication in the French 
language of a weekly [japer called L'iJcho da Canada 
(1873). It was owned and edited by Dr. Alfred Mig- 



nault and H. Beaugrand. The former practiced as a 
physician in Fall River for some nine or ten years, 
and died recently. The latter is the proprietor and 
manager of a large and successful daily. La Patrie, in 
Montreal (P. Q. Canada). 

Mr. Beaugrand was educated in a French Canadian 
college, and came to this country while young. He 
enlisted in the French army in Mexico, and after- 
wards settled in Fall River, and worked at the trade 
of a printer until he commenced the publication of 
L'Echo du Canada. He was very active, studious, 
and enterprising. He sold his paper to Mr. Archam- 
bault (a photographer, now in Montreal), who trans- 
ferred it to Mr. Remi Benoit, who in turn became its 
editor. This paper was succeeded by Le Protecteiir 
Canadien, edited by contributors. Before that, in 
1874, Mr. Benoit had successively edited Le Charivari, 
a comical paper, and L'Ouvrier Canadien, which was 
a rival to L'Ei-lio da Canada. While Mr. Beaugrand 
lived in Fall River he wrote a book entitled Jeanne 
La Fi/eiise (Jane the Spinner). 

It is an interesting novel. The heroine is an or- 
phan, who leaves Canada and comes to Fall River, 
works in the mills, and has two lovers, one in Canada, 
the other in Fall River; the latter saves her life in 
the Granite Mill fire in 1874, but dies in consequence 
of injuries received in the performance of that self- 
sacrificing deed. Jeanne marries the former. The 
book contains a faithful description of the life and 
manners of the French natives of Canada at home 
and abroad. 

In September, 1873, the French Canadians had a 
large meeting to rejoice over the withdrawal of the 
last German trooi)s from French territory, after the 
payment of the last installment of the war indemnity 
(September 5th). The French Canadian is a great 
lover of France, which he calls the mother-country. 

In 1876-77, Mr. H. Beaugrand published another 
weekly paper in Fall River, entitled La Ecpnl/tirjue. 
In 1877, Le Cercle Montcalm, a literary society, was 
founded. In 1878, Mr. Louis Frechette, the poet- 
laureate of Canada, was invited to deliver a lecture in 
French, under the auspices of that society, in Concert 
Hall. Mr. Beaugrand composed L'Hymne Montralni 
for the occasion. Dr. Mignault adapted the words to 
music, and he was al.so the leader of tlie orchestra, 
called Le Septuor. Mr. Frechette, who forirterly lived 
in Chicago, spoke on the future prospects of his com- 
patriots in their adopted country, and recited some of 
his poetry on Papineau (the French leader of the 
insurrection in 1837) and on the discovery of the 
Mississippi. In 1881, Mr. Frechette \vas again invited 
to deliver a lecture, in Waverly Hall, on Washington 
and the duties of citizenship. The audience was so 
large that many were unable to gain admission to the 
hall. In the same year the Club Frechette was founded, 
with the object of giving theatrical entertainments 
in the French language. It was incorporated in the 
Cercle Salahernj, which society has given a number of 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



899 



performances on the stage of the Academy of Music. 
Before that, however, the French clerks formed a 
society to furtlier tlieir own interests, under the name 
of La Societe des cnmmis-marclianda. 

It should be noticed that the principal business 
houses of the city are obliged to secure the services 
of French clerks to wait upon those customers who 
are unable to speak the English language. 

There are, however, French Canadian merchants 
engaged in almost every branch of trade in Fall 
River. 

In the professions, the French in Fall River are 
represented by two clergymen, one lawyer, nine 
physicians, and one veterinary surgeon. 

There are two convents attached to the French 
churches noticed above ; they are under the control 
of Catholic Sisters. An orphan asylum, which gives 
refuge to orphans of any creed or nationality, is con- 
nected with the convent Notre Dame on Mason 
Street. 

There is a parochial school for each congregation, 
and a commercial college taught by laymen on Bas- 
sett Street. The English and French languages are 
equally taught in the schools, the convents, and the 
college. A large percentage of French children, 
however, attend the public schools. 

In 1883 the college on Bassett Street, the convent of 
Notre Dame, and the orphanage connected with it 
w^e organized under the State laws as the Corpora- 
tion Kolre Dame. 

P. J. B. Bedard, who was the promoter of these in- 
stitutions, has conveyed to the new corporation a 
large parcel of land and valuable buildings on the 
same in trust for religious, charitable, and educa- 
tional purposes. He intends to build a large hos- 
pital for the sick, the aged, and the infirm on the 
land of this corporation. 

A new organ of the French Canadian population 
of Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton, Le Castor, 
is published in the first named city. It was started 
in 1882, and is owned by H. Boisseau. It is edited 
in a very clever manner by a small circle of contrib- 
utors. The title, Le Castor, means " the beaver," 
which is one of the national emblems of the French 
Canadians. The term " beaver" was given by the 
English to the French in Canada as an injurious 
epithet. But the French, considering it a compliment 
to be called beavers on account of their industry, have 
always looked upon it as representing one of their 
national traits, and hence made it an emblem of their 
own. The other national emblem of the French 
Canadians is the maple-leaf This represents the 
quality of the wood coming from the maple-ti-ee, 
which compares in its durability with the enduring 
characteristics of the French Canadian nationality. 

In 1876, the centennial year, the French Canadians 
took a prominent part in the celebration of the Fourth 
of July. A fine allegorical car, over which floated 
the tri-color by the side of the stars and stripes, was 



filled with personages attired in the traditional garb 
of the early French settlers, discoverers, and (lov- 
ernors of Canada. But it was on June 24, 1878, that 
the most important demonstration of the French 
people took place. 

The local press pronounced the festivities and pro- 
cession on that day as most complete, and reflecting 
great credit upon the French people. On such occa- 
sions the French have orators who speak to the as- 
sembled multitude in their own tongue. And if 
Americans needed that any of their adopted citizens 
should teach them the true love of country and of 
republican institutions, tliey could learn a lesson 
from- the spontaneous outbursts of impassioned elo- 
quence flowing from the lips of these descendants of 
Lafayette and Rochambeau. 

And while the French Canadian is thoroughly 
possessed of that never-dying sentiment which binds 
one to his native land, yet he finds in the American 
republic so much to the credit of his ancestors and 
such generous hospitality, that he always shares 
freely his amor patrice between the laud of his birth 
and that of his adoption. 

The French Canadians are naturally conservative, 
yet quick to learn. In the mills they are well liked 
by the manufacturers, and during the last four or five 
years some have been placed in positions of trust. 
There are some twelve French Canadian overseers, 
and about one hundred assistant overseers (called 
second-hands), in the mills of Fall River. It must be 
remembered that the French immigrants have never 
engaged in the manufactures before coming to this 
country. Most of them have been born and brought 
up on farms. Some of these farmers sell their land 
in Canada to purchase lots and build homes in the 
manufacturing cities of New England. A great 
many are becoming owners of real estate in Fall 
River. Those who come when they are ten or twelve 
years old can learn the English language well. The 
older ones do not speak it so plainly, and many never 
can pronounce it at all. They are fond of their lan- 
guage, and even those who speak English as well as 
French always prefer the vernacular. After a sojourn 
of some few years among us they naturally appre- 
ciate our institutions and become interested in our 
politics. 

At various times some of their leaders have spoken 
to them of naturalization at meetings called for that 
purpose, but it was not until 1882 that a permanent 
society, called Le Club de Natiiralimtion (the Natural- 
ization Club), was formed for that special purpose. 
It has done efl!'ective work in a short time. It meets 
once a week over Concert Hall, on Pleasant Street. 
All the proceedings and speeches are in French. 
The members have debates on historical and literary 
subjects. The club has now over one hundred and 
fifty members, and the audiences average from two 
to four hundred every week. 

In 1875, Frank Cote was made a constable and 



900 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



qualified to serve civil process. In 1881-82, Mr. 
Edward J. L' Herault succeeded him in that capacity. 
In 1880, Victor Geofirion {a brother of the Hon. F. 
GeofFrion, one of the leaders of the liberals in the 
province of Quebec, a former member of the federal 
cabinet at Ottawa, and of C. A. Geoffrion, Esq., a lead- 
ing lawyer of Montreal, province of Quebec) was 
elected to the Common Council in the old Ward Four. 
Others have been candidates for various offices. 

In October, 1881, a French Canadian national con- 
vention was held in Music Hall, in Fall River. These 
conventions are composed of three delegates from 
every French congregation, society, or group, and 
meet annually in a place designated one year in ad- 
vance. 

The subjects of debate are the various questions 
affecting the social and material welfare of the French 
Canadians in the United States. Here again French 
is the official language. 

There are some five or si.\ hundred French Cana- 
dian families in New Bedford. They have a church 
(Sacred Heart), whose first pastor was Rev. G. Pager, 
who died in 1882. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. 
Provost. There are some ten or fifteen French fami- 
lies at Westport Factory, between Fall River and 
New Bedford. 

Within three or four years about one hundred and 
twenty-five French families have settled in Taunton. 
They have already purchased land to build a church, 
and have one physician. Dr. Desnoyers. Some of the 
most skillful workmen in a silver-plating and engrav- 
ing establishment are French Canadians. 

County Officers. — Judges of Probate. — Prior to 
the division of the county in 1746 the probate office 
and registry of deeds was held in Bristol, then the 
capital of the county, now in Rhode Island. The 
judges of probate were Nathaniel Byfield, 1686-93; 
John Saffin, 1693-1703; Nathaniel Byfield, 1703-10; 
Nathaniel Paine, 1710-15 ; Nathaniel Byfield, Jr., 
1715-17; Nathaniel Paine, 1717-24; Nathaniel Pla- 
grove, 1724-44; Nathaniel Hubbard, 1744-47 ; ' George 
Leonard, 1747-78; Benjamin Williams, 1778-83; 
George Leonard, Jr., 1783-90 ; Seth Padelford, 1790- 
1810; Hodijah Baylies, 1810-34; Oliver Prcscott, 
1834-58 ; Edmund H. Bennett, 1858-83. 

Registers of Probate. — In Bristol : Stephen 
Burton, 1686-92; John Gary, 1692-1715;' Ebenezer 
Brenton, 1715-17; John Gary, 1717-21; Stephen 
Paine, 1721-49. In Taunton : George Leonard, 
1749-83; Dr. William Baylies, 1783-1812; Francis 
Baylies, 1812-21; David " G. W. Cobb, 1821-33; 
Anselm Bassett, 1833-51 ; Henry Williams, 1851- 
53; John Daggett, 1853-64; A. S. Cushman, 1864- 
69 ; William E. Fuller, 1869-83. 

Registers of Deeds. — The office of registrar of 
deeds was in Bristol, the shire town of the county, 
from its organization in 1685 to 1746, when a division 

1 Probate office in Taunton, 1747. 



was made setting off Bristol to Rhode Island. The 
registers were Stephen Burton, 1686-93 ; John Gary, 
1693-1721 ; Samuel Howland, 1721-41 ; Thomiis 
Throope, Jr., 1741-47;^ James Williams, 1747-79; 
James Williams, Jr., 1779-1826; Alfred Williams, 
1826-41; Joseph Wilbar, 1841-74; 'Joseph E. Wil- 
bar, 1874-83. Judge James Williams, Gen. James 
Williams, son, and Dr. Alfred AVilliams, grandson, 
held the office ninety-five years. Joseph Wilbar and 
Joseph E. Wilbar, son, have held the office forty-two 
years ; the latter is the present incumbent. Registers 
of deeds in New Bedford : Benjamin G. Congdon, 
Benjamin K. Sayer, Charles C. Sayer, George B. 
Richmond. 

Treasurers. — 1732, Samuel Howland ; 1744, Jo- 
seph Russell ; 1746, James Williams ; 1751, Robert 
Luscomb ; 1770, George Godfrey, Taunton ; 1783, 
Seth Padelford, Taunton; 1784, George Godfrey, 
Taunton ; 1794, Apollos Leonard, Taunton ; 1801, 
Samuel Crocker, Taunton ; 1826, James L. Hodges, 
Taunton; 1831, Horatio L. Danforth, Taunton; 
1843, Foster Hooper, Fall River; 1846, Richard S. S. 
Andros, Taunton ; 1848, James P. Ellis, Taunton ; 
1854, Samuel R. Townsend, Taunton ; 1856, George 
M. Woodward, Taunton ; 1865, Thomas .f. Lothrop, 
Taunton; 1874, George F. Pratt, Taunton. 

Clerks of Courts.— 1702, Timothy Fales; 1746, 
Timothy Fales ; 1774, Samuel Fales, Taunton ; John 
Tucker, signed records of Supreme Judicial Court 
from October, 1797, to October, 1804; October, 1804, 
Nathaniel Fales, Taunton ; 1813, Nathaniel Fales, 
Taunton ; 1816, James Sproat, Taunton ; Oct. 17, 
1822, James Sproat, son of the previous James, 
Taunton ; April, 1856, William A. F. Sproat, Taun- 
ton ; Jan. 7, 1857, John S. Brayton, Fall River; Jan. 
5, 1864, Simeon Borden, Fall River. 

Sheriffs. — May 27, 1692, Nathaniel Payne; Dec. 
22, 1692, to June 30, 1710, Samuel Gallop; Dec. 10, 
1715, William Troop, Bristol; March 31, 1718, Seth 
Williams, Taunton ; April 16, 1718, to June 22, 1733, 
Charles Church, Dighton ; Jan. 14, 1746, to Nov. 24, 
1761, Sylvester Richmond, Dighton ; 1774, Zephaniah 
Leonard, Raynham ; 1809, Horatio Leonard, Rayn- 
ham ; 1812, Noah Claflin, Attleborough ; 1813, Ho- 
ratio Leonard, Raynham ; 1845, Horatio L. Dan- 
forth, Taunton ; 1852, Lyman W. Dean, Attlebor- 
ough ; 1853, Robert Sherman, Pawtucket; 1855, 
George H. Babbitt, Taunton ; 1863, Chr. B. H. Fes- 
senden. New Bedford,; 1869, William S. Cobb, New 
Bedford ; 1878, Andrew R. Wright, Fall River. 

Attleborough.— Rev. Jacob Ide, a native of this 
town, was a descendant from Nicholas Ide, who came 
to this country previous to 1645, and settled in Re- 
hoboth, where he died. His son, Nicholas, Jr., came 
to Attleborough about 1696 and purchased lands 
here, and some of his descendants remain in town to 
this day. 

= Removed to Taunton, 1747. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



901 



Jacob, the subject of this memoir, was the son of 
Jacob, and was born March 29, 1785, in the south part 
of the town, in what is popuhirly called the "Read and 
Ide neighborhood." His father was a farmer of the 
New England stamp, a man of good judgment and 
respectable character, and a worthy citizen. His 
father's ancestors had been farmers ever since the 
landing in the country. He was robust in health in 
his younger days, and was employed on his father's 
farm, and was able to perform the hardest aud most | 
laborious work, and continued in this employment 
till he entered college. In earh* life he became 
anxious to obtain a liberal education to prepare him- 
self for the gospel ministry. His father had not the 
ready means of meeting the expenses of his education, 
or renderiug him much assistance in his preparation 
for college. He resorted to many self-denials and 
laborious means to accomplish his purpose. He em- 
ployed every leisure moment in the intervals of farm 
■work, and on evenings and rainy days, in the study of 
the languages. He traveled on foot five miles to 
make his recitations to Rev. Nathan Holman, who 
was then pastor of the second parish at Ea.st Attle- 
borough. He followed this course for a year, and 
this was his only means of preparation. At the end 
of this term he entered college. 

But in his case this was not so great a disadvantage 
as it would have been to many others. He studied 
his tasks thoroughly by patient and laborious work; 
he aimed to be accurate in everything he undertook ; 
the midnight oil was no oflense to him. His mind 
was clear and vigorous ; he was devoted to the duties 
of the moment and persevering in his labors. Hence 
he became in afler-life a close student, a thorough 
scholar, and a deep thinker. 

He entered the college at Providence (which was 
only about eight miles from his father's house) in 
September, 1805, and graduated in 1809 with the 
highest honors of his class. 

By his severe intellectual labors for the four or five 
years of his life before leaving college, his health at 
that time had become much impaired, and his natu- 
rally strong constitution enfeebled. It was then con- 
sidered doubtful whether he would ever be able to 
sustain the duties of a pastoral life, but after a short 
vacation and leisure his health somewhat improved, 
aud he concluded to resume his studies. After spend- 
ing some time in the study of theology under the in- 
structions of Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, he entered 
the Andover Theological School, where he went 
through the regular course, and graduated there in 
1812. 

He was installed over the church at West Medway 
Nov. 2, 1814, where he finished his pastoral life, and 
died Jan. 5, 1880, at the age of ninety-four years and 
nine months. Previous to his settlement in Medway 
he had preached in several places, one of which was 
Portsmouth, N. H., where, though distrusting his 
own ability as a preacher and feeling discouraged 



himself, he attracted the favorable notice of Daniel 
Webster, then residing in that city, and who heard 
him several Sabbaths. 

He had lived a very studious life, filling his whole 
career with constant labor, even down to his latest 
years. The farm whicli he purchased when he settled 
in Medway afforded him abundance of healthful ex- 
ercise of the kind which his constitution needed, and 
which tended to prolong his life to so late a period. 

In 1864 the fiftieth anniversary of his settlement in 
Medway was celebrated, and he delivered a historical 
discourse on the occasion, in which he furnishes the 
experiences of his pastoral life, and which was his 
first and only one. On that occasion there was a 
large attendance of clerg}'men in the vicinity aud 
from different parts of the State, and other friends of 
the pastor, who bestowed on him the honors he had 
justly won by the faithful labors of an active pastor 
for more than fifty years. Several original poems 
were written for the occasion, one by Hon. Charles 
Thurber, and another by Rev. William M. Thayer. 
There was a large congregation of people during the 
whole day and in the evening, and he received many 
tributes of respect and veneration from his own peo- 
ple and the distinguished friends from abroad. He 
remained the pastor of this people for more than 
sixty-five years, and to the day of his death. 

In some remarks which Dr. Park, of Andover, 
made on this anniversary, he condensed his whole 
character in a few lines : 

" Thus does the influence of a good man diffuse 
itself through the community, and a faithful preacher, 
even if he be an invalid, is a city .set upon a hill, 
which cannot be concealed. Dr. Ide has been an in- 
valid throughout his entire ministerial life, but by his 
example in his parish, by his judicious and thought- 
ful sermons, by the essays and discourses which he 
has published, by the volumes which he has edited, 
by the young men whom he has educated for the 
ministry he has exerted an influence which has been 
felt, and will continue to be felt, in distant parts of 
our own land and on the other side of the sea." 

His funeral occurred on the 8th of January, 1880, 
and was attended by a large concourse of clergymen 
and others. A sermon was preached by Rev. John 
W. Harding, of Long Meadow, in which he truth- 
fully portrayed the character and services of the de- 
ceased, and his peculiar merits as a preacher and 
pastor. The discourse has been published. 

In 1827, Brown University bestowed on him the 
honorary degree of S.T.D. In 1815 he married Miss 
Mary Emmons, youngest daughter of Dr. Emmons, 
of Franklin. He left several children at his death. 
His oldest son. Rev. Jacob Ide, Jr., graduated at 
Amherst, and is now the genial and acceptable pastor 
of the church at Mansfield, Mass. His second son, 

Mexis , is now in the ministry, but has never 

accepted any pastoral charge. His daughter Mary 
was the wife of Rev. Charles Torrey, who perished 



902 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



in prison at Baltimore, Md., under sentence tor aiding 
the escape of slaves. He left two children. He was 
born in Scituate, son of Mr. Charles Torrey. 

Durini^ his life forty-one theological students at 
different times were educated for the ministry under 
his instructions.^ 

His published discourses were numerous. In the 
number may be counted twelve funeral sermons, ten 
ordination sermons, twenty-two occasional sermons 
and addresses, and several articles in periodicals. 
Besides these, he edited and published the works of 
Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, in seven octavo volumes. 



ATT LE BOROUGH 

Spaiilding H. Abbott. 
George R. Adams. 
Heury S. Adams. 
Sanford B. Adams. 
Alden H. Albro. 
Asii Aldrich. 
tharlcH H. Aldiich. 
James II. Aldiich. 
Howard Alger. 
George Alleu. 
Isaac Alleu. 
James C. Allen. 
Leonard Altreitli. 
Jolin F. Ashley. 
Albert Atwood. 
Augustus Bailey. 
Robert H.Bailey. 
Varaniis S. Bailey. 
Charles F. Baker. 
James Ballard. 
Christian Ballaup. 
Caleb W. Ballou. 
James A. Ballou. 
Perry A. Ballou. 
Stephen Ballou. 
John Bmker. 
Samuel G. Bassett. 
Henry Bennett. 
Joseph Bigler. 
William W. Bishop. 
Henry A. Blackintou. 
Julius S. Bl:ike. 
William A. Blake. 
Joseph E. Bhmdiug. 
Everett B. Bliss. 
Fred. D. Bliss. 
Harlan V. Bliss. 
Samuel P. Bliss. 
Abel R. Block. 
George E. Boweo. 
Thomas Bowen. 
James Boyle. 
William Bradford. 
Charles W. Bragg. 
Edwin C. Bragg. 
John Biayshaw. 
Alfred A. Briggs. 
Albert E. Briggs. 
Arthur Briggs. 
Charles H. Briggs. 
Edward S. Biiggs. 
Albert F. Briggs. 
Charles Brigham. 
George W. Brockett. 
Charles E. Brotherton. 



MILITARY REC0UD.2 
George Brown. 
John Brown. 
John S. Brown. 
John D. Bullock. 
Henry A. Burchard. 
Joseph H. Burlinganie. 
George W. Burt. 
Frederic Cabbott. 
William F. Cady. 
Elijah F.Callard. 
Isaac Campbell. 
Frank E. Caproii. 
Hugh Carney. 
William Carnos. 
Aldon Carpenter. 
C. Francis Carpenter. 
Edward E. Carpenter. 
Joseph B. Carpenter. 
John Cassiday. 
Thomas Cassiday. 
Marshnll J.Chaffee. 
William Chapman. 
Alvah R. Chace. 
Lurad H. Cha<Iwick. 
George A. Christy. 
Albert F. Claflen. 
George H. Claflen. 
Charles E. Clapp. 
George W. Clark. 
James Clark. 
James F. Clark. 
Henry N. Cobb. 
Albert Coffin. 
Frank Cole. 
Frank W. Cole. 
Henry W. Cole. 
Loring Cole. 
William A. Cole. 
David Collar. 
John P. Couley. 
Fnincis Coulin. 
Francis Cooley. 
Hugh A. Conway. 
Tlmmaii Corcoran. 
Alexander Corey. 
Adolph Coupe. 
George W. Cowden. 
William H. Cowden. 
Edwin L. Craiidall. 
Oscar B. Cumnitngs. 
John C. Ctimmings. 
George Cutting. 
LuL-ius P. Cutter. 
Nathan H. Darling. 
Orville L. Dary. 



'A list of their names may be found in Dr. Blake's " History of 
Mendon Association." 
* Furnished by B. Porter, Jr. 



JeftVey R, Davis. 

James Day. 

James B. Day. 

Benjamin F. Davenport. 

Heury F. Davenpoit. 

Albert D. Dean. 

David S. Dean. 

Edward X. Dean. 

Charles F. Dean. 

Charles P. Drake. 

Charles B. Despardins. 

George Dollery. 

William P. Donuell. 

Francis Doran. 
John G. Doran. 
Peter Dowd. 
Michael Devier. 
James Divine. 
Adam Debus. 
Lowell A. Drake. 
Halsey W. Draper. 
George L. Draper. 
Theodore Draper, 
Francis S. Draper. 
William E. Dunham. 
Henry G, Dunham. 
Joseph Edgar. 
William Ehvin. 
Nathaniel Emerson. 
James Eunis. 
Benjamin E. Evans. 
Amos W. Farnsworth. 
Charles E. Farrar. 
Andrew Farroll. 
John Fay. 
Robert C. Fellows. 
S. A. Ferguson. 
Thomas Fieley. 
James I. Field. 
Richard Field. 
William W. Fisher. 
Charles E. Fisher. 
Ezra A. Fisher. 
Joel A. Fisher. 
Tisdale E, Fisher. 
Benjamin F. Fisher. 
Ebenezer Fiske. 
Peter Flanagan. 
Lawrence Flanagan. 
Thomas Flanagan. 
George H. Follette. 
Franklin Foster. 
Avery Forbes. 
Michael Foy. 
Daniel K. Franklin. 
Herbert N. French. 
George W, French. 
Heury Frowley. 
Charles L. Fuller. 
Josepli Fuller. 
William F. Gardner. 
James Gareu. 
Lemuel Gay. 
Samuel F. Gay. 
Jabes S. Gay. 
Sperry Gay. 
Isaac W. Giles. 
Joseph F. Gifford. 
George W. Giles. 
James Giles. 
Gilbert A. Goff. • 
Samuel N. Goff. 
William H. Goff. 
Jacob Goetter. 
John H. Godfrey. 
Lewis Gonyeu. 
Peter Gormley. 



Michael Gorman. 
Fiederic Gottschalk. 
Charles Gourdier. 
Henry Graff. 
Henry Grefiue. 
Peter P. Greflne. ' 
Charles C. Greene. 
John H, 'Greene. 
Charles Griffin. 
Henry C. Gross. 
John W. Gross. 
Henry A. Guild. 
Allen W. Guild. 
Edg.ar Guild. 
Charles E. Guild. 
Mortimer A. Guild, 
CJiarles Hackett. 
Robert Hall. 
John N.IIall. 
Arthur C. Hall. 
Wilhml E. Hall. 
Alcott Hardon. 
George Harris. 
Robert E. Harris. 
Orriu W. Harris. 
John Hari'is. 
William H. Harrison. 
Gettrge Hartshorn. 
Albert W. Hatton. 
William Hasslem. 
George S. Hatten. 
Henry L. Hayward. 
John Healey. 
William H. Hill. 
Williaui Higgeus. 
Henry M. Hodges. 
John Ilolbrook. 
David E. Holmes. 
Lloyd Hodges. 
Joseph G. Hodgson. 
James I. Hood. 
Patrick Holland. 
Charles Hoyle. 
George W. Horton. 
Edwin J. Horton. 
George S. Horton. 
Everett S. Horton. 
James Hughes. 
George Hubbard. 
Joseph S. Hunt. 
George H. Ide. 
Welcome A. Irons. 
John Jack. 
Charles Jackson. 
George B. Jackson. 
Edward Jencks. 
Edward E. Jenuings. 
John E. Jewett. 
George L. Jillson. 
Charles H. Johnson. 
Daniel L. Johnson. 
Isaac N. Johnson. 
Charles E. Johnson. 
Robert Jones. 
Dexter S. Jordon. 
Alvin A. Josliu. 
Leonard Joslin. 
Walter Katon. 
Alfred Y. Keats. 
James Keenan. 
William Keenan. 
Ensign E. Kelley. 
Patrick Kelley. 
James Kelley, Jr. 
Martin Kennedy. 
Roger Kennedy. 
Terrence Kennedy. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



903 



William II. Kinf;;slcy. 
EtUvaid C. Knitpp, 
Ephraiiii W. Knapp. 
Otis H. Kiijipp. 
James B Knt<;ht. 
Herman Krahe. 
Bornanl Loii<;]iliii. 
Roiiert Luiighliii. 
James Lee. 

George A. LedtUnghftm. 
Benjamin Lewis. 
Benjamin F. Lincoln. 
Horace K. Liuculu. 
Frank C. Luther. 
Ezra Lyun. 
Benjamin W. LUifrio. 
Edward Nelson. 
Nicholas Nerney. 
Henry Nickereuii. 
Dean Nickersun. 
Charles Xilt^s. 
George H. Norton. 
William A. Nye. 
William A. Wacdouald. 
John F. Makinson. 
James Mauon. 
Henry Martin. 
Homer Metcalf. 
John Mitchell. 
David N. Mills. 
Leonidas Mock. 
Charles M. Monie. 
Frank. B.Molt. 
Edgar A. Morse. 
"William Morrison. 
Royal W. Moiilton. 
Earnest Myers. 
Barney 31nllen. 
Thomas Munay. 
Matthew Mnrphy. 
Michael McGann. 
James McDonald. 
ThuniBij McKenna. 
Barney McTague. 
Joseph McNamee. 
William McKinley. 
Daniel O'Brien. 
William O'Conner. 
Alexander O'Donovan. 
Michael O'ltegan. 
Tlionnis O'Neal. 
W'illiam O'Neal. 
Luther Olney. 
John Quinley. 
Charles Qiiinn. 
Michael Quiuu. 
John E. Page. 
Edward K. Paine. 
Edwaid D. Parnienter. 
Augustus Palt. 
Wisner Park. 
Henry W. Park. 
John D. Peacock, 
George 0. Peck. 
George R. Pearce. 
Huratio N. Perry. 
James A. Perry. 
Charles IL A. Percy. 
Lorenzo F. Pidge. 
Ellis Pierce. 
Joseph W'. Pierce. 
Benjamin Pierce. 
Lester A. Perkins, 
Eugene C. Pike. 
John H. Place. 
Allen L. I'otter. 
Rhodes II. Profet. 



Christian Prozella. 
Frank E. Read. 
Elijah R. Read, Jr. 
Nathan H. Read. 
S. Tyler Road. 
Edmund Read. 
George R. Read. 
J. B. Rt-ynolds. 
WiUiani Renilinger. 
Baylies B. Richards. 
Frank. A. Richards. 
Andrew J. Kiclmrda. 
Eugene H. Richards. 
Edwin C. Richardson. 
Edgar Richardson. 
William 0. Richardson. 
Thomas Rohn. 
James H. Roberts. 
George H. Rohinson, 
William II. Rogers. 
Gershon R. Rounds. 
George W. Rollins. 
Charles E. Ryonson. 
Thomas G. 8andland. 
Job B. Savery. 
Abraham B. Savery. 
Charles Sense. 
Edward Seavey. 
Charles Seidler. 
Edwin G. Shepai'dson. 
George W. Simmons. 
Philip Shields. 
James U. Sherman. 
Dennis Shannon. 
James Short, 
John Slater. 
Willaid E. Slade. 
Gideon C. Slade. 
John N. Smith. 
Frank. G. Smith. 
Daniel H. Smith. 
Charles Smith. 
William II. Smith. 
George Smith. 
Eben S. Smith. 
William N. Smith. 
Granville S. Smith. 
William 0. Smith. 
Lewis Smidt. 
Charles W. Snell. 
Oririton L. Soles. 
John J. Solomon. 
James H. Springer. 
Albert Standish. 
Frank Stanley. 
Stephen Stanley. 
Artemus W. Stanley. 
Timothy A. Stanley. 
Milton Stanley, Jr. 
Amos C. Stanton. 
Frank W. Stanton. 
Samuel T. Starkey 
William Stone. 
John F. Streeter. 
Henry A. Streeter. 
William Streeter, 
Michael Sullivan. 
Thomas C. Sweet. 
William Swift. 
Eelien L. Sylvester. 
Edward E. Starkey. 
Seth Talbott. 
Ephiuim Tappan. 
William S. Tappan. 
Abraham Tappan, 
William B. Thayer. 
Abiatbar H. Thayer. 



John Thomas. 
Thomas Thompson. 
Samuel Thompson. 
James W, Thomas. 
Arthur W. Thornton. 
John Tuhan. 
Frank Il.Tisdale. 
Charles F. Tinell. 
James B. Tisdale. 
John Trainor. 
Almon 11. Tucker. 
Roscoe L- Tucker. 
Chester L. Turner, 
William H. Wade. 
Martin Walch. 
Abijali T. AVales. 
Ijewis Walker. 
Charles 0. Wallace. 
George F. W'allace. 
Elliot M. Wallace. 
Henderson Watson. 
Jacob Weis. 
Patrick Welch. 
Charles H. Weaver. 



Manfred H. Weaver. 
John A. W' baley. 
Robert E. Whipple. 
Prentiss M. Whiting. 
Henry M. White. 
Otis 11. White. 
Silas Whitney, Jr. 
Horace M. W'hitney. 
John G. White. 
Horatio G. Whittier. 
John F. Wilkinson. 
Edwin S. Williams. 
Erastus F. Williams. 
Charles F. Williams. 
Henry Williams, 
RounseviUc Williams. 
George H. Willis. 
A. G. Wilson. 
Joseph Wilson. 
John 0. Wilmarth. 
George H. Wilmarth, 
John 0. Wilmarth. 
WilliaTii Worger. 
James Winsor. 



Berkley. — Barnabass Crane (Grroneously on the 
tombstone Bernice) was born in 1744, and was an 
only child, his mother a widow. He came to Berkley 
from Sandwich, Mass., when young. AVas married to 
Joanna Axtel, of New Jersey. He was a soldier in 
the war of the Revolution, and lived to the age of 
eighty-six years. Died November, 1830. Joanna, his 
wife, was born March 20, 1746, and died May 5, 1846, 
aged one hundred years, one month, and fifteen days. 
They had six children, — Abiathar, Benjamin, Lurana, 
Jemima, Barnabass, and William. 

Benjamin Crane, the second son of Barnabass and 
Joanna Crane, was born Sept. 11, 1768. In his boy- 
hood he worked on a farm. He had no opportunity 
to obtain an education, excepting a few weeks in 
winter. After a few years he became a sailor-boy, 
and feeling the need of education to advance him in 
his calling he studied mathematics and navigation. 
He soon after became a sea-captain, and followed the 
coasting-trade until two or three years after his mar- 
riage, when he abandoned that pursuit and purchased 
a small farm three-quarters of a mile east of Berkley 
Common. On this rocky farm of about seventy acres • 
he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. 
Alinda Crane died Sept, 3, 1854, in the seventy-sixth 
year of her age. Benjamin Crane died Oct. 10, 1855, 
in the eighty-eighth year of his age. They had ten 
children; nine of them grew up, — Silas Axtel, Benja- 
min, Daniel, Abie! Briggs, Asahel Hathaway, Thomas 
Briggs, Caroline, Abiathar, and Lucy. Although 
without the advantages of an education themselves, 
yet they somehow from the beginning stimulated all 
their children to unusual mental effort. The little 
farm-house was a house of books and study for their 
children. Benjamin Crane was an honest and just 
man, and entered heartily into all the plans of his 
children for their advancement. His wife, Alinda, 
during many years of her married life, had the cares 
of a large family with all the other labors of a New 
England farmer's wife, yet she retained through her 



904 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



whole life a cheerful and wonderful elasticity of 
spirits. She was ever alive to the intellectual growth 
of her children, and very much of their success in 
life was due to faithful training in moral and religious 
instruction. From the little one-story farm-house they 
sent forth their children. 

Silas A. Crane was born Oct. 21, 1799. In 1823 he 
graduated from Brown University, having fitted him- 
self for college and paying his way through by teach- 
ing. He was an excellent scholar, taking the second 
honors of his class, and for a time was tutor in the 
university. He became an Episcopal clergyman, re- 
ceived the degree of doctor of divinity, and for a few 
years was president of Kemper College, in St. Louis. 
The last thirty years of his life he was rector of St. 
Luke's Church, East Greenwich, R. I. He was a 
profound scholar, an earnest Christian, respected and 
venerated by his people and all who knew him. 
Among the bishops and clergy of the Episcopal 
Church there was no abler or wiser counselor. He 
died July 16, 1872. He married Mary Elizabeth 
Martin, of Providence, R. I. 

Benjamin Crane was born Sept. 13, 1804, and was 
educated at Brown University. He had an acute 
logical and analytical mind, with an aptness and 
clearness of explanation and demonstration that 
made him, for all who desired instruction, a most ad- 
mirable educator. He followed the profession of a 
teacher for many years, was a merchant for a time, 
and then retired to his farm. He was a devoted dis- 
ciple of his Master, and in active life and usefulness 
he passed away, Nov. 11, 18G1. He married Sephro- 
nia Paull, of Berkley, Mass. 

Daniel Crane was born Oct. 6, 1806. He was edu- 
cated at Bi'own University and at Union College. 
Much of his life has been spent away from the ordi- 
nary intercourse of men and business. He has ac- 
quired a vast amount of information from books, has 
a good knowledge of Greek classics, is an excellent 
Latin scholar, and has read in the original many of 
the best Italian,. Spanish, and French authors. In 
ancient and modern history, in the English classics, 
poets, and in Old English he is thoroughly versed. 
He has stored his retentive memory from childhood 
to old age with knowledge, and is now as guileless as 
a child, spending the remainder of his days with a 
relative in Akron, Ohio. He married Margaret Cam- 
eron, of Taunton, Mass. 

Asahel H. Crane was born April 15, 1811. He was 
engaged in teaching school for a number of years, 
then entered into mercantile business, and was in the 
LTnion army until its close. He married Jerusha G, 
Nichols, of Taunton, Mass., and after her death was 
married to Asenath Mitchell, of Bridgewater, Mass. 
He died June 10, 1880. 

Thomas B. Crane was born June 16, 1814. He 
began life as a clerk, subsequently going into busi- 
ness for himself. Several years he was in Nantucket 
under the firm of Pratt & Crane. He was associated 



with his brother Abiathar in mercantile business in 
Greencastle and Bainbridge, in Indiana, during which 
time he was in California for a year or two. A few 
years after he jnirchased a farm near Terre Haute, 
Ind., remaining there until his death, which oc- 
curred May 19, 1882. He married Jlaria D. Andros, 
of Berkley. After her death he married Emily 
Wood, of Middleborough, Mass. 

Caroline Crane was born Dec. 1, 1816. She was 
educated by her brother, the Rev. Silas A. Crane, 
D.D., and was married to the Hon. George P. Marsh 
in 1839. From 1842 to 1849 her husband was in 
Congress ; from 1850 to 1854 United States minister 
at Constantinople. In 1861 he was appointed min- 
ister plenipotentiary to Italy, which oflice he held 
until his death, in July, 1882. Mrs. Marsh is now 
residing in Florence, Italy. She was peculiarly 
fitted to be the companion of this extraordinary 
man, one of the most eminent linguists and philolo- 
gists in our country. This intellectual and culti- 
vated woman, speaking several languages and con- 
versant with the literature of several others, has been 
much admired for her personal attractions, her great 
conversational powers, and accomplishments. Her 
many charities and eflbrts for the education and im- 
provement of the poorer classes in Italy have greatly 
endeared her to the people. 

Abiathar Crane was born April 24, 1819. After 
teaching school for a number of years, he, with his 
brother Thomas, went to Greencastle, Ind., engaging 
largely in mercantile business, subsequently entering 
into the lumber trade in Bainbridge, Ind., running 
two steam saw-mills. He also built a large flour-mill 
in Bainbridge at a cost of about forty thousand dol- 
lars; but in less than a year after it was in operation 
he was attacked with brain fever and lived but a few 
days, dying in the prime of life. As a business man 
he was widely and reputably known throughout the 
State. He died March 24, 1856. He married Caro- 
line, daughter of Levi L. Crane, of New Bedford, 
Mass. 

Lucy Crane was born April 3, 1822, and was edu- 
cated under the guidance of her sister, Mrs. George 
P. Marsh. She was married, in Constantinople, to 
Dr. Adolph Wislizenus, at the residence of the Hon. 
George P. Marsh, then United States minister to Tur- 
key. They now reside in St. Louis. 

Dr. Wislizenus is a cultivated gentleman, is well 
known as a naturalist and scholar, and is a careful 
and successful pliysician. Mrs. Wislizenus is an at- 
tractive and educated woman, and speaks fluently 
French and German. She has a good knowledge of 
music, and is an accomplished performer on the piano 
forte. 

Abiel B. Crane was born June 18, 1808. At the 
age of seventeen he was employed as clerk in New- 
berne, N. C, remaining there for three years with the 
exception of the summer months, which were spent 
at his father's. When twenty years of age he opened 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



905 



a store in Berkley. He was married to Emma T. 
Porter Sept. 21, 1829. Slie was tlie daugliter of Tis- 
dale and Rebecca Porter, of Berkley. During the 
next few years he was in business in Newberne, N. C, 
Valley Fails, R. I., Assonet village, Mass., and Talla- 
hassee, Fla. In the fall of 1839 he entered into co- 
partnership with Caleb Bryant. They conducted a 
wholesale and retail store in Boston until a building 
had been fitted up for their business in Taunton. 

Mr. Crane continued doing business in Taunton 
under the firm of Bryant & Crane, or A. B. Crane, 
until the year 1850, when he was chosen to repre- 
sent the town of Berkley in the General Court to 
meet in Boston January, 1851. A part of tlie fol- 
lowing three or four years were spent in Indiana with 
his brother Abiathar. In October, 1855, he and his 
brother Benjamin opened a store at Weir village, 
Taunton, but subsequently he bought his brother's 
interest, and for a time his son Samuel was with him. 
In the fall of 18(54 he was one of the two elected to rep- 
resent the district composed of Fairhaven, Acushnet, 
Freetown, and Berkley in the General Court of 1865. 
For a number ofyears he was in company with William i 
Babbitt, in the manufacturing of juniper shingles in 
North Carolina. In 1873 he retired from business, 
having at that time a cataract on both eyes. Three 
years later his eyes were operated upon by Dr. Wil- 
liams, an eminent oculist of Boston, the operation 
being so far successful as to restore the sight of one 
eye. From his early life he had a taste for music, 
attending the singing-schools of those days, and ac- 
quiring some knowledge of vocal music. Since then 
his leisure time has been spent in the study of the 
science of music. He is well known as a composer 
of sacred psalmody. 

Mr. Crane is one of those rare men in this age 
whose integrity, honesty, and unselfishness are such 
that he decides in matters involving his personal in- 
terests with the same impartiality as between neigh- 
bors. Under the administration of President Jack- 
son he was postmaster of Berkley for a number of 
years. He was appointed by the Governor and Coun- 
cil a justice of the peace for the county of Bristol, in 
which capacity he served many years. As a friend 
to public improvements in the town he is distin- 
guished. He gave largely for the building of the 
Trinitarian Chapel, and was a large contributor 
towards the building of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, so much needed in this place. He has been 
one of the trustees and one of the board of stewards 
since the organization of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. It is over fifty years since Mr. Crane and 
wife were first united to the church. They celebrated 
their golden wedding September, 1879, their children, 
grandchildren, and many other connections and 
friends were present to enjoy that festal day. 

They have had six children, — Emma Porter, Alex- 
ander Baxter, Samuel Newhall, Asahel Porter, Helen 
Harrison, and Rebecca Porter. 



Emma P. Crane was born July 20, 1830. She was 
educated by her uncle, the Rev. Silas A.Crane, D.D., 
of East Greenwich, R. I. She was a fine student, 
possessed of a thoughtful mind, and her perceptive 
and reflective faculties are of a high order. With a 
natural taste for music, she acquired a good knowl- 
edge of that science, and for twenty years or more 
has been the organist at the Trinitarian, now Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, in Berkley, where she is 
prominent in her liberality and in her untiring efforts 
to sustain the church, and to carry forward the cause 
of Christ. She was married to Charles Bissett, July 
4, 1854, a skillful mechanic of Taunton. 

Alexander B. Crane was born April 23, 1833. He 
graduated at Amherst College in 1854, studied and 
practiced law in Terre Haute, Ind., and was prose- 
cuting attorney of the county one term. In 1862 he 
entered the army as captain in the Eighty-fifth Indi- 
ana Infantry, became lieutenant-colonel, and then 
colonel of the regiment. The regiment was in the 
Army of the Cumberland until the fall of Atlanta. 
Then with Gen. Sherman on his march through 
Georgia and the Carolinas. He was captured in 
1863, and was in Libby Prison several weeks ; partici- 
pated in the battles of the campaign in Tennessee 
and Georgia, leading to the capture of Atlanta and 
Savannah, then through South and North Carolina. 
During the war he was on detached service as pro- 
vost-marshal at Nicholasville, Ky., and afterwards at 
Nashville as a member of the board for the examina- 
tion of officers for the colored regiments. At the 
close of the war he married Miss Cornelia Mitchell, 
of New York City, July 12, 1865, and has since been 
engaged in the practice of law in the city of New 
York. 

Samuel N. Crane was born Oct. 6, 1835. He went 
to Indiana at fourteen years of age with his uncle, 
Abiathar Crane, and there pursued his studies, also 
assisting his uncle in business until his uncle's death. 
He then returned home and was in business with his 
father a few years. At the beginning of the war he 
was in Colorado, and there enlisted as a private in 
the First Colorado Regiment, was soon promoted to 
second lieutenant, and then to first lieutenant. He 
accompanied this regiment on its wonderful march- 
ing and fighting campaign through New Mexico. 
During the last year of the war he was on detached 
service, acting assistant quartermaster at Fort Zarah, 
Kan., and acting assistant commissary of subsistence. 
After the war closed he married Miss Clara Rhodes, 
of Mansfield, Mass., Sept. 6, 1865, and is now residing 
in the city of New York engaged in the management 
of real estate. 

Asahel P. Crane was born Feb. 18, 1838. He at- 
tended school at an academy, and prepared himself 
to fill the position of a clerk in his father's store at 
the age of seventeen. He was very active, industri- 
ous, and faithful, but was only in the business about 
one year, when he was taken sick, and lived about 



906 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



four weeks. He died Oct. 29, 1856, in his nineteenth 
year. 

Helen H. Crane was born Feb. 9, 1842. She has had 
rare opportunities for study and improvement from 
having been much of her life in the family of her 
uncle, the late Hon. George P. Marsh. For several 
years she was in Rome during Mr. Marsh's long resi- 
dence there as United States minister to Italy, re- 
ceiving the advantages of European travel and sur- 
rounded by all that Italy holds dear. She has given 
special attention to the study of modern languages, 
and has a vivid appreciation of music. Since 1878 
she has spent much time in Providence, R. I., giving 
private instruction in the French language. 

Rebecca Porter Crane was born March, 14, 1844. 
She was educated at the female college then in Wor- 
cester, Mass., and at a select school for young ladies 
in Rochester, N. Y. 

She is possessed of a bright intellectual mind, and 
is remarkable for her social qualities. During her 
studies she gave some attention to music, and having 
a natural musical voice she became a fine singer. 
She was married, Nov. 15, 1870, to the Rev. Lucius 
R. Eastman, Jr., a Trinitarian Congregational clergy- 
man settled in Framingham, Mass. 

Fall River. — Post-Office. — A post-office was first 
established in this town Jan. 31, 1811, with Charles 
Pitman as postmaster. March 26, 181.3, the office 
was removed to Steep Brook, and there was no office 
in what was then the village of Fall River until 
March 18, 1816, when the present office was estab- 
lished, and Abraham Bowen was appointed post- 
master, who held the office until his death, in April, 
1824. He was succeeded by his son, James G. 
Bowen, who continued until July, 1831, when he was 
succeeded by Benjamin Anthony. Mr. Anthony held 
the office until within a few days of his decease, June, 
1836. Caleb B. Vickery was .soon after appointed, 
and continued until Dec. 31, 1849, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Jam'es Forde, who held the office until July 
1, 1853. He was succeeded by James M. Morton, 
who held the office until Oct. 1, 1857. He was suc- 
ceeded by Ebenezer Slocum, who held the office until 
Dec. 18, 1861. He was succeeded by Edwin Shaw, 
who served until March 1, 1875. He was succeeded 
by Chester W. Greene, who served until April 15, 
1881. William S. Greene is the present incumbent. 

Unitarian Church.' — Early in 1832 it was ascer- 
tained that a considerable number, and among them 
some of the most enterprising and wealthy men of 
the place, had become disaffected with the measures 
and services of the orthodox denominations, and 
would unite in forming a society for a more rational 
worship. Immediate measures were adopted for the 
incorporation and organization of such a society. 
Seventy-four persons signed an agreement, of which 
the following is an extract: 

I By J. Jt. Aldiich, M. D. 



"Tlie undersigned, being desirons of securing to themselves the ines- 
timable privileges of religious fellowship, unfettered by arbitrary creeds 
and crinfessions of fiiitb of human imposition, and to obtain for this 
community the high advantages and purifying influences of enlight- 
ened instruction in morals and religion, and of the intelligent and ra- 
tional worship of Almighty God, do associate ourselves for the purpose 
of forming a religious society, to be called the Unitarian Society of Fall 
River." 

The above extract is copied from a circular subse- 
quently issued, but our historian has been unable to 
find the official records of the society for the first few 
years of its existence. Of the seventy-four subscribers 
referred to it has been ascertained that the following 
names were among the number, although possibly 
some of them may not have united with the society 
until the following year: Nathaniel B. Borden, Pat- 
rick Wright, Peleg H. Earl, Joseph Rice, Horatio 
N. Gunn, Caleb B. Vickery, A. G. Shearman, Joseph 
S. Cook, Samuel S. Allen, Otis Lincoln, Ebenezer 
Luther, Lewis L. Arnold, James C. Anthony, Alvin 
Clark, Samuel S. Thaxter, Foster Hooper, Hezekiah 
Battelle, Joseph Gooding, Daniel Paine, Thomas J. 
Pickering, Thomas Tasker, Samuel Hathaway, Ezra 
Marvell, William Read, David A. Valentine, William 
H. Hawkins, Benjamin B.Sisson, W. W.Nye, Charles 
Pease, James Ford, Bradford Durfee, John Mason, 
John Lindsey, Daniel Go.ss, ,Tohn Bowcock, I. S. 
Bliven, S. D. Cragin, Israel Brayton, Oliver S. Hawes, 
Joseph Nye, William T. Wood, Nathan Pratt, Thomas 
D. Chaloner, Phineas W. Leland, John Chatburn, 
James S. Warner, Moses Lawton, Willard Winter, 
Leander Borden, Holder Borden, Abel Borden, Jr., 
Richard H. Smith, John B. Winchester, Jesse Eddy, 
Edmund Davis, Walter C. Durfee, Davis A. Blake, 
Samuel West, Warren Carpenter, Hugh Gaul, Ben- 
jamin B. Sisson, William Munday, Israel Borden, 
Robert C. Brown, Abraham S. Newell, Gideon Hatch, 
Henry Lyon, Stephen Davol, Benjamin Sweet. 

These seventy-four subscribers were owners of 
property to more than double the amount of that 
which was possessed by members of either of the 
six other religious societies then in the village. 
Measures were soon taken to build a more elegant 
and commodious house for worship than was at that 
time in the town, which, after many delays, was ac- 
complished in the spring of 1835. During the three 
years intervening the society hired for a time the old 
Baptist meeting-house, which stood on the then di- 
viding line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 
just north of the head of Columbia Street, and sub- 
sequently the Presbyterian Church on Anawan Street, 
recently vacated, which occupied the site of the 
present school-house. 

No regular pastor was secured until 1834, when 
Rev. George W. Briggs, a recent Harvard graduate, 
was ordained, and began his labors on Anawan 
Street. The following year the new building was 
completed and formally dedicated. This handsome 
edifice was located on the southeast corner of Second 
and Borden Streets, and cost, with the organ, nearly 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



907 



twenty thousand dollars. Unfortunately for the wel- ' 
fare of the society, before the completion of the house 
two of the most interested and wealthy members died, 
and their property, amounting to several hundred 
thousand dollars, passed to those belonging to other i 
denominations, several more had removed from the | 
town, and quite a number, during a period of religious 
excitement, which appeared to be directed against the : 
new sect particularly, finally returned to the orthodox i 
fold, leaving the society financially in a crippled con- 
dition. Assistance, however, was obtained from other 
towns and cities, and money enough eventually raised 
to nearly pay off the debt. Mr. Briggs, who some 
years since received the honorable title of D.D., re- 
mained with the society until 1837. He was an able 
preacher and an excellent pastor, and his resignation 
was received with much sorrow and regret. Mr. 
Briggs was temporarily succeeded by Rev. Warren 
Burton, and in 1840, A. C. L. Arnold was installed. 
His services, however, not being acceptable, he re- 
mained but a short time, and was followed, in 1843, 
by John F. W. Ware. The other pastors were as 
follows : Samuel Longfellow, ordained Feb. 16, 1848 ; 
Josiah K. Waite, installed Sept. 15, 1852; William B. 
Smith, ordained in 1860; Charles W. Buck, in 1864; 
Joshua Young, in 1869; Charles H. Tindell, in 1875; 
and Edward F. Hay ward, in 1877. The latter sent in 
his resignation in December, 1882, to take effect the 1st 
of the following month, and at the time of this writing. 
May, 1883, no one has been called to fill the vacancy. 

In the early part of 1859 a proposition was made 
to remove the church edifice to some place north of 
the stream, in order better to accommodate a majority 
of the members who resided in that part of the city. 
This project met with decided opposition from men)- 
bers residing in the vicinity of the house, some of 
whom were the most liberal supporters of the so- 
ciety. After holding many meetings and much dis- 
cussion, it was voted, at a special meeting held for 
the purpose, Oct. 19, 1859, that the building be taken 
down, and removed to its present fine location on 
North Main Street, a proceeding which caused a loss 
to the society of at least one of its oldest and most 
prominent members. This project was carried into 
effect the following year, and some changes made in 
its internal arrangement, making it a pleasant and 
commodious house of worship. 

The present officers of the society are : Moderator, 
William F. Hooper; Clerk, Samuel Hadfield ; Treas- 
urer, Edward S. Adams ; Standing Committee, Jo- 
seph Healey, James M. Aldrich, Nathaniel B. Bor- 
den. 

Fall River. — A free public library, where the 
people of both sexes and all classes may have easy 
and constant access to a large and well-stored treas- 
ury of the world's lore in literature, science, and art, 
is the crowning glory of that system of public educa- 
tion which has been, from her earliest history, the 
pride of Massachusetts. The system of public in- 



struction in the common schools, excellent as it is, 
closes with the period of childhood. The great and 
important work of educating the people demands an 
agency which shall continue its operation after the 
school-days are over, and when the active duties of 
mature age have been reached. To meet this demand 
the system of public libraries was inaugurated, the 
first institution of the kind known to the world being 
established in Massachusetts in 1853. 

In 1860 an ordinance was passed by the city gov- 
ernment of Fall Kiver for the establishment of a free 
public library, and an appropriation made for its 
maintenance. A library-room was provided in the 
City Hall building, and properly fitted for the pur- 
pose. The Fall River Athena?um, established in 
1835, transferred to the city its collection of some 
2400 volumes; other contributions were made by as- 
sociations and individuals, and the library was opened 
to the public May 1, 1861. During the first year the 
subscribers numbered 1248, to whom were delivered 
30,252 volumes, at an average of nearly 100 volumes 
per day. 

The successful experience of each year since its 
organization has afforded conclusive evidence of the 
usefulness and stability of the institution. The num- 
ber of volumes rapidly increased, and the original 
space assigned to the library soon became too limited 
for its use, and various expedients were resorted to 
for temporary relief, but no adequate provision was 
made until the completion of the alterations of the 
City Hall building (1872-73), when the lower floor 
was arranged and fitted with every convenience for 
the purpose of a library and reading-room. The latter 
is one of the finest in the State, being light, pleasant, 
cheerful, and spacious, and easy of access to the public. 
The government of the library is vested in a board of 
trustees consisting of the mayor, ex offioio, and six 
other citizens. The present librarian is Jlr. W. R. 
Ballard. 

E,a3m]iain, — Clergymen in Raynham since Rev. 

Fisk : Rev. Asa Mann, from 1873 to 1875; Rev. 

Francis H. Boynton, from 1875 to 1879. Only sup- 
plies from Sabbath to Sabbath since. 

Representatives to General Court. — 1868, 
Enoch King; 1870, Gineason H. Lincoln; 1873, 
Thomas S. Cushman ; 1875, Joseph W. White ; 1878, 
Elmer Lincoln ; 1880, William O. Snow. 

In 1869, 1871, 1872, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1879, 1881, 
1882, representatives from Easton. 

Selectmen. — 1868, Enoch Robinson, Thomas P. 
Johnson, Thomas S. Cushman; 1869-70, same board 
re-elected; 1871, Thomas S. Cushman, Enoch Robin- 
son, Braddock Field; 1872-73, re-elected; 1874, El- 
mer Lincoln, Enoch Robinson, Samuel W. Robinson; 
1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, and 1879, re-elected; 1880, 
William O. Snow, Enoch Robinson, Thomas P. John- 
son ; 1881, 1882, and 1883, re-elected. 

Town ClerivS and Treasurers. — 1868-72, A. A. 
Leach ; 1873-83, Joseph W. White. 



908 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Hon. Marcus Moeton, LL.D.,' the son of Na- 
thaniel and Mary (Carey) Morton, was born in Free- 
town, in the county of Bristol, Mass., tlie 19th of 
February, 1784. At an early age he gave marked in- 
dications of talent and love of learning, determining 
his father, a man of great respectability and worth, 
to give his son a liberal education. He was accord- 
ingly placed, at the age of fourteen years, under the 
instruction of Rev. Calvin Chadwick, of Rochester, 
an accomplished teacher, where he pursued his studies 
with such industry and success as to enter Brown 
University in the autumn of 1801, a year in advance. 
He graduated in 1804 with the second ap])ointment 
in his class, having the reputation of a talented, bril- 
liant young man. He at once commenced the study 
of law with Judge Padelford, of Taunton, but supple- 
mented his studies with him in the Law School at 
Litchfield, Conn., then in charge of Judge Reeves, 
one of the most learned lawyers of his time. Here 
Mr. Morton was associated in study with John C. 
Calhoun and other men afterward of eminence, with 
whom he formed a lasting acquaintance. They ex- 
pressed an admiration for the abilities of the student 
from Taunton. 

On completing his course of study in Litchfield, Mr. 
Morton re-entered the office of Judge Padelford, and 
on being admitted to the bar showed such remarkable 
ability that Governor Sullivan offered him the ap- 
pointment of county attorney, which he honorably 
declined through his high respect and friendship for 
Judge Padelford, who then held the office. 

In 1811, however, he was appointed by Governor 
Gerry, when he accepted and held the office for six 
years. Some one who was familiar with his profes- 
sional career at that period has said of him : " With 
the skill and vigilance of the faithful prosecutor were 
always blended the kinder feelings and sympathies of 
the man. A love of conviction, irrespective of the 
guilt of the accused, never was his governing motive. 
He had no less pleasure in the acquittal of the inno- 
cent than in the conviction of the guilty." Mr. Mor- 
ton was offered the clerkship of the courts, which he 
declined on account of his large and lucrative prac- 
tice. In 1816 he was elected a member of Congress, 
which was considered complimentary to a Democrat, 
as the district gave large federal majorities to candi- 
dates for other offices. He was re-elected in 1818. 
On the question of the admission of Missouri as a 
slaveholding State, Mr. Morton took ground against 
slavery. In 1823 he was chosen a member of the Ex- 
ecutive Council, and in 1824 was elected Lieutenant- 
Governor on the same ticket with Governor Eustis, 
by whose death while in office Mr. Morton became 
chief-magistrate. In 1825 he was re-elected Lieu- 
tenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor Lin- 
coln, and in July, 1825, was appointed by Governor 
Lincoln a judge of the Supreme Court, and entered 

^ By S. Hopkins Emery. 



on the duties of the office the 5th of that month. 
The distinguished ability with which he discharged 
his judicial duties for fifteen years gave him rank 
among the ablest judges our State has ever produced, 
— the associate and peer of Shaw, Story, and Wilde. 
His judgeship expired when he entered on his office 
as Governor of the commonwealth, in 1840. He was 
again Governor in 1843. He acted also as collector 
of Boston four years. A graduate of Brown Univer- 
sity, his Alma Mater honored herself and him by the 
honorary degree of LL.D. in 1826, which Harvard 
University repeated in 1840. 

Three sons of Governor Morton graduated with the 
highest honors at Brown University in 1838, 1840, 
1843. His son, Marcus, is present chief justice of the 
Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Other notices of 
the family may be found in our account of the Bench 
and Bar of Bristol County in a preceding chapter. 

Charles Henry Warren was born at Plymouth, 
Mass., Sept. 29, 1798, of the old " Mayflower" stock, his 
father's ancestor being the Pilgrim Richard Warren, 
while his mother was a direct descendant of Governor 
Edward Winslow. Born before the close of the eigh- 
teenth century, as a youth he had full opportunity of 
meeting and conversing with many of the prominent 
men of the Revolution who gathered at the fireside of 
his grandparents. Gen. James Warren, of Plymouth, 
and his distinguished wife Mercy Otis Warren, whose 
lives were prolonged nearly to the time of his enter- 
ing college. On his mother's side the Winslows were 
of strong Tory convictions, and this blending of the 
Whig and Tory curiously reappeared in Charles' 
character, which developed in after-life a strong ten- 
dency to radicalism on many points tempered by a 
cautious conservatism on others. 

Graduating at Harvard College in 1817, he began 
the study of law in the office of Judge Thomas, at 
Plymouth, Mass., and completed his studies with 
Governor Levi Lincoln at Worcester. After leaving 
Governor Lincoln's office he entered into a law part- 
nership at New Bedford, Mass., with Lemuel Wil- 
liams, then and for many years afterwards an eminent 
member of the Bristol bar. Mr. Warren's success at 
the bar was very early assured, his acknowledged 
ability and brilliant forensic talent obtained for him 
a large practice and conspicuous position. In 1832 
he was appointed district attorney for the counties 
of Bristol, Barnstable, Plymouth, Nantucket, and 
Dukes, and held that position until 1839, widely 
known for his skill in the trial of causes. He was 
chosen a member of the Massachusetts Senate for 
Bristol County, and was an active worker in jjolitical 
life as a member of the Whig party. His quick wit 
and readiness in debate gave him great popularity, and 
indicated for him early prominence in political life, 
but an appointment as judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, in 1839, led him to withdraw from public 
matters. This latter office he filled with distinction 
until 1844, when he resigned, and after resuming the 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



909 



practice of law ibr a short time in Boston, accepted, 
in 1846, the presidency of the Boston and Providence 
Railroad corporation, which he held until just before 
his death. In 1851 he again took part in public life as 
a member of the Massachusetts Senate, and in 1853 
was president of that body. Quick-witted, thoroughly 
versed in Parliamentary law, and courteous in man- 
ner, his influence was most extensive in public life, 
but it was not to his taste, and he again withdrew, 
and devoted the remainder of his life, until 1867, to 
the interests of the railroad corporation, failing health 
compelling him then to resign, when he removed to 
his native town of Plymouth, and died there June 

29, 1874. 

In social life Mr. Warren, perhaps, achieved his 
greatest success, for he possessed rare conversational 
powers, and attracted a most brilliant circle. At his 
home in New Bedford, and subsequently at Boston, 
were gathered all the great wits and eminent talkers in 
social, political, and literary life, and his numberless 
bon-niots and witty stories are still fondly remembered 
and quoted by surviving friends. His marked char- 
acteristics were a retentive memory, great logical skill, 
keen wit, and a quickness which enabled him to apply 
legal principles to cases on trial with overwhelming 
force, to which were added at the bar an intense de- 
votion to the interests of his client, and an upright 
and fearless administration of the law upon the bench, i 

The Perry Family. — The following data con- 
cerning the ancestors of the Perry family was con- 
tributed by Charles Perry : 

Children of AnthoTiy and Elizabeth Perry; Samuel, born Sept. 10, 
1G48; Elizabeth, born Oct 25,1650; Jasiel, born Oct. 18, 1652; Mary, 
born Dec. 9, 1654 ; Mehittable, born Sept. 23, 1G67 ; Nathaniel, born Oct. 

5, 1660. 

Samuel Perry married Mary Miller, Dec. 12, 1678. Children of Sam- 
uel and Mary Perry ; Mehittable, born .\pril 30, 1C80 ; Jasiel, born May 

6, 1682; Mary, born Aug. 17, 1684; Elizabeth, born Jan. 7, 1686; Sam- 
uel, born Feb. 14, 1688; Rebecca, born Jan. 24, 1691 ; Sarah, born July 

30, 1693. 

Jasiel Perry married Rebecca Wilmartb, Jan. 3, 1706. Children of 
Jaaiel and Rebecca Perry: Mary, born April 19,1708; Daniel, born May 
9, 1710 ; Mehittable, born April 2, 1713 ; Jaaiel, born Aug. 15, 1715 ; Re- 
becca, born May 27, 1717; David, born Aug. 10, 1710; Icliabod, born 
April :!, 1722 ; Keziah, born Aug. 7, 17—. 

Daniel Perry married Mary Walker Slarch 9, 1737. Children of Dan- 
iel and Mary Perry: Daniel, born Jan. 15, 1739 ; Ezra, born May 22, 
1741; Noah, burn Oct. 3, 1743; Mary, bora Aug. 5, 1745; Daniel, burn 
.\pril3, 1748; Lydia, born April 30, 1750; Elijah, liorn Nov. 19, 1752; 
Samuel, born Sept. 18, 1756. 

Ezra Perry married Jemmima Titus. Children of Ezra and Jemmiiua 
Perry: Mary, born Aug. 22, 1763; Jemmima, I'orn Nov. 29, 1764 ; Ezra, 
born Jan. 15, 1767; Abel, born May 20, 1770; Molly, born April U, 
1772; Esther, born Feb. 21, 1774; Lydia, born June 24, 177B; Olive, 
born Aug. 13, 1779 ; Elias, born May 18, 17S1 ; Tirzah, born July 11, 
1783. 

Ezra Perry, Jr., married Betsy Bliss, Dec. 10, 1786. Children of Ezra, 
Jr., and Betsy Perry; Ezra (3d), born April 3, 1788; Belsy, born June 
26, 1790; Hezekiah, born Jan. 29, 1793; Sarah, born March 16, 1795 ; 
James, born June 15, 1798; Otis Thompson, born Oct. 22, 1800 ; Daniel j 
Bliss, born Dec. 17, 1802; Mima, born Jan. 31, 1805 ; Otis, burn Feb. 17, 
1807 ; Nancy Bliss, born Aug. 31, 1809 ; 'William born Dec. 22, 1811. 

The Newspapers of Taunton. — The first news- 
paper that we liave note of published in Taunton was 
a small weekly called the Saturday Miscellainj, twelve 



by eighteen inches, edited and published by a coterie 
of ladies, commenced in August, 1813. The first 
number contained an "original letter" of the cele- 
brated Robert Treat Paine, just before his marriage, 
written in the eloquent, poetic, florid style, of which 
he had a reputation. The editors, in their solicitation 
to the public, say, " When we acknowledge ourselves 
a band of females, we at the .same time declare that 
while it affords us innocent gratification, we sacrifice 
no domestic duty in thus opening a humble spring 
whence more capacious minds may at some future 
period derive a more noble stream." It was pub- 
lished at fifty cents a quarter. How long it was con- 
tinued we are not apprised. The next was a regular 
weekly paper called tlie Old C'ohni/ Reporter, pub- 
lished by Jacob Chapin, a young man of thirty, and 
member of the bar, and printed by Allen Danforth. 
Its size was twenty by twenty-four, and its second 
number contained the notes on the important amend- 
ments to the constitution of that year, the first votes 
in tlie election of Governor Brook, the re-election of 
Samuel Crocker as county treasurer almost unani- 
mously, and John M. Williams to the State Senate 
from Taunton. In a succeeding paper the population 
of Bristol County for 1820 is given as forty thousand 
nine hundred and eight inhabitants, including Taun- 
ton with four thousand five hundred and twenty, being 
then the largest town in the county. New Bedford 
having three thousand nine hundred and fortj'-seven, 
and Troy (now Fall River) with only one thousand 
five hundred and thirty-four, now nearly fifty thou.sand. 

In 1822, the second year, the paper was enlarged 
and the name changed to Odumbian Reporter and Old 
Colony Journal. The third year, April, 1823, Allen 
Danforth retired as printer to commence a newspaper 
in Plymouth, called the Old Colony Memorial, whence 
he removed. He resided there fifty years, holding 
many responsible positions, and died May 28, 1872, 
in his seventy-sixth year. He was son of Asa and 
Deborah Danforth, a lineal descendant of Rev. Sam- 
uel Danforth, fourth minister of Taunton, in 1688. 

In 1823, Charles G. Greene, from Boston, started a 
paper called the Free Press, which was edited by 
Theophilus Parsons and Pliny Merrick, young law- 
yers, who had made Tauntou their residence for a 
while, advocating the election of William H. Craw- 
ford for the Presidency, and Dr. William Eustis for 
Governor, and Marcus Morton for Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, who were elected. This paper continued about 
a year. The following year Governor Eustis died, 
and Lieutenant-Governor Morton was Governor, and 
Levi Lincoln was elected Governor, and appointed 
Governor Morton to the Supreme bench. He also 
appointed Pliny Merrick district attorney of Worces- 
ter County, and he returned to Worcester. Mr. Par- 
sons returned to Boston, and became a very eminent 
jurist. 

James Thurber and George Danforth commenced 
a weekly paper in 1827, called the Commonwealth Ad- 



910 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



vowte, which espoused the cause of Masonry ; it con- 
tinued about three years, changing its name to the 
Advocate, and in 1834 was disposed of to Maj. George 
Leonard, who made it a Democratic paper called the 
Sun. Mr. Thurber retired and removed to Plymouth, 
succeeded Mr. Danforth in the Memorial, publishing 
it some twenty years. The Sun with its patronage a 
few years later was turned over to Mr. Anthony, and 
uniting the two became a Democratic paper. 

There were in addition to the regular weekly news- 
papers the Star of Bethlehem, a religious paper, issued 
from the Reporter ofBce in 1825, edited by Lorenzo T. 
Johnson ; a small paper called the Aurora, published 
in 1829 by H. A. Lowell, a young lawyer; the Cabi- 
net, a little six by eight paper, by W. S. Tisdale, who 
worked in the Reporter office ; the Village Fire-Fly, 
by Thomas Prince, a little paper issued from the Ad- 
vocate office in 1832. 

We return to the Reporter. George Danforth, 
brother of Allen, succeeded him as printer until 
April, 182.5, when Samuel W. Mortimer, from Eng- 
land, became printer until 1827. C. A. Hack and 
Edward Anthony, who had been apprentices in the 
office, succeeded as printers from 1828 to 1829, when 
Mr. Hack retired, and Anthony became joint pub- 
lisher with Mr. Chapin until January, 1832. Mr. 
Anthony then retired to commence the publication 
of the Independent Gazette, with Henry Williams, a 
young lawyer and member of the bar, as editor. This 
was in the height of the anti-Masonic excitement, 
and the Gazette took strong ground on that side of the 
controversy, while the Reporter was a passive sup- 
porter of the Masonic cause. There are many who 
revert to that crusade of 1832-34 as a disturbing 
dream. There are now hundreds of the order to one 
at that time. Mr. Hack again became printer of the 
Reporter until October following, when Mr. Chapin 
assumed eiitire charge, with sundry assistants, until 
December, 1832, when, owing to declining health, he 
disposed of the Reporter to Franklin Dunbar, book- 
seller, uniting its subscription and interests with the 
Old Colony Whig, which he had commenced on the 
first of the above month, 1832. 

Mr. Chapin retired after his editorial career of nearly 
twelve years, which he had pursued with discretion 
and ability. His health still declining, he afterwards 
removed South to Augusta, Ga., to engage in the cot- 
ton business, but the fatal disease prevented, as he 
died, in the prime of life, Jan. 25, 1835, at the age of 
forty. The press spoke in high terms of him as an 
honored member and worthy citizen. 

Mr. Dunbar continued the weekly paper under the 
name of the Old Colony WhUj and Columbian Re- 
porter until liis death, in 1834, when it came into pos- 
session of his brother, Samuel O. Dumbar, and was 
published about a year by Hiram Martin. He made 
the first experiment of a daily paper in 1834, called 
the Dailii \Vlti<j, which was continued a few weeks 
only. In December, 1834, the Whig and Reporter 



was disposed of to Israel Amsbury, Jr., and Seth 
Bradford, who were publishers until December, 1837, 
when Mr. Bradford retired, and Mr. Amsbury became 
publisher. 

During the great fire of 1838, which swept away so 
many buildings on Main Street, the offices of the 
Gazette and Reporter were entirely destroyed, includ- 
ing the town records of nearly two hundred years; 
but the publishers soon obtained new type and 
presses and resumed their papers. Mr. Amsbury 
dropping a portion of the name, issued the Taunton 
Whig, which he continued until September, 1841, 
when J. W. D. Hail, who had aided him in the edi- 
torial department a few years, purchased the office, 
subsequently changing the name to American Whig, 
and in 1857 to American Republican, sustaining the 
same Republican cause for twenty years. In 1861 he 
disposed of his establishment to Messrs. Wilbar and 
Davol, uniting the paper with the Bristol County 
Telegram, which they had published a few years from 
1858, and changed the name to Bristol County Re- 
publican, which has been retained over twenty years. 
Rev. E. Dawes subsequently became an owner and 
co-editor of the Republican, and continues to the pres- 
ent time. The paper is now in its sixty-second year. 
Ezra Davol is publisher and manager. The Republican 
is one of the leading weekly journals in the State, and 
justly merits its present prosperity. 

The Bristol County Democrat, the name assigned 
for the Weekly Gazette in 1837, after the anti-Masonic 
and Democratic parties liad coalesced, was continued 
by Mr. Anthony, the original publisher, seventeen 
years, until 1849, when he disposed of the paper and 
office to A. M. Ide, Jr. 

Mr. Ide had the year previously (1848) commenced 
a new Democratic paper called the True Democrat, in 
advocacy of the election of Gen. Lewis Cass for the 
Presidency, and the pro-slavery cause as antagonistic 
to the free-soil movement, espoused by Governor 
Morton, Mr. Anthony, and a large portion of the 
Democrats of Massachusetts ; the movement divided 
the Democratic party, and defeated the election of 
Gen. Cass. On merging the two papers above men- 
tioned, Mr. Ide adopted the name of the Taunton 
Democrat for his weekly, continuing it until 1862. 
Mr. Ide received the appointment of postmaster under 
President Pierce in 1853, and held it for eight years. 

After disposing of his papers Mr. Anthony removed 
to New Bedford, in 1849, and commenced a new daily 
paper, the Standard, which proved a very successful 
change in lais life, and a lucrative business. He con- 
tinued the daily and weekly Republican Standard, as- 
sociated with his sons, until his death, Jan. 23, 1877. 
He was also postmaster of New Bedford four years, 
member of the City Council and other organizations. 

The Taunton Daily Gazette was issued from the 
office of the Bristol County Deiaocrat June 10, 1848, 
published by Mr. Anthony and edited by Amos Kil- 
ton, who had served his time in the above office. It 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



911 



was neutral in politics, and continued by Jlr. An- 
thony until its disposal with the office to Mr. Ide, 
who edited and published it from the office of the 
Tiiimton Democrat, becoming a little biased to favor 
the Democratic cause as it grew in years. 

In 1862, J. W. D. Hall became associated with Mr. 
Ide in the publication of the above-named papers. 
The name of the weekly was changed to the Union 
Gazette and Democrat, both papers zealously advo- 
cating the Republican cause. State and national, hence- 
forth. Mr. Ide, in 1866, again received the appoint- 
ment of postmaster from President Johnson. In 
April, 1867, he disposed of the Daily and Weekly 
Gazette to J. W. D. Hall, and at the termination of 
his term of olfice retired to his paternal farm in 
Attleborough, where he died. He was a man of 
rare poetic gifts and ability, reflecting, conservative, 
courteous, and cautious in his intercourse with men. 
Mr. Hall continued the publication of the Daily and 
Weekly Gazette until 1872, when Reed Brothers (Wil- 
liam and Milton Reed, of Fall River) became editors 
and publishers, and continued until 1882, meanwhile 
changing the name of the weekly to Household Ga- 
zette. 

In 1882 William Reed, Jr., assumed control of the 
Gazette, and has continued as its editor and publisher 
to the present time. The Gazette is ably conducted, 
has a large circulation, and i.s one of the leading 
dailies in the commonwealth outside of the city of 
Boston. 

Besides the earlier mentioned papers there was pub- 
lished at the oflice of the Independent Gazette, in 1834, 
a semi-weekly paper called the Teiaperance Sentinel, 
edited by Rev. Samuel Presbrey, an able advocate 
of the cause, which was closed at the end of the year, 
soon after his death in 1835. The Working Men's 
Journal, a campaign paper, was issued at the same 
office in 1837. 

In 1840 the Harrison Eagle was published at the 
office of the Whig, edited by C. R. Atwood and J. W. 
D. Hall, which closed with the campaign after six 
months' service in the Republican cause, when Gen. 
Harrison carried nearly all the States. Another tem- 
perance paper, the Dew Drop, was published in 1843 
by B. W. Williams, edited by himself and lady 
friends, which continued four or five years, and was 
then merged in a Worcester paper. In 1844 a paper 
called the Beacon of Liberty, in advocacy of the anti- 
slavery party, was published by Hack & Bradbury, 
edited by Hodges Reed and other friends of the cause, 
continuing about two years. 

The Old Colony Republican, a weekly Whig paper, 
was also issued in 1846 from the office of Hack, King 
& Howard, edited by C. I. Reed, B. F. Presbrey, and 
others. Mr. Howard retiring. Hack & King con- 
tinued the paper about two years, closing in 1848, 
after the election of Gen. Taylor to the Presidency. 
A small paper called the Temperance Advocate was 
also published about six months, edited by Rev. S. 



A. Collins, Jr., closing in January, 1850. We may 
have omitted some ephemeral papers in the above 
list, but unintentionally. 

Taunton. — A. Field & Sons' Nail- axd Tack- 
Works are among the largest establishments of the 
kind in the United States. After the removal of the 
originators of the Britannia Works from Deacon Bal- 
lard's fulling-mill, which stood on the site of the pres- 
ent capacious tack and nail manufactory of the above 
company ofFSpring Street, Albert Field in 1827 hired a 
small room of his friend Ballard. With two machines, 
prepared by Elijah Caswell, his faithful and ingeni- 
ous mechanical assistant for fifty years, commenced 
his humble trade. He had previously, while at work 
at Hopewell Mills at five shillings a day, gained a 
little insight to the business of making brads and 
nails. From that humble beginning Mr. Field went 
on enlarging from year to year, extending his busi- 
ness and field of customers until the buildings are 
over one thousand feet in length, and the works and 
appurtenances cover an area of two acres. The com- 
pany manufacture two thousand five hundred kinds 
of tacks, nails, etc., consume about three thousand 
tons of nail-plates, some thirty tons of copper and 
steel plates, one hundred tons of zinc and yellow- 
metal stock, which are converted into thirty thou- 
sand or more kinds, or thirty millions of eyelets, 
tacks, and nails daily. 

William R. Potter, formerly of the firm of Bart- 
lett & Potter, which was dissolved by the death of 
Capt. Bartlett in 1864, has a brick mill on Porter 
Street for the manufacture of cotton yarn, which he 
has followed successfully about ten years. He has 
also a machine-shop and foundry ; capital, $10,000. 

M. M. Rhodes & Sons, manufacturers of shoe- 
buttons, have a spacious and convenient brick manu- 
factory on Porter Street, where they make buttons on 
an extensive scale. They commenced business in 
1871, and employ a capital of thirty-three thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

Tauntox Fire Department. — The fire depart- 
ment of Taunton compares favorably with that of any 
other city in the State, and for promptness and effi- 
ciency cannot be excelled. The fire district was or- 
ganized before the city government existed. The 
chief engineers since its organization are as follows : 

The first being Samuel O. Dunbar, now an octoge- 
narian, serving three years, succeeded by Lovett 
Morse in 1847, one year ; A. E. Swasey, 1848, one 
year ; William Mason, from 1849 to 1855 ; Francis 
Tisdale, from 1855 to 1857 ; Abram Briggs, from 
1857 to 1858; William Mason, from 1858 to 1861; 
Edward Molt, from 1801 to 1881, twenty years ; Abner 
Coleman, from 1881, at present serving. 

The department has four steamers, a hook-aud-lad- 
der company, six hose-reels, two hand engines, and a 
competent force of men. They have the great aid 
and facility for extinguishing fires in nearly four hun- 
dred hvdrants of our Taunton Water- Works. 



912 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



The fire alarm telegraph has twenty signal boxes to 
give the alarm. Abner Coleman is superintendent. 

The SorxHERN Massachusetts Telephone 
Company was organized in 1877. There are two 
hundred and ten subscribers, besides sixty telephones 
on private lines; connections with Boston, Providence, 
New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, and several other 
places. Abner Coleman is superintendent. 

The Agassiz Association is devoted to the study 
of the natural sciences, and made up largely of young 
persons connected with the academy and high school, 
although Rev. Dr. Blake and some other adults belong. 
Mrs. C. F. Hauscom is president. Miss Annie Dean, j 
Miss Parthia Crocker, Frank Lothrop, Harrie White, 
Frank Dickerman, Fred Skinner, and Harry South- 
worth are prominent members. | 

There are two co-operative saving fund and loan 
associations, — one is called the Mechanics', Elijah 
Tolmanjiresident, and Charles L. Lovering treas- 
urer ; the other, called the Taunton, Henry M. Lov- 
ering president, and Charles Foster treasurer, — in- 
•stitutions which have encouraged and helped many 
to make for themselves pleasant homes. 

Among the industrial enterprises worthy of notice 
is that of George Williams & Sons, in the lumber ' 
and steam planing-mill line, the former successor 
to his father, Capt. Abiather Williams, one of the 
pioneers in the lumber business sixty years ago; 
they not only provide lumber for public uses, but 
build a number of buildings annually, for tenantry, 
of handsome architectural finish ; not cheap tenement 
houses ; employing a capital of $100,000 or more ; 
they have already over twenty dwellings. 

L. B. West & Co., also an enterprising firm in the 
matuifaeture of stoves and tinware, employ a capital 
of S10,000 in trade, and Mr. West is president of one 
of the large foundry companies. 

Brownell & Burt, a young enterprising firm in the 
manufacture of carriages, employ a capital of $10,000, 
and have a spacious manufactory on Washington 
Street. 

Peck i*; White also do a large business as builders 
of carriages, employing a capital of $25,000, and have 
a smithery in connection on Weir Street. 

The Bristol County Agricultural Society was 
organized at a meeting held at Atwood's Hotel, in 
Taunton, June 21, 1820, by a few friends gathered 
from various towns in the county. A constitution 
was adopted providing for a choice of oflSeers, life 
membership, and other matters. Samuel Crocker, of 
Taunton, Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, and Thomas 
Kinnicut, of Seekouk, were chosen a committee to 
transact the business in maturing the society, and an 
address was issued setting forth its objects. 

The annual meeting was held in October, but there 
not being a sufficient number to authorize a choice of 
officers, that was deferred to the next annual meeting 
in October, 1821. Hon. Samnel Crocker was elected 
president ; Rev. Otis Thompson, Rev. Pitt Clark, of 



Norton, Nathaniel Morton, of Freetown, and Thomas 
Almy, of Dartmouth, vice-presidents ; Horatio Leon- 
ard, of Raynham, recording secretary ; James L. 
Hodges, of Taunton, corresponding secretary ; Peter 
Thatcher, treasurer. Hon. Francis Baylies, Samuel 
Crocker, and James L. Hodges were appointed to 
select agents to visit the several towns to solicit names . 
and aid in behalf of the society. The term of life 
membership was established at five dollars. An 
urgent appeal was made to the farmers, manufac- 
turers, and artisans of Bristol County to aid in build- 
ing up the society. 

At a meeting in April, 1822, the soliciting commit- 
tee was enlarged to one in each town ; also a commit- 
tee to apply for an act of incorporation and make ar- 
rangements for an exhibition the ensuing fall. The 
annual meeting was held in October, 1822, but the 
requisite sum — one thousand dollars — -not having 
been raised, the exhibition was postponed another 
year. 

An address was delivered by Rev. Otis Thompson, , 
and the members partook of a dinner at Sturtevant's 
Hotel. The officers were re-elected with one excep- 
tion (Mr. Morton), and the soliciting committee re- 
ported that eight hundred dollars had been raised. 
In April, 1823, at a special meeting, it was an- 
nounced that a fund of one thousand dollars had 
been raised. It was then voted to hold a public ex- 
hibition the ensuing October, and a list of premiums 
was prepared for the coming festival. 

An act of incorporation was obtained of the Legis- 
lature for the Bristol County Agricultural Society in 
1823, as follows : 

" Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of KepreSfutalives in General 
Court <i99embted, Tliat Samuel Crocker, Alban Cobb, David G. W. Cobb, 
James L. Hodges, Luther IlaiTiiltoii, Jesse Smitli, Jr., Dan. Wilmarth 
lof Taunton), Pitt Clark i^of Norton), Horatio Leonard (of Raynhant), 
Peter Thaclier (of Attleborough), Roland Howard (of Easton), Asahel 
Bliss (of Rehobotli), with such others as are now associated, or here- 
after may associate with them, and their successors, be and they are 
hereby made a corporation by the name of the Bristol County Agricul- 
tural Society, and for tins i>ui'p09e shall have the same powers and 
privileges and be subject to like duties and restrictions as otlier incorpo- 
rated agricultural societies in this commonwealth. And the said corpo- 
ration may lawfully hold and possess real estate not exceeding twenty 
thousand dollars, and personal estate the annual income from which 
sball'not exceed five thousand dollars. Also to have power to sell, alien, 
and dispose of the same estate, real or personal, not using the same for 
trade or commerce." 

The act was amended in 1875 to hold one hundred 
thousand dollars' worth of property. 

The second section provided that Samuel Crocker, 
of Taunton, be authorized to notify and call the first 
meeting of said society for the purpose of organiza- 
tion, establishing rules, etc., which was done, and the 
first annual exhibition Avas held Oct. 21, 1823, with a 
success which augured well for its permanence. Thus, 
after three years' delay, perseverance, and energy of 
the fast friends of agricultural ]>rogress, manufac- 
turing enterprise, and mechanical arts, the Bristol 
County Agricultural Society was organized, the fifth 
in the State. In looking over the long list of names 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



913 



of the originators, oflicers, and incorporators of the 
society who fostered its interests in its infancy, fifty 
years ago, not one is now living. 

The society in its. early years bore a strange con- 
trast with its present magnitude in receipts, expendi- 
tures, and emoluments. Its meetings were frequently 
held in sitting-rooms of members or anterooms of 
hotels. 

At the first anuualexhibition, in 1823, the amount 
of premiums was $161, and total expenses $200. Its 
capita! was $1100. Ten years afterwards, in 1833, 
the society still laboring in its infancy, the amount 
of premiums awarded, 8260; expenses, including 
premiums, S335 ; its capital, 81(500; and drawdng the 
State bounty, $340 (this was reduced a few years later 
to $315) ; total amount of premiums awarded the first 
Jen years was only $2600; aggregate received from 
the State, $2950. 

A decade later, in 1843 (with twenty years of 
struggling existence), the premiums had increased to 
only $283, its fund not largely increased, the State 
bounty being only $380. The expenses had increased 
in the same ratio, consequently its condition had not 
much improved by age. 

At this time there were no receipts from exhibi- 
tions, no trotting-course belonging to the society, 
although there might have been some swapping 
horses at its gatherings. The old town hall, or per- 
chance a school-house, in the various towns, was 
opened with a little array of counterpanes, bed-quilts, 
homespun webs of woolen and flaxen fabrics, and 
some choice exhibitions of needlework, presented by 
the industrious wives and daughters, to show what 
could be done in the homes of old Bristol. There 
were rivalries in those days in the manufacture and 
style of bonnets, as there ever will be. It was in the 
day of the celebrated Leghorn hat. Awards were 
made year after year of six and four dollars to ladies 
who were so expert with fingers and needle as to make 
a straw bonnet rival an imported Leghorn, and those 
straw hats were worn with more conscious pride than 
the ten-dollar Leghorn, then at such an enormous 
price that few could purchase. A few agricultural 
products, a tub or two of butter, a few cheeses, and a 
few pounds of honey, chiefly made up what was then 
termed an agricultural hall exhibition. No fee was 
asked to witness these contributions, all were invited 
to come and examine, and a modest award, or a com- 
plimentary "remark of excellence," was all the con- 
tributors anticipated. There were, outside of the 
hall, a dozen pens of cattle, " natives," horses, swine, 
and sheep, but nothing towards making a splendid 
poultry show like that of modern days. The ruling 
price was then twenty-five to fifty cents for the best 
fowls, now twenty-five to fifty dollars for a " choice 
pair of birds," and, with a fancy pedigree, sometimes 
of such perfection (Mr. Williams' birds, for instance) 
as to bring one hundred to one hundred and fifty dol- 
lars per trio. The price of a fine colt rarely exceeded 
58 



one hundred dollars, while at the pie-snt day the best 
bloods range from five hundred to five thousand dol- 
lars. The price of a good cow was then lifty dollars ; 
now the choice breeds — Durhams, Ayrshires, Dev- 
ons, and Jerseys — range from one hundred to five 
thousand dollars, not to refer to the fabulous pric(>8 of 
imported breeds with pedigrees traced back to Noah's 
ark. 

During the first ten years, with a single exception, 
the society held its exhibitions in Taunton. It after- 
wards became a portable institution. In 1834 it was 
held in Attleborough ; in 1835 in Mansfield. In 1837 
it returned to Taunton in not a very prosperous con- 
dition. In 1838 it was again held in Mansfield; 1839 
in Taunton ; 1840 in Attleborough. The State bounty 
was $314, and the expenses full up to the entire in- 
come. Serious considerations were entertained of 
relinquishing the charter, but the advice of firm 
friends and supporters who had a pride in sustaining 
the society prevailed, and for several years exhi- 
bitions were held in Taunton. In subsequent years 
it resumed its peregrinations, — to New Bedford in 
1854^55, to Fall River in 1856-57, and each year re- 
turning with an increased membership but an ex- 
hausted treasury. The society, with no local habita- 
tion, had no special interests nor property to hold it 
together and make it thrive. Its fund was the small 
gratuity from the State and the occasional aid of 
memberships, having no convenient arrangements 
for exhibiting articles of mechanical ingenuity and 
manufacturing enterprise. 

The treasurer and other friends of the institution 
believed that it could be m.ade prosperous, raised its 
fund by increasing its membership and by contribu- 
tions to $2500, producing a corresponding increase 
of State bounty. In 1853 the fund was increased to 
$3000, and State bounty at $600, where it has since 
remained as a permanent resource. 

In 1858 a vote was passed to locate permanently 
and take a position like kindred societies. In 1859-60 
the present location was purchased for $5000, aud 
spacious buildings erected, since which time, not- 
withstanding large outlays year after year for build- 
ings and additional purchases of territory have been 
demanded by its increasing exhibitors and patrons 
in the various departments, the society has grown 
and prospered, and now stands without a rival in 
extent of receipts and number of visitors, exceeding 
twelve thousand on the festival days. On its fiftieth 
anniversary exhibition its receipts exceeded $11,600, 
in 1874 about the same, and its net profits would 
have paid the entire expenses of the first ten or 
twelve years of its existence when a portable insti- 
tution. 
I At the annual exhibitions for twenty years past the 
I income has been from seven to ten thousand dollars, 
exceeding the expenses, and many years a ])rofit of 
one thousand to three thousand dollars. In 1874, Wil- 
, liam Mason, then president, presented to the society a 



^14 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



band and judge's stand. In 1882 a grand stand was 
erected to hold and protect three thousand visitors 
from sun or rain. Its agricultural hall and stables 
are spacious and convenient. Its grounds and track 
are kept in improving order, raising annually more 
ha^ and grain than is consumed here. The water is 
of the best quality. Improvements are annually made 
for the benefit of visitors, and good order prevails on 
the grounds. 

The presidents of the society for sixty-two years 
have been Samuel Crocker, 1821-28; Roland How- 
ard, 1828-33; Marcus Morton, 1833-38; John C. 
Do<lge, 1838-39; Peter Thacher, 1839-42; James 
Blanding, 1842-44; Cromwell Leonard, 1844-47; 
Johnson Gardner, 1847-50; J. H. W. Page, 1850- 
55 ; Nathan Durfee, 1855-60 ; John Daggett, 1860- 
61; Theodore Dean, 1861-66; Oliver Ames, 1866- 
68; William Mason, 1868-75; Theodore Dean, 
1875-83. 

The treasurers have been as follows : Peter Thacher, 
1821-27; James Sproat, 1827-29; Samuel L.Crocker, 
1829-33; W. A. F. Sproat, 1833-42; Samuel A. Dean, 
1842-59; Timothy Gordon, 1859-63; E. B. Towne, 
1863-68; \yilliam Reed, 1868-70; William C. Lov- 
eriug, 1870-72; Philander Williams, 1872-82; Wil- 
liam White, 1882-83. 

The secretaries have been as follows: Horatio 
Leonard, R. S., 1821-25; James L. Hodges, C. S., 
1821-34; W. A. F. Sproat, R. S., 1825-33; Sidney 
Williams, R. S., 1833-35; George B. Atwood, R. S., 
1835-38; S. A. Dean, R. S., 1842-50; George A. 
Crocker, C. S., 1834-38; T. Gordeu, R. and C. S., 
1850-52; Lemuel T.Talbot, R. and C. S., 1852-65; 
Charles Talbot, R. S., 1865-69; Ezra Davol, C. and 
R. S., 1867-72; James M. Cushman, C. and R. S., 
1872-75; Daniel L. Mitchell, 1875-83. 

Taunton Men in the Rebellion in Miscellaneous 
Companies. 

FIRST MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Compani/ K. 
Patrick McGuice, must, iu Aug. 12, 1862; died June H;, 18G4, at Wash- 
ingtuii, C. C. 

SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Company I. 
Creigbtoii Hanscoui. must, iu Aug. 26, 1862; killed May 3, 1863, at 
Clmucellui"sviUe, Va. 

SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Company A. 
James Hanuiiford, must, in Aug. 27, 18(31 ; discli. Ainil 1, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Compmttj B. 

Wm. H. Jnckson, uiuslcian; must, iu June 15,1861 ; disch. Aug. 11,1862, 

by order of War Department. 
George C. Smith, musician; must, in June 15, 1861; disch. Aug. 11,1862 ; 

died at home Nov. 10, 1864. 
George Soule, musician ; must, in June 15, 1861 ; disdi. June 18, 1862, 

for disability ; died. 
Horatio N. Wood, musician ; must. iu'June 15, 1861; died Aug. V, 1862, 

at Fortress Monroe. 
John Lauuiigan, must, in June 15, 1861; discb. June 27, 18G4, at exp. of 

service. 



Andrew York, must, in June 15, 1861 ; t rans. Jan. 15, 1864, to Vet. Res. 

Corps. 

Abram lirakan, must, in Jan. 20, 1862 ; discli. Dec. 26, 1863, to re-enlist ; 
trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. 

John Cunningham, must, in Feb. 19, 1862; disch. Feb. 27, 1864, to re- 
enlret; trans. June U, 1^04, to 37tli Inf. 

Phineas D.Fletcher, must, in June l.%1862; discb. June 27, 1SG4, at 
exp. of service. 

Barlley Galligan, must, in June 15, 1802; died Oct. 21, 1862, at Taun- 
ton, Mass. 

Edward Mauley, must, in June 15, 1S62; disch. June 27,1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Patrick Meaney, must, in June 15; 1862; disch. Dec. 26, 1863, to re-eu- 
list ; tnins. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. 

Joseph Rnllerri, must, in June 15. 1862; trans. March 31, 1864, to Vet. 
Res. Corps. 

Compmuj E. 

Daniel H. Gaboon, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. 
of seivice. 

Dennis Carey, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Enos L. Williams, must, in Aug. 28, 1S61 ; disch. June 14, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

William E. Tisdale, must, in Aug. 27, 1861; disch. March 11, 1862, for 
disability. 

George Sager, musician; must, in Feb. 19, 1864; traus. June 14, lij64, to 
37th Mass. Regt. 

Company G. 

Micbael Birmiugham, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1861, at 
exp. of service. 

John B. Dean, must, in June 15, 1S61 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Thomas Heavers, ninst. in June 15, 1861; disch. Aug. 6, 1861, for dis- 
ability. 

Oliver I. Horton, must, in Aug. 28, ISGl ; disch. by President's procla- 
mation. 

Otis D. Le Barron, must, in July 11, 1861; died Sept. 17, 1862, at Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

Francis McKeuny, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. 
of service. 

Terrence McM»ilin, must, in June 15, 1861; discb. June 27,1864, at 
exp. of service. 

Charles Quinn, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch, by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Thomas Qninn, must in June 15, 1861; disch, Sept. 22, 1861, for dis- 
ability, 

Michael Rooney, must, in June 15, 1861: disch. by President's procla- 
mation. 

Daniel Ruby, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch, by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Bryant Ryan, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

George R. Stanly, must, in July 1, 1861; disch. Sept. 22, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Wm. H. Staples, must, in July 11, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 2864, at exp. of 
service. 

Henry B.Woodward, must, in June 15, 1861; died June 14, 1SG2, at 
Baltimore, Md. 

Company H. 

Simeon S. Wood, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 18(54, at exp. of 
service. 

Wm. H. Atwood, must, in June 15, 1861 ; discli. Aug. 27, 18G2, for dis- 
ability. 

John Downing, must, iu Jnne 15, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 24, 1SG2, for dis- 
ability. 

Michael Eagan, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1S64, at exp. of 
service. 

Wm. Gray, must, in Junt* 1.3, 1801 ; disch. June 27, 1S64, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

Barney McCourt, must, in Juno 15, 1861 ; diach. June 27, 1864, at exp, 
of service. 

Andrew McGee, must, in June 15, 1861 ; died Oct. 30, 1862, at Taunton, 
Mass. 

Patrick McGinnia, must in Aug. 26, 1862; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. 
of service. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



915 



Janes Palmer, must, in June 15, 1S64; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of 

service. 
Charles Seagmves, must, in June 15, 1S64; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. 

of service. 
Dennis Slattery, must, in June 15, 1864; disch. June 25, 1864, for clisa- 

Wlit.v. 
Philip Smith, must, in June 15,1864; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Lewis Zuller, musician; must, in June 17, 1861; disch. Aug. 10, 1862, 

by order of War Department ; absent, sick. 
Lawrence Archpool, Co. B ; must, in Aug. 20, 1863 ; killed May 8, 1864, 

at Wilderness, Va. 
Dennis Callahan, Co. G; must, in Aug. 9, 1862; disch. Jan. 29, 1863, for 

disability. 
George Way. Co. I ; must, in Aug. 21, 1863 ; trans. June 10, 18G4, to 32d 

Inf. 
Michael Birmingham, must, in Feb. 16, 1864 ; trans, to 32d Inf. ; disch. 

by President's proclamation. 

ELEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Contpantj E. 

Michael Carmody, must, in July 19, 1863; disch. July 14, 1805, at exp. 

of service. 
John White, must, iu Aug. 19, 1863; disch. May 25, 1865, for disability. 
Jonah Francis, must, in Aug. 14, 1863 ; disch. by President's, proclama- 
tion. 

TWELFTH 51ASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Benjamin L. Howland, Co. C; must, in Oct. 16, 1863; trans. June 25, 

1864, tn 39th Inf 
Patrick Donovan, Co. E ; must, iu July 28, 1863 ; disch. July 8, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
John Daly, Co. F; must, in Oct. 28, 1863; trans. April 20. 1864, to navy. 
John Pierce, Co. G; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; trans. April 13, 1664, to 

navy. 
Peter F. Scott, Co. G; must, in July 25,1863; trans. June 25, 1864, to 

39tli Inf. 
Warren F. Dean, Co. I; must, in Sept. 23, 1863 ; died Dec. 27, 1863, at 

Richmond, Va, 
William Jones, Co. I; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; trans. June 25, 1863, to 

39th Inf. 
Billings T. Leonard, Co. I; must, in Oct. 10, 1863; trans. March 1,1864, 

to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Thomas Stuart, Co. I; must, in Aug. 4, 1803; trans. June 25, 1864, to 

39th Inf. 

THIRTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
George King, Co. B; must, in July 25, 1863; disch. by President's proc- 
lamation. 
Henry I'hace, Co. C; must, in July 25,1863; disch. Oct. 29, 1863, for 

disability. 
William Henderson, Co. C; must, in July 25, 1863; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
Thomas Sullivan (1st), Co. D; must, in July 24, 1863; trans. July 13, 

1S64, to 39th Inf. 
Edwiird Coleman, to. E ; must, in July 25, 1803; trans. April 22, 1804, 

to navy. 
Thomas Cooper, Co. E; must, in Aug. 3, 186;i; trans. July 13, 1864, to 

39th Inf. 
Charles Hayes, Co. E; must, in July 25, 1863; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
James King, Co. E; must, in Jnly 23, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to 

navy. 
Charles A. Williams, Co. E; must, in July 25, 1863; killed May 11, 

1864. 
John Hanson, Co. F; must, in July 27, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to 

navy. 
James Martiens, Co. F; must, in July 28, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, lo 

navy. 
Michael Murphy, Co. F; must, in July 28, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, 

to navy. 
Henry O'Neil, Co. F; must, in July 23. 1SG3; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
P^rry Seymour, Co. F; must, in July 28, 1863; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
Gi-^rge Waterman, Co. F; must, in July 23, 1863; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 



George Forke, Co. G ; must, in July 28, isr,:i ; disch. by President's 
proclamation. 

Alfred Lapurve, Co. G ; must, in July 27, 1863 ; trans. July 13, 1864, to 
39th Inf. 

Jake Winter, Co. H ; must, in Aug. 5, 1863; disch. by President's proc- 
lamation. 

Augustus Morrison, Co. I; must, in July 28,1863; trans. April 21, 1864, 
to navy. 

Thomas Murphy, Co. I; must, in Aug. 5, 1S63; trans. July 14, 1864, to 
39th Inf. 

Christian Patterson, must, in July 24, 1863; rejected; recruit unas- 
signed. 

FIFTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Jacob Dockwiller, Co. C; must, iu July 24, 1863 ; disch. by President's 
proclamation. 

John Grey, Co. D ; must, in July 30, 1863 ; disch. April 18, 1864, for dis- 
ability. 

Edmond Krenn, Co. F; must, in July 30, 1863; disch. by President's 
proclamation. 

William Streidell, Co. I; must, in July 31, 1863; died Feb. 17, 1864, at 
Richmond, Va. 

SIXTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Kufus M. Ashley, Co. A ; must, in July 24, 1863; trans. April 28, 1864, 

to navy. 
John White, Co. B ; must, in July 19, 1863 ; trans. July 11, 1864, to 11th 

Inf. 
Michael Carmody, Co. D ; must, in July 17, 1863 ; trans. July 11, 1864, to 

11th Inf. 

SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
George Austin, Co. B; must, in Sept. 3, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865; 

drowned Feb. 17, 1874. 
Thomas Cain, Co. C ; must, in Feb. 25, 1861 ; ilisch. July 11, 1865, at exp. 

of service. 
James Cummings, Co. C; must, in Jan. 12, 1865; disch. July 11,1865, at 

exp. of service. 
George Atwill, Co. D ; must, in Sept. 5, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865, by 

order of War Department. 
John Kirby, Co. D ; must, in Sept. 3, 1864; disch. July 27, 1866, in Co. C. 
Thomas Morgan, Co. G; must, in Sept. 21, 1864; disch. July 11, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
David T. Marston, Co. K ; must, in Aug. 29, 1862 ; disch. Aug. 3, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
John S. Smith, Co. K ; must, in Oct. 26, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 11, 1864, to re- 
enlist. 

EIGHTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
John Q. Chace, musician; must, in Aug. 24, 1S61 ; disch. Aug. 11, 1862, 

by order of War Department. 
William T. Fields, musician ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 16, 

1861, by order of War Department. 
Henry P. Baker, Co. A; must, in Aug. 26, 1863 ; trans. May 1, 1864, to 

navy. 

Company B. 

James Ruby, Ist sergt.; must, iu Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. March 27, 1863, 

lor disability. 
Thomas Smith, 1st sergt. ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
Theodore Eayi-s, sergt.; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
Stephen Littleton, sergt. ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
Patrick Walsh, sergt.; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
Edward Coyle, Corp. ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. 

of service. 
William Green, corp.; must, in Aug. 24,1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at e.vp. 

of service. 
Patrick Galligan, nmst. in Aug. 24, 1861 ; died Sept. 18, 1864, at Ander- 

sonville, Ga. 
George D. Dean, musician ; must, iu Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, 

at exp. of service. 
William Ball, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 
Benjamin F. Boren, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull 

Run, Va. 



916 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Dennie Brady, must, in Aug. 24, 1SC3; killed Sept. 20, ls'j3, at Shep- I 
hardstoM II, Va. ! 

John Blown, must, in Aug. 24. 1SG3; disch. by Presidents proclanmtion. 

Matthew rjillahaa, must, in Aug. 24, 1S63 ; died Aug. 12, 1864, at Harri- I 
eon's Landing, Va. j 

John Gallery, must, in Aug. 24, 1863; disch. by President's proclania- 
tioD. 

James Cannon, mnst. in Aug. 24, 1S63; discb. May 28, 1864, for dis- 
ability. 

William Condon, mnst. in Aug. 24. isr.;i ; trans. Dec. 15, 18G3, to Vet. ' 
Res. Corps. 

Benjamin J. Coombs, must, in Aug. 24, 18G3; returned t^ept. 2, 1863, to 
2d Maine Vols. ' 

Edward Cui r, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; disch. Dec. 16, 1863, for disability. , 

Timotliy Daly, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; trans. March 7. 1S64, to Vet. Res. j 
Corps. I 

John Dolan, must- in Aug. 24, 1SG3 ; discli. Dec. 26, 1865. 

Leonard L. Field, must, in July 29, 1862; disch. April U, 1864, for dis- 
ability. I 

Thomas Fitzpatrick, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 16, 1863, by j 
order of War Department. i 

James Fitzpatrick, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov, 16, 1863, by order 
of M'ar Department. j 

Martin Flinn, must, in Aug. 24, I8G1 ; killed June 3, 1S64, at Bethesda I 
Church, Va. i 

Henry GalHgaii, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept, 2, 1S64, at exp. of 
service; absent, sick. 

Michael Gill, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run, i 
Va. 

James Gleason, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; tmns. Sept. 6, 1863, to Vet. Res. 
Corps. 

Patrick Goff, must, in Ang. 24, 1861; trans. Nov. 13, 1863, to Vet. Res. 
Corps. 

John Griffin, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

James Griffin, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's proclama- i 
tiou. I 

Thomas H. GrifBn, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. i 
of service. 

Michael Greese, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; died Sept. 7, 1862. 

Jonathan J. Geen. must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; discb. Nov. 26, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

John Harrington, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 22, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Dudley B. Hathaw«y, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 6, 1862, for dis- 
ability. I 

John Hughes, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. March 1, 1864, for dis- 
ability. 

Daniel Love, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 11, 1862, for disability. 

Capt. George C. Ruhifs Company [B). 

Dennis Lynch, must, in Aug. 24, 1801; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

James McGowan, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's procla- 
mation. 

Peter MuGuire, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

Patrick McGuire, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 18, 1862, for disa- 
bility ; died June IG, 1864. 

John McKenny, must, in Jan. 4,1864; disch. Oct. 21, 1864; trans, to 
32d Inf. 

James McKejiny, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 19, 1864, for disa- 
bility. 

Patrick McMullen, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept, 2, 1864, at exp. 
of service. 

Patrick Meagher, must, iu Aug. 24, 1801 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of 
service. 

James Murphy, must in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Arthur O'Leary, must, iu Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 12, 1862, for disabil- 
ity. 

Francis O'Rafterty, must, iu Aug. 24, 1861; died March 19, 1864, at 
Washington, D. C. 

Michael Otis, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

Alexander Patterson, must, in Aug. 24,1861; disch. Nov. 16, 1863, by 
order of War Department. 



Abislia S. Perry, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

William H. Potter, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's procla- 
matioB. 

Madison L. Priest, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 20, 1863, for disa- 
bility. 

Francis Reilly, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 30, 1864, /or disabil- 
ity. 

Daniel Sales, must, in Aug. 24, 1S61 ; disch. Sept. 2, '1864, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

Philip Smith, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. April 28, 1804, to Vet. Res. 
Corps. 

John A. Smith, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Andrew Stevens, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Joseph Thacker, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Patrick Tierney, must, iu Aug. 24, 18G1 ; killed Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull 
Run, Va. 

Patrick Walsh, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. April 6, 1864, to Vet. Res. 
Corps. 

Edmond Whalloy, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. April 25, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

John Wliite, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

John Wiggins, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1863, for disabil- 
ity. 

William H. Miller, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

John Wood, mnst. in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 30, 1862, for disability. 

George Wrinn, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

Company F. 
Mortimer Sherman, must, in Jan. 2, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, at exp. 

of service, as supposed. 
Charles I. Bryant, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of 

service. 
Alexander R. Woodward, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. for disability. 

Company H. 
John F. Hogan, must, iu Feb. 16, 1864; trans. Oct. 21, 1864, to 32d Inf. 
James S. Finch, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of 

service. 
Joseph McMahan, Co. K; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; trans. Sept. 15, 1863, 

to Vet. Res. Corps. 

NINETEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Philip Carey, Co. B ; must, in July 25, 1863 ; trans. Jan. 23, 1864, to 20th 

Inf. 
Andrew Cronan, Co. B; must, in Aug. 3, 1863 ; disch. Dec. 8, 1863. 
Patrick H. Couch, Co. C ; must, iu Nov. 12, 1864 ; disch. June 30, 1865,' 

at exp. of service. 
James Dunn, Co. D; must, in Aug. 3, 1863; trans, Jan. 14, 1864, to 20th 

Inf.; died while prisoner. 
John Eotrensbirger, Co. E ; must, in Dec. 8, 1SG4 ; disch. June 23, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
Henry K. Martin, Co. E; must, iu July 26, ISGl; discb. April 24, 1863, 

for disability. 
Thomas Caine, must, in Feb. 25, 1804; disch. March 1, 1804; recruit un- 

assigned. 
John Hai'wood, must, in Jau. 11, 1864; disch. Jan, 19, 1864; recruit un- 

assigned. 
Patrick O'Niell, must, in July 31, 1863; discb. May 6, 1865; recruit un- 

assigned. 
George H. Smith, must, in July 25, 1863 ; trans, to 20th Inf. 

TWENTIETH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Philip Carey, Co. A ; must, in July 25, 1863 ; discb. July 10, 186.5, at exp. 

of service. 
Andrew Cronin, Co. B; must, in Aug. 1, 1863; disch. Dec. 7, 1863, for 

disability. 
William C. Gaboon, Co. C; must, in Jan. 21, 1864; disch. July 16,1865^ 

at exp. of service. 
John Cunningham, Co. C; must, in Feb. 28, 1864; disch. July 16, 186/, 

at exp. of service. 
Jeremiah C.Eldridge, Co. C; must, in Jau. 21, 1864; disch. July 16, li^o, 

at exp. of service. 
George Sager, Co. C ; must, iu Feb. 19, 1864; discb. July 16, 1865, at^xp. 

of service. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



917 



RpOert Sheehan, Cu. C; must, in Feb. 28, 1864; dieol). Jal.v 16, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Joseph C. Dow<l, Co. E; must, in March 10,1864; disch. July 16, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
James H. Spencer, sergt., Co. F; mnst. in Aug. '24, 1861 ; pro. tolstlieut. 

Sept. £t 1863; now in regular army. 
Edward \V. Jenkins, Co. F; must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 4, 1863, 

for disability. 
John Logue, sergt., Co. G; must, in March 23, 1864; disch. July 16,1865, 

at exp. of service, 
George W. Pitts, Co. G; must, in July 30,1863; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
John McGuire, Co. H; must, in Aug. 7, 1863; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
Samuel M. Gushee, Co. K ; must, in Feb, 4, 1865 ; disch. July 16, lS65,at 

e.xp. of service. 
William E. Hathaway, Co. K; must, in Dec. 26, 1863; disch. July 16, 

1865, at exp. of service. 

Charles H. Peck, Co. K ; must, in Dec. 16, 1863; discli. July 16, 1866, at 

exp. of service. 
Hiram Kogers, Co. K ; must in Dec. 26, 1863 ; disch. July 27, I860, at exp. 

of service. 
Joseph E. Sanford, Co. K ; must, in Jan. 26, 186^ ; died June 16, 1864. 
Edward E, Staples, Co. K ; must, in .tan. 21, l.sa4; disch. July 16, 1864, 

at exp. of service. 

TWENTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEEES. 
John A. Wright, 1st sergt., Co. A; must, in reb.2,ls64; trans. Oct. 26, 

1864, to 32d Inf. 
George B. Martis, sergt., Co. A ; must, in Feb. 2, 1S64; trans. Oct. 26, 

1864, to 32d Inf. 
Edward C. Young, Co. A ; must, in Feb. 2, 1864; trans. Oct. 26, 1864, to 

32d Inf. 
William D. Hatch, 1st sergt., Co. C ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut. June 15, 1862. 
Charles H. Jones, 1st sergt., Co. C ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 

1864. at exp. of service. 
Joseph Knott, 1st sergt., Co. C; must, iu Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 

56th Inf. ; disch. Sept. 24, 1803. 
James N. Hlack, sergt., Co. C; must, in April 1,1864; trans. Oct. 26, 1864, 

to 32d Inf. 
William H. Carpenter, sergt., Co. C ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 

5, 1863, for disability; died May 14,1877. 
Levi L. Crane, sergt., Co. C; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; trans. Dec. 12, 1863, 

to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Thomas Lynch, sergt., Co. C ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, 

at exp. of service. 
Kobert I. Plant, must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Dec. 1, 1862, for disa- 
bility. 
John Rack, Co. C ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut.; disch. Jan. 6, 

1863. 

TWENTY-FODBTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
James Matherson, sergt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 17,1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; 

disch. Jan. 20, 186G, at exp. of service. 
Stephen Weeks, Corp., Co. G; must, in Jan. 3, 1865 ; disch. Jan. 3, 1866, 

at exp. of service. 
Frederick S. Cunnings, Co. D; must, in Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Jan. 20, 

1866, at exp. of service. 

Abialhar Dean, Co. G; mnst. in Oct. 11, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 12, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
Charles F. Fales, Co. G ; must, in May 20, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to 

re-enlist. 
Henry S. Gilinore, Co. G; njust. in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. April 7, 1863, 

for disahility. 
Jerry A. Beedle, Co. B; must, in May 8, i»62; disch. Dec. 18, 1863, to 

re-enlist. 
William H. Lindsey, Co. B; must, in May 13,1862; disch. Dec. 19,1863, 

to re-enlist. 
George Monserill, Co. C; must, in Oct. 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 29, 1861, 

for disability. 
Wilson D. Bowen, Co. D; must, iu Sept. 25, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1S64, to 

re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; discli. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. 
Thomas Walton, Co. F; must, in Oct. 30, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 30, 1864, at 

exp. of service. 
Frederick Heyward, sergt., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 

1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. 



Charles Biley, Co. G ; mnst. in Dec. 8, 1863 ; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, t.. re-en- 
list ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1S64; disch. by Presidi-nfs proclamation. 

John Riley, Co. G; must, in Sept. 18, 1801; dis.li. Sept. 18, 1864, at 
exp. of service. 

John A. Weill, Co. G; must, in March 1,1864; diseli. Jan. 20, 1866, at 
exp. of service. 

James Williams, Co.G; must, in Dec. 1,1861; disch. Deo. 4. 1864, atexp. 
of service. 

Francis Allen, Co. H ; must, in Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1S6C, at exp. 
of service. 

George Reed, Co. H ; mnst. iu Nov. 1 , 1864 ; disch. Jan. 20, ISGl'.. at exp. 
of service. 

Peter Glancey, Co. K ; must, in Oct. 28, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 5,1863, for dis- 
ability. 

TWt:NTY-SIXTII MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
James Clark, Co. G; must, in Sept. 1.5, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re- 
enlist ; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. Aug. 26, lS65,at exp. of service. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Jacob Brown, Co. A; must, in Aug. 10, 1803; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
Aretus Hall, Co. A ; must, in -Vug. 10, 1863 ; disch. June 30, 1865, at exp. 

of service. 
William Kelly, Co. A ; must, in March 9, 1864 ; killed May 5, 1864, at 

Wilderness, Va. 
John Smith, Co. B ; must, in March 9, 1864 ; missing since Blay 5, 1864. 
George Morris, Co. D; mnst. in March 10,1864: absent (wounded) since 

May 28, 1864. 
Thomas Raney, Co. F; must, in March 7,1864; disch. by President's 
proclamation. 
I James Murphy, Corp., Co. I ; must, in Dec. 13, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 19, 1864, 
! at exp, of service. 

j Philip Rand, Co. I ; must, in Dec. 13, 1861 ; trans. July 1, 1863, to Vet. 
Res. Corps. 
James Keeler, unassigned recruit ; must, in March 9, 1864 ; trans. June 
11, 1864, to navy. 

j TWENTY-NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

I John Brown, Co. A ; must, in Aug. 25, 1864 ; disch. Feb. 11, 1865, for 

I disability. 

Alexander Hughes, Co. C; must, in Aug. 20, 1SG4 ; disch. by President's 
proclamation. 

Capt. WiUcrd Tripp's Ccmpavy (F). 

George W. Childs, corp. ; must, in Dec. 11, 1861; disch. Dec. 22,1862, 
for disability. 

John Goodwin, corp. ; must, in Jan. 2, 1864 ; disch. July 29, 1865, at exp. 
of service. 

William H. Tyndall, Corp. ; must, in Nov. 25, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, 
to re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 6, 1865, for disability. 

James Booth, musician; must, in Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 29, 1865, at 
exp. of service. 

Edward Belcher, must, in Dec. 9, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 1, 1862, at exp. of 
1 service. 

Alexander Brickell, must, in Dec. 9, 1861 ; disch. .\ug. 27, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

William H. Burns, must, in Aug. 7, 1S02 ; disch. March 29, 1864, to re- 
enlist. 

Hugh D. Conaty, mnst. in Nov. 7, 1801 ; died July 28, 1862. 

Joseph Davis, must in Dec. 2, 1861 ; disch. April 4, 1863, for disability. 

James Dugan, must, in Dec. 5, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 23, 1862, for disability. 

Alonzo Garvin, must, in Nov. 7, 1861 ; discli. Jan. 1, 1S64, to re-enlist ; 
re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 29, 1865, at exp. of service. 

Benjamin T. Godfrey, must, in Dec. 11, 1861 ; died Sept. 7, 1862, at Phil- 
adelphia, Pa. 

Detlef Dothkoft, must, in Nov. 3(1, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 1,1864, to re-enlist. 

Joseph Uainer, must, in March 8,1862; died Sept. 9, 1862, at Mile Creek, 
Va. 

Owen McMauus, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. -Vpril 11, 1802, of old age. 

Williaiu H. Philips, mnst. in Sept. 3, 1864 ; disch. May, 1SG5, at exp. of 
service. 

Lewis B. Pierce, must, in Nov. 7, 1861; disch. May 22, 1862, for disa- 
bility. 

John B. Piser, must, iu Feb. 27, 1862; com. sergt. March, 1862; died Jan. 
13,1882. 

Thomas S. Sherman, must, in Dec. 2, 1861 ; dfech. Sept. S, 1862, fur disa- 
biliiv. 



918 



HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



James Simmons, muat. in Nov. 12, 1861; died Oct. 22, 18G2, at Harwood 
Hoppitul, Washington, D. C. 

James \V. Smith, must, in Nnv. :iO, 1861. 

LeHM'Ipr Tripp, must, in Nov. 28. 18G1 ; diech. Oct. l.i, 1862, at exp. of 
St* r vice. 

Adolpii Vrage, must, in July 23, 1864; disdi. July 29, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 

0. A. White, must, in Nov. 25, 1S61 ; disdi. Sept. 23, 1862, for disability. 

T. W. Writlngton, must, in Nov. 30, 18fil ; disch. by Presideut's procla- 
mation. 

THIH'rV-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
■William I)n;j;^'an, Co. A; must, in Nov. 29,1864; died May 17, 1S65. 
Alfred Lepiie, Co. A; must, in July 27,1863; diach. June 29, 1865, at 

exp. «'f service. 
Thomas Wnltham, Co. A; must. in Sept. 12, 1864; disch. July 5, 18G5,by 

order of War Dept. 
Job 11 Miller, Co. B ; must, in Nov. 12, 18G4 ; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. 

of service. 
Daniel Morris, Co. B; must, in Aug. 31, 1864; disch. May 26, 1865, by 

order of War Dept. 
Jacob Schwarts, Co. li; must, in July 28, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Michael Birmingham, Co. 0; must, in Feb. 16, 1864; disch. by Presi- 
dent's iiruclamation. 
William Jones, Co. C; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Thonuis Kennedy, Co. F; must, in Sept. 12, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
Benjamin L. Uowland, Co. G; must, in Oct. 16, 1863; disch. June 27, 

1865, by order of War Dept, 
John McKenny, Co. G; must, in Jan. 4, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at 

exp. of service; absent, sick. 
Henry Pope, Co. G ; must, in Jan. o, 1S64 ; disch. July 8, 1865, by order 

of War Dept. 
Gilbert Reed, Co. G ; must, in Sept. 7, 1863 ; disch- June 29, 1865, at exp. 

of service. 
Francis Wheeler, Co. G; must in Oct. 1, 1864; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
Warren F. Dean, Co. H; must, in Sept. 23, 1863; died Dec. 27, 1863, at 

Richmond. Va. 
John Meigs, Co. H; must, in Sept. 10, 1864; disch. June 9, 1865, by order 

of War Dept. 
George Way, Co. H ; must, in Aug. 21, 1863 ; disch. June 29, 1865, ut exp. 

of service. 
Henry W. Whiting, Co. H; must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. June 29,1865, 

at exp. of service. 
Thomas Cooper, Co. I; must, in Aug. 3, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865. at 

exp. of service ; absent, sick. 
Charles G. W. H. Ellick.Co. I; must, in Sept. 12, 1S64; disch. by Presi- 
dent's proclamation. 
David Glines, Co. I ; must, in Jan. 2, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp- 

of service. 
Jacob Marts, Co. I; must, in July 27, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at e.xp. 

of service. 
John A. Wright, 1st sergt., Co. L ; nmst. in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 4, 

1864; supernumerary. 
George Martis. sergt., Co. L ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 27, 1865, 

by order of War Dept. 
Charles O'Neil, corp., Co. L ; must, in March 31, 1864 ; disch. June 29, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
Edward C. Young, Corp., Co. L; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. June 29, 

1865, at exp. of service. 
James A. Black, Co. L ; must, in Mjirch 31,1864; disch. June 29,1805, 

at exp. of service. 
George Clark, Co. L; must, in Aug. 29, 1863; disch. Juno 29, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Alfred W. Stoddard, Co. L ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. June 29, 1S65, 

at exp. of service. 
William H. Johnson, Ist sergt., Co. M; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. 

June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. 
James M. Allen, sergt., Co. M ; must, in Feb. 1,1864; disch. Nov. 1,1864; 

supernumerary. 
Thomas B. Willie, sergt., Co. M; must, in Feb. 1,1864; disch. June 11, 

1865, by order of War Dtpt. 
James Mitchell, corp., Co. M; must, in Feb. 1, 1S64; disch. June 29, 

1865, at exp. of service. 



THIRTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Cujit. James Brouming''a Covtjxmy (B). 

Francis C. Lawtou, 1st sergt. ; muat. in Aug. 5, 1862 ; pro. to Ist lieut. 
Sept. 13, 1864 ; died Aug. 2, 1879. 

Henry F. Eldridge, sergt. ; must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; discli. June 11, 1865, 
at exp. of service. 

Noah H. Maxim, sergt.; must, in Aug. 5' 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at 
exp. of service. 

Edgar G. Blandin, corp. ; must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at 
exp. of service. 

Edward R. Hood, corp.; must, iu Aug. 5, 1862; disch. July 20, 1865, by 
order of War Dept. 

Albert E. Bishop, musician; must, in Aug. 5, T862; disch. June 11,1865, 
at exp. of service. 

Henry E. Atwell, must in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1863, for dis- 
ability ; died Nov. 24, 1867. 

George B. Bramhall, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; killed May 16, 1864, at Re- 
saca, Ga. 

RoUen N. Corlow, must, in Aug, 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 

Calvin C. Dean, must, iu Aug. 5, 1^02 ; trans to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 1, 
1863. 

Andrew Deering, must, iu Aug. 5, 1862; disch. Dec. 6, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Abner S. Domty, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, l,s65, at exp. of 
service. 

John Foster, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. by President's proclamation. 

James Gavan, nmst. in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 

James Gillespie, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1S65, at exp. of 
service. 

Owen Gill, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, lS65,at exp. of service. 

Patrick Jones, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 

Freeman W. King, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. March 7, 1803, for dis- 
ability. 

Alonzo D. Lafliu, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Jarvis D. Leonard, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans. Jan. 15, 1864, to Vet. 
Res. Corps. 

James W. Lockwood, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 1, 1865, at exji. 
of service. 

John Lyncli, must, in Aug. 5, 1S(;2; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

George A, Monroe, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 18, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

Jacob W. Munsey, must, iu .4ug. 5,1862; trans. Aug. 1, 18f}3, to Vet, 
Res. Corps. 

Merton Nay lor, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. Aug. 14, 1863, for disa- 
bility. 

Thomas W. Nevins, Jr., must, iu Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at 
exp. of service, 

David Noonan, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 

George F. Reed, must, iu Aug. .5, 1862 ; disch. June 11. I860, at exp. of 
service. 

Patrick Robertson, must, in Aug. 5,1862; disch. March 19, 1863, for 
disability. 

William Rothwell, must, in Aug. 5, 1S62; disch. by President's procla- 
mation, 

George Smith, must, in Aug. 5,1862; disch, June 11,1865, at exp. of 
service. 

Francis H. Thayer, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. March 30, 1864, for 
disability. 

Alexander C. White, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; died Sept. 29, 1862, at Alex- 
andria, Va, 

Company fi". 

William H. Crocker, must, in Aug. 8, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. , 

of service. 
Michael Doyle, must, in Aug. 8, 1862; disch. July 2, 1865, by order oC* 

War Department. 
David B. Lincoln, must, in Aug. 8, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at ex^. 

of service. 

Michdel McAvoy, must, iu Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans. June 1, 1865, to 2d ^f. 
George Brown, unassigned ; must, in Aug. 18, 1864; disch. by PuSsi- 

deul's proclamation. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



919 



THIRTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLCNTEEBS. 

Willium C. Cahoon, Co. A ; must, in Jan. 21, 1864 ; trans. Jan. n, 1866, 

to 2(1111 Inf. 
Jnines liiinis, Co. A ; must, in Felj. in, 1864 ; disctl. by President's proc- 
lamation. 
John Cuniiingliam, Co. A; must, in Feb. 27, 1864 ; triwis. June 21, 1865, 

to 21itli Inf. 
Robert Slieelian, Co. B ; must, in Feb. 25, 1SG4 ; trans. June 19, 1864, to 

20tli Inf. 
Joseph D. Calehan, 1st sergt., Co. C; must, in Feb. 10, 1864; pro. to 2d 

lieut. Oct. 13, 1864. 
Gooige Sager, musician. Co. D ; must, in Feb. 18, 1864; trans. June 21, 

18G5, to 2UtU Inf. 
irry A. Cushmau, Co. E; must, in Dec. 26, 186.3 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Oct. 

13, 1864. 
iVilliam E. Hathaway, Co. H; must, in Jan. 20,1864; trans. June 21, 

1865, to 20th Inf 
Tliomas Dolan, musician, Co. K; must, in Feb. 24, 1864; trans. June 21, 

1865, to 20tli Inf. 

Uiiassigned EecntUs. 
Henry S. Benton, Ist sergt., must, in Dec. 26, 1863 ; died of wounds July 

10, 1864, at Ale.\andiia, Va. 
Henry H. Codding, must, in Aug. 28, 1861 ; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th 

Inf. 
Jeremiah C. Eldridge, must, in Jan. 20,1864; trans. June 21, 1866, to 

20th Inf. 

THIRTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
William Finn, Co. B; must, in Feb. 11, 1864; disch. by President's 

proclamation, 
Eugene C. Wells, Co. F ; must, in Jan. 27, 1864; trans. June 22, 1866, to 

26th Inf. 

THIRTY-NINTH IMASSACHUSBTTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Jacob Schwarts, Co. A ; must, in July 28, 1863; trans. June 2, 1865, to 

32d Inf. 
Thomas Stuart, Co. B; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; died. 
Tliomas Mnrpliy, Co. G; must, in Aug. 5, 1863; died Jan. 1, 1865, at 

Salisbury, N. C. 
Jacob Marty, Co. H; must, in July 27, 1863 ; trans. June 2, 1865, to 32(1 

Inf. 
Thomas Sullivan (1st), Co. I ; must, in July 24, 1863 ; trans. June 2, 

1865, to a2d Inf. 

FORTIETH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Daniel Mickell, Co. A ; must, in Aug. 23, 1862 ; liilled July 30, 1864, at 

Petersburg, Va. 
Eugene Millerd, Co. F ; must, in Sept. 3, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 16, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Albro W. Aldrich, Co. H ; must, in Sept. 1, 1862 ; killed June 24, 1864, 

at Petersburg, Va. 
George H. Robinson, Co. H ; must, in Sept. 1, 1862 ; disch. June 16, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
James H. Springer, Co. 11 ; must, in Sept. 1, 1862 ; trans. Jan. 15, 1864, 

to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Stephen Weeks, Co. I; must, in Jan. 3, 1865; trans, to 24th Inf. 

FIFTY-FOUIiTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Thomas Gilson, Co. A; must, in Oct. 10, 1863; disch. Sept. 12, 1865, at 
exp. of service. 

FIFTY-SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Patrick Danohoe, Co. C ; must, in Dec. 28, 1863 ; disch. July 12, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
Robert F. Noonhan, Co. C; must, in Dec. 28, 1803 ; disch. July 24, 1865, 

by order of War Dept. ; died in Omaha May 0, 1.S75, in 2U U. S. Cav. 
James Ward, Co. C ; must, in Dec. 28, 1863 ; died of wounds June 22, 

1864, at Annapolis, Md. 
Cliarles B. Staples, Co. F; must, in March 1, 1864 ; disch. July 12, 1865, 

at exp. of service. 
Samuel Shepard, Co. I; must, in Feb. 4,1864; killed June 27, 1864, at 

Peteisburg, Va. 
Herbert V. Worcester, Co. I ; must, in Feb. 4, 1864; died Sept. 13, 1864, 

at Andersonville, Ga. 
John H. King, Co. K; must, in Feb. 25,1864; disch. by President's proc- 
lamation. 



FIFTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETT,? VOLUNTEERS. 
George E. Dearborn, musician, Co. G; must in March 4, 1864; .li.rh. 

July 30, 1865, at ex]i. uf service. 
Isaac P. Trask, Co. I ; musl. in April 2, 1864; di,ili. July 30, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 

FIFTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNI'EERS. 
Comjiany B. 

Barillia V. Staples, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; pro. to lieut. May :!. 1865. 

Brown D. Higging, sergt. ; must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, 
at exp. of service; died July 21, 1865. 

Albert A. Harvey, Corp.; must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1S65, at 
exp. of service. 

Marcenah B. Wilcox, coip. ; must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July H, 1865 ; 
dieil in Raynham Sept. y, 1865. 

John C. Harding, musician ; must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, 
at e.xp. of service. 

John Batey, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; died at Salisbury, N. C. 

Feansant Beanreanby, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. by President's proc- 
lamation. 

Alphonso Bliss, must, in Feb. 8, 1804; disch. April 18, 1805, for dis- 
ability. 

William Biires, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 10, 1865, by order of 
War Department. 

Natlianiel L. Breley, must, in March 26, 1864; discli. Feb. 20, 1865, for 
disability. 

Antoine Bronseau, must, in Feb. 8,1864; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion, 

John Burns, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July IS, 1805, at exp. of ser- 
vice. 

Charles H. Caswell, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. 
of service. 

William H. Caswell, must, in Feb. 8, 1804; disch. Nov. 17, 1864, for dis- 
ability. 

George E. Caswell, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1805, at exp. 
of service. 

Jolin Cavanagh, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

George Couell, must, in March 26,1864; disch. July 14,1865, at exp. 
of service. 

Andrew Cronan, must, in Feb, 8, 1864; disch. May 18, 1865, by order of 
War Department. 

Edward W. Crossman, must, in Feb. 8, 1804; disch, July 20, 1865, b.v 
order of War Department ; died June 25, 1870. 

Capt. Robert OroMman's Company (B). 

Austin Cunltfee, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; died Dec. 23, 1864, at Annapolis, 
Md. 

Hiiam L. Danforth, must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1863, at 
exp. of service. 

William H. Dean, must, in March 26, 1864; died Jan. 24, 1865, at Salis- 
bury, N. C. 

John De Forrest, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 

John Denny, must, in Fob. 8, 1864 ; disch, Marcti 0, 1805, for disability. 

Patrick Dugan, must, in March 26, 1864; discli. July 25, 1865, by order 
of War Department, 

Mitchell Dumar, must, in Feb, 8, 1864 ; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Arthur Durgiu, must, in Feb. 8, 1804; disch. by President's proclama- 
tion. 

Patrick I. Edgar, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; killed May 6, 1804, at Wilder- 
ness, Va. 

Eli Elilridge, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 20, 1S65, by order of War 
Department. 

Peter Fagan, must, in Feb. 8, 1804; trans. Jan. 1, 1865, to Vet, Res, 
Corps. 

Richard Faux, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; died June 3, 1804, of wounds at 
W.ashington, D. C. 

.lames Francis, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch, July 14, 1S05, at exp. of 
service. 

Lyman R. Francis, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Jan, 18, 1865, for dis- 
ability, 

Thomas Gibbous, Jr., must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. by President's proc- 
lamation, 

William I, Gilbert, must. In Feb. 8, 1864; disch, July 14, 1865, at exp. of 
service. 



920 



HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 



David B. Hill, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; disch. June 17, lsij5, by order of 

War Depurtment. 
Levi S. Ilowland, must, in Kcli. s, 18C4 ; Ijilled June :!, 1864, at Cold 

Hiiibor, Va. 
Alfred J.-li'ery, must, in .^riil 2(1, 18G4; died Aug. V, 1801, at Auderson- 

ville, Ga. 
Patric-li P. Leddy, niusl. in Feb. 8, 18G4 ; died Aug. 52, 1864, at Salis- 
bury, N. C. 
Jolin K. Lee, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; discb. May 25, 1865, by order of 

War Department; died Aug. 4, 1871. 
Albert E. LeonirJ, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at e.\p. of 

service; liieii Jan. 15, 1876. 
Frank R. Marigold, must, in Feb. 8, 18B4; disch. May 18, 1805, by order 

of Will I'epartnient. 
Alex.inder McKee, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of 

service. 
John McKinley, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; discb. July 14, 1865, at exp. of 

service, 
James H. McVay, must, in March 26, 1864; disch. July 14, 1805, at exp. 

of service. 
Gideon Mosher, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Aug. 18, 1864, for disa- 

liility. 
Micliael Murphy, must, in April 20, 1864; disch. by President's procla- 
mation. 
Henry Packer, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64; died Dec. 28, 1864, at Salisbury, 

N. C. 
Jacob Padier, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; died June 5, 1S64, at Cold Harbor, 

Va. ' ■' 

Francoi.i Paneton, must, iu Feb. S, 1864; disch. July 27, 1864, for disa- 
bility. 
Francis Parient, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. May 23, 18G5, by order of 

War Department. 
Stephen H. Pierce, must, in March 20, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 2:i, 1864, for 

disability. 
Patrick Quigley, must, iu Feb. S, 1801; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of 

service. 
Timothy Quiun, must, iu Feb. 8, 1S64; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of 

service. 
Edward P. Roach, must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. 

of service, 
.'ilvin B. Rounds, must in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May IS, 1865, by order of 

War Department. 
Richard L. Sherman, must, iu Feb. 8, 1364; died March 28, 1865, at East 

Taunton. 
William A. Sherburner, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
George F. ShurtlifT. must, in March 26, 1864; disch. June 22, 1865, by 

order of War Department. 
Charles W. Smith, must, in March 26, 1864; disch. May 18, 1865, by order 

of War Department. 
J^sa W. Stedman, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64; disch. June 15, 1865, by order 1 

of War Department. 
Joseph Stone, must, in Feb. S, 1864; died May 6, 1865, at Washington, 

D.C. 
Charles W. B. Tucker, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64; disch. July 22,1805, by 

order of War Department. 
Henry D. White, must, iu Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 20, 1S65, by order of 

War Department. 
David W. Bnssett, Co. C ; must, in .\pril 20, 1864 ; died June 13, 1864, of 

wounds at Arlington, Va. 
James F. McDonald, Co. D ; must, in April 2, 1864; died June 29, 1864. 
James Sherman, Co. D ; must, in March 1, 1864 ; disch, July 14, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Edwin R. Burr, Co. C ; must, in March 1,1804; disch. July 14, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
Michael O'Niel, Co. E; must, in March 1, 1864; died Sept. 1, 1864, at 

Alexandria, Va. 
Tliomas O'Niel, Co. E; must, in March 1, 1S04; disch. July 14, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
James Rocket, Co. E; must, iu March 1, 1864; disch. June 20, 1865, by 

order of War Department. 
George P. Freeman, Co. F ; must, in March 12, 1864 ; died June 20, 1864, 

at Washington, D. C. 
George H. Handy, Co. G ; must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. by President's 

proclamation. 
James F. Mareden, Co. G ; must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 25, 1865, 

by order of War Department. 



Edward Rhodes, Co. G ; must in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1866, at 

exp. of service, 
Barney Trainor, Co. G ; must, in March 26, 1804 ; (lis( h. July 14, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
John Westgate, Co. G ; must, in March 26, 1S04 ; .lisi-h. July 14, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
John Boyce, Co. H ; must, in .\pril IS, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. 

of service. 
Thomas Ryan, Co. H ; must, in April 18, 1864 ; discb. July 14, 1805, at 

exp, of service. 
John Smythe, Co. H ; must, in April IS, 1864; disch. March 31, 1865, for 

disability. 
William Wise, Co. H; must, iu April 18, 1804; disch. by President's 

pi'oclamatiou. 

FIFTY-NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Charles Lambert, Co. F ; must, iu Feb. 4, 1864 ; died Aug. 1, 1864, at New 

Haven, Conn. 
John Smith, Co. F; must, in Feb. 20, 1864; disch. by President's proc- 

lannition. 
George E. Dearborn, Co. G ; must, in March 4, 1S04 ; trans. June 1, 1865, 

to 57th Infantry. 
Isaac P. Trask, Co. I; must, iu April 2, 1804; trans. June 1,1865, to 57th 

Infantry, 

SI.XTY-FIRST MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 
Jeremiah Sullivan, principal musician, Co. D; must, in Sept. 14, 1804; 

disch.^March 1, 1SG5. 
Frederick H. Woodman, Co. D; must, in Sept. 5, 1864; disch. June 4, 

1865, at exp. of service. 
George H. Fiske, Co. H; must, in Dec. 8, 1804; disch. July 10, 1S65, at 

exp. of service. 

SIXTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. 

Ccimparnj B. 

Nathaniel 0. Walker, Corp. ; must, in March 23, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1805, 

at exp. of service. 
Willard L. Dean, must, in M.arch 24, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1805, at exp. of 

service. 
Charles Eldridge, must, in April 1, 1805 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of 

service. 
Thomas K. Gay, must, in Slarch 31, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of 

service. 
Manlius B, Leonard, must, in March 28, 1805; disch. May 5, 1SG5, at exp. 

of service. 
Frederick T. Nelson, must, in March 31, 18155 ; discll. May 6, 1805, at 

exp. of service. 
John E. Spencer, nnist. in March 23, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1366, at exp. of 

service. 
Joseph W. Allen, Co. D ; must, in April 7, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at 

exp. of service. 
George F. Seaver, enl. April 16, 1861, in the 1st Marine Corps of .\rt., 

Rhode Island ; pro. to lieut. Bat C, 3d Rhode Island Art., Feb. 11, 

1863; disch, for disability, Oct. 28, 1863. 

New Bedford Fire Department. — The force of 

thi.s department consists of one chief, four assist- 
ant engineers and clerk, twelve men permanently 
employed, and one hundred and thirty-two call mem- 
bers, twenty-two of whom are attached to No. 9 at the 
Head of the River, making a total of one hundred 
and fifty men. 

Onward Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 1. — House 
on Purchase Street, foot of Franklin Street. Engine 
built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Man- 
chester, N. H. ; capacity, 500 gallons per minute ; 
weight of engine, as drawu to fires, 6950 pounds ; 
weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet of Boyd's 
cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Aug. 26, 
1869. Company organized Jan. 1, 1870. Allen W. 
Tinkham, foreman; Henry J. O'Neal, first assistant; 
Harris N. Tinkham, second assistant; Eben C. Milli- 
ken, clerk. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



921 



Pi'O'/ress Steam Fire Engine Company, JN'b. 2. — House 
corner Purchase Street and Mechanic's Lane. Engine 
built by the Silsby Manufacturing Company, Seneca 
Falls, N. Y. ; capacity, GOO gallons per minute; 
weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 6800 pounds; 
weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton 
hose, 2850 pounds; put in commission Sept. 4, 1879. 
Company organized Oct. 27, 1860. Charles S. Paisler, 
foreman; John Downey, first assistant; John H. 
Dollard, second assistant; James D. Allen, clerk. 

CoriieHiis Hinoland Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 
4. — House corner Sixth and Bedford Streets. Engine 
built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, 
Manchester, N. H. ; capacity, 600 gallons per minute ; 
weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 8550 pounds ; 
weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton 
hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Feb. 1, 1867. 
Company organized Feb. 1, 1867. Henry A. Gray, 
foreman ; Edgar S. Gilbert, first assistant; Benjamin F. 
Hinkley, second assistant ; William A. Gibbs, clerk. 

Zachariah Hilbnan Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 
5. — House corner of County and Hillman Streets. En- 
gine built by Messrs. Clapp & Jones, Hudson, N. Y. ; 
capacity, 500 gallons per minute ; weight of engine, as 
drawn to fires, 7250 pounds; weight of hose-carriage, 
with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put 
into service Dec. 13, 1873. Company organized Dec. 
13, 1873. Robert S. Lawton, foreman ; William T. 
King, first assistant; Isaiah H. Wilcox, second assist- 
ant; 0. Frank Bly, clerk. 

Frederick Macy Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 6. 
— House on Fourth Street, head of Potomska Street. 
Engine built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, 
Manchester, N. H. ; capacity, 500 gallons per minute ; 
weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 7100 pounds; 
weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton 
hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Nov. 1, 1882. 
Company organized Oct. 31, 1882. George W. Parker, 
foreman ; Herbert B. Gardner, first assistant ; Felix 
Cavenagh, second assi-stant ; George S. Hoyt, clerk. 

Franklin Hoste Company, No. 1. — -House corner of 
Purchase Street and Mechanic's Lane. Carriage built 
by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Manches- 
ter, N. H. ; weight of carriage and 900 feet vulcanized 
rubber hose, 2790 pounds ; put into service Jan. 1, 
1872. Company organized Dec. 31, 1871. David W. 
Howland, foreman ; Daniel H. Burns, first assistant; 
Thomas B. Rowe, second assistant ; James S. Hatha- 
way, clerk. 



Pioneer Hook and Ladder Conipnni/, No. 1. — House 
corner Purchase Street and Mechanic's Lant. Car- 
riage built by Joseph T. Kyan, of Boston ; put into 
commission Aug. 4, 1877. Lysander W. Davis, fore- 
man ; Charles J. Johnson, first assistant; James Con- 
way, second assistant ; Charles E. Pierce, clerk. 

Hancock Engine Company, No. 9. — House located at 
Acushnet. Engine built by John Agnew, of Phila- 
delphia, in 1843. Engine removed to Acushnet Jan. 
18, 1861, and a company was organized to man her at 
that time. Company organized Dec. 14, 1878. John 
A. Russell, foreman; George W. Bennett, first assist- 
ant; Israel Peckham, second assistant ; Allen Russell, 
Jr., clerk. 



New Bedford 

Francis T. Akin. 
Gilbert Allen. 
Gideon Allen, Jr. 
Edward H. Allen. 
Charles Almy. 
William B. Anthony. 
Charles A. Case. 
Samuel H. Cook. 
R. C. P. Coggeshall. 
John H. Denison. 
Henry C. Denison. 
Edwin Dews. 
Heman Ellis. 
Edward R. Gardner. 
H. A. Giflbrd, Jr. 
George R. Gray. 
Charles A. Gray. 
A. W. Hadley. 
Jonathan Handy. 
Charles M. Haskell. 
Charles B. Hillman. 
Ezra Holmes. 
John J. Howland. 
Charles M. Hussey. 
G. D. Kingman. 



Protecting Society. 

Charles S. Kelley. 
Thomas H. Kuowles. 
Charles H. Lawton. 
Edmund F. Maxfield. 
George F. Parlow. 
Arthur E. Perry. 
Edward T. Pierce. 
William F. Potter. 
Charles W. Plummer. 
William F. Reed. 
Wm. A. Robinson, Jr. 
Morgan Rotcli. 
Gardner T. Sanford. 
R. W. Swift. 
William T. Swift. 
Leander H. Swift. 
Charles M. Taber. 
Henry J. Taylor. 
Joseph Tillinghast. 
Alfred G. Wilbor. 
William H. Willis. 
Alfred Wilson. 
Thomas G. Wing. 
Horace Wood. 
William O. Woodman. 



The present ofiicers of the department are as fol- 
lows : ChiefEngineer, Frederick Macy ; First Assist- 
ant Engineer, Michael F. Kennedy; Second Assist- 
ant Engineer, Loring T. Parlow; Third Assistant 
Engineer, Pliny B. Sherman ; Fourth Assistant En- 
gineer, Augustus A. Wood ; Clerk of Board of En- 
gineers, Luther G. Hewins, Jr. 



EEEATA. 



Not'.' h;/S. Hopkins Emery, — I liaTe been unable to read the proof of the 

larger portion of the copy furnished for this book on account of distance 

fii'in the press, which must serve as my apology for any errors \\hicli 

irmy be discuvered. 

Page 2'.i, line 31 from top, for *' James Sproal" read "James Sproat.'* 
J'jige 24, second panigraph, sliould read, "Hon. Samuel Fales was a 

native of Bristol, R. I., born Sept. 15, 1750, — the son of Nathaniel and 

Sarah Fales, — and a graduate of Harvard University in 1773," etc. 
Page 26, line 5 from bottom of tirst column, for "Francis Wood," read 

" Frances Wood." 

Page 32, " Charles Holmes'" shouhl rend " Charles J. Holmes." 

Page 228, sixth line from bottom, "Thodijah" Baylies should be 

"Hodijnh" Baylies. 

Page 229, eighteenth line fron\ top, " Simmon's" should read "Sim- 
mons"." 
For "John C. Perry." in note, page 229, read "John P. Perry." 
Page 239, line 15 from bottom, for " Will" read " Hill." 
Page 242, line 8 from top, for " Wicks" read "Hicks," 
Page 243, line 2a from top, for " Andern" read " Auderm." 
Page 245, first line of poetry, for " whenever" read " wherever." 
Page 252, ninth line from bottom, for " Price" read " Pierce." 
Page 256, nineteenth line from top, after "people" insert " would." 
Page 419, last sentence in first i>aragrapJi should read "a windmill 

for grinding grain was built, but did not prove a j^ucces8," 

Page 423, third line from top, for "17S5 or 1786" read "1775 or 

177G." ^ 

Page 42S, twenty-second line from top, for "two years" read "four 

years." Same page. Hue 24, for " 1S13" read " 1814." 

Page 435, line 15 from bottom, for " noonday" read " dog-day." 

Page 436, second line, for "Groves" read "Grovers"; line 15, for 

"presented their nays" read "mounted their nags"; line 27, for 

*' James W. Cable" read "James W. Cobb." 

I'age 437, line 22, for "admiring" read "admitting"; line 2S, for 

"supply" read "overply"; line 53, for "Thomas Tlllebrown" read 

" FiUebrown'" ; last line, for " Rev. Mr. White stayed but a few years" 

read " Rev. Mr. Whit© was twenty-four years." 
Page 439, line 23, for " May B. Pratt" read "Mary B. Pratt"; line 47, 

for "Givins" read " Crover"; line 48, for " Reilly" read '* Bailey"; line 

49, for " Mahlou" re4d " Nahiini^" 

Page 44i>, line 14,ifor "Rayeraou's" read "Rogersou's" ; line 23, for 

"Ames" read " Amok" 

Page 441, line 29,jror " rule was favurably" read "vole was partly"; 



line 33, for "Michael" read "Micah"; last column, for "Tillebrown" 
read " FiUebrown" ; for " Beeley" read " Baley." 

Page 442, third line from bottom, for "no desire" read "so done"; 
line 26 from bottom, for "sose" read "sarse" ; sixth line from bottom, 
for " reverend" read " presented." 

Page 443, line 23, for "thenco" read "either"; line 29, for "Grove" 
read " Great." 

Page 444, line 20, for "Grove ' read "Green"; third line, for "Buzby" 
read " Bayley." 

Page 445, last line, for *' buriug field" read *' training field." 

Page 448, line 13, for "Tasker" read " Foster." 

Page 450, line 17, for"HeIlitt" read "Hallett"; line 21, for "deeds" 
read "dates." 

Page 451, line 16 from bottom, for "Mansfield" read "Medfield." 

Page 452, line 10, for " valuable" read " available." 

Page 453, line 3, fur"Cracken" read " Crocker"; line 3, second column, 
for "Rayman" read "Kingman"; line 13, for "Mr. Benjamin Frank 
Shaw" read "Mr. Kingman and Frank Shaw"; line 28, for " W, 0. Co- 
ferem" read " W. 0. Capron." 

Page 454, line 14, for " Perryman" read " Kingman," and for " claim" 
read "dam"; line 20, for "Main Street'*" read " Union Street"; second 
column, line 15, for " F. M. Cabot" read " F. W. Cabot." 

Page 514, in fourth liuo of note »\. bottom of first cuhimn. it should 
read, "It was ordered by Plymoutli Court to be within the jurisdiction 
of that town until it should be incorporated. *JuIy 5,1761, the towu 
have oru.^'-cd,' " etc. 

Page 510, line 32, for " progenitoi*" read " proprietor." 

Page 520, line 26, for " 1801" read "1701." 

Page 524, line 44, read "remains common, 1833, on CwUfngs Plain, on 
the road from East Attleborough to Wrentham, but is now exhausted." 

Page 527, sixth line from bottom, for " 1788" read " 1688." 

Page 535, line 12 from bottom, for "sei-ved" read "survived." 

Page 538, line 9, for " Laree" read " Lane." 

Page 543, Hue 26, for " Dr. Hebert Man" read " Dr. Herbert Man." 

Page 546, line 15, for " Henry M. Richards" read " Hervey M. Richai^s." 

Page 549, line 41, after " a.d." read "1792." 

Page 552, for " Rev. Solomon C. Perry" read " Salmon C. Perry" ; same 
page, for " Alvin G. Sauler" read "Sadler." 

Page 553, " Lemuel Rossick" read " Rottick." 

Page 802, first line, for "Jeremiah" read "Jezaniah"; line 30, for 
" Bingham" read " Biigham." 



H22 



Page 892, second column, first line in fourth paragraph, should 
read "The present Chief Justice of the Supkuior Court" instead o' 
"Supreme." 



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